The 21st match LSG vs KKR IPL 2025 on April 8 pitted Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at Eden Gardens, and it was a daunting display of a high-scoring battle where LSG successfully defended an amazing 239 runs and defeated KKR by just 4 runs.
Though the hosts had a great beginning, the match-changing moment was the middle-order failure of Kolkata, which proved to be their undoing.
KKR Off to a Blazing Start in Powerplay
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While pursuing the huge target of 239, KKR began their innings in style. The team reached 90 runs in the powerplay, losing only one wicket. Sunil Narine gave an explosive cameo, making 30 off 13 balls at a strike rate of 230.77, putting up the sign of an optimum successful chase.
LSG vs KKR IPL 2025 Turning Point: Kolkata’s Middle Order Collapse
The game turned in favor of the opposition once the powerplay was over. Here’s how KKR’s promising run chase fell apart:
Key Wickets Fell at Pivotal Moments:
– After Narine’s tumble, Ajinkya Rahane and Venkatesh Iyer consolidated the innings with a 71-run partnership.
– Rahane got out to Shardul Thakur after a smooth 61 off 35 balls, which brought KKR to 162/3.
– Then there was a collapse of the middle order:
– Ramandeep Singh made only 1 run.
– Angkrish Raghuvanshi got out for only 5.
– Venkatesh Iyer got out for 45 runs in the 16th over to Akash Deep.
– Andre Russell, as much a match-winner, might manage to get only 7 before Shardul Thakur sent him out.
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KKR’s flurry of wickets in the middle overs was the turning point in the match, bringing an end to the KKR’s momentum and costing the team runs when it mattered most.
Rinku Singh’s Late Heroics Not Enough
Rinku Singh, who was known for his composure when under pressure, was unbeaten on 38 runs off a mere 15 balls. He threatened to turn the game around with two fours and a six in the final three balls. But a limited strike in the last overs denied him a proper opportunity to cash in on his form.
Lucknow’s Bowling Unit Delivers Under Pressure
Lucknow Super Giants’ bowlers played by their nerves during the death overs, thanks to contributions from:
– Shardul Thakur: 2 wickets, including the game-changing ones of Rahane and Russell.
– Akash Deep: 2 wickets, which helped break core partnerships.
– Avesh Khan, Ravi Bishnoi, and Digvesh Singh: Contributed one wicket each, maintaining the pressure on KKR all along.
LSG vs KKR Turning Point Determines the Match Outcome
The LSG vs KKR turning point surely was the collapse of Kolkata’s middle order, which threw away a golden chance following a good start. Although Rinku Singh’s courageous fight instilled hope during the final overs, the damage was already in place.
This victory by Lucknow Super Giants highlighted their strength and strategic depth in rising to the points table, while Kolkata Knight Riders will have to introspect their middle-order weaknesses.
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