Rajasthan Royals vs Delhi Capitals Match Scorecard

The Indian Premier League (IPL) is a festival of cricket that brings fans together to cheer for their favorite teams. On April 16, 2025, the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi hosted a heart-pounding clash between the Rajasthan Royals vs Delhi Capitals Match Scorecard 32 of IPL 2025. This game had everything a cricket fan could dream of—big hits, tight bowling, and a dramatic Super Over finish. Let’s dive into the full scorecard, key moments, and what made this match unforgettable, all while keeping things simple and engaging for readers of all ages.

Match Overview: A Nail-Biting Tie

The Rajasthan Royals vs Delhi Capitals Match Scorecard was a rollercoaster that ended in a rare tie, with both teams scoring 188 runs in their 20 overs. The game went into the first Super Over of IPL 2025, where Delhi Capitals emerged victorious, thanks to some smart batting and clutch bowling. Held at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, this match showcased why IPL is loved worldwide—high stakes, intense competition, and moments that keep you glued to your seat.

Toss and Team Decisions

Rajasthan Royals won the toss and chose to bowl first, hoping to take advantage of the dew factor later in the evening. Delhi Capitals, led by captain Axar Patel, were happy to bat first and aimed to set a challenging total. Both teams stuck with the same line-ups from their previous matches, showing confidence in their players despite RR’s struggles in the tournament (only two wins in six games) and DC’s strong form (four wins in five).

Delhi Capitals Innings: A Solid Foundation

Delhi Capitals posted a competitive 188/5 in their 20 overs, thanks to some explosive batting and smart partnerships. Let’s break down their innings:

Key Performances

• Abishek Porel (49 off 36 balls): Porel anchored the innings, falling just one run short of a well-deserved fifty. His steady approach kept DC ticking during the middle overs.

• Axar Patel (34 off 14 balls): The captain played a fiery cameo, smashing quick runs to give DC momentum in the death overs. His aggressive batting was a game-changer.

• Tristan Stubbs (34 off 22 balls)*: Stubbs finished the innings strongly, ensuring DC crossed the 180-mark with some powerful hitting.

• KL Rahul (38 off 30 balls): Rahul’s composed knock helped stabilize the innings after early wickets, forming a crucial 50-run partnership with Porel.

Fall of Wickets

• 34/1 (2.3 overs): Jake Fraser-McGurk fell early, caught off a mistimed shot.

• 34/2 (3.1 overs): Karun Nair was dismissed, leaving DC in a spot of bother.

• 97/3 (12.4 overs): KL Rahul’s departure slowed things down briefly.

• 105/4 (13.5 overs): Porel’s innings ended, just shy of a fifty.

• 146/5 (16.6 overs): Axar Patel’s quickfire knock ended, but Stubbs kept the momentum going.

Rajasthan Royals’ Bowling

RR’s bowlers had mixed fortunes. Jofra Archer was the pick of the bowlers, taking 2 wickets, while Sandeep Sharma struggled, especially in the death overs. Wanindu Hasaranga and Maheesh Theekshana bowled tightly but couldn’t stop DC from piling on 77 runs in the last five overs, thanks to Axar and Stubbs’ late surge.

Milestones

• DC reached 50 runs in 6.4 overs.

• A 50-run partnership for the third wicket between Porel and Rahul steadied the ship.

• DC crossed 100 runs in 13.3 overs and 150 in 17.4 overs, finishing strongly at 188/5.

Rajasthan Royals Innings: A Promising Start Derailed

Chasing 189, Rajasthan Royals got off to a flying start but lost their way due to regular wickets and an unfortunate injury to their captain. They ended at 188/4, tying the game and forcing a Super Over.

Key Performances

• Yashasvi Jaiswal (51 off 32 balls): Jaiswal’s aggressive fifty set the tone, racing to 50 in just five overs alongside Sanju Samson.

• Nitish Rana (51 off 28 balls): Rana’s quickfire fifty kept RR in the hunt, but his dismissal by Mitchell Starc in the 17th over was a turning point.

• Sanju Samson (Retired Hurt): Samson was in fine form, smashing a four and a six before retiring hurt due to a rib injury in the sixth over. His absence was a massive blow.

• Shimron Hetmyer (Not Out): Hetmyer’s late flourish almost took RR over the line, but he couldn’t finish the job in the final over.

Fall of Wickets

• 76/1 (8.1 overs): Riyan Parag fell, breaking a solid partnership.

• 112/2 (13.2 overs): Jaiswal’s departure slowed RR’s momentum.

• 161/3 (17.4 overs): Rana’s wicket, thanks to Starc’s pinpoint yorker, shifted the game.

• 188/4 (20 overs): Dhruv Jurel was run out on the last ball, leading to a tie.

Delhi Capitals’ Bowling

Mitchell Starc was the hero for DC, delivering a sensational final over where he defended nine runs with precise yorkers. His efforts ensured RR couldn’t cross the finish line, and the match went to a Super Over. Kuldeep Yadav and Mohit Sharma also chipped in with crucial overs, while Vipraj Nigam struggled against Samson’s onslaught.

Milestones

• RR reached 50 runs in 4.6 overs, thanks to Jaiswal and Samson’s fiery start.

• A 50-run opening partnership came in just 30 balls.

• RR crossed 150 runs in 16.3 overs but lost momentum after Rana’s dismissal.

