IPL 2023, KKR vs LSG: Lucknow survive Rinku scare to seal 1-run win, confirm playoff spot

A high-octane clash where a solitary run proved to be the difference between both sides.KKR fell short by just 1 run while chasing 177, enabling Lucknow Super Giants to qualify for the playoffs.

As is always, Rinku Singh was the man for Kolkata with a sensational 33-ball-67* which included 6 fours & 4 sixes and even though he was left with a little too much to do, the diminutive southpaw almost took his team over the finish line.

But, almost wasn't going to be enough.

The hosts had earlier managed a 61-run 1st wicket stand between Jason Roy who hit a 28-ball 45 and Venkatesh Iyer who contributed with a 15-ball-24.

But the LSG spinners choked the KKR batting lineup in the middle overs, sparking a brilliant turnaround.

Ravi Bishnoi (2/23) and Yash Thakur (2/31) proved to be the pick of the bowlers for LSG as they kept their nerves at the end to seal a spot in the Eliminator next week.

Earlier, Nicholas Pooran smashed a 30-ball 58 to take Lucknow Super Giants to a competitive 176 for eight after a mini-collapse from the visitors, which saw them being reduced to 73/5 before Pooran bailed them out.

While Gujarat & Chennai have been confirmed as the top two sides, it remains to be seen, who will Lucknow face in the Eliminator next Wednesday.

Also Watch: IPL 2023 points table: LSG seal playoff berth with 1-run victory; battle for 4th spot begins