In Match 63 of IPL 2025, the Mumbai Indians (MI) snatched a 59-run win against the Delhi Capitals (DC) to keep their playoff hopes alive at the iconic Wankhede Stadium. Batting first, MI managed a strong score of 180/5 despite tricky conditions behind Suryakumar Yadav’s unbeaten 73* (43 balls). The explosive cameo from Naman Dhir, batting 23* off 12 balls, bolstered the innings at the development phase of the innings. MI blazed nearly 50 runs in the last couple of overs, turning what appeared to be a 160 total into a significant target of 180. 

In a normal season, these runs would be utterly unattainable, but the MI bowlers used scoreboard pressure on DC. A lone effort from Sameer Rizvi (39 off 35 balls) stood out amongst the batting hurdle. It became evident during the DC innings that MI's bowlers were always going to be relentless—I mean, look at their roster! Mitchell Santner (3/11) routed DC through the middle overs, Jasprit Bumrah (3/12) struck bowled through the powerplay and the death, and Will Jacks played a DD before DC's respective batsmen could blink. MI quickly routed DC for 121 in 18.2 overs.  

DC's early followers, including Kuldeep and Mukesh, were always in control, but their efforts spiraled down a rabbit hole in the last few overs, where DC didn't have Axar Patel and Mitchell Starc. the Indian team would have driven MI down a rabbit hole themselves. MI now surges with confidence toward the playoff battle, while DC’s hopes hang by a thread, needing wins in all remaining games.

1. Expensive Death Overs

Delhi Capitals was completely in control for the first 18 overs, keeping MI down to a modest score. Their death bowling fell apart completely, giving away almost 50 runs in the last two overs. With loose bowling from DC, batting maestro Suryakumar Yadav and Naman Dhir took MI up to a relevant 180 total -- more than enough on a slow Wankhede pitch.

Also Read: IPL 2025, Match 63: Mumbai Indians vs Delhi Capitals Full Match Highlights

2. Batting Collapse Under Pressure

Delhi's batting never really got going in that chase. Sameer Rizvi ground out a hard-fought 39, but apart from a few wandering partnerships, the batting never got going. In just 18.2 overs, Delhi capitulated for just 121 runs. Michal Santner (3/11) and Jasprit Bumrah (3/12), simply put, piled pressure on the DC batting at crucial times, too, exposing DC's fragility.

3. Absence of Key Players

Delhi's missing Axar Patel and Mitchell Starc was severely damaging. With Axar turning the ball, he would have had a field day as Santner did. Starc's raw pace would have added bite to the attack. Without Starc and Axar Patel, DC would have had to play to their strengths, key players who lacked a 'bite,' as they attempted to match up against the quality of MI.