In a thrilling encounter at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati on March 30, 2025, the Rajasthan Royals (RR) secured a narrow 6-run victory over the Chennai Super Kings (CSK). This win marked RR’s first triumph of the IPL 2025 season, bringing relief to the team after two consecutive losses.
Toss and Team Changes
CSK’s captain, Ruturaj Gaikwad, won the toss and elected to bowl first, aiming to capitalize on any early assistance from the pitch. The Super Kings made two changes to their lineup: Jamie Overton replaced Sam Curran, and Vijay Shankar came in for Deepak Hooda. On the other hand, RR opted to field the same XI that had faced defeat against the Kolkata Knight Riders in their previous match.
Rajasthan Royals’ Innings
Batting first, RR posted a competitive total of 182 for 9 in their allotted 20 overs. The innings was anchored by a scintillating knock from Nitish Rana, who scored 81 runs off just 36 balls, featuring 10 boundaries and 5 sixes. Rana’s aggressive approach put the CSK bowlers on the back foot and provided RR with the momentum they needed.
Supporting contributions came from captain Riyan Parag, who added a gritty 37 off 28 balls. Despite these efforts, RR experienced a batting collapse in the latter half of their innings. CSK’s bowlers, particularly Matheesha Pathirana, who claimed 2 wickets for 28 runs, managed to stem the flow of runs and pick up crucial wickets at regular intervals.
Chennai Super Kings’ Chase
Chasing 183 for victory, CSK’s innings got off to a steady start, with captain Ruturaj Gaikwad leading from the front. Gaikwad played a composed innings, scoring 63 runs off 44 balls, which included seven fours and a six. His partnership with other top-order batsmen kept CSK in the hunt.
However, RR’s spin wizard Wanindu Hasaranga turned the game on its head with a sensational bowling performance. Hasaranga’s figures of 4 wickets for 35 runs derailed CSK’s chase, as he picked up key wickets at crucial junctures. His spell not only broke partnerships but also increased the required run rate, piling pressure on the CSK middle order.
The Climactic Final Overs
As the match approached its climax, CSK required 19 runs off the final over to secure a win. The experienced MS Dhoni was at the crease, known for his finishing abilities. However, RR’s pacer Sandeep Sharma held his nerve under pressure. On the first ball of the over, Sharma dismissed Dhoni for 16, caught near the boundary by Shimron Hetmyer. This dismissal tilted the scales in RR’s favor.
Jamie Overton, the new man in, struck a six and a two, but the target proved just out of reach. CSK concluded their innings at 176 for 6, falling short by 6 runs. Sandeep Sharma’s composure in the death overs was instrumental in sealing the victory for Rajasthan Royals.
Key Performances and Turning Points
- Nitish Rana’s Blitzkrieg: Rana’s aggressive 81 off 36 balls set the foundation for RR’s total. His ability to find boundaries consistently put immense pressure on the CSK bowlers.
- Wanindu Hasaranga’s Spin Magic: Hasaranga’s 4/35 was pivotal in breaking CSK’s momentum during the chase. His variations and control made scoring difficult for the batsmen.
- Sandeep Sharma’s Death Over Mastery: Defending 19 runs in the final over against a finisher like Dhoni is no small feat. Sharma’s execution of yorkers and change of pace deliveries ensured RR’s victory.
Post-Match Reflections
This victory was a much-needed morale booster for the Rajasthan Royals, opening their account in IPL 2025. Captain Riyan Parag praised his team’s resilience and highlighted the importance of contributions from both seasoned players and newcomers.
On the other hand, CSK faced their second consecutive defeat, prompting captain Ruturaj Gaikwad to reflect on areas needing improvement. While the top order showed promise, the middle order’s inability to capitalize in crucial moments and the challenge of facing quality spin were evident.
Looking Ahead
Rajasthan Royals will aim to build on this momentum in their upcoming fixtures, addressing the batting collapses that have plagued them. Chennai Super Kings, known for their strategic acumen, will likely reassess their approach, particularly in handling spin and finishing games under pressure. The IPL 2025 season continues to deliver exhilarating cricket, with teams vying for supremacy in this highly competitive tournament.
RoyalsRR182/9(20) 176/6(20)Super Kings
CSKRR won by 6 runs 11 of 74 T20
Article By Dinesh Massey
