The IPL 2026 clash between Lucknow Super Giants and Delhi Capitals continued to make headlines even after the final ball, as franchise owner Sanjiv Goenka was seen engaged in an intense on-field discussion with captain Rishabh Pant.

The interaction took place at the Ekana Cricket Stadium on April 1, shortly after Lucknow suffered a six-wicket defeat to Delhi in their opening game of the season. What appeared to be more than a routine conversation quickly caught the attention of fans and cameras, with both Goenka and Pant displaying animated body language.

LSG’s batting woes set the tone for defeat

Earlier in the evening, Lucknow Super Giants endured a disappointing outing with the bat after being put in to bat by Delhi skipper Axar Patel. The hosts struggled to build momentum, eventually posting a modest total of 141 runs.

A key talking point was Pant’s move to open the innings, a tactical shift that failed to deliver the desired results. The left-hander could not convert the opportunity into a strong start, while middle-order batters including Ayush Badoni and Nicholas Pooran also fell cheaply.

The lack of partnerships and inconsistent shot selection meant LSG never truly seized control of their innings, leaving their bowlers with a below-par total to defend.

Early breakthroughs go in vain

Despite the modest target, Lucknow’s pace attack ignited hopes of a comeback with a sensational start in the second innings. Delhi Capitals were reduced to 26 for 4, putting the visitors under immense pressure and briefly shifting momentum in LSG’s favour.

However, the tide turned as Sameer Rizvi and Tristan Stubbs stitched together a match-winning partnership. Their unbeaten stand not only steadied the innings but also dismantled LSG’s bowling plans, guiding Delhi to victory with ease in 17.1 overs.

Also WATCH: Prince Yadav engages in a heated exchange with Tristan Stubbs during LSG vs DC game at IPL 2026

Sanjiv Goenka–Rishabh Pant interaction becomes talking point

Soon after the match, visuals emerged of Goenka speaking to Pant in what appeared to be a serious and expressive exchange. Pant was seen responding with animated hand gestures, while Goenka’s pointed expressions suggested a discussion that went beyond casual feedback.

Members of the support staff, including head coach Justin Langer, mentor Kane Williamson, and director Tom Moody, were also present during the interaction, observing the conversation closely. While the exact nature of the discussion remains unclear, the visuals have sparked widespread debate about leadership dynamics and communication within the franchise.

Here’s the video:

Sanjiv Goenka and Rishabh pant 😭 pic.twitter.com/0RzMSkp0vE

— Faiyaz (@FaiyazWhat) April 1, 2026

History of similar incidents adds context

This is not the first time Goenka has been involved in an animated on-field exchange. During IPL 2025, he was seen having a similar discussion with Pant amid a challenging season for the team.

Before that, Goenka had made headlines in 2024 following a highly publicized confrontation with former captain KL Rahul after a heavy defeat against Sunrisers Hyderabad.

Such incidents have often drawn mixed reactions from fans and experts, with some viewing them as passionate involvement while others question the timing and setting of such discussions.

Also WATCH: IPL 2026 – Mohammed Shami gets pumped up after removing KL Rahul for a golden duck in LSG vs DC clash

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 season has never been just about the cricket; it is a high-octane blend of entertainment, brand endorsements, and digital storytelling. However, for popular sports presenter and actor Sahiba Bali, the spotlight has recently turned from the pitch to a growing storm of online criticism. Known for her infectious energy and deep connection with the Punjab Kings (PBKS) fanbase, Bali has found herself at the centre of a cancel culture wave that highlights the volatile nature of being a public figure in the digital age.

What sparked criticism against Sahiba Bali online?

The controversy did not stem from a recent event but rather from the digital footprint of years past. The backlash intensified following a similar controversy involving Reet Padda, whose comments on certain films sparked national debate. As netizens began scrutinizing the past statements of various influencers and presenters, older videos of Sahiba Bali were pulled from the archives and amplified across platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram.

