IPL 2025: Pooran-Marsh blitz help LSG win high-scoring thriller vs KKR, climb to top 4

Lucknow Super Giants are slowly but surely finding their DNA in IPL 2025.

Their mantra of scoring big and allowing their not-so-highly-rated bowling attack to enjoy the cushion of runs and do its job. The template was on display on Tuesday at Eden Gardens as LSG hammered 238 on the board in 20 overs before defending it by 4 runs to secure their third win of the IPL 2025 season in five matches.

Kolkata Knight Riders only had themselves to blame as they fluffed a good chance to script their highest-ever chase (first over 200 runs). Having scored 90 in the powerplay for the loss of just one wicket, KKR continued to be aggressive with their approach and pushed the envelope in the middle overs. Captain Ajinkya Rahane and Venkatesh Iyer added 71 runs in just 34 balls for the third wicket. KKR were well set for a strong finish when they were 162 for 3 in the 13th over.

However, Shardul Thakur cracked open the game in his inimitable style. Known for his knack of getting wickets with ordinary balls, the medium pacer triggered a collapse, dismissing a well-set Ajinkya Rahane with a full-toss in the 13th over for 61. It was ironical as Shardul had started the over bowling five consecutive wides, much to the dismay of his captain Rishabh Pant. However, the extra ball gave him the wicket and the turning point in the chase.