Rajasthan Royals fall agonizingly short despite Yashasvi Jaiswal’s 74 and Riyan Parag’s late fireworks; Lucknow Super Giants rise to 4th spot with fifth win
Jaipur, April 20:
In one of the most thrilling finishes of IPL 2025, Avesh Khan bowled a masterful final over to guide Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) to a narrow two-run victory over Rajasthan Royals (RR) at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium on Saturday. Despite strong efforts from Yashasvi Jaiswal (74 off 52) and stand-in captain Riyan Parag (39 off 26), RR fell just short of chasing LSG’s 180/5 target.
This crucial win sees LSG jump to fourth place with five wins in eight matches, while RR continue to languish at eighth with only two wins from eight games.
RR’s Chase Falls Short After Strong Start
Chasing 181, RR’s young openers Yashasvi Jaiswal and debutant Vaibhav Suryavanshi came out swinging, with Suryavanshi smashing a six off his very first IPL delivery. Together, they powered RR to 61/0 at the end of the powerplay.
Suryavanshi was eventually dismissed by part-timer Aiden Markram for a brisk 34 off 20, but Jaiswal continued to anchor the innings and brought up his fourth fifty of the season. RR looked in control at 135/2 in 15 overs, with Parag and Jaiswal rotating strike and finding the boundary regularly.
However, Avesh Khan turned the game on its head in the 18th over, dismissing both Jaiswal and Parag, swinging the momentum back in LSG’s favour. With nine runs needed in the final over, Avesh held his nerve, conceding just six runs and dismissing Shimron Hetmyer, sealing a dramatic win for LSG.
Earlier: Markram, Badoni Shine as LSG Post 180/5
After opting to bat first, LSG overcame early blows through composed half-centuries from Aiden Markram (66) and Ayush Badoni (52). Despite early wickets of Mitchell Marsh, Nicholas Pooran, and Rishabh Pant, the duo added a crucial 76-run partnership to stabilize the innings.
Abdul Samad’s fiery cameo of 30 off 10 balls*, including four sixes in the final over, gave LSG the late flourish to reach 180/5.
Bowling Highlights
- Avesh Khan was the star with 3/37, delivering a clutch final over under pressure.
- Wanindu Hasaranga was the pick of RR’s bowlers with 2/29, troubling LSG’s middle order.
- Shardul Thakur and Markram chipped in with a wicket each.
What’s Next?
Rajasthan Royals will look to bounce back quickly from this close loss as they prepare for their next clash, while Lucknow Super Giants continue to build momentum with their sights set on playoff qualification.
Brief Scores:
LSG 180/5 (Markram 66, Badoni 52, Samad 30; Hasaranga 2/29)*
RR 178/5 (Jaiswal 74, Parag 39; Avesh 3/37)
Result: Lucknow Super Giants won by 2 runs.