Lucknow Super Giants vs Delhi Capitals, IPL, 2026 Apr 1 Full score card

SIX! Fittingly, Sameer Rizvi hits the winning runs. A coming-of-age innings from the young Rizvi and Tristan Stubbs is delighted at the other end as the two share a hug. DC hunt down 142 with 6 wickets in hand and 17 balls to spare. Abdul Samad drops it short, on middle. Sameer has all the time in the world to rock back, and he pulls it with disdain over deep mid-wicket for a six to finish the game off.

Delhi Capitals are just one hit away from the win now. Here is Abdul Samad to bowl.

Around off, the length is pulled back, on off. Tristan pushes it to cover from the crease.

Keeps it full, on middle. Rizvi hammers it to extra cover, where a half-stop allows a single to be taken.

What happened there? Nortje goes full, outside off. Sameer backs away and flashes but misses. Rishabh Pant gathers the ball and tries to lob it back towards the bowler with an underarm throw. His throw ends up catching Sameer on the toe, and the batter hobbles away, trying to shake off the pain.

FIVE WIDES! Oh, dear! That has beaten everyone. Perhaps Nortje spotted Rizvi backing away and he tried to follow him with a bumper. Sameer tries to use the pace and play the upper cut, but the ball goes over his head. Rishabh Pant moves to his left, but he is also beaten. 4 more needed for DC.

Pace taken off and this is fuller, on middle. Tristan pushes it with soft hands in front of mid on for a quick single.

SIX! Hit with real authority! Not all that short, skidding through, just outside off. Stubbs stands tall on top of the bounce and pummels it over wide long on for a flat six. The Capitals need 10 more runs.

This is on a hard length, over off. Stubbs tries to punch it away but the ball hits the upper half of the blade and dribbles to cover.

From around the wicket now, on a short of a length, on middle. Sameer stabs it down on the off side.

SIX! All the way! Off-cutter bowled into the wicket, it comes at waist height. Rizvi swivels and adjusts to the low bounce before pulling it over deep square leg for half a dozen. The 100-run stand comes up with this six. DC need 16 more runs.

FOUR! Aerial but wide enough! Mohsin Khan digs it in short, over middle and leg. Rizvi pivots on the back foot and manages to get under the ball to find the elevation. He plays it away from Mohammad Shami at deep fine leg to his right. One bounce and over the ropes.

Into the deck, on middle and leg. Stubbs swivels and pulls it down to deep fine leg for a run.

Just out of reach! Mohsin bowls it across off, on a short of a length. Sameer Rizvi flays at it but the ball gets big on him. It comes off the splice of the bat but luckily for Rizvi, he manages to clear the backtracking Ayush Badoni at mid off. They cross.

Lands it on a back of a length, on middle. This is punched to long on for a single.

Hits the length hard and outside off, Tristan Stubbs guides it aerially but through the vacant backward point region for one. 29 needed in 30 balls now.

Short of a length and on middle, jags back in, Tristan Stubbs stays back and keeps it out to the off side.

FOUR! Streaky! Good-length delivery, on off, nips back in sharply. Tristan Stubbs tries to push it away but gets an inside edge that races to the fine leg fence for a boundary.

Back of a length and just around off, Sameer Rizvi backs away to make room and slaps it towards sweeper cover for a run.

Good bowling! Bangs this hard into the pitch, on middle, keeps rising and angling into the batter. Sameer Rizvi backs away and tries to upper cut but misses.

Hard length and on middle, angling into the body of the batter, Tristan Stubbs clips it through square leg for a single.

Strategic Break! Talk about making an impact as an Impact Sub, and Sameer Rizvi is doing just that. He will want to see this through himself and not leave it to those waiting in the dugout. DC will be breathing easier thanks to this partnership. LSG have really felt the absence of a penetrative 5th bowling option, but they will still believe. A wicket immediately after the break, and another in quick succession, could just open things up. Anrich Nortje returns to the attack.

Slows it up, full and on off, Sameer Rizvi taps it out to the off side.

FOUR! FIFTY FOR RIZVI! A fantastic knock from the youngster, filled with class, and he has repaid the faith shown in him by DC. Aiden Markram drags his length back and just outside off. Sameer Rizvi uses the width on offer and cuts it past point for a boundary.

A brief hold-up in play as the fourth umpire is out with the box of balls. The ball has been changed and we are all good to go.

SIX! That has gone miles! Tossed up, full and around leg again. Sameer Rizvi backs away early, gets under it and using his wrists, he whips it over the deep mid-wicket fence for a biggie. 100 UP FOR DC.

Shortish again, on leg, Sameer Rizvi stays back and glances it towards short fine.

Flatter, short and down the leg side, Sameer Rizvi crouches low and swipes it away wide of deep square leg. Prince Yadav runs to his right and makes a sliding stop to keep it down to two runs.

Floated, short and on leg, Tristan Stubbs stays back and flicks it through mid-wicket for a single.

Much fuller in length, on middle and leg, Sameer Rizvi tucks it away towards deep mid-wicket for a brace. 49 needed in 42 balls.

Good effort in the deep! Short of a length and outside off, Sameer Rizvi goes after it and slices it over backward point. Mohsin Khan from deep third runs to his right and makes a superb diving stop. He saves a couple of runs for his team.

Pulls his length back a bit, on off, Sameer Rizvi looks to clip it away but gets a leading edge along the ground towards cover.

Touch fuller and on middle, Tristan Stubbs works it towards long on for a run.

On a length and on off, Sameer Rizvi guides it towards third man for a single.

Good-length delivery around off, shaping away late. Sameer Rizvi has a lazy slash at it and gets beaten on the outside edge.

Prince Yadav has been brought back into the attack. 2-0-14-2 so far for Prince. Can he conjure something special?

Bangs this into the pitch, on middle, angling in. Sameer Rizvi gets hurried again. He ends up swatting it awkwardly towards mid-wicket for one more. Mohsin's figures read 3-1-6-1 so far. Incredible!

Short and just outside off, Sameer Rizvi cuts it away but finds point.

Hard length and on middle and leg, Tristan Stubbs gets hurried on to his pull and mistimes it through square leg for a run.

WIDE! A bouncer, on middle, but too high for the batter, Tristan Stubbs lets it go. Another wide called.

BEAUTY! Mohsin Khan lands this on a good length at 138.9 kph, on middle, gets it to jag back in sharply. Tristan Stubbs gets a bit late to play at it and gets beaten on the inside edge. It wasn't much over the stumps as well.

Short of a length and on off, Tristan Stubbs stays back and dabs it towards backward point.

