Sameer Rizvi produced an impressive display of composure and class after coming on as an impact substitute, guiding Delhi Capitals to a comfortable six-wicket victory over Lucknow Supergiants in their IPL clash on Wednesday.Chasing a modest target of 142, Delhi found themselves in deep trouble, collapsing to 26 for 4 in the first five overs. However, Rizvi (70* off 47 balls) rose to the occasion, forming an unbeaten 119-run partnership for the fifth wicket with Tristan Stubbs (39* off 32 balls). The duo ensured Delhi crossed the finish line with ease, sealing the win in just 17.1 overs.
Rizvi, Stubbs’ brilliant revival of the script
Rizvi’s innings was remarkable for its maturity. He faced the challenging spell of Mohammad Shami, Mohsin Khanand Prince Yadav before shifting gears. On a surface that offered help to the seamers, Rizvi hit five fours and four sixes, making the chase look more straightforward than it initially seemed.The turning point came in the 10th over, bowled by Shahbaz Ahmed. Rizvi took full advantage, scoring 16 runs with sweeps, pulses and deft placement. From that moment on, the momentum swung firmly in Delhi’s favour.He later demonstrated his range by lofting. Aidan Markram Sending in Mohsin Khan with authority for a long time, permanently killing LSG’s hopes. Stubbs played an excellent supporting role, rotating the strike and ensuring that the pressure never built again.
Despite early successes, LSG struggled with the bat.
Lucknow started brilliantly with the ball. Mohammad Shami dismissed KL Rahul for a wicket on the very first ball. Mohsin Khan removed Nitish Rana, while Patham Nissanka fell cheaply to Prince Yadav. Delhi skipper Akshar Patel also departed for a wicket on the first ball, beaten by pace and movement.However, LSG could not capitalize on the early momentum as Rizvi and Stubbs took control.Earlier, LSG had a disappointing outing with the bat, scoring just 141 runs in 18.4 overs after being put in. With a surprising strategy, captain Rishabh Pant opened the innings to disrupt a set combination. Pant scored 7 runs before being run out and never looked comfortable.Aiden Markram showed brief promise but was dismissed by Axar Patel, while Ayush Baduni fell for a wicket. Nicholas Pooran was finished off by a clever slow delivery from Langi Ngidi, which dipped late and hit the stumps.Ngidi showed a brilliant turnaround and took 3 wickets, while T Natarajan also took three wickets. Kuldeep Yadav took two wickets, including a crucial wicket with a good googly from Mitchell Marsh.Overall, it was a clinical performance from Delhi Capitals. Despite falling early, Rizvi’s brilliance and Stubbs’ composure led to a brilliant comeback, giving Delhi a winning start to their campaign.