The Super Over: Drama at Its Peak

With the scores tied at 188, the match headed to IPL 2025’s first Super Over, delivering pure drama. Here’s how it unfolded:

Rajasthan Royals’ Super Over

RR sent out Shimron Hetmyer and Riyan Parag to bat, a decision later questioned by experts who felt Nitish Rana’s form made him a better choice. Mitchell Starc bowled for DC and was exceptional, conceding just 11 runs. Two run-outs—Hetmyer and Yashasvi Jaiswal (who came in as a substitute)—hurt RR’s chances, leaving DC with a target of 12 runs.

Delhi Capitals’ Super Over

DC’s KL Rahul and Tristan Stubbs took on Sandeep Sharma. Rahul started with a double and a boundary, setting the stage. Stubbs then smashed a massive six over midwicket off a slower short ball, sealing the victory in just four balls. DC won the Super Over by 2 wickets, reclaiming the top spot in the IPL 2025 points table.

Key Moments

• Starc’s Yorkers: Starc’s ability to nail yorkers under pressure in both the final over and Super Over earned him the Player of the Match award.

• Stubbs’ Six: Tristan Stubbs’ match-winning six was a moment of brilliance, showcasing his composure in high-pressure situations.

• Samson’s Injury: Sanju Samson’s rib injury forced him to retire hurt, disrupting RR’s chase and morale.

Player of the Match: Mitchell Starc

Mitchell Starc’s heroics with the ball made him the standout performer. His final over in the regular match and his disciplined Super Over bowling turned the game in DC’s favor. Starc’s ability to execute under pressure was praised by fans and experts alike, earning him the Player of the Match award.

Team Standings After the Match

• Delhi Capitals: The win gave DC their fifth victory in six games, propelling them to the top of the IPL 2025 points table. Their strong batting and bowling units made them a formidable force.

• Rajasthan Royals: RR slumped to their fifth loss in seven games, highlighting their inconsistency. Despite a strong start, their inability to close out games remained a concern.

Head-to-Head Record

Historically, RR and DC have been evenly matched, with each team winning 15 of their 30 IPL encounters before this game. RR’s biggest win against DC was a nine-wicket thrashing in 2013, while DC’s notable victories include a 20-run win in 2024, fueled by Abishek Porel’s 65 and Jake Fraser-McGurk’s 50. This Super Over win added another chapter to their intense rivalry.

What Made This Match Special?

This match was a classic IPL thriller for several reasons:

1. High-Scoring Drama: Both teams posted identical totals of 188, showcasing the batting firepower on display at Arun Jaitley Stadium.

2. Super Over Excitement: The first Super Over of IPL 2025 was a fitting climax, with DC’s composure outshining RR’s run-out blunders.

3. Starc’s Redemption: After a mixed season, Starc proved his worth with a game-changing performance, silencing doubters.

4. Samson’s Setback: Sanju Samson’s injury was a turning point, showing how a single moment can shift a game’s outcome.

Key Takeaways for Fans

• Delhi’s Depth: DC’s ability to bounce back after early wickets and their clutch performance in the Super Over highlighted their championship potential.

• RR’s Struggles: Rajasthan Royals need to address their inconsistency, especially in closing out tight games, to climb the points table.

• Super Over Strategy: RR’s choice of batters in the Super Over raised questions, with experts suggesting Nitish Rana could have been a better pick.

Rajasthan Royals vs Delhi Capitals Match Scorecard Summary

Delhi Capitals Innings (188/5 in 20 overs)

• Batting:

  • Abishek Porel: 49 (36)

  • Axar Patel: 34 (14)

  • Tristan Stubbs: 34* (22)

  • KL Rahul: 38 (30)

• Bowling (RR):

  • Jofra Archer: 2 wickets

  • Sandeep Sharma: 0 wickets (struggled in death overs)

• Milestones:

  • 50 runs in 6.4 overs

  • 100 runs in 13.3 overs

  • 150 runs in 17.4 overs

Rajasthan Royals Innings (188/4 in 20 overs)

• Batting:

  • Yashasvi Jaiswal: 51 (32)

  • Nitish Rana: 51 (28)

  • Sanju Samson: Retired Hurt

  • Shimron Hetmyer: Not Out

• Bowling (DC):

  • Mitchell Starc: Key wickets and final over heroics

  • Kuldeep Yadav: Tight bowling in the middle overs

• Milestones:

  • 50 runs in 4.6 overs

  • 150 runs in 16.3 overs

Super Over

• RR: 11/2 (0.5 overs) – Hetmyer and Parag run out, Starc bowled.

• DC: 13/0 (0.4 overs) – Rahul (double and boundary), Stubbs (six).

Why This Match Matters for IPL 2025

This game wasn’t just about the result—it was a showcase of resilience, strategy, and individual brilliance. For Delhi Capitals, it solidified their position as title contenders. For Rajasthan Royals, it was a reminder of the fine margins in T20 cricket. Fans will remember this match for its intensity and the thrill of the Super Over, making it one of the standout games of IPL 2025.

Conclusion

The Rajasthan Royals vs Delhi Capitals Match Scorecard on April 16, 2025, was a perfect blend of skill, drama, and excitement. From Abishek Porel’s steady batting to Mitchell Starc’s clutch bowling and Tristan Stubbs’ match-winning six, every moment kept fans on the edge. While DC celebrated a hard-fought victory, RR will look to bounce back stronger. For cricket lovers, this match was a reminder of why the IPL is the ultimate T20 spectacle. Stay tuned for more thrilling encounters as IPL 2025 unfolds!