New Delhi [India]: A thrilling clash between Rajasthan Royals (RR) and Delhi Capitals (DC) at the Arun Jaitley Stadium ended in dramatic fashion on Wednesday, with Mitchell Starc’s nerves of steel in the final over taking the match into IPL 2025’s first Super Over. Delhi emerged victorious in the high-stakes encounter, capping off an electrifying night of cricket.
Rajasthan, chasing a moderate target, required just nine runs off the final over. Starc, living up to his reputation as one of the game’s premier death bowlers, delivered a near-perfect over, conceding only eight runs to force the match into a Super Over and swinging the momentum back in DC’s favor.
After the game, Rajasthan Royals captain Sanju Samson praised the Australian pacer for his game-changing spell.
“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,” Samson said.
In the Super Over, Rajasthan Royals posted 11 runs. Starc remained tight with the ball, continuing to apply pressure. RR handed the ball to Sandeep Sharma to defend the target, but DC’s KL Rahul and Tristan Stubbs chased it down in just four balls, sealing a sensational victory.
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Samson, who missed part of the innings due to injury, shared an update on his condition after the match.
“It feels alright (his injury). I wasn’t just ready to come back and bat. It feels alright now. We will observe it tomorrow and see how it is,” he said.
Despite the narrow defeat, the RR skipper applauded his team’s efforts, particularly their energy and intensity in the field.
“We bowled well. There were phases when they came hard at us. I would like to give credit to our bowlers and fielders. The energy on the ground was fantastic,” he said.
He also felt the match was within reach, especially after a strong start during the powerplay.
“I thought that score was chaseable given the batting lineup that we had. The start that we got in the Powerplay. I felt it was a chaseable score,” he said.
Samson also highlighted Sandeep Sharma’s consistency in high-pressure moments, while once again acknowledging Starc’s impact.
“I think Sandeep has been bowling the toughest overs for us in the last few years. Starcy took it away,” he admitted.
“A win today could have created some positivity in the dressing room,” he added.
Mitchell Starc was named Player of the Match for his outstanding final over and disciplined bowling under pressure, proving once again why he remains one of the most dependable death bowlers in world cricket.