The Delhi Capitals have won their first match of IPL 2026 and have become the first team to win an away match in IPL 2026. In the clash between Lucknow Super Giants vs Delhi Capitals, DC won the match while chasing 142 runs at Ekana Stadium.
Delhi Capitals captain Axar Patel won the toss and decided to bowl first. His decision to bowl first was completely in DC’s favour; they bowled out LSG for 141 in 18.4 overs.
LSG Captain Rishabh Pant opened the batting but was very unfortunate and got run out at the non-striker’s end for 7 (9). Later, Mitchell Marsh tried to counterattack but scored 35 off 28. However, Kuldeep Yadav (2/31) took charge to dismiss the dangerous Australian.
Delhi Capitals executed their plan and bowled flawlessly in the middle and death overs. Lungi Ngidi took 3 wickets and conceded only 27 runs in 3.4 overs. T Natarajan also took 3 wickets and conceded 29 runs, and took a crucial wicket of Abdul Samad, who was looking in good touch.
Also Read: Players with Most Fifties in IPL 2026 Season – Live Updated Rankings
While defending the total of 141 runs, LSG wanted early wickets, and MD Shami did the same. He took wickets on the very first ball of the match against KL Rahul. This momentum helped LSG bowlers to capitalise and take more wickets. Prince Yadav took 2 for 20 and Mohsin took 1 for 19. Delhi Capitals were down at 26 for 4. In the fifth over of the match, there was a heated argument between Stubbs and young Prince Yadav.
As per The Times of India, Prince Yadav bowled a fuller delivery outside off, which Stubbs defended solidly. After that, Prince Yadav stared at Stubbs while walking down the pitch. Stubbs, in return, showed the same aggression.
It seemed like LSG was back in the back, but Impact player Sameer Rizvi’s match-winning partnership ensured that DC won. Stubbs was anchoring the innings and scored 39* off 32 balls. On the other hand, Rizvi was attacking the LSG spin attack and scored a match-winning knock of 70 not out from 47 balls. Rizvi’s innings includes 5 fours and 4 sixes. Their partnership of 119 shut the door for LSG’s comeback.
Also Read: Apple Turns 50: 5 Products That Failed But Shaped Its Biggest Successes
Not sending David Miller at the right moment turned the match around
DC had the choice to send David Miller or Tristan Stubbs. Badani, the coach of DC, ran up to Miller and told him about the decision.
As per India Today, Pathan said, “It was a huge moment in that game. Because Badani is running in from the dressing room, coming down, talking to David Miller. Hold on, wait a minute. I think in these conditions, we need to send Stubbs. He can handle this situation much better than David Miller is capable of. But in this particular moment, I think they won at this particular point. Not only that, obviously, once you come into a senior guy and say, ok, hold on, you can’t go in right now. We are thinking about something else. You’re going to present yourself in a way where this guy doesn’t feel bad, and he managed that.”
Akash Chopra also tweeted, “Smart last-minute change to bring Stubbs. Hemang had to run all the way down to ensure Miller didn’t walk in.”
Also Read: Top 10 Players with Most Centuries in IPL History (Updated List)
Overall, the Delhi Capitals have started their IPL 2026 with a massive bowling and batting attack and are now all set for another game.
