IPL 2024, RR vs LSG: Samson, Boult Star As Rajasthan Royals Beat Lucknow Super Giants By 20 Runs

Jaipur: In a thrilling encounter at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur, Rajasthan Royals (RR) got their IPL 2024 campaign off to a flying start with a 20-run victory over Lucknow Super Giants (LSG).

Captain Sanju Samson showcased his batting prowess with a magnificent unbeaten knock of 82 runs off 52 balls, supported by Riyan Parag’s quickfire 43 off 29 deliveries. Their partnership of 93 runs off 59 balls propelled RR to a competitive total of 193/4 after opting to bat first.

The Rajasthan Royals’ bowlers set the tone early on, with Trent Boult and Nandre Burger striking in the Powerplay to dent the LSG’s chase. Despite a spirited fightback from LSG, including notable contributions from KL Rahul (58 off 44) and Nicholas Pooran (64* off 41), RR held their nerve in the slog overs. Sandeep Sharma, R Ashwin, and Avesh Khan delivered crucial blows to defend 60 runs in the last five overs, securing the win for RR.

Earlier, RR faced an early setback losing Jos Buttler in the second over, but Yashasvi Jaiswal (24 off 12) and Sanju Samson (82* off 52) provided a solid start. Despite LSG’s spinners slowing down the scoring rate, Samson and Parag’s aggressive batting lifted RR to a commanding total.

Brief Scores: RR: 193/4 in 20 overs (Sanju Samson 82* (52), Riyan Parag 43 (29); Naveen-ul-Haq 2/41) beat LSG: 173/6 in 20 overs (Nicholas Pooran 64* (41), KL Rahul 58 (44); Trent Boult 2/35) by 20 runs.