Liveblog - Axar Patel Opts to Bowl as Delhi Capitals Unveil New-Look XI Against Lucknow Super Giants
Delhi Capitals made a bold call to start their IPL 2026 campaign, with captain Axar Patel opting to bowl first after winning the toss against Lucknow Super Giants at the Ekana Stadium. On a red-soil surface expected to aid the seamers early on, the decision signalled DC’s intent to strike upfront in what promises to be a high-octane contest.
There was plenty of intrigue around the team sheets, especially from the DC camp. Delhi Capitals handed out four debut caps, with Pathum Nissanka, David Miller, Lungi Ngidi and Nitish Rana all featuring in a refreshed XI. Meanwhile, Jammu & Kashmir pacer Auqib Nabi waits in the wings on the Impact Player bench.
For Lucknow, all eyes will be on their star-studded top order led by Aiden Markram, Mitchell Marsh and skipper Rishabh Pant, with firepower from Nicholas Pooran to follow. Adding another layer to the contest, former DC speedster Anrich Nortje lines up for his debut in LSG colours.
With both sides unveiling fresh combinations and new faces, the stage is perfectly set in Lucknow for an opening clash packed with narrative, intrigue, and early-season momentum.
Pant Promoted to Open as LSG Shake Up Batting Order
Rishabh Pant has sprung an early surprise for Lucknow Super Giants, walking out to open the innings alongside Mitchell Marsh in a bold tactical move.
Flexible Middle Order in Focus
With Pant at the top, Aiden Markram shifts down the order, while the expected No. 3 role for either Pant or Nicholas Pooran remains open. LSG could now adopt a floating strategy, adjusting Nos. 3 and 4, depending on early wickets,s to maintain a left-right
Pant Falls to Freak Run-Out in Early Blow
Rishabh Pant’s promotion to the top ends in cruel fashion as Lucknow Super Giants suffer an early setback. What looked like a chance for Mitchell Marsh to be caught and bowled turns into an unfortunate run-out at the non-striker’s end.
Marsh’s Shot Leads to Costly Mix-Up
Facing Mukesh Kumar, Marsh punched a full delivery straight back down the pitch. Mukesh got a slight deflection onto the ball with his right hand, and it ricocheted onto the stumps, catching Pant well out of his crease. The opener departs for 7 off 9 balls as LSG slip to 19 for 1 in three overs.
Markram Walks In, No Tactical Shuffle
Aiden Markram comes in at No. 3, with no immediate signs of the flexible batting order that was expected to maintain a left-right combination.
Mukesh Kumar Keeps It Tight in Powerplay
Mukesh Kumar has delivered a disciplined opening spell for Delhi Capitals, returning figures of 3-0-17-0 in the powerplay while also playing a part in the run-out of Rishabh Pant.
Control, Movement and Smart Lines
The seamer has extracted just enough swing and seam movement to keep the batters in check, especially targeting Mitchell Marsh with tight lines. Crucially, Mukesh has avoided offering width or straying short, forcing LSG’s top order to play cautiously.
LSG Steady but Not Explosive
After five overs, Lucknow Super Giants move to 37 for 1, steadying after the early wicket but still searching for momentum.
Axar Strikes Back After Early Setback
Axar Patel wastes no time making an impact, bringing himself into the attack immediately after Rishabh Pant’s dismissal—and striking inside the powerplay for Delhi Capitals.
Deception Does the Trick Against Markram
After being lofted for a straight six, Aiden Markram misreads Axar’s deceptive trajectory. What looked like a short ball to cut skids on fuller than expected, with the angle and lack of turn cramping him for room. Markram is beaten all ends up and bowled, highlighting Axar’s trademark control and subtle variation.
Head-to-Head Tilt Continues
The numbers underline the dominance—Axar has now dismissed Markram four times in 40 balls, conceding just 49 runs, exposing a growing vulnerability against left-arm spin.
DC Finish Powerplay on Top
At the end of six overs, Lucknow Super Giants are 48 for 2, with Delhi Capitals firmly in control after a disciplined and incisive powerplay spell.
