Delhi Break the Chepauk Curse to Go Top
Saturday’s IPL 2025 doubleheader began with Delhi Capitals grabbing a historic 25-run win over Chennai Super Kings at the MA Chidambaram Stadium — their first victory at the venue since 2010. KL Rahul, stepping in for the injured Faf du Plessis, led the charge with a classy 77 as Delhi posted a competitive 183/6.
Shankar’s Effort Not Enough for CSK
Chennai’s chase was anchored by a valiant unbeaten 69 from Vijay Shankar, but the team managed only 158/5. MS Dhoni tried to spark a late revival with a quick 30* off 26 balls in front of his home crowd, but it wasn’t enough to stop CSK from suffering a second consecutive home defeat.
Bowlers Shine as Delhi Execute Perfect Game Plan
Delhi’s bowlers were clinical on a slow surface. Vipraj Nigam stood out with figures of 2/27, while others chipped in effectively. Mukesh Kumar set the tone by removing Rachin Ravindra early, followed by Mitchell Starc and Nigam dismantling Ruturaj Gaikwad and Devon Conway to leave CSK struggling at 46/3.
Mid-Innings Pressure Chokes Chennai’s Momentum
As the pitch slowed further, Delhi kept a tight lid on Shivam Dube and Vijay Shankar. Dube was dismissed for 18 by Nigam, and Kuldeep Yadav got Ravindra Jadeja with a sharp googly. Though Shankar was handed a few lifelines, he could only reach his fifty off 43 balls, unable to accelerate in time.
Rajasthan Royals Outclass Punjab Kings in Evening Showdown
In the second match, Rajasthan Royals came out firing. Yashasvi Jaiswal roared back into form with a fluent 67, leading RR to a dominant 50-run win over Punjab Kings at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium.
Jaiswal, Parag Power Royals to 200+ Total
Jaiswal, who had struggled in the first three games, smashed three fours and five sixes in his 45-ball knock. He added 89 runs with captain Sanju Samson (38). Riyan Parag (43* off 25) and Shimron Hetmyer (20) finished the job, helping RR post a massive 205/4 — the first 200+ score at the venue in six matches.
Archer’s Early Strikes Crush Punjab’s Hopes
Punjab’s reply never recovered from Jofra Archer’s stunning first over. He removed Priyansh Arya with the first ball and later dismissed captain Shreyas Iyer, finishing with 3/25. Archer’s spell broke Punjab’s backbone early.
Wadhera’s Resistance Not Enough
Nehal Wadhera tried to steady things with a counterattacking 62 off 41, and added 88 with Glenn Maxwell (30), but the collapse came quickly. Theekshana removed Maxwell, and Hasaranga struck the very next ball to send Wadhera packing. Punjab eventually folded at 155/9, taking their first loss of the season.(cricket betting app)