IPL 2025: Lucknow Super Giants Edge Kolkata Knight Riders by 4 Runs in Thrilling Finish

April 9, 2025 Kolkata In one of the most exhilarating matches of the IPL 2025 season, Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) clinched a narrow 4-run victory over Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at the iconic Eden Gardens. With this defeat, KKR suffered their second consecutive loss at home, deepening concerns about their form in front of the home crowd.

The high-scoring thriller showcased standout performances from both sides, but it was Nicholas Pooran’s explosive unbeaten 87 and Mitchell Marsh’s steady 81-run knock that made the difference for Lucknow.

Pooran, Marsh Power Lucknow to Massive 238

After losing the toss and being asked to bat first, Lucknow Super Giants put up an imposing 238/3 in 20 overs.

• Nicholas Pooran was the star of the innings, smashing 87 off just 36 deliveries*, including a flurry of boundaries and sixes in the death overs.

• Mitchell Marsh contributed a crucial 81 runs, setting the foundation for the late onslaught.

• Aiden Markram chipped in with a handy 47-run cameo in the middle order.

For KKR, Harshit Rana was the pick of the bowlers, claiming 2 wickets, while Andre Russell picked up one.

Kolkata’s Fight Falls Just Short

In response, KKR made a valiant effort to chase the mammoth total, eventually ending at 234/7 after 20 overs—just four runs shy of the target.

• Captain Ajinkya Rahane led from the front with a composed 61, while Venkatesh Iyer added 45 runs to build a strong platform.

• The duo shared a 71-run partnership off 40 balls, but their dismissals triggered a collapse.

• Rinku Singh remained unbeaten on 38 from 15 balls, almost pulling off the improbable in the final overs.

On the bowling front, Akash Deep and Shardul Thakur each took two wickets, effectively stalling KKR’s momentum at critical junctures.

Eden Gardens Woes Continue for Kolkata

This marks KKR’s second loss at Eden Gardens in IPL 2025. Their previous defeat came against Royal Challengers Bangalore, who beat them by 7 wickets. The back-to-back home losses raise questions about the team’s death bowling and middle-order stability.

As for LSG, this win significantly boosts their momentum as they eye a strong playoff push in the second half of the season.