Delhi Capitals vs Mumbai Indians, IPL, 2026 Apr 4 Full score card

FOUR! David Miller hits the winning runs! Corbin Bosch bowls a full toss down the leg side, begging to be put away. Miller does not miss out and tickles it away to the fine leg fence for a boundary. DC WIN BY 6 WICKETS WITH 11 BALLS TO SPARE!

Just the last rites being read. Corbin Bosch to bowl the 19th with DC needing just 3 runs to win.

Pitched up, on middle, angling in, Tristan Stubbs clips it but cannot beat square leg.

Gets it in the blockhole, outside off, David Miller digs it out towards long off for one. Just 3 needed now.

Fuller and on middle, Tristan Stubbs bunts it out to long on for one.

Full toss, yet again, on off, David Miller forces it to long off for a run.

FOUR! Finds the gap! Another low full toss, on off. David Miller smacks it away wide of long on. The fielder runs to his left and dives, but cannot stop the boundary. DC just one big hit away from the win now.

Low full toss, on middle, Tristan Stubbs drives it to long on for a single.

Deepak Chahar is back on. 2-0-32-0 so far. DC need 11 runs from 18 balls. Just a matter of two hits then?

Another fuller one, on leg, David Miller misses out on the flick again, getting hit on the pads.

Fullish delivery and around off, David Miller drills it out but straight to extra cover.

Gets away with it! Pitched up but down the leg side, David Miller fails to glance it away. It goes off his pads behind, where Ryan Rickelton dives to his right to make the half stop. He parries it to short fine and Miller is sent back by his partner.

Fuller and on off, Tristan Stubbs pushes it to covers for a single.

A huge standing ovation for Sameer Rizvi as he walks back to the dugout. Unfortunate for him that he couldn't get to triple figures, which would have been the cherry on the cake. Tristan Stubbs walks in at number 6.

OUT! CAUGHT! A knock of the highest order finally comes to an end. Corbin Bosch goes fuller and on off. Sameer Rizvi clears his front leg and looks to loft it with a straight bat but his bat turns in his hands at the point of contact. He knows that he has mishit that one and throws his head back in disappointment. The ball goes high in the air towards long off, where Tilak Varma settles under it and takes a fine catch. Rizvi walks off to a huge applause, but will be disappointed not to be there till the end.

Right in the blockhole, on middle. Sameer Rizvi opens up his body and jams it out wide of long on for a brace. He moves into the 90s now. 150 UP FOR DELHI CAPITALS!

STRATEGIC BREAK! The game has far drifted from the visitors now. For the second game in a row, Bumrah goes wicketless. He didn't concede many runs this time around and kept it really tight, finishing with 0/21 in his 4 overs. But Mumbai Indians haven't been able to pick regular wickets to stall the momentum DC have with them. With just 14 required from 24 balls, the hosts are in a comfortable position to get through the line. Rizvi needs 12 to get to his century as well. Corbin Bosch (2-0-32-0) is back on after the break.

Good length and on middle, David Miller blocks it out on the pitch.

On a length and on middle, David Miller keeps it out to the leg side.

FOUR! Nice shot! Jasprit Bumrah misses the yorker, probably for the first time in this game. He serves a full toss, on middle, angling in. David Miller clips it away through mid-wicket to pick up his second boundary.

WIDE! Tries the slower bouncer, on middle, David Miller leaves it alone. It is called a wide, but Bumrah does not think so. He manages to convince his skipper for the review. However, the replay shows it is well over the head of the batter, and we don't even need the Ball Tracking.

FOUR! Up and over! Touch fuller and around off. David Miller gets his hands through the shot and carves it over extra covers for a boundary.

Good fielding! Back of a length and around off, Sameer Rizvi arches his back and steers it wide of short third, using the pace on the ball. Shardul Thakur gets low to his left quickly and gets a good hand to stop it. They cross.

A slower yorker, on off, David Miller pushes it through covers for a single.

Delhi Capitals need 25 from 30 balls now. Jasprit Bumrah to bowl out. 3-0-10-0 so far for him.

SIX! Absolutely belted away! Short at pace by Thakur, outside off. Sameer Rizvi stays leg side of the ball and swats it flatly behind extra cover for a cracking six. Rizvi moves to 87 off just 48 balls and has a good chance to convert this into a well-deserved century.

On a short of a good length, slow at 118.8 kph, outside off. Rizvi positions himself to dab it behind on the off side, but does not get the connection.

WIDE! Short and wide, outside the guideline. Rizvi lets it be.

FOUR! Extraordinary batting! Too full by Shardul on this occasion, outside off. Rizvi stays deep in the crease, clears the front leg to make room and crashes it through the mid off and cover gap. Before anyone could move a muscle, the ball blazes away to the fence.

Full and on leg. Miller gets a bit squared up by the pace off delivery and keeps it out to extra cover for a single.

Rolls his fingers on the ball to take pace off. Short over off, nipping in and staying low. Sameer shuffles across and tries to help it over short fine leg, but the lack of bounce and pace does him in. Inside edges to the pads and then to the leg side for a single.

FOUR! This is slipping out of MI's reach now! A slower bouncer, outside off, at shoulder height. Sameer Rizvi goes deep inside the crease and square cuts it over backward point for a boundary. That also brings up the 50-run stand between these two batters. Out of the 52 runs, Miller has scored just one here, showing how dominant Rizvi has been. DC need 38 from 35 balls.

Shardul Thakur replaces Jasprit Bumrah. He went for 16 runs in his first over.

Slower delivery on middle, Sameer Rizvi nudges this length ball through widish square leg for an easy single.

At just 111.8 kph, this is dug short and over off. Sameer Rizvi hops to ramp it over short third but misses to put the bat on the ball.

Excellent fielding in the deep! At the pads, on a good length. Sameer Rizvi pulls it behind square on the leg side, towards deep backward square leg. Mitchell Santner comes charging across from deep mid-wicket and dives to cut it off. Keeps it down to a couple of runs only. But he lands hard on his right shoulder and looks in some pain.

SIX! That's just a gift! Deepak Chahar misses his yorker and serves a full toss, on the pads. Sameer Rizvi picks it off and helps it on its way over the deep fine leg fence for a biggie.

Bangs this into the pitch, on middle, slower again. Sameer Rizvi sways away and tries to upper-cut it. The ball keeps coming in and takes the gloves, pops up but falls safely into the off side.

FOUR! Put away with ease! Short of a length and outside off, takes pace off. Sameer Rizvi extends his arms to reach out for it and smashes it through extra covers for a boundary.

A quiet over from Jasprit Bumrah, but wickets are the need of the hour for the Mumbai Indians here. Deepak Chahar is back on now.

Length ball in the channel of off, at 126.3 kph. This is eased towards point. Just 1 run from Bumrah's third over. 55 needed off 42 balls.

Oh, this one just doesn't rise off the pitch. Short at 118.5 kph, outside off. David Miller prepares himself to play the pull shot across the line, but gets totally outfoxed by the lack of bounce.

Slowish delivery, full and on the stumps. Miller presses in front and taps it to the off side with soft hands.

A big appeal for LBW, but not given. There were two sounds and after a bit of pondering, SKY does not review it. Attempted yorker tailing into leg stump, Sameer Rizvi swings across the line and gets hit on the pad as the ball rolls wide of the keeper. The keeper has a shy at the striker’s end but misses, and they sneak through for a single. UltraEdge confirms a clear inside edge.

Around off, on a good length, Rizvi gives himself some room, tries to use the pace and get it past short third, but dabs it straight to the fielder.

Slower fuller one, outside off, Sameer swings hard, but gets a thick outside edge and the ball rolls back to the keeper.

