The Indian Premier League (IPL) never fails to deliver heart-pounding cricket action, and the 32nd match of the 2025 season between Rajasthan Royals vs Delhi Capitals Match Scorecard at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi was no exception. On April 16, 2025, fans witnessed a nail-biting contest that culminated in the season’s first Super Over, with Delhi Capitals emerging victorious. Let’s dive into the details of this electrifying match, breaking down the scorecard, key performances, and moments that defined this epic clash. Whether you’re a die-hard cricket fan or someone just dipping their toes into the sport, this article will walk you through the game in a way that’s easy to follow and exciting to relive.
The Stage is Set
The Arun Jaitley Stadium, known for its batting-friendly pitches, promised a high-scoring affair. Historically, teams batting first at this venue in IPL 2025 had consistently crossed the 200-run mark, but this match would break that trend, finishing with a sub-200 total that still led to a dramatic tie. Rajasthan Royals, led by Sanju Samson, won the toss and elected to field first, banking on their bowling attack to restrict Delhi and chase the target under the lights. Delhi Capitals, under the captaincy of Axar Patel, were coming off a rare loss to Mumbai Indians, eager to reclaim their spot at the top of the points table.
Delhi Capitals’ Innings: A Tale of Resilience
Delhi Capitals’ batting lineup was a mix of youthful exuberance and seasoned experience. Openers Jake Fraser-McGurk and Abishek Porel took to the crease, with Porel anchoring the innings early on. However, Fraser-McGurk’s struggles continued as he fell for just 9 runs off 8 balls, dismissed by Jofra Archer in the third over. A disastrous mix-up led to Karun Nair’s run-out for a duck, leaving Delhi at 34/2 after 3.1 overs. It was a shaky start, but the stage was set for a recovery.
The Middle Overs: Porel and Rahul Steady the Ship
Abishek Porel and KL Rahul formed a crucial 63-run partnership for the third wicket, stabilizing the innings. Porel played with flair, scoring 49 runs off 37 balls, narrowly missing out on a well-deserved fifty. His innings included several elegant shots, showcasing his ability to find gaps and keep the scoreboard ticking. KL Rahul, known for his calm demeanor, contributed 38 runs off 32 balls, providing a solid foundation. Their partnership took Delhi to 98/3 by the 13th over, but both fell in quick succession—Rahul to Archer and Porel to Wanindu Hasaranga—leaving Delhi at 105/4 after 13.5 overs.
The Late Surge: Axar and Stubbs Turn the Tide
With the innings teetering, captain Axar Patel and Tristan Stubbs stepped up to deliver a late onslaught. Axar, known for his all-round prowess, unleashed a blistering 34 off just 14 balls, including four boundaries and two sixes. His aggressive strokeplay against Hasaranga in the 17th over was a turning point, injecting momentum into Delhi’s innings. Stubbs, who survived a dropped catch by Riyan Parag when on 12, made Rajasthan pay dearly. He finished unbeaten on 34 off 18 balls, anchoring the finish with composure.
The final three overs were explosive, with Delhi plundering 42 runs. However, the last over, bowled by Sandeep Sharma, turned chaotic. Sandeep, who had been economical earlier (3-0-14-0), lost his radar, conceding 23 runs, including a wide, a no-ball, and a six by Stubbs. This over, one of the joint-longest in IPL history at 11 balls, propelled Delhi to 188/5 in their 20 overs. It was a competitive total, but given the venue’s history, Rajasthan Royals remained confident in their chase.
Rajasthan Royals’ Innings: A Promising Start Derailed
Chasing 189, Rajasthan Royals got off to a flying start, with openers Yashasvi Jaiswal and Sanju Samson racing to 50 in just 4.6 overs. Jaiswal was in sublime form, smashing boundaries with ease, while Samson, the captain, looked set to dominate. Their 61-run opening stand in under six overs put Rajasthan firmly in control. However, disaster struck in the sixth over when Samson, after hitting a four and a six off Vipraj Nigam, retired hurt due to a rib injury. This was a massive blow, as Samson’s aggressive 21 off 15 balls had set the tone.
Jaiswal and Rana Keep the Momentum
Yashasvi Jaiswal continued his assault, reaching his third fifty in four matches with a 26-ball half-century. His 51 runs included a mix of powerful drives and lofted shots, keeping Rajasthan ahead of the required run rate. Nitish Rana joined him, and the duo added quick runs, taking Rajasthan to 116/2 by the 14th over during the strategic timeout. However, Axar Patel struck a crucial blow, dismissing Riyan Parag for 8, breaking the momentum. Jaiswal fell soon after to Kuldeep Yadav, leaving Rajasthan at 112/2 after 13.2 overs.
