Sameer Rizvi Guides DC to Win in Low-Scoring Chase
Delhi Capitals secured a six-wicket win over Lucknow Super Giants in a low-scoring IPL 2026 contest, with Sameer Rizvi producing a match-winning unbeaten 70 which proved crucial as DC recovered from early trouble to chase down 142 with composure.
Coming in as an Impact Player, Rizvi combined with Tristan Stubbs to rescue DC from 26 for 4, steering the side home in challenging conditions.
DC bowlers restrict LSG to 141
Delhi Capitals’ bowlers laid the foundation for victory by dismissing Lucknow Super Giants for 141. Lungi Ngidi led the attack with 3 for 27, while T Natarajan claimed 3 for 29 and Kuldeep Yadav added 2 for 31.
One of the key moments came when Ngidi bowled a dipping slower ball to dismiss Nicholas Pooran, removing a dangerous threat and keeping the total in check.
Abdul Samad top-scored with 36, while Mitchell Marsh made 35, but LSG struggled to build momentum as wickets fell at regular intervals. They were eventually bowled out with eight balls remaining.
LSG reshuffle backfires early
Lucknow made a tactical change at the top, with captain Rishabh Pant opening alongside Marsh. However, the move did not pay off as Pant was run out early following a deflection off Mukesh Kumar.
Mukesh delivered a tight spell in the powerplay, conceding just 17 runs in three overs while maintaining control with movement and discipline.
Axar Patel then removed Aiden Markram, while Ayush Badoni fell soon after, leaving LSG at 49 for 3 and under pressure.
Kuldeep and Ngidi tighten grip
Kuldeep Yadav and Ngidi played key roles through the middle overs. Marsh, who struggled for fluency, was eventually dismissed for 35 after failing to capitalise on his start.
LSG’s innings lost direction as wickets continued to fall, forcing them into a cautious approach. A brief partnership between Shahbaz Ahmed and Abdul Samad added 33 runs, but it only delayed the inevitable collapse.
LSG quicks dominate early
LSG’s fast bowlers made an immediate impact in the chase, exploiting swing-friendly conditions. Mohammed Shami removed KL Rahul with the first ball, while Mohsin Khan dismissed Nitish Rana.
Prince Yadav then struck twice in an over, removing Pathum Nissanka and Axar Patel as DC slumped to 26 for 4.
The ball continued to swing deep into the innings, making strokeplay difficult and briefly giving LSG control.
Rizvi and Stubbs take control
Under pressure, Rizvi and Stubbs rebuilt the innings carefully. Rizvi struggled initially, scoring just 5 off 13 balls, before finding momentum with a ramped six off Anrich Nortje.
The turning point came when LSG introduced spin. Rizvi attacked immediately, scoring heavily against the limited spin overs bowled, including four boundaries and two sixes.
Shahbaz Ahmed’s over proved costly, conceding 16 runs, shifting momentum firmly in DC’s favour. With the target manageable, Rizvi and Stubbs paced the chase intelligently.
As the required runs dropped, the pair punished short deliveries from the quick bowlers in the closing overs. Rizvi sealed the victory with a boundary off the first ball of the 18th over.
What this means
Sameer Rizvi’s composed innings highlights the value of depth and adaptability in T20 cricket, particularly in difficult batting conditions.
For Delhi Capitals, the win demonstrates strong balance between bowling discipline and middle-order resilience. Lucknow Super Giants, meanwhile, will look to build on their promising bowling effort while addressing inconsistencies with the bat.
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