The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 witnessed its first Super Over thriller as Delhi Capitals (DC) edged out Rajasthan Royals (RR) in a dramatic clash at Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi, on April 16, 2025. Australian pacer Mitchell Starc’s masterful bowling, coupled with Tristan Stubbs’ explosive finish, propelled DC to the top of the IPL 2025 points table. Here’s how the match unfolded, showcasing Starc’s class and DC’s resilience.
Match Overview: A Tie That Sparked Drama
Delhi Capitals, batting first, posted 188/5 in 20 overs, thanks to Abhishek Porel’s 49, Axar Patel’s fiery 34 off 14, and Tristan Stubbs’ unbeaten 34 off 18. Rajasthan Royals matched the total at 188/4, driven by half-centuries from Yashasvi Jaiswal (51) and Nitish Rana (51). With nine runs needed in the final over, Starc’s pinpoint yorkers restricted RR to eight runs, forcing the game into a Super Over—the first since IPL 2021.
Starc’s Heroics in the Final Over
Facing intense pressure, Starc delivered a masterclass in the 20th over. With RR needing nine runs, he unleashed a barrage of yorkers, conceding just a single to Shimron Hetmyer and forcing Dhruv Jurel into a desperate run-out attempt on the final ball. Jurel’s dismissal, courtesy of Axar Patel’s sharp throw and KL Rahul’s quick glovework, leveled the scores at 188, setting the stage for the Super Over.
Super Over Showdown: Starc and Stubbs Shine
In the Super Over, RR sent Shimron Hetmyer and Riyan Parag to bat against Starc. Despite a boundary from Hetmyer and a no-ball that led to Parag’s four, Starc’s accuracy triggered chaos. Two run-outs—Parag and Jaiswal—limited RR to 11/2 in five balls. DC’s chase was swift: KL Rahul scored a double and a four, and Stubbs sealed the win with a towering six off Sandeep Sharma’s fourth ball, chasing 12 in just four deliveries.
Key Performances That Defined the Match
Mitchell Starc: His 1/36 in four overs, including the crucial final over and Super Over, earned him Player of the Match honors. His yorkers dismantled RR’s chase.
- Tristan Stubbs: Unbeaten at 34 in the main innings, Stubbs’ match-winning six in the Super Over showcased his finishing prowess.
- Yashasvi Jaiswal and Nitish Rana: Their fifties kept RR in control until Starc’s late intervention.
- Axar Patel: The DC skipper’s 34 and first wicket of the season (Riyan Parag) were pivotal.
Impact on IPL 2025 Standings
DC’s thrilling win marked their fifth victory in six matches, propelling them to the top of the IPL 2025 points table with a net run rate of +0.744. RR, suffering their fifth loss in seven games, slipped to eighth place, highlighting their inconsistent campaign. Sanju Samson’s rib injury, forcing him to retire hurt after a brisk 31, further dented RR’s hopes.
Why This Match Was a Classic
The DC vs RR encounter epitomized IPL’s unpredictability. Starc’s redemption after an expensive start, RR’s collapse under pressure, and Stubbs’ composure made it a spectacle. DC’s ability to “bounce back from the dead,” as described by The Indian Express, showcased their grit, while RR’s bizarre Super Over choices raised questions about their strategy.
Conclusion: Starc Steals the Show
Mitchell Starc’s clutch performance and Tristan Stubbs’ finishing touch made the DC vs RR Super Over a night to remember in IPL 2025. As DC eyes the playoffs, RR must regroup to salvage their campaign. For more IPL 2025 updates, live scores, and highlights, stay tuned!
