Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) delivered a stunning all-round performance as Mitchell Marsh (81 off 44) and Nicholas Pooran (87* off 36) launched a brutal assault, propelling them to 238 for 3, their second-highest total in the IPL history. Despite Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) racing to 90 in the powerplay, a middle-order collapse triggered by disciplined death bowling saw the hosts fall four runs short in a nail-biting chase at Eden Gardens.
No Bowling Burden, Just Marsh Mayhem
Marsh, free from bowling duties, found rhythm with the bat as he and Aiden Markram (47) stitched the highest opening stand of the season—99 runs. Marsh accelerated post powerplay with clean hitting, particularly targeting Spencer Johnson and Vaibhav Arora. Though Markram fell to Harshit Rana, Marsh continued his charge before perishing to a Russell slower one. Pooran then took center stage, launching a savage 21-ball fifty and finishing unbeaten on 87. His fearless aggression in the final overs turned the match decisively in LSG’s favour.
KKR’s Fiery Start, But a Fizzling Finish
In response, KKR’s reply was blazing—Sunil Narine and Ajinkya Rahane rocketed them to 90 for 1 at the end of the powerplay. Rahane’s 35-ball 61 and Venkatesh Iyer’s 45 laid a strong platform, taking the score to 162 for 2 in the 13th over. However, the tide turned as LSG induced a collapse of 5 for 33. Ramandeep Singh, Angkrish Raghuvanshi, and Russell all fell trying to force the pace, while Rinku Singh’s 15-ball 38* couldn’t seal the deal. Smart bowling rotations from LSG—especially giving Ravi Bishnoi and Digvesh Rathi overs at the death—proved vital.
Turning Points & Highlights
- Opening Stand: Marsh & Markram’s 99-run partnership gave LSG a dream start
- Pooran’s Finishing Act: 24 runs in the 18th over off Russell—game-changing
- Collapse: KKR went from 162/2 to 195/7 in 22 balls
- Final Overs: Spinners at the death—Bishnoi and Rathi—choked runs and took crucial wickets
Score Summary
Lucknow Super Giants: 238/3 (Pooran 87*, Marsh 81, Markram 47)
Kolkata Knight Riders: 234/7 (Rahane 61, Venkatesh 45, Rinku 38*, Thakur 2-52)
Result: LSG won by 4 runs
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