Sameer Rizvi showed stunning composure and presence after coming on as an impact substitute to lead Delhi Capitals to a comfortable six-wicket win over Lucknow Supergiants in the IPL on Wednesday.Chasing a modest target of 142 runs, Delhi found themselves in trouble early on, managing to score 26 for 4 in the first 5 overs. However, Rizvi (70 off 47 balls) stepped up and formed an unbeaten partnership of 119 runs for the fifth wicket with Tristan Stubbs (39 off 32 balls). The duo ensured that Delhi crossed the finish line with ease, sealing victory by just 17.1 points.
Stunning restoration of Rizvi, Stubbs’ script
Rizvi’s innings stood out for its maturity. He withstood the challenge of Mohammad Shami, Mohsin Khanand Prince Yadav before switching gears. Rizvi hit five fours and four sixes in an over to help the seamers, making the chase look much simpler than it initially seemed.The turning point came in the tenth over, bowled by Shahbaz Ahmed. Rizvi took full advantage, scoring 16 points through a combination of sweeps, pulls and deft placement. From that moment on, the momentum shifted firmly in Delhi’s favour.He later demonstrated his range by staking out Aiden Markram The long wait and dispatch of Mohsin Khan with authority gradually dashed LSG’s hopes. Stubbs played the perfect supporting role, rotating the attack and making sure the pressure never mounted.
Despite early breakthrough, LSG’s bats falter
Lucknow started the match well. Mohammed Shami struck KL Rahul for a duck on his first delivery. Mohsin Khan got rid of Nitish Rana and Pathum Nissanka fell cheaply into the hands of Prince Yadav. Delhi captain Axar Patel was also beaten to score the first ball due to his pace and movement.However, LSG were unable to capitalize on the early momentum as Rizvi and Stubbs took charge.Earlier, LSG’s performance with the bat was disappointing, scoring just 141 runs in 18.4 overs. Captain Rishabh Pant made an unexpected tactical move to open the innings and disrupt the set combination. Pant, who scored 7 runs before being run out, never looked comfortable.Aiden Markram showed brief promise but was dismissed by Axar Patel, while Ayush Badoni fell for a duck. Nicholas Pooran was beaten by a clever, slow delivery from Lungi Ngidi, who fell late and hit the stumps.Ngidi showed great variety by taking 3 wickets, while T Natarajan also took 3 wickets. Kuldeep Yadav scored two wickets, including the crucial wicket of Mitchell Marsh, a well-disguised lob.Overall, it was a clinical performance from Delhi Capitals. Despite an early collapse, Rizvi’s brilliance and Stubbs’ composure fueled a remarkable comeback to win the campaign for Derry.