Suryakumar Yadav has been forced to bring Jasprit Bumrah (2-0-9-0) back into the attack. Can he do something special here?

Goes short again and around off, Sameer Rizvi cuts it away to deep point for a run. 34 runs in the last two overs, and Delhi are in the driver's seat now.

Misses out there! Floated, short and wide outside off. Sameer Rizvi drops to one knee, extends his arms and slaps it but finds extra cover.

SIX! The ball is just sailing over the fence now! This is a perfect display of clean ball striking. Rizvi once again dances down the track and tonks this full ball massively over the long on fence for back-to-back sixes.

SIX! FIFTY FOR SAMEER RIZVI! Consecutive fifties for him this season. His 3rd IPL half-century and the home crowd is absolutely loving it. Little flight on a length outside off. Sameer skips down the track and plays a lovely inside-out loft over wide long off. 100 UP FOR DELHI CAPITALS!

A skiddy leg break that holds its line, on leg. Sameer Rizvi goes on the back foot, looks to whip across, but inside edges past the leg stump.

A slider by Mayank, full and on leg, at 91.5 kph. Miller hangs back and flicks it through square leg for a single.

That could well be the momentum-shifting over in this game. Here comes Mayank Markande to bowl his second over.

SIX! Just about goes the distance! Bosch serves it full and on the off-stump line. Sameer Rizvi is deep in the crease and lifts it high and handsomely down the ground for a six. 20 runs from the over. Corbin Bosch has gone for 32 runs in his 2 overs so far. 70 required off 54 balls.

SIX! That's been crashed into the stands! Wide line on a good length, outside off. Quick hands by Sameer Rizvi as he unleashes a fierce cut shot behind deep backward point for a flat six.

Swing and a miss! At 139.3 kph, this is bashed on a hard length, around off, with a slight nip into the batter. Sameer Rizvi is taken aback by the lack of lift and is beaten on the pull shot.

FOUR! Excellently played! Short by Bosch now, on top of middle. Sameer Rizvi covers the stumps by shuffling a bit, crouches very low, and uses the pace to ramp it over the keeper for a boundary.

FOUR! SMASHED! Fuller one, outside off. Sameer Rizvi goes deep in the crease before smacking it over mid off for a boundary.

Slower one, outside off, on a length, Rizvi cuts it to backward point, where the fielder dives to his left to cut it off.

It cannot get tighter than this. DC's 73/3 meets MI's 73/3 at the halfway stage.

Tossed up, full and on off, David Miller defends it on the front foot.

Out goes Nissanka after a fine knock, and David Miller walks in at number 5.

OUT! TAKEN! Mitchell Santner gets the crucial breakthrough for the Mumbai Indians. Once again, we see a wicket fall right after the break. It happened with MI as well, and now for Delhi. Santner pushes this one through quicker, bowls it short and on middle. Pathum Nissanka opens up his stance and goes for the pull, but gets rushed due to the extra bounce. It takes the top edge and flies behind the keeper. Mayank Markande, from short fine, runs to his right and takes a fine sliding catch.

Slows it up, full and on middle, Sameer Rizvi tucks it away through mid-wicket for another run.

Flighted, full and on off, Pathum Nissanka goes down and sweeps it really hard and wide of deep square leg. Tilak Varma moves to his right quickly and makes a fine diving stop. Just one.

Tossed up, full and on off, Sameer Rizvi drives it to long off for a single.

FOUR! Good start after the break! Floated, short and around off. Sameer Rizvi uses the width on offer and brings his fast hands into play, cutting it past point for a boundary.

STRATEGIC BREAK​​​​​​! It's been a decent going for the Capitals. Yes, the runs haven't come thick and fast as they would have hoped for. But on a pitch where you need to manufacture the shots, Rizvi and especially Nissanka have gone about their business pretty nicely. Delhi Capitals need 97 from 66 balls, which is not at all a tough ask by modern-day standards, but MI would be mindful that a couple of quick wickets will surely tilt the balance of the game in their favour. But they need those breakthroughs now or else it would be too late. Mitchell Santner is brought back on after the break. 2-0-15-0 for him so far.

Overpitched delivery, just around off, Sameer Rizvi squeezes it out to sweeper cover for one more. 12 runs off Bosch's first over!

Keeps the length full again, on off, Pathum Nissanka drills it to extra cover for another run.

Pitched up, on off, Sameer Rizvi clips it through mid-wicket for one.

SIX! Oh..what a shot! Corbin Bosch goes much fuller and on middle and leg. Sameer Rizvi, with a huge backlift, whips it away using his wrists, sending it well over the deep square leg fence for a biggie.

WIDE! Yorker but down the leg side, Sameer Rizvi gets his foot away. Wided.

DROPPED! A chance goes begging here! Fuller in length and just on off. Pathum Nissanka steps across and plays the pick-up shot. He does not get the timing right and the ball flies towards deep backward square leg. Naman Dhir runs forward a long way and does well to get to the ball, dives but fails to hold on to it. You need to take those defending a total like this one.

Uppish but safe! Short in length and on middle, gets some extra bounce. Sameer Rizvi gets hurried on his pull shot and mistimes it uppishly. It goes up in the air but drops well over square leg for a single.

MI are ringing on the bowling changes. Corbin Bosch replaces Mitchell Santner.

Pushed through quicker, full and on leg, Sameer Rizvi uses his feet and clips it through mid-wicket for one more. The asking rate has now jumped over 9 for the Capitals.

Pulls his length back a bit, on leg, Pathum Nissanka works it through mid-wicket for one.

Around off, full in length, Rizvi gets on the front foot and runs it down to long off for a single.

Full and wide outside off, Rizvi slaps it off the toe end to cover.

WIDE! Quicker, full but down the leg side, Sameer Rizvi fails to glance it away. Wided.

Short and on middle, Pathum Nissanka nudges it through mid-wicket for a run. That brings up the 50 for DC!

Just over! Tossed up, full and on off, Sameer Rizvi reaches out to loft it and hits it aerially down the pitch. Mayank Markande jumps with his right hand stretched over his head, on his follow-through, but the ball just evades him. They cross.

Here's the impact player for MI. Mayank Markande replaces Jasprit Bumrah. Spin from both ends then. DC need 115 from 78 balls.

Another one, short and down the leg, Sameer Rizvi fails to heave it away and the ball goes off his pads to short fine. A leg bye taken.

A shout for caught behind, but turned down! Flatter delivery, shortish and around leg. Sameer Rizvi gets low to swipe it away but misses. Maybe it brushes his pads before Ryan Rickelton grabs it behind the stumps. He thinks there is an edge, but not sure enough to convince his skipper to go for the review.

FOUR! Nice use of the feet! Tossed up, full and on middle, Sameer Rizvi puts on the dancing shoes to get to the pitch and lofts it over the bowler's head for a lovely boundary.

Bowls this quicker this time, shortish and angling down the leg. Sameer Rizvi opens up his stance to heave it away but misses and the ball goes between his legs to the keeper.

Drops it short and on middle, holds up in the surface a bit. Sameer Rizvi rocks back for the pull but goes through it early. Takes a blow on his stomach.

Tossed up, full and on off, Pathum Nissanka drives it hard towards short cover, where the fielder dives but only parries it to long off. A single taken.

That brings the Powerplay to a close. Nothing separates both sides, as after 6 overs, Delhi Capitals are 42/2. Mumbai Indians were 41/2 at the same stage. Mitchell Santner (1-0-10-0) replaces Shardul Thakur.

Hits the deck hard, on off, gets it to jag back in. Sameer Rizvi arches his back to steer it away but fails to beat short third. Just 3 runs off from the last over of Powerplay. Delhi Capitals are 42/2 after 6.

