Nicholas Pooran and Mitchell Marsh produced blistering knocks to lead Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) to a thrilling four-run victory over Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at Eden Gardens on Tuesday in a high-scoring IPL encounter.
Pooran's explosive 87 not out off 36 balls and Marsh’s fiery 81 off 48 deliveries helped LSG post an imposing total of 238/4 after being invited to bat first. In reply, KKR fought hard but fell short, ending their innings at 234/7.
LSG's innings got off to a flying start, with Marsh and Aiden Markram putting on a quick-fire 99-run partnership. Markram was dismissed for 47 off 28 balls, but Pooran joined Marsh, and the duo continued the onslaught.
Marsh’s power-packed 81 came off just 48 balls, but it was Pooran’s stunning knock of 87* that anchored the innings. The West Indian blasted eight boundaries and six sixes, taking LSG to a massive total.
In KKR's chase, Sunil Narine and Quinton de Kock got off to a fast start, adding 37 runs in just two overs before de Kock’s dismissal. Narine and captain Ajinkya Rahane then combined for a crucial 54-run stand before Narine fell for 30 off 13 balls.
Rahane kept KKR's hopes alive with a superb 61 off 35 balls, but despite late fireworks from Rinku Singh, KKR came up short by just four runs.
KKR's chase was hindered by some tight bowling and miscalculations at crucial moments, with Pooran and Marsh’s efforts proving just enough for LSG to secure the win in a thrilling contest.
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