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Rizvi and Karun Power Delhi Capitals to Six-Wicket Victory Over Punjab Kings in IPL 2025 Finale
Delhi Capitals Sign Off with a Memorable Win, Punjab Kings’ Top-Two Finish in Jeopardy
Delhi Capitals wrapped up their IPL 2025 campaign on a high note with a thrilling six-wicket win over Punjab Kings at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur. Chasing a formidable 207-run target, DC rode on Sameer Rizvi’s explosive maiden IPL fifty and Karun Nair’s composed 44 to cross the finish line with three balls to spare. This defeat has left PBKS needing a win in their final league match against Mumbai Indians to cement their top-two spot.
PBKS Post 206/8 Thanks to Iyer and Stoinis
Powerplay: Positive Start Despite Early Losses
Batting first, Punjab Kings posted an imposing total of 206/8 in 20 overs. The innings began with intent as Josh Inglis and Prabhsimran Singh stabilized after an early wicket. Inglis looked fluent, playing shots around the wicket, while Shreyas Iyer anchored the middle overs after coming in early.
Middle Overs: Iyer’s Masterclass
Shreyas Iyer was the mainstay during the middle phase, scoring a well-crafted 53 off 34 deliveries. He showcased his class with clean strokes over cover and deep mid-wicket and forged a vital 41-run stand with Nehal Wadhera. Despite losing Prabhsimran and Wadhera in quick succession, Iyer maintained the tempo.
Death Overs: Stoinis Blasts PBKS Past 200
The final phase belonged to Marcus Stoinis, who launched a counter-attack with a brutal 16-ball 44 not out, hammering five sixes and four boundaries. His onslaught in the final overs, particularly a 22-run 19th over off Mohit Sharma, took PBKS well past the 200-run mark.
DC’s Strong Response Led by Rizvi and Nair
Powerplay: Rahul and Du Plessis Provide a Launchpad
DC’s response was equally aggressive. KL Rahul, brought in as an Impact Sub, and skipper Faf du Plessis gave the side a fiery start. The pair struck boundaries consistently and amassed 61/1 in the Powerplay, slightly better than PBKS’ 60/2. Rahul’s quickfire innings kept the momentum alive until his dismissal in the 6th over.
Middle Overs: Rizvi and Nair Take Charge
Karun Nair and Sameer Rizvi orchestrated a superb middle-overs phase. Despite a few quick wickets, the duo maintained a high scoring rate. Nair’s boundary-laden innings of 44 off 27 balls and Rizvi’s audacious strokeplay tilted the match in DC’s favour.
Rizvi’s aggressive intent saw him strike five sixes and four boundaries. His calculated hitting, especially during overs 16 to 18, swung the game as DC reduced the equation to a manageable 22 off 12 balls.
Related: See Delhi Capitals’ complete IPL 2025 campaign overview
Death Overs: Rizvi’s Finishing Touch
With nerves mounting, Rizvi showed remarkable calmness, striking a vital six off Arshdeep Singh to bring up his 22-ball fifty—his first in the IPL. A six over fine leg in the final over sealed the win for DC and concluded their season on a triumphant note.
Where the Match Was Won: Middle Overs Domination
The middle overs proved decisive in this encounter. Though PBKS scored 82 runs, DC countered with 94 in the same phase, hitting more sixes (5 vs PBKS’ 3) and keeping the required run rate in control. The Rizvi-Nair partnership provided the ideal bridge to a successful chase.
Match Summary
Punjab Kings: 206/8 in 20 overs
(Shreyas Iyer 53, Marcus Stoinis 44*; Mustafizur Rahman 3-33)
Delhi Capitals: 208/4 in 19.3 overs
(Sameer Rizvi 58*, Karun Nair 44; Harpreet Brar 2-41)
Result: Delhi Capitals won by 6 wickets
What Next for Punjab Kings?
Delhi Capitals have officially ended their IPL 2025 journey. As for Punjab Kings, they face Mumbai Indians on May 26 in a do-or-die contest for a top-two finish. The outcome of that match will determine their playoff positioning and potentially provide them with a second chance in the qualifiers.
Read full IPL 2025 schedule and playoff qualification rules on IPLT20.com