Nitish Rana took charge, scoring a rapid 51 off 28 balls, but his dismissal by Mitchell Starc in the 17th over was a turning point. With 27 runs needed off the last three overs, Rajasthan seemed to have the upper hand with Shimron Hetmyer and Dhruv Jurel at the crease. However, Delhi’s bowlers, led by Starc, tightened the screws.
The Dramatic Final Over
Needing 9 runs off the final over, Rajasthan faced Mitchell Starc, who delivered a masterclass in death bowling. Starc’s barrage of yorkers left Hetmyer and Jurel struggling to find boundaries. With two runs needed off the last ball, Jurel clipped a yorker to mid-wicket and attempted a second run, only to be run out by KL Rahul’s sharp work behind the stumps. The match ended in a tie, with Rajasthan finishing at 188/4, matching Delhi’s total. It was the first tie of IPL 2025, setting the stage for a thrilling Super Over.
The Super Over: Starc and Stubbs Seal the Deal
In the Super Over, Rajasthan batted first, surprisingly sending out Shimron Hetmyer and Riyan Parag instead of Nitish Rana, who had been their best batter in the regular innings. Mitchell Starc, entrusted with the ball again, bowled with precision. A no-ball on the fourth delivery gave Rajasthan a brief lifeline, but two run-outs—Jaiswal (who came in after Hetmyer) and Parag—restricted them to 11/2 in five balls. It was a disappointing effort from Rajasthan, who failed to maximize their six deliveries.
Delhi Capitals needed 12 runs to win, and KL Rahul and Tristan Stubbs took on the challenge against Sandeep Sharma. Rahul started with a double and a boundary, setting the tone. Stubbs then sealed the victory in style, smashing a slower short ball from Sandeep for a massive six over mid-wicket. Delhi chased the target in just four balls, securing two crucial points and reclaiming the top spot on the IPL 2025 points table.
Key Performances and Turning Points Rajasthan Royals vs Delhi Capitals Match Scorecard
Delhi Capitals’ Heroes
-
Abishek Porel (49 off 37): Porel’s composed innings laid the foundation for Delhi’s total, guiding them through a tricky phase.
-
Axar Patel (34 off 14): The captain’s explosive cameo turned the game in Delhi’s favor, showcasing his ability to accelerate under pressure.
-
Tristan Stubbs (34 off 18):* Stubbs’ unbeaten knock and Super Over heroics were pivotal, earning him praise for his composure.
-
Mitchell Starc (Player of the Match): Starc’s final over and Super Over performance were game-changers, proving why he’s one of the world’s best.
Rajasthan Royals’ Standouts
-
Yashasvi Jaiswal (51 off 26): Jaiswal’s aggressive fifty set the tone for the chase, but his departure shifted the momentum.
-
Nitish Rana (51 off 28): Rana’s quickfire half-century kept Rajasthan in the hunt, but his dismissal was a setback.
-
Sanju Samson (21 off 15, retired hurt): Samson’s early aggression was cut short by injury, impacting Rajasthan’s plans.
Turning Points
-
Samson’s Injury: Samson’s retirement hurt in the sixth over disrupted Rajasthan’s momentum.
-
Sandeep Sharma’s Final Over: Sandeep’s 23-run over, including extras, allowed Delhi to post a competitive total.
-
Starc’s Final Over: Starc’s pinpoint yorkers in the 20th over forced the tie, showcasing his clutch performance.
-
Super Over Run-Outs: Two run-outs in Rajasthan’s Super Over handed Delhi the advantage.
Full Rajasthan Royals vs Delhi Capitals Match Scorecard
Below is the detailed scorecard for the match, capturing every key moment of this thrilling encounter.
