The 63rd match of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025, played on May 21, 2025, at Wankhede Stadium, was a defining moment in the tournament, as Mumbai Indians (MI) took on Delhi Capitals (DC) in a battle for the final playoff spot. MI, with a legacy of 10 playoff appearances in 17 seasons, were determined to extend their impressive record, while DC, who started the season with four consecutive wins, were desperate to reverse their recent slump.
The match, played on a spin-friendly Wankhede pitch with rain adding unpredictability, saw MI post a challenging 180/5, powered by Suryakumar Yadav’s unbeaten 73 and a late blitz from Naman Dhir. DC’s chase never gained momentum, as they crumbled to 121 all out, handing MI a comprehensive 59-run victory and a playoff berth.
The match showcased MI’s ability to bounce back from early setbacks and their bowling prowess, led by Mitchell Santner and Jasprit Bumrah. For DC, the loss encapsulated their season’s inconsistency, as their early promise faded in the latter stages. The absence of key player Axar Patel due to illness further hampered DC, while MI’s depth and adaptability shone through. This review delves into the key moments, performances, and implications of this pivotal encounter.
Mumbai Indians’ Batting: Resilience and Late Fireworks
MI’s innings began on a shaky note after Delhi Capitals elected to bowl first. Early wickets put them under pressure, with Rohit Sharma (5 off 5) dismissed in the 2.2nd over and Will Jacks (21 off 13) falling in the 5.3rd over, leaving MI at 48/2. Ryan Rickelton (25 off 18) and Tilak Varma (27 off 27) provided some stability, but their dismissals by the 15th over saw MI at 113/4.
Suryakumar Yadav then took charge, anchoring the innings with a masterful 73 not out off 43 balls, including 7 fours and 4 sixes. His ability to adapt to the slow pitch was crucial, as he paced his innings perfectly.
The turning point came in the final two overs, where MI amassed 48 runs. Naman Dhir’s explosive 24 not out off just 8 balls, featuring two sixes and two fours, was a game-changer, particularly in the penultimate over, helping MI reach 180/5.
Delhi Capitals’ Bowling: Early Control, Late Collapse
DC’s bowling attack started strongly, with Mustafizur Rahman (1/30) and Kuldeep Yadav (1/22) striking early to leave MI at 58/3 after the powerplay. Mukesh Kumar (2/48) maintained pressure in the middle overs, but DC struggled to contain Suryakumar Yadav. The absence of Axar Patel, sidelined by flu, was a significant blow, as his spin could have exploited the pitch conditions.
Mukesh Kumar (2/48) proved expensive, particularly in the 19th over, where he conceded 27 runs, allowing MI to accelerate. DC’s inability to close out the innings effectively cost them dearly, as MI’s late surge set a daunting target.
Delhi Capitals’ Batting: A Collapse Under Pressure
Chasing 181, DC’s batting lineup adopted an overly aggressive approach, leading to a top-order collapse. Openers Faf du Plessis (6 off 7) and KL Rahul (11 off 6) were dismissed early, leaving DC at 20/2 in 2.4 overs. Abishek Porel (6 off 9) and Sameer Rizvi (39 off 35) attempted a recovery, but Rizvi’s departure in the 15th over sparked a collapse.
DC were 65/5 at the halfway mark, and their middle order, including Tristan Stubbs (2 off 4) and Ashutosh Sharma (18 off 16), failed to provide resistance. The lower order crumbled, with DC all out for 121 in 18.2 overs. The table below highlights DC’s fall of wickets:
Mumbai Indians’ Bowling: Santner and Bumrah Steal the Show
MI’s bowling attack was clinical, with Mitchell Santner delivering a standout performance of 3/11 in 4 overs, the most economical spell by a spinner for MI in IPL 2025. His variations on the slow, red-soil Wankhede pitch dismantled DC’s middle order, dismissing Rizwi, Nigam, and Ashutosh. Jasprit Bumrah (3/12) was equally devastating, sealing the win with a pinpoint yorker to dismiss Mustafizur Rahman.
Trent Boult (1/29) and Deepak Chahar (1/22) struck early, while Will Jacks (1/16) chipped in with a wicket. MI’s bowlers adapted superbly to the conditions, ensuring DC had no chance of mounting a comeback.
Playoff Implications and Looking Ahead
MI’s victory secured their 11th playoff appearance in 18 seasons, joining Gujarat Titans, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, and Punjab Kings in the knockout stages. With 16 points, MI now aim for a top-two finish in their remaining seven league matches. DC’s elimination was a historic low, as they became the first team in IPL history to miss the playoffs after winning their first four matches.
The loss underscored DC’s inconsistency, particularly in their batting and death bowling. As MI prepares for the playoffs, their balanced squad, led by Suryakumar’s form and a potent bowling attack, positions them as strong contenders for another title. DC, meanwhile, will need to regroup and address their shortcomings for the next season.
The MI vs DC clash was a tale of MI’s resilience and DC’s missed opportunities. Suryakumar Yadav’s match-defining 73 and the bowling heroics of Santner and Bumrah were the standout moments, while DC’s batting collapse and inability to control MI’s late surge sealed their fate. As MI marches into the playoffs, their performance in this match serves as a reminder of their championship pedigree. For DC, the focus shifts to rebuilding for 2026, with lessons to be learned from a season that promised much but delivered little.
Also Read: MI vs DC : Faf Du Plessis Reflects On DC’s Defeat Against Rampant MI