The criticism is primarily rooted in two specific pieces of content. The first is a clip from several years ago where Bali describes a teenage visit to Pakistan as “eye-opening,” referring to the people she met as “loving.” In the current socio-political climate, these comments were stripped of their original context and framed by critics as being “insensitive” to national sentiments, especially given her prominent role in a major Indian sporting league.

The second flashpoint involves her views on the film ‘The Kashmir Files’. In a resurfaced video, Bali, who herself hails from a Kashmiri Pandit background, criticized the movie’s cinematic quality and narrative approach, suggesting it felt like propaganda. For many social media users, this was the tipping point. Critics have accused her of dismissing historical trauma, while her supporters argue that as a professional and a member of the community, she is entitled to her nuanced critique of cinema.

Also READ: From Mayanti Langer to Sahiba Bali: Complete list of star presenters for IPL 2026

Impact on Bali’s IPL 2026 and Punjab Kings Association

As the hashtags trended, the conversation shifted toward her professional standing. Bali has been a vital part of the Punjab Kings digital strategy, often seen interviewing players like captain Shreyas Iyer and creating behind-the-scenes content that humanizes the franchise.

The backlash has put both the presenter and the franchise in a delicate position:

• Brand Neutrality: IPL franchises typically prefer a ‘safety-first’ approach to maintain a broad fan base. The noise surrounding Bali’s personal opinions has led to speculation on Reddit and fan forums regarding whether the team will reduce her on-screen visibility to avoid ‘brand rub-off’ from the controversy.
• The ‘Creator’ risk: This incident underscores the precarious balance for “hybrid” celebrities—those who are both professional anchors and independent content creators. Statements made in a personal capacity years ago are now being used to judge their professional suitability today.

While Bali continues to be a respected name in the industry with a master’s degree from Durham University and a background at Oxford’s Saïd Business School, this episode serves as a stark reminder of how quickly the tide can turn in the IPL’s digital ecosystem. For now, the ‘PBKS find’ remains under intense scrutiny as fans wait to see if she will address the controversy directly or let her professional work on the field do the talking.

Also WATCH: Prince Yadav engages in a heated exchange with Tristan Stubbs during LSG vs DC game at IPL 2026

In a moment that marks the end of a quietly remarkable international career, Rassie van der Dussen has officially announced his retirement from all forms of international cricket. The South African batter confirmed the news on April 2 through a heartfelt social media post, reflecting on a journey defined by resilience, consistency, and pride in representing his country.

A fine career of Rassie van der Dussen

Van der Dussen’s international career began relatively late compared to many of his contemporaries, making his debut in a T20I against Zimbabwe on October 9, 2018. Despite the delayed start, he quickly established himself as a dependable presence in South Africa’s batting lineup across formats.

Over the years, he represented the Proteas in 57 T20Is, 71 ODIs, and 18 Test matches. Known for his composure under pressure and ability to anchor innings, Van der Dussen often played the role of a stabilizer in challenging situations. His adaptability allowed him to transition smoothly between formats, making him a valuable asset to the team during his peak years.

His final international appearance came in a T20I against Australia on August 16, 2025, bringing an end to a career that spanned nearly seven years at the highest level.

Contract uncertainty and the road ahead

Van der Dussen’s retirement comes after a period of uncertainty regarding his place in the national setup. Having been on a hybrid central contract with Cricket South Africa, he was not retained for the 2026–27 season. Additionally, he had not featured for the national team in the past seven months, signaling a transition phase in his career.

However, the 35-year-old has made it clear that his journey in cricket is far from over. He will continue to play domestic cricket for the Lions and remain active in franchise leagues around the world. More importantly, he has expressed a strong desire to give back to the game by mentoring and guiding the next generation of South African cricketers.

Also READ: Fans erupt as Connor Esterhuizen’s blazing innings powers South Africa to series-clinching win against New Zealand in 5th T20I

Standout moments for the Proteas star

Among his standout performances, van der Dussen’s brilliant century against New Zealand during the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 remains one of the defining highlights of his career. His knock of 133 showcased not only his technical ability but also his temperament on the global stage.

