DC vs RR IPL 2025 Match Report: Axar Patel's Fireworks Power Delhi Capitals to Super Over Victory
DC vs RR IPL 2025 Match Report: Axar Patel’s Fireworks Power Delhi Capitals to Super Over Victory
Delhi Capitals
Rajasthan Royals
Table of Contents
- Match Summary: Delhi Capitals vs Rajasthan Royals
- Delhi Capitals Innings: Axar Patel’s Explosive Cameo
- Rajasthan Royals Innings: Samson’s Injury and the Tied Finish
- Super Over Drama: Starc’s Brilliance and DC’s Clinical Chase
- Key Player Performances That Shaped the Match
- Match Implications: DC Reclaim Top Spot, RR Struggle
- What’s Next for Delhi Capitals and Rajasthan Royals?
Match Summary: IPL 2025 Delhi Capitals vs Rajasthan Royals
In a thrilling encounter at Delhi’s Arun Jaitley Stadium, the Delhi Capitals reclaimed the top spot in the IPL 2025 Points Table after defeating Rajasthan Royals in a Super Over. The match, featuring captain Axar Patel’s explosive batting and Mitchell Starc’s nerve-wracking final over heroics, ended in a tie before Delhi clinched victory in the Super Over.
After being asked to bat first, Delhi Capitals posted a competitive 188/5, with significant contributions from Abishek Porel (49), KL Rahul (38), captain Axar Patel (34 off 14), and Tristan Stubbs (34* off 18). Rajasthan’s chase was hampered by captain Sanju Samson retiring hurt with a suspected muscle tear, but half-centuries from Yashasvi Jaiswal (51) and Nitish Rana (51) kept them in the hunt before Mitchell Starc’s brilliant final over forced a tie.
In the Super Over, Starc restricted Rajasthan Royals to just 11 runs, before KL Rahul and Tristan Stubbs expertly chased down the target with two balls to spare, sealing a crucial victory that propelled Delhi Capitals to the top of the IPL 2025 standings.
Match Summary: Delhi Capitals vs Rajasthan Royals
The IPL 2025 clash between Delhi Capitals and Rajasthan Royals delivered everything fans could ask for in a T20 match – explosive batting, quality bowling, a tied finish, and Super Over drama. This encounter had significant implications for the IPL 2025 Points Table, with Delhi Capitals ultimately emerging victorious to reclaim the top spot.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Venue | Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi |
| Toss | Rajasthan Royals won the toss and elected to field |
| Delhi Capitals Score | 188/5 (20 overs) |
| Rajasthan Royals Score | 188/6 (20 overs) |
| Super Over – DC | 12/0 (0.4 overs) |
| Super Over – RR | 11/2 (1 over) |
| Player of the Match | Mitchell Starc (2/32 & Super Over: 1/11) |
Delhi Capitals Innings: Axar Patel’s Explosive Cameo
After being asked to bat first, Delhi Capitals made a flying start with opener Abishek Porel taking charge early. He was particularly harsh on Tushar Deshpande, smashing 23 runs in the second over. However, Delhi’s momentum took a hit when Jake Fraser-McGurk fell for 9 to Jofra Archer, and Karun Nair followed soon after without troubling the scorers.
Delhi Capitals Batting Highlights
Porel, undeterred by the early wickets, stitched together a valuable 63-run partnership with KL Rahul, who made a composed 38 before falling to Archer—his second scalp of the innings. Porel narrowly missed a half-century, dismissed for 49 off 37 deliveries, including five boundaries and a six, by Wanindu Hasaranga.
The innings was then energized by captain Axar Patel, who walked in at a crucial juncture and immediately shifted gears. His explosive 34 off just 14 balls included four boundaries and two towering sixes, with a sequence of 4, 4, 6 against Rajasthan’s spinners in one particularly destructive over.
Axar Patel’s Batting Masterclass
Axar’s aggressive intent was evident from the moment he arrived at the crease. He scored at a strike rate of 242.85, targeting both spinners and pacers with equal disdain. His ability to find the boundary consistently in the middle overs provided crucial momentum to Delhi’s innings when it seemed to be slowing down.
Axar’s Runs
Strike Rate
Boundaries
Tristan Stubbs provided valuable support with an unbeaten 34 off 18 balls, which included two boundaries and two sixes. He targeted Sandeep Sharma in the final over, collecting 12 runs himself as the pacer leaked 19 in total, helping DC close on a high. Stubbs also shared an unbeaten 42-run partnership with Ashutosh Sharma (15*) in the death overs.
For Rajasthan Royals, Jofra Archer was the standout bowler with figures of 2/32, while Wanindu Hasaranga and Maheesh Theekshana chipped in with a wicket apiece. However, the final overs proved costly as Delhi amassed 59 runs in the last five overs to post a challenging total of 188/5.
Rajasthan Royals Innings: Samson’s Injury and the Tied Finish
Rajasthan Royals’ chase got off to a solid start with Yashasvi Jaiswal showing his class at the top of the order. However, the major talking point was captain Sanju Samson retiring hurt after scoring a fluent 31 off 19 balls. Samson suffered what commentators described as a potential “grade 1 to 3 muscle tear” while attempting to play a shot against Vipraj Nigam.
