New Delhi: In the first match of the IPL 2025 double-header on Sunday, Delhi Capitals secured a comfortable 7-wicket victory over Sunrisers Hyderabad. Batting first, Hyderabad managed to score only 163 runs before getting all out. In response, Delhi chased down the target in just 16 overs.

Zeeshan Ansari Shines with the Ball

For Sunrisers Hyderabad, Zeeshan Ansari was the only wicket-taking bowler. Interestingly, he was introduced into the attack in the 8th over, by which time Delhi’s openers had already put up 66 runs in 7 overs. Bowling his first over (the 8th over of the innings), Zeeshan conceded just 8 runs. However, he made a big impact in his second over, dismissing both Delhi openers. Had he been given the ball during the powerplay, Delhi might not have enjoyed such a flying start.

Zeeshan Breaks Strong Opening Stand

While chasing 164, Jake Fraser-McGurk and Faf du Plessis provided Delhi with a solid start, adding 81 runs for the first wicket. Zeeshan Ansari, playing his debut IPL match, broke this partnership on the very first ball of the 10th over. Faf du Plessis (50) attempted a shot towards mid-wicket, but the ball, hitting the lower part of the bat, went high in the air. Vian Mulder took a brilliant catch near the boundary to send him back. In the same over, Zeeshan took his second wicket by dismissing Jake Fraser-McGurk (38). He bowled a good-length delivery that the batter played straight back, only for Zeeshan to complete an easy catch himself.

Zeeshan Ansari Cleans Up KL Rahul with a Stunning Delivery

Zeeshan Ansari’s third wicket was none other than KL Rahul. The delivery was a masterpiece—pitched full on the leg stump, deceiving Rahul completely as he attempted a sweep shot towards fine leg. The ball crashed into the leg stump, leaving Rahul stunned. Despite Zeeshan’s brilliant effort, Delhi’s dominant start ensured they cruised to victory. The match highlighted Zeeshan’s potential, but Sunrisers Hyderabad would surely rethink their bowling strategy for upcoming games.