Low scores, high drama: Rizvi, Stubbs power Delhi Capitals past Lucknow Super Giants
Sameer Rizvi's unbeaten 70, coupled with Tristan Stubbs' 39, guided Delhi Capitals to a six-wicket victory over Lucknow Super Giants. Despite a shaky start at 26/4, the duo forged a crucial 119-run partnership, chasing down 142 with 17 balls to spare. Lucknow's batting faltered, setting a modest target.
LUCKNOW: The much reputed batting of Lucknow Super Giants managed a meagre 141 after being asked to bat first, and at the break it seemed a lost cause for the home side. Some excellent pace bowling spearheaded by Mohammed Shami briefly raised hopes of a fightback, but talented Sameer Rizvi’s brilliant knock helped Delhi Capitals script a hard-earned six-wicket win in the opening IPL match at the Ekana Stadium on Wednesday. It was the first time this season that a team had lost at home.
Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW! Chasing 142, Delhi Capitals were in deep trouble at 26/4 in 4.
3 overs as Shami and Prince Yadav ripped through the top order. But Rizvi rose to the occasion with a superb unbeaten 70 and stitched a match-winning 119-run partnership with Tristan Stubbs (39) to take DC home with 17 balls to spare. Rizvi, who hails from Uttar Pradesh, proved to be the thorn for Lucknow and their hopes of making a winning start, leaving the home crowd disappointed.
Delhi’s innings began disastrously. Shami struck on the very first ball, dismissing DC opener KL Rahul for a golden duck as he sliced a wide delivery to deep third man. Prince Yadav then struck what at that time felt like decisive blows in the fifth over, removing Pathum Nissanka (1) and Axar Patel off successive balls to leave DC reeling.