HIGHLIGHTS Lucknow Super Giants vs Rajasthan Royals IPL 2026 Match 32 - Result, Scorecard

Welcome back for LSG's response with the bat. Riyan Parag has his men in a huddle near the ropes. And now, the Royals spread across the park to take their spots. Out walks the opening pair for the Super Giants. It is the Bison, Mitchell Marsh and Ayush Badoni. And it will be Jofra Archer to steam in for the opening over. So a mini-Ashes battle first up. Archer vs Marsh to kick things off in the chase. A slip in place. Here we go...

... THE RUN CHASE ...

Middling total, but hard work ahead - 160 is no big a task in modern-day T20 game, but in Lucknow, it makes you earn every run. The Royals have got the dose of that while batting. And they would be keen that their bowling attack, led by Archer and Burger sets the marker early, to crash through the vulnerable LSG top order. The hosts, on the other hand, will aim that they don't botch this up. Should be a fun chase which is on the other side. Please stick around.

New PURPLE CAP holder - ​​​​​​Prince Yadav of LSG puts the hat on. He is first asked about how he is feeling on wearing that Cap, to which, he humbly replies that it is feeling nice, but will feel better if LSG win this match. On whether he did anything different this season, Prince shakes his head, stating that he has only been sticking to his lines and lengths and backing his yorkers. Adds that he has developed a couple of variations and has been working on those. Murali Kartik then asks about how much is length crucial on red soil - to this, Yadav answers that it is extremely crucial. Because if the ball is pulled back even a bit, boundary hitting gets easier. On what he has learnt from Mohammad Shami, PY says that he has learnt a lot, adding that whenever Shami sees him worried, he runs across and has a chat with him, comforting him and giving him confidence. On the reason for him and Mohsin Khan hunting in pairs, Prince Yadav casually replies, it is only practice, nothing else!

Jadeja swings his sword, finally - Ekana's surface played its part too. The ball simply did not come onto the bat, forcing batters to manufacture both power and timing to clear the ropes, and that is never an easy ask on this ground due to big dimensions. Runs just dried up like a desert with an odd boundary here and there. Jadeja and Ferreira dug in the second half to bring some respectability to the total through their 33-run stand, but the latter couldn't hang in there. RR were forced to use their impact sub in Shubham Dubey, who, along with Jadeja, formed the highest partnership of the innings (unbeaten 49 from 25) to get the Royals past the 150-mark, with Jadeja being the lead scorer, making 43 off 29.

The Royals floored early -  The success mantra against the Rajasthan Royals is no secret. Get their top three out quickly and you are halfway there. Tonight, LSG executed it to perfection. It was a battle between one of the best bowling attacks in the Powerplay and the best batting unit in that phase, and this time, the hosts came up trumps. The JaiSoorya duo lasted just 2.5 overs before Shami broke the stand, then turned around and picked up Jurel off the very next delivery. Sooryavanshi could not fire on this occasion, and suddenly the Royals found themselves pegged back at 32/3. Parag began a slight rebuild alongside Hetmyer, but both their dismissals left the middle order again to reconstruct at 77/5 around the halfway stage.

A respectable total? One might think that way, given the Royals being reduced to 110/6 in the 16th over. But the last 4 overs went for 49 runs, giving the visitors some momentum heading back into the dressing room. From the other perspective, at the pitch report, it was mentioned that 153 is the average first inning score this season in Lucknow, so what RR have posted on the board, is just in thereabouts of the par score. But will that be enough to defend? Well they have something at least to fight for rather than not. For LSG, baring the death phase, they were simply outstanding not only with the ball, but in the ground fielding as well. Moshin Khan off all was the pick of the bowlers, with him, Shami and Prince picking two apiece, whereas Mayank had an off day on comeback, conceding 56 off his 4 overs.

Mayank Yadav to Ravindra Jadeja, SIX! 20 runs from the final over! A short ball again, into the deck, around middle and leg, Ravindra Jadeja picks the length in a trice and pulls it mammothly over square leg. Initially, it seems like he has misjudged it, but the ball lands into the crowd! RAJASTHAN ROYALS FINISH ON 159/6!

Mayank Yadav to Ravindra Jadeja, Another short ball, around middle and leg, Jadeja pulls it behind square leg and gets another couple.

Mayank Yadav to Ravindra Jadeja, Clumsy from LSG. Jadeja heaves this through mid-wicket. Ayush Badoni charges to his left but in his hurry to pick the ball up, fumbles and concedes the second. 150 UP FOR RAJASTHAN ROYALS.

Mayank Yadav to Ravindra Jadeja, FOUR! Somehow, Jadeja has managed to get that in that region. On a length, around middle and off, with mid on and mid off up, Ravindra Jadeja backs away and just heaves it over mid off, for the second boundary of the over. Moves to 33 (26).

Mayank Yadav to Ravindra Jadeja, Banged short again, but this was quicker and Jadeja had to heave at it. Mistimed it through mid-wicket and got a couple.

Mayank Yadav to Ravindra Jadeja, FOUR! WALLOP! Right in the wheelhouse. A short ball, around leg and middle, Ravindra Jadeja swivels and pulls it over mid-wicket in a flash.

Final over then. 150 should be a bare minimum from here on. How much in excess can RR get? Mayank Yadav will bowl. 3-0-36-0 so far.

Prince Yadav to Shubham Dubey, FOUR! Nicely bowled, and beautifully dealt with! A wide yorker by Prince, outside off. Shubham Dubey opens the bat face at the point of contact and pierces the backward point and short third gap to perfection to find the fence. 12 runs from the over. 4-0-29-2 tonight for Prince.

