Hey there, cricket fans! If you’re looking for a match that had everything—drama, big hits, tight bowling, and a nail-biting finish—then the IPL 2025 clash between Lucknow Super Giants vs Rajasthan Royals Match Scorecard on April 19, 2025, at Jaipur’s Sawai Mansingh Stadium is one to remember. This game, the 36th match of the season, was a rollercoaster of emotions, with LSG edging out RR by just 2 runs in a last-ball thriller. Let’s dive into the details of this epic showdown, break down the scorecard, and relive the moments that made this match unforgettable. Whether you’re a die-hard cricket fan or just someone who loves a good sports story, this article is written in a way that’s easy to follow and fun to read.
The Stage is Set
Picture this: a warm evening in Jaipur, the stands buzzing with excitement, and two strong IPL teams ready to battle it out. Lucknow Super Giants, led by Rishabh Pant, won the toss and chose to bat first, a decision that set the tone for a competitive game. Rajasthan Royals, missing their regular captain Sanju Samson due to an injury, were led by Riyan Parag. The pitch at Sawai Mansingh Stadium was described as dry with a nice covering of grass, offering good pace and bounce for the bowlers. Experts Shane Watson and Simon Katich pegged the par score at around 185, which gave us a hint that this was going to be a high-scoring affair.
LSG came into the match with a point to prove after a close loss to Chennai Super Kings in their previous game. RR, on the other hand, were desperate to turn their fortunes around after suffering four consecutive defeats. With a young debutant, 14-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi, stepping in for RR, and LSG bringing in Prince Yadav for Akash Deep, both teams had a mix of experience and fresh talent. Let’s break down how the game unfolded.
Lucknow Super Giants’ Innings: Building a Competitive Total
LSG’s batting lineup was packed with firepower, and they didn’t disappoint. Their innings got off to a steady start, but it was the middle order that really shone. Aiden Markram and Ayush Badoni were the stars, stitching together a crucial 76-run partnership for the fourth wicket. Markram played a classy knock of 66 runs off 45 balls, showing his experience with well-timed shots and smart running. Badoni complemented him perfectly, scoring a brisk 50 off 34 balls, keeping the scoreboard ticking with aggressive stroke play.
As the innings neared its end, Abdul Samad provided the fireworks. Coming in late, he smashed an unbeaten 30 off just 10 balls, including four massive sixes in the final over bowled by Sandeep Sharma. That over alone cost RR 24 runs, pushing LSG to a competitive total of 180 for 5 in their 20 overs. It was a score that felt just above par, especially given the tricky pitch and the strong breeze blowing across the ground.
RR’s bowlers tried their best to keep things tight. Wanindu Hasaranga was the pick of the bunch, finishing with 2 wickets for 31 runs in his four overs. Tushar Deshpande chipped in with 1 for 26, but the rest of the attack struggled to contain LSG’s late surge. Sandeep Sharma, usually reliable, had a tough day, especially in that final over where Samad took him apart.
Rajasthan Royals’ Chase: A Promising Start
Chasing 181 to win, RR got off to a flying start, thanks to their openers, Yashasvi Jaiswal and the young debutant Vaibhav Suryavanshi. Jaiswal, in red-hot form, played a sensational knock of 74 off 52 balls, anchoring the innings with his trademark flair. Suryavanshi, at just 14 years old, made an instant impact, smashing a six off his first ball and racing to 34 off 20 balls. The duo gave RR a dream start, and at one point, they were cruising, needing just 25 runs off the final three overs with eight wickets in hand.
Riyan Parag, captaining the side, chipped in with a quick 39 off 26 balls, keeping the momentum going. It looked like RR had the game in the bag, especially after a strategic timeout at 9 overs, where LSG were 63 for 3. But cricket, as we all know, can be a game of twists and turns, and this match was about to deliver a big one.
The Turning Point: Avesh Khan’s Magic
Enter Avesh Khan, LSG’s pace spearhead, who turned the game on its head. With RR needing just 25 runs off 18 balls, Avesh came into the attack and produced a spell for the ages. In the 18th over, he dismissed both set batters—Jaiswal and Parag—in quick succession, swinging the momentum back to LSG. The pressure was now on RR, and the equation came down to 9 runs needed off the final over.
