Sameer Rizvi and Tristan Stubbs (Photo: IPL) Sameer Rizvi produced a stunning display of poise and class after coming on as an Impact Substitute to lead Delhi Capitals to a comfortable six-wicket win over Lucknow Super Giants in their IPL clash on Wednesday.Chasing a modest target of 142, Delhi found themselves in deep trouble early on, collapsing to 26 for 4 in the first five overs. However, Rizvi (70* off 47 balls) seized the opportunity to put together an unbeaten 119-run fifth-wicket partnership with Tristan Stubbs (39* off 32). The duo ensured Delhi crossed the finish line with ease and sealed victory in just 17.1 overs.
A stunning restoration of Rizvi’s script, Stubbs
Rizvi’s innings stood out for its maturity. He overcame tough spells from Mohammed Shami, Mohsin Khan and Prince Yadav before shifting gears. On a surface that offered relief to the seamen, Rizvi hit five fours and four sixes, making the chase look much more straightforward than it initially appeared.The turning point came in the 10th over, played by Shahbaz Ahmed. Rizvi took full advantage of this and collected 16 runs with a mixture of sweeps, moves and clever placements. From that moment on, the momentum swung firmly in Delhi’s favour.He later showcased his range by lofting Aiden Markram over long-on and dispatching Mohsin Khan with authority, chipping away at LSG’s hopes. Stubbs played the perfect supporting role, a spin strike and ensuring the pressure never builds.
LSG hesitant with the bat despite early breakthroughs
Lucknow started brightly with the ball. Mohammed Shami struck in the very first delivery and dismissed KL Rahul 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 failed to capitalize on the early momentum as Rizvi and Stubbs took control.Earlier, LSG suffered a disappointment with the bat as they managed just 141 in 18.4 overs after being deployed. A surprising tactical move saw skipper Rishabh Pant open the innings and disrupt the settled combination. The pants got 7 before they ran out and never looked comfortable.Aiden Markram showed brief promise but was dismissed by Axar Patel while Ayush Badoni fell for a duck. Nicholas Pooran was rewarded with a clever slower delivery from Lungi Ngidi, who dived late and hit the stumps.Ngidi played with 3 wickets and showed excellent variation while T Natarajan also claimed three. Kuldeep Yadav chipped in with two, including the key wicket of Mitchell Marsh with a well-disguised googly.Overall, it was a clinical performance from Delhi Capitals. Despite an early collapse, Rizvi’s brilliance and Stubbs’ composure sparked a remarkable comeback and gave Delhi a winning start to their campaign.
