Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi – April 13, 2025, Delhi Capitals vs Mumbai Indians: In a high-octane clash that had fans on the edge of their seats, Mumbai Indians (MI) secured a thrilling 12-run victory over Delhi Capitals (DC) in Match 29 of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season. Despite a breathtaking knock of 89 off just 40 balls from Karun Nair, Delhi fell short in a steep chase, finishing at 193 in 19 overs after Mumbai posted a formidable 205/5.
Karun Nair’s Fairytale Comeback Falls Short
Karun Nair, who recently returned to the IPL fold, played a gem of an innings that nearly pulled off a miraculous chase for the Capitals. His 89-run blitzkrieg, studded with elegant strokes and brute power, gave Delhi a fighting chance, especially as wickets kept tumbling around him. However, the veteran was eventually undone in the 18th over, leaving Delhi needing too much too late.
Mumbai’s Power-Packed Batting Display
Opting to bat first after losing the toss, MI got off to a steady start, but it was the middle-order flourish that propelled them past the 200-run mark. Tilak Varma continued his consistent form with a classy 59 off 33 deliveries, anchoring the innings with poise and placement. He was well supported by Suryakumar Yadav, who chipped in with a fluent 40 from 28 balls.
At the top, Ryan Rickelton gave Mumbai a brisk start, smashing 41 in just 25 balls and setting the tone for an aggressive innings. The team’s total of 205/5 proved just about enough in the end.
Kuldeep and Vipraj Shine with the Ball for DC
Kuldeep Yadav was the standout bowler for Delhi, keeping things tight in the middle overs and finishing with impressive figures of 2/23 in his four overs. Vipraj Nigam also grabbed two wickets but proved a bit expensive, conceding 41 runs. Mukesh Kumar and the rest of the pace battery failed to contain the MI onslaught.
DC’s Inconsistent Middle Order Crumbles Under Pressure
While Karun Nair held one end, the Capitals’ middle order faltered under the growing required run rate. Abishek Porel made a handy 33 off 25, but no other batter could convert their start into a game-changing innings. Ashutosh Sharma’s 17 off 14 and a brief cameo from the tail were not enough to push DC over the line.
MI Bowlers Hold Nerve in the Death Overs
Veteran spinner Karn Sharma was instrumental in tightening the screws, claiming 3/36 including the crucial scalp of Karun Nair. Mitchell Santner (2/43) and Deepak Chahar (1/24) also delivered at key moments, making up for some early overs where DC looked set to pull off the chase.
Turning Point
Karun Nair’s dismissal in the 18th over was the decisive moment. With him at the crease, DC always had a chance, but once he fell, MI’s death bowlers closed the match clinically.
Match Summary:
Mumbai Indians: 205/5 in 20 overs
(Tilak Varma 59, Ryan Rickelton 41, Suryakumar Yadav 40; Kuldeep Yadav 2/23, Vipraj Nigam 2/41)
Delhi Capitals: 193 all out in 19 overs
(Karun Nair 89, Abishek Porel 33; Karn Sharma 3/36, Santner 2/43)
Result: Mumbai Indians won by 12 runs
Venue: Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi
Player of the Match: Karun Nair (despite being on the losing side, for his outstanding 89)
