Sameer Rizvi and Tristan Stubbs (Image Credit: IPL) Sameer Rizvi announced himself in style and produced a composed and match-winning unbeaten 70 to lead Delhi Capitals to a comfortable six-wicket victory over Lucknow Super Giants in Match 5 of IPL 2026. Rizvi performed under pressure as Delhi reeled at 26 for 4 in a modest chase of 142. Alongside Tristan Stubbs, he put together an unbeaten 119-run partnership that completely turned the game on its head and sealed the chase in just 17.1 overs.Calm under pressure: Rizvi’s maturity shines throughRizvi revealed after the match that a clear role and support from the team management played a key role in his performance.“The coaches backed me to bat at number four this season. I just tried to play to the situation,” he said.Initially, Rizvi tried to play it positive but had to quickly reconsider after Delhi lost wickets in a cluster.”But as soon as two wickets fell in the next over, the situation changed completely. So I tried talking to Stubbs. He said, let’s take some time. There are plenty of overs left and the run rate is also lower. We should respect the conditions, so we talked and decided to play our game. Not just after reaching fifty but I tried to put the delivery away and that was my plan throughout the innings,” Rizvi concluded.
A partnership that changed the game
The Rizvi–Stubbs stand of 119* not only saved Delhi from collapse but also etched itself into IPL history. It is the second highest partnership after the team lost four times in less than 30 runs, behind only the 134* stand between Yusuf Pathan and Shakib Al Hasan for KKR in 2016.It also became Delhi Capitals’ highest partnership for a fifth wicket or less, beating the previous best of 111*. Stubbs played a perfect supporting role with an unbeaten 39, ensuring that no further damage was done as Rizvi chipped away.Tristan Stubbs reflects on his partnership with Sameer Rizvi, “Yeah, we kept saying, bat normally, try to score.” I think the way Sameer plays naturally only against spin, he takes it on himself, so it made my job a bit easier. Just knock it, get him on strike. And we always knew it was over and then it was just a matter of hitting the ball and then picking up the game, the shots you need, and yeah, luckily we got it there. We said to ourselves at the beginning of the over, let’s see if it spins. And I think the first three balls went for 12 or something. ”
Axar supports bowlers and young talent
Delhi captain Axar Patel credited both the bowlers and their winning partnership for the win.“The new ball worked a bit. We told our bowlers to use it and they did really well. The key was to build one big partnership in the chase and Rizvi and Stubbs did it perfectly.Axar also highlighted the team’s strategy during the innings break.“During the strategic timeout the message was clear, we were just one partnership away from taking control, the plan was to bring Rizvi in early. He has been excellent in practice and it is great to see him perform.” added Axar.
