IPL 2026 : Flying Jitesh Sharma grabs a screamer to remove Sameer Rizvi during RCB vs DC encounter

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The electric atmosphere of the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium reached a fever pitch on Saturday, as Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) hosted Delhi Capitals (DC) in the 26th match of the IPL 2026 season. Known as the ‘Colosseum’ of Indian cricket, the Bengaluru venue lived up to its reputation, providing a high-octane backdrop for a clash defined by athletic brilliance and a nail-biting finish. While the result kept fans on the edge of their seats until the penultimate ball, one moment of individual magic from RCB’s Jitesh Sharma stole the headlines early in the second innings.

In the early stages of Delhi’s chase of 176, the veteran swing king Bhuvneshwar Kumar was breathing fire. Having already removed Pathum Nissanka and Karun Nair, Kumar looked to dismantle the DC top order entirely. On the fifth ball of the third over, Bhuvneshwar delivered a classic out swinger on a nagging length. Young Sameer Rizvi, looking to assert himself, attempted an aggressive punch through the cover region.

The ball caught a thick outside edge, flying rapidly toward the space where a first slip would typically reside. Just as the ball seemed destined for the boundary, Jitesh defied gravity. Showing elite wicket-keeping instincts, Jitesh launched himself low to his right. In a split second, he snatched the ball one-handed just inches above the grass.

The stadium erupted as Jitesh’s upper body hit the turf, but the ball remained firmly lodged in his right glove. This screamer reduced Delhi to a precarious 18/3, leaving Rizvi stunned and Bhuvneshwar with remarkable figures of 3 for 5 in his opening burst. It was a masterclass in athleticism that momentarily shifted the momentum entirely in favour of the home side.

𝐖𝐇𝐀𝐓. 𝐀. 𝐂𝐀𝐓𝐂𝐇. 🤯@jiteshsharma_’s unbelievable catch has sent a wave of energy through the Chinnaswamy! ❤️

3rd wicket for @BhuviOfficial 💪#TATAIPL | #IPLRivalryWeek 2026 ➡️ #RCBvDC | LIVE NOW 👉 https://t.co/tCvyn0XFNx

— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) April 18, 2026

Also READ: IPL 2026: Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s magical spell in RCB vs DC match sparks comeback debate for Team India

Despite the early wreckage caused by Bhuvneshwar’s triple strike, Delhi Capitals staged a resilient comeback to clinch a 6-wicket victory with just one ball to spare. Earlier in the evening, RCB posted a competitive 175/8, fueled by a blistering 63 off 38 balls from Phil Salt. Salt’s innings, decorated with five fours and four sixes, laid a solid foundation, though the middle order struggled to capitalize against the disciplined spin of Axar Patel (2/18) and Kuldeep Yadav (2/32).

The chase was a roller-coaster. After being 18/3, DC found their saviors in KL Rahul and Tristan Stubbs. Rahul played a captain’s knock, shifting the pressure back onto RCB with a quick-fire 57 off 34 balls. However, it was Stubbs who anchored the finish.

The game took a tense turn when Axar (26 off 19) had to retire hurt at 134/4, but David Miller (22* off 10) joined Stubbs to provide the finishing touch. Stubbs, awarded Player of the Match for his unbeaten 60, remained calm under pressure, guiding DC to the target of 176 in the final over.

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