Kolkata Knight Riders Opt to Bowl Against Lucknow Super Giants in IPL Clash
In a thrilling encounter at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata on April 14, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) won the toss and elected to bowl first against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in their Indian Premier League (IPL) match.
KKR made one change to their playing XI, bringing in Harshit Rana for Rinku Singh. LSG, on the other hand, handed a maiden IPL cap to West Indian pacer Shamar Joseph and recalled Deepak Hooda and Mohsin Khan.
LSG openers KL Rahul and Quinton de Kock got off to a solid start, putting on 45 runs for the first wicket. However, KKR’s bowlers struck back with regular wickets, including the prized scalp of Rahul for 25.
Marcus Stoinis and Deepak Hooda then steadied the LSG innings with a 50-run partnership. Stoinis played a blistering knock of 38 off 25 balls, while Hooda contributed a valuable 27.
Nicholas Pooran and Ayush Badoni added some late fireworks, but LSG could only manage a total of 176/7 in their allotted 20 overs.
In reply, KKR’s batting lineup struggled to get going. Phil Salt and Sunil Narine were dismissed cheaply, leaving the hosts in a precarious position.
Shreyas Iyer and Venkatesh Iyer tried to rebuild the innings, but both fell in quick succession. Andre Russell provided a brief spark with a 25-ball 45, but KKR’s chase ultimately fell short.
LSG’s bowlers were disciplined and effective, with Ravi Bishnoi and Mohsin Khan picking up three wickets each.
In the end, LSG emerged victorious by 75 runs, securing their second win of the IPL season.