Slower one, on a length and on off, Sameer Rizvi opens the face of his bat and guides it to deep third for a single.

Hits the length hard, on middle, Sameer Rizvi steps across and nudges it through mid-wicket for one.

Bangs in a quick bouncer at 148.3 kph, on middle, Sameer Rizvi ducks under it.

Back of a length and on off, Tristan Stubbs hops up and drops it in front of point for another run.

Short of a length and on off, Sameer Rizvi dabs it down towards cover for a run.

Touch fuller and around off, Sameer Rizvi strides out and drives it through covers for a couple of runs.

Good length and on middle, Tristan Stubbs clips it through mid-wicket for a single.

Halfway mark! That was a momentum-shifting moment and will release a lot of pressure from the Delhi Capitals. They need 65 runs in 60 balls now. Here is Anrich Nortje to bowl his second over now.

FOUR! Another loose ball and Rizvi does not miss out. Fired in by Shahbaz, on a length, on the pads. Rizvi helps it through short fine leg for an easy boundary. 16 runs off the over, 37 off the last 3. The 50-run stand also comes up, and this pair is starting to look more and more comfortable.

FOUR! Hit hard and wide enough! Shahbaz Ahamad continues to be on the shorter side, on middle. Sameer rocks on the back foot in a flash and hammers it through square leg. The man in the deep is behind square and he cannot cut it off.

Again a bit too short, on middle. Tristan pats it to long off and turns the strike over.

Tossed up now, fuller and on off. Sameer pushes it to long off and crosses over.

FOUR! Easy pickings! The first two balls from Shahbaz Ahamad have been ordinary. This is way too short, too straight as well. Rizvi gets inside the line and drops to a knee to shovel it over short fine leg for a four.

A bit too short, on middle. Rizvi hangs deep in the crease and wrists it wide of deep mid-wicket for a couple of runs.

Time for some spin now? Yes, Shahbaz Ahamad comes into the attack.

FOUR! Easy as you like! In the channel, on a short of a length. Stubbs sets up early as he rises with the bounce and just punches it with ease to the right of the man at deep cover for a boundary. Shami is done for the night. He finishes with figures of 4-0-28-1.

A ripper from Shami! Bowled with a near-upright seam, on a good length, on off and middle. Stubbs presents a straight bat for the block, but the ball straightens off the deck to beat him on the outside edge and go over the stumps.

Very full, at the sticks. Rizvi eases it with a straight bat to long on for the 4th single of the over.

On middle and leg, angled in by Shami. Tristan glances it down to deep fine leg for another single.

Interesting shot! Shami bangs it in short, over off. Rizvi hops and plays the shot with an open stance, more like an over-the-head smash in Tennis. Hits it towards mid on for one.

On top of middle, on a back of a length. Stubbs knocks it from the crease towards long on. They cross.

Strategic Break! Lucknow Super Giants dominated the Powerplay, picking up four wickets, but they cannot let DC build any significant partnership as they are defending a low total here. The only way for them to win this game is by bowling out their opponents. Delhi, on the other hand, need a calm presence out in the middle. Stubbs is trying to absorb the pressure, while Rizvi has been a bit aggressive. Remember, they still have David Miller to come, and he could just be the perfect man for this situation. Here is Mohammad Shami to bowl out after the break.

SIX! Anrich Nortje is made to pay on the extra ball. Anrich goes short, just outside off. Rizvi cleverly uses the pace of the ball. He arches back and gets under the ball to play the upper cut over the keeper for a six. Nortje goes for 13 runs in his first over.

Wide! A good take by Rishabh Pant. Anrich Nortje digs it in short but this keeps climbing and sails over Rizvi's head as he ducks. Pant moves to his left and gathers the ball with a leap. 14th extra of the innings.

Nortje goes wide on the crease and rolls his fingers on the ball. Fuller and on the off stump, Stubbs pats it to the left of cover for another single.

Bashes the hard length outside off. Tristan gets on his toes and punches it neatly wide of cover for a couple of runs.

On the off pole, on a back of a length. Sameer runs it down to deep third and turns the strike over.

Wide! Down leg, on a shortish length. Sameer Rizvi pivots to shovel it away but misses.

Half a shout for LBW! Fuller in length, attacking the front pad. Rizvi shapes up to flick it away on the leg side but gets an inside edge on the pads. Luckily for him, he got some bat on it, or else he would have been trapped right in front.

On a hard length, outside off, Stubbs knocks it off the back foot to deep point for one.

Sloppy from LSG! Fractionally short, outside off, Rizvi slaps it on the bounce to Nicholas Pooran, who makes a half-stop. The batters cross as the ball goes behind. Pooran fires in a wayward throw at the keeper and concedes another run.

Lucknow Super Giants are yet to unleash Anrich Nortje in this game. It will not get any easier for DC here.

Wide! Banged in short, outside off, Rizvi flays at it but misses. Wide given for height. 8th wide of the innings already.

Almost chopped it on! Shami hurls it on a back of a length, just outside the off stump. Tristan stands tall to punch it away on the off side. The ball cuts back a touch to take the inside edge and goes behind square leg for one more run.

Goes a bit wide on the crease and this is angled into the hips, on a back of a length. Rizvi turns it through square leg for one more.

On top of off, this is punched away to deep point for a run.

In and around the off stump, on a good length. Sameer punches it firmly down the strip. Shami lays his left hand on the ball and takes the sting out of it. It dribbles in front of mid off and Rizvi steals a quick single.

A big swing and a miss! Pant goes up in an appeal for caught behind as does Shami, but the umpire is unmoved. Rishabh has gone for the review. Moving away in the air, on a good length, around the off pole. Sameer Rizvi backs away and charges down the track. He swings for the hills but fails to connect. There appears to be a gap when the ball is next to the bat. The UltraEdge shows a flat line. LSG burn a review.

Mohammad Shami (2-0-13-1) comes back into the attack.

First runs off the bat off the bowling of Mohsin. Khan bashes the hard length, on off and middle. Stubbs walks across and gets on his toes to glance it wide of deep fine leg for a couple of runs. End of an eventful Powerplay. At the end of 6 overs, the Capitals are 33/4, needing 142.

Moving away in the deck, on a back of a length. Stubbs pats it back to the bowler.

Leg bye! Into the surface, over middle and leg. Sameer swivels for the pull but wears it on the midriff. A leg bye is taken as the ball drops beside the strip on the leg side. Mohsin is yet to concede a run off the bat.

On a good length, outside off. Despite there being two slips in place, Rizvi looks to run it down with an open bat face. Ends up guiding it on the bounce to the man at second slip.

