Nitish, Hasaranga star as Rajasthan Royals secure first win of season

Rajasthan Royals secured their first win of the season by beating Chennai Super Kings by six runs after surviving a thriller at the  Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati.

After facing defeats against Sunrisers Hyderabad and defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders, Riyan Parag's team finally managed to win in their final home game in Guwahati.

Nitish Rana's sensational knock of 81 runs from just 36 deliveries combined with spinner Wanindu Hasaranga's four-wicket haul helped the Royals post 182-9 before restricting CSK at 176 for 6. 

In a game that saw multiple momentum swings, Sandeep Sharma dismissed MS Dhoni in the final over denying the CSK of a victory. 

For Chennai Super Kings, Noor Ahmad and Matheesha Pathirana returned identical figures of 2 for 28 while Khaleel Ahmed also accounted for two wickets.

"Took a lot of time, just two games, but felt really long. We still think we were 20 short. We lost a couple of wickets quickly (in the middle overs). But we bowled really well. We have had two tough games, but the chat was to forget those games, come with a fresh mindset, and have a good game collectively," Parag told ESPNcricinfo.

Despite the celebrations, RR's captain was hit with a hefty fine for violating an IPL rule with a slow over-rate. 

RR, ninth on the points table, will take on Punjab Kings next on April 5th, while CSK, at 7th place, will face Delhi Capitals in Chennai earlier that day.