Well, what a game that was! Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) put on a show that had everyone at Eden Gardens—and watching at home—glued to the action. A match that went down to the wire, with LSG sneaking away with a 4-run victory, leaving KKR just short in an incredible chase.
LSG's Big Hitting Moment
Batting first, LSG set the stage on fire. Mitchell Marsh and Aiden Markram were steady at the start, building a strong base. But it was Marsh’s explosive 50 that really started to turn heads. He hit the ball clean, and it was clear LSG had a big total in their sights.
Then came the big man: Nicholas Pooran. If you didn’t know who Pooran was before this match, you certainly do now. He took the KKR bowlers to task, hammering an astonishing 87 off 36 balls. Pooran’s batting was a whirlwind of sixes, with eight of them sailing into the stands. His attack pushed LSG to a total of 238/3—more than enough to put KKR under serious pressure.
KKR's Thrilling Chase
Chasing a mammoth total, KKR knew they had their work cut out. Quinton de Kock and Sunil Narine started aggressively, putting together a quick 45-run partnership. Narine, in particular, was striking the ball cleanly, keeping the chase on track. But just as quickly as the momentum shifted in their favor, it took a turn.
LSG’s bowlers tightened the screws, and KKR found themselves in a bit of a jam, losing wickets at regular intervals. Captain Ajinkya Rahane, though, wasn’t ready to give up. He showed incredible composure, anchoring the innings with 61 runs off 35 balls. Rahane was doing everything he could to guide KKR home, but it just wasn’t enough.
When Rinku Singh stepped up and launched a six off the last ball, it seemed like KKR might just pull off a miracle. But they fell agonizingly short, finishing at 234/7—just 4 runs away from what would’ve been a dramatic win.
Key Moments to Remember
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Nicholas Pooran: His blistering knock was the game-changer for LSG. Every ball he hit was a statement.
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Mitchell Marsh: His solid start was vital in setting up the big total.
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Ajinkya Rahane: A captain’s knock under pressure, Rahane held the fort, trying to drag KKR to victory.
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Rinku Singh: His late surge had the crowd buzzing, but it wasn’t enough to get KKR over the line.
This match was everything we love about the IPL—high drama, big hits, and the kind of cricket that keeps you at the edge of your seat. LSG pulled off a narrow win, but KKR made them fight for it every step of the way. What a game, and what a start to IPL 2025!
