Lucknow Super Giants Triumph Over Kolkata Knight Riders in Nail-Biting Finish
Exciting Victory for LSG
On Thursday, the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) achieved a thrilling win at Eden Gardens, overcoming the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) by three wickets in a dramatic final-ball finish. Chasing a target of 182 runs, LSG secured their second victory of the IPL 2026 season, thanks to impressive half-centuries from Ayush Badoni and Mukul Choudhary.
LSG's Challenging Chase
The chase for 182 began poorly for LSG as KKR's Vaibhav Arora made early breakthroughs, dismissing Mitchell Marsh (15) and Aiden Markram (22) during the powerplay. Captain Rishabh Pant managed only 10 runs before being dismissed by Cameron Green, leaving LSG struggling at 73/3 by the end of the ninth over.
Badoni's Significant Contribution
The momentum shifted with Ayush Badoni's composed innings of 54 runs off 34 balls, featuring seven fours and two sixes. This performance marked his milestone of 1,000 career IPL runs, making him the third player to achieve this feat for LSG. Despite the pressure from KKR's spinners, Badoni kept the scoreboard moving until he was dismissed by Anukul Roy, leaving LSG at a precarious 125/6.
Choudhary's Heroic Finish
Mukul Choudhary emerged as the standout performer, finishing unbeaten with 54 runs off just 27 balls, including seven sixes. With 14 runs needed in the final over bowled by Vaibhav Arora, Choudhary's explosive batting ensured LSG crossed the finish line, clinching a thrilling victory with three wickets remaining. His ability to hit boundaries under pressure was crucial in this high-stakes chase.
KKR's Competitive Innings
Earlier, KKR set a challenging total of 181/4 in their 20 overs. After winning the toss, LSG chose to field first on a pitch that was expected to assist both pace and spin as the match progressed. KKR's innings featured early contributions, but consistent wickets prevented a larger score.
Strong Partnership from Rahane and Raghuvanshi
Skipper Ajinkya Rahane (41 off 24) and Angkrish Raghuvanshi (45 off 33) formed a solid partnership, guiding KKR to 56/1 during the Powerplay. Their aggressive batting dismantled Avesh Khan for 16 runs in the sixth over, including a massive six from Rahane. However, the introduction of LSG's spin bowlers changed the game, with Rathi breaking the 84-run partnership by dismissing Rahane.
Late Contributions from Powell and Green
Despite losing wickets, Rovman Powell (39* off 24) and Cameron Green (32* off 24) provided a late surge, helping KKR surpass the 180-run mark. Mohammed Shami was the most economical bowler for LSG, conceding only 27 runs in his four overs, while Siddharth, Rathi, Avesh, and Prince Yadav each took one wicket.
Match Summary
Brief Scores: Kolkata Knight Riders 181/4 in 20 overs (Ajinkya Rahane 41, Angkrish Raghuvanshi 45, Rovman Powell 39*; Manimaran Siddharth 1/34) lost to Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) 182/7 in 20 overs (Mukul Choudhary 54*, Ayush Badoni 54; Anukul Roy 2/32, Vaibhav Arora 2/38) by 3 wickets.