Full Breakdown
Kolkata Knight Riders Edge Lucknow Super Giants in IPL’s Shortest Super Over
4/28/2026, 12:46:51 AM
The Match: Tie, Last-Ball Six, and a One-Ball Super Over
On 26 April 2026, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) posted 155/7 in 20 overs, powered by Rinku Singh’s unbeaten 83 off 51 balls, including four sixes in the final over. Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) needed seven runs off the last ball; Mohammed Shami struck a six to level the scores. Earlier, LSG’s death bowler Kartik Tyagi delivered a bye, two high full-tosses and two no-balls in the 20th over, easing KKR’s chase. In the ensuing Super Over, Sunil Narine dismissed Nicholas Pooran on the first ball and Aiden Markram on the third, conceding only one run. Rinku Singh then hit a boundary on KKR’s first ball of the chase, sealing a one-ball Super Over win – the shortest in IPL history.
Statistical Highlights
- KKR 155/7 (Rinku Singh 83* off 51)
- LSG 155/8 (Rishabh Pant 42 off 38)
- Shami’s last-ball six tied the match.
- Narine’s Super Over: 1/1 in three balls.
Criticism & Opposition
Sending out-of-form Pooran into the Super Over sparked debate, given his season average of 10.25. Captain Rishabh Pant defended the decision, citing a group discussion and the need to trust players under pressure. Pant’s choice to give the death over to the inexperienced Digvesh Rathi, which yielded 26 runs, also drew criticism for exposing LSG’s vulnerability.
Official Statements & Responses
In the post-match press conference Pant stressed collective responsibility, urging the squad to look inward rather than blame individuals, and called for a “break” to refresh the team’s mindset. Narine described the Super Over as a “tough situation” but said bowling first gave him a psychological edge, allowing him to “relax a little more,” and noted that unanimous team support made the task “pretty easy.”
Season Outlook for Lucknow Super Giants
The defeat deepens LSG’s slide, anchoring them at the bottom of the IPL table. Pant’s appeal for a break and renewed accountability suggests a possible strategic overhaul. With five matches remaining before the midway point, the franchise faces a narrow window to reverse its fortunes and avoid an early tournament exit.
Verbatim Quotes
- “See, I think we definitely need a break.” — Rishabh Pant, Lucknow Super Giants captain
- “We had a discussion as a group, we had a discussion and the name came up was Nicky P.” — Rishabh Pant, Lucknow Super Giants captain
- “I think you have no other choice,” — Sunil Narine, Kolkata Knight Riders bowler
- “The entire team backed me (to bowl the Super Over), so I think once everyone said the same thing, it ?was pretty easy,” — Sunil Narine, Kolkata Knight Riders bowler
