Lucknow Super Giants suffered a dramatic batting collapse as they were beaten by 40 runs by Rajasthan Royals in an IPL match on Wednesday. Set a target of 160, LSG were bowled out for 119 in 18 overs, losing wickets steadily after struggling to absorb pressure and making unforced mistakes in their shot-making. The loss was especially painful because Rajasthan’s bowlers had plenty to do with control and discipline earlier in the day.
Quick facts
- Match result: Rajasthan Royals won by 40 runs
- Chase: LSG chased 160 but were all out for 119 in 18 overs
- Rajasthan’s total: 159/6
- Key bowling: Mohammed Shami took 2/30 and Mohsin Khan 2/17
- Finish: Jofra Archer produced 3/20
- LSG’s top score: Mitchell Marsh made 55
- Rajasthan’s anchor: Ravindra Jadeja scored an unbeaten 43 off 29 balls
Shami leads the squeeze, Royals post 159/6
Mohammed Shami set the tone for Rajasthan’s bowling with tight line and subtle variations, while Mohsin Khan and Prince Yadav also struck at key moments to keep the innings in check. Rajasthan restricted LSG to 159/6, with Shami (2/30) and Mohsin (2/17) removing important batters at crucial stages. Two consecutive breakthroughs from the duo disrupted the rhythm of the Royals’ batting order and ensured LSG never got a clean platform.
Prince Yadav added to the pressure with disciplined spells and claimed two wickets as well. Mayank Yadav, returning in the match, found it difficult to make an impact as he finished wicketless. With wickets falling at regular intervals, it was Ravindra Jadeja who steadied the innings and protected Rajasthan’s total.
Jadeja’s calm 43 powers the total
Ravindra Jadeja played the role of a stabiliser with an unbeaten 43 off 29 balls. He kept the chaseable target within reach for Rajasthan, even as early collapses threatened to pull the innings apart. When the innings demanded acceleration, Jadeja ensured the runs kept coming, setting up a competitive score for his team.
LSG falter after Pant’s sweep triggers the slide
In reply, Lucknow’s chase never gained real momentum. Mitchell Marsh tried to hold the innings together with a 55-run knock, but the support around him was limited as wickets kept tumbling. The turning point arrived when captain Rishabh Pant attempted an ill-advised sweep, and that mistake sparked a rapid collapse.
As the batting disintegrated, the middle order failed to provide stability, with Nicholas Pooran and Himmat Singh also falling cheaply and adding to the chaos. The use of Himmat Singh as an Impact Sub drew further questions, as Lucknow’s innings lacked the steadiness needed when chasing a firm total.
Rajasthan’s bowlers continued to strike regularly, ensuring LSG were always chasing both runs and wickets. Jofra Archer brought the chase to a swift end with figures of 3/20, sealing the win in style. In the end, LSG’s batting implosion completely overpowered the earlier promise of Shami’s disciplined effort, as Rajasthan secured a convincing victory and moved into second place on the table.
