In a thrilling finish to their final league match of the IPL 2023, Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) defeated Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) by one run at the Eden Gardens on Saturday. LSG, who were put in to bat, posted a competitive 176 for eight thanks to a 30-ball 58 from Nicholas Pooran. In reply, KKR were on course for victory at one stage, but Rinku Singh’s unbeaten 67 off 33 balls fell just short as they were restricted to 175 for seven.
Singh’s knock was a valiant effort, but it was not enough to get KKR over the line. The left-hander hit five sixes and two fours in his innings, and he came within one run of hitting a match-winning six off the final ball of the match. LSG’s win means that they have qualified for the playoffs of the IPL 2023.
LSG’s batting performance
LSG’s batting was not at its best in the first half of the innings. They lost three wickets for 29 runs in the powerplay, and they were in trouble at 62 for four in the 12th over. However, Pooran and Hooda put on a 54-run partnership to steady the innings, and then Pooran hit 13 runs off the last over to help LSG post a competitive total.
KKR’s bowling performance
KKR’s bowlers bowled well in the first half of the innings. They kept LSG’s batsmen quiet and picked up wickets at regular intervals. However, they were unable to contain Pooran and Hooda in the middle overs, and they leaked runs in the death overs.
Rinku Singh’s knock
Rinku Singh’s knock was the highlight of the KKR innings. He came out to bat at number six with KKR in trouble at 94 for five, but he put on a 72-run partnership with Andre Russell to take the game deep. Rinku Singh hit five sixes and two fours in his innings, and he came within one run of hitting a match-winning six off the final ball of the match.
LSG’s bowling performance
LSG’s bowlers defended 176 with aplomb. Mohsin Khan and Ravi Bishnoi were the pick of the bowlers, taking two wickets each. Yash Thakur also bowled well, taking one wicket and conceding just 14 runs in his four overs. Overall, it was a thrilling match that went down to the wire. LSG’s win means that they have qualified for the playoffs, while KKR have been eliminated from the tournament.
Here are some of the post-match reactions:
- LSG captain Krunal Pandya: “It was a great game of cricket. We were 10-15 runs short, but the way Rinku batted was amazing. He showed a lot of character and took the game deep. We are happy to qualify for the playoffs.”
- KKR captain Nitish Rana: “We were in the game till the last ball. Rinku batted really well, but we couldn’t get over the line. We need to learn from our mistakes and come back stronger in the next season.”
- Rinku Singh: “I am very happy with my performance. I just wanted to play my natural game and take the game deep. I am disappointed that we lost, but I am happy that I could contribute to the team’s cause.”
The match was a fitting end to the IPL 2023 season. It was a thrilling contest that went down to the wire, and it was a fitting reward for LSG’s consistent performances throughout the season.
Here are some of the key moments from the match:
- Pooran’s 30-ball 58
Pooran’s knock was the highlight of the LSG innings. He came out to bat at number five with LSG in trouble at 62 for four, but he put on a 54-run partnership with Deepak Hooda to steady the innings. Pooran then hit 13 runs off the last over of the innings to help LSG post a competitive total.
- Rinku Singh’s 67 off 33 balls
Rinku Singh’s knock was the highlight of the KKR innings. He came out to bat at number six with KKR in trouble at 94 for five, but he put on a 72-run partnership with Andre Russell to take the game deep. Rinku Singh hit five sixes and two fours in his innings, and he came within one run of hitting a match-winning six off the final ball of the match.
- LSG’s bowling performance
LSG’s bowlers defended 176 with aplomb. Mohsin Khan and Ravi Bishnoi were the pick of the bowlers, taking two wickets each. Yash Thakur also bowled well, taking one wicket and conceding just 14 runs in his four overs. Overall, it was a thrilling match that went down to the wire. LSG’s win means that they have qualified for the playoffs, while KKR have been eliminated from the tournament.