That innings was a testament to his evolution as a cricketer — from a steady contributor to a player capable of delivering match-defining performances when it mattered most. Throughout his career, he earned a reputation for being one of South Africa’s most reliable middle-order batters in white-ball cricket.

In his emotional farewell message, van der Dussen spoke about the pride and honor of representing South Africa on the international stage.

“It is with a proud heart and a profound sense of gratitude that I announce my retirement from international cricket. To wear the Proteas jersey is a feat that demands resilience and dedication,” Van der Dussen wrote in an official statement.

He also left a message for fans and aspiring cricketers, encouraging them to dream big and give their all in pursuit of success. He wrote: “People of South Africa and the fans, dream big and give absolutely everything you have to achieve your dreams. I love South Africa, and I love cricket.”

💚🇿🇦 pic.twitter.com/htGZnfLqPR

— Rassie van der Dussen (@Rassie72) April 2, 2026

Also READ: Amelia Kerr’s 179 powers New Zealand to series-leveling win over South Africa in 2nd Women’s ODI

The IPL 2026 clash between Lucknow Super Giants and Delhi Capitals turned into more than just a contest between bat and ball, as a heated on-field exchange between Prince Yadav and Tristan Stubbs grabbed widespread attention. The incident, which unfolded during Delhi’s run chase at the Ekana Cricket Stadium, added a layer of intensity to an already high-pressure game.

The moment quickly went viral on social media, with fans and analysts debating the fine line between aggression and sportsmanship in the league. While IPL clashes are often charged with emotion, this particular face-off stood out for its raw intensity and timing in a crucial phase of the match.

Prince Yadav ignites contest with fiery spell

Earlier in the innings, Prince had turned the game on its head with a spirited burst of fast bowling. With Delhi Capitals struggling to build momentum, the young pacer struck twice in a single over, dismissing Pathum Nissanka and DC skipper Axar Patel.

Those breakthroughs pushed Delhi onto the back foot, reducing them to a precarious position and bringing Lucknow back into the contest. Yadav’s aggressive approach and sharp execution showcased his growing confidence on the big stage.

However, it was what followed that truly captured the crowd’s attention. After Axar’s wicket, Stubbs walked in under pressure but immediately showed intent with a boundary off his first scoring shot.

Prince’s stare-down follows a verbal spat with Tristan Stubbs

On the very next delivery, Prince bowled a dot ball and followed through towards Stubbs, locking eyes with the batter in a visibly aggressive manner. Stubbs, refusing to back down, responded with a firm stare of his own.

The brief but intense exchange created a charged atmosphere in the middle, with players from both sides watching closely. While no physical altercation occurred, the moment highlighted the competitive spirit and emotional stakes involved in IPL contests. Despite the confrontation, Stubbs maintained his composure and shifted focus back to the game, which ultimately proved decisive.

Here’s the video:

𝙗𝙖𝙙𝙚 𝙗𝙖𝙙𝙚 𝙢𝙖𝙩𝙘𝙝𝙚𝙨 𝙢𝙚𝙞𝙣… 𝙖𝙞𝙨𝙞 𝙘𝙝𝙝𝙤𝙩𝙞 𝙘𝙝𝙝𝙤𝙩𝙞 𝙩𝙖𝙠𝙧𝙖𝙧 𝙝𝙤𝙩𝙞 𝙧𝙚𝙝𝙩𝙞 𝙝𝙖𝙞 😉🔥
Things getting spicy in the middle 🌶️😏

Bhojpuri ka asli mazza sirf JioHotstar par dekhiye! 🎉#TATAIPL 2026 | #LSGvDC | LIVE NOW 👉… pic.twitter.com/PKSx9UroQ7

— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) April 1, 2026

Also WATCH: IPL 2026 – Mohammed Shami gets pumped up after removing KL Rahul for a golden duck in LSG vs DC clash

Bowlers, Sameer Rizvi guide DC to impressive win

Speaking about the overall match, Lucknow Super Giants endured a disappointing outing with the bat. Questionable tactical decisions and a lack of partnerships saw them bundled out for just 141 in 18.4 overs.

