LSG defended 9 runs in last over thanks to Avesh Khan, to defeat RR by 2 runs in IPL 2025.
Former India cricketer Mohammad Kaif claims that the small delay before Avesh Khan began bowling the final over against the Rajasthan Royals in the recent IPL 2025 match broke the batters' momentum and caused them to abandon an easy chase, citing Rishabh Pant's delaying tactics, which once again worked in his team's favor.
On Saturday, April 19, Lucknow won by two runs in Jaipur owing to Avesh's heroics in the last over. Kaif said that Pant’s delaying tactics against Rajasthan were similar to his exploits against South Africa in the 2024 T20 World Cup final.
“The final over began at 11:07 PM IST, and it went on for 10 minutes, where there were some intentional delaying tactics. Rishabh Pant took his time, the ball got changed, Avesh Khan was stopped in his run-up once, and they intentionally kept the batters waiting at the crease," Kaif said while speaking in a video posted on his X handle.
“Also, this is not the first time this has happened. In the 2024 T20 World Cup final, when 30 runs were needed off 30 balls and when Klaasen and Miller were on strike, it was Rishabh Pant only who lay down on the floor to summon the physios," Kaif said.
Pant admitted after Team India's 2024 T20 World Cup victory that he feigned an ailment to slow South Africa's momentum during the run chase.
Pant fainted on the ground before the 13th over in Lucknow's close four-run win over the Kolkata Knight Riders earlier this month.
Meanwhile, Avesh Khan was amazing with the ball for LSG against RR. The Royals were cruising at 156/2 at the conclusion of the 17th over, requiring 25 runs from three overs with eight wickets in hand.
Avesh conceded five runs in the 18th over and picked up two wickets, Riyan Parag and Yashasvi Jaiswal, before defending nine runs off the final over to finish with a match-winning 3/37.
The next game for LSG is at home against the Delhi Capitals on April 22.