IPL 2025: CSK falls short as all-round DC dominates with 25 run victory
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Chennai: KL Rahul's masterful knock with the bat, followed by a brilliant performance by the bowlers, secured Delhi Capitals an impressive 25-run victory against the Chennai Super Kings in the IPL 2025 at the MA Chidambaram Stadium here on Sunday.
Chennai's batsmen were left with no room to maneuver on their home ground, stumbling under pressure as they fell short while chasing a target of 184.
Mukesh Kumar, Mitchell Starc and Vipraj Nigam dismissed CSK's top order withing a span of five overs. CSK were never able to get back into the game since. Vijay Shankar anchored the innings from one end, but Delhi dismissed the other CSK batsmen at regular intervals, leaving Chennai in a state of uncertainty.
MS Dhoni came in at seventh, but it was too late for him to do anything. The 43-year-old former Indian Captain managed an unbeaten 30 off 26 balls, but the asking run rate was far beyond his reach. Shankar made an unbeaten 69 off 54 deliveries on a pitch which offered support to the bowlers.
Earlier, KL Rahul's first fifty for DC helped them secure a total of 183/6. Rahul scored 77 runs before Chennai struck in the final over to dismiss him and prevent DC batters from attempting power hits. Matheesha Pathirana bowled an excellent final over, conceding just seven runs and helping secure two wickets, including a run-out.
Delhi started their innings with a shocker from Khaleel. Opener Jake Fraser-McGurk attempted a big shot in the fifth ball of the first over, but ended in the arms of veteran Ravichandran Ashwin for a duck.
Rahul and Abishek Porel sailed Delhi's innings to safety with a 54-run partnership. Later, skipper Patel joined Rahul in the middle and added 21 runs to the board.
Rahul stayed until the final over and ensured that his team reached a respectable total. Tristan Stubbs quick-fired an unbeaten 12-ball 24 runs to ensure that DC reached a fighting total.
Meanwhile, Khaleel Ahmed took two wickets, moving to second place in the Purple Cap race with eight wickets, trailing his team-mate Noor Ahmed, who leads the list with ten wickets. Noor also claimed the wicket of Delhi skipper Axar Patel.