Delhi’s bowling attack was clinical throughout, with T. Natarajan picking up three wickets, Kuldeep Yadav chipping in with two, and Lungi Ngidi delivering a standout spell of three wickets to dismantle the LSG batting lineup.

Capitals’ chase did not begin smoothly, as they lost four wickets for just 26 runs inside the powerplay, handing LSG a strong opening. However, what followed was a remarkable turnaround led by Sameer Rizvi and Stubbs. The duo stitched together an unbeaten 119-run partnership that completely shifted the momentum. Rizvi played the aggressor’s role with a well-crafted 70 off 47 deliveries, while Stubbs anchored the innings with a composed 39. Their partnership ensured Delhi chased down the target comfortably in 17.1 overs, silencing the home crowd and overshadowing the earlier drama.

Also READ: Fans erupt as Sameer Rizvi’s batting masterclass powers DC to stunning win over LSG in IPL 2026

The spotlight shifts to an exciting clash in IPL 2026 as Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) take on Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) at Eden Gardens, Kolkata, on Thursday (April 2). With both teams searching for their first win, this encounter already carries added pressure despite being just the sixth match of the season.

KKR head into this game after a frustrating loss to Mumbai Indians (MI), where their batting brilliance was overshadowed by bowling struggles. Posting a massive 220, the team looked in control, thanks to aggressive starts from Finn Allen and Ajinkya Rahane, followed by a powerful knock from Cameron Green. However, their inability to defend such a big total exposed serious concerns in the death overs. Injuries to key Indian pacers Harshit Rana and Akash Deep, along with the absence of Matheesha Pathirana, have further weakened their bowling attack. As a result, KKR will rely heavily on Vaibhav Arora, overseas fast bowlers, and their spin unit to deliver under pressure.

SRH find themselves in a similar situation after losing their opener to Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). Despite posting an impressive 201/9, SRH failed to contain a strong RCB batting lineup. Captain Ishan Kishan led from the front with a blazing 80 off 38 balls, supported well by Aniket Verma. Yet again, SRH’s recurring issue of closing out high-scoring matches came to the fore.

SRH vs KKR, IPL 2026: Probable playing XI of both teams

Kolkata Knight Riders: Ajinkya Rahane (c), Finn Allen, Cameron Green, Angkrish Raghuvanshi (wk), Rinku Singh, Ramandeep Singh, Sunil Narine, Vaibhav Arora, Varun Chakravarthy, Kartik Tyagi, Blessing Muzarabani

Impact player subs: Anukul Roy/Umran Malik

Sunrisers Hyderabad: Travis Head, Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan (c), Nitish Kumar Reddy, Heinrich Klaasen, Salil Arora, Aniket Verma, Harsh Dubey, David Payne, Eshan Malinga, Jaydev Unadkat

Impact player subs: Harshal Patel/ Zeeshan Ansari

Also READ: KKR vs SRH, IPL 2026, Match Prediction – Who will win today’s game between Kolkata Knight Riders and Sunrisers Hyderabad?

IPL Stats and Records at Eden Gardens

• Matches Played: 100
• Matches Won Batting First: 42
• Matches Won Batting Second: 57
• Matches Won Winning Toss: 51
• Matches Won Losing Toss: 48
• Matches with No Result: 1
• Highest Individual Score: 112 not out by Rajat Patidar (Royal Challengers Bengaluru) vs Lucknow Super Giants
• Best Bowling Figures: 5/19 by Sunil Narine (Kolkata Knight Riders) vs Punjab Kings
• Highest Team Innings: 262/2 (Punjab Kings) vs Kolkata Knight Riders
• Lowest Team Innings: 49 (Royal Challengers Bengaluru) vs Kolkata Knight Riders
• Highest Run Chase: 262/2 (Punjab Kings) vs Kolkata Knight Riders