Pushed across again, on a length, Rizvi drives it on the up to cover.

Full and across off, Rizvi presses forward and plays a punchy drive to cover.

A punt worth taking of bringing Mohammad Shami back for one more over in the Powerplay but Rishabh Pant is sticking to Mohsin Khan.

Pulls his length back a bit, on off, Tristan Stubbs keeps it out to the off side.

Pitched up and on off, Tristan Stubbs fends it away towards short cover. Prince Yadav goes up to Stubbs and gives him a stern look. Things are getting heated here!

FOUR! Gets off the mark in style! Banged into the deck, on middle. Tristan Stubbs gets on top of the bounce and nails the pull shot to the deep square leg fence for a boundary.

Wow! The Ekana Stadium is rocking. LSG are all over DC like a rash. Tristan Stubbs makes his way out to the centre. Two slips in place for the new batter.

OUT! BOWLED'EM! Prince Yadav, you beauty! He runs from over the wicket, serves this full and on middle, gets it to nip back in sharply. Axar Patel gets stuck in his crease and tries to flick it away, but gets beaten on the inside edge by the inward movement and the pace as well. The ball goes through, brushes the back pad before rattling the stumps behind. Axar has a look at the surface, but there was very little he could have done about that one.

WIDE! Short but way down the leg side, Axar Patel sways away from it. Yet another wide.

One more goes. The start gets even better for the hosts. DC's skipper, Axar Patel, comes out to bat with his side under the pump.

OUT! CAUGHT BEHIND! Prince Yadav gets among the wickets now, and the crowd is going wild here. Prince Yadav lands this on a back of a length and around middle. Pathum Nissanka stands back and looks to pull it away but the ball just gets big on him. It takes the top edge and goes miles in the air behind the stumps. Rishabh Pant, the keeper, calls for it. He runs backwards, keeps his eyes on the swirling ball and dives to take a fantastic catch. DC are in a spot of bother now

WIDE! Goes for the bouncer now, outside off, too high for the batter, Pathum Nissanka lets it go. Wided for height this time.

Back of a length and around off, Pathum Nissanka stays back and swats it but fails to beat mid on.

WIDE! Fuller in length but outside off, shaping away from the wide guideline, Pathum Nissanka fails to reach it. Wided. Too many extras already from LSG.

Short of a length and on off, Sameer Rizvi dabs it down towards short cover. Just 3 runs and a wicket from Mohsin's first over.

On a length and around off, Sameer Rizvi pushes it towards cover.

Hard length and around leg, Sameer Rizvi fails to flick it away as the ball goes off his thigh pad through short fine. Two leg byes taken.

A bit of a nothing shot from Rana. The express pace and the areas LSG's quicks have hit so far seem to have planted a seed of doubt in the minds of the DC batters. The Capitals use their Impact Sub, with Sameer Rizvi coming in at number 4. T Natarajan has been subbed out.

T Natarajan is substituted by Sameer Rizvi

OUT! EDGED AND GONE! Mohsin Khan strikes in his first over now. He lands this short of a length and on the fifth stump line gets it to shape away a bit. Nitish Rana hops on his toes and looks to guide it to third man, even with a first slip in place. He gets undone by the extra bounce and outside edges it to first slip, where Abdul Samad tries to grab it to his right. The ball pops up after hitting him on the palm, but he holds onto it on the second attempt. Delhi Capitals are 21/2, chasing 142 runs.

Full again, on middle and leg, shaping in, Pathum Nissanka backs away to flick but misses. The ball deflects off his pads to the leg side and the batters take a leg bye.

Beaten! Fuller delivery, just around off, angling further away, Pathum Nissanka throws his hands at it but misses. Good carry as Pant collects it near his face.

Good length and on middle, nips back in, Nitish Rana fails to work it away and takes a blow on his body.

SIX! There is the release shot! Mohammad Shami bangs this into the pitch from the same angle, but this is closer to the hips of the batter. Nitish Rana picks it up and hooks it with his front leg in the air. The ball flies all the way over the deep fine leg fence for a biggie.

Comes around the wicket, hits the length hard, on middle, angling into the batter now. Nitish Rana stays back and keeps it out to the off side.

Three dots in a row! Bangs in another well-directed bumper, on middle this time, Nitish Rana ducks under it.

Lands this back of a length and around off, angling it away again, Nitish Rana tries to cut it away but fails to connect again.

A sharp bouncer at 134.4 kph, just outside off, Nitish Rana drops his hands and lets it go to the keeper.

WIDE! Short of a length and outside off, it hits the deck and moves a long way outside off, Nitish Rana goes after it but misses. Another wide given.

Pitched up and on middle and leg, Nitish Rana clips it away towards mid-wicket for a run.

WIDE! Bangs this into the pitch but way down the leg side, Nitish Rana gets nowhere near the ball. Wided.

Errs in line and serves this full but down the leg side, Nitish Rana looks to glance it away but it goes off his pads behind. Rishabh Pant moves quickly to his right to make the stop.

FOUR! Put away! Prince Yadav lands this short, on middle, but not short enough to trouble the batter. Nitish Rana stays deep inside the crease, swivels and pulls it to the deep square leg fence for a boundary.

Touch fuller and on middle, shaping in, Nitish Rana taps it out towards short cover.

Hard-length delivery, on middle, jags back in sharply. Nitish Rana stays back but gets cramped up for room and tucks it to the leg side.

Prince Yadav begins with a back-of-a-length delivery, outside off. Pathum Nissanka cuts it away to deep point for his first run.

End of a probing first over from Mohammad Shami. Prince Yadav will operate from the other end. Can the right-arm quick build on the good work done by his senior partner?

Lands this on a good length and on the sixth stump line, shapes away a touch, Nitish Rana leaves it alone. 6 runs and a wicket from the first over!

Excellent comeback! Mohammad Shami goes back to over the wicket and bangs this hard into the pitch at 136.8 kph, around off. Nitish Rana bends across and tries to go for the scoop but ends up ducking under it in the end.

FOUR! First runs off the bat! Mohammad Shami goes back to the shorter length, but gives width outside off, no movement this time. Nitish Rana gets the chance to free his arms and crunches it over covers for a boundary.

Touch fuller and on off, angling in a bit, Nitish Rana gets behind the line of it and blocks it out to short cover.

Hits the length hard, on middle, nips it back in this time. Nitish Rana misses his flick as the ball lobs up off his thigh pad towards short mid-wicket.

WIDE! And again! Short and wide outside off again, shaping over the tramline, Nitish Rana leaves it alone. Called a wide.

