LSG’s Batting Blitz Secures 4-Run Win Over KKR in IPL 2025
Match Background and Context
The match was part of the IPL 2025 season, with both teams aiming to strengthen their standings in the points table. LSG entered the game with momentum from recent victories, while KKR sought to recover from earlier setbacks. The Eden Gardens pitch, renowned for its batting-friendly nature, promised a run-heavy contest.
Toss and Team Decisions
KKR won the toss and opted to field first, likely influenced by the pitch conditions and the advantage of chasing under lights. The playing XIs were:
LSG: Mitchell Marsh, Aiden Markram, Nicholas Pooran, Rishabh Pant (wk/c), Ayush Badoni, David Miller, Abdul Samad, Shardul Thakur, Akash Deep, Avesh Khan, Digvesh Rathi.
KKR: Quinton de Kock (wk), Sunil Narine, Ajinkya Rahane (c), Venkatesh Iyer, Rinku Singh, Andre Russell, Ramandeep Singh, Vaibhav Arora, Spencer Johnson, Harshit Rana, Varun Chakravarthy.
LSG Innings: A Batting Masterclass
LSG posted an imposing 238/3 in their 20 overs, driven by exceptional batting performances:
Mitchell Marsh: Scored 81 runs off 48 balls (6 fours, 5 sixes, SR: 168.75), laying a strong foundation during the powerplay.
Nicholas Pooran: Delivered an unbeaten 87 off 36 balls (7 fours, 8 sixes, SR: 241.67), accelerating brilliantly to push LSG beyond 200.
Aiden Markram: Contributed an unbeaten 47 off 28 balls (4 fours, 2 six, SR: 167.86), ensuring a strong finish.
KKR’s bowlers struggled to contain LSG, with key figures including:
Harshit Rana: 2/51 in 4 overs (ECON: 12.80), the most expensive spell.
Andre Russell: 1/32 in 2 overs (ECON: 16.00), offering some resistance.
LSG’s total of 238/3 was among the highest in IPL 2025 so far, setting a daunting target for KKR.
KKR Innings: A Valiant but Insufficient Chase
Chasing 239, KKR managed 178/6 in 15.3 overs,
Their innings featured:
Sunil Narine: A quick 30 off 13 balls (4 fours, 2 six, SR: 230.77), dismissed early by Digvesh Rathi.
Ajinkya Rahane: A captain’s knock of 61 off 35 balls (8 fours, 2 sixes, SR: 174.29), keeping KKR in the game.
Venkatesh Iyer: Scored 45 off 29 balls (6 fours, 1 six, SR: 155.17), partnering Rahane for a 70+ run stand.
However, after losing Rahane and Iyer, KKR’s middle order collapsed, with Rinku Singh and Andre Russell unable to provide the required impetus.
LSG’s bowlers excelled:
Akash Deep: 2/55 in 4 overs (ECON: 13.8), taking key wickets.
Avesh Khan: 1/45 in 4 overs (ECON: 11.3), maintaining pressure.
Ravi Bishnoi: 1/47 in 4 overs (ECON: 11.8), controlling the middle overs.
Key Performances and Statistics
Here’s a summary of standout contributions:
Team Player Performance
LSG Mitchell Marsh 81* (48b, 6×4, 5×6, SR: 168.75)
LSG Nicholas Pooran 87* (36b, 7×4, 8×6, SR: 241.67)
LSG Aiden Markram 47* (28b, 4×4, 2×6, SR: 167.86)
LSG Akash Deep 4-55-2 (ECON: 13.8)
LSG Avesh Khan 4-45-1 (ECON: 13.3)
KKR Ajinkya Rahane 61 (35b, 8×4, 2×6, SR: 174.29)
KKR Venkatesh Iyer 45 (29b, 6×4, 1×6, SR: 155.17)
KKR Sunil Narine 30 (13b, 4×4, 2×6, SR: 230.77)
KKR Harshit Rana 4-51-2 (ECON: 12.8)
KKR Andre Russell 2-32-1 (ECON: 16.00)
Match Analysis
LSG’s Dominance: Marsh and Pooran’s batting brilliance overwhelmed KKR, while Akash Deep’s bowling ensured the chase faltered early. The 238-run total was formidable on Eden Gardens’ batting paradise.
KKR’s Struggles: Narine’s explosive start and the Rahane-Iyer partnership offered hope, but the middle order’s collapse and expensive bowling cost them dearly.
Pitch Conditions: Eden Gardens provided true bounce and pace, favoring batsmen. LSG capitalized fully, especially in the death overs.
Man of the Match
Nicholas Pooran earned the award for his match-defining 87 off 36 balls*, praised widely for its game-changing impact.
Post-Match Reactions
LSG Captain Rishabh Pant: “We knew we needed a big score here. Marsh and Pooran were outstanding, and the bowlers executed perfectly.”
KKR Captain Ajinkya Rahane: “We couldn’t sustain pressure with the ball. Our middle order needed to step up—we’ll regroup and return stronger.
