Introduction: Delhi Capital VS Mumbai Indians TimelinDelhi Capitals vs Mumbai Indians Timeline of Matches
The rivalry between Delhi Capitals (formerly Delhi Daredevils) and Mumbai Indians is one of the most gripping storylines in the IPL. Since their first face-off in 2008, both teams have delivered a mix of thrilling finishes, dominant wins, and unforgettable performances. Let’s walk through the evolution of this high-voltage clash over the years.
Table of Contents
Early Days and Initial Encounters
It all started in 2008, the inaugural IPL season. Mumbai Indians drew first blood, defeating Delhi Daredevils by 29 runs at the Wankhede Stadium on May 4. However, Delhi bounced back strongly, chasing down the target to win by 5 wickets just 20 days later in their home match.
In 2009, with the IPL being played in South Africa, Delhi held the upper hand again. They won both matches – one in Centurion and another in East London – showing their strength on neutral grounds.
Back-and-Forth Years (2010–2015)
The next few seasons were a tug-of-war:
- In 2010 and 2011, Mumbai came back hard with four wins, including a massive 98-run victory in Delhi in March 2010.
- Delhi, however, managed to punch back here and there, making the battles fairly even.
- 2012 saw Delhi clinch two important wins, including a 7-wicket chase in Mumbai and a 37-run win at home.
- In 2013, both teams defended their turfs – Delhi won in Delhi, Mumbai in Mumbai.
- By 2014 and 2015, the trend continued. Whenever the teams played on home soil, they usually came out on top.
The High-Scoring Era (2016–2019)
This period turned up the heat with some electrifying matches:
- In 2016, Delhi put up a solid total and defended it well on home ground.
- May 2017 witnessed Mumbai’s most dominant win over Delhi – a crushing 146-run win, their biggest victory against the Capitals.
- 2018 was a golden run for Delhi, who beat Mumbai twice – once by 7 wickets and again with a strong home performance.
- In 2019, Delhi posted a mighty 213/6 in Mumbai, securing a 37-run win, while Mumbai retaliated in the reverse fixture at Delhi.
The 2020 Final Showdown
The 2020 IPL season, held in the UAE due to the pandemic, was a turning point. Delhi reached their first-ever IPL final, only to face the formidable Mumbai Indians in Dubai on November 10, 2020.
Mumbai held their nerves, posting 157/5 and winning the final by 5 wickets, clinching their fifth IPL title. Notably, Mumbai defeated Delhi three times in that same season, showcasing their dominance in the bubble format.
Changing Momentum (2021–2024)
The post-COVID seasons continued the seesaw battle:
- 2021: Delhi claimed wins in Chennai and Sharjah, before falling to Mumbai in a tight game at Wankhede in March 2022.
- May 21, 2022: Delhi capitalized at home to grab another win.
- 2023: Mumbai struck back, securing a crucial win in Delhi on April 11.
- 2024: It was a split verdict – Mumbai beat Delhi by 29 runs at home, while Delhi posted their highest ever total against Mumbai – a staggering 257/4 – at Arun Jaitley Stadium. They followed it up with a 10-run win on April 27.
Head-to-Head Snapshot (2008–2024)
- Total Matches Played: 36
- Mumbai Indians Wins: 20
- Delhi Capitals Wins: 16
Mumbai have been slightly ahead, winning 55.6% of the games, but Delhi has kept the rivalry competitive, especially in home matches at Arun Jaitley Stadium, where they’ve won 7 times.
Top Performers
Batting:
- Rohit Sharma (Mumbai Indians): Leading run-scorer in this rivalry with 867 runs.
- Rishabh Pant (Delhi Capitals): Has consistently stepped up in big games.
- KL Rahul (Delhi, 2025): Added significant firepower, with 493 runs this season alone.
Bowling:
- Jasprit Bumrah (Mumbai Indians): The standout bowler with 26+ wickets against Delhi.
- Axar Patel (Delhi): Continues to be a game-changer with his economical spells.
- Lasith Malinga & Harbhajan Singh: Played key roles in Mumbai’s dominance during their peak years.
What Happened in 2025?
This season saw another dramatic chapter in the rivalry.
- On April 13, 2025, Mumbai snatched a 12-run win at Arun Jaitley Stadium, defending 205/5. Karn Sharma’s 3 wickets turned the game around, halting Delhi’s early winning streak.
- On May 21, Mumbai delivered a knockout blow to Delhi, winning by 59 runs. Suryakumar Yadav’s unbeaten 73 and Naman Dhir’s quick cameo helped Mumbai post 180/5, while Delhi collapsed under pressure and got eliminated from playoff contention.
What made this moment historic was that Delhi, despite winning their first four matches, failed to qualify for playoffs – a first in IPL history. They finished fifth with 15 points from 14 games – a season of bright moments but lacking clutch finishes.
Final Takeaway: A Rivalry That Keeps Giving
Over the years, Mumbai Indians vs Delhi Capitals has grown into one of the IPL’s fiercest rivalries. While Mumbai have shown superior performance in crunch games—especially finals and must-win fixtures—Delhi has the firepower to post big scores and produce match-turning spells.
From iconic wins to dramatic chokes, this rivalry has it all: class, drama, power-hitting, and unforgettable moments.
