What do you call a match where emotions peak, heroes emerge and history is made? You call it RR vs LSG, Jaipur, April 19.
A match that swung like a pendulum, Lucknow Super Giants pulled off a 2 run win thanks to a final over that will go down in IPL folklore.
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And the man of the moment? None other than Avesh Kumar who turned ice cold under fire and defended 9 runs when it seemed impossible.
His celebration said it all but even more powerful was the sight of Zaheer Khan hugging Avesh at the end — a raw beautiful moment that told you just how special that over was.
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It was heartbreak for Rajasthan Royals and you couldn’t help but feel for them. They had the match in their grasp. Yashasvi Jaiswal played one of the finest knocks of the season scoring 74 with ease.
His timing, aggression and intent made the chase look like a stroll for most of the innings. RR lacked the finishing firepower in the death overs. And that’s when things began to slip.
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But amidst the tension a new story was born. A 14 year old stepped onto the IPL stage and made history.
Vaibhav Suryavanshi the youngest ever IPL debutant didn’t just walk out nervously — he walked out like he belonged.
Calm, focused and classy his 34 run knock gave hope to Royals fans and goosebumps to everyone watching.
It wasn’t a match winning innings but it was undoubtedly the “Moment of the Match”. His confidence, composure and strokeplay at such a young age left everyone saying — “ – ber !”
Earlier in the evening after opting to bat first LSG looked steady if not explosive. Aiden Markram and Ayush Badoni struck timely half centuries keeping the scoreboard ticking.
But it was the last over of their innings that flipped the script. Abdul Samad went ballistic with four sixes off Sandeep Sharma and took LSG to 180.
At that point it looked like just a good finish — little did we know those 24 runs would be the difference between victory and defeat.
As RR came out to chase they looked in control. Jaiswal was on fire, the crowd was buzzing and with 9 needed off the last 6 balls it seemed like a formality.
But cricket as always had its own script. Avesh Kumar channelled nerves of steel and delivered a masterclass. Wickets fell. Dot balls piled up.
The pressure was unbearable. And by the time the last ball was bowled Lucknow Super Giants had stolen the match from RR’s mouth — a win that left fans gasping and the Royals heartbroken.
