On April 16, 2025, the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi witnessed an electrifying clash between Delhi Capitals (DC) and Rajasthan Royals (RR) in Match 32 of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025. The game ended in a heart-pounding tie, with both teams scoring 188 runs, leading to the season’s first Super Over. Delhi Capitals emerged victorious in just 0.4 overs, chasing down 12 runs to secure their fifth win of the season. Let’s dive into the thrilling details of this unforgettable match.
First Innings: Delhi Capitals Set a Competitive 188/5
Rajasthan Royals captain Sanju Samson won the toss and opted to bowl first, citing the chasing trend at the venue. Delhi Capitals, led by Axar Patel, faced early pressure after losing Jake Fraser-McGurk and Karun Nair cheaply. However, a solid partnership between Abishek Porel (49 off 37) and KL Rahul (38 off 32) steadied the innings.
The real fireworks came in the death overs, with Axar Patel (34 off 14) and Tristan Stubbs (34* off 18) unleashing an onslaught. Axar’s aggressive takedown of Wanindu Hasaranga and Stubbs’ composure helped DC post 188/5 in 20 overs. Jofra Archer was the pick of the RR bowlers, claiming 2/32, but the Royals’ fielding lapses, including a dropped catch of Stubbs, proved costly.
Second Innings: Rajasthan Royals Fight Back to Force a Tie
Chasing 189, Rajasthan Royals got off to a blazing start, reaching 63/0 in the powerplay, thanks to Yashasvi Jaiswal’s explosive 51 off 27 balls. Nitish Rana complemented him with a fiery 51 off 28, keeping RR in the driver’s seat. However, Sanju Samson’s retirement hurt (31 off 19) due to a side injury slowed their momentum.With 9 runs needed off the final over, Mitchell Starc stepped up for DC, delivering a masterclass. Despite Shimron Hetmyer and Dhruv Jurel’s efforts, a brilliant run-out by Axar Patel on the last ball, dismissing Jurel, saw RR finish at 188/4, leveling the scores. The match was tied, setting the stage for a Super Over showdown.
The Super Over: Delhi Capitals Seal the Deal
In the Super Over, Rajasthan Royals batted first, sending out Riyan Parag and Yashasvi Jaiswal. However, their innings unraveled quickly. A dot ball was followed by a four, but two back-to-back run-outs—Parag on a free hit and Jaiswal with one ball remaining—restricted RR to 11/2 in 0.4 overs.Delhi Capitals, needing 12 runs, sent KL Rahul and Tristan Stubbs to the crease. Sandeep Sharma bowled for RR, but DC made light work of the chase. Rahul started with a couple, followed by a boundary, and after a single, Stubbs sealed the victory with a towering six over cow-corner, finishing the chase in just four balls. DC’s composure under pressure earned them a memorable win.
Key Performers and Turning Points
Mitchell Starc (DC): Named Player of the Match for his 1/36, Starc’s nerveless final over and Super Over bowling were pivotal in DC’s triumph.
Axar Patel (DC): The captain’s all-round contribution (34 off 14 and a crucial run-out) earned him Cricinfo’s MVP with 101.94 impact points.
Yashasvi Jaiswal and Nitish Rana (RR): Their quickfire fifties kept RR in the hunt, but poor Super Over decisions cost them dearly.
Turning Point: Axar Patel’s sharp fielding on the final ball of RR’s innings forced the tie, shifting momentum toward DC.
Post-Match Impact
The victory propelled Delhi Capitals to the top of the IPL 2025 points table with 10 points from six matches, solidifying their status as title contenders. Rajasthan Royals, languishing at eighth with four points from seven games, face an uphill battle to make the playoffs.
Why This Match Stood
OutThis match was a testament to the unpredictability of T20 cricket. From RR’s dominant powerplay to DC’s late surge, and the dramatic Super Over, it had all the ingredients of an IPL classic. The game also highlighted DC’s resilience, bouncing back from their first loss of the season against Mumbai Indians, and RR’s struggles to close out tight games.
Final Thoughts
IPL 2025 Match 32 will be remembered as one of the season’s most thrilling encounters. Delhi Capitals’ ability to hold their nerve in the Super Over showcased their championship pedigree, while Rajasthan Royals will rue their missed opportunities. As the tournament progresses, DC’s form makes them a team to watch, while RR must regroup quickly to stay in the playoff race.
