IPL 2025, LSG vs DC: In a night where cricket fans were treated to dazzling strokeplay, tight spells and momentum swings, one searing delivery from Mitchell Starc turned the tide irrevocably in Delhi Capitals' favour.

The moment Pooran's stumps lay scattered was the moment Lucknow Super Giants' (LSG) innings began to unravel. And Delhi never looked back. Mitchell Starc's return to the attack in the 12th over was always going to be pivotal.

But few could have predicted the clinical precision with which he dismissed Nicholas Pooran - a batter known for his ability to turn matches on their head in a matter of balls.

At 99-1, with LSG cruising and Pooran looking ominous after two quick boundaries, the momentum was theirs. But then came that delivery.

Starc's Spell: A Tactical Masterclass

With deep fielders crowding the leg-side fence - fine leg, deep backward square, deep midwicket and long-on - Starc disguised a slower ball. Pooran expected the short one. Instead, the Australian pacer, known for his variations and venom, rolled his fingers over the ball. Pooran, shaping for the pull, was completely deceived. An inside edge onto the stumps sent the leg bail flying and the stadium into stunned silence.

"Make that five in seven innings!" exclaimed the commentator, underlining Starc's uncanny dominance over Pooran in T20s. In just 14 deliveries across seven innings, Starc has now dismissed the Caribbean southpaw five times - a staggering stat that perfectly narrates their duel.

Pooran trudged back with 9 off 5 - two boundaries that promised fireworks, cut short by a moment of brilliance. Starc let out a roar, fist pumping in celebration. The scoreboard read 99-2. But symbolically, it marked the beginning of LSG's batting collapse.

The Dominoes Fall

From that moment on, it was Delhi Capitals all the way. Abdul Samad, sent in perhaps too high, struggled to connect as Starc continued to turn the screws. Samad's four-ball duck - riddled with mistimed drives, inside edges and defensive pokes - summed up LSG's sudden freeze. Aiden Markram, Mitchell Marsh and Ayush Badoni all tried to consolidate, but the rhythm was broken. Starc's spell - 4-0-25-1 - wasn't just about numbers. It was about impact.

Mukesh Kumar then cleaned up the tail with clinical precision, picking up three wickets including Marsh and Pant.

LSG eventually limped to 159-6 - a total that looked well below par on a flat surface at the Ekana.

Starc vs Pooran: A Rivalry Reignited

Pooran's recent record against Starc is becoming a psychological hurdle. This was the fifth consecutive T20 match where the Aussie pacer had his number. "It's like he's reading me every single time. Credit to him, he's bowling smart and sticking to plans," Pooran had once admitted during a post-match in 2024. Tuesday night was a live replay of that.

The Delhi Chase - Calm and Calculated

Chasing 160, Delhi's top order barely broke a sweat. KL Rahul played a captain's knock, remaining unbeaten on 57 off 42 balls, while Axar Patel's 34* off 20 was the final nail in the coffin. Earlier, Karun Nair and Abishek Porel provided a brisk start, with both Markram's wickets being the only minor hiccup.

The Capitals chased the target down with 13 balls to spare, finishing at 161-2 in 17.5 overs - a comfortable 8-wicket win that not only boosted their net run rate but also sent a strong signal to the rest of the tournament.

Turning Point: That One Delivery

T20 cricket is often called a game of moments. And on this night, the 11.2 over of LSG's innings will go down as the moment - a turning point that derailed the hosts and tilted the match entirely. Pooran's wicket was more than just a dismissal. It was a shift in energy, confidence, and ultimately, the result.

"We knew Pooran was the danger man. Getting him early was key. I'm just glad the plan worked. I held it back a little and he misread it. That's cricket. One moment can change everything," said Starc at the post-match presentation, modest in tone but towering in presence.

Back-to-back wins have reignited Delhi's campaign. KL Rahul's composed leadership, Starc's experience, and Axar's all-round contributions are forming a lethal trio. With MI lurking, DC are climbing steadily - and quietly.