New Delhi: At mid-wicket, Rohit Sharma said the pitch was difficult to hit and backed Mumbai Indians bowlers to defend 162 against Delhi Capitals at the Arun Jaitley Stadium.His words were almost prophetic.Chasing 163, Delhi Capitals needed 90 runs in the last ten overs with Pathum Nissanka returning to the hut. But Samir Rizvi, Delhi’s hero in their last match against Lucknow Super Giants, brought them home again with another brilliant knock. Delhi Capitals defeated Mumbai Indians by five wickets to register their second successive win in the 2026 Indian Premier League (IPL).
He watches
“Bowlers have a tough time” – Glenn Phillips breaks down modern T20 cricket
Rizvi struggled initially and was 11 off 17 balls at one stage.
The 22-year-old broke free with a six off Corbin Bush in the ninth. But the match remained on the line when Pathum Nissanka was sent off by Mitchell Santner. The Sri Lanka opener, who scored 44 off 30 balls, was one of the highest edges, with Mayank Markande hitting a fine ball to good short leg.Rizvi then changed gears in the next over, taking 20 runs from Corbin Bosch. He handled all the variations with ease, serving slower balls, short passes and full passes alike, even managing the maximum mistimed shot.
He smashed back-to-back sixes off Mayank Markande to complete his second successive fifty of the season and third consecutive fifty for the franchise, reaching the milestone in 32 balls.
Jasprit Bumrah
He brought things back briefly once, but Delhi was firmly in control by then. Rizvi continued his attack on Deepak Chahar and later joined forces with David Miller in a 50-run stand in just 26 balls, with Miller contributing just one run.Rizvi looked unstoppable, smashing Shardul Thakur for 17 runs in his over. Miller then joined in with a couple of stylish boundaries off Bumrah.Rizvi eventually departed after a brilliant 90 off 51 balls, receiving a standing ovation from the Delhi crowd, his teammates and even the opponents. By then, his exit was merely a formality.
Dry afternoon
On the eve of the match, Mumbai Indians head coach Mahela Jayawardene and Delhi Capitals pacer Kuldeep Yadav expressed similar views that the Arun Jaitley Stadium will be a batting-friendly stadium.
However, it turns out to be a two-step surface.Mumbai Indians were without their usual skipper Hardik Pandya who missed the match due to a viral infection. Delhi Capitals captain Axar Patel won the toss and chose to chase.After being put in to bat, Mumbai Indians got off to a shaky start, with Mukesh Kumar removing Ryan Rickleton (9) and Tilak Varma (0) in the third over. Mukesh initially looked for swing but adjusted his length in the next over to pick up both wickets.
Mumbai Indians players Suryakumar Yadav, left, and Rohit Sharma run between the wickets (AP Photo/Manish Swarup)
Rohit Sharma then joined as stand-in captain
Suryakumar Yadav
And the pair fixed the roles. Mumbai Indians were 41 for 2 at the end of the powerplay. The duo alternated the batting well and added 53 runs for the third wicket before Rohit fell to 35 in the 10th over, dismissed by Axar Patel.
reconnaissance
Which team do you think has better chances of winning the Indian Premier League this season?
After Rohit’s departure, Suryakumar continued to steady the innings and brought up a fifty off 35 balls, but was dismissed on 51 off the next delivery by
Lungi Ngidi
. Sherfan Rutherford lasted only a short time, scoring five goals before faltering.Noman Dhir then scored a fine 28 before being bowled out in the penultimate over. Mitchell Santner and Corbin Bush hit some boundaries in the final over, helping Mumbai Indians post 162 for 6.