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Sameer Rizvi's Unbeaten 70 Powers Delhi Capitals to Victory Over LSG

Delhi Capitals began their IPL 2026 campaign with a convincing six-wicket win over Lucknow Super Giants. Uncapped youngster Sameer Rizvi, brought in as the Impact Substitute, anchored the chase with an unbeaten 70 off 47 balls. He forged a crucial unbroken 119-run partnership with Tristan Stubbs after DC had slumped to 26/4 in the powerplay. Former India batter Cheteshwar Pujara praised the team management's decision to back Rizvi, calling it a move that paid off handsomely.

Key Points: DC vs LSG: Rizvi's 70* Wins Praise from Pujara

  • Rizvi's unbeaten 70 off 47 balls
  • 119-run partnership with Stubbs
  • DC chase 142 with 17 balls to spare
  • Pujara praises Impact Sub decision
  • DC's 5th consecutive win vs LSG
2 min read

"Team management backed Rizvi and it paid off": Pujara after DC's win over LSG

Delhi Capitals beat Lucknow Super Giants by 6 wickets. Cheteshwar Pujara praises team management for backing impact player Sameer Rizvi after his match-winning 70*.

"The team management backed Rizvi, and it paid off. - Cheteshwar Pujara"

New Delhi, April 2

Delhi Capitals clinched a six-wicket victory against the Lucknow Super Giants thanks to an unbeaten 70-run knock by the uncapped youngster batter Sameer Rizvi, and the former India cricketer Cheteshwar Pujara praised DC's move to bring in Sameer Rizvi as the impact player.

Speaking on Star Sports, Pujara said, "Bringing Sameer Rizvi as the impact substitute ahead of Ashutosh Sharma was a good move given the demands of the situation. DC had lost four wickets in the first five overs and needed someone to anchor the innings. The team management backed Rizvi, and it paid off."

Asked to bat first, LSG were bowled out for 141 thanks to the seamers Lungi Ngidi and T Natarajan's three wickets apiece. DC chased down the target comfortably and started their campaign with an easy two points. Rizvi played an unbeaten knock of 70 runs off just 47 balls, which helped his side chase down a challenging target of 142 runs with six wickets and 17 balls to spare.

DC were reeling at 26/4 inside the powerplay, and from there, Rizvi and Tristan Stubbs added 119 runs not out for the fifth wicket to take their team past the winning line.

Speaking about the partnership between Stubbs and Rizvi, Pujara said, "He (Rizvi) held one end while Stubbs secured the other, and their partnership was crucial. Batting wasn't easy as LSG bowlers got plenty of help under the lights, which is why they picked four early wickets. They bowled well under pressure, but the Stubbs-Rizvi pair took the game away."

DC started the 2026 IPL season with a thumping win over LSG at the Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow, and now DC have secured five consecutive wins against LSG in the IPL, making them the third team against whom DC has achieved such a streak.

Praising the DC management's decision on Rizvi's usage as an Impact Substitute, Pujara said, "Rizvi's knock of 70 runs helped him prove his worth to the DC team management, and I want Delhi to back him in upcoming games. He deserves to play in more games after this clutch knock. Whether he starts in the Playing XI or comes in as an impact player remains to be seen, but I'd pick him over Ashutosh Sharma and Karun Nair."

- ANI

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
Great win for DC! But let's not get carried away with one innings. The top order collapsing for 26/4 is a serious concern that needs to be addressed before the next match. Rizvi and Stubbs saved them this time.
R
Rohit P
Absolutely brilliant use of the Impact Player rule! The think tank read the situation perfectly. When you're 4 down early, you need a calm head, not just a power hitter. Rizvi provided that anchor role beautifully. Well done, DC! 👏
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Anjali F
As a Lucknow fan, this is painful to watch. Five consecutive losses to Delhi! Our batting just crumbled again. Ngidi and Natarajan were too good. We need to find answers quickly.
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Michael C
That partnership between Rizvi and Stubbs was a masterclass in rebuilding an innings. They didn't panic, just rotated strike and found the boundaries when needed. Top-class chase under pressure.
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Karthik V
Pujara's analysis is always so precise. He's right, Rizvi deserves a longer run. But dropping Karun Nair? That's a bit harsh after just one game. Team balance is important, but so is giving players a fair chance.

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