IPL 2025 Match 32: Delhi Capitals vs Rajasthan Royals – A Tied Thriller Won in the Super Over
The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 is in full swing, and Match 32 between Delhi Capitals (DC) and Rajasthan Royals (RR) at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi, on April 16 proved to be one of the most exciting contests of the season so far. The match, which ended in a tie with both teams scoring 188 runs in their respective 20 overs, was decided by a Super Over, where Delhi Capitals clinched a nail-biting victory.
Toss and Team Composition
Rajasthan Royals won the toss and opted to bowl first, a decision influenced by the chasing trend at the venue and the dew factor. Both sides fielded competitive lineups, with DC banking on their young top order and experienced bowlers, while RR had a well-rounded side led by Sanju Samson.
Delhi Capitals Playing XI: Jake Fraser-McGurk, Abishek Porel, Karun Nair, KL Rahul (wk), Axar Patel (c), Tristan Stubbs, Ashutosh Sharma, Vipraj Nigam, Mitchell Starc, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohit Sharma.
Rajasthan Royals Playing XI: Yashasvi Jaiswal, Sanju Samson (c & wk), Riyan Parag, Dhruv Jurel, Shimron Hetmyer, Nitish Rana, Wanindu Hasaranga, Jofra Archer, Maheesh Theekshana, Sandeep Sharma, Tushar Deshpande.
Delhi Capitals Innings: Explosive Yet Balanced
DC’s innings got off to a blazing start, thanks to the dynamic Jake Fraser-McGurk. The young Australian sensation continued his impressive form, smashing a 9-ball 15 before falling to Jofra Archer in the third over. Archer struck again, removing Karun Nair via a run-out in the same over.
Abishek Porel and KL Rahul then stabilized the innings. Rahul played a captain’s knock, scoring 38 off 32 balls, while Porel contributed 49 off 37, building a crucial 63-run partnership. The pair managed to rotate the strike well and capitalize on poor deliveries, keeping the scoreboard ticking.
After Rahul’s dismissal in the 13th over, Tristan Stubbs and Axar Patel took charge. Stubbs’ 34 off 18 and Axar’s aggressive 34 off just 14 balls ensured DC posted a challenging total. Ashutosh Sharma added a quick-fire 15* to push the total to 188/5 in 20 overs.
Top Performers (DC):
- Abishek Porel: 49 (37)
- KL Rahul: 38 (32)
- Tristan Stubbs: 34* (18)
- Axar Patel: 34 (14)
RR Bowling:
- Jofra Archer: 4-0-32-2
- Wanindu Hasaranga: 4-0-38-1
- Theekshana: 4-0-40-1
The RR bowling unit struggled with consistency, leaking boundaries in the latter overs. Archer, however, was a standout with his pace and discipline.
Rajasthan Royals Innings: Steady Chase with Late Drama
In response, Rajasthan Royals opened with Yashasvi Jaiswal and Sanju Samson. Jaiswal played a masterful knock, anchoring the chase with a fluent 51 off 37 balls, hitting 3 fours and 4 sixes. Samson looked in fine touch, but unfortunately had to retire hurt on 31 off 19 balls.
Riyan Parag failed to fire this time, getting dismissed by Axar Patel after scoring 8 off 11 deliveries. Nitish Rana stepped in and played a blistering cameo, scoring 51 off just 28 balls, keeping RR in the hunt.
The final overs witnessed intense drama. With 28 needed off the last 12 balls, Dhruv Jurel and Shimron Hetmyer gave it their all. Jurel managed 26 off 17 before being run out on the final ball of the innings. Hetmyer remained unbeaten on 15 off 9, but the Royals were unable to seal the deal as the match ended with the scores levelled at 188/4.
Top Performers (RR):
- Yashasvi Jaiswal: 51 (37)
- Nitish Rana: 51 (28)
- Dhruv Jurel: 26 (17)
DC Bowling:
- Mitchell Starc: 4-0-36-1
- Kuldeep Yadav: 4-0-33-1
- Axar Patel: 3-0-23-1
Super Over Drama: Capitals Hold Their Nerve
With the match tied, the outcome was decided by a Super Over. Rajasthan Royals batted first and managed a modest 11 runs, with Kuldeep Yadav keeping things tight.
Chasing 12, Delhi Capitals sent out Tristan Stubbs and Abishek Porel. Stubbs ensured there were no hiccups, sealing the win with a boundary off the fourth delivery.
Super Over Summary:
- RR: 11 runs
- DC: 12 runs (won the Super Over)
Key Moments of the Match
- Early Double Blow by Archer: Jofra Archer’s twin strikes in the third over dented DC’s momentum.
- Stubbs-Axar Blitz: Their partnership in the death overs propelled DC to a competitive score.
- Samson’s Injury: The RR captain had to retire hurt while in fine touch, impacting the chase.
- Jurel’s Run Out: Needing 2 off 1, Jurel was run out going for the winning run, resulting in a tie.
- Kuldeep’s Composed Super Over: His calm bowling under pressure gave DC the edge.
Statistical Highlights
- Highest Individual Score: Yashasvi Jaiswal (51 off 37)
- Most Economical Bowler: Axar Patel (7.70 economy)
- Most Boundaries: Nitish Rana (6 fours, 2 sixes)
- Most Sixes (Team): Delhi Capitals – 11
Points Table Implications
With this thrilling win, Delhi Capitals gained 2 vital points, improving their standing in the mid-table clash. Rajasthan Royals, despite the tie, earned one point, but the missed opportunity may haunt them in tight playoff scenarios.
Post-Match Reactions
Axar Patel (DC Captain): “What a game! Proud of the boys for holding their nerve. Stubbs and Kuldeep were brilliant in the Super Over. We’re taking it game by game.”
Sanju Samson (RR Captain): “Frustrating to lose such a close one. Credit to DC. We played well but fell short in crucial moments. I’m recovering fine, hoping to be back fully fit for the next game.”
Player of the Match: Axar Patel (34 off 14 & 1 wicket)
Conclusion
Match 32 of IPL 2025 between Delhi Capitals and Rajasthan Royals was a perfect advertisement for T20 cricket. Packed with quality performances, tactical battles, and a dramatic finish, it kept fans on the edge of their seats. As the tournament progresses, both teams will look to fine-tune their strategies. For now, Delhi can bask in the glory of a thrilling win, while Rajasthan must regroup and focus on converting close games into victories.
Stay tuned only at BUZZTIMES for more updates and analysis as the IPL 2025 heats up!