Natarajan Strikes as LSG Lose Third Wicket
T Natarajan adds to Delhi Capitals’ dominance, striking right after the powerplay to leave Lucknow Super Giants in early trouble.
Badoni Fallis is trying to attack
Ayush Badoni looks to break the shackles but perishes for it. A regulation-length delivery angling away from off stump tempts him into a big shot over the off side, only to find the outside edge through to the keeper.
Pooran Walks In Amid Pressure
At 49 for 3 in the seventh over, LSG turn to their most dangerous batter, Nicholas Pooran, who arrives at No. 5 with the task of rebuilding—and counterattacking.
LSG’s Batting Order Decisions Under Scrutiny
The decision to open with Rishabh Pant and Mitchell Marsh showed intent, but the subsequent batting choices have raised questions for Lucknow Super Giants.
Right-Right Combinations Help DC Gain Control
Sending Aiden Markram at No. 3 after Pant’s early dismissal resulted in a right-right combination, allowing Axar Patel to bowl two overs in the powerplay without facing a left-hander. The pattern continued when Ayush Badoni walked in ahead of Nicholas Pooran, further easing DC’s match-ups.
Missed Opportunity to Counter Axar
Had Pooran been promoted earlier, LSG could have disrupted Axar’s rhythm. Instead, DC were close to an ideal scenario where Axar might have even bowled a third consecutive over—something they would have gladly taken given the threat posed by left-handers like Pant and Pooran later in the innings.
Ngidi Produces Magic to Dismiss Pooran
Lungi Ngidi delivers a moment of brilliance to rock Lucknow Super Giants, removing the dangerous Nicholas Pooran with a stunning slower ball.
Deceptive Dipper Leaves Pooran Clueless
After an expensive start, Ngidi bounces back with a peach—angling in from around the wicket with a dipping slower delivery that completely deceives Pooran. Early into his flick, Pooran is beaten by the lack of pace and late dip, failing to connect as the ball crashes into the stumps. He departs for 8, leaving LSG at 65 for 4 in 8.5 overs.
Almost Another, But Review Goes in Vain
Ngidi nearly strikes again with a similar delivery to Abdul Samad, who is beaten on the inside edge and struck on the pad. However, the ball is clearly missing the leg stump, and the Delhi Capitals end up wasting a review in the process.
Kuldeep Strikes as LSG Slip Further
Kuldeep Yadav joins the party as Delhi Capitals tighten their grip on the game, reducing Lucknow Super Giants to 71 for 5.
Marsh Falls After Brief Resistance
Mitchell Marsh, who had been battling on a slightly two-paced surface, briefly counterattacks with a slog-swept six. But Kuldeep has the final say—mixing up his variations as Marsh miscues an attempted big hit off the wrong’un, failing to get to the pitch and spooning a simple catch.
DC Bowlers in Complete Control
Marsh departs for 35 off 28 balls, and with half the side back in the pavilion inside 10 overs, DC’s bowlers have completely taken over, leaving LSG in deep trouble.
Kuldeep removes Mukul as LSG loses another.
Kuldeep Yadav continues to dictate terms, dismissing Mukul Choudhary just as Lucknow Super Giants were attempting to rebuild.
Soft Dismissal Halts Recovery Stand
After an encouraging start to his IPL career, Mukul miscues a regulation delivery—likely Kuldeep’s stock ball that held up slightly on the surface. Looking to work it into the leg side, he closes the bat face too early and chips a simple return catch. He departs for 14, ending a 34-run stand off 22 balls with Abdul Samad as LSG slip to 105 for 6 in 13.1 overs.
Impact Sub Forces Tactical Shift
The wicket forces LSG into a rethink, bringing in Shahbaz Ahmed as their Impact Player to strengthen the batting and spin options. It also means Mitchell Marsh’s evening ends, while mystery spinner Digvesh Rathi won’t feature in this contest.
