In a thrilling encounter at the Ekana Stadium in Lucknow, Delhi Capitals (DC) outclassed Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) with a commanding eight-wicket victory in the 40th match of IPL 2025 on April 22. The match was packed with dramatic moments, strategic twists, and some standout performances that kept fans on the edge of their seats.
Rishabh Pant’s Surprising Batting Order
One of the most talked-about moments of the match was when LSG’s skipper Rishabh Pant decided to hold back his entry until the No. 7 position. As LSG lost four crucial wickets between the 10th and 14th overs, fans expected Pant to step in and stabilize the innings. However, in a baffling move, Ayush Badoni was sent in as the Impact Sub instead of Mitchell Marsh. This decision proved costly, as LSG could only muster 41 runs in the final five overs. By the time Pant finally walked out to bat, it was too late for him to make an impact. Two deliveries later, he was dismissed for a duck, leaving LSG in a precarious position.
DC’s Clinical Chase
Chasing a modest target of 160, Delhi Capitals showcased a masterclass in batting partnerships. Openers Abhishek Porel and Karun Nair set the tone with a solid 36-run stand. Porel then paired up with KL Rahul for a fiery 69-run partnership, keeping the scoreboard ticking. The final nail in LSG’s coffin came when Rahul joined forces with captain Axar Patel, stitching together an unbeaten 56-run partnership to seal the deal. Both Porel and Rahul shone brightly, with Porel scoring a steady 51 and Rahul remaining unbeaten on a well-crafted 57.
Mukesh Kumar’s Bowling Masterclass
The star of the night, however, was Mukesh Kumar, whose sensational bowling performance earned him the Player of the Match award. Kumar wreaked havoc on LSG’s batting line-up, finishing with figures of 4/33 in his four overs at an economy rate of 8.20. His spell included a stunning yorker to dismiss Mitchell Marsh, a cheap wicket of Abdul Samad, the crucial removal of the in-form Ayush Badoni in the final over, and the icing on the cake—the dismissal of Rishabh Pant on the last ball of the innings. Kumar’s precision and control were instrumental in restricting LSG to a below-par total.
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