Relive the thrilling IPL 2025 chase where Ashutosh Sharma’s late fireworks stunned LSG. Explore match highlights and player performances in detail.
Introduction:
In what will go down as one of the most dramatic finishes in IPL history, Ashutosh Sharma turned an improbable chase into a thrilling one-wicket victory for Delhi Capitals (DC) against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in Visakhapatnam. From struggling at 20 off 20 balls, Ashutosh flicked a switch and unleashed an onslaught, scoring 46 off his next 11 balls. His explosive finish ensured DC chased down 209 with three balls to spare, leaving the LSG camp, led by Rishabh Pant, in stunned silence.
LSG Set a Formidable Target
Sent in to bat first, LSG put up a mammoth 209 for 8, thanks to power-packed performances from Nicholas Pooran (75 off 30) and Mitchell Marsh (72 off 36). The duo blazed through the DC attack, adding 147 runs in 66 balls. At one point, LSG seemed set to breach the 250-run mark. See also: KL Rahul Leads DC’s Commanding Win
However, DC’s bowlers made a stunning comeback in the last seven overs, conceding only 48 runs and scalping six wickets. Kuldeep Yadav and Mitchell Starc were instrumental in halting LSG’s charge, picking up crucial wickets in the death overs. See also: RCB Crushes KKR in IPL 2025 Opener!
DC’s Nightmarish Start to the Chase
Chasing 210, DC had the worst possible start. Shardul Thakur, initially unsold in the auction but later drafted in as an injury replacement, struck twice in his first over, removing Jake Fraser-McGurk and Abishek Porel cheaply. Soon, M Siddharth added to DC’s misery, dismissing Sameer Rizvi as DC crumbled to 7 for 3 in just two overs.
Axar Patel and Faf du Plessis attempted to stabilize the innings, adding 43 off 23 balls, but their dismissals in quick succession left DC reeling at 65 for 5 in the seventh over. The game looked all but over for DC. See also: Noor Ahmad’s Magic 4 Wickets Leads CSK to Victory
Ashutosh Sharma and Vipraj Nigam Turn the Tide
Enter Ashutosh Sharma. The former Punjab Kings finisher had built a reputation for playing breathtaking knocks, albeit often in losing causes. This time, however, he had a partner in debutant Vipraj Nigam. The duo stitched together a remarkable stand, with Nigam taking the lead initially, smashing 39 off 15 balls, including two fours and two sixes off Ravi Bishnoi and Shahbaz Ahmed. His counterattack reignited hope for DC.
Even after Nigam’s dismissal, DC still needed 42 off 23 balls. That’s when Ashutosh decided to take center stage. See also: RCB Breaks Chennai Curse with Stunning 50-Run Win
Ashutosh’s Blazing Finish
With the required rate climbing above 12 per over, Ashutosh went ballistic. He tore into Bishnoi, smashing him for 6, 4, 6 in the 18th over, bringing the equation down to 22 off 12 balls. However, DC suffered another setback when Kuldeep Yadav was run out while attempting a desperate bye.
Needing 12 off the last over with just one wicket remaining, DC’s hopes rested on Ashutosh. No. 11 Mohit Sharma managed to sneak a single off the second ball, bringing Ashutosh on strike. Then, with the game on the line, he launched Shahbaz Ahmed’s delivery straight down the ground for a colossal six, sealing a remarkable victory for DC. The dugout erupted in joy, while the LSG players were left shell-shocked.
The Moment That Changed the Game
DC’s win probability had dropped to a mere 1.46% at one stage, but Ashutosh’s heroics turned the impossible into reality. His calmness under pressure, ability to pick the right bowlers to target, and sheer brute force at the death made the difference.
While Rishabh Pant’s clever captaincy and Thakur’s early strikes had put DC in trouble, Ashutosh’s late fireworks ensured the script had an unforgettable twist. This was not just a win; it was a statement.
What This Means for IPL 2025
This match was an early indication that IPL 2025 is set to be one of the most unpredictable and thrilling editions of the tournament. Ashutosh Sharma has announced himself as a force to be reckoned with in Delhi Capitals’ setup, while debutant Vipraj Nigam has shown immense promise.
LSG, despite the loss, will take positives from the performance of Pooran and Marsh, though their lower middle order and death bowling remain concerns. For DC, however, this victory will be a major confidence booster as they look to build on this thrilling start.
Conclusion
In a high-stakes battle filled with momentum shifts, Ashutosh Sharma emerged as DC’s match-winner, delivering one of the most unforgettable finishes in IPL history. His ability to absorb pressure, accelerate at will, and take his team over the line makes him a player to watch this season. As IPL 2025 unfolds, this match will be remembered as a classic example of why cricket remains the game of glorious uncertainties.