Samir Rizvi and Tristan Stubbs (Image: IPL)
Samir Rizvi put up a stunning display of composure and class after coming on as an impact substitute, as he led Delhi Capitals to a comfortable six-wicket win over Lucknow Super Giants in their IPL match on Wednesday.Chasing a modest target of 142, Delhi found themselves in deep trouble early on, collapsing to 26 for 4 within the first five overs. However, Rizvi (70* off 47 balls) rose to the occasion, stringing together an unbeaten 119-run partnership for the fifth wicket with Tristan Stubbs (39* off 32). The duo ensured Delhi crossed the finish line with ease, claiming victory by just 17.1 margins.
Rizvi, Stubbs amazing recovery script
Rizvi’s roles were distinguished by their maturity. He survived bouts of challenge from Mohammed Shami, Mohsin Khan and Prince Yadav before changing his style. On a surface offering help to the seamers, Rizvi hit five fours and four sixes, making the chase look sharper than it initially appeared.The turning point came in the 10th minute, bowled by Shahbaz Ahmed. Rizvi took full advantage, amassing 16 runs with a mixture of sweeps, pulls and deft placements. From that moment on, the momentum shifted firmly in Delhi’s favour.He later showed his range by elevating Aiden Markram over an extended period and sending off Mohsin Khan with authority, steadily dismantling LSG’s hopes. Stubbs played the perfect supporting role, rotating the strike and making sure the pressure didn’t build again.
LSG faltered with the bat despite early breakthroughs
Lucknow started brightly with the ball. Batting Mohammed Shami on the first delivery, KL Rahul was dismissed for a duck. Mohsin Khan removed Nitish Rana, while Pathum Nissanka fell cheaply to Prince Yadav. Delhi captain Axar Patel also departed for a first-ball duck, beaten by pace and movement.However, LSG were unable to capitalize on the early momentum as Rizvi and Stubbs took control.Earlier, LSG had endured a disappointing outing with the bat, managing just 141 in 18.4 overs after being bowled out.
A surprise tactical move saw skipper Rishabh Pant open the innings, disrupting the settled group. Pant scored 7 runs before being run out and never looked comfortable.Aiden Markram showed brief promise but was dismissed by Axar Patel, while Aayush Badoni fell for a duck. Nicholas Pooran was undone by a clever slower delivery from Lungi Ngidi, which dropped late and hit the stumps.Ngidi shone with three wickets, displaying excellent variety, while T Natarajan also took three. Kuldeep Yadav brought in two, including the key wicket of Mitchell Marsh with a well-disguised googly.Overall, it was a clinical performance from Delhi Capitals. Despite the early collapse, Ravi’s brilliance and Stubbs’ composure led to a brilliant comeback, giving Delhi a winning start to their campaign.