IPL 2025 Match 19 KKR vs LSG: Match Summary
Match 19 of IPL 2025 lit up the legendary Eden Gardens with a rollercoaster of emotions and edge-of-the-seat drama. The Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) narrowly escaped with a 4-run win over Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in a clash that had everything—from explosive batting displays to a shocking middle-order meltdown. Here’s how this instant classic unfolded.
Nicholas Pooran’s Fireworks Leave LSG Fans Roaring
LSG were put in to bat, and they responded with an absolute batting blitz. The spotlight belonged to Nicholas Pooran, who delivered one of the most explosive innings of IPL 2025. Unbeaten on 87 off just 36 balls, Pooran rained sixes over Eden Gardens—eight of them to be exact—while also hitting seven boundaries.
His destruction of Andre Russell in the 18th over, smashing 24 runs, was a standout moment. LSG achieved the second-highest score in IPL history with a massive 238/3 thanks to Pooran’s final kick. It all came down to his ability to maintain aggression in the last overs.
Marsh’s Masterclass Sets the Stage
Before Pooran’s carnage, it was Mitchell Marsh who laid the foundation. The Aussie powerhouse cracked 81 from 48 deliveries, unleashing a flurry of boundaries and sixes right from the opening overs.
LSG got off to a quick start thanks to his forceful attitude on the powerplay. Marsh played with intent and accuracy, forming a vital 71-run partnership with Pooran that provided the ideal foundation for the last attack.
KKR Responds with a Bang
Chasing 239, Kolkata came out swinging. Quinton de Kock started well, but the real spark came from Sunil Narine and Ajinkya Rahane. Narine blazed his way to 30 off just 13 balls, while Rahane combined finesse and aggression to post 55 off 32.
KKR were cruising at 90/1 after 6 overs, their second-best powerplay showing in franchise history. By the halfway stage, they were 129/2—ahead of the asking rate and eyeing a famous win.
Game Turns on Its Head: LSG Strike Back Hard
Just when KKR looked to be in full control, LSG mounted a comeback. The turning point came in the 13th over. Despite a shaky start to the over with five wides, Shardul Thakur managed to dismiss Rahane on the final ball—his 100th IPL match delivering a crucial wicket.
Then came the domino effect:
- Ravi Bishnoi bamboozled Ramandeep Singh.
- Avesh Khan sent Angkrish Raghuvanshi packing.
- Akash Deep removed Venkatesh Iyer, who had looked dangerous on 45 off 29.
In a span of 15 balls, KKR crashed from 162/2 to 177/6, as momentum decisively swung in LSG’s favor.
Rinku Singh’s Grit Nearly Pulls Off a Miracle
Never one to back down, Rinku Singh once again stepped up under pressure. After Andre Russell fell to a spectacular catch by David Miller, it was Rinku who shouldered the chase.
With 54 needed off the last 24 balls, he scored freely and brought it down to 24 off the final over. Though the hopes were maintained by two boundaries and a towering six, Ravi Bishnoi maintained composure and bowled a magnificent dot to secure victory with four balls remaining. KKR was dreadfully short by just four runs at 234/7.
Match-Changing Moments
- Pooran’s Onslaught in the 18th Over: His 24-run blitz off Russell changed the game’s tempo.
- Rahane’s Dismissal: A game-shifting breakthrough by Thakur.
- KKR’s Collapse: From 162/2 to 177/6—an implosion that turned the match on its head.
- Bishnoi’s Final Over Composure: Ice in his veins, sealing a thriller with clutch bowling.
What Lies Ahead
The win strengthens LSG’s campaign with back-to-back victories and pushes them up the points table. Their mix of explosive batting and composed death bowling is starting to click.
For KKR, the loss will sting. After building a perfect chase platform, their middle-order inconsistency cost them dearly. If they are to compete for the playoffs, finishing games will need to become a priority.
Conclusion: An IPL Classic Etched in Memory
This contest had it all—giant totals, individual brilliance, game-changing spells, and a last-ball decider. LSG’s tight win over KKR will go down as one of the standout moments of IPL 2025 so far.
As the league heats up, expect more such dramatic finishes that could shape not just the playoff race—but perhaps the destiny of the title itself.
