Avesh Defends 9 In Final Over As LSG Clinch Narrow 2-Run Win Over RR

Despite Yashasvi Jaiswal's 72-run innings for RR, it was LSG's Avesh Khan who rose to the occasion and defended 9 runs in the last over.

LSG's Avesh Khan stepped up to the challenge, successfully defending 9 runs in the final over.

Source : PTI

Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) defeated Rajasthan Royals (RR) by 2 runs in a nail-biter 36th match of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium, Jaipur on April 19 (Saturday). The win came as a respite for the Lucknow-based franchise as it came after a five-wicket loss in theor previous game. Despite Yashasvi Jaiswal's 72-run innings for RR, it was LSG's Avesh Khan who rose to the occasion and defended 9 runs in the last over. On the other hand, it marked RR's fourth successive defeat.

This marked the second consecutive instance where RR batters fell short of scoring 9 runs in the final over to secure a win. In their previous match against Delhi Capitals, Mitchell Starc successfully defended 9 runs in the final over, conceding just 8 runs. That performance took the match into a super over, where Starc again delivered brilliantly, helping DC edge out a thrilling victory.

Dal baati choorma, Avesh bhai soorma💙 pic.twitter.com/S0V2hBbJHF

— Lucknow Super Giants (@LucknowIPL) April 19, 2025

Wishes granted 😌💙 https://t.co/0b9LaO5UAL pic.twitter.com/nueBxkFhKw

— Lucknow Super Giants (@LucknowIPL) April 19, 2025

Despite Yashasvi Jaiswal’s stellar 72 off 52 balls and a fiery debut from 14-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi, who scored a quick-fire 34 off 20 balls, RR’s chase of 180 ran out of steam in the closing stages. The Royals were well ahead of the required rate throughout the innings, thanks to the blistering start provided by their two left-handed openers. Suryavanshi made an immediate impact on his IPL debut, smashing a six off the first ball he faced, and Jaiswal continued his impressive form with his third consecutive fifty.

However, LSG's Avesh Khan had other plans, stepping up in the crucial final overs. With RR needing just 25 runs from the last 3 overs and eight wickets still in hand, Avesh created a dramatic turnaround. He removed both set batters – Jaiswal and Parag – in the same over, putting RR on the back foot.

Hetmyer’s quickfire couple of boundaries off Prince in the 19th over brought the equation down to '9 needed off 6' for the second time in as many matches for RR. The crowd was on edge, but RR fell short yet again, managing to score only 6 runs in the final over, giving LSG a hard-fought victory.