• Filmyatra Movie
• 01 Jan, 1970

NEW DELHI: Quinton de Kock delivered a masterclass in controlled aggression, smashing an unbeaten 97 off 61 balls to steer Kolkata Knight Riders to a commanding eight-wicket victory over Rajasthan Royals in their IPL 2025 clash on Wednesday. On a challenging Barsapara surface, KKR’s disciplined bowling unit, led by spinners Varun Chakravarthy (2/17) and Moeen Ali (2/23), restricted RR to a modest 151/9.

Despite the tricky conditions, De Kock paced the chase beautifully, his innings decorated with eight fours and six sixes. KKR reached the target comfortably in 17.3 overs, securing their first win of the season in style.

KKR’s chase remained in control, with the required run rate staying manageable throughout. Though they lost Moeen Ali (5) and captain Ajinkya Rahane (18) early, De Kock anchored the innings masterfully. He found solid support in young Angkrish Raghuvanshi, who contributed 22 off 17 balls. The duo’s unbeaten 83-run partnership off just 44 deliveries sealed the victory for the defending champions.

The South African keeper-batter played a near-flawless innings, relying on precision and placement rather than reckless power-hitting. He took calculated risks when needed, dismantling RR’s bowling attack with ease. His 35-ball half-century was highlighted by a towering six over wide long-on off Wanindu Hasaranga—his third maximum of the innings.

RR’s strategy of over-relying on spin played into KKR’s hands, allowing their batters to settle in. Hasaranga, who had previously dismissed De Kock twice in the IPL, found himself on the receiving end this time. A more aggressive strategy—introducing Jofra Archer earlier—could have added pressure, but the English speedster was held back until the 18th over, by which time KKR needed only 17 runs from 18 balls.

De Kock quickly wrapped up the chase, taking Archer apart with a boundary and two massive sixes, sealing KKR’s emphatic win.

Earlier, KKR’s bowlers turned the game in their favor with timely strikes. Chakravarthy and Moeen Ali broke the Royals’ middle order with two wickets each in consecutive overs after the powerplay, shifting the momentum decisively. Seamer Vaibhav Arora (2/33) proved expensive but made crucial breakthroughs, dismissing RR skipper Sanju Samson (13 off 11) and impact substitute Shubham Dubey (9).

Harshit Rana (2/36) delivered at the death, removing Dhruv Jurel (33 off 28) and the dangerous Shimron Hetmyer (7) in a crucial penultimate over. A late cameo from Jofra Archer (16 off 7) helped RR scrape past 150, but Spencer Johnson (1/42) dismissed him on the penultimate ball of their innings.

Jaiswal, dropped on 19, ended the powerplay with a six as RR reached a promising 54/1 after six overs. However, KKR hit back immediately, with mystery spinner Chakravarthy triggering a collapse by dismissing the well-set Parag with a deceptive 113kph delivery in the seventh over.

With this victory, KKR not only opened their account in IPL 2025 but also sent a strong message to their competitors. They will now shift focus to their next challenge against five-time champions Mumbai Indians at the Wankhede Stadium.

And Finnally KKR Team win against RR 💀