Prince Yadav to Ravindra Jadeja, A review burnt by the Super Giants, but one understands Pant's motive there. He just wanted some time off. A pinpoint yorker by Prince, aimed at the pads, on the leg stump, seemingly pitched outside leg. Jadeja fails to flick and is hit on the back shin before the ball rolls to the vacant leg slip region. Pant rushes to his right and dives to stop the ball, but while doing so, he bumps the ball around his nose and it is deflected to the deep for a leg bye. He calls for a belated review for LBW. Ball Tracking shows that it has clearly pitched outside leg. But Pant takes the time to have his nose repaired.

There is a belated review for LBW against Jadeja. Looked to be pitching outside leg to the naked eye. Comfortably. Pitching outside leg and impact also outside leg. One suspects Pant just wanted some time off or a break, else that was really a bad review. Yes, Murali Kartik on air informs us that Pant had some running repairs to his nose while that review was being checked.

And with that... RAVINDRA JADEJA BECOMES THE HIGHEST SCORER OF THIS INNINGS. He has just made 23, which shows how poor the batting display by his team has been.

Prince Yadav to Ravindra Jadeja, Bangs it short at 138.8 kph, around the shoulders of the batter. Jadeja goes for the pull but gets a bit of a top edge. However, it lands safely ahead of deep mid-wicket for a couple of runs.

Prince Yadav to Shubham Dubey, Almost a yorker again, outside off. Shubham Dubey slices it over and behind point for a run.

Prince Yadav to Shubham Dubey, FOUR! Important runs for the Royals! Very full on this occasion by Prince, an attempted yorker served as a full ball, around off. Dubey gets under the ball and carves it to the left of mid off and picks up a boundary.

Prince Yadav to Shubham Dubey, Sharp short delivery, angling across off at 140.7 kph. Shubham reaches out to ramp, but misses as it flies over his angled bat.

Prince Yadav will bowl the 19th over. 3-0-18-2 so far.

Digvesh Singh to Shubham Dubey, Outside off, punched through the covers for a run. 11 from the over, but that does not affect Digvesh's bowling figures by much - 4-0-26-0, with just a solitary boundary conceded.

Digvesh Singh to Shubham Dubey, FOUR! A boundary after 16 balls and the first boundary off Rathi in this innings. Full and wide outside off, Shubham Dubey reaches out to carve it over the off side and manages to slice it over backward point. The ball lands and then trickles into the fence.

Digvesh Singh to Shubham Dubey, Another long hop, outside off, this time Dubey pulls it wide of long on, to his left, for a brace.

Digvesh Singh to Ravindra Jadeja, Short again, outside off again, cut again, through point again. For a run now.

Digvesh Singh to Ravindra Jadeja, Almost a carbon copy of the previous delivery. Only, the striker was different and the run was doubled.

Digvesh Singh to Shubham Dubey, Short, outside off, Shubham Dubey goes back and cuts it through point for a single.

Gamble by Pant. Digvesh Singh has been given the 18th over. 3-0-15-0 so far.

Mohsin Khan to Ravindra Jadeja, At pace now, fullish on middle. Jadeja uses his wrists and flicks it to the left of mid-wicket. By the time the man from deep square leg cuts it off to his right, the batters cross each other twice. Just 6 runs from this over. Mohsin's spell is done with figures of 4-1-17-2.

Mohsin Khan to Shubham Dubey, Back of a length, nipping in from off to middle, at 123.4 kph. Shubham clips it off the pads through backward square leg for a single. Good, tight lines and lengths from Mohsin so far.

Mohsin Khan to Ravindra Jadeja, Slower short ball, on top of middle. Ravindra Jadeja waits for an eternity for the ball to arrive before pulling it to deep square leg for another run.

Mohsin Khan to Shubham Dubey, A bit of tail into the batter, full at 139.3 kph, on middle. Shubham Dubey drills it to long on for a single.

Mohsin Khan to Ravindra Jadeja, Mohsin follows the batter with a short ball, on leg stump as the batter shuffles outside leg. Jadeja is cramped for space and tucks it to the mid-wicket region for only a single.

Mohsin Khan to Ravindra Jadeja, Off cutter, short and outside off. Jadeja jumps in the crease and steers it to backward point.

Mohsin Khan to bowl out. 3-1-11-2 so far.

Prince Yadav to Shubham Dubey, Outside off, pushed towards cover-point. A wicket and 3 runs from the over, Prince Yadav's bowling figures read 3-0-18-2 so far. He now has the PURPLE CAP, picking up his 13th wicket of this edition. Anshul Kamboj also has 13 wickets, but Prince has a better economy currently.

Time for some big hits now. Rajasthan Royals are using their impact sub - Shubham Dubey comes in next at number 8, subbing out Yashasvi Jaiswal.

Yashasvi Jaiswal is substituted by Shubham Dubey

Prince Yadav to Donovan Ferreira, OUT! CAUGHT! Ferreira's luck runs out and at last, LSG get him. A good short ball, outside off, Donovan Ferreira tries to play the ramp, aiming to guide it over deep third but there is extra bounce on this delivery. He does connect it but cannot quite get the direction he wanted. He wanted to get it a bit squarer but the extra bounce ends up making him playing a lot finer, straight down the throat of Mohsin Khan at deep third, who makes no mistake. The somewhat decent-looking stand is broken at 33 and RR ARE 110/6 AFTER 15.5 OVERS.

Prince Yadav to Donovan Ferreira, Excellent yorker, tailing into middle and leg, Donovan Ferreira just about digs it out.

Prince Yadav to Ravindra Jadeja, A short ball, around middle, Ravindra Jadeja swivels and pulls it behind square leg for a single.

Prince Yadav to Ravindra Jadeja, Dropped short, pulled through square leg for a couple.

Prince Yadav to Ravindra Jadeja, Outside off, cut straight to backward point.

Prince Yadav is back on. 2-0-15-1 so far.

Mayank Yadav to Donovan Ferreira, EDGED, FOUR! RCB or no RCB, there is always salt on every wound. A short ball, outside off, Donovan Ferreira swings hard and gets a thick top edge. The ball flies over the vacant slip cordon to the deep third fence.

