In a jaw-dropping finish at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium, Avesh Khan emerged as Lucknow Super Giants’ savior, defending eight runs off the final five balls and securing a thrilling 2-run win over Rajasthan Royals in Match 36 of IPL 2025.

With 8 needed off the last 5 balls, drama unfolded as Avesh Khan handed the ball to the umpire, prompting a ball changemuch to the visible displeasure of both captains Rishabh Pant and Avesh himself.

The old ball had begun reversing, and its replacement introduced a fresh layer of unpredictability to the tense chase.

Here’s how the final five balls played out after the change:

Ball 1 (19.2): Avesh Khan to Shimron Hetmyer, 2 runs. A wide delivery, Hetmyer sliced it to third man. Shardul Thakur fumbled, and the batters scrambled back for a second run.
Ball 2 (19.3): Avesh to Hetmyer, OUT! The pressure finally told as Hetmyer miscued a flick straight to Thakur at deep backward square leg.
Ball 3 (19.4): Shubham Dubey walked in, and Avesh nailed a 141.7 kph yorker.

No run.
Ball 4 (19.5): Avesh to Dubey, dropped! A high full toss was skied to long-on, where David Miller dropped a tough chance, allowing 2 runs.
Ball 5 (19.6): The final ball. 4 needed. Dubey drilled it back at Avesh, who stuck out his hand instinctively. The ball smashed into his palm and ricocheted off his boot toward extra cover. The Royals could only manage a single.

Avesh immediately dropped to the ground, writhing in pain as his teammates mobbed him in celebration. He had not only defended the final runs but also put his body on the line to do it.

The final over read: 2, W, 0, 2, 1 — a nervy five-ball spell that began with a ball change and ended with a warrior’s effort.

Avesh Khan’s spell (3.4-0-33-2) may not look extraordinary on paper, but his final five deliveries were nothing short of heroic.