New Delhi: In a thrilling IPL-18 encounter at Visakhapatnam, Delhi Capitals pulled off a stunning one-wicket victory over Lucknow Super Giants. Chasing a daunting target of 210, Delhi clinched the win in the final over. The hero of the match was Ashutosh Sharma, who played a sensational unbeaten knock of 66 runs off just 31 balls, turning the game on its head in the last few deliveries.
Delhi’s Poor Start
Delhi had a disastrous start, losing three wickets for just 7 runs. The team had high hopes from captain Axar Patel and veteran Faf du Plessis, but neither could convert their starts into big scores. Faf scored 29 off 18 balls, smashing three fours and two sixes, while Axar made a quickfire 22 off 11 balls before getting out.
Tristan Stubbs tried to stabilize the innings, scoring 34 off 22 balls, including one four and three sixes. However, his dismissal further dented Delhi’s chances, and it seemed like they were heading toward defeat. But then, Vipraj Nigam and Ashutosh Sharma stepped up to turn the game around.
Last Six Balls – Six Runs Required
Vipraj played a fiery cameo, scoring 39 off just 15 balls, bringing Delhi back into the contest. His aggressive batting gave the team hope, but he got out in the 16th over when Delhi’s score was 168/7. The chase still looked difficult, but Ashutosh Sharma took charge.
In the 17th over, Ashutosh hammered Ravi Bishnoi for two fours and a six, reducing the required run rate. With two overs remaining, Delhi needed 22 runs. Ashutosh continued his assault in the 19th over against Prince Yadav, scoring 16 runs and bringing the equation down to six runs off the final over.
Mohit Sharma bowled the last over for Lucknow. On the first ball, captain Rishabh Pant missed a crucial stumping chance, giving Delhi a lifeline. A single on the next ball brought Ashutosh on strike, and on the third delivery, he smashed a six, sealing a historic victory for Delhi.
This match will be remembered as a sensational comeback for Delhi Capitals, where Ashutosh Sharma’s fearless approach made Lucknow’s massive total look ordinary.