Mayank Yadav to Ravindra Jadeja, Massive mixup but LSG mess up. Donovan Ferreira, having been let off on 4, gets another life on 16. On a length, around middle and leg, Ravindra Jadeja worked it through mid-wicket. He called for two and Ferreira responded, charging back. However, Jadeja left him high and dry, backing out of the second run. Ferreira was within hand-shaking distance at that time. The throw came into the keeper, but Rishabh Pant, in his excitement to collect the throw, collided into the stumps and dislodged the bails off. The keeper then went for the second chance as Ferreira was trying to get back. He threw the ball to Mohsin Khan coming in but the latter probably forgot to uproot the stump and dislodged the bails. After a second, he took the stump off, but it was late by then. The bat was in. This was confirmed by the replay after the run out appeal was referred upstairs.

Is that a run out? To the naked eye, it seems like the keeper dislodged the bail with his glove without the ball in his hand. It is being referred upstairs. In fact, they are checking for the second attempted run out, with one bail already dislodged. And Mohsin has pulled off the stump pretty late.

Mayank Yadav to Ravindra Jadeja, Excellent fielding again! This time Digvesh Singh. The Super Giants have come out roaring in the field. Back of a length, outside off, Jadeja cuts it behind point. The ball races away but Digvesh charges across to his right from point and dives full stretch to stop the ball. Two runs taken, two saved.

Mayank Yadav to Ravindra Jadeja, A good slower ball, 108.7 kph, that's a good 40ks slower. On middle and leg, on a length, Ravindra Jadeja works it through mid on for a couple.

Mayank Yadav to Donovan Ferreira, A quick short ball, 149.4 kph, outside off, hurrying into the batter, Ferreira goes for the pull but mistimes it through square leg. A single taken.

Mayank Yadav to Donovan Ferreira, Nicky P again. On a length, outside off, Donovan Ferreira punches it through the covers where Nicholas Pooran dives and saves the boundary. Two runs taken.

Mayank Yadav returns. 2-0-24-0 so far.

Digvesh Singh to Donovan Ferreira, On middle, pushed through mid on for one.

Digvesh Singh to Ravindra Jadeja, Full, outside off, Jadeja pushes this through mid off for a run.

Digvesh Singh to Donovan Ferreira, Outstanding from Nicholas Pooran again. Wonderful athleticism. Short, outside off, Donovan pulls it through mid-wicket, a bit uppishly. The ball is dying onto the fielder but Pooran still goes for the catch. Dives forward and picks the ball cleanly off the ground, ensuring that it does not go past him. Just a single taken. He would have had a split second to decide whether to go for the catch or stop the boundary behind.

Digvesh Singh to Donovan Ferreira, Tossed up, outside off, Ferreira goes for a wild hoick. The ball goes off the inner half of the bat towards short mid-wicket.

Digvesh Singh to Donovan Ferreira, Short, outside off, Donovan Ferreira pulls it through mid-wicket. Nicholas Pooran charges across to his right from deep mid-wicket, dives and parries the ball to his partner running across from deep square leg. Keeps the batters to a couple.

Digvesh Singh to Ravindra Jadeja, Full, outside off, Ravindra Jadeja presses and drives it through mid off for a single.

RAJASTHAN ROYALS' STRATEGIC TIMEOUT. The choke continues getting applied. Barring a one-odd over here and there, boundaries are barely coming. But wickets are regularly falling. Neither are the Royals able to score freely, nor are they able to build partnerships. If this 6th wicket stand is broken quickly as well, even 150 might not be attainable.

Mohammad Shami to Donovan Ferreira, Nice work by Digvesh Singh. He has already taken a pretty decent catch and now, shows again how much he is up for this clash. A short ball, outside off, Ferreira pulls it through mid on but Digvesh charges in from short mid-wicket and dives full length to his left, half-stopping the ball. It is enough to keep the batters where they are. 6 runs from the over which should have a wicket, but Mohammad Shami has done brilliantly for his 4-0-30-2.

Mohammad Shami to Ravindra Jadeja, Short, outside off, Jadeja swivels and pulls it to deep mid-wicket for a run.

Mohammad Shami to Ravindra Jadeja, Fuller, outside off, driven straight to mid off.

Mohammad Shami to Ravindra Jadeja, Outside off, on a length, Ravindra Jadeja goes for the pull but is done in by the slowness of the pitch. Mistimes it back to the bowler.

Mohammad Shami to Donovan Ferreira, On middle and off, pushed through mid on for a single.

Mohammad Shami to Donovan Ferreira, CATCH MISSED, FOUR! The move works almost immediately but LSG miss a catching opportunity! A short ball, outside off, Donovan Ferreira goes for the pull but is hurried by pace. Mistimes it straight to deep backward square leg. But Mayank Yadav over there charges in a bit too early, misjudging the flight and the ball goes over him, landing in front of the ropes and crossing beyond!

Pant goes for the kill. Mohammad Shami is being bowled out. 3-0-24-2 so far.

Digvesh Singh to Ravindra Jadeja, Full and down the leg side, Jadeja leans and sweeps it towards short fine leg. Wants the single but there is none there and he is sent back.

Digvesh Singh to Donovan Ferreira, Short, outside off, DF goes back for the cut. But the ball holds onto the surface and comes late, inducing another bottom edge. Gets past the bowler towards long off and the batters get a single.

Digvesh Singh to Ravindra Jadeja, On middle and leg, nudged behind square on the leg side for a run.

Digvesh Singh to Donovan Ferreira, A bit too straight, Donovan leans and works it through mid on for a single.

Digvesh Singh to Donovan Ferreira, Spins in a long way from outside off again, Ferreira looks to flick but misses and is hit on the pads.

Digvesh Singh to Donovan Ferreira, Full, outside off, Donovan Ferreira looks to drive but the ball spins back in sharply and goes off the inside edge back to the bowler.

