The season opener for RR in Jaipur was a nail-biter as the Rajasthan Royals triumphed over the Lucknow Super Giants by 20 runs at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium. The match was defined by a daunting target of 194 set by the Royals, which Lucknow valiantly attempted to chase but fell short, managing only 173/6 in their 20 overs.

Nicholas Pooran (64* off 41) was the standout performer for Lucknow, displaying his power-hitting skills with four boundaries and a six. KL Rahul (58 off 44) also contributed significantly with a gritty half-century, including four fours and two sixes. The duo’s 85-run partnership for the fifth wicket briefly threatened a comeback.

However, Rajasthan’s bowling attack proved too strong. Trent Boult, the Kiwi pacer, snagged two crucial wickets, while veteran spinner Ravichandran Ashwin, South African import Nandre Burger, and Sandeep Sharma chipped in with a wicket apiece to dismantle the Lucknow batting order.

Earlier, Sanju Samson, the Rajasthan skipper, led from the front with a blazing knock of 82 not out off 52 balls. His innings were studded with six maximums and three boundaries, a masterclass in power-hitting. Riyan Parag provided valuable support with a 43-run knock, while youngsters Yashasvi Jaiswal (24) and Dhurvar Jurel (20*) chipped in with handy contributions. Jos Buttler, the explosive English batsman, got a start with 11 runs before getting dismissed.

The crucial partnership between Samson and Parag, who amassed 93 runs for the third wicket, propelled Rajasthan to a substantial total. Despite Naveen-ul-Haq’s two-wicket haul and Mohsin Khan and Ravi Bishnoi’s solitary scalps, Lucknow’s bowling attack couldn’t contain the Royals’ batting firepower.

This dominant victory sets the tone for Rajasthan’s IPL campaign, while Lucknow will look to bounce back in their subsequent encounter.