Kolkata, April 8 (IPL 2025 Match 21): In what turned out to be one of the most pulsating contests of IPL 2025 so far, the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) held their nerve to seal a narrow 4-run win over the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at the Eden Gardens on Sunday. The match was a run-fest from start to finish, featuring explosive batting performances, breathtaking sixes, and some late drama that kept the crowd on the edge of their seats till the final ball.
A Batting Masterclass from LSG
After being put into bat by KKR skipper Shreyas Iyer, the Super Giants launched a brutal assault on the KKR bowling lineup, piling up a massive total of 238/3 in 20 overs — their highest total in IPL history. The charge was led by Nicholas Pooran, who played a sensational unbeaten knock of 87 off just 36 balls, including 8 massive sixes that lit up the Eden skyline.
Pooran was well-supported by Mitchell Marsh, who showcased his power-hitting with a sublime 81 off 48 balls, peppering the boundaries with 7 fours and 4 sixes. Earlier, Aiden Markram set the tone for LSG with a brisk 47 off 28 deliveries, providing the perfect platform for the middle-order to explode.
KKR’s bowlers had a forgettable outing, with Harshit Rana (2/51) and Andre Russell (1/32 in 2 overs) managing to pick up wickets, but failing to contain the scoring rate. The usually dependable Varun Chakaravarthy (0/31) remained wicketless despite bowling a relatively economical spell.
KKR’s Gallant Chase Falls Just Short
Chasing a daunting 239 for victory, the Knight Riders mounted a spirited reply, reaching 234/7 in 20 overs, falling heartbreakingly short by just 4 runs. Veteran batter Ajinkya Rahane turned back the clock with an elegant 61 off 35 balls, giving KKR early momentum with some delightful strokes.
Venkatesh Iyer (45 off 29) and Rinku Singh (38 off 15)* kept the chase alive deep into the innings. Rinku, known for his late-overs heroics, almost pulled off another miracle with some powerful hitting in the death overs, but LSG’s bowlers held their composure under pressure.
Shardul Thakur (2/52) and Akash Deep (2/55) gave it their all with the ball, but LSG’s total proved just enough. Digvesh Singh (1/33) bowled crucial overs in the middle phase, preventing KKR from running away with the game.
Turning Point: Pooran’s Late Blitz
While the match had many memorable moments, the defining phase came during the final five overs of LSG’s innings when Pooran went ballistic, hammering boundaries at will. His unrelenting attack added over 80 runs in the last 5 overs, turning what looked like a competitive total into an almost insurmountable mountain.
Match Summary:
LSG – 238/3 (20 overs)
Nicholas Pooran 87* (36), Mitchell Marsh 81 (48), Aiden Markram 47 (28)
Harshit Rana 2/51, Andre Russell 1/32
KKR – 234/7 (20 overs)
Ajinkya Rahane 61 (35), Venkatesh Iyer 45 (29), Rinku Singh 38* (15)
Shardul Thakur 2/52, Akash Deep 2/55, Digvesh Singh 1/33
Result: Lucknow Super Giants won by 4 runs
Venue: Eden Gardens, Kolkata
Player of the Match: Nicholas Pooran (87* off 36)
With this win, LSG continue their strong run in IPL 2025, climbing up the points table and boosting their net run rate. KKR, despite the loss, can take heart from their fighting spirit and batting depth, but their bowling remains a concern heading into the next fixtures.
Fans won’t soon forget this Eden Gardens classic — a match that had everything: power-hitting, tactical battles, and a finish worthy of the IPL’s thrill quotient.
