Jaipur (Rajasthan) [India], April 20: After a tense match against Rajasthan Royals (RR), Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) captain Rishabh Pant expressed his relief and praised his bowlers for their composure, stating that such matches are essential for team growth.

Continuing their strong performance in IPL 2024, LSG secured a narrow victory, thanks to impressive fifties from Aiden Markram and Ayush Badoni, along with a crucial three-wicket haul from Avesh Khan, who successfully defended nine runs in the last over. LSG managed to hold RR to 179 runs, falling just two runs short at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium.

In the post-match interview, Pant remarked, "These types of matches are character-building. It was a fantastic win, and as a team, this experience will elevate us. We always emphasize the positives, and we aim to improve collectively. The bowlers deserve all the credit for maintaining their composure when it mattered most."

He added, "It's challenging, especially when we often find ourselves trailing. The team performed exceptionally well, but our bowlers, particularly Avesh, were outstanding. In the final over, the strategy was to take our time, stick to the plan, and focus on one ball at a time. We're heading in a positive direction and are currently savoring this victory."

In the match, LSG won the toss and chose to bowl first. Aiden Markram scored 66 runs off 45 balls, while Ayush Badoni contributed 50 runs off 34 balls, and Abdul Samad added a quick 30 runs off just 10 balls, leading LSG to a total of 180/5 in their 20 overs.

For RR, Wanindu Hasaranga was the standout bowler with figures of 2/31, as they aimed for their third win in eight matches.

During the chase, Yashasvi Jaiswal formed an 85-run opening partnership with debutant Vaibhav Suryavanshi, who scored 34 runs off 20 balls. Jaiswal also shared a 62-run partnership with stand-in captain Riyan Parag, who made 39 runs off 26 balls. Jaiswal finished with 74 runs off 52 balls, including five fours and four sixes. However, in a nail-biting finish, Avesh Khan managed to defend the nine runs needed in the final over, resulting in RR's sixth defeat by just two runs.

Currently, RR sits at the eighth position with two wins and six losses, while LSG is in fourth place with five wins and three losses.

Avesh Khan was awarded the 'Player of the Match' for his outstanding performance.