Tristan Stubbs experienced a rollercoaster evening in Delhi Capitals’ (DC) dramatic one-wicket victory over Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in their IPL 2025 opener in Visakhapatnam. Despite a tough time with the ball, Stubbs delivered a critical batting performance that helped DC chase down a daunting 210-run target in one of the most thrilling matches of the season so far.
Key Highlights:
Nicholas Pooran’s Brutality Tests Stubbs’ Bowling
Called upon to bowl his part-time off-spin in the 10th over, Stubbs was smashed for 28 runs by Nicholas Pooran, who launched four consecutive sixes followed by a boundary. That brutal assault lifted LSG beyond the 100-run mark in just 9 overs, setting the stage for a potential 250+ total.
But DC’s bowlers fought back fiercely. Kuldeep Yadav returned with an excellent spell of 2 for 20, and Mitchell Starc delivered in crunch time with 3 for 42, restricting LSG to 209 for 8. Pooran (75 off 30) and Mitchell Marsh (72 off 36) were LSG’s standout batters, but they received little support at the death.
DC’s Chase Falters Early, Stubbs Holds Firm
In reply, DC’s top order crumbled, slumping to 7 for 3 in two overs. The recovery was anchored by debutant Vipraj Nigam and Stubbs, who came in with the team at 65 for 5. Nigam attacked the spinners, while Stubbs played the anchor, scoring a calm 34 off 22 balls.
Stubbs’ rotation of strike and timely boundaries provided the stability DC needed. He stayed calm even as wickets fell, eventually setting the stage for a late onslaught.
Stubbs’ Silent Brilliance Enables Last-Gasp Victory
Though it was Ashutosh Sharma who ultimately stole the limelight with a breathtaking 46 off 11 balls, it was Stubbs who kept the chase alive in its most difficult phase. His final contribution—a six off the first ball of the last over—put DC within striking distance.
Stubbs, who had impressed with Punjab Kings in IPL 2024, once again proved his mettle under pressure. Despite the humiliation with the ball, he displayed character and composure, turning in a match-saving effort with the bat.
M Siddharth Watch
Manimaran Siddharth (M Siddharth), part of LSG’s squad, remained on the bench for this encounter. The left-arm spinner could potentially feature in upcoming matches, especially given DC’s struggle against spin in the middle overs.
Tristan Stubbs’ contrasting roles in the match—an over punished by Pooran followed by a steady hand in a collapsing chase—highlighted the fine margins in T20 cricket. His all-round presence, even with limited success in one department, played a pivotal role in Delhi Capitals’ campaign-opening win.
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