In a thrilling encounter at Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati, Rajasthan Royals (RR) edged out Chennai Super Kings (CSK) by 6 runs, with the 11th match of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 boiling down to a tense finish.
RR posted a competitive 182/9, powered by Nitish Rana’s explosive 81 off 36 balls, while CSK’s chase hinged on a dramatic late surge that fell just short.
MS Dhoni Fails to Finish
The second innings saw CSK at 92/4 after 11.5 overs, needing 91 runs off the final 49 balls. Wanindu Hasaranga’s four-wicket haul, including Shivam Dube (18) and Ruturaj Gaikwad (63), had tilted the game RR’s way.
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At 122/4 in 15 overs, CSK’s hopes rested on Gaikwad, but his departure in the 16th, bowled by Hasaranga, brought MS Dhoni to the crease with 54 needed off 25 balls.
Dhoni (16 off 11) and Ravindra Jadeja (32 off 22) kept the chase alive, but the asking rate soared. The 18th over, bowled by Maheesh Theekshana, yielded just 6 runs, leaving CSK needing 39 off 12.
Rajasthan Royals captain Riyan Parag decided to not bowl Jofra Archer, who had given away just 13 runs in his three overs, and trusted the Indian pacers instead. Tushar Deshpande, bowling the 19th over, turned the tide. Dhoni smashed a six and a four, while Jadeja added another maximum, reducing the equation to 20 off the final over.
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Sandeep Sharma, entrusted with the last over, started with a wide but struck a decisive blow by dismissing Dhoni, caught by Shimron Hetmyer at deep mid-wicket.
Jamie Overton (11 off 4), the new batter, managed a six and a couple, but with nine needed off the last ball, the equation became impossible.
Ultimately, CSK's innings ended at 176/6 as they lost the match by six runs.
More About RR vs CSK IPL 2025 Match
