In a high-octane clash filled with fireworks, momentum swings, and late drama, Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) edged out Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) by just four runs in one of the most exhilarating matches of IPL 2025.
Batting first on a batting-friendly surface, LSG posted a towering 238/3 — their second-highest total in IPL history — powered by explosive knocks from Mitchell Marsh (81 off 48) and *Nicholas Pooran (87 off 36)**. Despite a spirited chase, KKR finished on 234/7, narrowly missing out on what could have been a record-breaking win.
Marsh, Pooran light up Eden
LSG got off to a flying start with Marsh and Aiden Markram (47) putting together a 99-run stand in just 10.2 overs. Marsh was in vintage touch, hammering seven fours and five sixes in his 48-ball knock. After Markram’s dismissal, Pooran took over, blasting eight sixes and five fours in a sensational unbeaten innings, dismantling KKR’s spinners and guiding LSG to a formidable total.
KKR fights back, falls agonisingly short
KKR began their chase with intent. Quinton de Kock and Sunil Narine took 31 off the first two overs, and by the end of the Powerplay, KKR were cruising at 90/1 — their best start this season. Ajinkya Rahane led the charge with a composed yet aggressive 61 off 38, while Venkatesh Iyer (45) added firepower in the middle overs.
However, LSG wrested back control between overs 13 and 16, taking four wickets in a crucial phase. Thakur dismissed Rahane, Bishnoi removed Ramandeep Singh, Avesh Khan cleaned up Raghuvanshi, and Akash Deep took out Iyer to peg KKR back.
Rinku’s late surge falls short
With 61 needed off the final five overs, Andre Russell and Rinku Singh launched a last-ditch assault. Thakur removed Russell, but Rinku fought till the end, smashing 38* off just 15 balls. Needing 23 off the final over, he hit two boundaries and a six, but LSG held their nerve to seal a memorable win.
(With IANS inputs)