Also READ: Fans erupt as Sameer Rizvi’s batting masterclass powers DC to stunning win over LSG in IPL 2026

In a season where allegiances are usually defined by the jersey on one’s back, former Chennai Super Kings (CSK) stalwart has proven that the ‘Yellow Fever’ is a difficult habit to break. Currently representing Islamabad United in the 2026 Pakistan Super League (PSL), the New Zealand opener found himself caught between two worlds this Tuesday. Despite being miles away in Pakistan, left handed batter’s focus remained firmly on a bruising encounter in the Indian Premier League (IPL), where his former side suffered a heavy defeat at the hands of the Rajasthan Royals.

Ex-CSK player continues his unwavering loyalty for his franchise

Devon Conway’s journey with Chennai is the stuff of IPL folklore. Between 2022 and 2025, the South African-born Kiwi became a linchpin of the CSK top order, most notably spearheading their 2023 title charge with a staggering 672 runs and a Player of the Match performance in the final. However, the unpredictable nature of the sport saw him released after a lacklustre 2025 campaign and subsequently going unsold in the IPL 2026 auction.

Now wearing the red of Islamabad United, Conway’s maiden PSL campaign has been a mixed bag, featuring a modest 26-run debut against Multan Sultans and a frustrating washout against Peshawar Zalmi. Yet, it was the result of the CSK vs. RR clash that prompted an emotional outburst on social media. Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Conway admitted it was “hard to sit this one out,” adding that seeing the Super Kings lose ‘hurts.’ Even while “locked in” with PSL duties, his warning that “revenge at Chepauk will always be on my mind” sent CSK fans into a nostalgic frenzy, proving that once you whistle podu, you never really stop.

Hard to sit this one out… 💭 Watching CSK lose to Rajasthan Royals hurts. Right now I’m locked in with PSL duties, but revenge at Chepauk will always be on my mind 💛👊 #WhistlePodu

— Devon Conway (@D_Conway88) March 31, 2026

Also READ: IPL 2026: Ravindra Jadeja gets emotional against his former franchise CSK; video goes viral

A tough start for Ruturaj Gaikwad’s men amidst injury woes in IPL 2026

While Conway watched from afar, the reality on the ground for Chennai Super Kings was grim. Facing the Rajasthan Royals, the Ruturaj Gaikwad-led side looked a shadow of their former dominant selves. The batting lineup crumbled under pressure, collapsing to a meagre 127 all out. If not for a gritty 43 from Brydon Carse, the embarrassment could have been far worse. The chase was a mere formality for Rajasthan, fueled by a sensational 15-ball half-century from 15-year-old prodigy Vaibhav Suryavanshi, who dismantled the CSK attack to seal an eight-wicket victory.

The loss highlights a growing crisis for the five-time champions. The absence of the legendary MS Dhoni, officially ruled out for at least two weeks due to a calf injury, has left a leadership and finishing void that Sanju Samson, ironically playing against his former team and Gaikwad are struggling to fill. As CSK prepares to host the Shreyas Iyer-led Punjab Kings on April 3, the pressure is mounting. Fans are now looking toward the potential return of Dewald Brevis to provide the spark that Conway once ignited. For now, however, the Men in Yellow must find their rhythm without their iconic former opener, who remains their biggest cheerleader from across the border.

Also READ: IPL 2026: Fans go berserk as clinical Rajasthan Royals thump Chennai Super Kings in Guwahati

The stage is set for a high-octane clash at the historic Eden Gardens as the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) host the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in the 6th match of the IPL 2026. Both teams are searching for their first win of the season after stumbling in their opening fixtures.

