IPL 2026: Mukul turns match on its head as LSG record thrilling 3-wicket win over KKR in last-ball humdinger

Sports Tak

UPDATED: Apr 10, 2026 12:05 AM IST

Sports Tak•

UPDATED: Apr 10, 2026 12:05 AM IST

LSG's star batter Mukul Choudhary in this frame. (X)

Story Highlights:

LSG rode on Mukul Choudhary's blistering knock to sink KKR

Mukul Choudhary's lightning 27-ball 54 helped LSG chase down 182-run target

In a dramatic encounter at Eden Gardens, Mukul Choudhary orchestrated a stunning late-game heist to guide Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) to a three-wicket win over Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in their IPL 2026 clash on April 9. Chasing a target of 182, LSG appeared to be staring at certain defeat until Choudhary’s explosive, unbeaten 54 off just 27 balls turned the match on its head. The result leaves KKR still searching for their first win of the IPL 2026 season after four matches, while the visitors celebrate one of the most remarkable turnarounds in recent memory.

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Mukul Choudhary's miraculous knock wins it for LSG

For much of the second innings, KKR seemed to have the game firmly within their grasp. Vaibhav Arora dismantled the LSG top order in the fifth over, dismissing both Aiden Markram and Mitchell Marsh in the space of three deliveries. The pressure intensified when Cameron Green finally entered the bowling attack and struck almost immediately, removing LSG captain Rishabh Pant in his debut over. Despite a resilient 54 from Ayush Badoni, KKR continued to chip away at the lineup, and when Mohammed Shami fell at the end of the 16th over, LSG were reeling at 128/7, needing a daunting 54 runs from the final 24 balls.

The momentum shifted entirely as Choudhary, who had started his innings slowly, found his rhythm against the KKR pace attack. He ignited the comeback by taking 10 runs off consecutive balls from Arora, followed by a pair of massive sixes against Kartik Tyagi. The penultimate over proved decisive as Choudhary took aim at Cameron Green, punishing the Australian for two sixes and a boundary. This onslaught whittled the requirement down to 14 runs off the final six deliveries, setting the stage for a heart-stopping finish.

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The final over was a masterclass in high-pressure batting. After moving onto strike, Choudhary launched a massive six over deep backward square leg, though two subsequent dot balls pushed the equation to seven runs needed off just two deliveries. Under immense pressure, Choudhary executed an incredible helicopter shot from his knees, sending a flat six over deep cover to level the scores. Despite missing a pull on the very last ball, the batters scrambled for a successful single, sealing a thrilling victory and cementing Choudhary's heroics in IPL folklore.

KKR's losing streak continues

Earlier, Cameron Green’s struggles with the bat continued during the first innings, as he remained unbeaten on a relatively quiet 32 off 24 balls, failing to find his usual fluent rhythm. In contrast, captain Ajinkya Rahane managed to overcome a sluggish start to provide a vital spark at the top of the order, contributing a brisk 41 off 24 deliveries to set a solid foundation for the hosts.The late-innings acceleration was provided by Rovman Powell, whose finishing touches were instrumental in pushing the Kolkata Knight Riders past the 180-run mark. The former West Indies captain displayed his trademark power to finish unbeaten on 39 off 24 balls, ensuring the team reached a competitive total which they failed to defend in the end.