Good fielding! Goes back to the slower delivery, pitches it up, on off. Pathum Nissanka waits for it and drives it firmly wide of mid off. Suryakumar Yadav dives to his left and saves a certain boundary. They cross.

Pace on, nails the yorker, on middle and off, Sameer Rizvi digs it out towards cover for one.

Another slower one, full and on off, moving in, Sameer Rizvi can only manage to push it back to the bowler.

Short of a length and on off, Pathum Nissanka connects this time, heaving it to deep square leg for a single.

Back of a length and around off, rolls his fingers to take pace off. Pathum Nissanka goes through the pull shot way too early. It takes the toe-end of the bat and rolls towards backward point. Rizvi wants the run but is sent back.

Jasprit Bumrah (1-0-6-0) is back on for the final over of the Powerplay. He replaces Mitchell Santner. Also, the Mumbai Indians utilise their Impact Sub. IN - Mayank Markande | OUT - Rohit Sharma.

Rohit Sharma is substituted by Mayank Markande

Shardul responds with a pinpoint yorker, on the stumps. But Nissanka is alert enough and squeezes it in front of the point fielder for a quick single. 16 runs off the over!

FOUR! A shot of authority! Thakur goes full and on middle. Pathum Nissanka shimmies down the track and smokes it over mid off for a cracking boundary. Calculated risk, and it pays him well.

Takes pace off, and bowls it way too short, on the leg stump line. Pathum Nissanka gets inside the line to pull, but misses. It is deemed a fair delivery as the batter moved across.

FOUR! Even better! A juicy half volley, on off. Pathum Nissanka gets right under it and spanks it down the ground, over the bowler's head for a boundary. Lovely follow-through on that one from Nissanka.

SIX! That has got a flight number attached to it! Shardul bangs it short, on middle. Pathum Nissanka reads the knuckle ball well, gets into a good position before nailing the pull shot into the stands, behind deep square leg.

At a gentle pace, short and on top of middle, cramping the batter for room. Rizvi still manufactures it by charging down and he stabs it between short third and backward point for a single.

Double change? Yes, Shardul Thakur comes into the attack now. He picked up a three-fer against KKR in the first game.

Nicely floated into the blockhole, Pathum Nissanka carves it out to mid off. 10 runs from Santner's first over. DC need 140 from 96 balls.

Slightly short on off, at 82.7 kph. Rizvi waits on it and punches it down to long ff for a single.

Full and on the stumps, swept away to deep mid-wicket for a single.

Slows it up, and pulls his length back, around off. Pathum goes for a big-booming pull shot, but he is a bit too early and gets a thick bottom edge to the off side.

FOUR! Just over Rohit! Full this time, outside leg. Pathum Nissanka reverse sweeps it just over the leaping Rohit Sharma at cover-point for a boundary.

FOUR! Off the inside edge! Santner starts with an in-drifter on a good length, on the pads. Pathum Nissanka backs away to whip it to the leg side, but only manages a thick inside edge. The ball rolls to the right of short fine leg and races away to the fence behind.

Fuller again and on middle, Sameer Rizvi knocks it towards mid on. The fielder throws the ball back towards the bowler, who is not aware of that and the ball rolls away to the fence. However, the umpire has called for the over before that, and the ball is considered dead before the throw.

Pitched up and around middle, Pathum Nissanka backs away and looks to loft it over the bowler's head. He ends up chipping it off the toe-end of the bat to the left of mid off for a single.

DROPPED! A tough chance for Chahar off his own bowling. Nissanka dances down the track and tries to smack the length ball down the ground, with a flat-batted angle. But he hits it off the toe end, spanking it flatly back to the bowler's right. Deepak Chahar sticks out his right hand on the follow-through, but cannot hold onto it.

FOUR! Times it to perfection! Chahar errs in line and bowls it on the pads, on a length. Pathum Nissanka picks it up nicely and whips it to long leg for a boundary.

This one tails back into the batter, almost a yorker by Chahar. Pathum Nissanka's head falls over but he manages to squeeze it to the backward point fielder.

A slight away shape at 136.7 kph, full and outside off, Pathum Nissanka cracks the drive, but hits it straight to Santner at mid off.

In-between length, slanted into the batter. Rizvi gets across and nudges it to mid-wicket, where the fielder dives to his left to stop it.

Back of a length, off-pace and angling in around that fourth-stump line at 117.3 kph. Nissanka prods at it, gets an inside edge, and they scamper through for a single as it trickles to backward square leg.

It's deja vu for the Delhi Capitals, as it's yet another rocky beginning for them in consecutive games. Their match-winner from the last game, Sameer Rizvi, comes out to the middle now, as an Impact Sub. He replaces Mukesh Kumar.

Mukesh Kumar is substituted by Sameer Rizvi

OUT! NITISH RANA IS RUN OUT! Outstanding game awareness from Bumrah. On a hard length, on middle and leg, nipping back into the batter. Rana taps it across into the vacant mid-wicket region and slows down midway while going for a single. Jasprit Bumrah swoops across to the left, collects the ball and turns around before scoring a direct hit at the non-striker's end. Rana puts in a desperate dive, but he is found short while the stumps are hit. Rana gets up and begins to walk, the replays also confirm that he is well short. DC are 7/2, in the chase of 163 runs.

Slams the deck hard, on off, at 131.6 kph. Pathum Nissanka hangs back and pulls it to deep square leg for a single.

FOUR! Gloriously played! Offers a bit too much width outside off, on a fuller length. Pathum Nissanka gets the chance to free his arms and he lofts it over the cover fielder for a cracking boundary.

Gets the ball to shape away, full and outside off. Pathum Nissanka leans on and drives it to mid off.

A successful first over for Mumbai Indians. Suryakumar Yadav is going on the attack by bringing in Jasprit Bumrah early here.

Aims the stumps, on a back of a length, Nitish Rana presses in front and blocks it to mid on. Top class opening over by Chahar. A wicket and just 2 runs.

Nips back in from middle, on a hard length. Nitish Rana is pinned on the crease, trying to whip it across, but inside edges onto the pads.

Early blow for DC yet again this season. Nitish Rana walks out to bat at number 3.

OUT! CAUGHT BEHIND! Another first-over dismissal for KL Rahul and MI are over the moon. Chahar bowls it on a good length and angles it down the leg stump line. Gets no swing and it holds its line. KL Rahul tries to help it behind to the leg side, but gets strangled in this process, nicking it behind to the keeper. Ryan Rickelton takes a superb diving catch to his left. KL walks even before the umpire raises his finger. Delhi Capitals are 2/1, chasing 163.

Back of a length, swinging away, around off. Crisply punched by KL Rahul off the back foot, but straight to the cover-point fielder.

Nissanka gets his first run as well. He flicks this straightish full ball on the pads to deep square leg for a single.

KL is up and running! Chahar finds swing straightaway, full and on middle. Rahul pushes this outgoing delivery to mid off for a quick single to get off the mark.

FOUR! Misfield by Rana costs DC another boundary. Full delivery angling in from middle to leg, Bosch flicks it towards deep backward square leg. Nitish Rana slides in to his right but fumbles and parries the ball into the ropes. Nitish did the hard yards, but could have done better there. 14 runs off the final over. MUMBAI INDIANS FINISH AT 162/6!

FOUR! PUNISHED! At just 117 kph, on a good length, wide outside off. Bosch stays put, throws his bat at it and crashes the slower delivery through the covers for a boundary.

Fired in at 134.6 kph, full and on middle. Corbin Bosch heaves it across to the left of deep mid-wicket. David Miller covers a good ground and cuts it off nicely in the deep. Two taken.

