Sameer Rizvi makes the most impact with an unbeaten 70 off 47 balls
Lucknow: Sameer Rizvi gave ample display of his talent, coming in as an ‘Impact Substitute’, as Delhi Capitals cantered home by six wickets against Lucknow Super Giants despite initial stutters to make a winning start in the IPL here on Wednesday.
Chasing a lowly target of 142, DC were reduced to 26 for 4 within first five overs but Rizvi (70 not out off 47 balls), substituting T Natarajan, conjured an unbroken 119-run stand for the fifth wicket with the seasoned Tristan Stubbs (39 not out off 32 balls) to ensure full points in just 17.1 overs.
Rizvi displayed maturity beyond his years, negotiating a probing spell from Mohammed Shami, Mohsin Khan and Prince Yadav before shifting gears. His innings, laced with five fours and four sixes, turned the contest decisively in Delhi’s favour.
The turning point came in the 10th over when he took on Shahbaz Ahmed for 16 runs, breaking the shackles after a cautious start. From there, Rizvi grew in confidence, finding boundaries with ease as Stubbs provided solid support at the other end.
Earlier, LSG endured a disappointing outing with the bat, managing just 141 in 18.4 overs after being put in. Lungi Ngidi (3/27) stood out with his variations, while T Natarajan (3/29) and Kuldeep Yadav (2/31) ensured regular breakthroughs.
Nicholas Pooran’s dismissal to a slower off-cutter from Ngidi was a highlight, while Kuldeep accounted for Mitchell Marsh with a well-disguised googly.
LSG’s decision to promote skipper Rishabh Pant did not pay off as he was run out for 7, while the rest of the batting line-up failed to build partnerships. Despite early strikes from Shami and Mohsin, DC recovered strongly to seal a comfortable victory.