Avesh, bowling the last over, showed nerves of steel. Facing Shimron Hetmyer, who had already hit two boundaries in the previous over off Prince Yadav, Avesh stuck to his plan of bowling yorkers. A dramatic moment came when Hetmyer was caught by Shardul Thakur off a brilliant diving effort, leaving RR needing 6 runs off the last 3 balls. Avesh held his nerve, conceding just 6 runs in the entire over, and RR fell agonizingly short at 178 for 5.
Avesh finished with figures of 3 for 37 and was deservedly named Player of the Match. His ability to execute under pressure reminded everyone of Mitchell Starc’s heroics in a similar situation, though Avesh humbly said, “I don’t want to become Mitchell Starc, I just want to be a good Avesh Khan.”
Key Moments That Defined the Match
This match was full of moments that kept fans on the edge of their seats. Here are a few that stood out:
- Abdul Samad’s Late Blitz: Samad’s 30 not out off 10 balls, including four sixes in the final over, gave LSG the extra cushion they needed. That over shifted the momentum and set a challenging target.
- Vaibhav Suryavanshi’s Dream Debut: At just 14, Suryavanshi announced himself with a fearless 34 off 20 balls. His first-ball six set the tone for RR’s chase and marked him as a talent to watch.
- Avesh Khan’s Final Over: Defending 9 runs in the last over, Avesh’s pinpoint yorkers and composure under pressure were the difference between victory and defeat.
- Shardul Thakur’s Catch: Thakur’s diving catch to dismiss Hetmyer in the final over was a game-changer. It swung the match firmly in LSG’s favor at a critical moment.
The Lucknow Super Giants vs Rajasthan Royals Match Scorecard: A Detailed Look
To give you a clear picture of how the match unfolded, here’s the full Lucknow Super Giants vs Rajasthan Royals Match Scorecard, presented in an easy-to-read table.
Lucknow Super Giants vs Rajasthan Royals Match Scorecard IPL 2025 Match 36
Match Details
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Date: April 19, 2025
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Venue: Sawai Mansingh Stadium, Jaipur
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Toss: Lucknow Super Giants won the toss and elected to bat
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Result: Lucknow Super Giants won by 2 runs
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Player of the Match: Avesh Khan (LSG, 3/37)
Lucknow Super Giants Innings (180/5 in 20 overs, RR: 9.00)
Batter |
Dismissal |
Runs |
Balls |
4s |
6s |
Strike Rate |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Aiden Markram |
c Jaiswal b Hasaranga |
66 | 45 | 7 | 1 | 146.67 |
Mitchell Marsh |
c Parag b Deshpande |
16 | 12 | 2 | 0 | 133.33 |
Nicholas Pooran |
lbw b Hasaranga |
46 | 25 | 4 | 2 | 184.00 |
Rishabh Pant (c, wk) |
b Theekshana |
3 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 60.00 |
Ayush Badoni |
c Hetmyer b Archer |
50 | 34 | 5 | 1 | 147.06 |
David Miller |
not out |
7 | 4 | 1 | 0 | 175.00 |
Abdul Samad |
not out |
30 | 10 | 0 | 4 | 300.00 |
Extras |
(lb 2, w 5) |
7 | ||||
Total |
(5 wickets, 20 overs) |
180 | 19 | 8 |
Fall of Wickets
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16/1 (Marsh, 2.2 ov)
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46/2 (Pooran, 5.3 ov)
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54/3 (Pant, 7.4 ov)
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130/4 (Markram, 15.5 ov)
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143/5 (Badoni, 17.3 ov)
Bowling (Rajasthan Royals)
Bowler |
Overs |
Maidens |
Runs |
Wickets |
Economy |
Extras |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Jofra Archer |
4 | 0 | 35 | 1 | 8.75 |
2w |
Tushar Deshpande |
4 | 0 | 26 | 1 | 6.50 |
1w |
Wanindu Hasaranga |
4 | 0 | 31 | 2 | 7.75 |
0w |