Off pace on a hard length, on top of off. Santner drags it with a pull shot to deep mid-wicket for only a single.

WIDE! Off cutter, dug into the pitch, short and miles outside off. Santner stands tall and reaches out for it, trying to club it over point, but fails to get any connection. Mukesh will have to reload this one again.

Fullish in length at 132.8 kph, around off, Santner slices it over extra cover and hares back for the second. 150 UP FOR MUMBAI INDIANS!

A crucial dot ball and an equally smart review! Back of a length, an off cutter that goes beyond the tramline on the off side. Santner wafts at it and misses. Wide given. Hang on! DC have reviewed it, challenging the on-field decision of wide. The replay shows that the ball is just about inside the wide guideline. Now, the third umpire requests to check the height of the ball as well. The Ball Tracking confirms that it is well below the natural head height of the batter. So, it is a fair delivery.

Will it be spin or pace for the last over? It will be the pace of Mukesh Kumar (2-0-12-2). Can he keep MI under 160 here?

Slower ball once more, into the pitch, on off. Santner stands tall and controls the pull shot to deep square leg, but gets just a single. A wicket and only 4 runs from the penultimate over. 3-0-24-1 for T Natarajan.

In front of middle, Bosch drives the full toss on the front foot, toward mid off and steals a run.

The next batter in is Corbin Bosch.

OUT! STRAIGHT TO THE FIELDER! First wicket for Natarajan as he gets the reward for showing good variations. Slower short ball, angled away from the right-hander. Dhir goes for an ambitious pull but he is way too early into the shot and holes out to the fielder at deep mid-wicket. He couldn't have picked Tristan Stubbs any better in the deep. Mumbai Indians are 146/6, 8 balls to go.

Slowish length ball, around off, at 123.3 kph. Mitchell Santner is a bit early into the pull shot and gets a top edge. Airs it over the inner ring and it goes on the bounce to the deep mid-wicket fielder. Just a single. Excellent from Natarajan so far.

Pinpoint yorker, on off, Dhir drills it down the ground to mid off for a run.

Executes the yorker on off and middle from over the wicket. Dhir gets his bat down just in time and squeezes it out back to the bowler.

Who bowls the 19th over? Axar Patel persists with T Natarajan. He has conceded 20 runs in his first couple of overs.

FOUR! Top class from the Kiwi! Almost a yorker on off, Mitchell Santner gets right under it, converts it into a full toss and lofts it over extra cover for a cracking boundary.

Slow and wide, full in length. Naman eases it through mid off for a single.

A lengthy appeal from KL Rahul for LBW, but the finger stays down. Lungi Ngidi isn't so sure about it and they do not go for a review. A real toe-crusher from Ngidi, aimed at the sticks, with a bit of inward angle. Naman Dhir's head falls over as he tries to jam it. Seems to have got an inside edge on the pads and hence DC do not review.

A low full toss, around off, Santner slaps it to the left of long off for an easy run.

Takes pace off, full and outside off, Dhir caresses it through wide mid off for one more.

Shoots in a yorker, on off, Santner carves it to the mid on region for a single as the bowler chases it down himself.

At pace now, on a length, on off. Santner pulls it uppishly to deep mid-wicket for a single. 12 runs from the over. A profitable one for MI.

FOUR! Excellent timing and placement! T Natarajan bangs another short ball by taking pace off, outside the off stump line. Mitchell Santner hops on the toes and slaps aerially and to the left of the diving backward point fielder for a boundary.

Short and slow, across the right-hander. Naman climbs on the bounce and pulls it toward deep mid-wicket for a run.

FOUR! Crucial boundary for MI! Slower length ball, on top of off. Naman Dhir drags it across and pulls it into the deep backward square leg region for a boundary.

Low full toss on the stumps, Santner chips it over the bowler's head to long off's left. Stubbs gets across swiftly and intercepts it. Only one then.

Almost a yorker, on middle, Dhir drills it along the ground to long off and gets a single. He moves to 20 off 13 balls.

Rolls the fingers on the ball to take pace off, outside off. Naman Dhir takes it on the full and drives it toward long on for just a single. Excellent over by Ngidi. A big wicket of SKY and just 7 runs from it.

Slows it up from around the wicket. Full on off. Santner lets the ball come and steers it wide of backward point, to his right, for a quick run.

Attacks the stumps, on a good length, at pace. Mitchell Santner taps it to short cover.

Strategic Break! So, fifty and out for the MI skipper, and it is another timely wicket for Delhi. Just when a partnership was brewing, Lungi Ngidi stepped up to get rid of Suryakumar Yadav. Naman Dhir has got off to a quick start, but he needs to convert it for them to get to a fighting score here. Delhi Capitals will be hoping to build on this wicket and get a couple more, wrapping things up just like they did against LSG. Also, Mitchell Santner joins Dhir out in the middle now.

OUT! LBW! Ngidi gets the big fish and this could be a crucial moment in the game. Nigidi uses the wider angle of the crease and slants in a length ball on off and middle. It skids through and strikes Suryakumar on the back leg as he misses the pull due to a lack of bounce. Up goes the finger on the appeal for LBW, but Suryakumar Yadav has gone upstairs after having a bit of a word with Naman Dhir. A flat line on UltraEdge and three reds on the Ball Tracking, with the ball finishing on the stumps, proved to be SKY's downfall after a well-constructed knock. Mumbai Indians are 122/5.

FIFTY FOR SKY! Off 35 balls. This is his 30th IPL fifty, and has been quite a responsible knock. The stand-in MI captain has paced his innings nicely according to the situation and will aim to bat till the end. Good length, wide outside off at 112.3 kph. Suryakumar waits for it and punches it sweetly past the right of cover and hurries back for the second run to get to his milestone. Calmly raises his bat as he knows the job is not quite done yet.

Oh, dear! Kuldeep Yadav makes a schoolboy error in the field. That dipping slower yorker, around off. Suryakumar Yadav squeezes it on the bounce to Kuldeep Yadav at backward point, who overruns as the ball spins in the opposite direction. Runs behind to the deep backward point region where Vipraj Nigam backs it up nicely to keep it down to a couple only.

WIDE! An off cutter, but it is far outside off. Suryakumar Yadav reaches out for it, looking to carve past point, but misses. Wide called.

Right. Last 5 overs to go. How much can MI get from these last 30 balls? For crossing 160 or 170, Suryakumar Yadav's presence till the end is of paramount importance for the visitors. Lungi Ngidi (2-0-19-0) returns into the attack, replacing T Natarajan.

Quicker, short and on middle, keeps a bit low. Suryakumar Yadav does well to get his bat down and forces it to long on for one more. 17 from the over.

Shortish and around leg, Naman Dhir swipes it to deep square leg for one.

SIX! Oh..that is a top shot! Kuldeep Yadav bowls the wrong'un, full and around off. Naman Dhir goes a bit inside out. He opens the face of the bat and, with a good extension of the arms, lofts it gently. He times it so well that it carries all the way over the deep extra cover fence for a biggie.

'Catch it' is the call, but it lands safely! Floated, full and around off. Suryakumar Yadav goes down for the sweep but has to reach out for it. He loses his bottom hand and gets no timing at it. That saves him as the ball lands well in front of deep mid-wicket. They cross.

Edgy and lucky! Flatter, full and on off, Suryakumar Yadav stays back and tries to drive it away but gets an inside edge past the stumps and wide of short fine leg for a couple of runs.

SIX! Time to shift gears! Tossed up, full and around middle. Suryakumar Yadav skips down the track to get to the pitch of it and tonks it right from the middle of the bat, over the bowler's head for a biggie.

