Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) secured their first win of IPL 2025 in emphatic fashion, defeating Rajasthan Royals (RR) by eight wickets in Guwahati. Quinton de Kock’s scintillating unbeaten 97 off 61 deliveries, combined with a dominant spin performance, ensured a comfortable chase as KKR reached the target of 152 in just 17.3 overs.
Our 𝐊(𝐧𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭) 💜🤩 pic.twitter.com/w2EYtiJZMw
— KolkataKnightRiders (@KKRiders) March 26, 2025
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)
Result: KKR won by 8 wickets
Match Breakdown
Where Was the Game Won?
KKR’s triumph was built in the middle overs, where their spinners exerted complete control over RR’s innings. Moeen Ali and Varun Chakaravarthy were instrumental, restricting RR to just 56/5 in this phase. The pair conceded only a single six and four while snaring four crucial wickets, stifling RR’s momentum and setting the stage for KKR’s successful chase.
On the batting front, Quinton de Kock’s controlled aggression ensured KKR never fell behind despite RR deploying their own spinners effectively. His partnerships with Ajinkya Rahane and Angkrish Raghuvanshi kept the scoreboard ticking, as KKR managed 22 more runs than RR in the pivotal middle-overs phase.
Rajasthan Royals’ Innings: Stuttered After a Strong Start
PowerPlay – Steady Start, Early Setback
Phase Score: 54/1 (RR: 9.00, 4s/6s: 4/4)
RR started positively, with Yashasvi Jaiswal and Sanju Samson attacking Spencer Johnson and Vaibhav Arora early. However, Samson’s dismissal in the fourth over halted their momentum. Despite Riyan Parag’s aggressive intent, RR reached 54/1 at the end of the PowerPlay.
Middle Overs – KKR Spinners Dictate Terms
Phase Score: 56/5 (RR: 6.22, 4s/6s: 4/1)
The introduction of spin turned the tide firmly in KKR’s favor. Varun Chakaravarthy and Moeen Ali choked the run flow while picking up key wickets. Parag and Jaiswal’s dismissals triggered a collapse, with RR managing just 22 runs in boundaries during this crucial period. Hasaranga’s promotion up the order failed to yield results, and Nitish Rana’s dismissal further compounded RR’s woes.
Death Overs – Lack of Firepower in the Final Stages
Phase Score: 41/3 (RR: 8.20, 4s/6s: 3/2)
Despite a late effort from Dhruv Jurel, who struck a few boundaries off Harshit Rana, RR failed to accelerate effectively. Archer managed two late sixes, but RR’s total of 151/9 appeared underwhelming against a formidable KKR lineup.
The trophy cabinet just got heavier! 🏆 pic.twitter.com/7feO295m3K
— KolkataKnightRiders (@KKRiders) March 26, 2025
Kolkata Knight Riders’ Chase: De Kock Masterclass Seals Victory
PowerPlay – RR Keep KKR Openers in Check
Phase Score: 40/0 (RR: 6.66, 4s/6s: 4/2)
Jofra Archer’s pace troubled Moeen early on, but de Kock counterattacked effectively. Despite RR’s tight bowling from Theekshana and Sandeep Sharma, KKR ended the PowerPlay without losing a wicket, though they were kept under 50 runs.
Middle Overs – De Kock’s Calculated Assault
Phase Score: 78/2 (RR: 8.66, 4s/6s: 5/3)
Moeen Ali fell cheaply, but Rahane and Quinton de Kock built a solid stand. Hasaranga was dispatched to the boundary regularly, and de Kock reached his fifty in 36 balls. Raghuvanshi’s timely boundaries eased the chase, with KKR reducing the required run rate significantly.
Death Overs – Clinical Finish by KKR
Phase Score: 35/0 (RR: 14.00, 4s/6s: 2/2)
With just 34 needed from five overs, KKR cruised home as de Kock launched Archer for multiple boundaries in the 18th over. The South African’s masterful innings ensured KKR completed the chase with ease.
What’s Next?
Rajasthan Royals will remain in Guwahati for their next fixture against Chennai Super Kings on March 30. Meanwhile, Kolkata Knight Riders will travel to Mumbai for a high-stakes clash against Mumbai Indians on March 31.
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Quinton making his mark in #TATAIPL2025 💜 🤩 pic.twitter.com/Xcejmk2v9i
— KolkataKnightRiders (@KKRiders) March 26, 2025
Conclusion
Kolkata Knight Riders delivered a dominant performance with both ball and bat, securing a comfortable victory over Rajasthan Royals. Despite a valiant 97* from Quinton de Kock and solid bowling efforts from KKR’s spinners, Rajasthan Royals struggled to build momentum, especially in the middle overs. This comprehensive win demonstrates KKR’s all-around strength and sets the stage for their upcoming matches in the IPL 2025 season.
