A memorable outing for the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in the Eden Gardens, Kolkata. A solid foundation built by Aiden Markram and Mitchell Marsh turned into a monumental structure with the help of Nicholas Pooran (87*), who drove the Lucknow-based franchise to a total of 238/3. The target was little far to achieve for the defending IPL champion team Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). In reply to 238, KKR’s innings were restricted to 234/7.

Read More: Rishabh Pant Cheers from the Stands at ISL Semi-final Before KKR vs LSG Showdown

Toss and first innings

The surface of Eden Gardens had very little to offer for the bowlers. After winning the toss, Knight skipper Ajinkya Rahane’s decision to field first could have been perfect if his bowlers had at least been able to slow down the opponent team’s run rate. Harshit Rana took the wickets of Markram (47) and Abdul Samad (6) but went for a 12.75 economy rate in his 4-over quota. The other wicket fall, in the form of Marsh (81), was taken by Andre Russell. Russell took a wicket, bowled only 2 overs, and spent a total of 32 runs. Though Varun Chakaravarthy did not claim any wicket, he produced a 7.75 economy rate in his 4 overs quota, which proved that there was something for the bowlers in the pitch.

Second Innings

On their home ground, Knight Riders has shown their fighting spirits with the bat. Despite losing Quinton de Kock’s wicket early, KKR batters tried to maintain their momentum with a quick pace. Sunil Narine, who has so far remained cold in the ongoing IPL 2025, played a handy 30-run innings with a 230.77 strike rate. Skipper Rahane, with his well-composed batting, scored a brilliant 61 off 35 balls, accompanied by Venkatesh Iyer with a 29-ball, 45-run innings. Their efforts went in vain as the middle order and the lower middle order batters produced very little to take the team to the finish line. Rinku Singh (38 runs 15 balls) tried to make some impact at the last minute, but it was not enough. 

Thorough entertainment at the Eden Gardens 🏟 🍿

And it's the Rishabh Pant-led @LucknowIPL that prevail in a thrilling run fest 🥳

They bag 2️⃣ crucial points with a 4️⃣-run victory over #KKR 👏

Scorecard ▶ https://t.co/3bQPKnxnJs#TATAIPL | #KKRvLSG pic.twitter.com/31clVQk1dD

— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) April 8, 2025

Post-Match Reactions

Rishabh Pant (LSG Skipper): "We didn’t realise the game would get this close when they batted in the first inning, but in the second inning, as the batters of KKR were batting, they knew that it would go close for sure. There were a lot of turning points in the game as after the first strategic break, told the bowlers to stick to their game plan and not try to overdo things. Our plan was to have a left-hand and right-hand batter at the crease as KKR spinners were bowling well.

Ajinkya Rahane (KKR Skipper): "Match was a really tight one, and this wicket looks good to bat on, and we fought well, fell short of just 4 runs in the end, but overall, it was a great game. When you are chasing 230 plus, you are bound to lose wickets in the middle as the intent was always there to just go for the boundaries. Everyone batted really well and it was really tough for the bowlers to contain here. The boundary was very short at one end of the square, and there is no complaint about the bowling attack, and Varun also bowled really well."

Kolkata Knight Riders vs Lucknow Super Giants match scorecard

Lucknow Super Ginats- 238/3 (20 overs)

Batting	Runs (Balls)	Bowling	Wickets/ Runs (Overs)
Nicholas Pooran	87* (36)	Harshit Rana	2/51 (4)
Mitchell Marsh	81 (48)	Andre Russell	1/32 (2)
Aiden Markram	47 (28)	Varun Chakaravarthy	0/31 (4)

Kolkata Knight Riders- 234/7 (20 Overs)

Batting	Runs (Balls)	Bowling	Wickets/ Runs (Overs)
Ajinkya Rahane	61 (35)	Shardul Thakur	2/52 (4)
Venkatesh Iyer	45 (29)	Akash Deep	2/55 (4)
Rinku Singh	38* (15)	Digvesh Singh	1/33 (4)