Rampant Bowling Sets the Tone for Delhi Capitals
The Delhi Capitals flexed their muscles again in IPL 2025, overpowering the Lucknow Super Giants in a match that never really felt out of their control. Opting to bowl first, DC showed confidence in their bowling unit, and it paid off big time. LSG's openers, Aiden Markram and Mitchell Marsh, started brightly, milking the powerplay for every run and notching up 51 without loss in just six overs. Their partnership looked like trouble for DC, setting up a strong launchpad.
Then Mukesh Kumar entered the spotlight, flipping the script in dramatic fashion. With precise line and relentless accuracy, he choked their momentum, dismantling the middle order and swinging the game Delhi's way. His figures—4 wickets for just 33 runs—tell only half the story. The way he picked apart experienced batters left LSG reeling and unable to recover. While Abishek Porel did his best to steady things for LSG, contributing a fighting 51 off 36 balls, Delhi’s bowlers never let the run rate get out of hand. LSG stuttered to 159 for 6—well below what it could have been after such a good start.
KL Rahul Anchors the Chase—No Drama, Just Authority
Chasing 160 can sometimes be tricky, especially under IPL pressure. Not this time. KL Rahul was all poise and authority, pacing himself perfectly. He found a reliable partner in Abishek Porel, both men building a partnership that felt steady right from the start. While Rahul worked the singles and picked his moments to attack, Porel played his shots fearlessly, ensuring there was no risk of a mid-innings collapse.
The scoreboard ticked over steadily, not allowing LSG’s bowlers any foothold in the game. By the time the partnership ended at 160 for 2, Delhi ran home with 13 balls to spare—a mark of just how under control their chase had been. Rahul’s unbeaten 57 from 42 balls oozed confidence and composure, while Porel’s 51 off 36 provided the ideal support act. Together, they once again showcased the Delhi Capitals’ batting depth as a key strength this season.
This result marks Delhi’s sixth victory in IPL 2025 and rockets them to second place in the league standings. The combination of sharp bowling from Mukesh Kumar and mature batting from KL Rahul and Abishek Porel highlights why they’re considered one of the most balanced sides this year. With plenty of games left, their fans will be hoping this blend of steady heads and X-factor bowlers continues to pay off.