The Lucknow Super Giants booked their ticket to the IPL 2022 playoffs with a dramatic 2-run victory over the Kolkata Knight Riders, a result that simultaneously knocked KKR out of the competition. Despite a towering target of 211, Shreyas Iyer (50) and Rinku Singh (40) kept the pressure on until the final delivery, though they narrowly missed the mark by 2 runs.
Choosing to bat first, LSG's openers Quinton de Kock and KL Rahul put on a masterclass, sharing an unprecedented 210-run partnership. De Kock dominated the bowling to finish unbeaten on 140 from 70 balls, marking the season's top individual score, while KL Rahul anchored the innings with a composed 68 off 51.
The KKR bowling unit had a disastrous outing, failing to claim a single wicket as the opening duo dismantled them to post a formidable total of 210/0 after 20 overs.
KKR's pursuit of the target got off to a rocky start when Mohsin Khan dismissed Venkatesh Iyer for 0 and Abhijeet Tomar for 4 in quick succession. Nitish Rana fought back with some aggressive hitting, scoring 42 before being caught by Krishnappa Gowtham. Later, a 66-run stand between Iyer and Sam Billings (36) gave KKR a glimmer of hope.
LSG managed to keep the scoring in check by taking wickets at regular intervals. However, a sudden burst from Rinku and Sunil Narine (21), who added 58 runs in only 18 balls, threatened to steal the game. The momentum swung back to LSG after Evin Lewis pulled off a brilliant one-handed catch to dismiss Rinku, and Marcus Stoinis sealed the victory by taking two wickets in the final over.