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IPL 2025 | Lucknow Super Giants edge Kolkata Knight Riders by four runs in a thriller

Richa Pandey
08 Apr, 2025

The Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) held their nerve in a last-over thriller to defeat the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) by four runs in Match 23 of IPL 2025, delivering one of the most electrifying contests of the season. Played at the packed Ekana Cricket Stadium, the match had everything—explosive batting, crafty bowling, and heart-stopping drama till the final ball.

LSG Post Competitive Total**

Opting to bat first, LSG rode on a blistering 78 off 42 balls from **Quinton de Kock**, who tore into KKR’s bowling attack with his trademark aggression. Skipper **KL Rahul** (45 off 32) provided solid support as the duo stitched together a 98-run opening stand. However, KKR’s spinners—**Sunil Narine** and **Varun Chakaravarthy**—pulled things back in the middle overs, restricting LSG to a competitive **182/7** in their 20 overs.

*KKR’s Chase: A Rollercoaster Ride**

In response, KKR got off to a flying start thanks to **Phil Salt** (36 off 18), but LSG’s **Ravi Bishnoi** struck twice in quick succession to remove both openers. **Shreyas Iyer** (54 off 39) anchored the innings, while **Andre Russell** (28 off 14) threatened to take the game away with his power-hitting. However, **Mohsin Khan’s** brilliant 19th over, where he conceded just five runs and dismissed Russell, turned the tide in LSG’s favor.

With 12 needed off the final over, **Naveen-ul-Haq** held his nerve despite a late assault from **Rinku Singh** (19* off 8), ensuring LSG clinched a thrilling four-run victory.

Turning Points**

- **De Kock’s Blitz:** His explosive start set the tone for LSG.

- **Bishnoi’s Double Strike:** Broke KKR’s momentum in the powerplay.

- **Mohsin’s Penultimate Over:** His tight bowling under pressure was the game-changer.

*What This Means for the Tournament**

The win propels LSG into the top four, while KKR will rue missed opportunities in the death overs. With the IPL 2025 season heating up, such close encounters promise more fireworks ahead.

**Final Score:**

LSG – 182/7 (20 overs)

KKR – 178/6 (20 overs)

**Result:** LSG won by 4 runs

**Player of the Match:** Quinton de Kock