The Rajasthan Royals (RR) kicked off their TATA IPL 2024 campaign with a thrilling 20-run victory over the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in Match 4. A fiery 82* (52) by captain Sanju Samson and disciplined bowling propelled RR to a successful defense at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur.
RR vs LSG Match Report
The Royals’ 193/4 proved too much for LSG, despite a valiant 64 (41) from Nicholas Pooran. Trent Boult’s early wickets and excellent closing overs from Sandeep Sharma, R Ashwin, and Avesh Khan sealed the deal for RR.
Early RR Innings Action
Sanju Samson won the toss for RR and elected to bat first. LSG’s Naveen-ul-Haq struck early, dismissing Jos Buttler, but Yashasvi Jaiswal (24 off 12) and Samson built a solid partnership. Mohsin Khan bounced back with Jaiswal’s wicket, leaving RR at 54/2 after the Powerplay.
Samson and Parag Power Surge
LSG spinners slowed the pace, but Samson and Riyan Parag (43 off 29) ignited a scoring surge fueled by several big sixes. Their critical 93-run partnership propelled RR past the century mark. Samson reached his own half-century before Parag and Shimron Hetmyer fell in quick succession. Samson’s unbeaten 82 and a quickfire 20* (12) from Dhruv Jurel gave RR a formidable total.
LSG Chase Falls Short
Trent Boult’s trademark early wickets devastated LSG’s start, removing Quinton de Kock and Devdutt Padikkal. Nandre Burger also claimed his maiden IPL wicket. LSG’s Impact Player Deepak Hooda briefly counterattacked but fell to Yuzvendra Chahal.
KL Rahul (58 off 44) and Nicholas Pooran attempted a valiant comeback with an 85-run stand. However, crucial wickets from Sandeep Sharma and R Ashwin derailed their progress. Pooran’s unbeaten 64 (41) was impressive but not enough, as Avesh Khan’s brilliant final over secured RR’s victory.
