KKR kept their playoff hopes alive with a thrilling one-run victory over Rajasthan in a breathtaking match.
Sports News: In a highly exciting and nail-biting IPL 2025 encounter, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) defeated Rajasthan Royals by a mere one run, solidifying their position in the playoff race. This defeat was a major setback for Rajasthan, while Kolkata revived their confidence with the win. Andre Russell and Rinku Singh unleashed a batting storm, while Harshit Rana and Vaibhav Arora delivered exceptional bowling performances in the final overs.
Andre Russell's Storm
Winning the toss and electing to bat first, KKR's start wasn't ideal. Sunil Narine was dismissed for 11 runs, falling victim to Yudhveer Singh. Captain Ajinkya Rahane and Rahmanullah Gurbaz then steadied the innings with a 50+ run partnership. Gurbaz scored 35 runs before being dismissed, while Rahane contributed 44 runs.
The innings truly ignited when Andre Russell took to the crease. He smashed an unbeaten 57 off 25 balls, including four fours and six sixes. In the final overs, Rinku Singh added a explosive cameo of 19 runs off just 6 balls. The final-over partnership between Russell and Rinku propelled KKR's score to 206. For Rajasthan, Jofra Archer, Yudhveer Singh, Mahesh Teekshana, and Riyan Parag each claimed a wicket.
Riyan Parag's Brilliant Batting, but Rajasthan Falls Short
Chasing a challenging 207, Rajasthan Royals had a shaky start, losing five key batsmen by the time the score reached 71. Riyan Parag and Shimron Hetmyer then stabilized the innings, forging a crucial 92-run partnership for the sixth wicket. During this partnership, Riyan Parag hit five consecutive sixes off Moeen Ali's over, dramatically changing the game's momentum.
However, Harshit Rana broke the partnership by dismissing Hetmyer (29 runs) and subsequently removed Riyan Parag for 95 runs. Parag's failure to reach a century proved to be a pivotal moment for Rajasthan.
The Thrilling Final Over
Rajasthan needed 22 runs from the final over, with Shubham Dubey and Jofra Archer at the crease. KKR captain Ajinkya Rahane entrusted Vaibhav Arora with the responsibility. Three runs came off the first two balls. Dubey then smashed a six, a four, and another six off the third, fourth, and fifth balls respectively. Three runs were needed off the final ball. Dubey took a run and attempted a second, but was run out by Rinku Singh's direct hit. Kolkata thus secured a memorable one-run victory.
In Kolkata's bowling attack, Harshit Rana took two crucial wickets and was named Man of the Match. Varun Chakravarthy and Moeen Ali also claimed two wickets each. Vaibhav Arora bowled brilliantly under pressure in the final over, securing the win.
