Published: Apr 19, 2025, 11:49 PM (IST)
Edited: Apr 19, 2025, 11:49 PM (IST)
Lucknow Super Giants secured a convincing victory over Rajasthan Royals by just two runs in a last-over thriller, thanks to a stellar performance from pacer Avesh Khan.
Batting first, LSG posted a fighting total of 180/5 on the board. Their innings was anchored by half-centuries from Aiden Markram and Ayush Badoni, who build together a vital 76-run partnership for the fourth wicket. Markram showcased his experience with a well-paced innings, while Badoni’s aggression provided the required acceleration in the middle overs. Abdul Samad also chipped in with a fiery cameo at the death.
Chasing 181, Rajasthan Royals got off to a solid start with opener Yashasvi Jaiswal leading from the front. The young left-hander played an impressive knock, scoring 74 runs off 52 balls. Stand-in captain Riyan Parag, also contributed 39 off 26 deliveries, and 14-year-old debutant Vaibhav Suryavanshi, played a quick-fire 34 off 20 deliverise, showing remarkable composure for his age.
At one point, RR seemed comfortably placed to take the game home but, Avesh Khan turned the game with a brilliant spell at the death. He removed the well-set Jaiswal, followed by the key wickets of Parag and Shimron Hetmyer, finishing with figures of 3 conceding 37 runs.
Despite RR’s promising effort, they fell short by 2 runs, finishing at 178/5 in their 20 overs. Avesh’s brilliance with the ball, especially under pressure, proved to be the game-changer and earned LSG a memorable win.
Brief scores: Lucknow Super Giants 180 for 5 in 20 overs (Aiden Markram 66, Ayush Badoni 50, Abdul Samad 30 not out; Wanindu Hasaranga 2/31). Rajasthan Royals: 178 for 5 in 20 overs (Yashasvi Jaiswal 74, Vaibhav Suryavanshi 34, Ritan Parag 39; Avesh Khan 3/37).
