• Lucknow Super Giants secured a thrilling four-run victory over Kolkata Knight Riders in IPL 2025.

  • Nicholas Pooran's explosive 87 and Rinku Singh’s late fireworks lit up KKR vs LSG clash.

Fans go berserk as LSG hold nerve to survive Rinku Singh storm in a thrilling encounter against KKR in IPL 2025
Fans go berserk as LSG hold nerve to survive Rinku Singh storm in a thrilling encounter against KKR in IPL 2025 (Image source: X)

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The 21st match of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 saw the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) host the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) at the iconic Eden Gardens in Kolkata. The match was a thrilling encounter that kept fans on the edge of their seats until the very end. KKR skipper Ajinkya Rahane won the toss and chose to field first, inviting LSG to set a target. This decision would prove pivotal as LSG capitalized on the opportunity to post a formidable total.

LSG’s explosive start against KKR

LSG began their innings with a solid partnership between Aiden Markram and Mitchell Marsh. The duo laid a strong foundation, with Markram contributing 47 runs off 28 balls and Marsh scoring a blistering 81 off 48 balls. Their partnership of 99 runs in 10.2 overs set the tone for the rest of the innings. Marsh’s innings was particularly impressive, featuring six fours and five sixes, showcasing his ability to dominate any bowling attack.

After Markram’s dismissal, Nicholas Pooran joined Marsh and continued the onslaught. Pooran’s innings was nothing short of spectacular, as he scored 87 runs off just 36 balls, including seven fours and eight sixes. His strike rate of 241.66 was the highest in the match, highlighting his incredible hitting prowess. The partnership between Marsh and Pooran added 71 runs in just 5 overs, further accelerating LSG’s scoring rate.

Abdul Samad‘s brief cameo of six runs off four balls was followed by his dismissal, but Pooran continued to bat aggressively, ensuring LSG reached a commanding total of 238/3 in their 20 overs. David Miller remained unbeaten on four runs, providing support to Pooran in the final overs.

Nicholas Pooran and Mitchell Marsh’s onslaught

The highlight of LSG’s innings was undoubtedly the batting display by Pooran and Marsh. Both players demonstrated exceptional skill and power, taking the KKR bowlers to task. Pooran’s ability to hit sixes at will was particularly impressive, as he cleared the boundary with ease on multiple occasions. Marsh, on the other hand, showed his all-round skills, combining finesse with brute force to dismantle the KKR attack.

Their partnership was the turning point in the innings, as it shifted the momentum firmly in LSG’s favour. The way they handled the KKR spinners, including Sunil Narine and Varun Chakravarthy, was noteworthy, as they managed to score freely without being tied down.

Rinku Singh: A late spark for KKR

In the second innings, KKR faced a daunting task of chasing 239 runs. Despite a strong start, they lost wickets at regular intervals, which hindered their progress. However, Rinku Singh‘s late innings provided a glimmer of hope for KKR. Singh scored 38 runs off just 15 balls, including six fours and two sixes, at an astonishing strike rate of 253.33. His aggressive batting kept KKR in the hunt until the very end, but ultimately fell short of the target.

KKR’s thrilling chase end in a despair 

KKR’s chase began promisingly, with Quinton de Kock and Narine providing a solid start. Narine’s aggressive batting, including four fours and two sixes, set the tone early on. However, his dismissal for 30 runs off 13 balls brought a slight halt to KKR’s momentum.

Ajinkya Rahane and Venkatesh Iyer then took charge, with Rahane scoring 61 runs off 35 balls and Iyer contributing 45 runs off 29 balls. Their partnership of 71 runs in 6.4 overs kept KKR on track, but the loss of wickets at crucial junctures proved costly. Despite Rinku’s late surge, KKR could only manage 234/7 in their 20 overs, falling short of the target by four runs.

Also WATCH: Harshit Rana gives a fiery send off to Aiden Makram after shattering his stumps during KKR vs LSG in IPL 2025

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Also READ: KKR vs LSG, IPL 2025 HIGHLIGHTS: Nicholas Pooran and Mitchell Marsh demolish Kolkata Knight Riders at the Eden Gardens

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About the Author:
AKASH THAPA
Akash Thapa is a dedicated cricket journalist with three years of experience in the media industry. A BA (JMC) graduate from VIPS, GGSIPU, and a postgraduate in MAJMC from the University of Lucknow, Akash combines his academic credentials with a deep-rooted passion for cricket.His background as a former junior-level wrestler and cricketer enriches his insightful analysis and commentary on the game. Known for his inventive approach to writing and his commitment to capturing the nuances of cricket, Akash is a true aficionado of the sport.Connect with Akash on LinkedIn, X, and Instagram.