IPL 2025: Nitish's 81 Drives RR to 182 Against CSK
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Synopsis
In the IPL 2025 match, Nitish Rana scored a swift 81 runs, leading Rajasthan Royals to set a target of 182 against Chennai Super Kings. Despite a strong start, wickets fell quickly as the innings progressed. CSK's bowlers made a comeback, with Khaleel Ahmed and Matheesha Pathirana taking crucial wickets.
Key Takeaways
- Nitish Rana scored a pivotal 81 runs.
- Rajasthan set a target of 182 runs.
- Chennai's bowlers took control in the second half of the innings.
- CSK has struggled to chase targets above 175 runs.
- The match took place at Barsapara Cricket Stadium.
Guwahati, March 30 (NationPress) Nitish Rana's explosive 81 runs propelled Rajasthan Royals to a total of 182/9 against Chennai Super Kings during the IPL 2025 match at Barsapara Cricket Stadium on Sunday.
After being asked to bat first, Rajasthan lost opener Yashasvi Jaiswal (4) on the very first over, bowled by pacer Khaleel Ahmed. Nitish entered at No.3 and partnered with Sanju Samson. They capitalized on the powerplay, scoring boundaries consistently.
Nitish took on the role of aggressor, reaching his first IPL half-century since 2023 in just 21 balls. His remarkable innings helped Rajasthan reach 79/1 after six overs.
Spinner Noor Ahmad finally achieved a breakthrough, dismissing Samson for 21 in the eighth over. Stand-in captain Riyan Parag and Nitish rotated the strike effectively, adding 38 runs in just 24 balls before Nitish was stumped by MS Dhoni off Ravichandran Ashwin.
Nitish scored 81 runs off 36 balls, featuring 10 fours and 5 sixes. Dhruv Jurel and Wanindu Hasaranga struggled, succumbing to Noor Ahmad and Ravindra Jadeja respectively as Chennai's bowlers gained control.
From the other end, Riyan added a quick 26-run partnership with Shimron Hetmyer to push their total beyond 150. Riyan's innings of 37 runs ended with a yorker from Matheesha Pathirana in the 18th over.
With wickets falling rapidly, Hetmyer (19) also fell to Pathirana, who claimed his second wicket.
In the final eight overs, Rajasthan managed just 53 runs while losing their last five wickets within 30 balls.
For Chennai, Khaleel, Pathirana, and Noor each took two wickets, turning the match around.
Notably, CSK has not successfully chased a target of 175+ since their 10-wicket victory over PBKS in Dubai in 2020 while chasing 179.
Summary: Rajasthan Royals 182/9 in 20 overs (Nitish Rana 81, Riyan Parag 37; Noor Ahmad 2-28, Matheesha Pathirana 2-28, Khaleel Ahmed 2-38) against Chennai Super Kings.
