Lucknow Super Giants Struggle in IPL 2026 Opener Against Delhi Capitals

Lucknow Super Giants' Disappointing Start

In their first match of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026, the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) faced a tough challenge, getting bowled out for just 141 runs against the Delhi Capitals (DC) at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow on Wednesday.

LSG's captain, Rishabh Pant, opened the innings alongside Mitch Marsh. The pair began positively, but the momentum shifted dramatically when Pant was dismissed in an unfortunate manner. Marsh's straight drive deflected off Mukesh Kumar's hand, leading to Pant being run out at the non-striker's end.

Aiden Markram managed to hit a six and a four before being bowled by Axar Patel. T Natarajan then dismissed Ayush Badoni cheaply, while Nicholas Pooran failed to reach double figures, getting caught by Lungi Ngidi. Marsh contributed a fighting 35 runs off 28 balls, including three sixes and two fours, before falling to Kuldeep Yadav, who also took the wicket of Mukul Choudhary with a simple caught and bowled.

Abdul Samad scored 36 runs off 25 balls, forming a 33-run partnership for the seventh wicket with Shahbaz Ahmed, who remained not out on 15 runs from 16 balls. Lungi Ngidi's effective bowling helped limit LSG's total to 141 runs by taking the last few wickets.

Ngidi and Natarajan each claimed three wickets, while Kuldeep Yadav took two. Axar Patel also contributed with a wicket of Markram.

Delhi Capitals now require 142 runs to secure victory and kick off their season on a high note.