In Match 36 of the IPL 2025 season, Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) posted a competitive total of 180/5 in their 20 overs against Rajasthan Royals (RR) after being asked to bat first at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium, Jaipur. Despite early hiccups, the Super Giants’ middle order, led by Ayush Badoni and Aiden Markram, stepped up under pressure and ensured their side finished strongly.
Early Setbacks for LSG
Lucknow’s innings didn’t begin on a bright note as Mitchell Marsh, opening the innings, managed just 4 runs off 6 balls before being dismissed by Jofra Archer in the third over. Soon after, Nicholas Pooran (11 off 8) and skipper Rishabh Pant (3 off 9) also fell cheaply, putting the team in a spot of bother at 54/3 in 7.4 overs.
Markram and Badoni Lead the Charge
Just when LSG needed stability, Aiden Markram (66 off 45) anchored the innings with a composed knock, hitting 5 fours and 3 sixes. He held one end firm while rotating the strike efficiently, keeping the scoreboard ticking.
His partnership with Ayush Badoni, who came in as an Impact Player, was crucial. Badoni smashed 50 runs off 34 balls, showcasing maturity and fearless hitting, including 5 boundaries and a six. The duo’s 76-run partnership pulled LSG back into the game.
Explosive Finish by Abdul Samad
After Markram and Badoni departed, Abdul Samad gave the finishing touch with an explosive cameo of 30 off just 10 balls*, including 4 sixes. His late assault powered LSG to a respectable total of 180/5, giving their bowlers a decent total to defend.
Rajasthan Royals Bowling Highlights
The Rajasthan Royals bowlers had their moments. Wanindu Hasaranga was the pick of the lot, grabbing 2 wickets for 31 runs in his 4 overs. Tushar Deshpande bowled with control, conceding just 26 runs and taking a key wicket. However, Sandeep Sharma had a forgettable outing, leaking 55 runs in his 4 overs.
Fall of Wickets:
- 16/1 (Marsh, 2.2 ov)
- 46/2 (Pooran, 5.2 ov)
- 54/3 (Pant, 7.4 ov)
- 130/4 (Markram, 15.5 ov)
- 143/5 (Badoni, 17.3 ov)
With 180 on the board, the Royals will need a strong start from their top order, especially in the absence of regular captain Sanju Samson. The chase promises to be an exciting affair, with both sides having match-winners in their ranks.
Stay tuned for the second innings as Rajasthan Royals aim to chase 181 under pressure in front of their home crowd.