Bowling change? Don't think Mayank Yadav will bowl more than 1-over spells at this stage. Indeed. Digvesh Singh returns. 1-0-6-0 so far.

Mohsin Khan to Donovan Ferreira, Shortish, on middle and off, Donovan whips it to deep mid-wicket for another single. A wicket and 4 runs from the over, Mohsin Khan's figures read 3-1-11-2 so far.

Mohsin Khan to Ravindra Jadeja, On middle and leg, Ravindra Jadeja plays a Nataraja flick, with his front leg in the air and back leg pivoting, towards deep square leg for one.

What's happened to whom? Oh dear... Rishabh Pant is the player in question again! How does he keep getting hit, inviting accidents? The replay shows the throw coming in from the deep to the keeper. Pant is ready to collect but he gets an awkward bounce and gets hit on his nose! And it is bleeding. The physio is out for the repair work. Thankfully, all in readiness now.

Mohsin Khan to Donovan Ferreira, Banged in short, Ferreira gets on top of the bounce and pulls it towards deep mid-wicket for a single to get off the mark.

Mohsin Khan to Donovan Ferreira, That is a beauty. On a length, outside off, coming back in, Donovan Ferreira looks to defend but the ball cuts him into half, going over the stumps.

Half the side down in a shade over the halfway mark of overs. Donovan Ferreira walks in next, at number 7, replacing Shimron Hetmyer. Can they repeat what they did against SRH a few nights ago?

Mohsin Khan to Shimron Hetmyer, OUT! CAUGHT! We were just wondering, why was Digvesh Singh taken off the attack with two left-handers at the crease. This is the reason. Pace is uncomfortable here at this venue for batters. On a length, around middle and off, probably the knuckle ball, taking all the pace off. Shimron Hetmyer is early into his flick and gets a leading edge, which pops up towards mid off. Prince Yadav makes no mistake. From 62/3, RR ARE NOW 77/5!

Mohsin Khan to Ravindra Jadeja, On middle and leg, nudged through square leg for a single.

76/4 at the halfway stage. One would believe that the Royals need AT LEAST ANOTHER 100 RUNS from here on to have a contest. Mohsin Khan is back on. 2-1-7-1 so far.

Mayank Yadav to Shimron Hetmyer, Full and outside off, SH drives it straight to cover. Good comeback by the bowler. After going for 14 runs in his first 3 balls, concedes none in the last 3.

Mayank Yadav to Shimron Hetmyer, Mayank dishes out a slower length ball, outside off. Shimron Hetmyer waits on it and gently taps it to the backward point fielder.

Mayank Yadav to Shimron Hetmyer, Closer to the off stump, Shimron tries to tap and run to the off side but gets too close to the ball. The ball hits the inside edge, deflects onto his pads and rolls past the off stump. The batter wants the single but is sent back.

Mayank Yadav to Shimron Hetmyer, FOUR! A handsome stroke! Mayank hits the fuller length, and slants it outside off. Shimron Hetmyer presses on the front foot, plays on the rise and cracks the drive to the left of mid off for a boundary. This is turning out to be a good over for the Royals after a few arid ones.

Mayank Yadav to Shimron Hetmyer, FOUR! That's 10 in 2 balls. Banged in short, around off, Hetmyer gets on top of the bounce and swats the pull through mid on and mid-wicket, beating long on to his left.

Mayank Yadav to Shimron Hetmyer, SIX! Nicely picked up and dispatched! Mayank almost clocks 150 kph, but bowls it in the slot, on middle. Shimron Hetmyer gets under the ball well and whips it aerially, parking it into the stands behind deep square leg.

Into the soft middle order now. Ravindra Jadeja, often named the man for crisis, walks in next, at number 6, replacing his skipper, Riyan Parag. Mayank Yadav returns as well. 1-0-10-0 so far.

Prince Yadav to Riyan Parag, OUT! CAUGHT! Parag tries the helicopter, but it comes crashing down! The RR skipper cannot believe it. Well, these are long boundaries at the Ekana, and scoring biggies is not that easy. Full and straight. Riyan Parag tries to flick it ala helicopter style and connects well too. But he is not quite able to get on top of the ball and hence, cannot quite find the exact elevation. The ball goes high in the air but the parabola is completed near the widish long on ropes, where Nicholas Pooran takes an easy catch. The 30-run stand has been broken and RR ARE 62/4 AFTER 9 OVERS!

Prince Yadav to Riyan Parag, Oh, a nip-backer from outside off, on a hard length. Parag watches it closely and blocks it to the off side.

Prince Yadav to Shimron Hetmyer, Full and straight, SH stylishly flicks it through mid-wicket for one.

Prince Yadav to Shimron Hetmyer, Prince cannons it full and on middle. Shimron has very little room to work with so he tucks it back at the bowler off the back foot.

Prince Yadav to Shimron Hetmyer, On a length, around off, Hetmyer looks to punch but gets a bottom edge back to the bowler.

Prince Yadav to Riyan Parag, Good length, nipping back in on off. Riyan Parag arches back and runs it to deep third for an easy run.

Digvesh Singh to Riyan Parag, On middle, whipped to long on for a single.

Digvesh Singh to Riyan Parag, Drops it a tad short, around off, 93.8 kph. Parag hangs back and knocks it to extra cover. The fielder, Pooran, dives to his right to stop the ball.

Digvesh Singh to Shimron Hetmyer, Short, around off, Hetmyer drags it through mid on for a run.

Digvesh Singh to Riyan Parag, A slider on a fuller length, on leg. Riyan Parag tries to flick the ball to the leg side, but gets a thick leading edge through mid off for a single.

