Barsapara Stadium, Guwahati – Rajasthan Royals secured their first victory of IPL 2025, holding their nerve in a tense finish against Chennai Super Kings. Sandeep Sharma once again emerged as the death-over hero, defending 20 runs in the final over to seal a six-run victory for RR.
Rana’s blitz powers Rajasthan to 182
Batting first, Rajasthan got off to a flying start, thanks to an explosive knock from Nitish Rana. The left-hander dominated the powerplay, smashing a breathtaking 81 off just 36 balls, peppering the boundaries with ease. His innings laid the foundation for RR’s competitive total of 182/6.
Despite Rana’s heroics, CSK pulled things back in the latter half of the innings, with Noor Ahmed and Matheesha Pathirana restricting the scoring rate. However, RR’s total proved to be just enough on the night.
Archer’s fiery start, Hasaranga’s magic
Jofra Archer set the tone for RR with the ball, producing a wicket-maiden to start IPL 2025. He removed Rachin Ravindra for a duck, unsettling CSK’s chase early on.
Ruturaj Gaikwad fought back with a gritty half-century, but wickets kept tumbling at the other end. The real game-changer was Wanindu Hasaranga, who dismantled CSK’s middle order with his googlies, finishing with 4/35.
The final-over gamble: Sandeep delivers again
With 20 runs needed off the last over, all eyes were on RR’s captain Riyan Parag. The big question—would he back Jofra Archer, who had conceded just 13 runs in three overs, or turn to Sandeep Sharma, known for his death-over expertise?
Parag went with Sandeep, and the veteran pacer delivered once again, just as he did against the same opponents in Chepauk two seasons ago. Despite MS Dhoni and Ravindra Jadeja at the crease, Sandeep held his nerve, ensuring RR got over the line by six runs.
With this win, Rajasthan Royals are officially on the board in IPL 2025, while Chennai will be left wondering what could have been.
