In a spectacle that captured the essence of T20 cricket, Gujarat Titans (GT) delivered a commanding 7-wicket victory over Delhi Capitals (DC) in Match 35 of the TATA IPL 2025 on April 19, 2025, at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. Chasing a daunting 204, GT, led by the irrepressible Jos Buttler, showcased a blend of aggression and composure to secure the top spot on the points table with four balls to spare.
This wasn’t merely a win; it was a declaration of intent from a team firing on all cylinders. Buttler’s unbeaten 97 off 54 balls, coupled with Prasidh Krishna’s match-defining 4/41, underlined GT’s superiority in a game that swung like a pendulum but ultimately tilted decisively in their favor.
The contest was a showcase of contrasting fortunes. DC, batting first, posted a competitive 203/8, powered by explosive cameos from KL Rahul, Karun Nair, and Ashutosh Sharma. Yet, their bowling unit crumbled under the weight of GT’s relentless chase. Buttler’s masterclass, supported by Sherfane Rutherford’s gritty 43, exposed DC’s vulnerabilities, particularly in the death overs, where Mitchell Starc’s expensive spell proved costly. This match was a testament to GT’s depth and resilience, while DC were left to ponder their bowling strategy in a tournament that waits for no one.
Match Overview
GT won the toss and opted to bowl first, setting the stage for an aggressive start. Openers Abishek Porel (18 off 9) and KL Rahul (31 off 18) provided early fireworks, but GT’s bowlers, led by Prasidh Krishna, struck at regular intervals. Karun Nair’s 28 off 14 and a 53-run partnership between Tristan Stubbs (31 off 21) and Axar Patel (39 off 32) kept DC in the game.
Ashutosh Sharma’s late blitz of 37 off 19, with three sixes, pushed DC to 203/8. Krishna’s 4/41 was the highlight, with Mohammed Siraj and Arshad Khan each claiming a wicket.
GT’s chase began with Sai Sudharsan’s brisk 36 off 21 ended via Kuldeep yadav. Subhman Gill’s brief 7 off 5 a run-out halted his momentum, but Jos Buttler took charge, forging a 60-run stand with Sudharsan and a 50-run partnership with Rutherford.
Buttler’s 97* (11 fours, 4 sixes) was a T20 batting clinic, while Rutherford’s 43 off 34 ensured the required run rate stayed in check. Rahul Tewatia (11* off 3), who hit the winning runs off Starc, sealed the chase in 19.2 overs, handing GT a 7-wicket victory.
Delhi Capitals’ Batting: Sparks Amidst Stumbles
DC’s batting effort was a tale of promise unfulfilled. Abishek Porel set the tone with a blistering 18 off 9 (3 fours, 1 six), but his early dismissal by Arshad Khan in the second over shifted pressure to the middle order. Karun Nair, in fine form, scored 31 off 18 (2 fours, 2 sixes) at a strike rate of 172.22, only to fall to Prasidh Krishna. KL Rahul’s 28 off 14 (4 fours, 1 six) injected momentum, but lbw bowled by Krishna ended his stay, a moment that disrupted DC’s flow.
The middle order rallied through Tristan Stubbs and Axar Patel. Stubbs’ 31 off 21 (2 four, 1 sixes) provided stability, while Patel’s 39 off 32 (1 fours, 2 sixes) added impetus. Their 53-run stand was crucial, but Prasidh Krishna’s double strike, dismissing Patel and others, pegged DC back. Ashutosh Sharma’s explosive 37 off 19 (2 fours, 3 sixes) and a cheeky 4 off 1 from Kuldeep Yadav ensured DC crossed 200, finishing at 203/8. Despite these efforts, GT’s bowlers, particularly Krishna, ensured DC’s total remained within reach.
Gujarat Titans’ Bowling: Prasidh Krishna’s Masterclass
GT’s bowling was spearheaded by Prasidh Krishna, whose 4/41 earned him the Purple Cap. Krishna’s ability to mix pace with pinpoint yorkers troubled DC’s batsmen, with key scalps including Karun Nair and Axar Patel. His spell was a game-changer, ensuring DC couldn’t post an unassailable total.
Mohammed Siraj (1/47) and Arshad Khan (1/46) were expensive but struck early, dismissing Stubbs and Porel respectively. Rashid Khan bowled a tidy 4-0-38-0, maintaining pressure, while another bowler, possibly Sai Kishore (1/9 in 1 over), chipped in with a wicket.
Gujarat Titans’ Batting: Buttler’s Near-Century Steals the Show
GT’s chase was a showcase of Jos Buttler’s T20 prowess. After Sai Sudharsan’s 36 off 21 (5 fours, 1 six) ended by Kuldeep Yadav, and Subhman Gill’s 7 off 5 ended by a run out, Buttler took control. His unbeaten 97 off 54 (11 fours, 4 sixes) at a strike rate of 179.62 was a blend of elegance and power.
A 60-run stand with Sudharsan and a 50-run partnership with Sherfane Rutherford (43 off 34, 1 four, 3 sixes) kept GT ahead of the required rate. Rahul Tewatia’s quick 11* off 3 (1 four, 1 six) finishing touches, including a six and four off Starc, sealed the chase in 19.2 overs.
𝘽𝙤𝙨𝙨𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝘾𝙝𝙖𝙨𝙚, the Jos Buttler way 💥
Team over personal milestones 🙌
Taking on Mitchell Starc 💪
Thriving at #GT 💙
And more…🎥 Jos Buttler breaks down a special outing in Ahmedabad – By @jigsactin #TATAIPL | #GTvDC | @josbuttler
— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) April 20, 2025
Delhi Capitals Bowling: A Toothless Attack
DC’s bowling unit struggled to defend 204, managing only two wickets with the ball and one run-out. Kuldeep Yadav (1/30 in 4 overs) dismissed Sudharsan, while Mukesh Kumar (1/40) dismissed Rutherford late in the chase.
Mitchell Starc, expected to lead the attack, was woefully off-color, conceding 49 runs in 3.2 overs without a wicket. His final over, where Tewatia smashed a six and a four, was particularly costly. Axar Patel (0/18 in 2 overs) and Vipraj Nigam (0/34 in 4 overs) were economical but wicketless, while Mohit Sharma’s part-time bowling leaked 28 runs in 2 overs.
The Road Ahead: GT Soar, DC Stumble
This victory catapults Gujarat Titans to the summit of the IPL 2025 points table, reinforcing their status as title favorites. Jos Buttler’s form, Prasidh Krishna’s bowling, and the team’s batting depth make them a formidable unit. Their ability to chase big totals with composure will boost their confidence as the tournament progresses.
For Delhi Capitals, the loss is a wake-up call. Despite a strong batting display, their bowling, particularly Starc’s struggles, exposed vulnerabilities. With the tournament still in its early stages, DC have time to regroup, but addressing their death-overs bowling will be critical to their title aspirations.
The match also saw moments of on-field intensity, with reports of Ishant Sharma’s mid-match exchange with Ashutosh Sharma, though details remain sparse. Such moments only added to the drama of a contest that had fans on the edge of their seats. As GT celebrate their ascent, DC must dust themselves off and prepare for the battles ahead in this unforgiving tournament.
Also Read: GT vs DC: Records Galore After GT Win A Nail Bitter Against DC