Lucknow Super Giants Vs Rajasthan Royals | LSG Won by 2 runs
Jaipur, April 19, 2025
In a high-octane encounter at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium, the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) held their nerve to defeat Rajasthan Royals (RR) by a mere 2 runs, delivering one of the most thrilling finishes in the Indian Premier League 2025 so far. With this win, LSG collected crucial points to boost their standing in the tournament, while the Royals were left stunned by their inability to cross the finish line despite a promising chase.
LSG Set a Challenging Target of 180
After winning the toss, LSG captain Rishabh Pant opted to bat first on a surface known to assist stroke play. The innings didn’t begin on a bright note, as Mitchell Marsh departed early, scoring just 4 runs off 6 balls, falling to Jofra Archer in the third over, Lucknow Super Giants Vs Rajasthan Royals .
Nicholas Pooran, known for his aggressive intent, was trapped LBW by Sandeep Sharma for 18, and Pant himself could not leave an impact, scoring only 3 before falling to Wanindu Hasaranga. At 54/3 in under 8 overs, the Lucknow team was under pressure.
However, Aiden Markram stood tall amidst the chaos and played a calculated knock, smashing 66 off 45 balls with 4 fours and 5 sixes. His presence at the crease stabilised the innings and laid the foundation for the final flourish. He found valuable support in Ayush Badoni, who scored a crucial 50 off 34 deliveries, anchoring the middle overs and rotating the strike effectively.
In the final overs, David Miller chipped in with 7*, and Abdul Samad stole the show with a fiery cameo—blasting 30* off just 10 balls, including three sixes—to push the final score to 180/5 in 20 overs.
Wanindu Hasaranga was the pick of the bowlers for RR with impressive figures of 4-0-31-2, while Sandeep Sharma and Tushar Deshpande chipped in with a wicket each.
Royals Begin Strong but Stumble in Final Overs
Chasing a competitive target of 181, Rajasthan Royals got off to a confident start. Yashasvi Jaiswal was in fine form and looked set to guide RR home with a blistering innings of 74 runs off 52 balls, hitting 5 fours and 4 sixes.
He was well-supported by Vaibhav Suryavanshi, who impressed with a quickfire 34 off just 20 balls, showcasing fearless stroke play before being dismissed by Aiden Markram. Nitish Rana couldn’t get going and was removed by Shardul Thakur for 8.
With Riyan Parag (39 off 26) anchoring the middle order and Dhruv Jurel providing stability, RR seemed in control. The match took a dramatic turn in the final four overs as wickets tumbled at crucial intervals. Jaiswal’s dismissal in the 18th over by Avesh Khan proved to be a turning point. Avesh, who bowled with sharp pace and clever variations, ended with impressive figures of 4-0-37-3, dismissing both Jaiswal and Shimron Hetmyer.
The Royals needed just 6 runs in the final over with 5 wickets in hand, but tight bowling by Shardul Thakur, especially the crucial penultimate ball that removed Hetmyer, turned the tide. With 3 runs needed off the last ball, Shubham Dubey could only manage a single, and RR finished at 178/5, falling agonisingly short.
Key Performances and Turning Points
Aiden Markram was instrumental in LSG’s total, with his composed half-century under pressure.
Abdul Samad’s cameo gave Lucknow the late momentum that eventually made the difference.
Avesh Khan’s spell changed the match, especially the dismissals of Jaiswal and Hetmyer in the death overs.
RR’s failure to capitalise in the last over, despite being in a winning position, highlights the pressure of chasing in crunch situations.
Captains’ Take
LSG skipper Rishabh Pant praised the team’s character. “In T20s, the margins are thin. We kept believing. Avesh’s spell was brilliant and that last over by Shardul showed great temperament.”
RR captain Riyan Parag expressed disappointment. “We were in it till the last ball. Credit to Lucknow for holding their nerves. We’ll regroup and come back stronger.”
Playing XIs
Lucknow Super Giants: Aiden Markram, Mitchell Marsh, Nicholas Pooran, Rishabh Pant (c & wk), David Miller, Abdul Samad, Ravi Bishnoi, Shardul Thakur, Prince Yadav, Digvesh Singh Rathi, Avesh Khan
Rajasthan Royals: Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubham Dubey, Riyan Parag (c), Nitish Rana, Dhruv Jurel (wk), Shimron Hetmyer, Wanindu Hasaranga, Jofra Archer, Maheesh Theekshana, Sandeep Sharma, Tushar Deshpande
What’s Next?
Lucknow’s thrilling win has energized their campaign, while Rajasthan, despite a valiant effort, will be left rueing missed opportunities. With the IPL halfway through, every match is becoming more critical in the race for the playoffs.
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