March 30, 2025 – In a thrilling encounter at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, Mitchell Starc delivered a masterclass in fast bowling, propelling Delhi Capitals (DC) to a commanding seven-wicket triumph over Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025. The Australian pacer’s scintillating five-wicket haul dismantled SRH’s batting lineup, paving the way for DC’s second consecutive victory in the tournament.
The match began with SRH captain Pat Cummins electing to bat first under clear evening skies, hoping to set a challenging total. However, their plans unraveled early as Starc, fresh off his heroics in Kolkata Knight Riders’ IPL 2024 final win over the same opposition, struck with venomous precision. The left-arm speedster tore through SRH’s top order in the powerplay, claiming three wickets in quick succession. Among his victims was the explosive Travis Head, whom Starc dismissed for a record sixth time in T20 cricket, leaving the Hyderabad side reeling at 34/4.
Despite the early collapse, young sensation Aniket Verma waged a lone battle, crafting a brilliant 74 off 48 balls, laced with six fours and three towering sixes. He found brief support from Heinrich Klaasen, who chipped in with a brisk 32 off 21 deliveries. However, their efforts were overshadowed by Starc’s relentless aggression. Returning for his second spell, he snuffed out any hopes of a late resurgence, finishing with figures of 5/28 in 3.4 overs as SRH were bowled out for a modest 163 in 18.4 overs.
Chasing 164, Delhi Capitals approached the task with composure and flair. Openers Prithvi Shaw and David Warner laid a solid foundation with a 67-run stand. Shaw sparkled with a quickfire 42 off 27 balls, while Warner anchored the innings with an unbeaten 54 off 39 deliveries. A minor hiccup saw DC lose two quick wickets, but Rishabh Pant (32* off 18) joined Warner to steer the side home in style. Pant’s aggressive strokeplay, including a match-sealing six, ensured DC crossed the finish line in just 17.2 overs with seven wickets in hand.
Starc’s match-defining performance earned him the Player of the Match award, as DC climbed the points table with this emphatic win. SRH, meanwhile, will look to regroup quickly ahead of their next challenge in what promises to be a fiercely competitive IPL 2025 season.