Maheesh Theekshana |
4 | 0 | 38 | 1 | 9.50 |
1w |
Sandeep Sharma |
4 | 0 | 48 | 0 | 12.00 |
1w |
Rajasthan Royals Innings (178/5 in 20 overs, RR: 8.90)
Batter |
Dismissal |
Runs |
Balls |
4s |
6s |
Strike Rate |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Yashasvi Jaiswal |
c Badoni b Khan |
74 | 52 | 8 | 2 | 142.31 |
Vaibhav Suryavanshi |
c Miller b Rathi |
34 | 20 | 3 | 2 | 170.00 |
Riyan Parag (c) |
c Pant b Khan |
39 | 26 | 4 | 1 | 150.00 |
Nitish Rana |
c Marsh b Markram |
10 | 8 | 1 | 0 | 125.00 |
Shimron Hetmyer |
c Thakur b Khan |
12 | 7 | 2 | 0 | 171.43 |
Dhruv Jurel (wk) |
not out |
5 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 100.00 |
Shubham Dubey |
not out |
2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 100.00 |
Extras |
(lb 1, w 3) |
4 | ||||
Total |
(5 wickets, 20 overs) |
178 | 18 | 5 |
Fall of Wickets
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54/1 (Suryavanshi, 5.2 ov)
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130/2 (Jaiswal, 15.5 ov)
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161/3 (Parag, 18.1 ov)
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161/4 (Rana, 18.2 ov)
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175/5 (Hetmyer, 19.3 ov)
Bowling (Lucknow Super Giants)
Bowler |
Overs |
Maidens |
Runs |
Wickets |
Economy |
Extras |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Shardul Thakur |
4 | 0 | 35 | 0 | 8.75 |
1w |
Prince Yadav |
4 | 0 | 40 | 0 | 10.00 |
1w |
Digvesh Singh Rathi |
4 | 0 | 45 | 1 | 11.25 |
0w |
Ravi Bishnoi |
4 | 0 | 23 | 0 | 5.75 |
0w |
Avesh Khan |
4 | 0 | 37 | 3 | 9.25 |
1w |
Aiden Markram |
2 | 0 | 18 | 1 | 9.00 |
0w |
What Made This Match Special?
This game wasn’t just about the numbers—it was about the stories. Avesh Khan’s heroics showed why he’s one of the most reliable death bowlers in the IPL. His ability to stay calm under pressure and deliver pinpoint yorkers was a lesson in clutch performance. For RR, Yashasvi Jaiswal’s 74 was a reminder of his class, but it was heartbreaking to see his effort go in vain. And let’s not forget young Vaibhav Suryavanshi, who became the youngest player to ever feature in the IPL at 14 years old. His fearless batting gave fans a glimpse of the future.
For LSG, this win was a massive boost, especially after their recent struggles. It showed their depth, with contributions from both their batters and bowlers. For RR, it was a tough pill to swallow, marking their fourth straight loss. The absence of Sanju Samson was felt, but the team showed fight, and with a bit more luck, they could’ve crossed the line.
The Bigger Picture
This match had implications beyond just the result. For LSG, it was a step toward climbing the IPL 2025 points table, with Aiden Markram’s form earning him a spot in the Orange Cap race. Avesh Khan’s performance also put him in contention for the Purple Cap, as he moved up the wicket-takers’ list. For RR, the loss highlighted their struggles to close out tight games, something they’ll need to address as the season progresses.
The Sawai Mansingh Stadium has always been a fortress for RR, with teams chasing the target winning 38 out of 58 IPL matches there. But on this day, LSG flipped the script, defending their total and proving that no ground is unbeatable.
Final Thoughts
The Lucknow Super Giants vs Rajasthan Royals Match Scorecard on April 19, 2025, was a classic IPL encounter that had fans glued to their screens. From Abdul Samad’s late fireworks to Avesh Khan’s ice-cool final over, this game had it all. Whether you’re a young fan just getting into cricket or a seasoned follower of the game, this match was a reminder of why the IPL is the most exciting T20 league in the world. It was a battle of skill, strategy, and nerve, and LSG came out on top by the slimmest of margins.