Daijiworld Media Network - Lucknow
Lucknow, Apr 23: A composed knock from Ravindra Jadeja and a fiery spell by Jofra Archer powered Rajasthan Royals to a commanding 40-run victory over Lucknow Super Giants in their Indian Premier League 2026 clash at the Ekana Stadium on Wednesday.
In a match where runs were hard to come by, Rajasthan Royals posted a modest 159/6, thanks largely to Jadeja’s unbeaten 43 off 29 balls. He stitched together a crucial late partnership with Shubham Dubey, who contributed a quick 19 not out, helping the team recover from a shaky middle phase. Lucknow’s pace trio, led by Mohammed Shami, Mohsin Khan, and Prince Yadav, kept things tight by picking up two wickets each.
Despite the below-par total, Rajasthan’s bowlers delivered a disciplined performance to defend the lowest score of the season so far. Archer led the charge with three wickets, while Nandre Burger and Brijesh Sharma chipped in with two apiece. Jadeja and Ravi Bishnoi also contributed with a wicket each, as Lucknow were bowled out for just 119 in 18 overs.
Earlier, Rajasthan had started briskly, with Yashasvi Jaiswal and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi finding early boundaries. However, Shami turned the tide quickly by removing Jaiswal and Dhruv Jurel in successive deliveries, with Rishabh Pant taking sharp catches behind the stumps.
Lucknow’s bowlers maintained pressure through the middle overs. Mohsin Khan delivered a standout performance, including a rare maiden over to teenage batter Sooryavanshi, before dismissing him. Prince Yadav further dented Rajasthan’s innings by removing Riyan Parag and Donovan Ferreira, leaving them struggling at 110/6.
Jadeja then shifted gears in the death overs, especially targeting Mayank Yadav, whose final over went for 20 runs. This late surge proved decisive in giving Rajasthan a defendable total.
Lucknow’s chase got off to a disastrous start. Ayush Badoni was run out early, followed by captain Pant’s dismissal for a duck. Archer deepened the crisis by removing Aiden Markram cheaply, reducing the hosts to 16/3.
Mitchell Marsh fought valiantly, scoring 55 off 42 balls, but lacked support from the other end. Nicholas Pooran added 22, but regular wickets ensured Lucknow never recovered from the early collapse.
As the required run rate climbed, Rajasthan tightened their grip. Bishnoi and Burger struck at key moments, while Brijesh Sharma removed Mukul Choudhary and Shami in quick succession to seal the game. Archer wrapped things up in style, taking his third wicket and completing a dominant bowling performance.
With this win, Rajasthan Royals climbed to second place in the points table, while Lucknow Super Giants slumped to their fourth consecutive defeat.
Brief Scores:
Rajasthan Royals 159/6 (20 overs) beat Lucknow Super Giants 119 (18 overs) by 40 runs.