Samad Sparks Late Fightback for LSG
Abdul Samad shifts gears at just the right time, giving Lucknow Super Giants a much-needed push in the middle overs.
From Cautious Start to Counterattack
After beginning with an uncharacteristically measured approach, Samad takes on T Natarajan with intent—swatting a length ball over midwicket for six before punishing a missed yorker with a crisp straight boundary.
LSG Eye Competitive Finish
With Samad now on 29 off 18, LSG move to 121 for 6 with five overs remaining, keeping hopes alive of posting a competitive total despite the early collapse.
Second Innings: Shami Strikes First Ball on LSG Debut
Mohammed Shami makes an instant impact for Lucknow Super Giants, striking with the very first ball of his spell—and his first for the franchise.
Rahul Falls Trying to Free Arms
Facing a full outswinger with a hint of width, KL Rahul looks to cash in but only manages to slice it uppishly. The ball fliestoward the deep backward point, where a safe pair of hands completes the catch, handing LSG a crucial breakthrough.
Rizvi In as Impact Player, DC Reshuffle
Delhi Capitals bring in Sameer Rizvi as their Impact Player, with T Natarajan making way as they adjust their combination mid-innings.
Mohsin Strikes, Rana Throws It Away
Mohsin Khan delivers a key breakthrough as Nitish Rana falls trying to be a little too clever. Attempting a late glide against a seaming length delivery, Rana only manages a thick edge.
Samad Holds On After Second Attempt
The ball flies towards slip, where Abdul Samad initially fumbles but recovers quickly to complete the catch. Rana departs for 15 off 17, leaving DC with work to do as LSG claw their way back into the contest.
Mohsin Ends Rana’s Scratchy Stay
Mohsin Khan strikes at his best to remove Nitish Rana, cutting short a laboured innings for Delhi Capitals.
Movement and Bounce Do the Trick
Rana never quite looked settled—picking up boundaries when Mohammed Shami erred in length, but largely struggling otherwise. Eventually, a hard-length delivery from Mohsin, angling in and straightening with extra bounce, draws a tentative jab and a thick edge.
Slip in Play as LSG Stay Sharp
With a slip in place, the edge is safely pouched, underlining how much assistance the pitch is offering. Rana departs for 15 as DC slip to 21 for 2 in 3.3 overs.
Rizvi Walks In as Impact Player
Sameer Rizvi comes in at No. 4 as the Impact Player, replacing T Natarajan, while other options like Karun Nair and Ashutosh Sharma remain on the bench.
Prince Strikes as DC Slips Further in Powerplay
Prince Yadav joins the wicket-taking party, piling more pressure on Delhi Capitals with another early breakthrough.
Nissanka Falls to Top-Edge, Pant Pulls Off a Stunner
Pathum Nissanka looks to take on a short-of-length delivery from wide outside off but only manages a top-edge on the pull. Rishabh Pant does the rest—sprinting in and completing an excellent diving catch near short fine leg.
Game Tightens Dramatically
At 25 for 3 in 4.2 overs, DC are in serious trouble, and what seemed like a one-sided contest earlier has quickly turned into a tense, low-scoring battle.
Prince Yadav Strikes Twice to Rock DC
Prince Yadav delivers a sensational over, picking up two wickets in quick succession to leave Delhi Capitals reeling.
Beauty Sends Axar Packing
The standout moment is a peach to Axar Patel—a fullish delivery angling across before straightening late. Caught on the crease, Axar tries to flick but is completely beaten, with the stumps rattled behind him.
DC in Disarray Early
At 26 for 4 in 4.3 overs, DC are in deep trouble, with LSG tightening their grip and turning this into a dramatic, low-scoring contest.
LSG Go All-Pace Early to Maintain Pressure
Lucknow Super Giants stick to an all-pace strategy for the first nine overs, even if it means Mohammed Shami completes his full quota early in the innings.
Rizvi Counters Nortje’s Pace Burst
Anrich Nortje concedes 13 in the eighth over despite bowling with good rhythm. Sameer Rizvi breaks free with a clever ramped six off a short ball, while Nortje also struggles slightly with control, sending down a few wides as the ball continues to swing.
