Lucknow Super Giants registered their fifth win of the Indian Premier League as they edged Rajasthan Royals by two runs in the another much-anticipated clash that lived up to its billing, except for two West Indian stars, who failed to leave their usual mark

Nicholas Pooran and Shimron Hetmyer, both known for their flair and firepower, had quiet nights in a closely fought encounter at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium on Saturday.

Scores: Lucknow Super Giants 180-5 (20 overs); Rajasthan Royals 178-5 (20 overs)

Pooran, in red-hot form this season, seemed poised to unleash another quick-fire cameo. Instead, he flickered briefly with two boundaries before falling for 11 off eight balls in what was his most subdued innings in recent weeks. His departure was part of an early wobble that left LSG tottering at 54-3.

However, Aiden Markram, with 66 off 45 balls, and Ayush Badoni, with a 34-ball 50, rescued the innings with a crucial 76-run fourth-wicket stand that restored momentum. Both took the Royals’ attack to task, as Markram struck five fours and three sixes, and Badoni hit five fours and one six, before both fell in quick succession.

But Abdul Samad’s explosive 30 off 10 balls, punctuated by four sixes, gave LSG the thrust they needed to post what turned out to be a match-winning total.

Rajasthan Royals’ bowlers, especially Wanindu Hasaranga (2-31), had moments of brilliance but were undone by late-innings acceleration.

In response, Rajasthan Royals' chase began with a storybook twist. Making headlines even before facing a ball, 14-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi, the youngest ever to debut in IPL history, announced himself in style when he hooked his very first delivery for a six. Alongside Yashasvi Jaiswal, who topscored with 74 off 52 balls, the pair stitched together a solid 85-run opening stand that laid a platform to chase down the target.

But the innings unraveled at crucial points. Suryavanshi’s dream debut ended on 34 off 20 balls and included two fours and three sixes, while Nitish Rana (eight) went cheaply. Though Captain Riyan Parag, who made a 26-ball 39, and Jaiswal fought valiantly in a 62-run third-wicket stand, the dismissal of both by Avesh Khan (3-37) shifted the tide.

Jaiswal had five fours and four sixes in his knock, while Parag struck three fours and two sixes before they were bowled and trapped in front by Khan, respectively.

At 161-4 with 12 balls remaining, Hetmyer, Rajasthan Royals' trusted finisher, tried to seal the deal, but this was not his night either. Despite striking two early boundaries, he was caught in the deep off Khan’s bowling in the final over, and Rajasthan Royals fell short as Dhruv Jurel (six not out) and Shubham Dubey (three not out) failed to clear the ropes in the final three balls.

The result sees LSG climb to fourth on 10 points, while Rajasthan Royals remain stranded in eighth with just four points.