IPL 2026: Sameer Rizvi Smashes 90, DC Beats MI by Six Wickets

New Delhi (IANS): Sameer Rizvi transformed a tense chase for the second consecutive game, smashing 90 off 51 balls to power Delhi Capitals (DC) to a six-wicket victory over Mumbai Indians (MI) at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on Saturday.

Rizvi’s fireworks secured DC’s second straight win of the IPL 2026 season and their first home victory. His seven sixes equal the record for the most by a DC batter against MI, while his score stands as the third-highest for the franchise against the five-time champions.

MI Struggle to Find Momentum

On a slow black soil pitch, MI posted a competitive 162/6. Stand-in captain Suryakumar Yadav anchored the innings with 51 off 35 balls, while Rohit Sharma contributed a steady 35.

However, DC’s bowlers stifled MI in the death overs, conceding only 38 runs in the final four. Mukesh Kumar led the attack with 2-26, dismissing Ryan Rickelton and Tilak Varma early. Axar Patel (1-22) and Vipraj Nigam also claimed crucial wickets to keep the visitors in check.

Rizvi Ignites the Chase

DC’s pursuit of 163 started poorly. Deepak Chahar removed KL Rahul early, and a disastrous mix-up led to Nitish Rana being run out by Jasprit Bumrah, leaving DC reeling.

Pathum Nissanka stabilized the innings with a gritty 44, but the momentum shifted entirely when Rizvi took charge. After a slow start, Rizvi dismantled the MI attack:

• The Turning Point: He plundered 20 runs off Corbin Bosch in the 11th over.

• Spin Assault: He reached his half-century off 31 balls by hitting Mayank Markande for back-to-back sixes.

• The Finish: Despite falling 10 runs short of a century when he holed out to Bosch, Rizvi had already ensured the result. David Miller (21*) guided DC home with 11 balls to spare.

Statistical Highlights

• Impact Player Heroics: Only Jos Buttler and Sai Sudharsan have scored more in a single IPL innings as an Impact Player than Rizvi’s 90.

• Spin Woes for MI: DC exploited MI’s spin department, where Rizvi found his opening to score at a strike rate of 176.47.

Brief Scores:

• Mumbai Indians: 162/6 in 20 overs (Suryakumar Yadav 51, Rohit Sharma 35; Mukesh Kumar 2-26).

• Delhi Capitals: 164/4 in 18.1 overs (Sameer Rizvi 90, Pathum Nissanka 44; Deepak Chahar 1-20).

• Result: Delhi Capitals won by 6 wickets.