Ashutosh Sharma did the unthinkable for Delhi Capitals against Lucknow Super Giants on Monday. At a time when even the most passionate of DC fans would have thought that it was not possible for their team to chase down a 210-run target, Ashutosh Sharma thought otherwise, driving the Capitals to a thrilling one-wicket victory.
Playing at the ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium in Visakhapatnam, Ashutosh smashed an incredible 66 not out off just 31 balls, finishing it off with a towering six off Shahbaz Ahmed with three balls to spare. His performance was not just about the runs; it was how he guided his team through a precarious situation, showcasing remarkable resilience. Having started his innings when DC was reeling at 7 for 3, Ashutosh played a pivotal role in their successful chase.
Alongside debutant Vipraj Nigam, who scored 39 off 15 deliveries, Ashutosh turned the match on its head, adding 55 runs in quick succession. At one point, DC found themselves in dire straits, with six wickets down for just 113 runs. However, the duo combined exceptionally under pressure to put the game back in DC's hands.
Lucknow Super Giants had set a challenging target of 210 runs on a batting-friendly pitch, aided by strong contributions from Nicholas Pooran (75 runs) and Mitchell Marsh (72 runs). Their innings was punctuated by explosive moments but also marred by what proved to be costly errors as they lost their last six wickets for just 33 runs.
Earlier in the match, Delhi's bowlers had managed to restrict LSG to 209 for 8 amidst promising starts from Pooran and Marsh. Kuldeep Yadav was the standout bowler for DC, claiming two wickets for just 20 runs, while Mitchell Starc chipped in with three wickets but also leaked runs towards the end.
Reflecting on the game, Ashutosh highlighted the significance of his experience from previous matches, saying, "I learned from last year because there were a few games where I couldn't finish it. This entire year I focused and visualized about it, having the belief that if I play till the last over, anything can happen." His calm demeanor at the crease proved invaluable as he unleashed five sixes and five fours during his innings, maintaining an impressive strike rate of 212.90.
The match was adorned with ups and downs; LSG had initially taken control, striking early. Shardul Thakur, Manimaran Siddharth, Digvesh Rathi, and Ravi Bishnoi had caused chaos with the ball, each claiming two wickets as LSG struck four times during the powerplay. Delhi's top order disintegrated alarmingly, leaving fans oscillating between despair and hope.
But just as the match seemed lost, Ashutosh and Nigam snatched it back. Their partnership was critical, not only in runs but also in momentum. They batted aggressively, assuaging the fears of DC fans, who had already begun to ponder the worst. The turning point came when the young Nigam was dismissed after a blistering spell, leaving Ashutosh needing to finish the job with mere support from the tail end.
With six runs needed off the final over, there was palpable tension in the air. Mohit Sharma had faced two balls, seeing one nearly lead to an LBW that was turned down. But as opportunity arose, Ashutosh stood poised and ready. After Mohit had taken a single to give Ashutosh the strike again, he did what a true finisher does: he swung aggressively, clearing the boundary with a resounding hit.
This not just served as a victory for Delhi Capitals, but also marked a milestone for the franchise, with this being their highest successful chase in IPL history against LSG, underlining the significance of Ashutosh's performance.
As Delhi Capitals earned their first win of IPL 2025, it started a new era of hope for fans. With Ashutosh's hard work, determination, and explosive talent, the game may very well be a defining moment in his career—a moment he would undoubtedly aim to replicate throughout the season.