|
Delhi Capitals Innings (188/5, 20 overs) |
Runs |
Balls |
4s |
6s |
S/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Jake Fraser-McGurk c Samson b Archer |
9 | 8 | 1 | 0 | 112.50 |
|
Abishek Porel c Jurel b Hasaranga |
49 | 37 | 5 | 1 | 132.43 |
|
Karun Nair run out (Samson) |
0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0.00 |
|
KL Rahul (wk) c Hetmyer b Archer |
38 | 32 | 4 | 0 | 118.75 |
|
Axar Patel (c) c Jaiswal b Theekshana |
34 | 14 | 4 | 2 | 242.86 |
|
Tristan Stubbs not out |
34 | 18 | 2 | 1 | 188.89 |
|
Ashutosh Sharma not out |
15 | 10 | 1 | 0 | 150.00 |
|
Extras (lb 1, w 2, nb 1) |
4 | ||||
|
Total |
188/5 |
20 overs |
|
Bowling (Rajasthan Royals) |
Overs |
Maidens |
Runs |
Wickets |
Economy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Tushar Deshpande |
4 | 0 | 36 | 0 | 9.00 |
|
Jofra Archer |
4 | 0 | 34 | 2 | 8.50 |
|
Sandeep Sharma |
4 | 0 | 37 | 0 | 9.25 |
|
Wanindu Hasaranga |
4 | 0 | 40 | 1 | 10.00 |
|
Maheesh Theekshana |
4 | 0 | 30 | 1 | 7.50 |
|
Rajasthan Royals Innings (188/4, 20 overs) |
Runs |
Balls |
4s |
6s |
S/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Yashasvi Jaiswal c Stubbs b Yadav |
51 | 26 | 6 | 2 | 196.15 |
|
Sanju Samson (c, wk) retired hurt |
21 | 15 | 2 | 1 | 140.00 |
|
Riyan Parag c Rahul b Patel |
8 | 10 | 1 | 0 | 80.00 |
|
Nitish Rana b Starc |
51 | 28 | 5 | 2 | 182.14 |
|
Dhruv Jurel run out (Rahul) |
20 | 18 | 1 | 0 | 111.11 |
|
Shimron Hetmyer not out |
30 | 22 | 2 | 1 | 136.36 |
|
Wanindu Hasaranga not out |
2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 200.00 |
|
Extras (lb 2, w 3) |
5 | ||||
|
Total |
188/4 |
20 overs |
|
Bowling (Delhi Capitals) |
Overs |
Maidens |
Runs |
Wickets |
Economy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Mitchell Starc |
4 | 0 | 30 | 1 | 7.50 |
|
Mohit Sharma |
4 | 0 | 40 | 0 | 10.00 |
|
Kuldeep Yadav |
4 | 0 | 35 | 1 | 8.75 |
|
Vipraj Nigam |
4 | 0 | 45 | 0 | 11.25 |
|
Axar Patel |
3 | 0 | 28 | 1 | 9.33 |
|
Mukesh Kumar (Impact Sub) |
1 | 0 | 8 | 0 | 8.00 |
|
Super Over (Rajasthan Royals) |
Runs |
Balls |
4s |
6s |
S/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Shimron Hetmyer run out |
7 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 233.33 |
|
Riyan Parag run out |
4 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 200.00 |
|
Yashasvi Jaiswal run out |
0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0.00 |
|
Total |
11/2 |
5 balls |
|
Bowling (Delhi Capitals) |
Overs |
Maidens |
Runs |
Wickets |
Economy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Mitchell Starc |
1 | 0 | 11 | 0 | 11.00 |
|
Super Over (Delhi Capitals) |
Runs |
Balls |
4s |
6s |
S/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
KL Rahul not out |
7 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 233.33 |
|
Tristan Stubbs not out |
6 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 600.00 |
|
Total |
13/0 |
4 balls |
|
Bowling (Rajasthan Royals) |
Overs |
Maidens |
Runs |
Wickets |
Economy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Sandeep Sharma |
1 | 0 | 13 | 0 | 13.00 |
Post-Match Reflections
The match was a rollercoaster of emotions, with both teams showcasing resilience and skill. Delhi Capitals’ ability to fight back from a precarious position, both with the bat and ball, highlighted their championship credentials. Mitchell Starc’s composure under pressure earned him the Player of the Match award, while Tristan Stubbs’ finishing touches in the Super Over were decisive. For Rajasthan Royals, the loss was their fifth in seven games, deepening their struggles in the season. Sanju Samson’s injury and the decision to send Hetmyer and Parag in the Super Over were points of contention, with many believing Nitish Rana could have made a difference.
What’s Next Rajasthan Royals vs Delhi Capitals Match Scorecard?
With this victory, Delhi Capitals climbed to the top of the IPL 2025 points table, boasting five wins in six matches. Rajasthan Royals, on the other hand, faced an uphill battle to turn their season around. The match underscored the unpredictable nature of T20 cricket, where momentum can shift in a single over. As the IPL 2025 season progresses, both teams will look to build on their strengths and address their weaknesses in pursuit of the coveted title.
Conclusion
The Rajasthan Royals vs Delhi Capitals Match Scorecard clash on April 16, 2025, was a testament to the IPL’s ability to deliver high-octane entertainment. From Porel’s steady start to Starc’s heroic final over and Stubbs’ match-winning six, the game had it all—drama, skill, and heart-stopping moments. Whether you’re a young fan cheering for your favorite player or an older viewer enjoying the thrill of the game, this match was a reminder of why the IPL remains the world’s premier T20 league. Here’s to more such electrifying encounters!
