RR vs LSG Highlights | Match 36: LSG Clinch Nail-Biter by 2 Runs | IPL 2025 36th Match

Rajasthan Royals Fall Short in Jaipur Thriller as Lucknow Super Giants Clinch 2-Run Victory in IPL 2025 Clash

Summary
Lucknow Super Giants edged past Rajasthan Royals by 2 runs in a last-over thriller at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium. LSG posted 180/5 after a balanced performance led by Aiden Markram’s explosive 66. Rajasthan Royals, despite a fiery 74 from Yashasvi Jaiswal, couldn’t chase down the target and finished at 178/5. Avesh Khan was the standout bowler, picking 3 crucial wickets and applying pressure at the death. With this win, LSG strengthens their playoff position while RR’s campaign takes a further hit.

Scorecard
Lucknow Super Giants – 180/5 (20 overs)

• Aiden Markram 66 (45), Ayush Badoni 50 (34)

• Wanindu Hasaranga 2/31, Jofra Archer 1/32

Rajasthan Royals – 178/5 (20 overs)

• Yashasvi Jaiswal 74 (52), Riyan Parag 39 (26)

• Avesh Khan 3/37, Shardul Thakur 1/34

Result: Lucknow Super Giants won by 2 runs
Player of the Match: Aiden Markram

Heart-racing, nerve-wracking, and simply unforgettable! ????#LSG defy the odds and seal a 2-run victory over #RR after the most dramatic final moments ????

Scorecard ▶️ https://t.co/02MS6ICvQl#TATAIPL | #RRvLSG | @LucknowIPL pic.twitter.com/l0XsCGGuPg

— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) April 19, 2025

Thriller in the Pink City: LSG Hold Their Nerve Against Royals

It was a classic IPL evening in Jaipur, full of nerves, soaring sixes, and last-over drama. Lucknow Super Giants emerged victorious by the slimmest of margins just two runs against Rajasthan Royals in Match 36 of IPL 2025, thanks to a determined bowling effort in the death overs. With the win, LSG not only picked up two crucial points but also showcased their growing maturity as a unit that thrives under pressure.

LSG’s Top Order Rescues a Rocky Start

Opting to bat first on what turned out to be a slightly two-paced wicket, LSG lost Mitchell Marsh early to a sharp Jofra Archer delivery. But the early setback didn’t deter them. Aiden Markram took charge and displayed his T20 finesse with a sublime 66 off 45 balls, peppered with calculated strokes, finding the fence at will. While Pooran and Pant came and went quickly, Ayush Badoni rose to the occasion again, bringing stability in the middle overs and finishing with a crafty 50 off 34 balls.

David Miller provided a calm presence while Abdul Samad’s cameo of 30* in the final overs injected the late momentum that pushed LSG to 180/5 an above-par score on a pitch that offered variable bounce and just enough grip for the spinners.

Royals Start Strong But Stumble at the End

Chasing 181, Rajasthan Royals began their innings with confidence. Yashasvi Jaiswal continued his resurgence with a majestic 74 off 52 balls. His timing, particularly through the covers and over mid-wicket, was a treat. Debutant Vaibhav Suryavanshi made an impression with a brisk 34, adding to RR’s strong start in the powerplay. However, the middle overs saw a subtle shift in momentum.

Nitish Rana couldn’t anchor, falling for a scratchy 8. Riyan Parag, leading the side in Samson’s absence, looked promising with 39 but succumbed at a key moment. The Royals needed 25 from the last two overs doable with Shimron Hetmyer at the crease. But Avesh Khan had other plans.

Avesh Khan: Calm in the Chaos

Avesh, returning for his final over with RR needing 6 off the last ball, delivered a perfect yorker to deny Hetmyer and Rajasthan Royals. He finished with figures of 3/37 and was instrumental in removing Jaiswal and Parag both well-set batters. Alongside him, Shardul Thakur’s tidy spell and Digvesh Singh Rathi’s control in the middle overs were crucial in building pressure that ultimately tipped the scales in LSG’s favor.

RR’s Batting Firepower But Bowling Woes Continue

While RR’s batting continues to fire especially at the top their bowling unit is struggling with consistency. Jofra Archer and Theekshana provided some containment, but the death bowling remains a persistent concern. Sandeep Sharma went for 55 in his four overs, and despite Hasaranga’s 2/31, RR couldn’t stem the flow of runs during the final overs.

Also noteworthy was RR's sloppy fielding two dropped catches and some misfields which didn’t help their cause in a tight contest.

Points Table Impact & What’s Next

This win lifts LSG into the top four, reaffirming their growing stature as one of the more balanced outfits this season. Rajasthan Royals, on the other hand, remain stuck in the bottom half of the table, now needing to win most of their remaining matches to stay in contention for playoffs.

With Mayank Yadav expected to return for LSG in their next outing and Sanju Samson’s fitness still under doubt for RR, both teams have some thinking to do as the business end of the season approaches.