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Lucknow Super Giants claimed their first win of the season in a final over thriller against SRH. Captain Rishabh Pant hit the winning boundary, which was hit back into the field of play Avesh Khan in celebration. The video has since gone viral where netizens have claimed SRH were due for a 5-run penalty as Avesh flouted the rules of the game. Fact check confirms that no such rule exists.

Lucknow Super Giants captain Rishabh Pant smashed a fine half-century to drag his side to their first win of IPL 2026. Chasing 157 to win, Pant held anchor to score his first half-century of the season to seal a final over run chase. Pant sealed the win with a boundary off the penultimate ball of the 20th over.

However, what happened later is what sparked controversy. Pant's shot was hit back on the field by Avesh Khan who was padded up in the dug out. Although comical, Arshin Kulkarni raised his hand in disbelief to Avesh's reaction. Soon claims sparked online that SRH could have appealed the same which would have resulted in a 5-run penalty for LSG. That would have effectively kept them in the contest, with the visitors then needing 6 off 2 balls.

Fact check: Did Avesh Khan flout the rules?

The simple answer to the question is no. However, the confusion is justified due to how the law is interpreted. As per Law 19 (Boundaries) of the MCC Laws of Cricket, a boundary is scored when the ball first touches the boundary or the ground beyond it.