The Kolkata Knight Riders enter this contest under the steady leadership of Ajinkya Rahane, though they are under immediate pressure to bounce back following an opening defeat to Mumbai Indians. The squad faces some early-season turbulence with the absence of Harshit Rana and Akash Deep—the latter being replaced by Saurabh Dubey—while the lethal slinger Matheesha Pathirana remains sidelined while awaiting an NOC from Sri Lanka Cricket. All eyes will be on record-signing Cameron Green, who is expected to feature primarily as a specialist batter for now, and the veteran spin duo of Sunil Narine and Varun Chakravarthy. After struggling for rhythm in their first outing, the ‘Twin Towers’ of KKR’s spin attack will be desperate to find purchase on the familiar Eden Gardens surface and reclaim their status as the league’s most restrictive pair.

Meanwhile, the Sunrisers Hyderabad narrative centres on a homecoming for Pat Cummins, who returns to the ground where he spent many of his formative IPL years. However, his participation remains clouded by fitness concerns; should he be unable to lead, the explosive Ishan Kishan is tipped to step in as stand-in captain. Despite the leadership uncertainty, the Sunrisers boast arguably the most intimidating batting core in the competition, featuring the high-octane trio of Travis Head, Heinrich Klaasen, and Abhishek Sharma. With David Payne recently joining the ranks as an injury replacement for Jack Edwards, SRH look to unleash their signature brand of aggressive cricket and capitalize on a KKR bowling attack that is still searching for its final form.

KKR vs SRH, IPL 2026: Match details

• Date and Time: April 2; 7:30 pm IST / 2 pm GMT
• Venue: Eden Gardens, Kolkata

KKR vs SRH, Head-to-Head Record in IPL

Matches played: 30 | KKR won: 20 | SRH won: 10 | No result/Tied: 0

Eden Gardens Pitch Report

The Eden Gardens surface has shed its old reputation as a spin sanctuary, evolving into a genuine batter’s paradise characterized by its dry, hard nature. While fast bowlers can expect some initial movement under the lights with the new ball, the track quickly flattens out, often becoming a graveyard for bowlers as the match progresses. Consequently, a first-innings total of 170 is no longer safe, with 200+ scores becoming the modern standard here. Given the clear skies and the inevitable arrival of heavy evening dew, the toss becomes crucial; captains will almost certainly look to chase to capitalize on the skidding ball and dampened outfield in the second half.

Also READ: IPL 2026: Kris Srikkanth lambasts KKR spinner Varun Chakaravarthy for dismal bowling peformance against MI

Squads

Kolkata Knight Riders: Ajinkya Rahane (captain), Angkrish Raghuvanshi, Manish Pandey, Rahul Tripathi, Rinku Singh, Tejasvi Dahiya, Anukul Roy, Daksh Kamra, Ramandeep Singh, Sarthak Ranjan, Prashant Solanki, Varun Chakravarthy, Kartik Tyagi, Umran Malik, Vaibhav Arora, Saurabh Dubey, Navdeep Saini, Cameron Green*, Rovman Powell*, Sunil Narine*, Finn Allen*, Rachin Ravindra*, Tim Seifert*, Matheesha Pathirana*, Blessing Muzarabani*

Sunrisers Hyderabad: Pat Cummins* (captain), Ishan Kishan (stand-in captain), Aniket Verma, R Smaran, Salil Arora, Abhishek Sharma, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Harshal Patel, Harsh Dubey, Shivang Kumar, Krains Fuletra, Zeeshan Ansari, Amit Kumar, Jaydev Unadkat, Shivam Mavi, Onkar Tarmale, Sakib Hussain, Praful Hinge, Liam Livingstone*, Brydon Carse*, David Payne*, Travis Head*, Heinrich Klaasen*, Kamindu Mendis*, Eshan Malinga*

KKR vs SRH, IPL 2026: Today’s Match Prediction

Case 1:

• KKR wins the toss and bowls first
• SRH’s powerplay score: 60-70
• SRH’s total score: 210-220

Case 2:

• SRH wins the toss and bowls first
• KKR’s powerplay score: 50-60
• KKR’s total score: 190-200

Match result: Team bowling first to win the contest

Also WATCH: Rinku Singh grabs attention with hilarious bat theft antics after MI vs KKR IPL 2026 clash

The TATA Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026, match no.5, between Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) and Delhi Capitals (DC) have just concluded. It was a thrilling LSG vs DC game, as DC beat LSG by 6 wickets. It was a one-way traffic from the start of the game, at the Ekana Stadium, Lucknow, as the home side lost wickets at regular intervals and never came back in the game.

