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Delhi Capitals Dominate Sunrisers Hyderabad with Starc’s Five-Wicket Haul and Du Plessis’s Fifty
Visakhapatnam, March 30, 2025 – In a commanding performance, Delhi Capitals (DC) secured a seven-wicket victory over Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in the 10th match of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 at the ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium. Exceptional contributions from Mitchell Starc and Faf du Plessis highlighted DC’s dominance in this clash, raising questions about SRH’s strategy and execution under pressure.
Match Overview
The match kicked off with SRH captain Pat Cummins winning the toss and electing to bat first on a batting-friendly pitch. However, the decision proved costly as SRH crumbled to 163 all out in 18.4 overs. Aniket Verma’s valiant 74 off 41 balls, studded with five fours and six sixes, was the lone bright spot for SRH. Heinrich Klaasen chipped in with 32 off 19, but their efforts were overshadowed by a clinical bowling display from DC.
Mitchell Starc, the Australian pace spearhead, stole the show with a maiden T20 five-wicket haul, finishing with figures of 5/35. His spell dismantled SRH’s batting lineup, marking him as the first DC pacer to achieve this feat in IPL history. The collapse prompts scrutiny of SRH’s batting approach—did they overestimate the pitch’s potential or underestimate DC’s bowling prowess?
Delhi Capitals’ Chase
Chasing 164, DC made light work of the target, reaching 166/3 in just 16 overs. Faf du Plessis set the tone with an aggressive 50 off 28 balls, laying a solid foundation. Abishek Porel (34* off 18) and Tristan Stubbs (21* off 10) finished the job with composure, securing a seven-wicket win with four overs to spare. The ease of the chase underscores DC’s batting depth and raises doubts about SRH’s ability to defend totals in IPL 2025.
Key Performances
- Mitchell Starc (DC): 5/35 in 4 overs – A game-changing spell that restricted SRH to a below-par total.
- Faf du Plessis (DC): 50 off 28 balls – A fiery knock that ensured DC’s chase never lost momentum.
- Aniket Verma (SRH): 74 off 41 balls – A valiant effort that couldn’t mask SRH’s batting frailties.
Starc reflected post-match, saying, “It was a fantastic performance in the first innings. We knew Sunrisers are a powerful side, but we executed our plans well.” His words contrast with SRH’s lackluster showing, hinting at a tactical edge DC exploited.
Pitch and Conditions
The ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium pitch offered a hard, batting-friendly surface, with the ball coming nicely onto the bat. Yet, DC’s bowlers, particularly Starc, found ways to extract movement and pressure. The weather was sunny, with temperatures hovering around 31°C, providing ideal playing conditions.
Broadcasting and Viewing
Fans caught the action live on the Star Sports Network in India, with streaming available on the JioHotstar app and website, ensuring wide accessibility for this high-octane encounter.
Head-to-Head Context
Historically, SRH leads DC 13-11 in IPL head-to-head clashes. However, DC has won three of the last five meetings, signaling a shift in momentum. This victory further tilts the scales, challenging the narrative of SRH’s dominance in this rivalry.
Dream11 Highlights
Fantasy cricket enthusiasts reaped rewards with picks like Starc, Du Plessis, and Verma, whose performances lit up the match. Their contributions were predictable standout choices for Dream11 teams.
Standings Impact
With this win, DC climbed to second place in the IPL 2025 points table, bolstering their early-season credentials. SRH, meanwhile, faces questions about their batting resilience and strategic decisions moving forward.
Conclusion
The Visakhapatnam clash exposed SRH’s vulnerabilities while showcasing DC’s all-round strength. Starc’s bowling heroics and Du Plessis’s batting flair were decisive, but the match also invites skepticism about the hype surrounding SRH’s star-studded lineup. As IPL 2025 progresses, DC aims to sustain this momentum, while SRH must regroup to reclaim their footing.