RR vs LSG: Ravichandran Ashwin’s double-wicket over restricts LSG to 154 in first innings

Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) concluded with a first innings total of 154 runs against Rajasthan Royals (RR) at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur in Match 26 of the ongoing IPL 2023. Notably, RR veteran Ravichandran Ashwin’s double-wicket over helped the home team restrict the rival side from accelerating in the innings. 

The visiting team was handed a solid head start by the opening duo of KL Rahul and Kyle Mayers. Despite the duo getting 82 runs for the first wicket, the dismissals at regular intervals dented LSG's batting unit, preventing them from attaining a big total.

Notably, Kyle Mayers notched up a half-century off 40 balls and was set to shift gears to help his side get the required runs. Similarly, Deepak Hooda, who came in at number four, needed to put an end to his lean patch and score big in the contest.

Cricket BABA@GujaratiBABA4

Ashwin strikes again, wicket to wicket bowling. Kyle Mayers bowled by Ravi Ashwin. #RRvLSG #IPL2O23

09:26 PM · Apr 19, 2023

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However, it was on the second ball of the 14^th over that Hooda was holed out by Hetmyer at deep square leg for just two runs by Ravichandran Ashwin. The veteran offie struck for the second time in the very same over as he got the vital scalp of Mayers, bowling a length delivery that crashed into the middle and off stump. In doing so, Mayers was sent packing for a score of 51 off 42 balls with three sixes and four boundaries to his name.

RR eye fifth win of IPL 2023

With a target of 155 runs, the opening pair of Jos Buttler and Yashasvi Jaiswal will look to put on a decent start for the rest of the unit to capitalize upon. However, it remains to be seen if LSG can get the early breakthroughs to keep the Royals under pressure. 

Sanju Samson-led Rajasthan Royals locked horns with LSG on the back of three consecutive wins in the top-tier league. Playing their first match of the season at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium, the franchise will look to add two more points at home and stay on top of the points table.