IPL: Lucknow Super Giants overcome Kolkata Knight Riders by narrow margin

Markram's runs came off 28 balls and included four fours and two sixes and contributed to a 99-run opening partnership with Australia all-rounder Mitch Marsh.

Marsh blitzed his way to 81 from 48 deliveries while West Indian Nicholas Pooran continued his good form with an unbeaten 87 off 36 balls as the Super Giants posted a total of 238-3 in their 20 overs.

The Knight Riders got off to a quick-start as Quinton de Kock hit two sixes but the Proteas gloveman fell for just 15 while fellow opener Sunil Narine struck 30 off just 15 balls.

Home captain Ajinkya Rahane kept his team in the contest with a sublime innings of 61 off 35 balls while Venkatesh Iyer scored 45 off 29 deliveries.

The Super Giants though held their nerve in the field and continually took wickets at crucial stages and as the required-rate sky-rocketed.

Rinku Singh did his best to keep the game alive with an unbeaten 38 from 15 balls but the Knight Riders could only reach 234-7 at the end of their 20 overs.

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