WIDE! Short of a length and outside off, moving further away, Nitish Rana slashes at it but misses. Wided. DC are underway in the chase with extras.

A perfect start for the Lucknow Super Giants. Nitish Rana is in at number 3.

OUT! TAKEN! Dream start for Mohammad Shami in LSG colours. He goes fuller and just outside off, getting it to shape away as well. KL Rahul chases it and has an almighty swoosh at it. The ball flies off a thickish outside edge straight to deep backward point, where Mohsin Khan takes a reverse cup catch near his chest. KL cannot believe it, but has to walk back for a golden duck here.

OUT! CAUGHT! Lungi Ngidi wraps things up here. Shahbaz Ahamad remains stranded at the other end and will be questioning himself for taking that single. This is the off-cutter, full and just around off. Mohsin Khan backs away and tries to bunt it out, but gets a thick outside edge towards short third, where Mukesh Kumar takes a dolly.

Shahbaz Ahamad might now be regretting taking that single. Mohsin Khan is the last man in. His job is to bring Shahbaz Ahamad back on strike.

OUT! TAKEN! Another one bites the dust. Lungi Ngidi delivers the slower one, full and on off. Anrich Nortje tries to go after it and loft it down the ground. He fails to get under it properly and gets no timing on the shot. The ball flies towards long off, where Tristan Stubbs covers a lot of ground running forward and takes an excellent sliding catch.

Fuller and around off, Shahbaz Ahamad drives it through covers and surprisingly takes the single.

Short of a length and just outside off, slower as well, Shahbaz Ahamad misses out on the cut shot.

Another one bites the dust. Anrich Nortje comes out to the middle, but it will be Shahbaz Ahamad on strike at the start of the over.

OUT! CAUGHT! Two in the over for T Natarajan, and he finishes a superb spell of bowling. This is a low full toss, just around off. Mohammad Shami backs away and tries to loft it over covers, but his bat turns in his hands. He ends up slicing it high in the air towards backward point, where Kuldeep Yadav takes an easy catch. LSG are 140/8 now.

Back of a length and on off, pace off, Shahbaz Ahamad gets on top and swats it through mid-wicket for one.

Pitched up and on middle, Mohammad Shami flicks it to deep mid-wicket for a run.

A crushing blow for the Lucknow Super Giants with 15 legal balls left in the innings. Out goes Abdul Samad and in walks Mohammad Shami.

OUT! TAKEN! A fine catch in the deep and T Natarajan gets his second now. He goes full again and on middle, pace on again. Abdul Samad uses his feet to go big downtown, but gets a bit too close to the ball and does not get the desired elevation. The ball flies flat and hard towards long off, swerving in the air a bit as well. David Miller, near the ropes, keeps his cool and takes a sharp catch near his chest. Miller made it look easy, but it was a tough catch.

Goes fuller and on middle, Abdul Samad heaves it away towards deep mid-wicket for a couple of runs.

Short of a length and around off, takes pace off, Shahbaz Ahamad rolls his wrists and pulls it to deep square leg for a single.

Touch fuller, on middle, gives no pace. Shahbaz Ahamad tucks it to the leg side for a quick run. Good comeback from Ngidi after getting hit for a boundary earlier in the over.

Another slower delivery, hard length and outside off. Shahbaz Ahamad steers it away but fails to beat short third.

Nails the yorker, on off, dips in late. Abdul Samad works it off the inner half of the bat to deep square leg for another run.

Back to the slower one, good length and on middle, angles in. Shahbaz Ahamad looks to play at it but gets an inside edge just past the leg stump towards short fine. They cross.

FOUR! Up and over! Ngidi goes pace on, short of a length and outside off. Shahbaz Ahamad accepts the width on offer and cuts it well over backward point for a boundary.

Pace off, on a length and on off, Abdul Samad pushes it towards cover for a single.

Six singles in the over! Dragged back, on middle, Abdul Samad flicks it through square leg for a run. Kuldeep Yadav finishes a fine spell of bowling with figures of 4-0-31-2.

Flighted, full and just outside off, Shahbaz Ahamad reaches out and drills it to long off for one more.

Flatter delivery, full and around leg, Abdul Samad clips it through square leg for one. He turns around for the second but is sent back. The throw also comes in at the wrong end.

Drops it short again, on off, Shahbaz Ahamad moves back and pushes it through cover-point for another run.

A googly, shortish and on middle, turns away, Abdul Samad punches it to long off for a run.

Tossed up, full and around off, Shahbaz Ahamad lofts it but with no real timing towards long on for a single.

Strategic Break! Lucknow Super Giants are in a difficult spot here, but Abdul Samad has batted well so far. This is the last recognised batting pair for them, and at least one of them needs to stay till the end to post a competitive score on the board. Delhi Capitals have been excellent with the ball, especially the spinners, who have controlled the middle overs. However, they would now want to break this stand quickly to wrap things up here. Also, Kuldeep Yadav to bowl after the break.

On the pads, on a length, Shahbaz Ahamad turns it to deep backward square leg for a run. A productive over for LSG, 13 runs off it.

Gets the yorker in this time, on off. Samad digs it out to long off for one.

FOUR! Put away! After being hit for a six, T Natarajan goes searching for the yorker but ends up bowling a full toss, on off. Samad does not miss out as he slams it back over the bowler's head for a four.

SIX! Not quite from the middle, but it does the job for Abdul Samad. T Natarajan takes pace off and serves it on a length. A clean swing of the arms and although he is slightly early into the shot, he gets more than enough on it to clear the deep mid-wicket fence for a six.

Angled in at the hips, on a back of a length. Ahamad works it behind square leg from the crease for a single.

Lands it on a short of a length, outside off. Shahbaz Ahamad gets on top of the bounce and angles it behind point, where Kuldeep Yadav dives to his right and saves at least a couple of runs.

Short, but it is another wrong'un, on off. Abdul rides the bounce and plays it to cover.

Googly, spinning across the right-hander, on a length, on off. Samad pats it to cover.

Turning into leg, more on the shorter side. Samad rocks back and whips it wide of deep mid-wicket for a couple of runs.

A bit short, on off. Ahamad waits on the back foot this time before pushing it wide of cover for a single.

Nearly another! This is bowled at 80.7 kph, on a nagging length, turning away from the left-hander. The ball stops on Shahbaz, who looks to tap it away on the off side. Ends up chipping it in the air but it drops away from the catching cover fielder.

The next batter in is Shahbaz Ahamad. He has come in as the Impact Sub, replacing Mitchell Marsh.