Samson’s Injury: A Critical Moment
Samson’s departure was a significant blow to Rajasthan’s chances. After receiving on-field treatment, the captain bravely attempted to continue his innings by facing another delivery, but the pain proved too severe, forcing him to leave the field. At that point, Samson was looking in excellent touch and his absence created a vacuum in Rajasthan’s middle order.
Despite this setback, Yashasvi Jaiswal (51 off 37) and Nitish Rana (51 off 28) kept Rajasthan in the hunt with impressive half-centuries. Their counter-attacking partnership put Delhi under pressure in the middle overs, with both batsmen targeting Delhi’s spinners effectively.
The equation came down to 9 runs required off the final over bowled by Mitchell Starc. In a display of exceptional death bowling, Starc conceded just 8 runs, forcing a tie and taking the match to a Super Over. His precise yorkers and clever variations in the final over showcased why he remains one of the premier fast bowlers in world cricket.
Super Over Drama: Starc’s Brilliance and DC’s Clinical Chase
The Super Over provided a fitting climax to an already thrilling contest. Mitchell Starc was entrusted with the ball for Delhi Capitals, while Rajasthan Royals sent in their power hitters to maximize the six deliveries.
Super Over: The Decisive Battle
Starc’s experience in pressure situations shone through as he restricted Rajasthan Royals to just 11 runs in the Super Over, also claiming two wickets with his trademark yorkers. His accuracy under pressure was remarkable, giving Delhi Capitals a relatively manageable target to chase.
In response, Delhi Capitals sent in KL Rahul and Tristan Stubbs – two of their most composed batsmen. The duo displayed remarkable composure, chasing down the 12-run target with two balls to spare. Stubbs finished the Super Over in style, smashing a towering six off Sandeep Sharma to seal victory for Delhi Capitals.
This clinical performance in the Super Over highlighted Delhi Capitals’ ability to handle pressure situations, a trait that could prove invaluable as they approach the business end of IPL 2025.
Key Player Performances That Shaped the Match
Match-Defining Performances
- Mitchell Starc (DC): 2/32 in 4 overs during regular play, followed by a match-winning Super Over where he conceded just 11 runs while taking 2 wickets. His death bowling prowess was the difference between the two sides.
- Axar Patel (DC): A game-changing 34 off just 14 balls (strike rate 242.85) that injected crucial momentum into Delhi’s innings. His captaincy decisions, particularly in the death overs, were spot on.
- Abishek Porel (DC): Laid a solid foundation with his 49 off 37 balls, including five boundaries and a six. His partnership with KL Rahul stabilized Delhi after early wickets.
- Yashasvi Jaiswal (RR): Scored an impressive 51 off 37 balls to keep Rajasthan in the hunt despite losing their captain to injury.
- Nitish Rana (RR): His counter-attacking 51 off 28 deliveries nearly took Rajasthan home before falling in the penultimate over.
- Jofra Archer (RR): The standout bowler for Rajasthan with figures of 2/32, claiming the important wickets of Jake Fraser-McGurk and KL Rahul.
Match Implications: DC Reclaim Top Spot, RR Struggle
This victory has significant implications for both teams in the IPL 2025 Points Table:
Updated Standings After DC vs RR
- Delhi Capitals: With this win, DC move to the top of the IPL 2025 Points Table with 10 points from 6 matches (5 wins, 1 loss). Their net run rate of +0.744 further strengthens their position.
- Rajasthan Royals: This defeat leaves RR languishing in 8th position with just 4 points from 7 matches (2 wins, 5 losses). Their playoff hopes are fading, and the injury to captain Sanju Samson compounds their problems.
The injury to Sanju Samson is particularly concerning for Rajasthan Royals. Initial reports suggest a potential muscle tear that could sideline the captain for several matches, further hampering Rajasthan’s already struggling campaign.
What’s Next for Delhi Capitals and Rajasthan Royals?
As the IPL 2025 approaches its middle phase, both teams have different challenges ahead:
Upcoming Challenges
- Delhi Capitals: DC will look to build on their momentum when they face table rivals Gujarat Titans in their next fixture. With their balanced squad and current form, they remain strong contenders for the IPL 2025 title.
- Rajasthan Royals: RR need to quickly regroup and address their issues, particularly in finding a replacement for Samson if he remains sidelined. Their next match against Mumbai Indians is now a must-win encounter if they are to keep their playoff hopes alive.
This thrilling Super Over contest between Delhi Capitals and Rajasthan Royals will be remembered as one of the standout matches of IPL 2025, showcasing the unpredictable and exciting nature of T20 cricket at its finest.
“Super Overs are all about handling pressure. Mitchell Starc showed why he’s still one of the best in the business, and our batters did a great job staying calm. This win takes us to the top of the table, but we know there’s still a long way to go in the tournament.” – Axar Patel, Delhi Capitals Captain