Capitals captain Axar Patel won the toss and elected to field first. DC were all over the Super Giants, as Rishabh Pant came in as a surprise to everyone opening the innings for the franchise and was the first wicket to fall as he was unluckily dismissed at the non-striker end after Mitchell Marsh’s straight drive hit Mukesh Kumar’s hand and ended up on the stumps.

IPL 2026: LSG vs DC Match Result

From there, LSG never recovered as they kept on losing wickets at every over, and their best batter, Nicholas Pooran, was also dismissed cheaply by Lungi Ngidi’s slower ball, for just 8 runs. The Capitals were all over the Super Giants, as Abdul Samad scored the highest run for the side with 36 runs.

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Samad and Shahbaz Ahmed tried to stitch a small partnership of 33 runs. The latter scored 15 runs at the end of the innings; however, the Super Giants could only get to the score of 141/10 in their 20 overs. T Natarajan and Lungi Ngidi were the pick of the bowlers as they both picked three wickets each.

Coming out to chase the target of 142 runs, the Capitals opener KL Rahul was dismissed for a ‘Golden Duck’ as Mohammed Shami picked up the India batter on the very first ball of the second innings. DC were struggling at 30/4 at one stage, as another opener Pathum Nissanka also was dismissed scoring one run, and the captain Axar was also back in the pavilion scoring a golden duck.

Tristan Stubbs and Sameer Rizvi then stitched a partnership between them from 26/4, then Rizvi and Stubbs stitched a partnership of 119 runs for the 5th wicket, as the two batters looked in complete control, and were unbeaten with the score of 70 and 39 runs respectively, and helped DC get through the total of 142 runs in the LSG vs DC game.

LSG vs DC team totals:

First innings: LSG: 142/10 (19.4 overs)

Second innings: DC: 145/4 (17.1 overs)

Updated IPL Points Table After LSG vs DC Match 5

IPL 2026: Updated Orange Cap List After LSG vs DC Match 5

IPL 2026: Updated Purple Cap List After LSG vs DC Match 5

Also Read: Axar Patel dismissed on ‘Golden Duck’ by Prince Yadav in LSG vs DC IPL 2026 clash

A couple of golden ducks and multiple early blows could not stop Delhi Capitals (DC) from registering their first win in their opening match of the IPL 2026 season. Chasing a target of 142, they won the match by 6 wickets and 17 balls to spare.

The run instantly got tricky as Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) pacer Mohammed Shami sent Delhi Capitals opener KL Rahul for a golden duck. Captain Axar Patel also returned for a golden duck with his name. Despite the multiple early setbacks, DC held their nerves strongly to make a comeback in the contest and eventually won the match against LSG at the Ekana Stadium in Lucknow as well.

Pair of Sameer Rizvi and Tristan Stubbs confirms victory for Delhi Capitals over LSG

Sri Lanka international Pathum Nissanka (1) and an IPL stalwart Nitish Rana (15) also departed cheaply in the run chase. In the second innings, Delhi was on 26 for 4, and LSG was in the driving seat.

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While the experienced batters went off guard quickly, two emerging players— Sameer Rizvi and Tristan Stubbs— remained firm on their grounds to make a counterattack against the thriving LSG bowlers.

Delhi Capitals included Rizvi in their batting power as an Impact Player, and it worked out for them tonight as the 22-year-old remained not out for 70 runs in 47 balls, smashing a total of nine boundaries, including five 4s and six 6s. South Africa international Tristan Stubbs accompanied Rizvi well with a gritty, unbeaten 39-run knock against 32 balls with three 4s and one 6.

Axar Patel revealed that they faced a hard challenge in team selection

The Lucknow Super Giants skipper Rishabh Pant introduced seven bowlers in their defence but they proved ineffective as Rizvi and Stubbs were prepared for all kinds of challenges.

