Lucknow Super Giants staged a dramatic last-ball victory over Kolkata Knight Riders in IPL 2026, chasing a target of 182 to win by three wickets. The finish stayed tense right through the final over, with LSG finding a way to cross the line when it mattered most.
Quick facts
- Match: Lucknow Super Giants vs Kolkata Knight Riders (IPL 2026)
- Result: LSG won by 3 wickets, winning on the last ball
- Chase target: 182
- KKR innings: 181/4
- Key KKR contributions: Ajinkya Rahane 41, Angkrish Raghuvanshi 45, Rovman Powell 39* , Cameron Green 32*
- Key LSG contributions: Ayush Badoni 54, Mukul Choudhary 54* (27 balls)
- Turning point: Late surge by Choudhary after LSG had slipped to 125/6
After being asked to bat first, Kolkata Knight Riders posted 181/4, setting up a stiff chase for Lucknow. Rahane and Raghuvanshi provided the backbone of the innings, while Powell and Green added the finishing bursts that kept KKR competitive.
Still, Kolkata’s struggles in the closing phase proved costly. Even with periods of control during the game, KKR were unable to hold on to their total as Lucknow completed a memorable win with just one ball remaining in the contest.
Rahane, Raghuvanshi lay the base
Kolkata looked well set on the back of a strong platform, with Rahane scoring 41 and Raghuvanshi striking 45. Powell then played a patient but impactful role, ending unbeaten on 39, while Green added 32 not out to keep the momentum with the bat.
However, the innings lost some momentum in the middle overs, which meant KKR couldn’t push the total higher. That slowdown ultimately became a crucial factor, because 181/4 left the chase finely balanced for LSG.
LSG’s chase swings after early dents
Lucknow’s pursuit began under pressure but KKR still made the early inroads. Vaibhav Arora struck to dismiss Aiden Markram and Mitchell Marsh quickly, and Cameron Green followed up with an early breakthrough by removing Rishabh Pant.
At one stage, LSG were forced into a difficult position, slipping from 41/0 to 125/6. With wickets still coming and the required rate tightening, it looked like Kolkata might be able to wrap up the match.
Then the game changed. Ayush Badoni kept the chase alive with a calm 54, but it was Mukul Choudhary who truly took over in the final stretch.
Choudhary’s fearless late blitz
Choudhary batted with freedom and fearlessness, smashing an unbeaten 54 off just 27 deliveries. His innings included multiple sixes, and with each over the pressure shifted further onto KKR at the death.
As the final phases approached, Kolkata’s pace resources struggled to execute under mounting demand. Green conceded vital runs in the penultimate over, and Arora couldn’t steady things in the last over, allowing Choudhary to accelerate at exactly the right time.
Capitalising on those openings, Choudhary struck the big shots needed to keep Lucknow moving forward and steered the chase home on the last ball, sealing a thrilling win.
The victory propelled LSG to fifth place in the points table. Kolkata, who sit ninth, suffered another setback and remained without a win after four matches, with their bowling—especially in the closing overs—and their middle-over problems continuing to hurt them.
