IPL 2025: Hasaranga’s Heroics Sink CSK as Gaikwad’s Grit Goes in Vain in Six-Run Thriller

Ruturaj Gaikwad’s fighting fifty wasn’t enough as Wanindu Hasaranga’s four-wicket haul seals Rajasthan Royals’ first win of IPL 2025 in a last-over nail-biter

Guwahati, March 31: Rajasthan Royals (RR) finally opened their account in IPL 2025 with a thrilling six-run win over Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in Guwahati, thanks to a game-changing four-wicket haul from Wanindu Hasaranga and a fiery knock by Nitish Rana.

Chasing 183 for victory, CSK skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad led from the front with a gritty 63 off 44 balls, but lacked enough support as the Royals held their nerve in the final overs. Hasaranga’s clever variations derailed CSK’s middle-order, proving the difference on the night.

The chase got off to a shaky start for CSK, losing Rachin Ravindra for a duck in the opening over. Gaikwad and Rahul Tripathi tried to rebuild, reaching 42/1 at the end of the powerplay. But Hasaranga’s triple-strike—dismissing Tripathi (23), Shivam Dube (18), and Vijay Shankar (9)—left CSK reeling at 92/4.

Gaikwad fought hard to keep the scoreboard ticking, even as wickets kept falling around him. After bringing up his half-century, he was dismissed trying to accelerate, caught brilliantly by Yashasvi Jaiswal. CSK’s hopes then rested on MS Dhoni and Ravindra Jadeja, who took the chase deep.

With 39 needed off the final 12 balls, a late surge in the 19th over brought the equation down to 20 off 6. However, Sandeep Sharma removed Dhoni (16) with a stunning catch by Shimron Hetmyer, and CSK eventually fell short at 176/6.

Hasaranga (4/35) was the star with the ball, supported by Sandeep and Jofra Archer, who took a wicket each.

Earlier, CSK opted to bowl after winning the toss, and Ravichandran Ashwin struck early to dismiss Jaiswal. RR’s innings was powered by a dazzling 81 off 36 balls from Nitish Rana, who smashed 10 fours and five sixes. He shared a solid stand with Sanju Samson (20) and later Riyan Parag (37), helping RR post a competitive 182/9.

CSK’s bowling unit was well-rounded with Matheesha Pathirana (2/28), Noor Ahmad (2/28), and Khaleel Ahmed (2/38) among the wickets. But ultimately, the Royals defended their total with heart and precision.

This win lifts RR off the bottom of the table, while CSK are left to rue another narrow defeat, now sitting at seventh with just one win from three matches.

Brief Score:
Rajasthan Royals: 182/9 (Nitish Rana 81, Riyan Parag 37; Pathirana 2/28)
Chennai Super Kings: 176/6 (Ruturaj Gaikwad 63, Jadeja 32*; Hasaranga 4/35)