Shami Finishes Strong, Game in Balance
Shami nearly strikes again, beating Tristan Stubbs with a beauty before being driven for a boundary to end his spell. Delhi Capitals reach 61 for 4 after nine overs, needing 81 off 66 balls—setting up a finely poised chase.
Spin Introduced at Last
With the fielding restrictions done, Shahbaz Ahmed comes into the attack, marking the first appearance of spin in the innings.
Rizvi Takes Charge in 16-Run Over
Sameer Rizvi shifts momentum with a commanding over, taking 16 runs off Shahbaz Ahmed—the biggest over of the match so far.
Shahbaz Struggles for Control
In his first over of spin, Shahbaz errs in line and length—straying down leg twice and dropping short once—allowing Rizvi to punish him with three boundaries and break the pressure that had been building.
Impact Call Under Question
Brought in as an Impact Player after Lucknow Super Giants’s batting collapse, Shahbaz had contributed with the bat, but his bowling lacks the bite that someone like Digvesh Rathi might have offered in these conditions.
Chase Back on Track
At this stage, Delhi Capitals now need 65 off the last 10 overs, with momentum slowly tilting back in their favour.
Mohsin Rolls Back the Years with Fiery Spell
Mohsin Khan reminds everyone of his quality with a superb spell of 3-1-6-1, putting Delhi Capitals under sustained pressure.
Pace, Bounce and Control on Display
Returning to competitive cricket for the first time since late 2024, Mohsin looks as sharp as ever—using his left-arm angle, natural movement, and steep bounce to trouble batters consistently. In helpful conditions, he has been nearly unplayable.
Spin Reintroduced as Chase Tightens
With DC now needing 49 off 42 balls, Aiden Markram comes on to bowl the 14th over, adding another tactical layer as Lucknow Super Giants look to squeeze the chase further.
Rizvi Fifty Turns the Game for DC
Sameer Rizvi brings up a crucial half-century, anchoring Delhi Capitals’ recovery in a pressure chase.
From Slow Start to Match-Winning Knock
Rizvi had struggled early—crawling to 0 off 9 and then 5 off 13 as Lucknow Super GGiants’seamers dominated. But he showed composure, rebuilt patiently, and then capitalised brilliantly when the spinners came on.
Spin Targeted, Momentum Shifted
Taking full advantage of lithe mited spin from Shahbaz Ahmed and Aiden Markram, Rizvi has smashed four boundaries and a six in just two overs, flipping the momentum decisively.
Stubbs-Rizvi Stand Takes DC Ahead
Alongside Tristan Stubbs, Rizvi has added 81 runs off 58 balls, putting DC firmly in control. He reaches his fifty off 37 balls—an innings of high value given the match situation—with DC now needing just 36 off 36 balls.
Extras Hurt LSG in Tight Contest
In a low-scoring game like this, conceding 20 runs in extras has seriously hurt Lucknow Super Giants.
Pressure Released at Crucial Moments
With the ball doing plenty and wickets falling regularly, LSG had the perfect chance to keep Delhi Capitals under constant pressure. Instead, wide and loose deliveries have handed away momentum at key stages.
Difference Between Control and Chaos
In matches like these, extras often prove decisive—and here, that extra 15–20 runs could be the difference between defending a total and letting the game slip away.
Short-Ball Plan Backfires for LSG
Lucknow Super Giants’ attempt to attack with short-pitched bowling in the 16th and 17th overs has backfired badly, leaking crucial runs at the death.
Rizvi and Stubbs Seal the Chase with 119 runs partnership
Sameer Rizvi and Tristan Stubbs cash in, dismantling the short-ball tactic with authority. With boundaries and a six flowing, the pair have taken complete control of the chase.
Game All but Done
With just three runs needed, Delhi Capitals are on the brink of victory, powered by Rizvi’s unbeaten 64 off 46 and Stubbs’ composed 39 off 32 in a match-defining partnership.
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