Sameer Rizvi's maiden IPL half-century guided the Delhi Capitals to a clinical six-wicket victory over the Punjab Kings in Jaipur, denting their hopes of a top-two finish.

For the third game running, an eliminated team defeated a qualified side to keep the race for the top two spots wide open.

Punjab, put in to bat, got off to a fast start, courtesy of quickfire knocks from Prabhsimran Singh (28) and Josh Inglis (32), before Shreyas Iyer (53) anchored the innings through the middle.

Marcus Stoinis (44 not out) provided some much-needed fireworks to take them to a competitive score of 206-8, though frequent wickets slowed their momentum.

Temporary replacement Mustafizur Rahman shone for Delhi, ending with impressive figures of 3-33.

Delhi's chase was solid from the start, with KL Rahul (35) and Faf du Plessis (23) providing a strong foundation in the powerplay.

Karun Nair (44) and Sediqullah Atal (22) chipped in with handy contributions, but it was Rizvi who led the charge. His impressive knock of 58 not out came from just 25 balls at a breathtaking strike rate of 232.

Tristan Stubbs (18 not out) provided able support to carry Delhi over the line with three balls to spare, ending their campaign on a high.

Despite the loss, Punjab remain second in the standings, level on points with Royal Challengers Bangalore.

With both RCB and Gujarat Titans losing earlier this week, the top two spots remain up for grabs, with fourth-placed Mumbai Indians also in with a shout now.

𝙍𝙞𝙯𝙯-𝙥𝙚𝙘𝙩 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙛𝙞𝙣𝙞𝙨𝙝𝙚𝙧 

A high-quality innings to close it out in style @DelhiCapitals sign off from this season in a 𝘳𝘰𝘢𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘨 fashion 

Updates https://t.co/k6WP8zBwzL #TATAIPL | #PBKSvDC pic.twitter.com/3qgtrlWDDj

— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) May 24, 2025

Data Debrief: Rizvi's confident fifty carries Delhi over the line

It had been a tournament to forget for Rizvi prior to Saturday's match, with middling results leading to him being in and out of the side.

But in Jaipur, the 21-year-old showcased his full range of shots in an impressive knock that will undoubtedly please the Delhi fans. 42 of his 58 runs came in boundaries, as he struck three fours and four sixes to spoil Punjab’s party.

In fact, his match-winning knock led the way for the Capitals to chase down a total of 200 or more for only the third time in 23 attempts.