There will be a change from this end as Axar is done with his spell. Kuldeep Yadav is brought back on. His figures read 2-0-14-0 so far.

Bangs this into the pitch, on off, Suryakumar Yadav gets his bat above his head and flat-bats it to long on for one. 100 UP FOR MI in the 14th over!

Nails the yorker now, on middle, Naman Dhir jams it out towards long on for a single.

A clever slower bouncer, just around off, Naman Dhir tries to upper cut it but misses it completely.

Uppish but safe! Touch fuller and around off, Naman Dhir drives it firmly but aerially. He thinks he has hit it straight to short cover, but it goes wide and Tristan Stubbs at long off moves to his left to cut it out. Two taken.

Takes pace off, hard length and well outside off, Naman Dhir reaches out and bunts it towards point.

FOUR! Powered away! Back of a length and just around off. Naman Dhir stands tall, gets on top of the bounce and swats it away past the bowler, beating long on to his left for a boundary.

First sight of T Natarajan in the attack as he replaces Vipraj Nigam. He picked up a three-wicket haul against LSG in the previous game and could be a real handy in the death overs.

Quicker, full and on leg, Naman Dhir drills it to long on for one more. Axar Patel finishes a superb spell with figures of 4-0-22-1.

Flighted, full and on middle, Suryakumar Yadav gets down on one knee and sweeps it wide of deep square leg but just for one.

Darts one, full and on middle, Suryakumar Yadav goes deep inside his crease and taps it out towards cover.

Dragged back, on off, Naman Dhir pats it towards long off for another run.

Goes short again, on middle, Suryakumar Yadav works it through mid-wicket for a run.

WIDE! Flatter, full but down the leg side. Suryakumar Yadav lets it go. Wided.

A bit short and around leg, Naman Dhir works it towards long on for a single.

This has been a good phase for the Capitals as the last 3 overs have gone for just 17/2. Skipper Axar Patel (3-0-16-1) to bowl out. He replaces Kuldeep Yadav.

Floated, full and on middle, Naman Dhir knocks it down to long on for one.

71/2 becomes 85/4 for the Mumbai Indians. The momentum is with the Capitals as the visitors are now pushed for another construction job. In comes Naman Dhir at number 6.

OUT! CAUGHT! Vipraj Nigam strikes and this is a big wicket for DC. He floats this one up, full and on middle. Sherfane Rutherford decides to go after it. He gets on one knee for the slog sweep but the ball just bounces a bit more, and he ends up getting the height and not the distance. The ball flies towards the longer side, and Mukesh Kumar at deep square leg keeps his eyes on the ball. He moves to his right and takes a fine catch, tip-toeing around the ropes but keeps his balance well to stay inside. Even if he had struggled, he could have lobbed the ball to the converging Kuldeep Yadav from deep mid-wicket, who was just in his vicinity.

Much quicker, googly again, on off, skids through. Sherfane Rutherford gets late and fails to guide it away.

Wrong 'un, full and on middle, turns away, Sherfane Rutherford gets forward and steers it towards point.

Drops it short, on middle, Suryakumar Yadav flicks it off the back foot to deep mid-wicket for a single.

FOUR! Cheeky and effective! This is flatter, shortish and around middle. Suryakumar Yadav gets down across early to get inside the line of it and scoops it over the keeper's head for a boundary.

Will Axar bowl out? He won't, for now. Vipraj Nigam (2-0-18-0) replaces his skipper.

FOUR! Up and over! Kuldeep Yadav tosses it up, full and around off, turns away. Sherfane Rutherford stays put in his crease. He just extends his arms and lifts it with the spin, inside out over extra covers for a boundary.

Gives this one some air again, full and on middle, Suryakumar Yadav swipes it to deep mid-wicket for one.

Slows it up, full and around leg, Suryakumar Yadav once again goes down for the sweep but misses and gets hit on the back thigh. KL Rahul appeals for the LBW, but gets no real support. Ball Tracking after the ball shows it had pitched outside leg.

A googly, full and on middle, turns in a bit. Sherfane Rutherford looks to flick it but misses as the ball goes off his pads towards square leg. A leg bye taken.

Flighted, full and on middle, Suryakumar Yadav moves to the leg side, gets low and drags it to deep mid-wicket for a single.

Floated, full and on middle and leg, Suryakumar Yadav goes down and paddles it away but straight to short fine. A bit to either side and it would have been a boundary.

Slows it up, on a length, on off, Suryakumar Yadav takes the front foot forward and eases it to deep cover for a single. At halfway, Mumbai Indians are 73/3.

Around off, on a length, Sherfane Rutherford cuts it in front of square to the off side for a single.

Flighted delivery on off, Rutherford defends it to backward point with an open bat face.

DC skipper breaks the 53-run stand. Sherfane Rutherford is the next man in.

OUT! TAKEN! A fantastic catch by Nitish Rana and Axar has Rohit's wicket yet again. On a length and turning away, fairly outside the off stump. Rohit strikes it hard and clean from the pitch, hitting it aerially. But Rana at short cover judges it perfectly, times his jump, and makes a really tough, flat catch look easy by plucking it over his head. Rohit is absolutely disappointed as he was looking a good touch out there. Mumbai Indians are 71/3.

A round-arm delivery, full and outside off, Suryakumar Yadav carves it behind point for a single.

Around off, full, flicked away to deep mid-wicket for a single.

Strategic Break! The duo of Rohit Sharma and Suryakumar Yadav has steadied things for MI after two quick wickets. They have got their eyes in now, and at least one of them will look to be a bit more aggressive after this break. Delhi Capitals have done well to keep the runs in check, but they have to break this partnership, as this is becoming a bit dangerous for them now. We have seen three spinners but they have yet to make an impact.

Short and on middle, Rohit Sharma nudges it through mid-wicket for one.

A big appeal for caught behind​​​​​​! Pushed fuller and sliding down the leg side, quicker and flatter from Kuldeep. Rohit goes down on one knee to sweep but misses. There seems to be some sound as it passes the bat and there’s a big appeal from Kuldeep and KL, both convinced. The umpire stays unmoved. Rohit takes a couple of steps as if to walk, then realises he hasn’t been given and stops. Axar signals for the review. UltraEdge shows the spike came off the pad, not the bat. It was well down the leg side, so the TV umpire doesn’t take the Ball Tracking to check for the lbw. Delhi Capitals lose a review. That little movement might just have convinced Axar to side with Kuldeep, who was keen on the review. Deliberate or not from Rohit, Delhi have been lured into it, and they have burned a review.

Is that out? KL Rahul thinks Rohit Sharma has got an edge on that one, and Axar Patel takes the review. For a moment, it seemed like Rohit was walking off, which prompted Axar to go upstairs. However, the UltraEdge clearly shows that it is off the pads.

FOUR! Strong hit! Pushed wide outside off, a googly by the looks of it from Kuldeep. A bit too short and sits up nicely for Rohit as he slaps it away, beating the cover fielder's dive to his left for a boundary. This brings up the 50-run partnership between Rohit and SKY.

On middle, a touch full, Suryakumar Yadav turns it off the front foot through mid-wicket for one more.

Drags the length, on leg, Rohit Sharma knocks it down to long on and they stroll in for a single.

Starts with a full ball that spins in from middle to leg. Suryakumar Yadav whips it to deep mid-wicket for a single.

We will see Kuldeep Yadav for the first time in this game now.

Pitched full and floated outside off, Rohit hangs back in his crease and cuts it straight to point. 9 runs from the over, including a six.

Around off at 96.3 kph, Rohit knocks the length ball to cover.

Flat and quick, on off, Suryakumar Yadav eases it through vacant mid off for a single.

Slides in with the arm, short on off. Rohit Sharma knocks it to long on for a single.