In the match after the presentation ceremony, Patel revealed that they needed to choose between Sameer Rizvi and Asutosh Sharma for the impact player role. He praised his bowling department as well for restricting the opposing team to a reasonable total. Patel pointed out that the partnership of Rizvi and Stubbs was essential during that stage of the match.

He [Sameer Rizvi] works hard on his game- Axar Patel

“It finished early but in the middle it had become close. We just needed one partnership and that’s what we spoke about in the break. Very happy with the bowling effort. When we started with the ball, we knew there was a bit of help for the bowlers, which was communicated to whoever was coming onto bowl,” Axar Patel, the captain of the Delhi Capitals said after the match.

“You see how the match is going, there was a bigger and smaller boundary, and I was seeing who I could bowl, in the end, I might have miscalculated. The plan was to play Sameer Rizvi, but also have the option of Ashutosh Sharma. Last year Ashu did it in the first game and this time Rizvi. He [Sameer Rizvi] works hard on his game and keeps asking how he can improve himself,” he added.

Read More: “We didn’t have enough”: Rishabh Pant takes responsibility after LSG’s batting failure in loss to DC in IPL 2026

The TATA Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026, match between Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) and Delhi Capitals have ended. DC won the match by 6 wickets, with Sameer Rizvi scoring a match-winning 70* run while chasing a target of 142 runs. It was another low-scoring thriller as LSG tried to come back into the game after being bowled out for 141 runs.

Though DC were down to 26/4 at one stage, a 119-run partnership between Rizvi and Tristan Stubbs took them over the line, with 17 balls to spare. After the match, LSG owner Sanjiv Goenka was once again seen animated with the loss as he was having a discussion with the team coaching staff and the captain, Rishabh Pant.

Sanjiv Goenka bashes Rishabh Pant

During the conversion of Sanjiv Goenka, head coach Justin Langer, Global Director of Cricket Tom Moody, and Pant were seen having a conversation with the owner. This is not the first time that the owner has been coming onto the field and has looked animated after the IPL game. Previously, back in 2024, KL Rahul and Mr.Goenka were involved in a heated exchange.

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In 2024, Rahul and Sanjiv Goenka exchanged words after LSG were thumped by Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) by 10 wickets, and the video of which quickly went viral, leading to criticism from fans and pundits. The exchange, caught on camera, showed Goenka expressing disappointment with the team’s performance. Rahul, who later said the incident was uncomfortable, left LSG.

Sanjiv Goenka’s lecture saga returns in IPL

Previously, last year, he was seen storming out of the stadium balcony in frustration after skipper Rishabh Pant was dismissed for 7 runs during a crucial IPL 2025 match against Sunrisers Hyderabad. Now, back to the present day, after the 6-wicket loss and a humiliating batting performance from the LSG team, Sanjiv Goenka, in the very first match.

He has once again been seen in a discussion with the team staff and the captain. Once again, Sanjiv Goenka will be under the radar of criticism for yet again having an open conversation with the team members. The LSG owner has been seen animated often in the stands as well.

Goenka has been an owner who might not be liked by the fans and the cricketing pundits; however, he wants positive results from every game, and that is one of the reasons he has been so much involved in the team’s dressing room. The exact chats have not been revealed yet, or were not heard after the loss.

LSG batters failed to score runs

Coming to the match, LSG were bowled out for 141 runs, as no batters except Mitchell Marsh and Abdul Samad could go past the score of 30 runs. The former scored 35, and the latter was dismissed on the score of 36 runs. Lungi Ngidi and T Natarajan picked three wickets each for the Capitals.

While chasing, DC were struggling at one stage with 26/4; however, Rizvi and Stubbs took them over the line, chasing the total 142 with 6 wickets in hand. Axar Patel’s side will look to work on their batting further going ahead in the tournament.

Also Read: “Works hard on his game”: Axar Patel lauds Sameer Rizvi after match winning knock vs LSG