Rajasthan Royals Edge Out CSK in Last-Over IPL 2025 Thriller!
RR vs CSK Highlights, IPL 2025: Rajasthan Royals (RR) finally got their IPL 2025 campaign rolling with a nail-biting 6-run win over Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in Guwahati. Sandeep Sharma held his nerve in a dramatic final over, defending 19 runs to seal Rajasthan’s first victory of the season.
Rana’s Blazing 81 Sets the Stage
After being put in to bat, RR found an early setback as Yashasvi Jaiswal fell for 4(3). But Nitish Rana, promoted to No. 3, turned the tide with a sensational 36-ball 81! He smashed seven fours and four sixes, racing to a 21-ball half-century in the powerplay.
Sanju Samson chipped in with 20(16), while Riyan Parag added a crucial 37(28). However, CSK’s bowlers fought back in the death overs, with Noor Ahmad (2/28) and Matheesha Pathirana (2/28) restricting RR to 182/9 in 20 overs.
Jofra Archer’s Dream Start for RR
Defending 183, RR struck early as Jofra Archer removed Rachin Ravindra for a duck in the very first over. This maiden over set the tone as CSK struggled at 46/2 in the eighth over.
Gaikwad’s Lone Fight for CSK
CSK captain Ruturaj Gaikwad led from the front, crafting a well-paced 63 off 44 balls. His innings featured seven crisp boundaries and a towering six, keeping CSK’s hopes alive. However, he lacked consistent support from his teammates. Rahul Tripathi (23 off 19) showed promise, but wickets kept falling at crucial junctures.
Gaikwad held the innings together until he fell to Wanindu Hasaranga, who turned the game on its head with his brilliant spell of 4/35. His dismissal in the 15th over left CSK with an uphill battle, needing 54 off the last four overs.
Dhoni & Jadeja Almost Pull Off a Heist
With CSK struggling, MS Dhoni and Ravindra Jadeja took charge. Dhoni’s iconic six over long-on and Jadeja’s audacious sweep brought CSK within striking distance. A 19-run penultimate over meant CSK needed just 20 off the final six balls.
But Sandeep Sharma had other plans! He dismissed Dhoni (16 off 11) on the first ball and held his nerves to restrict CSK to 176/6, sealing a thrilling 6-run victory.
What’s Next?
RR, now 9th in the points table, will take on Punjab Kings on April 5. Meanwhile, CSK (7th) faces Delhi Capitals earlier that day in Chennai.
Brief Scorecard
- Rajasthan Royals: 182/9 (Nitish Rana 81, Riyan Parag 37, Noor Ahmad 2/28, Pathirana 2/28)
- Chennai Super Kings: 176/6 (Ruturaj Gaikwad 63, Jadeja 32*, Hasaranga 4/35)
- RR Won by 6 Runs
