Nitish Rana’s explosive 81 off 36 balls and Wanindu Hasaranga’s four-wicket haul powered Rajasthan Royals to a narrow six-run win over Chennai Super Kings in the IPL on Sunday.
Promoted to Number 3, Rana dominated with 10 fours and five sixes, helping RR post 182/9. However, CSK fought back in the final overs, restricting RR.
Chennai's chase of 183 started poorly, with Jofra Archer removing Rachin Ravindra for a duck in a maiden first over. Skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad’s 63 anchored the innings, while Rahul Tripathi (23) and Shivam Dube (18) provided support. Dube’s dismissal came after a stunning diving catch by stand-in captain Riyan Parag.
Hasaranga turned the game in RR’s favour, removing Tripathi, Dube, Vijay Shankar (9), and Gaikwad as CSK slipped to 129/5. With 39 needed off 12 balls, MS Dhoni (16) and Ravindra Jadeja (32*) launched a late attack. Dhoni smashed a six and a four in the 19th over, while Jadeja cleared the ropes with a powerful sweep.
Sandeep Sharma bowled the final over with 20 to defend. He held his nerve, dismissing Dhoni with a brilliant catch from Hetmyer, securing RR’s win.
Earlier, RR lost Yashasvi Jaiswal early but found momentum through Rana and Sanju Samson (20), who added 82 runs off 42 balls. Rana played fearless strokes, reaching his fifty in just 21 balls. RR raced to 79/1 in the powerplay, their third-highest in IPL history.
Noor Ahmad broke the partnership by removing Samson, and CSK clawed back as Ashwin outfoxed Rana, with Dhoni completing the stumping. Noor also dismissed Jurel, while Jadeja sent back Hasaranga.
Parag (37) briefly counterattacked before falling to Pathirana, while Hetmyer (19) ensured RR crossed 180. CSK’s late fightback wasn’t enough, as RR held on for their first win of the season.