Shami scripts IPL history as Delhi Capitals down Lucknow Super Giants

Mohammed Shami etched his name into IPL history on Wednesday as Delhi Capitals beat Lucknow Super Giants by six wickets in their IPL 2026 season opener in Lucknow. The seasoned pacer dismissed opener KL Rahul on the very first ball of Delhi’s chase, becoming the first bowler in the tournament’s 18-year history to claim a wicket off the opening delivery on five separate occasions.

A record no bowler has matched

Shami’s remarkable achievement puts him five clear of seven bowlers — including Trent Boult, Lasith Malinga, Pat Cummins, and Bhuvneshwar Kumar — who have each managed the feat three times. Rahul, attempting an ambitious slash over point, fell for a first-ball duck as Shami set the tone for the LSG innings that had earlier ended at a meagre 141 all out in 18.4 overs, after DC skipper Axar Patel chose to bowl first.

Despite Shami’s early strike, Delhi’s chase wobbled badly. They slipped to 26 for 4 inside the first five overs, with Prince Yadav removing Pathum Nissanka and Axar Patel in quick succession, while Mohsin Khan — playing his first game in a year — pouched Nitish Rana at slip.

Rizvi and Stubbs rescue Delhi in style

Impact substitute Sameer Rizvi turned the match on its head with a mature and explosive 70 not out off 47 balls. Joining forces with the dependable Tristan Stubbs (39 not out off 32), the pair put on an unbroken 119-run stand to guide Delhi home in just 17.1 overs. Rizvi, who hit five fours and four sixes, was particularly severe in the 10th over against Shahbaz Ahmed, plundering 16 runs to swing the contest decisively in Delhi’s favour.

The win gives Delhi Capitals full points and early mome