Sameer Rizvi and Tristan Stubbs (Image Credit: IPL)

Sameer Rizvi announced himself in style, producing a composed and match-winning unbeaten 70 to guide Delhi Capitals to a comfortable six-wicket victory over Lucknow Super Giants in Match 5 of IPL 2026. Walking in under pressure with Delhi reeling at 26 for 4 in a modest chase of 142, Rizvi showcased maturity beyond his years. Alongside Tristan Stubbs, he stitched together an unbeaten 119-run partnership that completely turned the game on its head and sealed the chase in just 17.1 overs.Calm under pressure: Rizvi’s maturity shines throughRizvi revealed after the match that clarity in role and backing from the team management played a key part in his performance.“The coaches backed me to bat at number four this season. I just tried to play according to the situation,” he said.Initially looking to play positively, Rizvi had to quickly reassess after Delhi lost wickets in a cluster.”But as soon as in the next over, two wickets fell, the situation changed completely. So I tried to talk to Stubbs. He said, let’s take a little time. There are a lot of overs left and the run rate is also down. We should respect the conditions, so we talked and decided that we would play our game. Not only after reaching fifty, but I tried to put the loose delivery away and that was my plan throughout the innings,” Rizvi concluded.

Partnership that changed the game

The Rizvi–Stubbs stand of 119* not only rescued Delhi from a collapse but also etched itself into IPL history. It is the second-highest partnership after a team was four down for under 30 runs, only behind the 134* stand between Yusuf Pathan and Shakib Al Hasan for KKR in 2016.It also became Delhi Capitals’ highest partnership for the fifth wicket or lower, surpassing the previous best of 111*.Stubbs played the perfect supporting role with an unbeaten 39, ensuring there was no further damage while Rizvi gradually shifted gears.Tristan Stubbs reflects on his partnership with Sameer Rizvi, ” Yeah, we kept saying, keep batting normally, keep looking to score. I think the way Sameer plays naturally just against the spin, takes it on, so it made my job a bit easier. Just knock it around, get him on strike. And we always knew it was one over, and then it was down to run a ball, and then take the game away, the shots you need, and yeah, fortunately we got it there. We said at the start of the over, let’s see if it’s spinning. And I think the first three balls went for like 12 or something. ”

Axar backs bowlers and young talent

Delhi skipper Axar Patel credited both the bowlers and the match-winning partnership for the victory.“The new ball was doing a bit. We told our bowlers to exploit that, and they did really well. The key was building one big partnership in the chase, and Rizvi and Stubbs executed it perfectly.”Axar also highlighted the team’s strategy during the innings break.“During the strategic time-out, the message was clear, we were just one partnership away from taking control, the plan was to bring in Rizvi early. He’s been excellent in practice, and it’s great to see him deliver.” Axar added.

Shivam Dube said guidance from former India captain MS Dhoni helped shape his batting approach after he played a match-winning 67-run knock in the last group-stage match of the T20 World Cup against Netherlands at the Narendra Modi Stadium on Wednesday.Dube said he had struggled against pace bowling early in his career, but advice from Dhoni on strike rotation and controlled intent helped him improve in pressure situations.

“When I first came into the IPL, I struggled against fast bowlers and wasn’t striking the ball cleanly. I realised that if I want to dominate at this level and I have the power, I needed to work on that aspect. I put in significant effort during the off-season. Mahi bhai told me that it’s not necessary to hit sixes every time. Boundaries and strike rotation are equally important.“That clarity has helped me. If I get a good ball, I look for a boundary or rotate strike. In the death overs, I will naturally go harder, but early in the innings, my focus is on smart intent,” Dube told Jio Hotstar, as cited by news agency IANS.Speaking about pressure situations, Dube said his focus is on batting according to the match scenario and staying till the end if required.“I don’t feel pressure; I focus on the situation. If wickets fall, my responsibility is to bat deep. If I stay till the end, I know I can add 10–15 crucial runs in the final over. I avoid taking unnecessary risks in the middle overs. If the situation demands stability, I rotate strike. If the platform is set, I’m ready to attack from the first ball,” he said.Dube walked in to bat when India were 69 for 3 after nine overs and stabilised the innings with a 66-run knock off 31 balls.He also contributed with the ball, taking two wickets for 35 runs in three overs. For his all-round performance, he was named player of the match.