Digvesh Singh to Riyan Parag, HETMYER IS SAFE! But only by just. Dear me, one would say that the West Indian has been given a wake up call. Fine lines in T20 cricket. On middle and leg, Riyan Parag tucked it through mid-wicket and called for two. Hetmyer agreed but probably took it very easy on the second run. Aiden Markram charged across from long on to his right, picked the ball up and scored a direct hit at the bowler's end. Hetmyer is seen jostling hard while LSG are celebrating, with the run out appeal being referred upstairs. Now, here is the drama on the replay. When the ball hits the stumps, Hetmyer is short of his crease, but when the bails alight, the bat gets in! Saved by the barest of margins. A wide smile crosses his face when NOT OUT flashes on the giant screen but that was a close escape. Simon Katich is on air and he will remember how he himself was run out in 2006 in Gqberha, by a freak called AB de Villiers, when the former took things just a bit lightly. This game never forgives.

Direct hit! Has Hetmyer been caught napping here? The run out appeal has been referred upstairs. Ooohh.... just in by a hair's breadth!

Digvesh Singh to Shimron Hetmyer, Tight line, on the stumps, on a length at 90.1 kph. Shimron Hetmyer goes back and dinks it into the deep mid-wicket region for a single.

LUCKNOW SUPER GIANTS' STRATEGIC TIMEOUT. Very surprising that Pant has called for the timeout. With momentum in his team's favour, one might have thought that he would wait till all the 9 overs are done. His bowlers have come out firing and more importantly, Shami has come out firing. This is what experience gives you. The other day, it was Bumrah shutting Gujarat out with the new ball. Today, it has been Shami who has choked the Royals. The ball has just not quite come onto the bat and the Team In Pink are finding it way too difficult to score. They need a partnership here, or maybe, someone to take a punt and do a counterattack. Digvesh Singh comes onto bowl now. So far, his notebook has been stashed safely somewhere this season, despite him picking up wickets.

Mayank Yadav to Riyan Parag, SIX! A gift to end the over. A full ball, slanting into the pads, Riyan Parag casually flicks it behind square leg and the ball travels all the way!

Mayank Yadav to Riyan Parag, Wow, a nicely-disguised slower yorker, dipping on the batter. Riyan Parag does well to shovel it out to the bowler.

Mayank Yadav to Riyan Parag, A good bouncer, around off, Riyan Parag arches away from that ball. Maybe, just for a millisecond, he thought of ramping it, before quickly realizing his team's position.

Mayank Yadav to Shimron Hetmyer, Short and rising at the shoulder height of the batter. Hetmyer controls the pull shot into the deep mid-wicket region for a single.

Mayank Yadav to Shimron Hetmyer, On a length, outside off, slanting away, Hetmyer slashes but misses.

Mayank Yadav to Shimron Hetmyer, WIDE. Opportunity missed. Short and down the leg side, Shimron Hetmyer gets across for the pull but misses to connect.

Mayank Yadav to Shimron Hetmyer, Mayank spears it full and wide outside off. Shimron Hetmyer presents the full face of his bat on the front foot and drives it crisply to deep extra cover. Prince Yadav does the hard yards to his left from deep backward point and cuts it off. The batters cross for two.

Time for the squeeze? The Powerplay has gone in a very fine fashion for the home side and it will hope to build on this. Here comes the pace sensation - Mayank Yadav.

Mohsin Khan to Shimron Hetmyer, Back of a length, outside off, Shimron pushes it behind point for a single. 7 from the over and RR end their Powerplay on 44/3!

Mohsin Khan to Riyan Parag, Insane level of acrobatics by Prince Yadav! Saves a certain six. Short around off, climbing at shoulder height of the captain. Parag uses the pace and ramps to clear the deep third fence, but does not have enough of it to do so. Prince runs and jumps to his left and while being airborne, he manages to throw the ball back in the playing area before going over the ropes. The replays confirm that Prince is not in contact with the ropes while holding the ball in hand. Just a single then.

Mohsin Khan to Riyan Parag, On a length, outside off, Parag fishes and misses.

Mohsin Khan to Riyan Parag, FOUR! Gets a good piece of wood on that! At 133.2 kph, this is dug into the pitch, and angled outside off. Parag stands tall and swats it over the leaping mid on fielder for a boundary.

Mohsin Khan to Shimron Hetmyer, On middle and leg, Shimron Hetmyer tucks it through square leg for a single.

Mohsin Khan to Shimron Hetmyer, Hits the hard length, on top of off. Hetmyer camps back and bunts it down the pitch.

Final over of the Powerplay. Mohsin Khan to continue.

Mohammad Shami to Riyan Parag, 5 dots on the trot to end the over. On a length, outside off, driven straight to cover.

Mohammad Shami to Riyan Parag, Around off, pushed towards cover.

Mohammad Shami to Riyan Parag, Full and just around off, RP defends it solidly.

Mohammad Shami to Riyan Parag, Similar ball, away movement, this time Riyan watches it go past.

Mohammad Shami to Riyan Parag, On a good length, just outside off, Parag thinks about playing at it, but then, at the last moment, takes his bat away.

Mohammad Shami to Riyan Parag, FOUR! Nicely played! Full and on the pads, Parag needs no second invitation. Plays a fluent flick through mid-wicket and it races away for four.

Mohammad Shami to Riyan Parag, WIDE. Spoils the hattrick ball. Full and down the leg side, Riyan Parag misses his flick.

Trouble brewing now. 'Jaisoorya' dismissed for a combined score of 30. Skipper Riyan Parag has walked out next, at number 5, replacing Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, to face the hattrick ball.

Mohsin Khan to Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, OUT! Straight up the chimney and taken! That's a remarkable catch from Digvesh and the home team is on top now. Mohsin pitches it in the vicinity of the off pole, and gets the ball to nip away a bit on a fuller length. Vaibhav Sooryavanshi tries to heave the ball across to the leg side, but gets it sliced high up over the cover region. Nicholas Pooran from backward point and Digvesh Singh from extra cover run backward, but the former, Digvesh, calls for it, covers a lot of ground and takes a fine running catch. 32/0 becomes 32/3 for the Royals as their top three are blown away in a blink. A WICKET MAIDEN from Mohsin.

