Samson stars with 82* as the Royals down LSG by 20 runs in the IPL opener! Get match highlights & analysis.
Sanju Samson’s unbeaten 82 and a fiery opening spell from Trent Boult powered Rajasthan Royals to a thrilling 20-run victory over Lucknow Super Giants in their IPL 2024 opener, played at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur last evening.
Samson’s Masterclass Sets the Stage for Rajasthan
The Royals skipper led from the front, anchoring the innings with a composed knock. His 52-ball 82, studded with three fours and six sixes, proved to be the backbone of a competitive 193-run total. The highlight of his innings was a powerful inside-out six off the penultimate ball against Mohsin Khan.
A crucial 93-run partnership with Riyan Parag (43) helped Rajasthan navigate a tricky period after losing early wickets. While Jos Buttler (11) and Yashasvi Jaiswal (24) provided early impetus, the dry Jaipur pitch offered challenges for fluent strokeplay.
LSG’s Spinners Find Grip, But Samson & Parag Counterpunch
Lucknow’s spinners, especially Krunal Pandya on his birthday, found some purchase on the surface. Pandya conceded just 19 runs in his four overs, but a dropped catch by him off his own bowling – a leading edge from Parag that should have been a dismissal – proved costly. However, Samson and Parag upped the ante after the strategic time-out, capitalizing on the introduction of Yash Thakur’s pace. Three sixes flowed in a single over, and Samson reached his fifty in just 33 balls. A dropped catch by Mohsin Khan further added to the Royals’ cause.
Boult’s Early Strikes Shatter LSG Chase
The left-arm pacer, Boult, did what he does best – taking first-over wickets. Quinton de Kock became his 24th victim in the powerplay, followed by Devdutt Padikkal two balls later. Ayush Badoni’s dismissal in the fourth over by Boult’s replacement, Nandre Burger, left LSG reeling at an unstable 11 for 3.
Rahul Provides Hope, But Sandeep’s Sting Holds LSG Back
KL Rahul (58) played a vital role for Lucknow, providing much-needed stability at the top. He displayed his class with a well-paced 44-ball knock. However, his dismissal at the start of the 17th over proved to be a turning point. Sandeep Sharma’s crucial spell in the death overs, conceding just 11 runs in two overs, effectively snuffed out LSG’s hopes. Sandeep’s slower balls and cutters proved unplayable, with Rahul chasing a wide one to be caught in the deep.
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Pooran Tries in Vain, Royals Seal the Win
Nicholas Pooran (64*) tried his best to revive the chase with a late flourish. He struck some lusty blows, particularly against Boult in the 17th over, but the required run rate had climbed too high. Deepak Hooda (26) offered a brief spark, but his dismissal by Yuzvendra Chahal further dented Lucknow’s chances.
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A Winning Start for the Rajasthan Royals
This victory kickstarts Rajasthan Royals’ IPL 2024 campaign on a positive note. Samson’s leadership, combined with Boult’s early inroads and Sandeep’s death bowling mastery, proved to be the key factors in their success. While Lucknow showed fightback through Rahul and Pooran, they ultimately fell short.
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