KKR vs LSG IPL 2025: A Thrilling Clash at Eden Gardens
KKR vs LSG IPL 2025: A Thrilling Clash at Eden Gardens
On April 8, 2025, the iconic Eden Gardens in Kolkata witnessed a high-octane IPL showdown as Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) took on Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in Match 21 of the season. This game had everything a cricket fan could ask for—big hits, twists, pressure moments, and a nail-biting finish. In the end, it was LSG who held their nerve to clinch a narrow 4-run victory in a high-scoring thriller.
Let’s dive into all the action, standout performances, and key turning points from this epic contest.
Match Overview: Drama, Fireworks, and a Last-Over Finish
Originally scheduled for April 6 but rescheduled due to Ram Navami celebrations, the match began at 3:30 PM IST. KKR captain Ajinkya Rahane won the toss and opted to bowl first, a decision that looked smart early on but was quickly turned upside down by LSG’s explosive batting.
Batting first, LSG piled up a mammoth 238/3 in 20 overs—their second-highest total ever against KKR in IPL history. In reply, KKR gave a solid fight but stumbled at the finish line, falling short by just 4 runs.
LSG Batting: Pooran and Marsh Light Up the Eden
LSG’s innings was launched by Mitchell Marsh and Aiden Markram, who gave them a flying start. Marsh played a brutal knock of 81 off 48 balls, smashing 6 fours and 5 sixes, setting the perfect foundation. Markram provided solid support with a fluent 47 off 28.
But the real storm hit when Nicholas Pooran walked in. The Caribbean power-hitter went berserk, scoring an unbeaten 87 off just 36 deliveries, peppered with 8 sixes and 7 fours. Pooran’s explosive hitting in the death overs, especially against Andre Russell and Vaibhav Arora, pushed LSG to a commanding 238.
While it wasn’t the highest total of IPL 2025, it was definitely one of the most intimidating.
KKR Bowling: Plans Go Sideways
KKR’s bowling attack looked toothless against the LSG onslaught. Spencer Johnson, bought for a hefty ₹2.8 crore, leaked 12 runs in his very first over and never quite recovered. Vaibhav Arora and Harshit Rana struggled for control, and even the experienced Andre Russell was taken apart in the end overs.
Varun Chakravarthy, usually KKR’s go-to spinner, couldn’t work his magic this time—conceding 31 runs in his 4 overs without taking a wicket. Overall, KKR’s bowling lacked both execution and variation, and they paid the price.
KKR Batting: Bright Start, Heartbreak at the End
Chasing 239, KKR came out all guns blazing. Openers Quinton de Kock and Sunil Narine attacked from the word go. Narine cracked 30 off just 13 balls before being dismissed by Digvijay Rathore, giving LSG a much-needed breakthrough.
Captain Ajinkya Rahane and Venkatesh Iyer then stitched a solid 71-run partnership. Rahane scored a captain’s knock of 61 off 35 balls, while Iyer contributed 45 from 29. At 107/2 in just 8 overs, KKR looked in control.
However, things changed quickly. Shardul Thakur turned the game on its head by removing Rahane and Russell in quick succession. Despite a valiant effort from Rinku Singh—who smashed 38 off just 15 balls with 6 fours and 2 sixes—KKR couldn’t cross the finish line. They needed 24 off the final over, and Ravi Bishnoi managed to defend it, conceding only 19 runs.
Turning Points of the Match
- Pooran’s carnage – His back-to-back sixes off Russell in the 17th over took LSG past 200 and set the tone for a massive finish.
- Narine’s early dismissal – His wicket during the powerplay stalled KKR’s early momentum.
- Rahane-Iyer partnership – Their 71-run stand gave KKR hope of a successful chase.
- Shardul’s breakthrough overs – Taking out Rahane and Russell in the 13th and 17th overs tilted the game back in LSG’s favor.
- Final over drama – Rinku nearly pulled off a miracle, but LSG held on by the skin of their teeth.
Heroes and Underperformers
- Nicholas Pooran (LSG): 87* (36) – A masterclass in power-hitting that won them the match.
- Mitchell Marsh (LSG): 81 (48) – Anchored and accelerated beautifully.
- Ajinkya Rahane (KKR): 61 (35) – Led from the front, but just couldn’t take them home.
- Shardul Thakur (LSG): 2 wickets – Picked up key wickets at crucial moments.
- Spencer Johnson (KKR): 0/46 – An expensive spell with no breakthroughs.
Final Thoughts: LSG’s Statement Win
This match was easily one of the most thrilling encounters of IPL 2025 so far. LSG showcased their batting depth and held their nerve with the ball in crunch time. The win pushes them to 4th on the points table, while KKR slips to 6th.
For LSG, it’s a confidence-boosting victory, but their bowling still needs tightening. KKR, on the other hand, must rethink their strategy when chasing massive targets and look for better execution under pressure.
What a match it was! Did it keep you on the edge of your seat too? Share your thoughts in the comments!
FAQs – KKR vs LSG, IPL 2025
Q1. Who won the KKR vs LSG match on April 8, 2025?
A: Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) won the match by 4 runs in a thrilling contest at Eden Gardens, Kolkata.
Q2. What was the final score of both teams?
A:
- LSG: 238/3 in 20 overs
- KKR: 234/7 in 20 overs
Q3. Who was the top scorer in the match?
A: Nicholas Pooran (LSG) was the top scorer with an unbeaten 87 runs off 36 balls.
Q4. Who was the standout performer for KKR?
A: Ajinkya Rahane played a captain’s knock, scoring 61 off 35 balls, while Rinku Singh contributed 38 off 15 balls in the final overs.
Q5. What was the turning point of the match?
A: Shardul Thakur’s twin strikes—dismissing Ajinkya Rahane and Andre Russell—shifted momentum towards LSG, making a big impact on the outcome.
Q6. Why was the match rescheduled from April 6 to April 8?
A: The match was rescheduled due to the Ram Navami celebrations and related arrangements in Kolkata.
Q7. How did KKR’s bowling unit perform?
A: KKR’s bowlers struggled throughout the innings. Spencer Johnson, Vaibhav Arora, and others were expensive, with no bowler managing to keep LSG’s batters in check.
Q8. Where does this match place both teams on the IPL 2025 points table?
A: After the win, LSG moved to 4th position, while KKR slipped to 6th.
Q9. Who bowled the final over of the match?
A: Ravi Bishnoi bowled the last over for LSG, successfully defending 24 runs despite a strong effort from Rinku Singh.
Q10. Was this the highest team total in IPL 2025 so far?
A: No, but LSG’s 238 was one of the highest team totals of the season and their second-best against KKR in IPL history.