Delhi Capitals beat Rajasthan Royals in thrilling IPL Super Over

Mitchell Starc defends nine runs in the final over as Delhi wins dramatic Super Over clash against Rajasthan Royals.

Mitchell Starc of Delhi Capitals (second right) celebrates with teammates after dismissing Dhruv Jurel of Rajasthan Royals during the Indian Premier League (IPL) T20 match at Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi on April 16, 2025. Photo by Arun Sankar/AFP

By Anna Fadiah and Hayu Andini

Delhi Capitals beat Rajasthan Royals in a thrilling Super Over finish, marking the first such decider of this IPL season, with Australian pace bowler Mitchell Starc emerging as the match-winner by defending nine runs in the last over of regulation play. The win not only lifted Delhi to the top of the standings but also underlined their composure under pressure at the Feroz Shah Kotla ground.

Starc turns back the clock in heroic final over

Rajasthan Royals, chasing a target of 189, seemed in control after impressive fifties from Yashasvi Jaiswal and Nitish Rana. But Starc, showing why he remains one of the best death bowlers in the world, tightened the screws with a series of accurate yorkers that denied Rajasthan the nine runs they needed in the final over.

Starc’s spell was full of intent and control. With Rajasthan needing a run off the final ball to win, Dhruv Jurel was run out trying to sneak a second run. The tie meant the contest had to be decided via a one-over eliminator.

Super Over drama seals it for Delhi

Rajasthan batted first in the Super Over. Shimron Hetmyer and Riyan Parag started aggressively with a boundary each, but both were run out in quick succession, limiting their total to just 11 runs with a delivery still left unplayed. Delhi’s reply was sharp and clinical. KL Rahul began the chase with a two and a four before Tristan Stubbs sealed the game with a six off the fourth ball, ensuring Delhi's victory with two balls remaining.

This win pushed Delhi Capitals to the top of the 10-team IPL table with five victories and just one defeat from their six matches.

Axar Patel praises Starc's execution under pressure

Delhi stand-in captain Axar Patel lauded Starc’s brilliance in the closing stages. “I was thinking if Mitch can execute, we will be in this,” he said after the match. “He bowled almost 12 yorkers. That’s why he is such an Australian legend. I guess he missed only one ball in terms of execution. The field was changed but he kept at it.”

Axar himself contributed with the bat, scoring a quick-fire 34 and forming a 41-run stand with Stubbs, who also made 34. Their late assault yielded 77 runs from the last five overs and helped Delhi reach a competitive 188-5.

Rajasthan’s spirited chase comes up short

Rajasthan Royals started strongly, reaching 50 in just five overs thanks to Jaiswal’s aggression and Samson’s fluent strokeplay. However, their momentum was briefly halted when captain Sanju Samson retired hurt after scoring 31 off 19 balls due to rib pain. While Samson later said he felt fine, his absence during the crucial middle overs hurt Rajasthan's push.

Jaiswal, meanwhile, posted his third half-century of the season before falling to Kuldeep Yadav’s left-arm wrist spin. Rana then picked up the tempo, scoring 51. His innings included a slice of fortune when Stubbs dropped him on the ropes — the ball going for six. Despite his efforts, regular wickets at the other end kept Delhi in contention.

Rajasthan skipper acknowledges Starc’s brilliance

After the match, Rajasthan captain Sanju Samson was full of praise for Starc. “I felt it was definitely a chaseable score,” he said. “I think as we all saw, some fantastic bowling by Starcy. He is one of the best guys around in the world. I would like to give it to Starcy. He won them the game in the 20th over.”

Although Rajasthan finished level with Delhi at 188, their inability to close out the game during regulation time ultimately cost them. The Royals have now lost five of their seven matches this season, and the pressure is beginning to mount.

Delhi’s batting effort powered by Porel and Rahul

Earlier in the evening, Delhi’s innings was anchored by Abishek Porel, who scored a steady 49. He was well supported by in-form KL Rahul, who struck 38 and shared a 63-run stand with Porel. The innings built towards a powerful finish, with Axar Patel and Tristan Stubbs taking on the Rajasthan bowling attack in the death overs.

Axar’s 34 came off just 19 balls, and Stubbs matched his captain stroke for stroke, also making 34. The duo’s aggressive approach took Delhi to 188, giving them a total that proved just enough on the night.

Rajasthan’s Super Over nightmare continues

Despite boasting a talented squad, Rajasthan Royals once again found themselves on the wrong end of a Super Over result. The team, which has been chasing a second IPL title since their inaugural win in 2008 under the late Shane Warne, have now lost multiple close games this season.

Shimron Hetmyer and Riyan Parag's dismissals in the Super Over — both run outs — highlighted Rajasthan’s lack of composure under pressure. Their total of 11 was never going to be enough against a confident Delhi side that smelled blood.

Delhi's season looks promising

With this dramatic victory, Delhi Capitals now sit firmly atop the IPL table. Their squad appears well-balanced, with seasoned international stars like Starc delivering when it matters most, and Indian players like Axar Patel, KL Rahul, and Abishek Porel contributing significantly.

This win could mark a turning point in Delhi’s season. Their only loss so far has come in a tightly contested match, and their ability to stay calm during high-pressure moments — such as the Super Over — suggests they may be one of the front-runners this year.

Focus shifts to consistency

While Delhi celebrates a dramatic win, coach Ricky Ponting and the rest of the staff will now be focused on maintaining this momentum. The tournament is still in its early stages, and form can shift quickly in the IPL.

For Rajasthan, the task is now to regroup. Five losses in seven games leave them in a difficult position, and questions will be raised about their team selection and tactics, especially during crunch moments.

Whether Sanju Samson can regain full fitness and rally his squad will be crucial as they seek to keep their playoff hopes alive. More will be expected from seasoned players like Hetmyer and the promising young Parag, who must deliver under pressure if the Royals are to stay competitive.

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