Match Context: Playoff Implications on the Line
The Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur witnessed an absolute classic as Rajasthan Royals (RR) overcame Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in a high-scoring thriller that kept their playoff hopes alive. Chasing a daunting 193, RR rode on captain Sanju Samson’s explosive 75 off just 42 balls to complete their highest successful run chase of the season with 5 balls to spare.
First Innings: LSG Post Formidable Total Despite Early Jitters
Early Struggles (32/2 in Powerplay)
RR’s new-ball pair of Trent Boult and Sandeep Sharma struck early blows, removing both LSG openers inside the powerplay. The visitors struggled to find momentum as RR’s spinners maintained a stranglehold through the middle overs.
Late Flourish (160 runs in last 14 overs)
Marcus Stoinis (52 off 34) and Nicholas Pooran (58* off 31) launched a spectacular counterattack, adding 102 runs in just 9.2 overs. Pooran’s brutal assault in the death overs – including 24 runs off Jason Holder’s final over – propelled LSG to 192/5.
Key Moments:
- Pooran’s 3 sixes in the 19th over
- Stoinis’ 20-run over against Chahal
- RR’s 4 dropped catches proving costly
The Chase: Samson’s Masterclass in Controlled Aggression
Powerplay Fireworks (68/1)
Yashasvi Jaiswal (28 off 18) and Jos Buttler (34 off 21) gave RR a flying start, taking particular liking to Avesh Khan’s pace. Their 61-run stand in 6.3 overs set the perfect platform.
Samson Takes Center Stage
The RR skipper played what many called his finest IPL innings, mixing classical strokes with innovative hitting. His partnerships with Jaiswal (45 runs) and Shimron Hetmyer (56 runs) kept RR ahead of the required rate throughout.
Final Over Drama
With 12 needed off 12, Ravi Bishnoi dismissed both set batsmen in the 19th over to give LSG hope. However, Dhruv Jurel’s calm 8* off 4 saw RR home with 5 balls to spare.
Turning Points & Key Performances
Game-Changing Moment:
Samson’s 21-run over against Krunal Pandya in the 13th over that shifted momentum decisively
Player of the Match:
Sanju Samson (75 off 42, 6 fours, 4 sixes) – Strike rate of 178.57 under pressure
Tactical Masterstroke:
RR’s decision to promote Hetmyer ahead of Jurel in the 15th over
What This Means Going Forward
For RR:
- Keeps playoff hopes alive (now 5th in table)
- Samson’s form a huge positive
- Death bowling concerns remain
For LSG:
- Missed opportunity to secure top-two spot
- Pooran’s form a silver lining
- Bowling depth exposed in crunch moments
Fan Reactions & Social Media Buzz
- #SanjuSamson trends nationwide with calls for India recall
- Memes flood Twitter about RR’s “heart attack finishes”
- Experts praise Samson’s “complete T20 innings”
