Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) edged past Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) by a nail-biting margin of four runs in a high-octane IPL 2025 clash at Eden Gardens on April 8, 2025. The match was a thrilling showcase of power hitting and dramatic momentum shifts, with both teams displaying their capabilities in front of an electrifying crowd.
After winning the toss, KKR captain Ajinkya Rahane opted to bowl first, hoping to exploit the conditions early on. However, LSG's openers, Mitchell Marsh and Aiden Markram, had other plans as they launched an aggressive assault on the KKR bowlers. The duo put together a formidable partnership, scoring nearly 100 runs in the first ten overs and setting the tone for a massive total.
Markram scored a brisk 47 runs before being dismissed by Harshit Rana, who was KKR's standout bowler with two wickets. Marsh continued the charge, scoring 81 runs off just 48 balls, before falling to Andre Russell in a crucial moment for KKR. But it was Nicholas Pooran who stole the show, smashing an unbeaten 87 runs off just 36 balls, including seven fours and eight sixes, to propel LSG to a daunting total of 238 runs for 3 in their 20 overs.
"The wicket looks really good. Temperature hasn’t been very hot, there won’t be much change in the pitch," said Rahane after the toss, highlighting the batting-friendly conditions at Eden Gardens.
In response, KKR started their innings explosively, with Quinton de Kock and Sunil Narine racing to 90 runs in the powerplay. Narine played a particularly audacious innings, including a stunning one-handed six, while Rahane provided stability at the top. However, KKR's fortunes took a turn when Narine was dismissed for 30 runs, followed by the quick loss of de Kock.
Despite the setbacks, Rahane and Venkatesh Iyer kept the chase alive, with KKR reaching 162 for 2 in the 13th over. However, a sudden collapse saw KKR lose five wickets for just 23 runs, leaving them precariously placed at 185 for 7.
Rinku Singh, who was lower down the order, fought valiantly, scoring 38 runs off just 15 balls. His explosive batting brought KKR back into contention, as they needed 28 runs off the final over bowled by Ravi Bishnoi. Rinku's efforts included a six and several boundaries, but ultimately, KKR fell short, finishing at 234 for 7.
"It was a thrilling game, and we fought hard till the end, but we just couldn’t cross the line," Rinku Singh said after the match, reflecting on the narrow defeat.
Shardul Thakur, playing in his 100th IPL match, was instrumental for LSG, claiming two wickets, including the crucial dismissal of Andre Russell, who was expected to turn the game in KKR's favor. Thakur's unique record of bowling five wides in one over added to the drama of the match.
As the match reached its climax, KKR needed 20 runs off the last five balls, but Bishnoi held his nerve, successfully defending the total and ensuring LSG's victory.
With this win, LSG climbed up the points table, now holding a 3-2 lead over KKR in their bilateral history. Both teams now look towards their upcoming fixtures, eager to build on their performances as the IPL season progresses.
Fans were treated to a match that had everything—explosive batting, dramatic wickets, and a thrilling finish. As the dust settled at Eden Gardens, it was clear that both teams had showcased their skills, but it was LSG who emerged victorious in this high-scoring encounter.
