In their season-opening win of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season, the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) registered a decisive eight-wicket victory over the Rajasthan Royals (RR) at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium on Wednesday. The win was based on the brilliant unbeaten 97 of Quinton de Kock from 61 balls and the impressive bowling spell of Moeen Ali and Varun Chakaravarthy, who both picked two wickets.
Replacing the ill Sunil Narine, Moeen Ali had a fine spell, conceding 2 for 23 in his four overs. His two wickets of Yashasvi Jaiswal and Nitish Rana were instrumental in keeping RR to a score of 151 for 9. Chakaravarthy supported Ali with 2 for 17, effectively strangulating the RR batting order.
In the chase of 152, KKR's pursuit was led by de Kock, who showed aggressive intent right from the beginning. He scored eight fours and six sixes, with a strike rate of 159.02. Even after losing Moeen Ali early on, de Kock had support from Angkrish Raghuvanshi (22 not out), and the two of them took KKR to their target with 15 balls remaining.
This win is KKR's first points on the table, with RR still searching for their first win in the ten-team tournament. The game highlighted KKR's depth and resolve, especially with key player Sunil Narine missing.
Brief scores:
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 not out, Angkrish Raghuvanshi 22 not out; Wanindu Hasaranga 1/34)
KKR won by eight wickets.
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