RR vs LSG Highlights: In a heart-stopping encounter at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium, the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) held their nerve to defeat the Rajasthan Royals (RR) by a razor-thin margin of two runs in Match 36 of IPL 2025. The match, played on April 19, 2025, showcased high-octane performances, debutant heroics, and a nail-biting finish that left fans on the edge of their seats until the final ball.
LSG’s Batting Foundation: Markram, Badoni Shine
Opting to bat first after winning the toss, LSG posted a competitive total of 180/5 in their 20 overs, thanks to a pivotal 76-run partnership between Aiden Markram (66 off 49 balls) and Ayush Badoni (50 off 34 balls). Markram anchored the innings with a mix of classical strokeplay and calculated aggression, while Badoni accelerated in the middle overs, striking three sixes and four boundaries. Their collaboration steadied LSG after early blows from RR’s Wanindu Hasaranga (2/31), who dismissed opener Mitchell Marsh and Nicholas Pooran cheaply.
The final over, bowled by Sandeep Sharma, proved costly for RR as Abdul Samad unleashed a flurry of sixes, plundering 27 runs off the over. Samad’s unbeaten 30* off just 10 balls, including four towering sixes, propelled LSG past the 180-run mark, a total that seemed improbable just moments earlier.
RR’s Valiant Chase: Jaiswal’s Masterclass and Suryavanshi’s Dream Debut
In response, Rajasthan Royals’ chase was spearheaded by a scintillating 74 off 52 balls from Yashasvi Jaiswal, who combined power and precision to keep RR in contention. The left-hander found an unexpected ally in 14-year-old debutant Vaibhav Suryavanshi, who announced his arrival in the IPL with a fearless 34 off 20 balls. The duo added 82 runs for the opening wicket, with Suryavanshi smashing a six off his very first delivery in the league.
Despite losing Suryavanshi to a stumping and Nitish Rana to a soft dismissal, RR maintained momentum through Riyan Parag (39 off 26 balls). Parag’s aggressive strokeplay, including a six over long-on off Avesh Khan, brought the equation down to 25 needed off 18 balls. However, LSG’s death bowling turned the tide decisively.
The Final Over Drama: Avesh Khan’s Heroics
With nine runs required off the final six balls, LSG entrusted Avesh Khan to defend the total. The fast bowler delivered under immense pressure, mixing yorkers and slower balls to outfox RR’s lower order. Shimron Hetmyer (12 off 8 balls) holed out to backward square leg off the third ball, while Shubham Dubey’s desperate attempt to clear the ropes fell short despite a dropped catch by David Miller. Needing four off the last ball, Dubey could only manage a single as Avesh sealed the win for LSG, finishing with figures of 3/37.
Key Performances and Turning Points
- Abdul Samad’s Cameo: His 30* off 10 balls, including 27 runs in the 20th over, shifted momentum back to LSG after RR’s bowlers had controlled the middle overs.
- Vaibhav Suryavanshi’s Debut: The teenager’s fearless 34, featuring two sixes and four boundaries, earned him accolades and hinted at a bright future.
- Avesh Khan’s Death Bowling: His three-wicket haul, including the crucial dismissals of Jaiswal and Parag, showcased his ability to thrive in high-pressure situations.
- Spin Duo’s Impact: Ravi Bishnoi (1/25) and Aiden Markram (1/30) stifled RR’s middle order, conceding just 55 runs in eight combined overs.
Post-Match Implications
This victory propelled LSG to fifth place in the IPL 2025 standings, keeping their playoff hopes alive. For RR, the loss compounded their struggles in a season where they’ve managed only two wins in eight matches. Captain Sanju Samson’s absence due to injury further dented their campaign, though stand-in skipper Riyan Parag praised his team’s fighting spirit in a post-match interview.
LSG skipper Rishabh Pant lauded his team’s composure, stating, “The way Samad finished and Avesh closed it out shows the depth we have. Every player stepped up when it mattered”.
Conclusion: A Classic IPL Encounter
The RR vs LSG clash epitomized the drama and unpredictability of the IPL. From Samad’s late fireworks to Suryavanshi’s dream debut and Avesh’s nerveless final over, the match had all the ingredients of a modern T20 classic. As the league progresses, both teams will look to build on these performances, LSG to solidify their playoff credentials and RR to salvage pride in a challenging season.
For now, cricket fans will remember this Jaipur thriller as a testament to the IPL’s enduring ability to deliver edge-of-the-seat entertainment.
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