Kolkata Knight Riders' Record-breaking Win Over Lucknow Super Giants at home of LSG

Kolkata Knight Riders Dominate Lucknow Super Giants with Record-breaking T20 Total

KKR win by 98 runs ©BCCI

In a high-octane clash that showcased the firepower of the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), the team posted the highest T20 total at Ekana, securing a resounding 98-run victory over the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG). This victory not only strengthens KKR's position in the playoffs but also highlights their commanding form in the ongoing IPL 2024 season.

The match began with KKR being put into bat by the LSG skipper, a decision that would soon prove costly for the Lucknow-based team. KKR's opening pair of Phil Salt and Sunil Narine set the stage on fire with their explosive batting, marking their sixth 50+ partnership of the season. Salt's quickfire 32 off 14 balls laid the foundation before he was dismissed by Naveen-ul-Haq in the 5th over. Sunil Narine, continuing his stellar form, went on a rampage, smashing a scintillating 81 off just 39 deliveries, adorned with 6 fours and 7 sixes. His partnership with Angkrish Raghuvanshi (32 off 26) added 79 runs for the second wicket, propelling KKR's score to new heights.

Despite a brief period of wickets falling, KKR's middle order contributed crucial runs, with Shreyas Iyer (23 off 15) and Ramandeep Singh (25* off 6) providing the finishing touches to a mammoth total of 235/6 in 20 overs. LSG's fielding lapses and missed opportunities added to their woes, with several dropped catches allowing KKR to capitalize on the batting-friendly conditions.

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In response, LSG faced an uphill battle chasing down the colossal target. Mitchell Starc's early breakthrough removed Arshin Kulkarni, setting the tone for a challenging chase. Although KL Rahul and Marcus Stoinis showed resilience with a partnership, LSG's hopes dwindled as wickets tumbled at regular intervals.

KKR's bowling attack, led by Narine and Varun Chakaravarthy, exploited the pitch's turn and kept the pressure on LSG. Andre Russell's crucial wickets of Stoinis and Nicholas Pooran further dented LSG's chances. Chakaravarthy and Harshit Rana showcased their bowling prowess, grabbing three scalps each as LSG succumbed to 137 all out in 16.1 overs.

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The comprehensive victory not only cements KKR's position as a strong contender in the IPL 2024 but also highlights the team's depth in both batting and bowling departments. With this stellar performance in both department, KKR inches closer to securing a spot in the playoffs, leaving LSG with the daunting task of securing big wins to revive their playoff hopes in the final stages of the tournament.

Player of the Match :- Sunil Narine (81 off 39 & 1/22)