In the sixth match of Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) delivered a dominant performance, defeating Rajasthan Royals (RR) by eight wickets at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati.
KKR restricts Rajasthan Royals to a below-par total
After winning the toss and electing to field first, KKR’s bowlers took full advantage of the conditions, restricting RR to 151/9 in their 20 overs. Rajasthan got off to a decent start with Yashasvi Jaiswal (29 off 24 balls) and skipper Riyan Parag (25 off 15 balls) playing some attacking shots in the powerplay. However, their momentum was halted when Moeen Ali (2/23) and Varun Chakravarthy (2/17) weaved their magic in the middle overs, picking up crucial wickets and tightening the run flow.
The biggest blow for RR came when their captain Riyan Parag, who looked in sublime touch, fell to Chakravarthy in the eighth over. Nitish Rana (8 off 9) and Wanindu Hasaranga (4 off 4) failed to contribute significantly, putting pressure on Rajasthan’s middle order. Dhruv Jurel (33 off 28 balls) tried to anchor the innings and form partnerships, but wickets kept tumbling at regular intervals. A late cameo from Jofra Archer (16 off 7 balls) provided some respectability to the total, but KKR’s disciplined bowling attack ensured that RR never got the final flourish they needed.
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Quinton de Kock’s masterclass guides KKR towards a comfortable victory
With a modest target of 152, KKR’s innings started cautiously but effectively, as Quinton de Kock played a brilliant knock to guide his team to victory. The South African wicketkeeper-batter looked in sublime form, scoring an unbeaten 97 off 61 balls, smashing eight boundaries and six sixes to keep KKR in command. Moeen (5 off 12), who was promoted to open, couldn’t make much of an impact as he was run out due to a mix-up in the sixth over. However, KKR didn’t panic, with captain Ajinkya Rahane (18 off 15) providing a steady hand before falling to Hasaranga.
With Rahane’s dismissal at 70/2 in 10.1 overs, Rajasthan saw a small window of opportunity to make a comeback, but young Angkrish Raghuvanshi (22 off 17) partnered with de Kock to ensure that KKR remained on track. The two batters rotated the strike well while punishing the loose deliveries. Rajasthan’s bowlers, especially Hasaranga (1/34) and Parag (0/25), tried to apply pressure but failed, as KKR remained firmly in the driver’s seat till the end. With de Kock leading the charge, KKR sealed their first victory of IPL 2025, bouncing back from their opening loss in style.
Here’s how fans reacted:
QDK In form is a very very positive news for KKR. Brilliant victory by Kolkata. Khoob bhalo
— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) March 26, 2025
RR look a shadow of last season. Letting go of Buttler, Boult, Yuzi, and Ash—core gun players—left big boots to fill. Also failed to bring in stronger replacements. This season is shaping to be an uphill battle for RR. #RRvKKR #IPL2025
— Wasim Jaffer (@WasimJaffer14) March 26, 2025
Quinton de Kock most frustrating player ever. He had no business retiring at 29 with this skill set. Could’ve easily ended as a Top20 cricketer oat
— Akif (@AuctorDeIslet) March 26, 2025
Quinton de Kock finished it off in style. Missed century, would have loved to see one, we hit them too rarely already. But what an innings especially considering this tricky wicket. Great signing for KKR
pic.twitter.com/tjbC6nWXFB
— Sohom (@AwaaraHoon) March 26, 2025
How quickly Verreynne in tests and Rickelton in LOIs stepped up after Quinton left, as if the void never existed. His retirement still hurts though albeit a lil less…
— Prithvi (@Prithvi10_) March 26, 2025
Ooooof Quinton de Kock
—
Sabeeha Majid
/DA Miller stan account
(@SabeehaMajid) March 26, 2025
BANG!!! Finished with a
SIX to seal the win
— KolkataKnightRiders (@KKRiders) March 26, 2025
The season of 97s!
Shreyas Iyer 97*
Quinton de Kock 97*Should see another ton or 90 tomorrow?
— Nikhil
Know this hurts a bit, Royals fam. Same here. We’ll be back
pic.twitter.com/BCfioDfeOv
— Rajasthan Royals (@rajasthanroyals) March 26, 2025
KKR CRUISE TO VICTORY!
They comfortably chase 152, winning by 8 wickets, thanks to Quinton de Kock’s blistering knock!
— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) March 26, 2025
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