IPL 2025: DC Knock Down PBKS in a Thriller; Top-2 Race Stays Wide Open
The drama continues in IPL 2025 as the top three teams—GT, RCB, and PBKS—have all stumbled at the final hurdle, failing to seal a top-two finish. As a result, the playoff picture remains unresolved until the final league game on Tuesday, May 27. The stakes are high, and the excitement promises to skyrocket viewership.
Delhi Capitals Close on a High
DC ended their campaign with a spirited performance, chasing down a challenging 207-run target set by PBKS with six wickets and three balls to spare at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur. Despite falling short of the playoffs, the Capitals have plenty to be proud of, especially the emergence of Sameer Rizvi, who stole the show with a match-winning knock and earned the Player of the Match award.
Sameer Rizvi (translated): "It feels amazing. I’ve worked really hard over the past 2-3 months. I didn’t think I could perform like this at this level, but that one good innings gave me the confidence. Today, I took a few balls to settle in and then backed myself."
He fittingly sealed the game with a towering six over square leg—nearly clearing the stadium.
Key Highlights:
PBKS: 206/8 (20 overs)
DC: 208/4 (19.3 overs)
DC now have 6 wins in their last 8 matches against PBKS since 2021.
This was DC's third-highest successful chase in IPL history.
Highest Successful Chases by DC Venue Year
210 vs LSG Visakhapatnam 2025
209 vs GL Delhi 2017
207 vs PBKS Jaipur 2025
Karun Nair's Comeback
Returning to the spotlight, Karun Nair was instrumental in DC’s win and showed why he earned a Test call-up.
“We deserve this. I’ve been hitting well and carrying confidence into this season. In the nets, it was coming off the bat nicely. The coaches asked me to take my time at the crease, and that advice paid off.”
Shreyas Iyer Reflects
PBKS skipper Shreyas Iyer admitted his team lacked discipline, especially with the ball.
“It was a great score on this pitch. But we missed our lengths and bowled too many bouncers. IPL is massive—it’s bigger than the Premier League in terms of intensity. We’ve got to stay calm and come back with a strong mindset.”
Faf du Plessis also expressed mixed emotions after RCB's campaign ended with a fifth-place finish.
“We aimed for a top-four finish, but fifth feels fair. IPL is about small margins, and those 5-6 over phases can decide matches. Vippy was a bright spot for us this season.”
Interesting Stats:
Most runs in death overs (16–20) since 2024:
Tristan Stubbs: 421 (SR: 230.05)
Tim David: 341 (SR: 184.32)
MS Dhoni: 337 (SR: 178.30)
Nicholas Pooran: 331 (SR: 189.14)
Shashank Singh: 323 (SR: 196.95)
Fielding woes in Jaipur:
Sawai Mansingh Stadium recorded the lowest catching efficiency (60%) in IPL 2025, with 28 dropped catches—including 8 dropped today, the joint-most in a match this season.
As we gear up for the final double-header of the league phase tomorrow, the battle for the top-two spots is still alive. Stay tuned for more edge-of-your-seat action.
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