Buttler and Avesh Shine in IPL 2025 Thrillers
Two thrilling contests in the Indian Premier League 2025 reignited the competitive spirit of the tournament and left fans captivated with stunning individual performances, powerful partnerships, and remarkable fightbacks. At the grand Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, Jos Buttler’s unbeaten 97 spearheaded Gujarat Titans’ record chase of over 200 runs against Delhi Capitals. Meanwhile, in Jaipur, Avesh Khan’s nerveless final over for Lucknow Super Giants saw them edge past Rajasthan Royals by just two runs in a dramatic finish.
Buttler’s Unbeaten Knock Rescues Titans And Tops Table
In a contest packed with energy and expectations, Gujarat Titans took on the high-flying Delhi Capitals in Match 35 of the tournament. The stakes were already high with both teams jostling for the top spot, and the encounter did not disappoint. Buttler, playing under severe heat and battling visible cramps, carved out one of the finest innings of the season. His 97 off 54 deliveries remained the cornerstone of Gujarat’s successful chase of 204, which they achieved with just four balls to spare.
Gujarat’s run chase had its fair share of early hiccups, especially when captain Shubman Gill was run out in the second over. Karun Nair’s sharp throw ended the skipper’s night early, leaving fans momentarily stunned. But Buttler and young Sai Sudharsan steadied the innings with calmness and purpose. Sudharsan’s ability to rotate strike and find occasional boundaries gave the Englishman enough time to assess conditions and slowly move into a more attacking mode.
By the fifth over, Buttler began to open his shoulders. Vipraj Nigam’s over saw him dispatch two towering sixes, and the energy in the stadium shifted. Even when Sudharsan was dismissed in the eighth over, caught off Kuldeep Yadav’s clever short delivery, Buttler ensured the momentum remained in Gujarat’s favour.
Sherfane Rutherford Joins The Charge In Crucial Partnership
Sherfane Rutherford entered the fray with the intent to support Buttler and keep the scoreboard ticking. What followed was a pivotal 119-run partnership that laid the foundation for the Titans’ win. Rutherford’s clean striking and strong running between the wickets complimented Buttler’s calculated assault. The duo mixed patience with power, converting singles into twos and punishing loose deliveries effectively.
As the match edged closer to the final stretch, it was the 15th over that proved decisive. Delhi captain Axar Patel turned to experienced Australian pacer Mitchell Starc, hoping for a breakthrough. Instead, Buttler went on a rampage, smashing five consecutive boundaries, draining any remaining hopes for the Capitals. This over broke the back of Delhi’s bowling effort and brought Gujarat within touching distance of victory.
Although Mukesh Kumar managed to dismiss Rutherford in the penultimate over, caught by Starc after a valiant 46, Gujarat needed just 10 runs in the final over. Rahul Tewatia, known for his fearless hitting, wasted no time. A six off the first delivery and a boundary off a yorker sealed the match in Gujarat’s favour. The Titans not only won the game but climbed to the top of the IPL table, leapfrogging Delhi due to a superior net run rate.
Prasidh Krishna’s Purple Patch With Four Crucial Wickets
Before Gujarat’s batting heroics, it was Prasidh Krishna who played a significant role in restricting Delhi to 203. Despite a promising start by the Capitals, Krishna’s accurate and fiery spell pegged them back just when they were looking to push past 220. He dismissed Karun Nair, KL Rahul, and later came back to remove lower-order batters, finishing with figures of 4-41.
His efforts were not only vital in reducing Delhi’s chances of building a mammoth total but also earned him the Purple Cap, with 14 wickets now under his belt this season. Krishna’s form continues to be a huge boost for the Titans, providing them with a genuine wicket-taking option in every phase of the game.
Delhi’s top-order showed early promise with quick runs, and batters like Axar Patel and Ashutosh Sharma kept the scoreboard moving. Still, the middle and lower order could not capitalize. The Capitals will feel they left 15–20 runs behind, which eventually made the difference.
