Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) held on narrowly to overcome Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) by just four runs in a fantastic IPL 2025 match played at the Eden Gardens, aided by a mesmerizing batting performance, followed by an uncharacteristic collapse from KKR’s middle order. LSG posted a daunting total of 238 for 3, driven by Nicholas Pooran explosive 87* and Mitchell Marsh’s impact innings of 81, before KKR rallied with a brisk chase that almost saw them through to an upset victory.
Pooran and Marsh are Key Performers for LSG
Pooran played brilliantly, smashing 87* off 36 balls, while Marsh hit 81 off 50 balls. LSG applied pressure directly onto KKR by putting up a number that required plenty of aggressive batting to chase down. Marsh, in great form, pushed the score along and partnered with Aiden Markram (who scored 47) to take the side to 95 without loss having logged through the halfway mark. LSG’s upper-order players continued to pile on the runs, interrupted only by some tight bowling from Varun Chakravarthy and Sunil Narine through the middle overs.
Pooran was in a very destructive mood, specifically against KKR’s spinners. The boundaries were spectacular, with stunning sixes off Narine and Harshit Rana, and his 21-ball fifty was among the fastest fifties in this tournament. With Marsh playing support, LSG were able to reach 238 – the second-highest total in the franchise’s IPL history.
KKR’s Explosive Start, Followed by Collapse
In response, KKR started the chase off aggressively. Rahane (61 runs off 35 balls) and Venkatesh Iyer (45 runs off 30 balls) provided solid foundations for their team, with a 71-run partnership for the third wicket. The powerplay was massively eventful, and they reached 90 for one in just the first six overs. Rahane smashed some scintillating shots, including a torrent of flicked sixes, whilst Iyer played with boundaries to complement his captain.
However, the turning point of the match occurred in the 13th over when KKR were cruising along at 162 for 2, needing 77 runs off 43 balls. An explosive collapse occurred as KKR’s middle-order failed to make gains from a good start assumed. Ramandeep Singh holed out to Aiden Markram from Ravi Bishnoi, Angkrish Raghuvanshi holed out a mis-hit reverse sweep to the keeper, and Venkatesh (45 runs) was taken in a long-on catch. KKR found themselves at the astounding score of 169 for 5, the required rate having coiled well beyond.
Andre Russell was dismissed cheaply by Shardul Thakur, and despite a valiant effort by Rinku Singh (38* off 15 balls), including some late sixes, the asking rate was too high. The LSG bowlers were spot-on with their plans, especially the spinners towards the end of the innings to seal a four-run win.
A Thriller Match Lucknow Super Giants vs Kolkata Knight Riders
Batting fireworks and vital wickets lay ahead, and the match swung back and forth right to the last ball. Despite some sixes at the end from Rinku Singh in particular. KKR fell just short, finishing up 234 for 7. LSG’s bowlers, although very ineffective for a while, held their nerve, highlighted by excellent performances by Akash Deep (2-55) and Shardul Thakur (2-52) who claimed important wickets during key moments of the game.
LSG’s win in this high-scoring match hat-tipped to their wonderful batting and smart bowling in the death overs. KKR will however need to get all players on-side after a mid-innings collapse having a chance to overhaul a tough target! The win took LSG further up to six on the IPL 2025 table to maintain healthy ambitions for the playoffs.
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