Lakshay Thareja shines as New Delhi Tigers beat East Delhi Riders to register first win

Rakesh Thapliyal 

New Delhi, August 3, 2026: New Delhi Tigers registered a commanding 49-run victory over East Delhi Riders in the fifth match of the Delhi Premier League (DPL) 2026 at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on Sunday.

After posting a competitive 178/8 in their 20 overs, courtesy of a magnificent unbeaten 86 off 57 balls from Lakshay Thareja, the New Delhi Tigers backed up their batting effort with a disciplined bowling and fielding display to dominate the contest.

In reply, East Delhi Riders never recovered from an early collapse and were restricted to 129/9 in 20 overs. Pradyuman Sanan and Laxman led the bowling attack with two wickets.

Chasing a challenging target of 179, East Delhi Riders endured a disappointing start and were left reeling after losing early wickets. Sujal Singh departed without scoring, while Dhruv Kaushik also fell for a duck as New Delhi Tigers seized control with disciplined bowling.

Arpit Rana made 19, while Hardik Sharma tried to revive the chase with a brisk 20 off 18 balls. Captain Mayank Rawat played an aggressive knock of 22 from just 14 deliveries, but both batters were dismissed at crucial moments, leaving the Riders struggling at 72/6. The lower order failed to mount a comeback as East Delhi Riders finished on 129/9.

Earlier, New Delhi Tigers posted a competitive 178/8 in 20 overs thanks to an unbeaten knock from Lakshay Thareja. After opener Shivam Gupta got out on 13, opener Lakshay Thareja anchored the innings brilliantly, remaining unbeaten on 86 off 57 balls, an innings studded with 11 fours and a six. He held one end firm despite wickets falling regularly at the other.

Captain Himmat Singh got out after scoring a quick 13, while Yashjeet provided late impetus with a fiery 26 off 15 balls, including a four and two sixes, helping the New Delhi Tigers finish strongly.

East Delhi Riders shared the wickets around with Deepak Punia, Dhruv Kaushik, and Ashish Meena claiming two wickets apiece, while Mayank Rawat and Simarjeet Singh chipped in with one each. This was New Delhi Tigers first win of the season.