Mitchell Starc delivered a masterclass in fast bowling, claiming his first five-wicket haul in T20 cricket to steer Delhi Capitals to a comprehensive seven-wicket victory over Sunrisers Hyderabad in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025. The 35-year-old Australian left-arm pacer finished with figures of 5-35, dismantling the Sunrisers' batting lineup and setting the stage for a comfortable chase.

Starc's Dominance with the Ball

Starc's spell was a blend of precision and aggression, as he removed key batsmen early in the innings. He dismissed Abhishek Sharma and Ishan Kishan in quick succession, both falling to ambitious shots. The highlight of his spell was the dismissal of his Australian teammate Travis Head, who was caught behind by KL Rahul. This marked the sixth time Starc has dismissed Head across all formats, a testament to his dominance over the left-hander.

Delhi Capitals' Clinical Chase

In response to Sunrisers' total of 163, Delhi Capitals got off to a flying start thanks to a blistering 81-run opening partnership between Faf du Plessis and Jake Fraser-McGurk. Du Plessis smashed a quickfire 50 off just 27 balls, setting the tone for the chase. Despite a spirited effort from Sunrisers' debutant spinner Zeeshan Ansari, who picked up three wickets, Delhi's middle order ensured there were no hiccups. Abishek Porel and Tristan Stubbs remained unbeaten, guiding the team home with 30 balls to spare.

Key Stats and Milestones

• Starc became the oldest seam bowler to take a five-wicket haul in the IPL at 35 years and 59 days.
• His figures of 5-35 are the 13th best by an overseas player in the IPL and the seventh best by a left-arm seamer.
• This was only the second five-wicket haul by a Delhi Capitals player in the IPL, the first being Amit Mishra's 5-17 in 2008.

Starc's Reflections

After the match, Starc emphasized the challenges of bowling in T20 cricket and the need for innovation. "You have to think outside the box a lot more now with how the scores are trending," he said. "It was nice to contribute today and help the team secure the win."

Looking Ahead

With two wins from their opening two matches, Delhi Capitals are off to a strong start in IPL 2025. Starc's form will be crucial as they aim to build momentum in the tournament. Meanwhile, Sunrisers Hyderabad will need to regroup and address their batting inconsistencies to stay competitive.

This match not only highlighted Starc's brilliance but also showcased Delhi Capitals' depth and resilience, making them a formidable contender in this year's IPL.