KKR vs LSG IPL 2024: Kolkata Wins by 8 Wickets, Stellar Performances from Salt and Iyer

KKR vs LSG IPL 2024: In an exhilarating match No. 28 of the Indian Premier League 2024 at the Eden Gardens, the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) secured a commanding win over the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) by eight wickets. The victory was significantly shaped by a robust partnership between Philip Salt and Shreyas Iyer, who together turned the game in KKR’s favor.

The match commenced with KKR’s bowling unit setting an aggressive tone early on. Under the mentorship of Gautam Gambhir, Australian pacer Mitchell Starc was tasked to deliver an early breakthrough, and he did not disappoint. Starc removed Deepak Hooda in the powerplay, marking a crucial moment that tilted the momentum towards KKR. Vaibhav Arora and Ramandeep Singh also contributed significantly, with Arora dismissing Quinton de Kock and Singh taking a spectacular catch to assist Starc. This collective effort restricted LSG to a modest 49-2 in the powerplay.

Despite a middling start, LSG found some rhythm thanks to Nicholas Pooran, who top-scored with a brisk 45 off 32 balls. However, KKR’s bowling, led by a rejuvenated Starc who picked up three wickets for 28 runs, kept the scoring in check. Starc’s final over was particularly effective, capturing Pooran’s wicket and ending LSG’s innings at 161-7.

The chase for KKR was dominated by an outstanding innings from opener Philip Salt, who smashed an explosive 89 from just 47 deliveries. Salt’s aggressive batting dismantled the LSG bowling attack, which struggled throughout the game and particularly suffered from Shamar Joseph’s costly debut over—the most expensive first over in IPL 2024. Shreyas Iyer, the KKR skipper, played a steady hand, remaining not out on 38 off 38 balls to ensure a smooth sail to victory.

This win at their home ground was a significant boost for KKR, bouncing back after their first defeat of the season. It underscored the strategic acumen of mentor Gautam Gambhir and the tactical prowess of Shreyas Iyer in marshaling his troops effectively. With this victory, KKR not only avenged their earlier loss but also positioned themselves as formidable contenders for the title in IPL 2024.