Mohsin Khan to Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, On a length, just outside off, VS pushes inside the line without moving his feet and nearly nicks it behind. 5 dots in this over now.

Mohsin Khan to Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, And again. Dot ball number 4. And if you add the last 2 balls of the previous over, we have actually had a full over of dots, a maiden. Full and straight, Vaibhav drives it with more conviction and timing this time, but straight to mid on.

Mohsin Khan to Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, On middle and off, Sooryavanshi walks across a touch and flicks it away, but cannot beat mid on.

Mohsin Khan to Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Full and straight, pushed towards mid off.

Mohsin Khan to Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, On a good length, around off, angling away, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi guides this behind point.

Okay, time for a team hattrick? Shami will be on a hattrick when he comes on for his third over but LSG have taken 2 in 2. So they are on a hattrick as well. Mohsin Khan has been given the ball now.

Mohammad Shami to Dhruv Jurel, OUT! EDGED AND TAKEN EASILY! That's a ripper from Shami and he is on a Hat Trick now. Beautiful seam presentation from the veteran pacer and he gets the ball to curve away from the off stump line, on a fractionally fuller length. Dhruv Jurel is invited on the front foot and he draws forward with a gentle poke and gets a faint outside edge, offering a simple catching practice to Pant behind the wickets. RR are 32/2 and are in a spot of bother.

'Jaisoorya' separated early tonight. Dhruv Jurel walks in next, at number 3, replacing Yashasvi Jaiswal.

Mohammad Shami to Yashasvi Jaiswal, OUT! CAUGHT! Pant takes a screamer and Shami shows who is the boss. A quick short ball, at the batter's head, around leg stump, Yashasvi Jaiswal goes for the hook but is in no control whatsoever. The ball goes off something behind and once again, the keeper, Rishabh Pant, leaps to collect it. He straightaway starts celebrating and the umpire raises his finger. Yes, there is glove involved and Jaiswal has to go! A snorter from Shami and a ripper from Pant. Jaiswal departs for 22 (12) and RR ARE 32/1 AFTER 2.5 OVERS!

Mohammad Shami to Yashasvi Jaiswal, FOUR! Not timed that well, but well enough to clear the inner ring! Slightly fuller than the previous ball, and outside the off stump line. Yashasvi Jaiswal presses forward and lofts it just over the leaping mid off fielder for a boundary.

Angle change. Shami switches back to over the wicket.

Mohammad Shami to Yashasvi Jaiswal, FOUR MORE! This is even better. The ball was not bad at all. Shami bowled this on a good length outside off and got it to come back in, cramping Jaiswal for room. But the southpaw, arched back, created his own room and guided it behind point for consecutive boundaries!

Mohammad Shami to Yashasvi Jaiswal, FOUR! Punished! Shami lands it on a good length, with a hint of an away shape, outside off. Yashasvi Jaiswal throws his bat at it from the crease and thrashes it over cover-point for a cracking boundary.

Mohammad Shami to Yashasvi Jaiswal, Full and wide outside off, dangling the carrot, Yashasvi Jaiswal throws his bat at it, without moving his feet and misses.

Prince Yadav to Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Another sharp ball to end the over. Short again, this time at the head, VS sways away from the line. Good finish from Prince after going for 13 runs in his first 3 balls.

Prince Yadav to Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Excellent take by Rishabh Pant. A sharp bouncer, around middle and leg, Vaibhav ducks. The ball though, keeps on climbing and the keeper has to leap full stretch to collect it with his right glove.

Prince Yadav to Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Misses out. Full and down the leg side, with fine leg up. Sooryavanshi flicks it away, but cannot get it past Mohammad Shami at short fine leg.

Prince Yadav to Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, FOUR! Excellent shot! Short of a good length, around off. Vaibhav Sooryavanshi rises with the bounce, gets enough space to free his arms and pins it into the gap of backward point and cover with a beautiful square cut to get a boundary.

Prince Yadav to Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, FOUR! Well, that's the first ball this kid has faced and any surprises? Uh... okay. Not a six? Boundary will do. Full and around middle, curving in, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi leans across and flicks it beautifully between mid on and mid-wicket for a boundary!

Prince Yadav to Yashasvi Jaiswal, Overthrows! This time, it is Mohsin in the hotspot. Prince starts with a length ball, on the leg stump line with a good bit of bounce around the ribs. Yashasvi Jaiswal gets on the toes and tucks it to the square leg region and they decide to cross over for a single. But Sooryavanshi is a tad lethargic and sensing that, Mohsin Khan releases the throw at the batting end, but misses his shy. Even worse, the backing up fielder at cover-point, Mukul Choudhary, fails to stop the ball to his left and it races away to the deep cover fence.

Tidy start from Shami. Prince Yadav will share the new ball.

Mohammad Shami to Yashasvi Jaiswal, Back of a length, outside off, coming right back in. YJ is equally good, waiting for the ball to swing in and then dabbing it to the left of deep third, for a single. Not a single ball faced by his partner in this over.

Mohammad Shami to Yashasvi Jaiswal, On a length, outside off, Yashasvi lets it through.

Mohammad Shami to Yashasvi Jaiswal, FOUR! Misfield! Could have been a better effort. On a back of a length, on a tight line, but a little bit straight on the pads. Yashasvi Jaiswal uses the pace of the ball and guides it behind, playing it a lot fine to the leg side. Mukul Choudhary from deep fine leg runs and dives to his left, but the ball gets parried off his fingers to the ropes.

Mohammad Shami to Yashasvi Jaiswal, On a good length, around leg stump, Jaiswal looks to tuck it away but misses and is hit on the pads again. No appeal this time.

