Key Points:
- LSG posts a massive 238-run total: Nicholas Pooran (87 off 36) and Mitchell Marsh (81 off 48) shine with explosive knocks.
- KKR falls short by 4 runs: Ajinkya Rahane (61 off 35) and Rinku Singh (38 off 15) lead a spirited chase but miss the target in the final over.
- Bowling brilliance seals the win: Shardul Thakur and Akash Deep claim crucial wickets to derail KKR’s chase.
- LSG climbs the table: With their third victory of the season, Lucknow moves into the top four of IPL standings.
New Delhi: Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) clinched a thrilling 4-run victory over Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in a high-scoring IPL 2025 clash at Eden Gardens on Tuesday. Powered by sensational batting performances from Nicholas Pooran and Mitchell Marsh, LSG posted a daunting total of 238/3 before their bowlers held their nerve in the final over to seal the win.
LSG’s Explosive Batting Display
Winning the toss, KKR skipper Ajinkya Rahane opted to field first, but his bowlers struggled against LSG’s fiery top order:
- Mitchell Marsh: Marsh smashed six fours and five sixes en route to his fourth fifty of the season, scoring 81 off 48 balls. He shared a solid 99-run opening partnership with Aiden Markram (47 off 28).
- Nicholas Pooran: Pooran stole the show with an unbeaten 87 off just 36 balls, hitting seven fours and eight sixes. His aggressive knock included a brutal assault on Andre Russell, yielding 24 runs in one over.
Despite disciplined spells from Varun Chakravarthy and Vaibhav Arora, KKR’s bowling attack faltered under pressure as LSG registered their second-highest IPL total.
KKR’s Spirited Chase
Chasing a mammoth target of 239, KKR started strong:
- Ajinkya Rahane and Sunil Narine: Rahane anchored the innings with a classy knock of 61 off 35 balls, while Narine contributed a quick-fire 30 off 13.
- Middle-order collapse: After Rahane’s dismissal in the 13th over, KKR lost key wickets in quick succession. Ramandeep Singh and Angkrish Raghuvanshi failed to make an impact.
- Rinku Singh’s heroics: Batting at No. 8, Rinku Singh kept KKR’s hopes alive with a blistering unbeaten knock of 38 off just 15 balls, including two fours and a six in the final over.
However, LSG’s bowlers held firm:
- Shardul Thakur: Playing his milestone 100th IPL match, Thakur claimed two crucial wickets despite conceding wides early on.
- Akash Deep and Ravi Bishnoi: Both bowlers delivered under pressure, picking up vital scalps to restrict KKR to 234/7.
Turning Points
- Pooran’s late blitz: His explosive innings ensured LSG set an insurmountable target.
- Shardul Thakur’s comeback spell: Dismissing Rahane at a critical juncture shifted momentum back to LSG.
- Rinku Singh’s valiant effort: Despite his best efforts in the final over, KKR fell agonizingly short.
Impact on IPL Standings
With this win:
- LSG climbs into the top four with three victories from five games.
- KKR remains sixth on the table after suffering their third defeat in five matches.
Looking Ahead
KKR will face Chennai Super Kings on April 11 in Chennai, aiming to bounce back from this narrow loss. Meanwhile, LSG will take on Gujarat Titans at home on April 12 as they look to maintain their winning momentum.
This thrilling contest showcased IPL cricket at its finest explosive batting, dramatic twists, and clutch performances under pressure. As both teams regroup for their next matches, fans can expect more fireworks in this exciting season!
