Rajasthan Royals let a winning opportunity slip through their fingers as the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) pulled off a nail-biting 2-run victory, securing their fifth win of the season. The architect of the dramatic turnaround was Avesh Khan, who delivered a match-defining spell of 3/37, capped off by a sensational final over under pressure.
Needing just nine runs off the last six balls, RR looked set to seal the chase with Dhruv Jurel and Shimron Hetmyer at the crease. But Avesh had other plans. He held his nerve and delivered a masterclass in death bowling, firing in yorker after yorker to deny the Royals in stunning fashion. His precision was flawless, and he didn’t allow the batters any room to free their arms.
Avesh’s brilliance wasn’t limited to the final over. Earlier, he claimed two vital scalps—clean bowling Yashasvi Jaiswal and trapping Riyan Parag lbw—tilting the momentum towards LSG at crucial junctures. For his exceptional effort with the ball, Avesh was rightfully named Player of the Match.
I want to keep performing: Avesh
Speaking to the broadcasters after the win, Avesh said: “Yorker is my strength, and I just focused on executing it. I don’t pay attention to the scoreboard when I bowl. Even when four runs were needed after a dropped catch, I stuck to my plan—aiming for that middle-leg yorker. I think about the team first, and I’m glad it paid off. This is a big tournament, and I want to keep performing in the same way going forward.”
Earlier in the day, LSG’s total was powered by fifties from Aiden Markram and Ayush Badoni, with Abdul Samad adding a quickfire cameo to take the side to a competitive score—one that proved just enough thanks to Avesh’s brilliance at the death.