IPL 2025: Rinku Singh’s Heroics Go in Vain as Kolkata Lose to Lucknow

In a high-scoring contest at Eden Gardens, Kolkata Knight Riders narrowly missed victory, falling to Lucknow Super Giants by 4 runs. Chasing a daunting target of 239 runs, Kolkata Knight Riders displayed remarkable resilience, scoring 234 runs for 7 wickets in 20 overs.

Lucknow Super Giants, opting to bat first, posted an imposing total of 238 runs for the loss of 3 wickets in their allotted 20 overs. Mitchell Marsh top-scored with 81 runs, followed by Nicholas Pooran with 87 runs and Aiden Markram with 47 runs.

In pursuit of the massive target, the Kolkata Knight Riders launched a spirited fightback on their home ground. Captain Ajinkya Rahane led the charge with a composed 61 runs off 35 balls, hitting 8 fours and 2 sixes. Venkatesh Iyer contributed 41 runs from 29 balls, which included 6 fours and 1 six. Though opener Quinton de Kock disappointed with just 15 runs, his partner Sunil Narine provided a fiery start, scoring 30 runs from only 13 balls with 4 fours and 2 sixes.

Despite a late effort by Rinku Singh, Kolkata Knight Riders could not cross the finish line. Rinku Singh remained unbeaten with 38 runs from 15 balls, hitting 6 fours and 2 sixes. In the final over, Kolkata needed 24 runs to win but managed only 19. Rinku Singh hit two fours and a six off Ravi Bishnoi’s over, while Harshit Rana added a boundary.

The close defeat led to disappointment in the Kolkata camp. Among Lucknow Super Giants bowlers, Akash Deep and Shardul Thakur took 2 wickets each, while Avesh Khan, Digvijay Rathore, and Ravi Bishnoi claimed one wicket each.