Mitchell Marsh is substituted by Shahbaz Ahamad

OUT! CAUGHT AND BOWLED! A soft dismissal. Kuldeep Yadav strikes on his return to the attack. Kuldeep dishes out the googly, on a length, on middle. Mukul Choudhary leans forward but does not pick the wrong'un. He plays for the leg break and looks to play with the spin by closing the bat face. The ball lands and spins away from him to catch the leading edge, and it balloons back to Kuldeep, who makes no mistake.

Kuldeep Yadav (2-0-22-1) comes back into the attack now.

Full and outside off, this is driven to long off for another single. Good last couple of overs for LSG, 21 off the last 12 balls.

Low full toss, outside off. Samad crunches it wide of long off, where Tristan Stubbs sprints to his left and keeps the batters down to a single.

FOUR! Nicely done! Slower ball, going across the right-hander. Samad makes use of the angle and reaches out in an attempt to steer it behind point. Gets more of an under edge but gets it through the gap between short third and backward point for a boundary.

Oh, that could have gone anywhere! Natarajan nails the yorker, outside off. Abdul looks to dig it out. Gets an inside edge onto the pads before the ball dribbles behind towards the keeper.

Another slower one, bowled into the wicket, outside off. Samad waits on it and cuts it to the left of deep point for a brace.

T Natarajan begins with an off-pace delivery, on a back of a length, around off. Choudhary dabs it in front of point and scampers across for a quick single.

Pace is back on as T Natarajan (1-0-2-1) replaces Axar Patel.

This is quicker through the air, on a length, Samad eases it to cover. A good over for the home side, 12 runs off it.

Tossed up now, fuller in length. Samad plays it on the up and crunches it past the diving cover fielder. Kuldeep Yadav gets around in the deep and mops it up. Two runs taken.

On a nagging length, on middle. Choudhary turns it in front of deep square leg and picks up a single.

Sliding into the hips of the right-hander. Samad pulls it to deep square leg and turns the strike over.

FOUR! In the gap! Nigam drops it short, on off and middle. This spins away and Abdul has a hack across the line. Ends up dragging it to the right of deep mid-wicket for a boundary.

FOUR LEG BYES! Sprayed on the pads, on a length. Samad misses out on the tickle. The ball clips the pads and goes fine of the short fine leg fielder.

Fuller and at the sticks, pushed back towards the bowler by Mukul.

Short and quick, on middle. Abdul nudges it through mid-wicket for one more.

Fractionally short, outside off. This is cut away to deep point for one more.

Pushes it through, on the shorter side, on middle and leg. Mukul Choudhary keeps it out off the back foot.

Sliding on with the arm, full and on middle. Samad clips it to deep mid-wicket and crosses over.

Darted in at the off stump, on a nagging length. Mukul drops it with soft hands in front of cover and takes a quick single.

Drops it short and around off, Mukul Choudhary pushes it towards extra cover and scampers across for a quick run.

FOUR MORE! A bit streaky this time! Kuldeep Yadav fires this one full and around middle. Mukul Choudhary goes down to swipe it away but gets a top edge. It goes over the head of KL Rahul, racing to the fence behind for another boundary.

FOUR! First IPL runs for Mukul Choudhary! Flighted, full and on middle and off. Mukul goes across early and plays the scoop nicely and fine of the fine leg fielder for a boundary. Good intent from the youngster.

A massive blow for the home side. In walks Mukul Choudhary on debut. Much has been spoken about his six-hitting ability. Will he fight fire with fire, or will he look to settle in and build a partnership?

OUT! CAUGHT! Kuldeep Yadav gets the big fish, and it is all going downhill for LSG. This is a wrong'un at 84 kph, full and around off, turns away a bit. Mitchell Marsh tries to loft it with a straight bat down the ground. He has already hit a couple of sixes with that shot, but due to the slowness of the ball, his bat turns in his hands upon contact. He ends up hitting it high in the air towards long off, where Tristan Stubbs moves forward and a bit to his right to take a good catch. The set batter goes, and LSG are 71/5 now.

Floated, full and on off, Mitchell Marsh prods forward and taps it towards point.

SIX! SMOKED! Flighted delivery, full and around middle. Mitchell Marsh gets this one in his hitting arc. Goes down on one knee and nails the slog sweep over the deep mid-wicket fence for a biggie.

Not out! This is another excellent off-cutter, full and on middle, grips and turns in a bit. Abdul Samad looks to clip it away but misses and gets hit on the pads. Ngidi appeals for the LBW and looks interested, but gets nothing from the umpire. However, Axar Patel takes the review after having a chat with KL Rahul. UltraEdge confirms no bat involved and Ball Tracking shows the ball is missing the leg stump. Review lost for DC!

Rapped on the pads! Seemed to be going down leg in real-time, but Axar Patel has made a late decision to go for the review.

STRATEGIC BREAK! The move to bring back Lungi Ngidi has worked like a charm for Axar Patel and DC. The Capitals have been rewarded for the discipline they have shown so far, and will be keen to maintain that control. Mitchell Marsh has watched partners come and go and will be hoping for some support from Abdul Samad, who has joined him at the crease. The LSG head coach, Justin Langer, is having an animated conversation with Samad out in the middle. LSG do have the option of bringing in a batter as the impact sub if it comes down to that, but it would mean sacrificing either Avesh Khan or Digvesh Singh.

OUT! CASTLED! An absolute beauty from Lungi Ngidi. He comes around the wicket and delivers a deceptive slower one at 112.4 kph. He keeps the length full and the ball shapes in a bit in the air. Nicholas Pooran gets completely bamboozled by it. He tries to play it in front of his body, but his bat hits his pads, and that split second is enough for the ball to go through his defence to rattle the stumps behind. The look on Pooran's face says it all as he was completely deceived by it. Ngidi with a big wicket and LSG are in even bigger trouble now.

A wide yorker, just outside off, Mitchell Marsh squeezes it out towards deep point for a run.

SIX! Just over! Lungi Ngidi serves this a bit fuller, on middle and leg. Mitchell Marsh presents the full face of the bat and lofts it down the ground. He does not get it from the middle of the bat but just gets enough to clear long on for a biggie.

Lands this on a good length and on off, takes pace off. Mitchell Marsh looks to guide it away but gets a bottom edge back towards the keeper.

Fuller in length and around off, Nicholas Pooran drives it through covers for a single.

Lungi Ngidi returns to the attack, replacing T Natarajan. Interesting call from Axar Patel after a successful first over for Natarajan.

Slightly shorter in length, on middle, Mitchell Marsh stays back and pats it back to the bowler.

A bit too full and too straight, Nicholas Pooran gets low and paddles it away but finds deep backward square leg. They cross.

