NEW DELHI: The Indian Premier League 2025 clash between Delhi Capitals and Rajasthan Royals at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on Wednesday witnessed two rare on-field incidents in the final overs of the first innings. Batting first after losing the toss, Delhi Capitals posted a competitive 188 for 5, with opener Abishek Porel top-scoring with 49 off 37 balls. KL Rahul contributed 38 off 32, while skipper Axar Patel (34 off 14) and Tristan Stubbs (34* off 18) provided the late flourish. Jofra Archer led Rajasthan’s bowling with figures of 2 for 32 in four overs.
But it was the chaotic finish to DC's innings that caught attention. In an unusual moment during the 19th over, the on-field umpire stopped play and had a word with RR captain and wicketkeeper Sanju Samson for standing too deep while keeping to Jofra Archer. Samson was almost on the edge of the inner circle, prompting the umpire to intervene just before Archer bowled his final delivery of the over.
The incident occurred on the final ball of the penultimate over when Jofra Archer bowled a slower bouncer against Ashutosh Sharma. The umpire immediately signalled it as a wide ball before the on-field match officials approached Samson to issue a caution. The replay of the delivery then showed that Samson was standing almost on the edge of the 30-yard circle. Former England cricketer Graeme Swann, who was in the commentary box at the time of the incident, said: "You can't do that. You have to be in a place to catch the ball. You can't go and stand on the edge of the ring, even though it's Jofra Archer. And that's what Samson will be saying now. He bowls 147. Mate, this is where I've got to stand. But you can't just do it for that one delivery. It's a bit obvious. Just in case the wicket turns into WACA all of a sudden. That's absolutely not going to happen here at the Arun Jaitley Stadium," he laughed.
Then came a dramatic final over from Sandeep Sharma. The experienced pacer, who had given away just 14 runs in his first three overs, bowled an 11-ball over riddled with extras — four wides and a no-ball — and conceded 19 runs. With that, Sharma joined the unwanted record for most deliveries in an IPL over. The momentum clearly shifted in Delhi's favour after the prolonged final over.
In the end, Delhi Capitals set a target of 189 runs against Rajasthan Royals, with a collective batting effort that saw Porel and KL Rahul (38) lay a solid foundation with a 63-run stand. Axar Patel's blistering 13-ball 34, along with Tristan Stubbs’ (34 not out off 18 balls) late surge, provided the final flourish in an innings where momentum swung like a pendulum between the two sides.
As the match unfolded, the atmosphere at the Arun Jaitley Stadium was electric, with fans eagerly anticipating the Rajasthan Royals' response to the challenging target. With the likes of Jos Buttler and Sanju Samson in their batting lineup, the Royals have the firepower to chase down any total, but the pressure was on them to deliver.
Delhi's innings showcased a mix of patience and aggression, particularly highlighted by Abishek Porel's knock. His innings was a testament to his growing maturity as a player, and he was well-supported by KL Rahul, who played a steady hand at the other end. The pair's partnership was crucial in setting a solid platform for the later hitters.
Axar Patel's quick runs towards the end of the innings were pivotal, as they shifted the momentum firmly in Delhi's favor. His ability to score quickly and rotate the strike kept the pressure on the Rajasthan bowlers, who struggled to contain the runs in the final overs.
Rajasthan's bowling attack, led by Jofra Archer, was put to the test, and while Archer managed to take two wickets, the rest of the bowling unit faced challenges, particularly in the final overs. The warning issued to Sanju Samson by the umpire for standing too deep while keeping to Archer added an unusual twist to the proceedings, prompting discussions about the tactical decisions made by the Royals.
As the match progresses into the second innings, all eyes will be on Rajasthan's response. Can they chase down the target of 189 runs? With their explosive batting lineup, they certainly have the potential to do so, but they will need to navigate through Delhi's bowling attack, which has shown resilience in recent matches.
The IPL 2025 season has already been filled with excitement and drama, and this match is shaping up to be another memorable encounter. Fans will be hoping for a thrilling chase as the Rajasthan Royals take to the field in pursuit of the target set by the Delhi Capitals.
With the match still ongoing, the outcome remains uncertain, but the stage is set for an exhilarating finish. Will Rajasthan Royals rise to the occasion, or will Delhi Capitals secure a vital victory? The answer lies in the coming overs, and cricket fans around the world will be glued to their screens to witness the unfolding drama.
