Lucknow Tremendous Giants (LSG) clinched an exhilarating four-run win in opposition to defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) on the latter’s residence floor, Eden Gardens, on Tuesday, April 08. It was a high-scoring thriller, with Rishabh Pant-led LSG ultimately taking the higher hand.
Batting first, LSG posted 238/3 in 20 overs, courtesy of some large batting from the top-order batters. The innings noticed Aiden Markram and Mitchell Marsh sharing a 99-run opening stand, adopted by a 71-run partnership between Marsh and Nicholas Pooran.
Pooran’s onslaught continued this time once more as he dominated the third-wicket partnership between him and Abdul Samad, contributing 44 of the 51 runs shared. The Caribbean power-hitter’s 87*, Marsh’s 81(48), and the Markram’s 47(28) noticed LSG end on a excessive.
Coming to the chase, KKR confronted an early setback after shedding Quinton de Kock, however Sunil Narine and skipper Ajinkya Rahane made positive that their facet was again on monitor. Narine’s quick-fire 13-ball 30 was adopted by Rahane (61 off 35) and Venkatesh Iyer’s (45 off 29) composure.
Although there was a mini-collapse as KKR’s middle-order unit got here crashing down, Rinku Singh stood robust, hoping to complete off the chase. All of it got here all the way down to the ultimate over, however the Uttar Pradesh-born couldn’t take his crew to the end line as KKR fell simply 4 runs quick.
With the sport now concluded, listed here are 5 milestones achieved by gamers and groups:
#5 Venkatesh Iyer completes 3000 T20 runs
Venkatesh Iyer scored 45 off 29 deliveries throughout KKR’s chase, hitting six fours and a most. KKR’s prime three batters performed nicely, and Iyer entered the crease at a vital juncture. With the momentum set, the KKR vice-captain carried it ahead brilliantly.
He didn’t take a lot time to settle and obtained to enterprise from the phrase go, including runs to the scoreboard at a fast tempo. Iyer, who was 35 runs wanting the 3000-run mark in T20 cricket, achieved the feat so as to add one other feather to his cap.
#4 LSG publish their second-highest first-innings complete in IPL
Courtesy of the highest order batters’ assault, LSG completed with their second-highest first innings complete within the historical past of the match. The one time LSG scored extra runs than immediately was in 2023 once they posted 257/5 in opposition to Punjab Kings (PBKS) in Mohali.
Again then, LSG have been led by KL Rahul, who was purchased by Delhi Capitals on the IPL 2025 mega-auction, as Rishabh Pant changed him because the crew’s skipper. Notably, Pant turned the most costly participant in IPL historical past, bagging an INR 27 crore deal.
#3 LSG file their second-highest tally of sixes in an IPL innings
LSG’s first innings noticed the batters accumulating a complete of 15 sixes, the second highest for the crew in an IPL innings. LSG batters have beforehand hit 16 sixes in an innings, reaching the feat twice, as soon as in opposition to Delhi Capitals (DC) in Lucknow in IPL 2023 after which inVisakhapatnam earlier this season.
#2 Nicholas Pooran turns into quickest to succeed in 2000 IPL runs (by balls confronted)
Nicholas Pooran performed a game-changing and match-winning knock that helped the crew get to a humongous first-innings complete of 238. At present the Orange Cap holder within the match, Pooran turned the quickest participant to succeed in 2000 runs in IPL (balls confronted).
His unbeaten 87-run knock noticed him hit seven fours and eight sixes. With that, Pooran accomplished 150 sixes in IPL, and his numbers will solely enhance with each passing sport, given his present type.
#1 Ajinkya Rahane completes 7000 T20 runs
KKR skipper Ajinkya Rahane continued to play a key function in his facet’s batting innings. He carried his good type in opposition to LSG, and notched up 61 runs off 35 deliveries at a strike price of 174.29. Throughout his time on the innings, he surpassed the 7000-run mark in T20 cricket.
The Mumbai batter had been in prime type heading into the IPL, having led his home facet within the closing of the Syed Mushtaq Ali Match. He performed some sensible knocks for his facet and carried the identical momentum into the IPL.
