Cricholic
Jos Buttler delivered one of the finest knocks of IPL 2025, smashing an unbeaten 97 off just 54 balls. As a result, Gujarat Titans chased down 204 – their highest successful chase in IPL history. Notably, this match also marked the first time in 14 attempts that Delhi Capitals failed to defend a total of over 200.
🔥 Where Jos Buttler Turned the Game Around
The momentum shifted in the middle overs, primarily due to Jos Buttler’s aggression. Initially, GT played it safe against Kuldeep Yadav. However, once Buttler got going, the runs began to flow freely. Consequently, Gujarat Titans raced ahead in the chase.
🧨 Jos Buttler’s Assault on Starc Changed Everything
By the 15th over, Buttler was visibly struggling with cramps. Even so, he unleashed a brutal attack on Mitchell Starc, hitting five boundaries in six deliveries. Naturally, this over completely flipped the game in GT’s favor.
📊 Middle Overs Comparison – Buttler’s Impact in Numbers
| Team | Runs/Wkts | Run Rate | 4s/6s |
|---|---|---|---|
| Delhi Capitals | 77/2 | 8.56 | 4/3 |
| Gujarat Titans | 91/1 | 10.12 | 9/4 |
Clearly, Gujarat Titans dominated this phase — thanks in large part to Buttler’s calculated aggression and boundary-hitting spree.
🏟 Delhi Capitals Innings Recap
⚡ PowerPlay: Rahul Fires, But GT Strikes Back
- Score: 73/2
- Highlight: KL Rahul’s quick-fire shots gave DC early momentum.
At first, it looked like Delhi would post a massive total. Nevertheless, Prasidh Krishna’s clever use of the crease and pace changes brought GT back into the contest.
🔄 Middle Overs: Rashid Khan Goes Wicketless Again
- Score: 77/2
- Key Moment: Axar and Stubbs hit a six each off Rashid Khan.
Although DC lost Karun Nair early in this phase, Axar Patel took charge. Furthermore, Stubbs joined the party, attacking Rashid to lift the scoring rate. However, Siraj broke the partnership just when it was gaining steam.
💣 Death Overs: Ashutosh Sparks Late Surge
- Score: 53/4
- Highlight: Ashutosh Sharma hit two big sixes off Krishna.
As fatigue set in due to the heat, players began cramping. Despite that, Ashutosh Sharma played a brilliant cameo, ensuring DC went past 200. Even though Krishna struck twice in the 18th over, Ashutosh’s fireworks helped DC finish strong.
🛡 Gujarat Titans Innings Breakdown
🚀 PowerPlay: Buttler & Sudharsan Set the Tone
- Score: 67/1
- 4s/6s: 8/3
After Gill’s run-out, Sudharsan and Jos Buttler stitched a quick partnership. Moreover, Buttler’s two sixes off Nigam added pressure on Delhi early on.
🧠 Middle Overs: Jos Buttler Takes Control
- Score: 91/1
- Standout: Buttler’s 15th over assault tilted the match.
Initially, Rutherford struggled to connect. But once he found rhythm with a six against Kuldeep, the duo began scoring freely. Meanwhile, Buttler punished every poor delivery, especially targeting Mohit Sharma and Starc.
❄️ Death Overs: Tewatia Completes the Job
- Score: 46/1
- Finish: Tewatia hits a six and a four in two balls
As the chase neared its end, Mukesh bowled a tight penultimate over. Still, Rahul Tewatia stepped in to deliver the final blow — hitting a six and a four to finish the game with four balls remaining.
📋 Match Summary
Delhi Capitals: 203/8 in 20 overs
(Axar Patel 39, Ashutosh Sharma 37; Prasidh Krishna 4-41)
Gujarat Titans: 204/3 in 19.2 overs
(Jos Buttler 97, Rutherford 43, Sudharsan 36)*
➡️ Result: Gujarat Titans won by 7 wickets
📅 What’s Next for GT and DC?
- 🟡 Gujarat Titans vs KKR – April 21, Kolkata
- 🔵 Delhi Capitals vs LSG – April 22, Lucknow
Both teams will now shift their focus to the next challenge, with limited recovery time in between.