Fuller length around off, drifts in with the angle. Suryakumar Yadav tucks it to wide long on for a single.

SIX! He plays that shot so well and at will! Axar drops this full and on the leg stump. Suryakumar Yadav steps across and gets down on his knee before sweeping that behind deep backward square leg for a cracking six.

Axar Patel replaces Lungi Ngidi.

SIX! Goes downtown! Nigam floats one up there, full and on off. Rohit Sharma takes a big stride ahead, gets his back knee crouched on the pitch and slogs it powerfully over long on for a six. 50 UP FOR MUMBAI INDIANS!

Attacks the stumps now, on a flatter trajectory, Rohit lunges ahead and pushes this full ball to mid off.

Around off and tossed up on a fuller length, at 90.8 kph. Suryakumar Yadav slaps it behind cover for a single.

This one grips away from a fuller length, outside off. Rohit Sharma tries to drive this leg break through cover, but gets an outside edge to the left of short third. The fielder dives and makes a half stop. One taken.

Drag-downer, on leg, Suryakumar Yadav knocks it down to long on for a single.

An in-drifter, full and on middle. Suryakumar Yadav drives it inside out to the left of long off. Tristan Stubbs charges across and saves two runs with his dive. Covered a lot of ground there, did Stubbs.

Pace off again, full and around off, Rohit eases it to the mid off region with soft hands. 9 runs off the over. Mumbai Indians end their Powerplay with 41/2 on the board.

FOUR! Finds the gap and timing alright this time! Rohit detects the slower one, full and around off. He takes a couple of baby steps forward, waits for the ball to dip and then caresses it nicely past the cover and point gap for a beautiful boundary.

FOUR! Not at all where Rohit intended to hit! Ngidi again goes for the slower yorker, on the stumps. Rohit Sharma takes it on the full and tries to loft it over mid off, but gets a fat inside edge and the ball rolls past the left of the short fine leg fielder for a boundary.

There's the dipping slower yorker on off. Rohit Sharma jams the bat down in time and carves it back to the bowler.

Slower one, wide outside off, Rohit heaves it across, but finds the fielder at mid-wicket.

Nagging length, at 134.3 kph, slightly nipping in, on off. Suryakumar Yadav punches it on the up between cover and point for a single.

So just one over from Axar and he brings back Lungi Ngidi (1-0-10-0) into the attack.

Tossed up nicely, full and on ff, Rohit Sharma lunges out and taps it to short cover.

Flighted, full and on off, Suryakumar Yadav eases it to long off for a run.

Nicely bowled! This is slower through the air, full and around off, turns away a bit. Suryakumar Yadav throws his hands at it but misses. KL Rahul grabs and breaks the stumps, but SKY never left the crease.

FOUR! Gets it away! Much quicker, full and on middle. Suryakumar Yadav gets down across, uses the angle and sweeps it past short fine leg for a boundary. Bread and butter for SKY, is this shot.

Pushed through quicker, shortish and on off, Suryakumar Yadav stabs it out towards short cover.

Goes short again, on middle, Rohit Sharma nudges it through mid-wicket for a single.

WIDE! Flatter and shorter but down the leg side, Rohit Sharma fails to put it away. Called a wide.

Double change. Spin brought in tandem as Vipraj Nigam replaces Mukesh Kumar.

Arm ball, short and on middle, angling in. Suryakumar Yadav stays back to clip it away but misses and gets hit on the pads. Just 3 runs off Axar's first over!

Quicker one, full and on off, Suryakumar Yadav drives it well but straight to short cover.

Drops it short and angles it into the leg side, following the batter. Rohit Sharma flicks it to deep square leg for another run.

Tossed up, full and on middle, Rohit Sharma defends it on the front foot.

Flighted, full and on off, Suryakumar Yadav drives it to long off for a run.

Floated, short and on off, Rohit Sharma punches it to long off for a single.

Spin deployed. Axar Patel introduces himself into the attack, with two right-handers at the crease. He replaces Lungi Ngidi.

FOUR! Third MI batter to start with a boundary! Much fuller but angling into the pads. Suryakumar Yadav takes full toll and flicks it away through mid-wicket for four runs.

This is turning out to be a fine start for the hosts, DC. The first two wickets have shown that it isn't a belter of a wicket by any means, with the odd one holding on the surface. The stand-in skipper, Suryakumar Yadav, is in at number 4.

OUT! CAUGHT AND BOWLED! Double strike for Mukesh Kumar in the over. He cleverly dishes out the knuckle ball to take pace off, and serves this full and on off. There is no change in action, so it is difficult for the batter to pick the slower one at 114.7 kph. Tilak Varma tries to play it in front of his body, looking to flick to the leg side, but gets completely outfoxed by the lack of pace on the ball. He ends up chipping it back to the bowler off the leading edge, where Mukesh Kumar gets low on his follow-through to take a sharp return catch. A two-baller for Tilak and MI are 18/2 now.

Goes fuller and outside off, Tilak Varma throws his bat at it. Gets an inside edge behind, where KL Rahul reacts well to get down to his right to make the stop.

First wicket for Mukesh Kumar in IPL 2026. Early blow for MI. Out goes Rickelton and in walks Tilak Varma at number 3.

OUT! TAKEN! 148 in the last game for this opening pair, but just 18 in this game. Mukesh Kumar once again bangs this into the pitch, on middle and off, angling it away. Ryan Rickelton stays back and looks to pull it, but does not have enough room to free his arms. The ball also gets big on him, getting sliced off the outer half of the bat. It flies wide of mid off, where Axar Patel moves a bit to his right and takes a good catch.

Swing and a miss! Mukesh Kumar lands this just back of a length and on off, moving it away a bit. Ryan Rickelton has a big heave across the line with his feet going nowhere, and only connects with thin air. Good tight line by Mukesh.

Back of a length and just outside off, Ryan Rickelton tries to cut it hard but ends up stabbing it off the bottom edge, down the pitch.

Just a slight hold and nip off the surface from this end for Ngidi. Although a profitable over for MI with 10 coming from it.

Touch slower, fuller and on middle, moves away. Ryan Rickelton goes through his shot a bit early. Gets a leading edge along the ground through point for one.

Short of a length and on middle, angles away, Ryan Rickelton dabs it down towards point.

On a length and on off, Rohit Sharma pats it in front of cover for a single.

FOUR! You cannot bowl there! Pitched up but drifting into the pads. Rohit Sharma picks it off his pads and whips it wide of short fine leg to pick up an easy boundary.

Back of a length and on off, takes off a bit. Rohit Sharma stays back to play at it but gets a bit surprised. It hits the sticker of the bat and drops to the off side.

FOUR! Rohit Sharma gets off the mark with a boundary as well! Lungi Ngidi begins with a hard-length delivery, on off, shapes away a touch. Rohit skips down the track and just opens the face at the last moment. He steers it away past short third for a boundary.

Decent start for Rickelton and MI. There was a hint of movement for Mukesh, but nothing extravagant at all. Here's Lungi Ngidi into the attack from the opposite end.

Pitches it up and around off, shaping away, Ryan Rickelton drives it straight to short cover. A couple of boundaries from the first over!

Full again and outside off, Ryan Rickelton extends his arms and drills it hard towards extra cover, where Pathum Nissanka gets a good hand on it to make a half-stop.

FOUR! Easy pickings! Mukesh Kumar keeps the length on the fuller side but down the leg side. Ryan Rickelton does not miss out and whips it to the vacant deep fine leg region for another boundary.

Touch fuller and outside off, Ryan Rickelton reaches out for it and stabs it out towards short cover.

