A well-rounded batting effort led by Angkrish Raghuvanshi, supported by skipper Ajinkya Rahane, Cameron Green and Rovman Powell, powered Kolkata Knight Riders to 181 for 4 against Lucknow Super Giants in their IPL 2026 clash at Eden Gardens on Thursday, setting a competitive target of 182.
Raghuvanshi anchored the innings with a composed 45 off 33 balls, emerging as the backbone of the KKR batting effort after an early setback. His innings was marked by controlled strokeplay, effective strike rotation and timely aggression, allowing KKR to build partnerships through the middle overs without losing momentum.
Skipper Ajinkya Rahane provided the early impetus at the top with a fluent 41 off 24 deliveries, striking four boundaries and two sixes. His aggressive approach in the powerplay ensured KKR capitalised on the fielding restrictions, setting the tone for the innings before falling at a crucial juncture.
Cameron Green played the role of an anchor in the middle order, remaining unbeaten on 32 off 24 balls.
His ability to hold one end together after wickets fell at regular intervals proved vital in stabilising the innings and preventing a slowdown during the middle overs.
The finishing touches were applied by Rovman Powell, who remained unbeaten on 39 off 24 balls.
Powell’s late acceleration, featuring four boundaries and two sixes, provided the decisive surge in the death overs, lifting KKR past the 180-run mark and adding valuable momentum heading into the chase.
For Lucknow, Mohammed Shami, Avesh Khan, Manimaran Siddharth, Digvesh Singh Rathi and Prince Yadav each picked up a wicket, but the attack struggled to contain runs at key stages, particularly in the final overs.
With contributions spread across the batting order and a strong finish from Powell complementing Raghuvanshi’s anchoring effort, KKR posted a total that keeps the contest evenly poised as Lucknow begin their chase under lights.
