IPL2025 : Rajasthan Royals edge past CSK in a thriller as Rana & Hasaranga shine

 


Rajasthan Royals have finally opened their account in IPL 2025. Under the captaincy of Riyan Parag, Rajasthan secured a thrilling 6-run victory over Chennai Super Kings in a last-over encounter at their home ground in Guwahati. After losing their first two matches, Rajasthan managed to register their first win of the season in their third game. Meanwhile, Chennai suffered their second consecutive defeat, having previously lost to Royal Challengers Bangalore. The key players behind Rajasthan’s victory were Nitish Rana and Wanindu Hasaranga, while Sandeep Sharma once again prevented MS Dhoni from snatching victory for Chennai in the final over.

The match, played on Sunday, March 30, at the Barsapara Stadium in Guwahati, saw Rajasthan Royals set a formidable target of 182 runs while batting first. Nitish Rana played a sensational innings, smashing 81 runs off just 36 balls and laying a strong foundation for Rajasthan. This was Rana’s first half-century for the franchise. In response, despite a brilliant half-century from Chennai captain Ruturaj Gaikwad, Chennai could only manage 176 runs in 20 overs, falling short by 6 runs.

Rajasthan once again lost an early wicket as Yashasvi Jaiswal was dismissed in the first over. However, this time, they rectified their strategy by sending specialist No. 3 batter Nitish Rana, which paid off. Rana immediately went on the offensive against Chennai’s bowlers, taking on Ravichandran Ashwin, Khaleel Ahmed, and Jamie Overton. The left-hander reached his half-century in just 21 balls during the powerplay. Though he missed out on a century, his innings provided a strong base for Rajasthan. Skipper Riyan Parag (38) and Sanju Samson (20) also contributed valuable runs. For Chennai, Noor Ahmed (2/28) and Matheesha Pathirana (2/28) were the standout bowlers.

Chennai’s chase got off to a shaky start, losing star opener Rachin Ravindra (0) in the first over. Fast bowler Jofra Archer, who had struggled in the previous two matches, made a strong comeback, conceding just 13 runs in his first three overs, including a maiden, pushing Chennai onto the back foot. However, Rahul Tripathi (23) helped stabilize the powerplay phase. Post powerplay, Sri Lankan spinner Wanindu Hasaranga dismantled Chennai’s middle order, dismissing Tripathi, Shivam Dube, and Vijay Shankar. Despite this, captain Gaikwad (63) kept Chennai in the contest with a well-crafted half-century and built a partnership with Ravindra Jadeja (32*). However, Hasaranga (4/35) struck again in his final over, removing Gaikwad and dealing a major blow to Chennai’s hopes.

Sandeep Once Again Stops Dhoni

After facing criticism for batting at No. 9 in the previous match, MS Dhoni came in at No. 6 this time, in the 16th over. He and Jadeja took Chennai close to the target. With 20 runs needed off the final over and Dhoni on strike, Riyan Parag handed the ball to Sandeep Sharma. After starting with a wide, Sandeep dismissed Dhoni (16) on the very first delivery, all but sealing Rajasthan’s victory. Shimron Hetmyer took a brilliant catch at the boundary to send Dhoni back. Sandeep conceded only 13 runs in the final over, ensuring Rajasthan’s 6-run win. This was reminiscent of IPL 2023, when Sandeep had successfully defended 21 runs against Dhoni in the final over, securing victory for Rajasthan.


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