Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) won a thriller against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in their backyard in the 21st match of the IPL 2025. The Lucknow-based franchise registered a 4-run win, their third of the season. A great batting effort along with a spirited bowling effort helped LSG to hold their nerves and claim a thrilling win in a high-scoring match. An aggregate total of 472 runs was achieved at the Eden Gardens.
Batting first, LSG scored 238 runs, their second-highest total in IPL history. A great performance from the LSG top 3 of Aiden Markram, Mitchell Marsh, and Nicholas Pooran helped LSG to uplift themselves after starting their innings a bit steadily. KKR had to chase the second-biggest total in IPL history to pull off the run chase.
Incidentally, the highest IPL total was chased at the same venue a year ago by PBKS against the defending champions. KKR put the right foot forward in the run chase. KKR's top 4 batters had a great night and ensured a great platform was set for an incredible run chase. However, the dismissal of Ajinikya Rahane led to a huge collapse.
From 166/2 at one stage, the home side was reduced to 185/7 in a matter of a few overs. LSG did not look back from there, as they delivered a bowling performance enough to claim their third win of the season. Nicholas Pooran's exceptional batting performance helped him bag the Player of the Match award along with the Orange Cap.
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Key Moments from KKR vs LSG, Match 21 of IPL 2025 1. Batting performances of the Top 3
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— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) April 8, 2025
Nicholas Pooran brings up his 50 in style with a maximum π€©
Watch the LIVE action β‘ https://t.co/RsBcA7HaAO #IPLonJioStar π #KKRvLSG | LIVE NOW on Star Sports 2, Star Sports 2 Hindi & JioHotstar! pic.twitter.com/1rjCd9lxgm
ππͺππ π£π€π¬ ππͺπ₯ππ§ ππππ£π©π¨' openers and middle order live up to their name, with #Pooran and #Marsh smashing 80+runs knocks to set a massive total of 238. π€―
— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) April 8, 2025
Will LSG defend their 2nd-highest total in IPL, or will KKR extend their streak? π€
Watch the LIVE action β‘β¦ pic.twitter.com/pb8ZS4DC6R
After being asked to bat first, LSG posted a huge total of 238/3, their second-highest total in the history of the league. The key contributors towards their score were the top 3 - Aiden Markram, Mitchell Marsh, and Nicholas Pooran. Markram started well and scored 47(28) in his stay in the middle, which included 4 fours and 2 sixes. The South African's opening partner, Marsh, batted well too.
The star batter notched up his 4th fifty of the season in 5 games. The right-handed batter scored 81(48), which included 6 fours and 5 sixes. But the star of the show was undoubtedly Nicholas Pooran, who was on a crazy hitting spree. The Southpaw scored an unbeaten 87*(36), which included 7 fours and 8 sixes. This contribution helped LSG to post a massive total.
2. KKR's Powerplay Madness in BattingΒ
Just the kind of start you need in a massive chase! ππ»π₯#SunilNarine opens his account in style with a thumping SIX! πͺπ»
— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) April 8, 2025
Watch the LIVE action β‘ https://t.co/RsBcA7HIqm #IPLonJioStar π #KKRvLSG | LIVE NOW on Star Sports 2, Star Sports 2 Hindi & JioHotstar! pic.twitter.com/0nXKpQ1ZaE
Having to chase a huge total of 239, KKR needed to start on a high note. The KKR's top 3 did exactly that. While Quinton De Kock perished after a quickfire 15(9), Sunil Narine and Ajinkya Rahane hammered the bowlers for fun. They were helped by some looseners from the LSG bowlers. The right-left combination worked out well for the home side.
While Narine scored 30 runs in 12 balls, which included 4 fours and 2 sixes, Rahane played exquisite shots and pleased the viewers. The KKR skipper scored 35 runs in 15 balls in the Powerplay overs, which included 5 fours and 2 sixes. In the process, KKR posted 90/1 in the first 6 overs, their second-highest in the phase after 105/0 against RCB in 2017.
3. KKR's collapse leads to LSG's win
Instant impact! π₯ππ»#DigveshRathi comes into the attack and gets the wicket of his idol, #SunilNarine! ππ»
— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) April 8, 2025
Watch the LIVE action β‘ https://t.co/RsBcA7HaAO #IPLonJioStar π #KKRvLSG | LIVE NOW on Star Sports 2, Star Sports 2 Hindi & JioHotstar! pic.twitter.com/AkNVKFeQtw
KKR were going well in the run chase at one point when they needed 75 runs in 43 balls with 8 wickets in hand. Given the way they were at that stage, it was nearly a regulation chase. However, the fall of a set Rahane led to the beginning of a huge collapse. One after another, batters kept falling, as LSG made inroads into the game by constantly picking wickets.
Ramandeep Singh, Angkrish Raghuvanshi, Venkatesh Iyer, and Andre Russell perished in a matter of a few deliveries. From 162/2 at one stage, KKR were reduced to 185/7 in no time. It was the turning point of the match. Despite a recognized batter like Rinku Singh in the middle, KKR could not chase down the total, as they lost by 4 runs in the end.
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