Mitchell Starc once again proved why he is one of the most feared fast bowlers in world cricket, as he continued his dominance over Travis Head by dismissing him for the sixth time in top-flight cricket. The high-octane IPL 2025 clash between Delhi Capitals and Sunrisers Hyderabad in Visakhapatnam on March 30 saw Starc deliver a match-defining powerplay spell, leaving SRH in complete disarray.
Bowling with pace, precision, and relentless aggression, Starc troubled the SRH batters right from the start. He set the tone in the very first over of the match by forcing a run-out, sending Abhishek Sharma back to the pavilion before he could even open his account. This early breakthrough put immediate pressure on SRH, and the situation only worsened as Starc continued to attack with full intensity.
Travis Head, who has been a key batter for SRH, briefly counterattacked by striking two boundaries off Starc in the opening over. However, the seasoned fast bowler remained undeterred. With his signature ability to generate steep bounce and movement, Starc smartly varied his lengths and executed his plans with precision. His well-directed short and back-of-a-length deliveries proved to be a nightmare for SRH’s batters, and before they could recover, Starc had already inflicted significant damage.
In a devastating spell, Starc dismissed three key SRH batters—Head, Ishan Kishan, and Nitish Kumar Reddy—inside the powerplay. His raw pace and accuracy dismantled the top order, reducing SRH to a dismal 37/4 in just 4.1 overs. By the time the powerplay ended, Starc had already left a lasting impact with his figures of 3/33.
The matchup between Starc and Head has been one-sided, with Starc maintaining complete dominance over his Australian teammate. Across eight innings in top-flight cricket, Starc has dismissed Head six times while conceding just 18 runs in 34 balls. This trend continued in IPL 2025, adding to Head’s struggles against left-arm pace. The rivalry had gained attention in IPL 2024 as well, particularly during the final when Starc, then playing for Kolkata Knight Riders, single-handedly dismantled SRH’s batting lineup to help his team lift the trophy.
Before this match, the numbers were already stacked against Head. In their past encounters, Starc had dismissed him five times in just 29 balls while conceding a mere eight runs. The Delhi Capitals' think tank made the right decision to persist with Starc in the powerplay, as he once again exposed Head’s vulnerability against high-quality left-arm pace.
Beyond Starc’s brilliance, SRH’s repeated top-order collapses have emerged as a worrying trend. Under the leadership of Pat Cummins, the team has adopted an aggressive, ultra-attacking approach. While this strategy has led to some explosive performances, it has also backfired on multiple occasions. In their previous game against Lucknow Super Giants, SRH had suffered a similar batting collapse, with Ishan Kishan and Abhishek Sharma failing to fire. The lack of stability in their top order remains a major concern as they move forward in the tournament.
For Delhi Capitals, Starc’s performance was a massive boost, reinforcing their formidable bowling attack. His ability to strike early and consistently trouble batters makes him an invaluable asset. Meanwhile, for SRH, this match serves as another wake-up call. They will need to reassess their batting approach and find a way to build a more solid foundation, especially when facing elite fast bowlers like Starc.
As IPL 2025 progresses, all eyes will be on both Starc and Head. Will Starc continue to torment his Australian counterpart, or will Head find a way to break free from this pattern? With both players being crucial for their respective teams, this battle within a battle will be one to watch as the tournament unfolds.
