In the 21st match LSG vs KKR IPL 2025, Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) registered a close 4-run win over Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at Eden Gardens on April 8. Nicholas Pooran was the day’s hero with a blistering 87 off 36 balls, not only getting LSG to a record score but also being awarded the Player of the Match.
Nicholas Pooran’s Blazing 87* Off 36 Balls Turn the Match Around
Entering the high-stakes LSG vs KKR IPL 2025 showdown, Pooran came to bat with LSG already having a great start after losing the toss and batting first, which was at 0/1.
He then added to LSG’s good start with a bombastic innings of 87 runs in just 36 balls, rattling 7 fours and 8 sixes off a phenomenal strike rate of 241.67.
– Scored 50 runs off 21 balls
– Scored 87 runs not out off 36 balls to anchor LSG innings
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– Helped LSG beat the bat and chase the mammoth target 238/3 in 20 overs
This was Pooran’s third half-century of IPL 2025 providing him with opportunities to price the top of the leaderboard with the most destructive middle-order batsman in the season.
Orange Cap Leader: Pooran Leads the IPL 2025 Charts
Due to his outstanding consistency, Nicholas Pooran is now the leader in the Orange Cap race in IPL 2025.
Orange Cap Top 5 Batsmen Standings (as of Match 21):
1. Nicholas Pooran (LSG) – 288 runs in 5 innings
2. Mitchell Marsh (LSG) – 265 runs
3. Suryakumar Yadav (MI) – 199 runs
4. Sai Sudharsan (GT) – 191 runs
5. Ajinkya Rahane (KKR) – 184 runs
Pooran’s average of 72 and strike rate of 225 speak volumes of his dominance in the middle.
Pooran Joins IPL History: Second Fastest to 2000 Runs
With his recent innings, Nicholas Pooran has become the second fastest batsman to reach 2,000 runs in the IPL, as calculated by balls faced.
Fastest to 2000 IPL Runs (by balls faced):
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– Andre Russell – 1120 balls
– Nicholas Pooran – 1198 balls
– Chris Gayle – 1212 balls
– Virender Sehwag – 1221 balls
This historic achievement yet again cemented Pooran’s position as a game-changer in the IPL.
LSG vs KKR IPL 2025: Match Recap
Kolkata Knight Riders came short in their pursuit of 239, finishing at 234/7. Even with good showings by Ajinkya Rahane (61) and Venkatesh Iyer (45), it was Rinku Singh’s 38 not out in the last overs that almost saw KKR get home. But LSG’s bowlers kept their cool, and Pooran’s innings were the clincher.
Pooran’s Knock Defines LSG vs KKR IPL 2025 Thriller
The LSG vs KKR IPL 2025 match will remain in the minds of every participant for Nicholas Pooran’s extraordinary display that turned a tense matchup into a record-setting event. By this match-winning innings, Pooran gave Lucknow two valuable points and took another step into the history of the IPL.
ALSO READ: IPL 2025: Nicholas Pooran Destroys Andre Russell With Brutal 24-Run Over
