IPL 2025: KL Rahul, Tristan Stubbs Lead Delhi Capitals to Commanding Win Over RCB

RCB, batting first, posted 163 on the board—a total built on collective top-order contributions and a late surge from Tim David, who smashed 37 off just 20 balls. Despite a blistering start powered by Phil Salt’s 36 off 15 balls, RCB’s innings faltered after a top-order collapse triggered by DC's spinners.

Salt’s aggressive start saw RCB race to 53 in just three overs, but his dismissal due to a mix-up with Virat Kohli led to a slowdown. From 61/0, RCB collapsed to 105/5. Kuldeep Yadav and young leg-spinner Vipraj turned the game with two wickets each, while Mohit Sharma and Mukesh Kumar kept things tight in the middle overs. Without David's fireworks at the death, RCB would have struggled to even cross 150.

Delhi’s chase, however, didn't begin smoothly. Reduced to 58/4, DC was in a precarious position. But KL Rahul, batting on his home turf, showcased his class with a perfectly-paced 93* off 53 balls, including seven fours and six sixes. His partnership with Tristan Stubbs—who chipped in with a rapid 38 off 23 balls—was the match-defining moment, adding 111 runs for the fifth wicket and taking DC past the finish line with ease.

RCB's bowlers, despite early breakthroughs from Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Yash Dayal, couldn’t maintain pressure as the match progressed. Their spinners failed to grip the pitch like DC's did, and Josh Hazlewood had a forgettable outing, leaking 40 runs in just three overs.

With this win, Delhi Capitals secure their fourth consecutive victory this season, boosting their playoff hopes and confidence, while RCB are left to reconsider their bowling strategy and middle-order stability.