Rajasthan Royals move to top up of the points table after 7 wickets victory over LSG

Rajasthan Royals Outclass Lucknow Super Giants in a Thrilling Encounter

Sandip Sharma complete 200 IPLwickets (pic credit - BCCI)

In a highly anticipated clash in the Indian Premier League (IPL), the Rajasthan Royals showcased their dominance by defeating the Lucknow Super Giants in a thrilling encounter, chasing down a challenging 197-run target with ease.

Opting to bat first, the Lucknow Super Giants started on a positive note with Quinton de Kock's early boundaries. However, his departure was followed by Marcus Stoinis falling for a duck, bringing skipper KL Rahul to the crease. Rahul took charge of the innings with a magnificent 76 off 48 balls, well-supported by Deepak Hooda's brisk 50 off 31 deliveries. The duo's partnership of 115 for the third wicket propelled LSG to a competitive total of 196/5 in their 20 overs. 

The Rajasthan Royals' bowling attack had a mixed performance, with Sandeep Sharma standing out with figures of 2/31 in his 4 overs. Contributions from Trent Boult, Avesh Khan, and Ravichandran Ashwin kept the scoring in check, although Yuzvendra Chahal went wicketless for the first time this season.

𝐊𝐋ass written all over those shots 💥#IPLonJioCinema #TATAIPL #LSGvRR #IPLinBhojpuri pic.twitter.com/yAL15Gj7Ry

— JioCinema (@JioCinema) April 27, 2024

Chasing 197 for victory, Rajasthan Royals got off to a blazing start in the powerplay, courtesy of Jos Buttler and Yashasvi Jaiswal's fluent stroke play. While Buttler scored 34 and Jaiswal contributed 24, it was skipper Sanju Samson who stole the show with an unbeaten 71 off just 33 balls. Dhruv Jurel played a vital supporting role with his composed 52* off 34 balls, this is also his maiden IPL Fifty, steering the Royals of Rajasthan towards a comfortable victory with an over to spare.

Despite efforts from LSG bowlers such as Yash Thakur, Marcus Stoinis, and Amit Mishra, who claimed a wicket each, the Royals' batting prowess proved too much to handle. LSG's bowling strategy came under scrutiny as they failed to break crucial partnerships, allowing Rajasthan Royals to clinch their 8th win of the season and maintain an unbeaten streak on the road.

Winning streak continues 🩷

A Sanju Samson special & Dhruv Jurel's attractive innings propel Rajasthan Royals to their 8th win this season🙌

Scorecard ▶️ https://t.co/Dkm7eJqwRj#TATAIPL | #LSGvRR | @rajasthanroyals pic.twitter.com/cam0GepXVo

— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) April 27, 2024

With this commanding victory, Rajasthan Royals reaffirm their status as serious contenders in the IPL, while Lucknow Super Giants will need to regroup and address their bowling tactics moving forward in this season.

Player of the Match :- Sanju Samson 71(33)

For a captain's knock under pressure, Sanju Samson bags the Player of the Match Award in Match 4️⃣4️⃣ 🏆

Scorecard ▶️ https://t.co/Dkm7eJqwRj#TATAIPL | #LSGvRR pic.twitter.com/47ziAQk4xc

— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) April 27, 2024