The Lucknow Super Giants had never lost a game while defending a total of over 160 in the IPL but now they have lost 2 consecutive such matches. The Kolkata Knight Riders thrashed LSG by 8 wickets in the first match of a super Sunday to return to winning ways.
Shreyas Iyer's decision to bowl first proved right as the hosts restricted LSG to a mere 161/7 on a decent batting track.
Mitchell Starc finally lived up to his hype with 3 wickets as no LSG batter except for Nicholas Pooran looked in fluent touch.
Their defence also began on a disastrous note as debutant Shamar Joseph leaked 20 runs in the very first over.
Mohsin Khan, who returned to the side after an injury, tried hard to keep LSG in the game with 2 wickets upfront but poor fielding and no support from any other bowler made it an easy run-chase for KKR.
Phil Salt cut loose and smashed 89 not out off 47 balls and stitched an unbeaten 120-run partnership with skipper Shreyas Iyer as the Knights won with 26 balls to spare.
With that, KKR registered their 4th win in 5 outings. LSG on the other hand were handed their 2nd consecutive defeat.