The 21st match of IPL 2025 between Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at Eden Gardens lived up to its billing as a run-fest, with LSG clinching a nail-biting 4-run victory. The game showcased explosive batting, tactical bowling changes, and edge-of-the-seat drama, solidifying its place as one of the season’s most thrilling encounters.
Match Overview
- Date: April 8, 2025
- Venue: Eden Gardens, Kolkata
- Result: Lucknow Super Giants won by 4 runs
- Scores:
- LSG: 238/3 (20 overs)
- KKR: 234/7 (20 overs)
LSG’s Batting Masterclass: Pooran and Marsh Dominate
Lucknow Super Giants set the tone early with a blistering start, posting 238/3 – one of the highest totals of IPL 2025.
Key Performances:
- Nicholas Pooran: The Caribbean powerhouse stole the show with an unbeaten 87 off 36 balls, including 7 fours and 8 sixes. His strike rate of 241.66 dismantled KKR’s bowling attack, particularly in the death overs.
- Mitchell Marsh: The Australian all-rounder anchored the innings with a composed 81 off 48 balls, forming a 150-run partnership with Pooran. His ability to rotate strike and target gaps kept the scoreboard ticking.
- Aiden Markram: Contributed a quickfire 47 off 28 balls, setting the platform for the middle-order onslaught.
Bowling Highlights (KKR):
- Harshit Rana: Claimed 2/51, including the crucial wicket of Markram with a deceptive slower ball15.
- Andre Russell: Though expensive (1/32), his dismissal of Marsh broke the dangerous partnership13.
KKR’s Valiant Chase: Rahane and Iyer Shine
Chasing 239, KKR fell agonizingly short despite a spirited effort.
Top Performers:
- Ajinkya Rahane: The veteran batter rolled back the years with a classy 61 off 35 balls, including 8 fours and 2 sixes. His dismissal by Shardul Thakur (2/52) proved pivotal.
- Venkatesh Iyer: Played a fiery knock of 45 off 29 balls, but his dismissal to Akash Deep (2/55) halted KKR’s momentum.
- Sunil Narine: Provided a brisk start with 30 off 13 balls, but his early departure left KKR playing catch-up.
Bowling Highlights (LSG):
- Akash Deep: Took 2/55, including the key wickets of Quinton de Kock and Iyer.
- Shardul Thakur: Delivered a clutch performance with 2/52, removing Rahane and Ramandeep Singh.
- Ravi Bishnoi: Applied pressure in the middle overs, conceding just 24 runs in 3 overs and dismissing Ramandeep.
Turning Points
- Pooran’s Late Onslaught: His 8 sixes in the final 5 overs propelled LSG past 230, leaving KKR with a mountain to climb.
- Rahane’s Dismissal: At 120/2 in the 11th over, Rahane’s exit disrupted KKR’s chase, triggering a mini-collapse.
- LSG’s Death Bowling: Avesh Khan and Digvesh Rathi conceded just 25 runs in the last 3 overs, sealing the win.
Head-to-Head Context
This victory extended LSG’s dominance over KKR in recent encounters, with 3 wins in their last 5 matches. The rivalry has been marked by high-scoring games, including LSG’s chase of 210 in IPL 2022 and KKR’s 8-wicket win earlier in IPL 2024.
Key Takeaways
- LSG’s Middle-Order Firepower: Pooran and Marsh’s ability to accelerate under pressure makes LSG a formidable batting unit.
- KKR’s Overreliance on Top Order: Despite Rahane and Iyer’s heroics, the middle order (Russell, Rinku Singh) faltered in the chase.
- Bowling Concerns: Both teams struggled with economy rates, highlighting the need for death-bowling specialists.
