A calm and composed unbeaten half-century from Sameer Rizvi powered Delhi Capitals to a comfortable six-wicket win over Lucknow Super Giants in the fifth match of IPL 2026 at the Ekana Cricket Stadium on Wednesday.

Chasing a modest target of 142, Delhi had a shaky start as KL Rahul was dismissed off the very first delivery by Mohammed Shami. The early setbacks continued with Pathum Nissanka and Axar Patel also departing cheaply, leaving DC under pressure in the initial overs.

However, Rizvi stepped up at a crucial moment and steadied the innings with maturity beyond his years. He played a controlled knock, remaining unbeaten on 70 off 47 balls, which included five boundaries and four sixes. His ability to rotate strike and pick the right moments to accelerate proved decisive.

Rizvi found solid support in Tristan Stubbs, who remained unbeaten on 39 off 32 deliveries. The duo stitched together a crucial partnership, rebuilding the innings before shifting gears in the latter half of the chase. Their smart batting ensured Delhi stayed ahead of the required run rate and comfortably crossed the finish line in 17.1 overs, ending at 145/4.

Earlier, Lucknow Super Giants posted 141 all out in 18.4 overs after being asked to bat first. Their innings never really gained momentum, with Rishabh Pant falling early and wickets tumbling at regular intervals.

Mitchell Marsh was the top scorer for LSG with 35 off 28 balls, hitting two fours and three sixes. Abdul Samad added a quick 36 off 25 deliveries, providing some late resistance. However, his dismissal in the 17th over triggered a collapse, as the lower order failed to contribute.

Shahbaz Ahmed remained unbeaten on 15, but lacked support at the other end as LSG lost their last few wickets in quick succession, including Shami, Anrich Nortje, and Mohsin Khan.

Delhi’s bowling unit delivered a disciplined performance, with T Natarajan and Lungi Ngidi leading the charge. Both picked up three wickets each, finishing with figures of 3/29 and 3/27 respectively. Kuldeep Yadav chipped in with two wickets, while Axar Patel claimed one.

The bowlers maintained tight lines and used variations effectively, especially during the middle and death overs, ensuring Lucknow never built any significant partnerships. Sharp fielding and crucial catches further strengthened DC’s effort in the field.

With this win, Delhi Capitals secured an impressive start to their IPL 2026 campaign, with Rizvi’s unbeaten knock standing out as the highlight of the match.

Scores:

LSG 141 all out (18.4 overs): Mitchell Marsh 35, Abdul Samad 36, Shahbaz Ahmed 15; T Natarajan 3/29, Lungi Ngidi 3/27, Kuldeep Yadav 2/31, Axar Patel 1/17.

DC 145/4 (17.1 overs): Sameer Rizvi 70, Tristan Stubbs 39; Mohammed Shami 1/28, Prince Yadav 2/20, Mohsin Khan 1/19.

Result: Delhi Capitals won by 6 wickets.