Follow UsLucknow Super Giants (LSG) defeated Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in a high-scoring clash in Kolkata.
Batting first, LSG put up a huge total of 238/3 on the board courtesy of brilliant batting from their top three. Aiden Markram and Mitchell Marsh gave them a great start and added 99 in just 10.2 overs for the first wicket. Post that, Nicholas Pooran arrived and stormed KKR’s bowling away with his high-intensity hitting. He was not out on 87 off just 36 deliveries at the end.
KKR’s bowling was really flat, and even Sunil Narine leaked runs at 12.66 runs/over in the three overs he bowled on the day. KKR’s chase was spirited but they fell short by just one boundary at the end.
Speaking in the post-match presentation, KKR skipper Ajinkya Rahane highlighted how the game was really tough for the bowlers and that he doesn’t have any complaints with his players on a tough pitch.
“A really tight one. As I said at the toss, the wicket would remain very good. No complaints, in the end we fought hard but just four runs short,” Rahane said.
“See when you're chasing 230-plus you are bound to lose wickets, that's completely normal. The intent and how everyone played was amazing. If batters took a little bit of time, it was a great wicket to bat on.
“Varun [Chakaravarthy] and Sunil [Narine] normally dominate the middle overs, but today Sunil was travelling. It was tough for the bowlers.”
KKR have now lost three of three of their five games and are sixth on the points table.