Drops it short and around leg, Mitchell Marsh stays back and nudges it through mid-wicket for a run.

Flighted, full and pushes it wide outside off, Nicholas Pooran drags it to deep mid-wicket for a single.

Nicely bowled! Kuldeep Yadav slows it up, full and around off, turns it away a bit. Nicholas Pooran goes down for the sweep again but misses this time.

FOUR! Cracking shot! Tossed up, full and on middle. Nicholas Pooran premeditates the sweep shot. Goes down on one knee and nails it towards the deep square leg fence for a boundary.

Kuldeep Yadav has been tossed the ball now. He is starting with a slip in place. A spicy battle between Kuldeep and Pooran is coming up.

Play and a miss! Just back of a length and around off, angling away again, Mitchell Marsh tries to cut it away hard but fails to connect. Top over from Natarajan, just 2 runs and a wicket from it.

Hits the length hard and around off, Nicholas Pooran punches it through cover-point for a run. 50 UP FOR LSG!

Pitched up and on middle, angling in, Nicholas Pooran blocks it out.

Lucknow Super Giants lose another wicket. Here is Nicholas Pooran.

OUT! EDGED AND GONE! Promoting Ayush Badoni up the order has not worked for LSG here. T Natarajan from over the wicket, lands this back of a length, outside off, angling it away from the right-hander. Ayush Badoni, without moving his feet, goes slashing at it casually. Gets a thin outside edge behind, where KL Rahul makes no mistake. A three-baller for Badoni and LSG have slipped from 48/1 to 49/3.

Touch fuller and around off, Ayush Badoni pushes it towards short cover.

Short of a length and just outside off Mitchell Marsh tries to cut but gets hurried and chops it down towards point for a single.

Done with the Powerplay. Safe to say that with the wickets of Rishabh Pant and Aiden Markram, DC will be the happier of the two sides at this stage. T Natarajan has been introduced into the attack.

Slows it up, full and on middle and on off, Ayush Badoni knocks it to the left of the bowler.

Still no Nicholas Pooran. Ayush Badoni makes his way out to the centre.

OUT! BOWLED'EM! Axar Patel has the last laugh here. He pushes this one through quicker, drags his length back a bit, on middle, angles in a bit. Aiden Markram rocks back and tries to go for the cut but the length or the line is not right for that shot. The ball skids through and goes on to rattle the stumps behind. Markram is absolutely livid with himself. LSG are 48/2 now.

SIX! Clean strike! Tossed up, full and on middle. Aiden Markram, with an extension of the arms, gets under it. He presents the full face of the bat and tonks it over the bowler's head for a biggie. Pretty safe shot with mid on also inside the circle.

Floated, full and around middle, Mitchell Marsh goes down again and sweeps it to deep square leg for a single.

FOUR BYES! That beats everyone! Axar Patel bowls the arm ball, full and on middle, goes in with the arm. Mitchell Marsh backs away to push it away but gets beaten on the inside edge. KL Rahul also fails to stop it as the ball races to the fine leg fence for a boundary.

Flatter, shortish and angling into the leg side. Mitchell Marsh gets down on one knee to swipe it away but misses and gets hit on the pads. The dots are piling up now.

Lands it on a hard length, around the off stump. No room for Markram to work with and Aiden can only tap it to mid off.

Mukesh hits the top of off at 138 kph, Markram looks to punch it on the up but the ball cuts back in off the seam with a bit of extra bounce. Aiden ekes out an inside edge onto the pads.

On middle and leg, on a length. Marsh nudges it in front of mid on and crosses over.

Slanting into the pads, on a length, flicked to mid-wicket.

Wide! Banged in short by Mukesh but this sails over the batter's head. KL Rahul gathers it with a leap. Too high and the umpire signals wide.

SIX! Good use of the feet! Mukesh serves this full, on off and middle. Marsh takes a couple of steps down the track and just extends his hands into the lofted hit. He does not try to overhit this one and just lofts it back over the bowler's head for a six.

FOUR LEG BYES! This nips back a touch, on a short of a length, on middle. Marsh has a heave across the line but the ball skids through to go under the blade and catches the Aussie on the back thigh. It deflects away to the deep third fence. Mukesh went up in an appeal but that was always going over the stumps and he found no support from anyone else.

FOUR! Gets it through! Fractionally short at 94 kph, on off. Markram picks up the length early and presses on the back foot. He gets on top of the bounce and punches it away, managing to beat the diving cover fielder to his right for his first boundary.

Pushes it through, full and on middle. This is driven to long off for a single.

This is slowed down, on a good length, on off. Marsh lunges and blocks it off.

Around leg, on a length. Aiden works it in front of square on the leg side for a single.

Short and flat, on the off stump. Markram rocks back and cuts but can't beat the man at cover-point.

Speared in, full and on middle. Aiden defends it out.

You have to feel for Rishabh Pant, but he could have done nothing about that. Aiden Markram walks out to bat at number 3. Also, we will see spin for the first time as Axar Patel brings himself into the attack.

OUT! RUN OUT! An unlucky way to get out for any batter. Full and angled in, on middle. Marsh pushes out in front of his body as he looks to force it down the ground. Plays it uppishly back towards the bowler. Mukesh sticks out his right hand on his follow-through, and the ball deflects behind onto the stumps with Pant backing up. The third umpire is called into action. First, the contact is confirmed with the replays showing that the ball clipped the pinky finger of the right hand and the side-on angle confirms that Rishabh was out of his crease despite his effort to plonk his back leg in.

Is that a run out at the non-striker's end? The replay shows that the ball has clearly touched Mukesh Kumar's hand on the follow-through before crashing into the stumps, with Pant outside the crease. The Luckow skipper will have to make the long walk back to the hut.

Mukesh keeps it nice and tight, on a back of a length, on the off stump. Rishabh makes use of the angle and works it behind point for one. So far, so good from Kumar. Can he finish well?

Full and angled into the pads. Marsh wrists it to deep mid-wicket and gets to the other end.

Nearly sneaked through! Kumar pitches it up, on off and middle. Marsh's feet go nowhere, and he goes hard on the drive with his hands. The ball nips back a bit to catch an inside edge and it rolls to short fine leg.

Moving away, on a good length, outside off. Marsh steers it to short third.

Shaping back in, on a good length, on the off pole. Pant looks to drive it on the up. The ball catches him bat on it and dribbles in front of mid off. They cross.

Across off, on a short of a good length. Pant hangs back and steers it wide of short third for a single. 10 runs off Ngidi's first over in DC colours.

