The Rajasthan Royals kicked off their IPL 2024 campaign in style, defeating the Lucknow Super Giants by a convincing 20 runs at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur on Sunday (March 24).
Skipper Sanju Samson led from the front for the Royals with a blistering 82 not out off just 52 balls. His knock, laced with three fours and a whopping six sixes, formed the backbone of Rajasthan’s total of 193 for 4.
Samson found able support in the form of Riyan Parag, who chipped in with a valuable 43 off 29 balls. The duo stitched together a crucial 93-run partnership for the third wicket, consolidating the Royals’ position after early setbacks.
In reply, the Lucknow Super Giants chase faltered from the outset. Openers Quinton de Kock and Devdutt Padikkal fell cheaply to the lethal bowling of New Zealand pacer Trent Boult. Skipper KL Rahul’s sedate 58 off 44 balls failed to provide the impetus LSG needed, while Nicholas Pooran’s unbeaten 64 off 41 balls proved a lone fight.
Deepak Hooda, brought in as an impact substitute, provided a brief spark with a 26-run cameo, but his dismissal by Yuzvendra Chahal pegged LSG back further. A crucial 85-run stand between Rahul and Pooran offered a glimmer of hope, but the dismissal of Rahul right after the strategic timeout tilted the match decisively in Rajasthan’s favour.
Avesh Khan, who was traded to the Royals from LSG before the season, had the last laugh, conceding just 7 runs in the final over to seal the victory for his new team.
Earlier, the Royals innings got off to a shaky start with the early wicket of Jos Buttler. However, Jaiswal’s enterprising 24 (12 balls) and Samson’s brilliance set the platform for a strong total. A late cameo by Dhruv Jurel (20* off 12 balls) further bolstered the Royals’ score. This win will serve as a huge confidence booster for the Rajasthan Royals as they embark on their IPL 2024 campaign.
Avinash Sharma Mykhel
source: mykhel.com