Good comeback! This is a good-length delivery in that channel outside off, holds its line. Ryan Rickelton pushes at it with hard hands and gets beaten on the outside edge.

FOUR! MI and Ryan Rickelton are up and running! Mukesh Kumar starts with a full delivery, shaping it into the pads. Ryan brings his wrists into play and flicks it with excellent timing through mid-wicket for a boundary.

The two umpires make their way out to the middle. Axar Patel has his men in a team huddle before the Capitals spread across the park to take their spots on the field. Rohit Sharma and Ryan Rickelton walk out as the two MI openers. Kevin Pietersen, on air, gives a bit of info about the weather in Delhi. Says it is not that hot with a gentle breeze blowing across the ground. So will that aid the movement for the seamers in the Powerplay? Mukesh Kumar has the new ball in his hand and is raring to go. Rickelton to face the first ball. A slip in place. Let's play...

Pandya's absence - A big miss for MI? Hardik is one of the most valuable players in the Mumbai Indians setup, given his three-dimensional role in the side. He is a dependable finisher who adds firepower in the death overs, a handy sixth bowling option capable of hitting hard lengths and offering flexibility to the attack, and a natural, instinctive leader on the field. While Suryakumar Yadav is an experienced campaigner himself and India’s T20 captain, Hardik’s absence does create a significant void, effectively leaving a couple of roles to be filled within the team rather than just a single position.

Impact Players for Mumbai Indians - Mayank Markande, Robin Minz, Raj Bawa, Trent Boult, Ashwani Kumar.

Mumbai Indians (Playing XI) - Rohit Sharma, Ryan Rickelton (WK), Tilak Varma, Suryakumar Yadav (C), Naman Dhir, Sherfane Rutherford, Mitchell Santner (In for AM Ghazanfar), Corbin Bosch (In for Trent Boult), Shardul Thakur, Deepak Chahar (In for Hardik Pandya), Jasprit Bumrah.

Impact Players for Delhi Capitals - Ashutosh Sharma, Auqib Nabi, Sameer Rizvi, Dushmantha Chameera, Karun Nair.

Delhi Capitals (Unchanged Playing XI) - KL Rahul (WK), Pathum Nissanka, Nitish Rana, Axar Patel (C), David Miller, Tristan Stubbs, Vipraj Nigam, Kuldeep Yadav, Lungi Ngidi, T Natarajan, Mukesh Kumar.

The stand-in skipper of Mumbai Indians - Suryakumar Yadav informs that Hardik Pandya is not feeling well and that's why he is stepping into his shoes. Adds that they were very happy to win their first game after 13-14 years, but have to play well here too. SKY mentions that the conditions here are different from Wankhede, and they have to take responsibility. Says that they would have batted first anyway, as it looks like a good deck and they have done well setting up scores. Yadav shares that they have quite a few changes. Deepak Chahar comes in for Hardik Pandya. Corbin Bosch replaces Trent Boult, which is a tactical change, and Mitchell Santner comes into the team for AM Ghazanfar.

The captain of Delhi Capitals - Axar Patel says since it is the first game at home, they just want to assess how the wicket is playing, so he feels bowling first is a good option. Highlights that they chased in the previous game and would like to do that again. Also mentions the way they won from being 26/4 against LSG, has given them a lot of confidence. Further adds that the top order missed out to make an impact in that game, but knows that there are players to back them up if they have an off day. Says home games are always special as people come in large numbers to cheer for them every single time. Stresses on performing well and show them some exciting cricket. Informs that they are going with the same side.

TOSS - It's time for the coin flip in the capital city. Surprise, surprise! It is Suryakumar Yadav walking out for the toss for MI and not Hardik Pandya. Axar Patel gives it a flick and it lands in his favour. Delhi Capitals elect to BOWL first.

Time to hear from another Protea - DC's David Miller reflects on the importance of mental downtime, noting that after playing in the IPL for several years, the experience can become quite overwhelming. He adds that every game brings immense pressure, with high expectations constantly placed on the players. On his role in the team and whether it’s important to attack from the very first ball, he describes himself as a bit old-school in approach. While acknowledging that modern players often look to take bowlers on early, he underlines the importance of reading the situation. He explains that if the pitch is good and the scoring rate is already high, it makes sense to match that intensity. However, in tougher situations, like the previous game, he points out how Sameer and Stubbs handled things brilliantly by absorbing pressure and taking the innings deep. Ultimately, he believes it all comes down to the match scenario. Speaking about the data around his six-hitting ability, he mentions that every player has their own strengths and weaknesses. For him, he says, it’s about recognising those strengths and ensuring he gets into positions where he can capitalise on them. He further adds that cricket is a complex game with multiple approaches and theories, but the key is to stay true to one’s strengths and build from there.

Let's see what Ryan Rickelton has to say - Ryan says that he has been preparing for this game in the last couple of days, just getting his body right. Adds that he got the chance to catch up with Stubbs and Miller and had dinner last night with them. Rickelton mentions that sometimes it is better to bat second as the game dictates it for you. Reckons it is a different challenge in India, the first 2-3 overs, the ball swings and you can get knocked over quite quickly if you don't have the wits about yourself. Says that this will be a different challenge being a day game, maybe less swing and more turn but the key is to maximise the Powerplay. Ryan cheekily says that he is South African, so it is all reckless (laughs). He tells that if you are going for a hoick in the first couple of balls, it can be called a bit reckless. He stresses that both the conditions and match situation should guide decision-making, and ignoring those cues could lead to unnecessary risks. He also highlights the strength in depth within the batting lineup of MI, noting that having powerful hitters behind him and his opening partner provides a sense of freedom.

PITCH REPORT - Murali Kartik and Kevin Pietersen are inspecting the pitch at the Kotla. Murali says it is normally a very high scoring ground and then points out the dimensions. Says the square boundaries are 60 meters and 67 meters and it is 73 meters down the ground. Kevin Pietersen observes that, having closely followed the franchise over the past year and studied the nature of the pitches, this surface appears quite different from the typically greener tracks seen here. Instead, he notes the presence of dry grass and slightly plated areas, suggesting conditions that could assist the bowlers. He points out that this might be a deliberate move by Delhi to create a home advantage, especially considering they have bowlers like Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, and Lungi Ngidi, who has been particularly effective with his slower deliveries. Pietersen also highlights the contrast in Jasprit Bumrah’s economy rate, which usually hovers between 6 and 7, but rises to around 9.5 at this venue. Recalling the last meeting between the two sides, where both teams posted big scores, he suggests that despite the surface nuances, fans can still expect an entertaining contest. Overall, he believes the pitch will play well, with the toss likely favoring the team that opts to chase.

Afternoon twist in play - Delhi has been one of the highest-scoring venues in recent times, with a run-rate of 10.5 and an average first-innings score around 211 since 2024. However, with this being an afternoon game, dew won't be a factor, which brings spinners more into play. While pacers tend to pick up wickets, it's often the slower bowlers who control the tempo and in a contest packed with batting firepower, that balance could prove decisive. Stay tuned for toss and other updates.

MI's match-winning core - Mumbai Indians, meanwhile, arrive with both form and firepower. Rohit Sharma, along with Rickelton, put on a massive 148-run opening stand in their previous outing, the third-highest for MI, highlighting the threat at the top. In this rivalry, Jasprit Bumrah has been a constant menace, with 30 wickets against DC, making them his favourite opponents. The presence of Shardul Thakur adds another dimension to their attack, offering both wicket-taking ability and useful lower-order hitting, while the arrival of Mitchell Santner further strengthens their spin options, bringing control and experience into the mix. And we haven't even touched upon the likes of SKY or Pandya yet, which just underlines how strong and well-rounded this Mumbai unit is, with all bases covered.

