IPL 2025: Delhi Capitals Triumph Over Punjab Kings with Record Chase in Season Finale
In a fitting end to their IPL 2025 campaign, Delhi Capitals clinched a sensational six-wicket victory over Punjab Kings on Saturday at the iconic Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur. Chasing a daunting target of 207 runs, Delhi showcased their batting depth and resilience, sealing the chase in just 19.3 overs to end their season on a high note.
The spotlight shone brightly on young sensation Sameer Rizvi, who delivered a match-winning unbeaten knock of 58 off 25 balls. His maiden IPL half-century, studded with five towering sixes and three boundaries, underlined his potential as a future star. Complementing Rizvi’s heroics was the experienced Karun Nair, recently recalled to the Indian Test squad after an eight-year hiatus, who chipped in with a vital 44 off 27 balls, including two sixes and five fours.
Delhi’s chase got off to a blistering start with impact substitute KL Rahul scoring 35 off 21 balls and stand-in captain Faf du Plessis contributing 23 off 15 balls. The duo forged a rapid 55-run opening stand within six overs, setting the tone for the chase. Rahul’s flair was evident in a crisp boundary off Azmatullah Omarzai and a massive six against Harpreet Brar, before falling to a clever slower ball from Marco Jansen.
Earlier in the day, Punjab Kings posted a formidable 206 for 8, powered by explosive contributions from Marcus Stoinis (unbeaten 44 off 16 balls) and Shreyas Iyer (53 off 34 balls). Stoinis, in particular, turned the game in Punjab’s favor with a brutal assault, smashing four sixes and three fours, including 22 runs off a single over from Mohit Sharma after surviving a dropped catch.
Delhi Capitals’ bowlers faced early challenges but struck back through Mustafizur Rahman, who claimed 3/33, including the early scalp of Priyansh Arya for just 6. Emerging leg-spinner Vipraj Nigam also impressed, bagging two key wickets with his controlled bowling, marking him as a potential contender for future T20 World Cup squads.
Despite losing wickets at crucial junctures, including Nair to Brar’s spin, Delhi never lost momentum. Rizvi’s composure under pressure and ability to find gaps ensured the team crossed the finish line with balls to spare. This match highlighted Delhi’s batting prowess, with their aggressive intent and depth proving too much for Punjab’s bowlers, even on a high-scoring day.
As the dust settles on this thrilling encounter, Delhi Capitals will take immense confidence from this performance, particularly Rizvi’s breakout innings and Nair’s timely return to form. For Punjab Kings, Stoinis’s late blitz was a silver lining in an otherwise disappointing loss. With IPL 2025 drawing to a close for both teams, this match served as a reminder of the tournament’s unrelenting excitement and unpredictability.