![Mitchell Starc [Source: @DelhiCapitals/X]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1744894522291_Starc_11_11.jpg?type=mq)
Mitchell Starc [Source: @DelhiCapitals/X]
The Delhi Capitals (DC) celebrated Mitchell Starc’s match-winning exploits against RR with a cheeky hoarding, blending humour and admiration for the Australian speedster. For the unaware, in a heart-stopping encounter on Wednesday, Starc’s ice-cool nerves turned the tide for DC.
With Rajasthan needing nine off six balls, Starc conceded just eight, dismissing Shimron Hetmyer and restricting RR to 188/6, mirroring DC’s total and forcing a Super Over. Tributing his efforts, DC put up a witty tribute for the Aussie quick.
DC Comes Up With Unique Tribute For Starc!
The billboard features Starc mid-delivery with the caption: “Bina Challan Ke Speeding Kar Sakta Hu” (I can speed without a traffic ticket), a playful nod to his express pace that left Rajasthan Royals (RR) batters scrambling in their IPL 2025 clash. The pun cleverly merges Starc’s lethal bowling with Delhi’s notorious traffic rules.
Meanwhile, the defence of the chase was, however, half of the highlight as the drama escalated in the Super Over, where Mitchell Starc returned to bowl under immense pressure.
Despite a free hit due to a waist-high no-ball, RR managed only 11 runs as Riyan Parag and Yashasvi Jaiswal fell to chaotic run-outs. DC’s KL Rahul (27) and Tristan Stubbs (10) then sealed the win in four balls against Sandeep Sharma, sparking wild celebrations in the capital camp.
RR’s Rollercoaster Chase: Jaiswal’s Blitz, Samson’s Agony
Chasing 189, RR’s openers Sanju Samson and Yashasvi Jaiswal unleashed a powerplay blitz, racing to 63/0 in six overs. Jaiswal hammered 19 runs off Starc’s third over, including two fours and a six, while Samson survived a dropped catch to smash 28 off 14 before retiring hurt with a back strain. Jaiswal’s fluent 51 (36 balls) kept RR on track, but Axar Patel’s breakthrough to remove Riyan Parag (8) and Kuldeep Yadav’s dismissal of Jaiswal shifted momentum.
Nitish Rana (51 off 28) then anchored the middle order, capitalizing on a dropped chance to punish DC with six boundaries. However, Starc returned in the 19th over to clean-bowl Rana, and his clinical 20th over choked RR’s chase, setting the stage for the Super Over spectacle.
DC’s Earlier Fireworks
Earlier, DC posted 188/5 after being put in to bat, thanks to late fireworks from Tristan Stubbs (34* off 18) and Axar Patel (34 off 14). Abhishek Porel’s explosive 49 (37 balls) laid the foundation, while KL Rahul’s steady 38 stabilized the innings after Jofra Archer (2/32) struck early blows.
Axar’s brutal hitting, including back-to-back sixes off Sandeep Sharma, and Stubbs’ 19-run assault in the final over propelled DC to a competitive total. With this win, DC climbed the points table, while RR rued missed chances in a game that epitomized the IPL’s thrill-a-minute spirit.
 "Soumyajit Dutta")
