![Axar Patel, Sameer Rizvi [Source: AFP]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1775110082008_Axar Patel on Sameer Rizvi.jpg)
Axar Patel, Sameer Rizvi [Source: AFP]
On Wednesday, Delhi Capitals youngster Sameer Rizvi showed his true potential in their first match of IPL 2026 against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG). Notably, Rizvi played an outstanding innings and remained unbeaten, helping his team secure a comfortable six-wicket win. As a result, Delhi Capitals started their campaign on a positive note.
To begin with, LSG had a difficult time with the bat. After losing the toss, they chose to bat first and also experimented with a new opening pair of captain Rishabh Pant and Mitchell Marsh.
LSG struggle against Delhi Capitals
However, this decision did not work well. Pant was unfortunately run out for just 7 runs due to a deflection, which put the team under early pressure.
Furthermore, other batters also failed to make an impact. Aiden Markram scored only 11, while Ayush Badoni got out for a duck. Nicholas Pooran managed just 8 runs. Although Marsh looked confident and scored 35 runs with some big hits, he eventually lost his wicket while trying to play an aggressive shot.
After that, Abdul Samad and Mukul Choudhary tried to rebuild the innings and took the score past 100. In addition, Samad played a useful knock of 36 runs. However, wickets kept falling regularly, and Lucknow could not complete their full 20 overs. Eventually, they were all out in 18.4 overs, which gave Delhi a clear advantage.
Sameer Rizvi rescues Delhi Capitals after top order collapse
On the other hand, Delhi Capitals also had a shaky start while chasing the target. Their top order collapsed quickly, and they were reduced to 26 for 4. KL Rahul was dismissed on the very first ball, while Nitish Rana and others failed to settle.
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At this critical moment, Sameer Rizvi came in as an Impact Player. Along with Stubbs, he focused on stabilizing the innings. Initially, both players played cautiously; however, as they gained confidence, they began to play more freely. Gradually, Rizvi took control of the game by playing attacking shots and shifting the pressure back onto Lucknow.
As a result, Rizvi scored an unbeaten 70 runs off 47 balls, while Stubbs supported him with 39 not out. Together, they built a strong partnership of 119 runs, which completely changed the direction of the match and ensured victory for Delhi.
Axar Patel’s statement on team selection
After the match, captain Axar Patel spoke about Sameer Rizvi’s performance. He appreciated Rizvi’s efforts but also made it clear that no player’s place in the team is guaranteed. According to him, team selection will depend on the situation of each match. He said,
"Yes, we had the plan from before that Sameer will definitely play tonight but it depends. If we get a couple of good partnerships at the top of the order, we can use Ashutosh Sharma as well. And yes, the way Sameer was batting in the nets, we had plans of playing him tonight.
He proved today how good a player he is. Last time, in our first game, Ashu proved his worth and today he (Sameer) proved it. I am very happy with Sameer Rizvi. When you do well for the team it makes me proud."
Meanwhile, Delhi Capitals are currently placed third on the points table with a strong net run rate. They are just behind RCB and Rajasthan Royals. Looking ahead, they will face Mumbai Indians in their first home game at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on April 4.
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