IPL 2025, DC vs RR, Highlights: Starc’s precision helps Delhi win a thriller, go top of the table

IPL 2025, DC vs RR Highlights: Mitchell Starc’s brilliant death-over bowling proved to be the difference as Delhi reclaimed the top spot on the points table.

Brief Scores:  DC- 188/5, 13 with no loss in Super Over (Abishek Porel 49, Jofra Archer 3/32) beat RR 188/4, 11/2 in Super Over (Nitish Rana 51, Mitchell Starc 1/36)

The 18th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) witnessed its first Super Over thriller as Delhi Capitals (DC) and Rajasthan Royals (RR) battled it out in a nail-biting finish that had fans on the edge of their seats. 

After an intense contest that ended in a tie, RR managed to post 11 runs in the Super Over but lost two quick wickets in the process, giving Delhi a slight edge. Rising to the occasion, DC chased down the target with remarkable composure, clinching victory with two balls to spare and sealing a dramatic win in what turned out to be one of the most gripping encounters of the season so far.

Highlights of DC vs RR game, IPL 2025

Tristan Stubbs-Axar Patel cameo boost Delhi’s chances 
Delhi Capitals were in a spot of bother during the middle overs, but a fiery late partnership between Tristan Stubbs and stand-in skipper Axar Patel gave them a powerful finish and significantly boosted their chances. Stubbs came in with the intent to attack and wasted no time, smashing a quickfire 34 off just 18 balls. His clean hitting and ability to find gaps under pressure added valuable momentum when it mattered most, injecting life into Delhi’s innings during the death overs.

On the other end, Axar Patel led from the front with a captain’s knock, unleashing a brutal 34 off just 14 balls. Displaying great composure and aggressive flair, Axar took on the RR bowlers with calculated risks and well-timed boundaries, ensuring Delhi maximised their final overs. The duo’s 56-run stand off just 26 balls not only turned the tide in DC’s favour but also set a solid target of 189, giving their bowlers something substantial to defend in the second innings.

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Jake Fraser-McGurk’s failure continue to hurt DC at the top 
Jake Fraser-McGurk’s struggles at the top of the order continue to be a concern for Delhi Capitals, as the young Australia batter has failed to find his footing in the IPL so far. With just 55 runs from six matches, his inconsistent starts and lack of impact have left a void at the top, putting added pressure on the middle order to rescue the innings. Touted for his explosive batting and potential to provide quick starts, Fraser-McGurk has instead faltered under the spotlight, often falling cheaply and failing to convert his promising talent into meaningful contributions.

His repeated failures have disrupted Delhi’s momentum in the powerplay, forcing the side to rebuild early and adjust their batting plans mid-innings. While the franchise showed faith in his abilities, the lack of returns might soon prompt a rethink at the top of the order. With the business end of the tournament approaching, DC will be hoping Fraser-McGurk can shake off his lean patch and deliver the kind of performances that made him one to watch ahead of the season.

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Nitish Rana’s quick-fire innings key for RR 
Nitish Rana played a pivotal role in Rajasthan Royals’ chase with a blistering knock of 51 off just 28 balls, turning the momentum squarely in their favour at a crucial juncture. Walking in when the game was delicately poised, Rana took on Delhi’s spin duo of Axar Patel and Kuldeep Yadav with fearless intent, targeting their overs to break the shackles. 

His aggressive stroke play against Axar in particular, where he dispatched boundaries with ease, and a calculated assault on Kuldeep in the middle overs, shifted the pressure back onto the Capitals. Rana’s timely counterattack not only accelerated the run rate but also injected confidence into the RR camp, making his quick-fire fifty a defining moment in the chase.

Mitchell Starc’s last two overs bring Delhi back
Just when the match seemed to be slipping away from Delhi Capitals, Mitchell Starc produced two sensational overs at the death to swing the momentum back in their favour. With Rajasthan Royals needing just 12 off 8 balls, Starc held his nerve and delivered back-to-back pinpoint yorkers that not only choked the run flow but also piled pressure on the RR batters. 

His pace, accuracy, and ability to hit the block hole consistently made the chase suddenly look a lot steeper, defending what looked like a very gettable 9 runs in the last over. In a high-scoring game where the margin for error was minimal, Starc’s death-over brilliance stood out as a game-changing effort, proving once again why he’s one of the most feared bowlers in crunch situations.

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Way Forward
The Delhi Capitals continue their dream run in IPL 2025 with 10 points from six games, putting them top of the points table. At the same time, Rajasthan Royals struggle at the eighth position with four points from seven games. Both teams will be back in action on April 19, a double-header Saturday. While DC look to continue their momentum against Gujarat Titans, the Royals would be hoping to secure crucial two points against Lucknow Super Giants.

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