Mohammad Shami to Yashasvi Jaiswal, ANOTHER WIDE. Second in this over. Way outside off, easier leave for Yashasvi.

Mohammad Shami to Yashasvi Jaiswal, On a length, outside off, angling away, left alone.

Mohammad Shami to Yashasvi Jaiswal, Big shout for LBW, but no review taken. Did that take the inside edge? It definitely pitched in line for sure. Was it doing too much? Nothing on UltraEdge when ball is near the bat. Ball Tracking indicates that it is going over the stumps. Excellent decision by the on-field umpire first up and even better from the fielding side not to review it. Coming to the ball, it landed on a length slightly short of full, swinging in, Jaiswal fell over trying to flick and missed the ball, getting hit on the pads.

Mohammad Shami to Yashasvi Jaiswal, WIDE. Full and down the leg side, Yashasvi Jaiswal misses his flick.

Time for action - The two umpires walk out to the middle, followed by the LSG players and the refined version of the tormentor of many a team in the 90s - that tornado's name was Sanath Jayasuriya. The 2026 version is 'JaiSoorya'. The willows of mass destruction are waiting to fire. Mohammad Shami has the new ball in his hand. Jaiswal to face. A wide first slip, along with a second slip, are awaiting. Here we go...

Overseas players in the impact-sub options? Does look a bit weird. As per the IPL norms, you are not allowed to use any overseas player as an impact sub, if the playing XI has 4 already in it. While LSG can still utilize George Linde or Matthew Breetzke as they have 3 overseas players in their playing XI, the only reason I can think of RR having Lhuan-dre Pretorius in their impact sub options' list is because he is a keeper and can chip in as a substitute, should Jurel suffer any injury. Other than that, he won't be able to do anything else.

I told I am going to lose the toss - Cheeky, aye? Well, that's exactly what Rajasthan Royals' captain, Riyan Parag said, when asked about what would he have done had he won the toss! Adds that he was confused, whether to bat or bowl first on this surface, so is eventually happy that he did not have to take a decision. From past knowledge, Parag says that they had played some domestic games here and the pitch slowed down in the second innings then. Is hoping for more of the same in this clash.  Daren Ganga then gives him a long stat about how RR have actually thrown their wickets away, hinting that maybe, the batters need to respect the conditions. To this, Riyan believes that his side, in general, has batted pretty well. Adds that even in their last game against KKR, they just made a few miscalculations in the middle overs, otherwise the way Jaiswal and Sooryavanshi batted on that difficult track, was admirable. Stresses that the message to the team is that if they play 40 overs of good cricket, they can win. On the team news, the skipper informs that they are going with the same team from their last match.

Need to figure out a way - The skipper of Lucknow Super Giants, RISHABH PANT, says that they have been playing in these conditions and admits that they are still figuring out what's the best combination for them. Stresses on putting the opposition under pressure. Admits that the last few games have been really challenging for them and as players, he adds, they are looking to find ways to get back on track. Pant further tells that they need to figure out a way, just to unwind how they want to play on this surface and that they are not looking it as a disadvantage. Stresses on playing fearless cricket. On discussions ahead of this game, he shares that they have tried to make little changes than massive ones keeping stability in the team. Informs that Digvesh Singh comes in for Manimaran Siddharth.

Impact options for LSG - Himmat Singh, George Linde, Manimaran Siddharth, Matthew Breetzke and Abdul Samad.

Lucknow Super Giants (Playing XI) - Ayush Badoni, Mitchell Marsh (OVERSEAS), Rishabh Pant (C AND WK), Aiden Markram (OVERSEAS), Nicholas Pooran (OVERSEAS), Mukul Choudhary, Mohammad Shami, Mohsin Khan, Prince Yadav, Digvesh Singh (IN FOR MANIMARAN SIDDHARTH) and Mayank Yadav (IN FOR AVESH KHAN).

Impact options for RR - Lhuan-dre Pretorius, Ravi Singh, Yash Punja, Shubham Dubey and Tushar Deshpande.

Rajasthan Royals (UNCHANGED Playing XI) - Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Dhruv Jurel (WK), Riyan Parag (C), Shimron Hetmyer (OVERSEAS), Donovan Ferreira (OVERSEAS), Ravindra Jadeja, Jofra Archer (OVERSEAS), Nandre Burger (OVERSEAS), Brijesh Sharma and Ravi Bishnoi.

Toss goes Pant's way - The two captains, Rishabh Pant and Riyan Parag are out in the middle for the TOSS. Pant, being the home captain, will flip the coin and Parag will call. Heads is the call but it is a Tail. Lucknow Super Giants elect to bowl first.

Scoring is difficult - Former Aussie grinder Simon Katich and former Indian spinner Murali Kartik are doing the PITCH REPORT for this clash. Kartik informs that he is standing at the Pavilion End and from there, he points out the dimensions. Says the square boundaries are 56 meters and 64 meters, with the straight hit being 77 meters. Stresses that this is one of those venues where scoring freely has been usually tough. Informs that in the 12 of the last 15 games, the teams chasing have won. Katich joins in and observes it is a red-soil pitch and calls it a pretty good track. Also mentions that this is the lowest-scoring venue in this season of the IPL. The reason, for that, he points out is that it has got the most amount of turn, (2.3 degrees, as shown in the on-air graphic). Reckons that there will be some turn later as it's pretty warm and there is a bit of moisture as well. So, he thinks that it might slow up later as the game progresses. On being asked about what would the captains like to do winning the toss, Katich affirms that you can win here batting first, but for that you need to bat really well. Informs that the average first inning score here has been 153, way down from 193 last year and also reckons that this will be hard work for the batters this evening. Kartik closes out by noting that it will be an interesting contest as LSG haven't set targets well, while the Royals have been pretty good in doing so.

