IPL: LSG pull off death-overs heist to defeat RR

Lucknow Super Giants defeated Rajasthan Royals in Jaipur on Saturday, winning by two runs thanks to a death bowling masterclass by Avesh Khan.

LSG batted first and posted a par total of 180/5, with Aiden Markram (66 from 45) and Ayush Badoni (50 from 34) scoring the bulk of the runs before a late flurry by Abdul Samad (30 from 10).

In response, RR were in cruise control after an 85-run partnership between Yashasvi Jaiswal (74 from 52) and Vaibhav Suryavanshi (34 from 20) to open the chase.

At 156/2 after 17 overs, and with two set batsmen, Rajasthan were enormous favourites to win across cricket bookmakers, needing just 25 runs need from 18 balls and eight wickets in hand.

That is, until a searing 18th over by Avesh removed both Jaiswal and Riyan Parag (39 from 26), conceding just five runs.

An 11-run 19th over meant that RR needed only nine runs from the final over and were still ahead in live odds with the top online bookmakers.

Again, Avesh put on a clinic, removing Shimron Hetmyer (12 from 7) and conceding just six runs to seal the victory for Lucknow and end with figures of 3/37.

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“These matches build character,” LSG captain Rishabh Pant said after the match.

“It was an amazing win. As a team, this is going to take us to a different level.

“We will do better going forward.

“All the credit to the bowlers holding their nerve.

“They batted brilliantly, but our bowlers held their nerves.

“The plan was to take our time and execute our ideas.

“We wanted to take one ball at a time.

“We feel we are in a positive direction. We are just enjoying the win.”

Super Giants sit fourth on the IPL ladder after their victory, but equal on points with first place.

IPL bookies price them on the sixth line of betting ($8.50) to win the title in 2025, behind Punjab Kings ($5), Gujarat Titans ($5.50), Delhi Capitals ($6), Royal Challengers Bengaluru ($6) and Mumbai Indians ($6).

RR, meanwhile, lengthen to unlikely odds of $101 to lift the trophy.

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