The last match of the season at the Eden Gardens sees the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) praying for a mathematical miracle to still make it into the playoffs. But first things first, they have to beat the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) by a convincing margin to even stand a chance of going through. For their part, LSG know that a win books them a playoff spot and also keeps them in contention for a top-two finish should other results go their way.
The two franchises have met twice before, with LSG coming out on top both times. On the first occasion, it involved a convincing 75-run victory, while the second saw the narrowest of Lucknow wins, when the teams faced off in a runfest at Mumbai’s D.Y. Patil Stadium.
Before KKR and LSG renew their rivalry in 2023, My Kolkata would like to refresh your memories by revisiting three key moments from the second KKR-LSG encounter from 2022.
No stopping the LSG openers
Quinton de Kock was unstoppable last time around versus KKR, scoring 140 off just 70 balls
TT ArchivesQuinton de Kock and K.L. Rahul made history in their last outing against KKR by compiling the highest opening partnership in IPL history. In fact, neither opener was dismissed in the innings as LSG went on to score a staggering 210 without losing a wicket. While Rahul was relatively subdued as part of a workmanlike 68, de Kock played the innings of his lifetime, scoring 140 in double quick time, with 10 fours and 10 sixes to boot.
Rana and Iyer keep KKR alive
Nitish Rana gave KKR hope with a solid partnership with Shreyas Iyer against LSG
TT ArchivesChasing a mammoth total, KKR looked dead and buried after losing both openers within the first three overs, with just nine runs on the board. But Nitish Rana and captain Shreyas Iyer saw off the threat of Mohsin Khan and took the attack to the other LSG bowlers to stitch together a 56-run partnership. The next curveball for KKR came when Rana was dismissed by Krishnappa Gowtham after a quickfire 42.
Rinku catches fire as KKR crash and burn
With Andre Russell off colour, it was Rinku Singh’s powerful cameo that almost gave KKR a comeback victory against LSG
TT ArchivesWith Iyer and Sam Billings back in the pavilion, KKR relied on Rinku Singh and Andre Russell to take them over the line. Russell, however, had picked the wrong night to trudge his way to five off 11 balls, meaning Rinku had to do all the smashing. Facing 15 balls, KKR’s pocket dynamo hit six boundaries en route to an electrifying 40. With three runs needed off two balls, Rinku fell to Marcus Stoinis and new man Umesh Yadav was cleaned up thereafter, giving LSG a sensational victory by two runs.
