Mitchell Starc No-Ball in Super Over Leaves Fans Shocked: In a thrilling IPL 2025 match between Rajasthan Royals and Delhi Capitals, Mitchell Starc turned hero and heart-stopper. In the dramatic Super Over, Starc delivered a nearly flawless over—but a rare rule violation created a moment of complete confusion.
The twist? Starc was called for a rare back-foot no-ball during the Super Over. This happened because his back foot slightly touched the return crease—something most cricket fans and even players don’t often see. As per MCC Law 21.5, a bowler’s back foot must stay completely inside the return crease. This mistake gave Rajasthan Royals an extra run and a free hit.
Thankfully for Delhi, the penalty didn’t cost them the match.
But that’s just part of the story.
Yorkers, Reverse Swing & A Super Over Showdown
Starc’s overall performance was nothing short of legendary. Despite being hit early in the powerplay by Yashasvi Jaiswal, the Australian speedster came back stronger. Captain Axar Patel trusted him to defend just 8 runs in the final over, and Starc repaid that trust in full.
Starc delivered deadly yorkers—five out of six—during the last over of RR’s chase, squeezing every bit of reverse swing from the old, saliva-applied ball. His toe-crushing deliveries were too good even for big hitters like Shimron Hetmyer and Dhruv Jurel.
Even RR’s Nitish Rana admitted after the game, “The reverse swing with saliva made a huge difference. Starc’s accuracy at that pace was unbelievable.”
Axar Starc Connection: Strategy & Execution
Axar revealed after the match, “I told him, don’t over-complicate. He replied, ‘Don’t worry, skip, I’ll do it’.” And he surely did. His consistent yorkers forced the game into a Super Over after RR needed just 9 from the last over—an unbelievable comeback.
Though his no-ball brought in a free hit in the Super Over, Starc held his nerve. He conceded just 10 runs and helped DC win the nail-biter by chasing 11 runs in just 4 balls of the super over.
Also Read: MS Dhoni Creates IPL History: First Player to Record 200 Dismissals
Starc’s Impact in IPL 2025
Mitchell Starc has now taken 10 wickets in IPL 2025—five of them in the death overs. His death-over economy has been strong, showing why he remains one of the world’s best pacers under pressure.
Here’s a look at his performance this season by phase:
| Phase | Overs | Economy | Wickets |
| Powerplay (1-6) | 13 | 11.84 | 4 |
| Middle Overs (7-15) | 3 | 4.66 | 1 |
| Death Overs (16-20) | 5.4 | 8.82 | 5 |
Conclusion
Mitchell Starc’s rare no-ball might have created confusion, but his execution, reverse swing, and big-match mindset delivered a masterclass. From defending under pressure to turning a sure loss into a Super Over win, Starc reminded everyone why he’s still a legend in T20 cricket.
FAQs
What is a back-foot no-ball in cricket?
A bowler must keep their back foot inside the return crease. If it touches the line or goes outside, it’s called a no-ball under MCC Law 21.5.
Did Starc’s no-ball cost Delhi the game?
No. Even though RR got a free hit, Starc’s brilliant bowling ensured DC still won the match.
How many yorkers did Starc bowl in the final over?
Starc bowled 5 out of 6 balls as perfect yorkers, helping DC tie the match and win in the Super Over.
Has the use of saliva made a comeback?
Yes. Saliva was used in this match and helped generate reverse swing, which proved crucial in the death overs.
What’s next for Starc in IPL 2025?
He’s one of DC’s most important bowlers at the death. If he continues this form, he could lead DC into the playoffs.
