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In the 21st match of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025, cricket fans at Eden Gardens witnessed a spectacle of power-hitting, fiery spells, and adrenaline-charged moments.
Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) skipper Ajinkya Rahane won the toss and chose to field first against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), setting the stage for a high-scoring encounter.
What followed was nothing short of a batting blitzkrieg from the LSG line-up, spearheaded by a trio of explosive performances. But amidst the sixes and boundaries, it was Harshit Rana’s fierce send-off to Aiden Markram that stole the spotlight and went viral across cricketing circles.
Aiden Markram and Mitchell Marsh light up the powerplay
LSG openers Markram and Mitchell Marsh walked out with clear intent — attack from ball one. The duo got off to a flier, racing to 59/0 in the first six overs. Markram was especially dominant early on, finding gaps and clearing the ropes with ease. He reached 47 off just 28 balls, laced with 4 boundaries and 2 maximums, showcasing pristine timing and aggressive strokeplay.
Their 50-run partnership came up in just 32 balls, giving LSG the launchpad they hoped for. Kolkata’s bowling looked toothless in the initial phase, with Vaibhav Arora and Spencer Johnson failing to contain the flow of runs.
Harshit Rana’s fiery send off to Aiden Markram
Then came the turning point — 10.2 overs into the innings, Rana was handed the ball again after a costly first spell. What happened next was pure magic. With LSG at 99/0 and Markram threatening to convert his start into something monumental, Rana bowled an absolute corker. Full outside off, the ball jagged back in sharply after pitching, sneaking through Markram’s attempted flick and sending his off and middle stumps flying.
Rana, fired up, gave Markram a fiery send-off — an animated celebration, charged up with passion and aggression, indicating Markram the way towards the pavilion. Though the send-off sparked a mix of cheers and murmurs, it was a classic IPL moment, where emotion met execution in style.
Here’s the video:
Slower One does the trick 🪄
Harshit Rana with a 🔝 delivery to break a huge opening stand! 🤌
Aiden Markram departed for a superb 47(28).
Updates ▶ https://t.co/3bQPKnwPTU#TATAIPL | #KKRvLSG pic.twitter.com/sRouj85Vjb
— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) April 8, 2025
Also READ: KKR vs LSG, IPL 2025 HIGHLIGHTS: Nicholas Pooran and Mitchell Marsh demolish Kolkata Knight Riders at the Eden Gardens
Nicholas Pooran unleashed: The carnage continues
If KKR thought Markram’s wicket would provide respite, they were sorely mistaken. Nicholas Pooran walked in and transformed the innings into a nightmare for the bowlers. The left-hander went berserk, smashing 87* off just 36 balls at a strike rate of 241.66. With 7 fours and 8 sixes, Pooran lit up Eden Gardens like a Diwali celebration.
Together with Marsh, who scored 81 off 48 balls before falling to Andre Russell in the 16th over, Pooran ensured the scoring rate never dipped. Their 30-ball partnership yielded 71 runs, with Marsh bringing up his half-century in 36 balls. Pooran’s fifty came in a jaw-dropping 21 balls, and he maintained the pressure till the end, ensuring LSG went past the 200-run mark with ease.
LSG finishes their innings at 238/3
Abdul Samad chipped in briefly before being dismissed by Rana, who finished with 2/51 in his four overs. David Miller added a four runs at the death, but it was all about Pooran’s pyrotechnics in the last five overs. LSG posted a daunting total of 238/3 in 20 overs, with boundaries raining all over the park.
KKR’s bowlers had a forgettable outing. Russell was the only other wicket-taker besides Rana, but he too leaked 32 runs in just two overs. Johnson (3-0-46-0), Sunil Narine (3-0-38-0) and Varun Chakravarthy were taken to the cleaners.
