The clash between Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in Match 54 of the IPL 2024 showcased KKR’s dominant performance, propelling them to the top of the table with a resounding 98-run victory at the Ekana Stadium in Lucknow on May 5.

KKR’s Dominance

Batting first, KKR’s openers, led by Phil Salt and Sunil Narine, unleashed a relentless assault on the LSG bowlers from the outset. Salt’s quickfire 32 off 14 balls provided the initial momentum, but Narine’s explosive innings propelled KKR to a formidable total of 235/6.

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Narine’s Explosive Innings

Sunil Narine emerged as the match star with a scintillating display of power-hitting, smashing 81 runs off just 39 deliveries. His aggressive batting set the tone for KKR’s innings, leaving the LSG bowlers struggling to contain the onslaught.

LSG’s Chase

In pursuit of a daunting target, LSG’s openers, including skipper KL Rahul, made a valiant effort to keep up with the required run rate. Arshin Kulkarni departed cheaply on just 9 runs within the first two overs. KKR pacer Harshit Rana who took the all-important wicket of KL Rahul who was sent back at 25 runs.

Marcus Stoinis did try to get the momentum back for the hosts but his 21-ball 36 wasn’t enough to take his team to the victory in the end. It was all KKR after that point as wickets at quick intervals saw the visitors bag a 98-run victory and go top of the table on net run rate. However, the loss of early wickets and consistent pressure from the KKR bowlers derailed their chase.

Key Moments

Despite a brief resurgence led by Marcus Stoinis, who scored 36 off 21 balls, LSG struggled to maintain momentum against KKR’s disciplined bowling attack. Harshit Rana’s crucial wicket with KL Rahul, tilted the match further in KKR’s favour.

KKR’s Bowling Excellence

KKR’s bowlers delivered a clinical performance, with Varun Chakaravarthy and Harshit Rana leading the charge with three wickets each. Their disciplined bowling and strategic variations restricted LSG to a modest total of 137, securing a convincing victory for KKR.

Most PoTM awards for KKR in IPL
15 – Andre Russell
15 – Sunil Narine*
10 – Gautam Gambhir
7 – Yusuf Pathan

Stats by Shashikant Singh

Biggest defeat margin for LSG in IPL (in runs)
98 vs KKR, Lucknow, 2024*
81 vs MI, Chennai, 2023
62 vs GT, Pune, 2022
62 vs GT, Ahmedabad, 2023

Biggest win margin for KKR in IPL (in runs)
140 vs RCB, Bengaluru, 2008
106 vs DC, Vizag, 2024
98 vs LSG, Lucknow, 2024*
86 vs KKR, Eden Garden, 2017

LSG against KKR in IPL
First three matches LSG won
Last two matches KKR won

LSG at home in IPL 2024
Mats: 7
Won: 4
Lost: 3