Avesh Khan’s Death Over Heroics Shock Rajasthan In Jaipur
As the drama in Ahmedabad settled, another high-stakes contest in Jaipur was just reaching its peak. Rajasthan Royals, playing in front of their home crowd, looked on course for a comfortable chase of 180 runs against Lucknow Super Giants. At 156/2 after 17 overs, with Yashasvi Jaiswal and Riyan Parag in control, victory appeared to be just a matter of time.
However, cricket’s unpredictability surfaced once more. Avesh Khan, known for his accuracy and calmness under pressure, produced a spell for the ages. His over in the 18th removed Jaiswal, who had anchored the innings with a composed 74, and Parag for 39. Suddenly, Rajasthan were on the back foot.
As the tension mounted, the final over arrived with just nine runs required. The odds still favoured Rajasthan, with experienced players like Shimron Hetmyer at the crease. But Avesh Khan remained unfazed. He dismissed Hetmyer and conceded only six runs in the over, sealing a stunning win for the Super Giants and turning the stadium into a sea of disbelief.
Rajasthan’s Consecutive Close Defeats Raise Serious Questions
This loss marked Rajasthan Royals’ fourth consecutive defeat, with two of them coming in eerily similar fashion—failing to finish relatively simple chases. The defeat against Lucknow brought back bitter memories of their previous match, where Sandeep Sharma had conceded four sixes in the final over to Abdul Samad, allowing another game to slip away.
Despite strong individual performances, the Royals’ inability to close out games is fast becoming a concern. Their captain and management now have significant decisions to make regarding their bowling combinations and finishing strategies, especially in pressure moments. Yashasvi Jaiswal’s return to form was a silver lining, but that alone might not be enough as the business end of the season nears.
Lucknow’s Balanced Approach Keeps Them In Playoff Contention
On the other hand, Lucknow Super Giants have consistently shown resilience and depth. Whether it’s the calm head of captain KL Rahul guiding the innings or the youthful energy of players like Ravi Bishnoi and Avesh Khan delivering in crunch situations, the team continues to punch above its weight. Their 180-run total was set up by a steady start and some clean finishing by Marcus Stoinis and Nicholas Pooran.
Their bowling strategy, especially at the death, is proving effective. Avesh Khan’s 3-37 earned him the Player of the Match award and drew attention to his maturing game awareness. With their latest win, Lucknow remains firmly in the hunt for a top-four finish.
IPL 2025 Continues To Deliver Unpredictable Entertainment
The twin blockbusters on Saturday reaffirmed the essence of the Indian Premier League—unpredictability, star power, and edge-of-the-seat drama. From Gujarat Titans’ record chase powered by a valiant Jos Buttler to Lucknow’s remarkable defense of a par total, the day was filled with moments that will be remembered throughout the season.
It also threw up new heroes—Prasidh Krishna’s consistency, Avesh Khan’s composure, and Buttler’s extraordinary determination. These performances not only changed the complexion of the points table but also set the stage for more enthralling battles in the weeks to come.
As the IPL 2025 season heads into its second half, every match now holds the potential to define the playoff race. For teams like Delhi and Rajasthan, introspection and re-strategizing are the need of the hour. For Gujarat and Lucknow, the momentum is now their ally.
Final Thoughts On A Pivotal Day In IPL 2025
Saturday’s matches offered fans the full spectrum of emotions—from joy and thrill to heartbreak and despair. While Jos Buttler’s near-century brought smiles to Gujarat fans, Avesh Khan’s last-over mastery silenced an expectant Jaipur crowd. Both performances reminded everyone why the IPL remains one of the most celebrated cricket leagues in the world.
With the playoffs race heating up and only a handful of games left for each team, performances like these will likely define not only the finalists but also the narrative of this year’s edition. The only certainty is that more drama lies ahead.
