Delhi Capitals (DC) overcame a major scare to beat Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in their opening Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 game on Wednesday. DC put in a spectacular bowling performance, led by the three-fors of Good luck and T Natarajanto bowl out LSG for just 141 in 18.4 overs. However, interestingly, DC captain Axar Patel did not bowl his full quota of four overs despite taking a crucial wicket and going at an economy of less than 6.
Later, Axar admitted he may have made a miscalculation that resulted in him not completing his quota.
“You see how the match was going, there was a bigger and smaller boundary, and I was seeing who I could give the ball to,” Axar said, speaking at the post-match presentation.
“On this wicket, I felt that the fast bowlers were getting more help, so I gave them more overs. Yes, ek over idhar-udhar ho gaya, but end achha ho toh sab sahi hai (Yes, I miscalculated one over here or there, but it’s all good as long as the end result is fine),” Axar explained.
As is often the case, Axar came in to bowl during the powerplay, and made an instant impact by dismissing LSG’s star South African batter Aiden Markram. He conceded only 17 runs in his three overs.
LSG’s entire bowling unit chipped in with commendable bowling efforts. Lungi Ngidi and T Natarajan ended with figures of 3/27 and 3/29 respectively, while left-arm wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav took 2/31. Pacer Mukesh Kumar did not get a wicket, but also conceded only 17 runs in his three overs.
In the run chase, DC were down to 26/4 inside the fifth over, putting their chase in jeopardy. However, an unbeaten 119-run stand between Sameer Rizvi and Tristan Stubbs took them home with almost three overs to spare.
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