KKR Crush RR with Eight-Wicket Victory
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RR disappointing start to their IPL 2025 campaign, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) bounced back with a commanding eight-wicket victory over RR in Guwahati. Despite missing star spinner Sunil Narine, KKR’s spin attack delivered, restricting RR to a modest 151/9. Quinton de Kock then led the charge with a magnificent 97* off 61 balls, ensuring an effortless chase in 17.3 overs.

Turning Point: Dominance in the Middle Overs

KKR tightened their grip during the middle overs, using spin for seven out of nine overs. Moeen Ali, replacing an unwell Narine, and Varun Chakaravarthy restricted RR’s scoring. The duo allowed just one six and a four while taking four wickets, reducing RR to 56/5. In contrast, de Kock ensured KKR’s momentum stayed intact, with support from Ajinkya Rahane and Angkrish Raghuvanshi. KKR outscored RR by 22 runs in the 7-15 over phase, with 38 runs in boundaries.

Rajasthan Royals’ Innings Breakdown

PowerPlay – Steady Start Despite Losing Samson Early

Score: 54/1 (Run Rate: 9.00, 4s/6s: 4/4)
RR started positively, reaching 54 in the powerplay despite losing Sanju Samson early. Yashasvi Jaiswal and Riyan Parag found boundaries, but KKR’s disciplined bowling prevented acceleration.

Middle Overs – Spin Strangles RR

Score: 56/5 (Run Rate: 6.22, 4s/6s: 4/1)
Jaiswal, struggling for fluency, fell to Moeen Ali, while Varun Chakaravarthy dismissed Parag and Hasaranga quickly. Nitish Rana also perished, leaving RR in trouble at 110/6 after 15 overs.

Death Overs – Lackluster Finish for RR

Score: 41/3 (Run Rate: 8.20, 4s/6s: 3/2)
Varun finished with 2/17, while Harshit Rana struck twice in the 19th over, dismissing Dhruv Jurel and Shimron Hetmyer. Jofra Archer’s late cameo, including two sixes, helped RR cross 150 but left them short of a competitive total.

Kolkata Knight Riders’ Run Chase

PowerPlay – Rajasthan Royals Keep Kolkata Knight Riders in Check

Score: 40/0 (Run Rate: 6.66, 4s/6s: 4/2)
KKR openers started cautiously, with de Kock playing a watchful knock. Despite a few attacking shots, RR’s disciplined bowling kept them in check.

Middle Overs – Quinton de Kock Anchors Kolkata Knight Riders’ Chase

Score: 78/2 (Run Rate: 8.66, 4s/6s: 5/3)
Moeen Ali’s struggle (5 off 12) ended with a run-out, but de Kock kept the scoreboard ticking. He reached his fifty in 36 balls and found support from Rahane and Raghuvanshi, who played crucial cameos.

Death Overs – Kolkata Knight Riders Secure Victory with Ease

Score: 35/0 (Run Rate: 14.00, 4s/6s: 2/2)
Needing 34 off the last five overs, KKR sealed the chase comfortably. De Kock finished in style, smashing a four and two sixes off Archer in the 18th over.

Match Summary

Rajasthan Royals: 151/9 in 20 overs (Dhruv Jurel 33, Yashasvi Jaiswal 29; Varun Chakaravarthy 2-17, Moeen Ali 2-23)
Kolkata Knight Riders: 153/2 in 17.3 overs (Quinton de Kock 97*, Angkrish Raghuvanshi 22*; Wanindu Hasaranga 1-34)
KKR won by 8 wickets

What’s Next for Kolkata Knight Riders and Rajasthan Royals?

Rajasthan Royals stay in Guwahati to host Chennai Super Kings on March 30. Kolkata Knight Riders head to Mumbai to face Mumbai Indians on March 31.