On a nagging length, on middle. Rishabh drops it beside the strip on the leg side and looks for a quick single but Ngidi is quick to get to the ball.

Angled into the right-hander, on the fuller side. Marsh pats it in front of mid on and hurries to the other end.

FOUR! That has raced away in a flash! Ngidi bashes the hard length but offers width. Marsh takes full toll as he rises with the bounce and slaps it hard. The fielder at deep backward point does not have a lot of ground to cover, but he is still beaten to his right.

Better from Ngidi! Fuller in length and this is on top of off. Mitchell covers the line and watchfully stabs it down on the off side.

FOUR! A gift and Marsh accepts it gleefully. A loosener first up from Ngidi. Short and wide, there to be put away. Marsh needs no second invitation. He stands on top of the bounce and thumps it past cover for a four.

Lungi Ngidi to share the attack.

Beaten! This leaves the left-hander with the angle. A good-length ball from Mukesh. Pant has a tentative prod and the ball whistles past the outside edge.

Oh, not far away from crashing into the stumps! A bit of excitement from the bowler but no reaction from the keeper. On a good length, on middle and leg. Pant hops across the stumps and looks to shovel it down to deep fine leg, where the fielder is a bit square. He fails to lay any bat on it and luckily for him, the bounce takes the ball over the leg pole.

Wide! Pushed across the left-hander but this goes beyond the wide tramline.

Mukesh drags the length back but keeps the stumps in play. Pant gets right behind it and blocks it off.

FOUR! Rishabh Pant is away with a beautiful stroke. Kumar pitches it up and keeps it at the sticks. Pant presses on the front foot and shows the full face of the bat. Just times the drive to the right of mid on for the first boundary of the game.

Good take! Swinging back into the pads, on a length. Pant is late on the glance and the ball goes behind off the pads. KL Rahul moves to his right and gathers the ball on the bounce by extending his right hand.

Marsh and LSG are underway! Mukesh starts with a full ball and finds a bit of away shape, outside off. Mitchell eases it wide of cover, where Pathum Nissanka moves to his right to cut it off. Marsh opens his account with a single.

We are all set to begin! The final two teams remaining to take the field this season, stride out to battle here in the 'City of Nawabs'. Delhi Capitals players are in a huddle before they spread out to take their respective field positions. We already have the first surprise of the game, no Aiden Markram, it will be Mitchell Marsh and Rishabh Pant to open the innings for Lucknow Super Giants. Mukesh Kumar has the new ball in hand and is raring to go. A slip in place. Let's play...

Impact subs nominated by DC - Ashutosh Sharma, Auqib Nabi, Sameer Rizvi, Dushmantha Chameera and Karun Nair.

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

Impact subs nominated by LSG - Digvesh Singh, Avesh Khan, Himmat Singh, Shahbaz Ahamad and Akshat Raghuwanshi.

Lucknow Super Giants (Playing XI) - Aiden Markram, Mitchell Marsh, Rishabh Pant (C/WK), Ayush Badoni, Nicholas Pooran, Abdul Samad, Mukul Choudhary, Mohsin Khan, Mohammad Shami, Anrich Nortje and Prince Yadav.

We have learnt from the past - The skipper of the Lucknow Super Giants, Rishabh Pant says the toss doesn’t matter much on this wicket, adding that conditions are unlikely to change significantly apart from the dew later on. He also speaks about the fresh start for the side, mentioning the completely new energy in the group with a new kit and a new logo. Pant tells that he is feeling good about the season and is raring to go. He reflects on the last season, mentioning that injuries played a part, but adds that the team has taken valuable lessons from it. Rishabh confirms that Aiden Markram, Mitchell Marsh, Nicholas Pooran and Anrich Nortje are their 4 overseas players.

Eyeing a strong start - The captain of the Delhi Capitals, Axar Patel says that it is the first game, a fresh wicket and a red soil pitch, so they want to see whether it helps the bowlers in the first six overs. Patel mentions that the data is there, but this is just the start of the season, and they want to see how their bowling goes in this game. Axar admits that last year they started well but slipped up towards the end, but this is a new start, and they don't want to ponder much about the past. Ends by saying that the four overseas players are Pathum Nissanka, Tristan Stubbs, David Miller and Lungi Ngidi.

TOSS - Rishabh Pant and Axar Patel greet each other in the centre with a warm hug. All in readiness for the coin to go up in Lucknow. Axar calls it correctly. Delhi Capitals elect to BOWL first.

Time to hear from the DC camp - Prithvi Shaw says his mindset is pretty clear, and he is a person who does not think too much. Shaw mentions that he has put in a lot of preparation coming into the season. He adds that spending time on the field and playing domestic cricket has helped him get back on track, both in terms of form and mental strength. Shaw also acknowledges that there is healthy competition within the squad, especially among the openers, but says he is happy that Delhi have shown faith in him.

How's the Bison feeling? Mitchell Marsh says that the preparation has been good. Adds that they have been in Lucknow for about 8 days, and it is an exciting time of the year. Mentions that there are some old faces but a few new ones too, a bit of freshness in the squad, and they are looking forward to the season. Marsh shares that not a lot was talked about last season. There were a lot of positives to take, they lost a few close games and he says that in the IPL, it is all about winning the bigger moments. Tells that they will try to be as consistent as they can and hopefully win more games. On being asked whether he would bowl or not, Marsh cheekily says that he is working on his offspin and leg spin to see which one works out, but admits that he can be classified as just a batter this season. Further adds that they suffered a few key injuries last season, especially to the bowling attack, but they have almost everyone fit, and he hopes that they can stay fit and fire for them.

PITCH REPORT - Deep Dasgupta and Kevin Pietersen are out in the middle. Deep informs that there is a bias when it comes to square boundaries with 56 metres on one side and 64 on the other, and the straight hit is 77 metres. Pietersen mentions that this is a red-soil pitch and, just like venues such as Mumbai and Bengaluru, it has a beautiful covering of grass and looks like another excellent batting wicket. KP further informs that post the 2023 World Cup, surfaces have been relaid here, and they have become better for batting. Kevin feels that chasing is the way to go if you win the toss. Deep backs that point by sharing that 6 out of the 8 games here last season were won by the chasing side.

Evolving conditions in Lucknow - The Ekana Stadium was once considered among the toughest venues for run-scoring, known for its slow and low nature. However, that trend has shifted in recent seasons, with scoring rates steadily increasing year on year. The average run rate at this venue in IPL has risen from 7.36 in 2023 to 8.94 in 2024 and further to 9.83 in 2025. What does the first game in Lucknow have in store this season? Let's find out.

