IPL 2026: LSG vs DC – Rishabh Pant walked out to open the innings for Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) against his former side, Delhi Capitals (DC). However, the bold experiment ended in absolute heartbreak. In the third over of the match, a “one-in-a-million” freak dismissal sent the LSG skipper back to the dugout, leaving the home crowd in stunned silence.
The incident occurred when Mitchell Marsh smashed a full delivery from Mukesh Kumar straight back down the ground. In a desperate attempt to stop the ball, Mukesh managed to get a fingertip on it. The ball took a sharp deflection and crashed into the stumps at the non-striker’s end. Pant, who had backed up too far in anticipation of a quick single, was caught miles out of his crease.
Watch: The Unfortunate Dismissal Of Rishabh Pant
An unfortunate run out for Rishabh Pant to begin the season 😮
Early success for @delhicapitals ☝️#LSG 37/1 in5⃣overs
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The Opening Tactic Backfires
Rishabh Pant managed only 7 runs off 9 balls before the run-out cut his innings short. The Lucknow captain could only manage a wry smile and a giggle as he walked off, fully aware of the sheer bad luck involved. This was only the second time in his IPL career that Pant had opened the batting, a move aimed at exploiting the powerplay against the new ball.
Unfortunately for LSG, the dismissal triggered a collapse. Lucknow was eventually bundled out for 141 runs in 18.4 overs, their lowest total ever against Delhi Capitals. Despite a fighting 36 off 25 balls from Abdul Samad, the LSG middle order struggled to adapt to the disciplined bowling of Lungi Ngidi (3/27) and T. Natarajan (3/29).
Delhi Capitals Command the Chase
Chasing 142, Delhi Capitals faced an early scare when Mohammed Shami, making his debut for LSG, dismissed KL Rahul for a golden duck with his very first ball. However, the Capitals have since stabilized the innings.
With Nitish Rana and Pathum Nissanka at the crease, Delhi looks comfortable in their pursuit of the target. The surface in Lucknow is holding up well, but with the dew factor coming into play, the LSG bowlers will have to be perfect to defend this sub-par total.
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