April 5, 2025
Highlights from IPL 2025
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In a high-octane clash at the MA Chidambaram Stadium, Delhi Capitals ended a 15-year winless drought at Chepauk with a commanding 25-run victory over Chennai Super Kings. The April 5 encounter saw KL Rahul leading from the front with a brilliant 77 off 51 balls, supported by disciplined bowling that restricted CSK to 158/5 in response to DC’s 183/6
Historic Win for Delhi Capitals Ends Chepauk Curse
Chennai, April 5, 2025 — In a high-octane IPL 2025 showdown at the MA Chidambaram Stadium, the Delhi Capitals (DC) pulled off a momentous 25-run win over Chennai Super Kings (CSK), ending a 15-year winless streak at Chepauk. This match, the 17th of the season, not only marked DC’s third straight victory but also delivered a power-packed performance led by KL Rahul’s elegant 77-run masterclass.
Winning the toss and opting to bat first, DC posted a formidable 183/6 in their 20 overs. The pitch, known for being slow and two-paced, demanded patience and timing—qualities that KL Rahul exhibited in abundance. In reply, CSK’s chase fizzled out despite solid individual efforts, finishing at 158/5, handing Delhi a crucial victory.
Highlights of KL Rahul’s Heroics and DC’s Commanding Bowling
KL Rahul, who walked out to bat after an early wicket, anchored the innings with poise. His 77 off 51 balls included 6 boundaries and 3 sixes, stitched together through vital partnerships—54 runs with Abishek Porel (33 off 20) and 56 with Sameer Rizvi (20 off 15). These alliances not only stabilized Delhi’s innings but also allowed the middle-order to swing freely toward the end.
Tristan Stubbs added a valuable unbeaten 24 off 12 balls while Axar Patel and Ashutosh Sharma made small but timely contributions. CSK’s Khaleel Ahmed was the pick of the bowlers, claiming 2 wickets for 25 runs, supported by Ravindra Jadeja and Pathirana with one wicket apiece.
Chasing 184, CSK faltered early as Rachin Ravindra and Devon Conway fell cheaply. Ruturaj Gaikwad’s brief 10-ball 5-run stay added to their woes. The rescue mission was launched by Vijay Shankar, who stayed unbeaten at 69 off 54 balls, but his cautious approach lacked the firepower to chase the rising required rate. A late cameo from the legendary MS Dhoni (30* off 26) thrilled the Chepauk crowd, but wasn’t enough to turn the tide.
Delhi’s bowlers delivered under pressure. Vipraj Nigam stood out with figures of 2/27, claiming the key wickets of Conway and Dube. Starc and Mukesh Kumar chipped in with a wicket each, and Kuldeep Yadav’s tight spells ensured the CSK middle-order couldn’t break free.
Key Match Moments:
- KL Rahul’s Match-Winning Knock: Calm under pressure, his innings formed the backbone of DC’s competitive total.
- Vijay Shankar’s Anchored Effort: Despite scoring 69 not out, his tempo raised questions during a steep chase.
- Dhoni’s Cameo Ignites Chepauk: The crowd roared as the CSK veteran smashed a six and a four in his late flourish.
- Vipraj Nigam’s Breakthroughs: His scalps of Conway and Dube turned the momentum in DC’s favor.
- DC’s Chepauk Curse Broken: For the first time since 2010, Delhi defeated CSK at their fortress.
🏏 Rahul’s knock included 6 boundaries and 3 sixes, setting the tone for DC’s innings.
🔗 Read Full Scorecard on IPLT20.com
Scorecard Summary:
Delhi Capitals (183/6 in 20 overs)
KL Rahul 77 (51), Abishek Porel 33 (20), Stubbs 24* (12)
Khaleel Ahmed 2/25, Jadeja 1/20
Chennai Super Kings (158/5 in 20 overs)
Vijay Shankar 69* (54), MS Dhoni 30* (26)
Vipraj Nigam 2/27, Starc 1/30
Player of the Match:
KL Rahul (Delhi Capitals) – For a composed and fluent innings of 77 runs, which laid the foundation for DC’s total and eventual victory.
What This Means for the Teams:
With this win, DC solidifies its position in the upper half of the IPL 2025 table, riding high with three consecutive wins. The psychological advantage of breaking the Chepauk jinx also boosts their morale. On the other hand, CSK’s third straight defeat raises concerns over their middle-order execution and urgency during run-chases.
📺 Where to Watch IPL 2025 Live
- India: Star Sports & JioCinema
- US & Canada: Willow TV
- UK & Ireland: Sky Sports
- Australia: Kayo & Foxtel
- Pakistan: Tapmad & YuppTV (free with registration)
🏠 Internal Link Suggestion: Check Out Our IPL 2025 Matches
🌐 External DoFollow Source: IPL Official Website
Stay tuned for more exclusive match coverage and insights as IPL 2025 unfolds!
