Mitchell Marsh’s explosive 81 off 48 balls and Nicholas Pooran’s blistering unbeaten 87 from just 36 deliveries powered Lucknow Super Giants to a massive total, laying the foundation for a thrilling 4-run win over Kolkata Knight Riders in Match 21 of IPL 2025 at Eden Gardens on Tuesday, April 8. Despite KKR’s efforts, Lucknow’s bowlers staged an impressive fightback in the second innings, holding their nerve to seal a thrilling win.
Kolkata endured yet another narrow heartbreak, marking their seventh loss in IPL history by a margin of 4 runs or fewer – three of those coming against Lucknow Super Giants.
Chasing a daunting 239, KKR began with a bang and despite de Kock’s early dismissal, Ajinkya Rahane kept the momentum going. KKR raced to 90/1 by the end of the powerplay, seemingly in control of the chase.
However, the tide turned dramatically in the middle overs. Lucknow’s bowlers tightened the screws, slowing the scoring rate. Shardul Thakur struck a crucial blow by dismissing Venkatesh Iyer, breaking a solid 50-plus partnership with Rahane. What followed was a dramatic collapse – KKR lost 5 wickets for just 23 runs.
Rinku Singh fought hard in the final overs, but the task proved too steep, and KKR fell short yet again in a close chase.
Marsh-Pooran power LSG to mammoth 238 against KKR
Kolkata Knight Riders won the toss and opted to bowl first, but Lucknow Super Giants made the most of the opportunity, racking up a massive 238/3 in their 20 overs.
Nicholas Pooran remained unbeaten on a fiery 87, while Mitchell Marsh anchored the innings with a powerful 81. Harshit Rana was the pick of the bowlers for KKR with two wickets, while Andre Russell picked up one.
Flying start for Lucknow Super Giants
Openers Mitchell Marsh and Aiden Markram gave Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) a strong start, adding 99 runs for the first wicket. Markram scored a brisk 27 off 28 balls, hitting 4 boundaries and 2 sixes before being bowled by Harshit Rana.
Marsh-Pooran partnership piles on the runs
After Markram’s dismissal, Marsh and Pooran launched a brutal attack on the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) bowling lineup. Their 69-run stand put LSG firmly in control. Marsh eventually fell to Russell after a scintillating 81 off 48 balls, which included 6 fours and 5 sixes.
Pooran’s unstoppable knock
Pooran continued the carnage even after Marsh’s dismissal. Despite a brief interruption with the loss of Abdul Samad (6), bowled by Harshit Rana, Pooran stayed unbeaten, smashing 87 off just 36 deliveries, including 7 fours and 8 sixes. David Miller remained not out on 4 at the other end as LSG finished strong.
