KL Rahul’s fluent 57 sinks Lucknow Super Giants in one-sided clash

Delhi Capitals cruised to a commanding eight-wicket victory over the Lucknow Super Giants at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium on Tuesday, with a clinical all-round performance that left the hosts reeling.

Chasing a modest target of 159, KL Rahul anchored the innings with a composed 57 off 42 balls, steering Delhi to a comfortable win and reaffirming their growing dominance in the IPL 2025 season.

Earlier, Lucknow appeared to be in control at 87 for 1 after 10 overs, with Aiden Markram (52 off 33) and Mitchell Marsh (45 off 36) laying a solid foundation. However, what followed was a dramatic collapse as the Delhi pace battery tightened the screws with masterful execution. The trio of Mukesh Kumar (4/33), Mitchell Starc (1/25), and Dushmantha Chameera (1/25) shifted gears expertly, varying their lengths and pace to dismantle LSG’s batting line-up.

The change in tactics midway through the innings proved pivotal. What initially seemed like a placid surface offering even bounce quickly turned into a puzzle, thanks to Delhi’s intelligent bowling adjustments. Slower balls, off-cutters, and clever use of the crease left the LSG batters groping for answers. Chameera provided the breakthrough by removing Markram with a deceptive fuller ball, while Starc delivered the game-changing moment, once again getting the better of Nicholas Pooran. Expecting pace, Pooran attempted a pull, only to inside-edge a well-disguised slower bouncer onto his stumps.

Mukesh Kumar was undoubtedly the standout performer, striking a double blow in a single over to dismiss Marsh and Abdul Samad. His subtle changes in speed and impeccable control under pressure ensured that the middle-order never settled.

Rishabh Pant, nursing an injured palm, had a minimal role with the bat. He walked in at No. 7 but was dismissed for a two-ball duck, further highlighting LSG’s lack of depth and cohesion in the latter half of their innings.

Ayush Badoni added a touch of flair with a valiant 36 off 21 balls, including a trio of boundaries in the final over, but his effort was too little, too late. LSG’s total of 159 for 6 proved well below par on a surface that required more application and awareness, allowing Delhi to notch up a comprehensive and morale-boosting win.