Introduction: In a match that will be etched in IPL lore, Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) pulled off an improbable 2-run victory against Rajasthan Royals (RR) in a pulsating IPL 2025 encounter at the iconic Sawai Mansingh Stadium, Jaipur. The hero of the hour was none other than Avesh Khan, whose ice-cool demeanor in the final over turned the tide when RR seemed destined for victory. This wasn’t just a win; it was a testament to LSG’s grit and Avesh’s ability to thrive under pressure.
The Build-Up: Tasked with chasing a competitive 181, Rajasthan Royals were in a commanding position, needing just 9 runs off the last over with 6 wickets in hand. The well-set duo of Shimron Hetmyer and Dhruv Jurel were at the crease, and with dew aiding the batsmen and a ball change by the umpires, the home crowd was already celebrating. However, LSG’s pace spearhead Avesh Khan had other ideas, setting the stage for one of the most dramatic finales in IPL history.
The Dramatic Last Over: Avesh started the over with a pinpoint yorker, which Jurel could only manage for a single. A cleverly angled wide delivery to Hetmyer resulted in just two runs after a misfield. The game-changer came on the third ball when Avesh outsmarted Hetmyer with a full, straight delivery, leading to a miscued flick caught by Shardul Thakur at backward square leg. Hetmyer’s departure was a body blow to RR’s hopes. New batter Shubham Dubey faced a toe-crushing yorker for a dot, piling on the pressure. A rare blemish—a full toss on the fifth ball—was hammered by Dubey, but David Miller dropped a sitter at long-on, allowing two runs. With 4 runs needed off the last ball, Dubey smashed it straight back, only for the ball to deflect off Avesh’s hand, restricting RR to a single. LSG erupted in wild celebrations as they clinched a heart-stopping victory.
Avesh’s Stellar Performance: Avesh Khan finished with impressive figures of 3/37, but it was his composure in the final over that stole the show. Earlier in the match, he had dismissed key RR batsmen like Yashasvi Jaiswal (74 off 52 balls)—who had played a blistering knock—and Riyan Parag (34), setting the tone for LSG’s fightback. His ability to execute under pressure, especially in a high-stakes IPL clash, made him the standout performer. Since joining LSG, Avesh has taken 42 wickets in 35 IPL matches (as of 2025 stats), proving his mettle as a reliable death-over specialist.
Context and Impact: For Rajasthan Royals, this loss stings, especially at home where they’ve historically been dominant, boasting a win percentage of 62% at Sawai Mansingh Stadium. Hetmyer’s dismissal and Dubey’s inability to close the game highlight RR’s recurring issue of finishing tight chases—a concern as the IPL 2025 season progresses. For LSG, this victory is a statement of intent. Under the mentorship of Gautam Gambhir and captaincy of KL Rahul, they’ve shown they can snatch victories from the jaws of defeat, boosting their confidence for the playoff race.
Conclusion: As the dust settles on this IPL 2025 classic, one name echoes louder than the rest—Avesh Khan. His nerves of steel in the final over didn’t just win LSG the match; it broke Rajasthan Royals’ hearts and reminded us why the IPL is the epitome of unpredictable drama. With more such battles on the horizon, cricket fans are in for a treat. Who will script the next unforgettable chapter in this thrilling tournament?