Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) pacer Avesh Khan delivered a crucial breakthrough in their IPL 2026 clash against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), dismissing the dangerous Heinrich Klaasen with the help of a sensational diving catch from skipper Rishabh Pant on April 5. SRH endured a dramatic batting innings filled with sharp highs and alarming lows.
The hosts were rocked early after being asked to bat first, losing Travis Head and Abhishek Sharma for just eight runs. The troubles deepened when captain Ishan Kishan departed for a solitary run, followed by Liam Livingstone, who failed to convert his start. At 26/4, SRH were staring at a complete collapse.
However, Heinrich Klaasen and Nitish Kumar Reddy steadied the innings with a brilliant 116-run partnership for the fifth wicket. The duo counter-attacked with intent, shifting momentum back in SRH’s favour and putting LSG under pressure. Reddy played a fluent knock of 56 off 33 balls, while Klaasen looked equally dangerous with his aggressive strokeplay.
WATCH – Rishabh Pant’s Stunning Catch Sends Liam Livingstone Packing in IPL 2026 Clash
Just when SRH seemed set for a strong finish, LSG struck back in the death overs. Manimaran Siddharth broke the stand by dismissing Reddy in the 18th over, triggering another collapse. Moments later, Avesh Khan removed Klaasen in the 19th over with a moment of brilliance behind the stumps.
Avesh Khan disrupts #SRH’s momentum 😤
🎥 Back to back wickets including a fine catch by skipper Rishabh Pant bring @LucknowIPL back in contest 👊
Updates ▶️ https://t.co/qC2rF1Hiiz#TATAIPL | #KhelBindaas | #SRHvLSG pic.twitter.com/zFPWNdaZCs
— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) April 5, 2026
Klaasen attempted a reverse shot to a full delivery angling into him, but mistimed it badly. The ball flew finer than expected, and Pant reacted instantly, diving full stretch to his right to complete a stunning one-handed catch. The dismissal came within three deliveries of Reddy’s wicket, halting SRH’s late surge.
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Earlier, LSG’s bowlers had set the tone. Mohammed Shami struck early with clever variations to remove both openers, while Prince Yadav bowled a superb inswinger to dismiss Kishan. Despite Klaasen and Reddy’s resistance, SRH eventually managed to post 156 on the board.
With a modest total to defend, the pressure now shifts to SRH’s bowling unit. Meanwhile, LSG will look to capitalise on their disciplined bowling effort and Pant’s leadership as they chase their first win of IPL 2026.
