In an exhilarating IPL 2025 matchup at the Dr. Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium in Visakhapatnam, the Delhi Capitals (DC) clinched an astounding one-wicket triumph over the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG). Charged with chasing down a hefty target of 210, Delhi was on shaky ground at 65/5. However, the game took a dazzling turn, courtesy of Ashutosh Sharma’s blazing innings of 66 off just 31 balls, guiding DC to victory with merely three balls left. For LSG, Nicholas Pooran and Mitchell Marsh had earlier set a formidable stage, racking up scores of 75 and 72, respectively, steering their team to a challenging 209/8. Yet, despite their efforts, it was Ashutosh’s spectacle that stole the show.
Nicholas Pooran and Mitchell Marsh set the stage with brutal power-hitting
Choosing to bat first after losing the toss, Lucknow had a rocky start as Aiden Markram fell swiftly to Vipraj Nigam. But what came next was an offensive firestorm from Marsh and Pooran. Known for his aggressive batting, Marsh unleashed his power game in the powerplay, blazing to 72 off just 36 deliveries, laced with six boundaries and an equal number of sixes. Pooran, meanwhile, delivered one of the tournament’s most aggressive innings, amassing 75 runs off just 30 balls, hitting seven sixes and six fours.
Then, Delhi’s Mitchell Starc turned a crucial tide in the game by clean-bowling Pooran with a devastating inswinging yorker, disrupting Lucknow’s momentum. Starc ended with figures of 3/42, while Kuldeep Yadav (2/20 from 4 overs) was instrumental in achieving vital breakthroughs, one of which was dismissing LSG captain Rishabh Pant for a duck. Post Pooran’s dismissal, Lucknow’s pace considerably slowed, with David Miller’s 27 off 19 failing to rekindle their momentum. LSG, going from 161/3 in the 14th over, could muster just 209/8, losing five wickets for a mere 48 runs in the closing overs.
Ashutosh Sharma’s unbelievable rescue act takes DC over the line
Delhi’s chase got off to a disastrous start with three wickets lost within the first two overs. Jake Fraser-McGurk, Abishek Porel, and Sameer Rizvi fell quickly, pushing DC to a grim 7/3. Efforts from Faf du Plessis and Axar Patel provided some initial relief, but at 65/5 during the seventh over, things looked dire for Delhi. Enter Ashutosh, coming in as the Impact Player, who delivered a knock that shifted the narrative. His fearless hitting helped forge a pivotal 55-run partnership with Tristan Stubbs, keeping Delhi’s hopes alive.
The turning point arrived when Ashutosh, alongside Vipraj Nigam (39 off 15 balls), launched a fierce assault against Lucknow’s bowlers, rapidly adding 55 runs in just 19 balls. Ashutosh pulled off one of the best-finishing acts in IPL history, smashing five boundaries and as many sixes at an astonishing strike rate of 212.90.
Despite losing Nigam and Starc quickly, Ashutosh held firm. With 18 runs needed in the last two overs, his timely boundaries off Prince Yadav and Ravi Bishnoi proved crucial. Kuldeep Yadav supported in the 19th over before getting run out, leaving Delhi precariously placed at 192/9 with only Mohit Sharma as a partner.
With 10 runs required in the final over, Ashutosh showcased nerves of steel. He hit a decisive six off Shahbaz Ahmed’s second ball and then smartly took a single, leaving just two runs off four deliveries. Mohit Sharma, under immense pressure, secured a single next ball, sealing a breathtaking one-wicket win for DC with three balls remaining.
Here’s how fans reacted:
Ian Raphael Bishop (@irbishi) noted how Ashutosh was 20 from his first 20 deliveries, before exploding with 46 more runs off just 11 balls—a remarkable display of power-hitting.
Ravi Shastri (@RaviShastriOfc) exclaimed in awe of Ashutosh’s brilliance, signifying how the IPL continues to amaze with such performances.
The Delhi Capitals’ own account celebrated Ashutosh’s exceptional display, hailing him as a rare talent.
Sunil the Cricketer (@1sInto2s) echoed the sentiment, applauding Ashutosh for his extraordinary talent.
Ashutosh’s brilliant finish to the game has left an indelible mark, proving that no target is unreachable when skill and determination combine in an explosive blend.
