Chasing a target of over 200 runs, Delhi Capitals found themselves in deep trouble, losing three wickets within the first 10 balls. With just two wickets in hand, they needed 38 runs from the last 15 balls — an equation that seemed almost impossible. Yet, against all odds, they pulled off a remarkable 1-wicket victory.
Ashutosh Sharma emerged as the hero of the night. He sealed the win with a powerful shot straight over the bowler’s head, crashing into the sight screen. Dropping to his knees, he made several gestures toward the dugout, where mentor Kevin Pietersen could barely contain his joy. Their emotional celebration spoke volumes about the significance of this victory.
The thrilling encounter took place on Monday against Lucknow Super Giants. Chasing a target of 210, Delhi crossed the line with three balls to spare.
Ashutosh was the star of the show. Coming in at number seven as an “Impact Substitute,” he smashed an unbeaten 66 off 31 balls, including five sixes and five fours.
At one point, he was on 20 off 20 balls. In a stunning turnaround, he blasted 46 runs off the next 11 balls, carrying his team to an incredible victory. The 26-year-old’s performance will be remembered for a long time.
Another crucial contribution came from 20-year-old leg-spinner Vipraj Nigam. Making his IPL debut, he came in at number eight and played a blazing knock of 39 off just 15 balls, hitting five fours and two sixes.
Tristan Stubbs also played a key role. Coming in at number six, he scored 34 off 22 balls with three sixes and a four. However, when he got out, Delhi still needed 97 runs from 45 balls with only four wickets in hand.
That’s when Ashutosh and Nigam put together a game-changing partnership. They added 55 runs off just 22 balls for the seventh wicket. After Nigam’s dismissal, Mitchell Starc departed quickly, leaving Delhi needing 38 off 15 balls.
Ashutosh then took charge. He hammered two sixes and a four off consecutive deliveries from leg-spinner Ravi Bishnoi. In the 19th over, Kuldeep Yadav was run out after hitting a four on the first ball. Ashutosh smashed a six and a four off the last two balls, bringing the equation down to six runs from the final over.
The final over brought high drama. Left-arm spinner Shahbaz Ahmed had a golden chance when Mohit Sharma charged down the wicket on the first ball but failed to connect. Lucknow’s new captain Rishabh Pant couldn’t collect the ball cleanly, missing an easy stumping opportunity.
Mohit survived an LBW review on the same ball, adding to Lucknow’s frustration. He then took a single, handing the strike to Ashutosh. A fielding mishap gifted Delhi another run. Moments later, Ashutosh finished the match with a six, bringing an electrifying contest to a close.
For Rishabh Pant, it was a debut to forget as Lucknow’s new captain. After leaving Delhi post-IPL 2024, he was picked by Lucknow for a record 27 crore rupees in the mega auction — the highest in IPL history. However, his new journey started on a sour note. He scored a duck in six balls and later missed a crucial stumping chance that cost his team the game.
Lucknow could have posted a bigger total. They were 170 for 4 in 15 overs but lost wickets regularly in the final overs, eventually settling for 209.
Mitchell Marsh was outstanding, scoring 72 off 36 balls with six sixes and six fours. Nicholas Pooran hammered 75 off 30 balls with seven sixes and six fours.
For Delhi, the comeback after losing three wickets in the first two overs was nothing short of extraordinary. Their confidence will undoubtedly soar after this unbelievable victory.
It was also a dream start for Delhi’s new captain, Axar Patel, who couldn’t have asked for a better beginning to his leadership journey.
