Kolkata, Apr 8 (UNI) Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) held their nerve in a dramatic final over to edge out Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) by four runs in a run-fest at Eden Gardens on Tuesday, despite a valiant unbeaten knock from Rinku Singh.
Chasing a daunting 239, KKR finished at 234 for 7 in their 20 overs, falling agonisingly short after a blistering start and a breathtaking finish from Rinku, who remained unbeaten on 38 off just 15 deliveries.
Ravi Bishnoi defended 24 runs in the final over, conceding three boundaries but holding his nerve to deny KKR what would have been a record chase in IPL history. Bishnoi's final over went for 19, but he bowled a crucial dot delivery on the penultimate ball to seal the contest.
Earlier, put into bat by KKR captain Ajinkya Rahane, LSG posted a mammoth 238 for 3, powered by half-centuries from Aiden Markram (47 off 28), Mitchell Marsh (81 off 48), and a blistering unbeaten knock from Nicholas Pooran, who smashed 87 not out off just 36 deliveries, striking seven fours and eight sixes. Abdul Samad (6 off 4) fell in the death overs, while David Miller (4*) provided late stability.
LSG’s innings was marked by aggressive batting throughout, as they capitalised on a placid track and some inconsistent bowling by the KKR attack. Vaibhav Arora (0/35) and Spencer Johnson (0/46) bore the brunt of LSG’s assault, while Andre Russell finishing with 1/32 from his two overs.
In reply, KKR got off to a fiery start. Sunil Narine (30 off 13) and Quinton de Kock (15 off 9) powered the side to 91/2 in the Powerplay. Rahane played a captain’s knock, scoring 61 off 35 balls, while Venkatesh Iyer added 45 off 29 to keep KKR in the hunt.
The innings, however, saw a flurry of wickets between the 13th and 16th overs, as LSG bowlers pegged things back. Akash Deep (2/55) and Shardul Thakur (2/52) picked crucial wickets, including that of the dangerous Russell, who struck 7 off 4 before falling to Thakur.
Needing 38 off the last 12 balls, Rinku and Harshit Rana (10* off 9) took the fight deep. Avesh Khan’s 19th over went for 14, leaving 24 for the final over. Rinku struck three boundaries in the final over but couldn't find the two sixes required to force a Super Over.
The win propelled LSG up the IPL 2025 points table to fourth position, while KKR were left heartbroken in a chase that showcased their firepower but exposed their bowling frailties.
Brief Scores:
LSG 238/3 in 20 overs (Mitchell Marsh 81, Nicholas Pooran 87*; Russell 1/32)
KKR 234/7 in 20 overs (Rahane 61, Rinku Singh 38*; Akash Deep 2/55, Thakur 2/52)
LSG won by 4 runs.
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