“Yorker Is My Strength”: Avesh Khan Reflects on Nerve-Wracking Final Over in LSG’s 2-Run Thriller vs RR

After defending 9 runs in the final over against Rajasthan Royals, Avesh Khan reveals his bowling mantra and injury scare while steering LSG to a crucial win in Jaipur.

Jaipur, April 20:
Avesh Khan emerged as Lucknow Super Giants’ match-winner with a nerveless final over that sealed a narrow two-run victory over Rajasthan Royals (RR) in a high-octane clash at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium.

Tasked with defending 9 runs in the last over, Avesh delivered pinpoint yorkers to keep RR at 178/5, falling short of LSG’s 181-run target. Despite taking a blow to the hand on the last ball, the pacer ensured his team walked away with their fifth win in IPL 2025.

“Yorker is my strength, and I try to execute it regardless of the scorecard,” Avesh said at the post-match presentation.
“My hand is good; the ball hit the bone so I couldn’t celebrate. I don’t want to be Mitchell Starc—I just want to be a good Avesh Khan.”

Game-changing spell 🔥

Three scalps and a game-defining performance earned Avesh Khan a well deserved Player of the Match as LSG secured a 2-run win 💪

Scorecard ▶️ https://t.co/02MS6ICvQl#TATAIPL | #RRvLSG | @LucknowIPL pic.twitter.com/WuvIOCozfA

— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) April 19, 2025

🏏 Match Recap:

LSG, after winning the toss and opting to bat, rode on half-centuries from Aiden Markram (66 off 45) and Ayush Badoni (50 off 34), along with a late blitz from *Abdul Samad (30 off 10)**, to post a competitive 180/5.

Wanindu Hasaranga (2/31) was the standout bowler for RR, keeping LSG in check in the middle overs.

🔥 Rajasthan’s Valiant Chase Falls Just Short

Chasing 181, RR openers Yashasvi Jaiswal and debutant Vaibhav Suryavanshi gave their team a flying start with an 85-run stand. Jaiswal continued his fine form, hammering 74 off 52, while Riyan Parag chipped in with 39 off 26.

However, the momentum shifted in the 18th over when Avesh Khan dismissed both Jaiswal and Parag. His heroics in the final over — conceding just six runs and picking up Shimron Hetmyer’s wicket — ensured LSG’s thrilling win.

Avesh finished with match-winning figures of 3/37 and took home the Player of the Match award.

📊 Points Table Impact

• LSG: Climbs to 4th with 5 wins in 8 matches
• RR: Remains at 8th with 2 wins from 8 games

✅ Top Performers

• Avesh Khan – 3/37 & match-winning final over
• Aiden Markram – 66 (45)
• Ayush Badoni – 50 (34)
• Yashasvi Jaiswal – 74 (52)
• Wanindu Hasaranga – 2/31