DC's game-changers in focus - Delhi Capitals will once again look towards their key performers, and a lot revolves around KL Rahul, who boasts a staggering average of 69.7 against MI, including three centuries, the best record for any batter against them. But beyond the big names, it was Sameer Rizvi who stole the show in the opener, coming in as an Impact Sub, stitching a match-winning 100 plus stand with Stubbs after DC were in deep trouble. With the ball, Lungi Ngidi's masterful variations, reinforces DC's strength in pace. Add to that Kuldeep Yadav's impressive strike rate of 18.4 since IPL 2022, and DC have multiple avenues to hurt MI.

Capital showdown in capital city - Two teams, two winning starts, and now a chance to build early momentum - Delhi Capitals and Mumbai Indians face off at the Arun Jaitley Stadium. Welcome to Delhi, where this battle between two powerhouse cities adds extra spice to an already exciting contest. While both sides come in high on confidence, recent history at this venue adds an interesting twist, DC managed just 1 win in 5 games here last season, while MI have thrived, winning 5 of their last 6 at this ground.

... MATCH DAY ...

The clash of metros - The IPL 2026 caravan rolls into the capital city for the first time, and it brings with it one of the most exciting fixtures on the calendar. Delhi Capitals host Mumbai Indians at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, the national capital against the financial capital, and it doubles up as the first afternoon game of the season. Both teams have the winning momentum with them, but their wins were different in variety. Mumbai Indians arrives after a high-scoring heist against the Kolkata Knight Riders that saw them lay an early marker and make a strong statement. Meanwhile, the Delhi Capitals secured their points through a gritty masterclass in Lucknow, proving they can win even when their backs are pressed firmly against the wall. The jinx breakers and a new opening script - For the first time since 2012, the Mumbai Indians won their opening game of an IPL season, ending a wait that had stretched to more than a decade. And they did it in the most Mumbai Indians way possible. Rohit Sharma walked out looking like a man unburdened by expectation, playing with the kind of freedom that only comes with having won everything there is to win. The pull shots were vintage, the lofted drives were imperious, and by the time he was done, he had 78 runs off just 38 balls against his name. At the other end stood Ryan Rickelton, and the South African more than held his own. His 81 off 43 balls was a clear statement. Left hand to Rohit’s right, aggressive to match aggressive, Rickelton announced himself as someone who belongs. What made it even more remarkable was who was watching from the dugout. Quinton de Kock, a man who has given the Mumbai Indians plenty of match-winning moments over the years, could not get into the playing XI. That alone tells you everything about the kind of squad Hardik Pandya is sitting on this season. MI’s DC specialists - If KKR brings out the best in Rohit Sharma, against whom he has scored the most runs individually, Delhi are not far behind either. He has scored 1057 runs against the Capitals as well in the IPL overall, with 872 of those coming as a Mumbai Indian at an average of 31.14, including five half-centuries. Only Virat Kohli (1130 runs) is ahead of him, who has scored the most runs against DC. For a batter who already holds the record for the most runs against a single opponent in IPL history, those numbers against the Capitals are yet another reminder that some rivalries simply suit certain players. Jasprit Bumrah is one of the most lethal T20 bowlers currently and is a huge asset for the Mumbai Indians. Though he went wicketless in the first game against KKR, he will draw inspiration from his record against this opposition. With 30 wickets, including a four-wicket haul, Bumrah is far ahead with the most number of wickets against DC by any MI bowler. The ‘Lord’ and the loose ends - Shardul Thakur returned to the MI fold and made his presence felt almost immediately. His 3/39 was the kind of spell that kept KKR from running away with the game, doing the thankless but necessary work. It also, however, hinted at a few vulnerabilities in the MI bowling lineup that will need addressing. When you have Jasprit Bumrah and Trent Boult at the top of your attack, the expectation is that the supporting cast holds its end up. Against KKR, that was not always the case. Shardul plugged the gaps on this occasion, but the Mumbai Indians will know that they need more than one man doing the rescue work if they are to go deep in this tournament. However, the Indians received a major boost with the arrival of New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner in the camp. Santner, who led his nation to the T20 World Cup final earlier in the year, provides a world-class left-arm spin option and handy lower-order batting that could be crucial on any kind of surface. DC’s escape act and a warning sign - Delhi Capitals got the job done against LSG, but the journey tested every nerve in the dugout. A top order collapse that reduced them to 26 for 4 chasing 142 could have set the tone for a miserable season opener. Instead, what followed was a lesson in situational awareness. Sameer Rizvi, their impact player, did not panic and did not try to win the game in one over. He read the situation, picked his moments, and built an unbeaten 70 that was as mature as anything you will see from a 22-year-old. Tristan Stubbs, alongside him, brought the composure and the finishing ability to see the Capitals home. Together, they did not just rescue the innings, they controlled it. Coming into this game, it is all about the top order to get going and prevent another collapse, which pushes the middle order to do the repair job rather than going wham-bam-slam. KL Rahul, in particular, will be hungry to bounce back after falling for a golden duck in the opener. The KL factor - Despite a golden duck in his first game, KL Rahul is a statistical monster against the Mumbai Indians. He averages a staggering 69.71 against them, including six fifties and three centuries, banking 976 runs overall in the IPL. This means Rahul arrives at the Kotla needing just 24 more runs to become the first player in IPL history to cross the 1,000 run mark against the Mumbai Indians. His dominance over this specific bowling attack is unprecedented. Rahul already holds the unique record for the most centuries against a single opponent in the IPL, with all three of his tons against Mumbai coming in unbeaten efforts. In fact, during the 2022 season, he achieved the rare feat of scoring two centuries against Mumbai in the same campaign. While he had a nightmare start to 2026, Delhi fans will find comfort in his recent history at this venue. It was only last season that Rahul smashed a match-winning 112 not out against the Gujarat Titans right here at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, becoming the first player to hit centuries for three different franchises in the IPL. Promising signs with the ball - The pace trio of Mukesh Kumar, Lungi Ngidi and T Natarajan were the standouts with the ball, and the sight of Natarajan bowling with his old rhythm and pace will be music to Delhi's ears. He is at his most dangerous in the death overs, and a fully fit, fully fired-up Natarajan is a different proposition altogether for any batting lineup. If Delhi can replicate that bowling performance here while finally getting their top order to fire, this becomes a very different team to deal with. The Axar-Kuldeep axis - The middle overs will likely be governed by the most potent spin duo in the league: Axar Patel and Kuldeep Yadav. Kuldeep remains the primary wicket-taking weapon, utilising his wrist spin wizardry to deceive batters, while Axar provides the metronomic accuracy that creates pressure from the other end. Their battle against Mumbai's middle-order powerhouse will be a juicy one to watch out for. They gave away just 48 runs in their combined 7 overs, and it would be a great deal if they continue choking runs through that middle phase. Team form (Last 5 completed IPL matches, recent first) DC - WWLLL | MI - WLWLW. The numbers at Kotla - Mumbai Indians have the edge in this rivalry, 21 wins from 37 meetings, and recent history only reinforces that. Delhi have won just once in their last six encounters against MI, which is the kind of run that starts to feel like a pattern. Home ground offers Delhi some comfort, but not a great deal. They have won 7 and lost 6 against the Mumbai Indians at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, with the last five meetings going 2-3 in MI's favour. But there is a twist when the sun is out. Day games in Delhi have been kind to the Capitals, with four wins in five against Mumbai at home. The only time they slipped in a day fixture dates all the way back to 2011, a stat that quietly adds another layer to this contest. So while history backs Mumbai, conditions might just give Delhi a window. With both sides carrying momentum, this one has all the ingredients of a proper contest.