22 May, 2025 | 12:10 AM
Mumbai Indians (MI) secured the final playoff berth of IPL 2025 with a commanding 59-run victory over Delhi Capitals (DC) at the Wankhede Stadium on Wednesday. A blistering unbeaten 73 by Suryakumar Yadav and match-winning spells from Mitchell Santner and Jasprit Bumrah ensured MI’s progression to the knockout stages for the 11th time in 18 seasons.
Delhi Capitals, who had started the season with four consecutive wins, suffered a dramatic collapse in form, winning just two of their next nine games to crash out of contention.
On a turning pitch with rain looming, MI were put into bat and found themselves in a spot of bother at 132 for 5. But Suryakumar and Naman Dhir powered an explosive finish, smashing 48 runs in the final two overs to push the total to 180 for 5.
Suryakumar, who reached his fifty in 36 balls, launched a late assault, scoring 28 runs off his last eight deliveries. Dhir, at the other end, contributed an unbeaten 24 off just eight balls, including a 27-run penultimate over off Mukesh Kumar, who struggled with cramps and missed his yorkers.
The innings had started steadily, with Rohit Sharma and Ryan Rickelton adding early boundaries before Mustafizur Rahman dismissed Rohit. Will Jacks looked promising but was undone by pace-off bowling and smart fielding. Kuldeep Yadav (1/25) and Vipraj Nigam (1/30) applied the brakes in the middle overs, but MI’s late flourish proved decisive.
Chasing 181, Delhi’s hopes took a hit early when captain Faf du Plessis and KL Rahul were dismissed cheaply. From there, the innings never recovered.
Mitchell Santner (3/11) and Jasprit Bumrah (3/12) dismantled the middle and lower order with masterful spells. Santner spun a web around DC’s batters, accounting for Nigam, Rizvi, and Ashutosh Sharma with a mix of flight and subtle variations. His figures equaled the best for a spinner at Wankhede in an IPL match.
Bumrah, with his impeccable off-cutters and yorkers, picked up three wickets and ensured DC never got close to the target.
Sameer Rizvi (39) and Ashutosh Sharma (17) briefly revived hope with a 38-run stand during a light drizzle, but Santner returned to knock over both batters in the 14th over, effectively ending DC’s resistance.
DC were bowled out for 121 in 17.2 overs, finishing their campaign on a disappointing note. From topping the table early on, their slump underlined issues with batting depth and inconsistency in the bowling unit, which was highlighted by head coach Tom Moody, who remarked that the bowlers "should have used the surface more."
Suryakumar’s unbeaten knock also marked his 13th consecutive 25-plus score in T20s, tying a record held by South Africa's Temba Bavuma.
With the win, Mumbai Indians join Kolkata Knight Riders, Rajasthan Royals, and Sunrisers Hyderabad in the IPL 2025 playoffs. The final league matches will determine the exact playoff matchups in the coming days.
As for Delhi Capitals, it's back to the drawing board after another campaign of missed opportunities and a mid-season slump that proved costly.