Staying really patient - One of the failing stars of Lucknow Super Giants, Nicholas Pooran, is up for a chat with the on-air broadcasters. On being asked about his batting form, he admits that it is going very well in the nets but not in the game when needed. Adds that he is staying really patient from his side. Says that T20 format can be consistent but it can get frustrating at times as well and adds that these are the kind of moments that challenge you as an individual to stay in the fight. On the specifics that he's been working on to elevate his game, Pooran just puts it down to being ready for the opportunity and following the right processes. Stresses that he needs to make that opportunity count in the game and do what's required for the team. About the conversations in the team to get that batting clicking, he starts by crediting the bowlers who have been in good form. On the batting, he admits that they have been inconsistent and haven't achieved what they want so far. Details that they have made some changes in the batting lineup and is hopeful that will answer the questions and hopes that the batters take the responsibility as well. On the pitch, he says he hasn't yet looked at the pitch but expects it to be a good wicket with something in it for the bowlers early on. Stresses on being smart about reading the conditions.

Just a small speedbreaker - Maybe, maybe not. Are things still rosy for the team in Pink? Just two losses on the trot, right? That's how unforgiving this tournament is. One slip and it turns into a massive banana peel. Additionally, Rajasthan Royals seem to be buckling under pressure. Their batting has come under the scanner after back-to-back collapses and Riyan Parag will know how quickly momentum shifts in this tournament. They are sitting in 4th place right now, with 8 points on the board, but with 5 teams at 6 and 4 points combined, their position could quickly become a doldrum, if not rectified soon.

Calm, but for how long? Normally, when one steps into Lucknow, an etiquette of class steps in, which reminds one of the ethnicity of the royals. There is a sea of calmness around, as if to say, let even time stop here for a while, have a smell of the Lucknowi Ittar and then carry on its running. But the same cannot be said about the Super Giants. 2 wins from 3 games looked pretty good, with a long season looming. But now, while the number of wins have stayed the same, the number of games have doubled. Meaning, for stand-alone qualification, LSG will have to win at least 7 from their remaining 8 matches. Less would do, but that would mean taking favours from other teams and Lady Luck. With both, batting and bowling misfiring, the think tank has a massive headache right now.

Light after sunset? Ummm.... does not happen right, usually? Okay, let's say we have dusk for some time, but that's not there for a long time. As far as this game is concerned though, both teams are coming in with a bit of a brood - 3 losses in a row for Lucknow Super Giants and 2 in a row for Rajasthan Royals. Come what may, in this penultimate week of April, one will definitely get off the losing rut. While RR start as favourites for that, you can never count out any team in this League. Hello and a warm welcome to match 32 of the Indian Premier League between Lucknow Super Giants and Rajasthan Royals at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow.

... MATCH DAY ...

Crucial mid-season battle - Match 32 of the 2026 IPL season sees a clash between Lucknow Super Giants and Rajasthan Royals at the Ekana Stadium in Lucknow. With both teams trying to arrest mini-slumps, this encounter carries significant weight in shaping the points table dynamics. The Super Giants enter this fixture under pressure, currently languishing near the bottom half of the table and coming off three consecutive defeats. Their latest setback was a heavy loss while chasing 250-plus, highlighting glaring issues in both bowling execution and finishing with the bat. Rajasthan Royals, on the other hand, began the season strongly but have recently lost momentum with back-to-back defeats, slipping slightly despite still being among the top sides. Looking for home comfort - Currently sitting 9th with only 2 wins from 6 games, Rishabh Pant’s side is almost in 'must-win' territory. The local fans are looking toward Mukul Choudhary, the breakout star of the season, to provide the late-inning fireworks. LSG’s primary concern with the bat is their middle order, as Nicholas Pooran and Rishabh Pant have both struggled for consistency, with strike rates uncharacteristically low for the duo. With the ball, LSG had been the most economical side in this year's tournament, but in the last match, they conceded in excess of 250 runs, and that is a big worry. They might bring back Digvesh Singh in place of a pacer, but which one is a big question. Mohammad Shami is picking up wickets early on, and Prince Yadav has been fantastic during all phases. Avesh Khan is their death-over specialist, and Mohsin Khan only returned to the team in the previous game, showing glimpses of brilliance, but one does feel it will have to be one of the Khans if Digvesh does return to the XI. A bid to avoid a slump - Under the captaincy of Riyan Parag, RR have looked clinical, holding a spot in the top four of the points table despite suffering a couple of defeats in their last two games. The team underwent a massive transformation in the off-season, losing Sanju Samson to CSK but gaining the experience of Ravindra Jadeja. The opening pair of Yashasvi Jaiswal and teen sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has been the most explosive in the Powerplay this year. The biggest problem for the Royals in the two defeats has been that their batting order has faltered, failing to breach the 160-run barrier. In the match against SRH, RR were reduced to a shocking 9/5, but in their last game against KKR, the first wicket fell when the score was 81 in the 9th and still their middle order couldn't capitalise at all. The bowling has been pretty well-rounded thus far, and the presence of Ravi Bishnoi will certainly help the Royals as he knows all about the somewhat treacherous Lucknow pitch. Pitch and conditions - The pitch at the Ekana Stadium is generally less batter-friendly than all the other venues we see in this competition. It starts off having some good purchase for the pacer but slows down significantly around the 6-8 over mark, which brings the spinners into play big time. In terms of the weather, clear skies are expected with temperatures in and around the 35-degree Celsius mark. Also, the dew factor isn't expected to play a substantial role, which should offer a good chance of the team batting first to defend the total. Form (Last 5 completed IPL games, recent first) - LSG - LLLWW | RR - LLWWW. Predictions? This is shaping up to be a finely balanced contest, with both teams struggling for rhythm at present. While the Rajasthan Royals appear to be the more settled side on paper and also in terms of the points table, Lucknow Super Giants have the advantage of home conditions and a point to prove. Expect a tight, not-so-high-scoring thriller if the pitch plays true to its slow nature. Who do you think will come out on top?