April 19, 2025, the 36th match lsg vs rr

 On April 19, 2025, the 36th match of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 saw Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) edge out Rajasthan Royals (RR) by a thrilling 2-run margin at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur. This high-stakes encounter showcased exceptional performances, dramatic twists, and a nail-biting finish, with LSG emerging victorious despite RR’s valiant effort.

Match Overview and Toss: LSG won the toss and elected to bat first, a decision influenced by their comfort in defending totals and the venue’s history, where chasing teams have won 37 of 58 IPL matches. The pitch at Sawai Mansingh Stadium, known for an average first-innings score of 179 since IPL 2023, offered a balanced contest, easing out as the evening progressed with dew potentially aiding the chasing side .

LSG Innings: LSG posted a competitive 180/5 in 20 overs, driven by brisk half-centuries from Aiden Markram and Ayush Badoni, complemented by a blistering cameo from Abdul Samad. Markram’s steady contribution and Badoni’s aggressive strokeplay set a solid foundation. Samad’s explosive finish, smashing four sixes off Sandeep Sharma in the 20th over, propelled LSG to a formidable total. RR’s bowling struggled for consistency, with Jofra Archer and Sandeep Sharma unable to contain the late onslaught. Notable moments included two unsuccessful reviews by RR for wickets and a strategic timeout at 63/3 in 9 overs, after which LSG rebuilt effectively.

RR Innings: Chasing 181, RR started strongly, thanks to Yashasvi Jaiswal’s 74 and a fiery 85-run opening stand in 52 balls with 14-year-old debutant Vaibhav Suryavanshi, who smashed a six off his first IPL ball. Jaiswal and Riyan Parag (leading in Sanju Samson’s absence due to a side strain) added 62 for the third wicket, keeping RR in control. At 156/2 after 17 overs, needing 25 runs off 18 balls, RR seemed poised for victory. However, LSG’s bowlers, led by Avesh Khan, turned the game around.

Climactic Finish: The final three overs were decisive. Avesh Khan’s 18th over yielded wickets of Jaiswal and Parag, shifting momentum. Prince Yadav’s nerveless 19th over conceded just enough to leave RR needing 9 runs off the last over. Avesh, reminiscent of Mitchell Starc’s heroics in RR’s previous Super Over loss, delivered pinpoint yorkers, conceding only 6 runs. Key moments included a ball change, a missed run-out chance, and a dropped catch by David Miller, yet Avesh held his nerve. Shimron Hetmyer’s dismissal and Shubham Dubey’s failure to connect on the final ball sealed LSG’s victory, with RR finishing at 178/5.

Standout Performers: Avesh Khan earned Player of the Match for his 3/37, including the match-defining final over. Markram was Cricinfo’s MVP with 94.5 impact points for his half-century. For RR, Jaiswal’s 74 was a highlight, but their inability to close out the chase underscored recurring finishing issues.

Impact and Standings: The win moved LSG to fourth on the IPL 2025 points table with 10 points from 8 matches, bolstering their playoff hopes. RR, with only 4 points from 8 games, remained eighth, their third consecutive loss deepening their campaign struggles.

This match epitomized IPL’s unpredictability, with LSG’s resilience and Avesh’s death-bowling heroics stealing the show in a game RR dominated for large parts.