Delhi Capitals pulled off a thrilling one-wicket victory over Lucknow Super Giants in their Indian Premier League 2025 season opener. Chasing 210 to win, DC lost their top order early, finding themselves in trouble. However, Ashutosh Sharma and Vipraj Nigam steadied the innings when the team needed 97 runs from 45 balls. The duo built a crucial 55-run partnership, bringing the equation down to 42 runs from 24 balls. After Nigam fell for a quickfire 39 off 15 balls, Ashutosh carried on, steering the chase with an unbeaten 66 off 31 deliveries. Speaking to the media after the epic win, DC vice-captain Faf du Plessis lauded the youngsters for their fearless approach. "I'm definitely going to drink some more masala tea to make sure I can hit the ball like the boys do at the end," he quipped. Du Plessis also expressed his admiration for young Indian cricketers and their effortless power-hitting ability. "As an overseas player, one thing that's remarkable for me to watch is the number of Indian players who are so powerful and have the ability to strike the ball so easily," he added. 'The most important single of Mohit's career' When the 55-run partnership between Ashutosh and Vipraj was broken, LSG clawed their way back by dismissing Mitchell Starc and Kuldeep Yadav. Read: Watch: Shikhar Dhawan surprises Ashutosh with special call following his gesture In the final over, DC needed six runs to win with one wicket in hand. Mohit Sharma was on strike while Ashutosh watched anxiously from the other end. After a missed stumping opportunity on the first delivery, Mohit calmly took a single to rotate the strike. Ashutosh then sealed the victory with a decisive hit, earning praise from Du Plessis. "That's probably the best and most important single that Mohit Sharma has ever taken in his life – a beautiful forward defence, just pushing it into the gap. What a story to get the big man back on strike to hit it for six," Du Plessis said. Reflecting further, he compared the moment to South Africa's historic 438-run chase against Australia. "It actually reminded me a little bit of the 438 game against Australia when Makhaya [Ntini] got that important single towards the end." Delhi Capitals will next face Sunrisers Hyderabad in their second match of IPL 2025. KL Rahul, who missed the opening game, is expected to return for the Sunday fixture.