A reliable figure up top - As far as their batting is concerned, they have plenty of firepower, and just as he did in 2025, KL Rahul will look to lead the charge, but this season in the role of the opener. He boasts the best average (49.64) among openers in IPL who have scored a minimum of 1000 runs, underlining his consistency at the top. While they are still awaiting the availability of Mitchell Starc, DC have enough quality across departments to make up for his absence.

A campaign that lost its way - The 2025 season for the Delhi Capitals began with plenty of promise but ended in disappointment. After winning 5 of their first 6 games, they managed just two more victories and missed out on the playoffs. Axar Patel continues to lead the side, and in his first full season as captain, the added responsibility seemed to bring out the best in him. Rather than being weighed down, he thrived in the role, becoming one of only two all-rounders last year to have scored over 250 runs and picked up five or more wickets.

Can LSG's pacers deliver? Their pace attack was thoroughly tested last season, where they struggled for control and ended up with the highest economy rate among all teams. The arrival of Mohammad Shami from Sunrisers Hyderabad could prove crucial in addressing that concern. Avesh Khan was the joint-highest wicket-taker in their pace department, but he is returning from an injury layoff. The same applies to Mayank Yadav, who burst onto the scene in 2024 with his express pace, but he has endured a tough period lately with injuries.

Finding their feet at home - Lucknow Super Giants made the playoffs in their first two seasons, but have since finished 7th in the last couple of years. Over the years, the IPL has seen teams turn their home venues into fortresses. However, LSG are still searching for that consistency in Lucknow, with 9 wins in 21 matches at home. That said, their skipper, Rishabh Pant, will have fond memories of this ground, having scored a century here in the last IPL game.

Muskuraiye, aap Lucknow me hai - A phrase that translates to 'Smile, you are in Lucknow,' one that you can spot as soon as you land at the airport. Known for its warmth, culture and timeless charm, Lucknow has always had a way of making you feel at home. As we arrive here, we hope the city treats us well once again, with expectations of a thrilling contest as the Lucknow Super Giants and the Delhi Capitals take the field.

... MATCH DAY ...

The set is complete - Matchday 5 of IPL 2026 and it is now time for game number 5 as well. Lucknow Super Giants take on Delhi Capitals at the Ekana Stadium in Lucknow and this encounter marks the end of the first round of fixtures as the remaining two teams play out their opening match. Like last season, the narrative will mostly revolve around KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant as the duo goes up against their old franchises, where they spent their golden years in the competition. This match is anticipated to be a particularly tasty encounter as these two teams also played their first match of the 2025 season against each other, and that was an all-time classic. Chasing 210 to win, DC were reduced to 65/5 when Ashutosh Sharma walked in as the Impact Player and almost single-handedly changed the outcome of the game and DC went on to win the final over, with just one wicket in hand. Later on in the season, LSG were handed another defeat by DC in Lucknow and they will be eager to get the better of the Capitals. Pitch and conditions - Historically, the Ekana Stadium has been a slow and low surface, favoring spinners. However, recent trends show a shift as last season pacers accounted for almost three times more wickets than the spinners. With the match being an evening start, dew is expected to play a major role, making the ball slippery for bowlers in the second innings. Teams are likely to bowl first to take advantage of the dew and the easier chasing conditions seen at this ground recently. Expect a deck that offers some initial movement for seamers like Shami but flattens out for the batters as the game progresses. Squad tweaks for the new season - Lucknow Super Giants - LSG have once again entrusted Rishabh Pant to lead the side despite his shortcomings as a batter last season and with such a hefty price tag to his name and historical pedigree, Pant will be out to prove a point. Also, former Aussie batter, Justin Langer, remains their head coach, with a fairly similar core squad to the last season. The top order remains the biggest strength of the Super Giants, with Mitchell Marsh and Aiden Markram setting the competition ablaze last time around. Nicholas Pooran at number 3 gives them that left-handed explosiveness which can turn the game on its head in a couple of overs. The middle order features the likes of Rishabh Pant and LSG's most consistent batter in the form of Ayush Badoni, who will be hoping to improve upon a stellar 2025 season and make a push for a place in the national team as well. The addition of Mohammed Shami and Anrich Nortje has bolstered a bowling attack that previously lacked veteran leadership. However, as we have seen in the past, LSG really struggle in terms of having all their frontline bowlers fit at the same time. The team will be without leg-spinner Wanindu Hasaranga (hamstring) and possibly speedster Mayank Yadav for the opening games, which means Avesh Khan will most likely lead the attack alongside Shami and a lot will rest on his shoulders in terms of death bowling as well. Also, with Ravi Bishnoi no longer a part of the franchise, Digvesh Singh will take over the role of the lead spinner and LSG will hope that he is able to turn a breakout 2025 season into a clinical 2026 season.  Delhi Capitals - The Capitals had a flying start to the 2025 season but somehow they managed to fumble it all and just missed out on a playoff spot. Axar Patel will be hoping that his team doesn't repeat the same mistakes from last season. DC arguably have the most-experienced spin duo in Patel and Kuldeep Yadav, and they also have someone like Vipraj Nigam, who gives them a spin-bowling all-rounder option. In terms of the pace battery, Mitchell Starc will miss the first few games as he nurses a shoulder and elbow injury. Lungi Ngidi will be the leader of the attack and he has had a fine year or so in the T20 format. Mukesh Kumar continues to be an integral part of DC's bowling attack and they also have someone like Dushmantha Chameera, who gives them that out-and-out pace bowling option. Also, Auqib Nabi could be their surprise weapon after a historic Ranji season, in which he picked up 60 wickets in just 10 matches, helping J&K clinch their maiden title. With the bat, DC have a stable and experienced lineup, not as explosive as LSG but solid to say the least. KL Rahul will be the heartbeat of that lineup with Abishek Porel expected to open alongside him unless DC opt to bring back their 'prodigal son,' Prithvi Shaw, straight back into the Playing XI. Their middle order features the Proteas duo of David Miller and Tristan Stubbs, and we might see at least one, if not two, Indian batters alongside those two. Ashutosh Sharma will once again play the finishing role but a lot will depend on how Rahul goes about his business up top. Team form (Last 5 completed T20Is, recent first) LSG - LWLLL | DC - WLLLL. Predictions? The head-to-head record between the two franchises doesn't offer much of an answer in terms of who is the favorite to win this clash. In a total of 7 matches, LSG have come out on top 3 times, whereas DC have had a positive outcome on 4 occasions and they did beat LSG twice last season as well. While LSG has the home advantage and a more explosive batting lineup, Delhi Capitals look more balanced in the bowling department for this specific surface. Who are you backing for the win?