New Delhi: In a clinical all-round performance, Delhi Capitals (DC) defeated Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) by 8 wickets in Match 39 of the IPL 2025 season. Chasing a target of 160, DC cruised home with 13 balls to spare, thanks to a calm half-century from KL Rahul and strong supporting roles from Abishek Porel and Axar Patel.
Lucknow Off to a Solid Start, but Lose Steam
LSG, after being asked to bat first, began strongly. Aiden Markram and Mitchell Marsh stitched together an 87-run opening partnership, with both looking in fine touch. Markram, in particular, was aggressive, scoring a fluent 52 off 33 balls before falling to Dushmantha Chameera in the 10th over.
However, after Markram’s dismissal, LSG’s innings lost momentum. Nicholas Pooran fell cheaply for 9, and Abdul Samad’s promotion failed to pay off as he managed just 2 runs off 8 balls before gifting Mukesh Kumar a return catch. Marsh, who looked set, was cleaned up by Mukesh as well, triggering a mini-collapse.
Despite a fighting 36 from Ayush Badoni and 14* from David Miller, LSG could only post 159/6 in their 20 overs. Mukesh Kumar starred with the ball, picking up 4 wickets, including three key middle-order scalps. Axar Patel and Mitchell Starc were economical, applying pressure throughout the middle overs.
Steady Start, then Domination in DC’s Chase
Delhi’s chase began on a solid note. Karun Nair played a few eye-catching strokes before being bowled by Markram for 15. His dismissal brought KL Rahul and Abishek Porel together, and the duo constructed a composed and well-paced partnership.
Porel played with great control and timing, registering a crucial 51 off 36 balls. He mixed aggression with placement, hitting 5 boundaries and a six, before falling to Markram in the 12th over with the score at 105.
Rahul and Axar Seal the Deal
With the foundation set, KL Rahul took charge and guided the chase expertly. Unfazed by the occasional dots, he capitalized on anything loose and remained unbeaten on 57 off 42 balls. He struck 4 fours and 3 sixes in a display of experienced chasing.
Axar Patel came in and added the finishing touches in style, smashing 34* off just 20 deliveries. His aggressive intent ensured there were no hiccups as DC reached the target in 17.5 overs.
Bowling Woes Continue for LSG
LSG’s bowlers struggled once again. Aiden Markram picked up two wickets but lacked support from the others. Ravi Bishnoi and Avesh Khan went wicketless, and Shardul Thakur proved expensive.
Points Table Impact
With this win, Delhi Capitals not only gain crucial points but also boost their net run rate. Their playoff hopes remain intact. For LSG, the loss exposes gaps in their bowling attack and middle-order fragility.
DC’s win was a statement of intent — smart bowling, composed batting, and strong leadership combined to deliver a dominant performance.
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