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The fifth match of IPL 2026 between Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) and Delhi Capitals (DC) at the Ekana Cricket Stadium turned into a showcase of disciplined bowling, with DC making full use of their decision to field first. After winning the toss, skipper Axar Patel backed his bowlers to deliver—and they responded emphatically by dismantling LSG’s batting lineup with consistent breakthroughs.
Among the standout moments of the innings was a stunning delivery from Lungi Ngidi that sent back the dangerous Nicholas Pooran, shifting the momentum further in DC’s favor.
Lungi Ngidi’s slower delivery gets rid of Nicholas Pooran
The key moment came on the fifth ball of the ninth over, when Ngidi unleashed a perfectly disguised slower ball. Pooran, known for his aggressive stroke play, attempted to flick the delivery towards the leg side but was completely deceived by the lack of pace.
His balance faltered as he committed early to the shot, only to see the ball sneak under his bat and crash into the stumps. The dismissal highlighted Ngidi’s mastery of variations, particularly his off-cutters that have troubled batters across formats.
This wasn’t the first time Ngidi has used such tactics effectively. His slower balls were a major weapon during the T20 World Cup 2026, and he carried that form seamlessly into the IPL, once again proving his value in the shortest format.
Here’s the video:
Through the defence 😯
🎥 Lungi Ngidi foxes Nicholas Pooran with his brilliance 🔥
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— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL)
LSG struggle despite Mitchell Marsh and Abdul Samad’s efforts
While Ngidi’s breakthrough was crucial, it was part of a larger collapse that saw LSG fail to build any meaningful partnerships. Mitchell Marsh provided some resistance at the top with a composed 35, trying to anchor the innings during the early phase.
Later, Abdul Samad chipped in with a valuable 36 runs, ensuring that LSG crossed the 140-run mark. However, the lack of support from the rest of the batting unit meant that these contributions were not enough to challenge a disciplined DC bowling attack.
LSG were eventually bowled out for 141 in 18.4 overs, a total that looked below par on a surface offering decent batting conditions.
DC bowlers deliver a complete team performance
Delhi Capitals’ bowling unit functioned like a well-oiled machine throughout the innings. Ngidi and T Natarajan led the charge with three wickets each, consistently applying pressure with tight lines and clever variations.
Spin also played its part, with Kuldeep Yadav picking up two crucial wickets in the middle overs. Captain Axar contributed with a wicket as well, rounding off a complete team performance in the field.
The Capitals’ ability to strike at regular intervals prevented LSG from gaining any momentum, ultimately restricting them to a modest total.
With a target of 142, DC will head into the chase with confidence, backed by a dominant bowling display. For LSG, the focus will be on regrouping and finding ways to bounce back, especially after a batting performance that lacked cohesion.
Also WATCH: Rishabh Pant’s opening gamble ends in freak run-out during LSG vs DC clash
