Delhi Capitals (DC) pulled off a thrilling one-wicket win over Lucknow Super Giants in Visakhapatnam. Chasing 210, DC stumbled early, collapsing to 7 for 3 and then 65 for 5. However, Ashutosh Sharma led a stunning rescue act that brought the equation to 22 runs off two overs and then six off the final over. Last man Mohit Sharma survived a close lbw appeal on the first ball of the 20th over before taking a crucial single. Ashutosh then smashed the winning six, securing DC’s victory — only the fifth one-wicket win in IPL history.
DC vice-captain Faf du Plessis compared the finish to South Africa’s famous 438-run chase against Australia in 2006. He called Mohit’s single “the most important single of his life,” highlighting its role in setting up the winning moment. Du Plessis praised Ashutosh, who walked in as DC’s Impact Player with the score at 65 for 5 in the seventh over. At one point, DC needed 94 off 42 balls with just four wickets remaining. ESPNcricinfo’s win predictor gave them only a 1.56% chance of winning.
Du Plessis acknowledged the importance of the Impact Player rule, stating that such moments justify its existence. He admitted that, despite criticism of the rule, it allows for miraculous comebacks like this. He humorously added that he might need some masala tea to hit like the young Indian players who finish games so well.
Ashutosh and Vipraj Nigam stitched a rapid 55-run partnership off 22 balls, reducing DC’s target to 42 off 24 balls. Nigam scored 39 off 15, while Ashutosh remained unbeaten on 66 off 31. Du Plessis praised the Indian youngsters’ power-hitting, emphasizing how they effortlessly cleared boundaries on a tricky pitch.
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