DC Stun LSG in IPL 2025 Thriller: Ashutosh Sharma’s Heroics Secure One-Run Victory

Ashutosh Sharma’s Unbelievable Cameo Steals the Show

The opening match of the 2025 Indian Premier League in Visakhapatnam witnessed an unforgettable encounter as Delhi Capitals (DC) clinched a dramatic one-run victory over Lucknow Super Giants (LSG). Chasing a formidable target of 210, DC finished at 211/9, thanks to a sensational knock by Ashutosh Sharma, who played a match-defining 66* off just 20 balls.

At one stage, DC looked down and out, needing 62 runs from the last 30 balls with only four wickets in hand. Ashutosh, who had struggled initially, suddenly unleashed an array of explosive strokes, scoring 46 runs in just 11 balls. His blistering assault left LSG stunned as DC secured a last-gasp win with three balls to spare. As his teammates swarmed him in celebration, former DC captain and current LSG skipper Rishabh Pant could only watch in disbelief.

Full Highlights DC Stun LSG

LSG’s Batting Onslaught: Pooran and Marsh Lead the Charge

Lucknow Super Giants set an imposing total of 209/8, led by the dynamic duo of Nicholas Pooran (75 off 30) and Mitchell Marsh (72 off 36). Their 147-run partnership off just 66 deliveries put LSG in a dominant position, and for a time, they seemed on course for an even bigger total, possibly reaching 250. However, DC’s bowlers fought back brilliantly, conceding only 48 runs in the last seven overs while taking six wickets. Mitchell Starc (3/42) and Kuldeep Yadav (2/20) played crucial roles in restricting the onslaught.

Despite Pooran and Marsh’s heroics, the rest of LSG’s batting unit faltered, contributing only 55 runs combined. David Miller added valuable runs at the death with two sixes in the final over, ensuring LSG crossed the 200-run mark.

Delhi’s Shaky Start and Vipraj Nigam’s Impactful Debut

Chasing 210, DC found themselves in deep trouble early on at 7/3. They continued to struggle as LSG bowlers dismantled their top order. Debutant Vipraj Nigam emerged as a surprise performer, scoring a rapid 39 off 15 balls to reignite DC’s hopes. He took on Ravi Bishnoi in the 14th over, smashing two fours and a six, before launching another attack in the following over.

However, when Nigam fell to young bowler Digvesh Rathi, it seemed LSG had regained control. DC were still far from the target, but Ashutosh Sharma had other plans.

Ashutosh Sharma’s Unforgettable Knock

Ashutosh, a proven finisher from his stint with Punjab Kings in IPL 2024, had previously fallen just short in tight run-chases. This time, he was determined to carry DC over the line.

When Tristan Stubbs departed, DC were 116/6 after 13 overs, with ESPNcricinfo’s win probability giving them just a 1.46% chance. Ashutosh, initially cautious, soon turned the game on its head. He hammered Bishnoi for a 6, 4, and another 6 in one over, bringing the equation down to a manageable 22 off 12 balls.

With only two wickets in hand, Kuldeep Yadav sacrificed his wicket to allow Ashutosh back on strike. It proved to be a game-changing moment as Ashutosh blasted Prince Yadav’s final two deliveries for a six and a four, setting up a thrilling final over.

The Nail-Biting Final Over

DC needed six runs from the last over, with tailender Mohit Sharma at the crease. The drama intensified when Mohit nearly got out attempting a shot off Shahbaz Ahmed’s first delivery. A leg-before appeal was turned down, and the ball trickled away, allowing him to sneak a single and bring Ashutosh back on strike.

Then, Ashutosh sealed the deal in style. He lofted Shahbaz over the boundary, sparking wild celebrations in the DC dugout. The Capitals had pulled off an improbable heist, proving once again why IPL remains the most thrilling T20 league in the world.

LSG’s Early Domination with the Ball

LSG’s defense of 209 began on a dream note. Shardul Thakur, who was unsold in the auction but found a spot as an injury replacement, wreaked havoc in his first over. He removed both Jake Fraser-McGurk and Abishek Porel in quick succession. Pant’s tactical brilliance was on display as he stationed a fielder precisely for Fraser-McGurk’s mis-hit, while Pooran took a sharp catch to dismiss Porel.

Sameer Rizvi looked promising but fell to left-arm spinner M Siddharth, leaving DC reeling at 7/3. Veteran Faf du Plessis and captain Axar Patel tried to stabilize the innings with a 23-ball 43-run stand, but their dismissals in quick succession left DC in dire straits at 65/5 after seven overs.

LSG’s Missed Opportunity to Secure a Bigger Total

LSG’s innings had the perfect foundation to breach the 250-mark, thanks to Pooran and Marsh’s aggressive batting. Marsh, who played as a specialist batter, showed his power-hitting ability by smashing 43 runs in just 19 balls during the powerplay. Pooran, meanwhile, tormented the spinners, scoring 60 runs off just 18 deliveries against them, including a brutal assault on Stubbs for 28 runs in one over.

At 161/2 after 13 overs, LSG were poised for a massive finish. However, Kuldeep Yadav’s brilliance halted their momentum. He dismissed Pant for a six-ball duck before Starc rattled Pooran’s stumps with a yorker in the next over. LSG crumbled under pressure, losing six wickets for just 33 runs between the 14th and 19th overs.

Miller’s two late sixes provided some relief, pushing LSG beyond 200, but in the end, it proved just short of what was needed.

Conclusion: A Match for the Ages

This IPL 2025 opener had everything—high scores, remarkable comebacks, and a last-over thriller. While LSG played their part in an incredible contest, the night belonged to Ashutosh Sharma, whose audacious hitting turned an improbable chase into reality.

For Delhi Capitals, this victory will serve as a massive confidence boost, while Lucknow Super Giants will be left wondering how they let this match slip away. If this game is a sign of things to come, IPL 2025 promises to be an unforgettable season!