Rajasthan Royals‘ young pace ace Avesh Khan has hailed his final-over heroics against Delhi Capitals as his “best last over” performance yet. Avesh Khan’s exceptional bowling, with all six deliveries landing on the yorker mark, restricted Delhi to just 4 runs in the final over, securing a thrilling 12-run victory for the Royals.
Avesh Khan approach
Speaking at the post-match press conference, Avesh Khan explained his clear approach. “The plan was simple: stick to my strengths and focus on executing them well,” he said. His strategy of bowling accurate wide yorkers proved highly effective, shutting the door on any late heroics from the Delhi batsmen.
“Yes I have bowled last over last year too for Lucknow Super Giants. But execution wise, you can say that this is my best last over. Because all six balls fell on the same spot that is wide yorker.”
Riyan Parag match-winning knock
Avesh Khan also acknowledged the significant contribution of teammate Riyan Parag, whose unbeaten 84-run knock powered the Royals’ batting. Parag’s innings, the highest of his IPL career, provided the team with a much-needed fighting total of 185 runs after a shaky start.
“It was a match changing innings. Because our wickets were also down and run rate was also below 6 in starting 10 overs. His innings gave us a fighting total. He batted sensibly, even in the last match. And with his hitting in the last over where he smashed 25 runs, he gave a chance to us to defend the total.”
Rajasthan Royals overcome early setback
Put in to bat first, the Royals initially struggled, losing two wickets within the first six overs. However, a brilliant display from Ravichandran Ashwin (29 off 19 balls) and a crucial partnership with Parag (54 runs off 37 balls) brought the innings back on track.
Delhi Capitals chase falters
Chasing a target of 186 seemed manageable for Delhi when they reached 59 runs within the powerplay. However, the dismissal of David Warner (49 off 34 balls) by Khan triggered a mini-collapse, with Yuzvendra Chahal taking two key wickets (Rishabh Pant and Abhishek Porel) soon after.
Khan, Burger, and Chahal Combine for Victory
Khan’s last-over heroics complemented the excellent bowling performances of Nandre Burger (2/29) and Yuzvendra Chahal (2/19) throughout the innings. This combined effort from the bowlers ensured the Royals secured their second consecutive win of the season.
RR Soar High
With this victory, the Royals climb to second place in the IPL 2024 points table. Avesh Khan’s exceptional bowling, coupled with Riyan Parag’s match-winning knock, has set the tone for a promising start to the Royals’ campaign.
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