KKR Beat LSG in Super Over Drama; Playoff Chances Take a Hit for Lucknow

The match number 38 of IPL 2026 season saw Lucknow losing in the Super Over. It becomes increasingly difficult for the team to qualify for the playoffs after this loss. In their first innings, the Kolkata Knight Riders scored 155 runs in 20 overs. Lucknow too had managed to score 155 runs in 20 overs, thus making it a tie in the match. Sunil Narine, who was the bowler from KKR in the Super Over, dismissed Lucknow in three deliveries only.

Pooran was dismissed by Narine in his very first delivery while the next delivery accounted for Markram’s wicket. Rinku Singh scored 2 runs with a boundary shot at the start of the Super Over. Following this defeat, questions are being raised about Rishabh Pant's captaincy. Nicholas Pooran is also facing severe criticism. However, LSG's coach has defended the decision to send Nicholas Pooran to bat in the Super Over.

Former Australian batsman and LSG head coach Justin Langer said, "This decision was made because Pooran was well-versed in Sunil Narine, and the management wanted to capitalize on that. We knew Sunil Narine would be bowling, and if you look at Pooran's record, he has faced Sunil Narine more than any other player in the world. So we felt he was the best choice. I know he hasn't regained his form yet, but we felt if anyone could handle a Super Over, it would be Pooran. And you trust your best players, don't you?"