New Delhi: In the thrilling second match of the IPL 2025 double-header, Rajasthan Royals edged past Chennai Super Kings by 6 runs. Rajasthan posted a total of 182 runs while batting first, and in response, Chennai could only manage 176 runs in 20 overs.

Nitish Rana’s Blazing 81-Run Knock

Rajasthan Royals had a shaky start as Yashasvi Jaiswal got out in the first over itself. However, Nitish Rana took charge and played an explosive knock, smashing 81 runs off just 36 balls, including 5 sixes and 10 fours. Despite his brilliance, CSK bowlers made a strong comeback in the last eight overs, restricting Rajasthan to 182 runs.

For Chennai, Khaleel Ahmed, Matheesha Pathirana, and Noor Ahmed took two wickets each, while Ravindra Jadeja and Ravichandran Ashwin claimed one wicket each.

CSK’s Poor Start, Hasaranga Turns Hero

Chasing 183, Chennai had a terrible start as Rachin Ravindra was dismissed for a duck in the very first over by Jofra Archer. Rahul Tripathi (23) and Ruturaj Gaikwad (63) tried to stabilize the innings, but Wanindu Hasaranga’s sensational bowling dismantled CSK’s batting lineup as he took four crucial wickets.

Impact player Shivam Dube (18) and Vijay Shankar (9) failed to make a significant contribution. Skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad played a solid knock of 63 runs off 44 balls but eventually fell to Hasaranga.

Dhoni Arrived, But Couldn’t Finish the Job

MS Dhoni walked in after Ruturaj’s dismissal in the 16th over, with CSK needing 54 runs off the last 25 balls. However, Rajasthan’s bowlers kept things tight. In the final over, CSK required 20 runs for victory, but Dhoni got caught out on the very first ball, shattering fans’ hopes as CSK lost by 6 runs.

Dhoni scored 16 runs off 11 balls, while Ravindra Jadeja remained unbeaten with 32 runs off 22 balls.

Hasaranga’s Match-Winning Spell

Wanindu Hasaranga was the star with the ball, picking up 4 wickets for 35 runs in his 4-over spell. Jofra Archer (3 overs, 13 runs, 1 wicket) and Sandeep Sharma (4 overs, 42 runs, 1 wicket) also bowled well.With this victory,   Rajasthan Royals have strengthened their position in the race for the playoffs.