IPL 2025: 3 heroes and 3 zeroes of DC vs LSG match

Match 4 of the Indian Premier League 2025 delivered one of the most dramatic finishes yet, as Delhi Capitals pulled off an unlikely one-wicket win against Lucknow Super Giants in Vizag. Chasing a daunting 210-run target, DC found themselves in deep trouble multiple times during the match, but a jaw-dropping performance from Ashutosh Sharma turned the tide in their favor.

LSG seemed to have one hand on the win, especially with DC tottering at 192/9. But Ashutosh produced a stunning rescue act, guiding his side home with nerves of steel. With 62 runs needed off the last five overs and four wickets in hand, it looked improbable.

Then Ashutosh exploded, smashing 46 off just 11 balls to snatch the game from LSG in the final over.

Earlier in the match, Lucknow rode on blazing fifties from Nicholas Pooran and Mitchell Marsh to post 209/8 after being 133/1 at one point.

Their collapse post-Marsh’s dismissal slowed down the innings, but David Miller chipped in with a late 27* to help push the score past 200. Kuldeep Yadav was the standout for DC with the ball, delivering a tight spell that helped stall LSG’s momentum.

DC’s chase began on a disastrous note as they lost three wickets for just 7 runs. A gritty 43-run partnership between Axar Patel and Faf du Plessis helped settle the nerves, but both fell in quick succession.

The innings needed a fresh spark, which came from Tristan Stubbs, Ashutosh, and a breezy cameo by Vipraj Nigam, who hammered 39 from 15 balls. However, the final push was all Ashutosh—a match-winning knock that will be remembered for a long time.

Here’s a look at the three standout performers (Heroes) and three underwhelming ones (Zeroes) from the intense DC vs LSG showdown:

⭐ Heroes of the Match

1. Nicholas Pooran (LSG)
Pooran was at his devastating best, cracking 75 runs off just 30 deliveries. His innings included 7 sixes and 6 boundaries, tearing through DC’s bowling attack with clean, powerful hitting. He shared a crucial 77-run partnership with Marsh and carried the innings forward even after Marsh’s departure.

Pooran now has over 8700 runs in T20s, a strike rate nearing 149, and crossed the milestone of 600 career sixes—proof of his consistency and explosiveness. His performance once again justified LSG’s decision to retain him.

2. Kuldeep Yadav (DC)
The crafty wrist-spinner delivered a crucial spell, conceding just 20 runs in his 4 overs while picking up two vital wickets. He dismissed Rishabh Pant for a duck and later removed Ayush Badoni just as LSG were looking to rebuild.

Kuldeep’s 15 dot balls and tight line choked the flow of runs, applying pressure at the right moments. With 89 wickets in 85 IPL games, he remains one of DC’s most dependable bowlers.

3. Ashutosh Sharma (DC)
Ashutosh walked in with DC in ruins at 65/5. His start wasn’t fluent, but once settled, he turned into a beast. Finishing unbeaten on 66 off 31, his knock included five boundaries and five sixes.

What made it special wasn’t just the numbers, but the context—he guided DC home when all seemed lost. With 18 runs required off the last 9 balls and just one wicket left, Ashutosh remained calm and closed the game with a mighty six.

❌ Zeroes of the Match

1. Rishabh Pant (LSG)
Pant had a forgettable outing with the bat. While Pooran was firing from one end, all Pant had to do was rotate strike and support him.

But a series of dot balls built pressure, and in an attempt to break free, Pant lofted one straight to long-off caught by du Plessis off Kuldeep’s bowling.

He departed without scoring, and his shot selection left much to be desired in a high-stakes match.

2. Sameer Rizvi (DC)
Rizvi had a day he’d want to forget. First, he dropped Pooran on what should have been a straightforward catch, and Pooran made him pay heavily.

With the bat, Rizvi failed to steady the innings after DC’s early collapse. He managed just 4 off 4 balls before playing a loose drive that led to his dismissal.

With KL Rahul expected to return, Rizvi’s spot in the playing XI may now be in jeopardy.

3. Shahbaz Ahmed (LSG)
Expected to contribute as a bowling all-rounder, Shahbaz couldn’t deliver in either department. Coming in at a point where a late flourish was needed, he crawled to 9 off 8 balls.

With the ball, he looked out of rhythm, bowling just 1.3 overs and conceding 22 runs. His economy rate of 14.66 highlighted how expensive he was, as he was hit for two sixes and a four in quick time.

Final Thoughts

The DC vs LSG clash had all the ingredients of an IPL classic—big hits, collapses, comebacks, and a thrilling finish. While LSG dominated large parts of the game, it was Delhi’s resilience and Ashutosh’s brilliance that stole the show. As teams start settling into the tournament, this game will serve as a reminder that in T20 cricket, momentum can shift in a matter of balls—and no game is truly over until the final run is scored.