Sameer Rizvi’s Unbeaten Masterclass and Tristan Stubbs’ Calm Finish Seal Convincing Chase at Ekana Stadium
Lucknow, April 1, 2026 – In a match that perfectly encapsulated the highs and lows of T20 cricket, Delhi Capitals (DC) produced a clinical comeback to defeat Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) by six wickets with 17 balls to spare in Match 5 of the TATA IPL 2026. Chasing a modest 142, DC recovered from a disastrous powerplay collapse to 26/4 before an unbroken 119-run fifth-wicket partnership between impact player Sameer Rizvi (70* off 47) and Tristan Stubbs (39* off 32) powered them to victory.
Axar Patel’s DC side won the toss and elected to bowl first on a tricky Ekana Cricket Stadium pitch that offered early assistance to the bowlers. The decision paid rich dividends as LSG were bundled out for just 141 in 18.4 overs – their lowest total in recent IPL memory on home soil.
LSG’s Batting Collapse: Early Promise Fizzles Out
LSG got off to a shaky start despite a strong-looking top order featuring Rishabh Pant (captain), Mitchell Marsh, Aiden Markram, and Nicholas Pooran. KL Rahul fell for a first-ball duck, setting the tone for a middle-order wobble. Marsh top-scored with a gritty 35 off 28 balls (2 fours, 3 sixes), while Abdul Samad provided some late resistance with 36 off 25 (3 fours, 1 six). Yet, regular wickets prevented any momentum.
DC’s bowling attack was clinical. T Natarajan and Lungi Ngidi each claimed three wickets (Natarajan 3/29, Ngidi 3/27 in 3.4 overs), while Kuldeep Yadav picked up two crucial scalps for 31 runs. The spin-bowling duo, combined with accurate pace variations, kept LSG under eight runs an over and triggered a dramatic collapse from 65/4 to 105/6 before the tail was mopped up.
The highlights reel on JioHotstar captured the drama perfectly – sharp catches in the deep, yorkers that rattled the stumps, and Kuldeep’s googly that left batters guessing. LSG fans at the Ekana Stadium were left stunned as their side failed to post a competitive total despite having eight balls remaining.
DC’s Dramatic Chase: From Nightmare Start to Heroic Recovery
The chase looked anything but straightforward when DC slumped to 26/4 inside the powerplay. KL Rahul (DC’s wicketkeeper-batter) was dismissed cheaply, followed by quick wickets to Pathum Nissanka, Nitish Rana, and even skipper Axar Patel. LSG’s bowlers, led by Avesh Khan and others, smelled blood on a surface that continued to assist seam movement.
Enter impact substitute Sameer Rizvi and Tristan Stubbs. What followed was pure T20 magic. The duo stitched together a match-winning 119-run stand in just 12 overs, mixing calculated aggression with smart running. Rizvi, the star of the night, smashed an unbeaten 70 off 47 deliveries (5 fours, 4 sixes), showcasing his improved game against pace and spin. Stubbs complemented him perfectly with an unbeaten 39 off 32, rotating strike brilliantly.
The JioHotstar highlights showcased Rizvi’s elegant drives, powerful pulls, and a couple of towering sixes that brought the DC dugout to life. The pair’s chemistry was evident – no panic, just pure intent. They sealed the chase in the 18th over with a flourish, finishing at 145/4 in 17.1 overs.
Player of the Match and Match Impact
Sameer Rizvi was rightfully named Player of the Match for his match-defining knock that turned a potential defeat into a statement victory. Cricinfo’s MVP metric also crowned him the standout performer with 88.41 impact points.
Key Stats at a Glance
- LSG 141/10 (18.4 overs): Marsh 35, Samad 36; Ngidi 3/27, Natarajan 3/29, Kuldeep 2/31
- DC 145/4 (17.1 overs): Rizvi 70* (47), Stubbs 39* (32); Target 142
- Partnership of the Match: Rizvi-Stubbs 119* (5th wicket)
- Margin: DC won by 6 wickets with 17 balls remaining
- Toss: DC elected to field
What This Means for IPL 2026
DC have kicked off their campaign with a confident away win, showcasing depth in their batting and bowling. The impact player rule once again proved decisive, with Rizvi stepping up when the team needed him most. For LSG, the batting frailties – especially the top-order collapse – will be a concern as they look to bounce back in their next outing.
The full highlights are now streaming on: JioHotstar
Stay tuned to our website for more IPL 2026 coverage, player interviews, and exclusive analysis.
