Moments after the final ball was bowled, Avesh Khan collapsed on the turf, clutching his right hand in agony. But what followed was just as emotional — a heartfelt embrace with mentor and bowling coach Zaheer Khan, who greeted the young pacer with a proud smile and a tight hug. The image of Avesh and Zaheer locked in a moment of raw emotion perfectly captured the magnitude of what had just unfolded.
In one of the most nerve-wracking finishes of IPL 2025, Lucknow Super Giants edged past Rajasthan Royals by just 2 runs in Match 36 at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium, Jaipur. Tasked with defending 8 runs off the final five balls, Avesh Khan not only held his nerve but also battled physical pain to deliver a memorable final over.
The drama began even before the ball was bowled — Avesh handed the ball to the umpire for a replacement, prompting some visible frustration from both captains. The older ball was reversing, and the change introduced uncertainty at a crucial juncture.
Here’s how Avesh’s final over panned out after the change:
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Ball 1 (19.2): Avesh to Hetmyer – 2 runs. Hetmyer sliced it behind point, and a misfield allowed a second.
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Ball 2 (19.3): Avesh to Hetmyer – OUT! The pressure showed as Hetmyer miscued to deep backward square leg.
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Ball 3 (19.4): Avesh to Shubham Dubey – dot ball. A brilliant 141.7 kph yorker.
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Ball 4 (19.5): Avesh to Dubey – 2 runs. A tough catch dropped at long-on.
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Ball 5 (19.6): 4 needed to win. Dubey drilled a straight shot that struck Avesh’s hand and boot, ricocheting safely away for just a single.
The Super Giants erupted in celebration, but none more telling than the quiet, powerful hug between Avesh and Zaheer. It was a mentor recognising the heart, fight, and bravery his bowler had just exhibited.
Avesh’s final figures read 3.4-0-33-2, but those numbers only scratch the surface of the story. His final over — 2, W, 0, 2, 1 — sealed the match and reminded fans why IPL finishes are second to none.
