Islamabad, May 25, 2025: In a thrilling finish to their IPL 2025 campaign, Delhi Capitals (DC) signed off with a confidence-boosting six-wicket victory over Punjab Kings (PBKS) at Jaipur’s Sawai Mansingh Stadium.
Though both sides had already been knocked out of playoff contention, DC chased down a daunting 207-run target with just three balls to spare — putting on an impressive show of resilience and batting depth.
A Final Flourish for DC in IPL 2025
This match may have been a dead rubber in terms of standings, but it delivered fireworks nonetheless. DC’s batting unit rose to the occasion, led by Sameer Rizvi, whose maiden IPL half-century — an unbeaten 58 off just 25 balls — ensured Delhi crossed the finish line in style. Rizvi’s knock featured four towering sixes and three crisp boundaries, capping the chase with a match-winning maximum that electrified the crowd.
Key Takeaways from PBKS vs DC Showdown
1. Shreyas Iyer’s Silencing Statement
Even as the selectors overlooked Shreyas Iyer for the England Test tour, the PBKS skipper responded with his bat. Scoring a composed 53 off 34 deliveries, including 5 fours and 2 sixes, Iyer showed grit and class. He now ends the season with 435 runs, making him Punjab’s second-highest scorer — a reminder to the selectors of his unwavering form.
2. Stoinis Powers PBKS to a Strong Total
Returning from a COVID hiatus, Marcus Stoinis showed no rust. His 44 off 16 balls — laced with 4 sixes and 3 fours — turned the momentum in Punjab’s favor late in the innings. His brutal takedown of Mohit Sharma in the penultimate over pushed PBKS to a competitive 206/8, showcasing why he’s a key T20 asset.
3. Rahul-Du Plessis Duo Sets Tone for the Chase
KL Rahul (35) and Faf du Plessis (23) reignited Delhi’s hopes early with a quickfire 55-run partnership in just 5.2 overs. Though both departed in quick succession, their aggressive start was crucial in keeping the required rate within reach.
4. Karun Nair’s Grit Returns
Back in the limelight after years in the wilderness, Karun Nair made his mark with a fluent 44 off 27 balls. His innings, sprinkled with 2 sixes and 5 fours, kept DC in the hunt until he fell trying a sweep against Harpreet Brar.
5. Sameer Rizvi: A Star in the Making
While experienced heads played their part, it was Sameer Rizvi who stole the show. Aggressive yet composed, he took on the bowlers from the get-go, reaching his fifty in just 22 balls. Partnering with *Tristan Stubbs (18)**, Rizvi ensured DC ended their season on a high.
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Expert View
Former Indian cricketer and analyst Aakash Chopra remarked, “What a way to end the season for Delhi! Rizvi’s knock wasn’t just entertaining — it was fearless. This is exactly the kind of performance teams want from their young guns heading into the next season.”
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IPL 2025 might not have gone DC’s way in terms of playoff qualification, but this win over PBKS shows their bench strength and batting firepower for seasons to come.
