IPL 2025: KKR Secures First Victory with De Kock's Masterclass

Guwahati, March 26 (NationPress) In a thrilling match, Moeen Ali stepped in for the ill Sunil Narine, while Varun Chakaravarthy showcased his bowling prowess as both claimed four wickets each. Meanwhile, Quinton de Kock exhibited his batting dominance, scoring an unbeaten 97 off 61 balls, leading the defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders to their inaugural victory of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 with a commanding eight-wicket win against Rajasthan Royals at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium on Wednesday.

Ali recorded figures of 2-23, while Chakaravarthy made a strong comeback with 2-17, effectively limiting Rajasthan Royals (RR) to 151/9. The impressive performances by Moeen and Chakaravarthy meant that KKR didn't even require the services of Andre Russell with the ball, as RR slipped from 67/1 to 82/5.

RR's struggles were compounded by poor shot selections from their top order. It was only thanks to Dhruv Jurel's 33 off 28 balls and Jofra Archer's late cameo of 16 that RR managed to surpass the 150 mark. During the chase, de Kock began strongly and remained until the end, striking eight fours and six sixes at a strike rate of 159.02, comfortably guiding KKR to victory with 15 balls to spare.

With this win, KKR finally registered points in the table, while RR continued to search for their first win in the ten-team competition. Chasing a target of 152, de Kock started aggressively, pulling Maheesh Theekshana for a four and a six, and continued to score freely, ending the power-play at 40/0.

However, shortly after, Moeen Ali was run out for five. De Kock and Ajinkya Rahane maintained a steady scoring rate, hitting Wanindu Hasaranga for boundaries. Despite losing Rahane for 18, de Kock reached his fifty in just 36 balls with a six off Hasaranga.

De Kock's outstanding performance continued as he hit Riyan for six, while Angkrish Raghuvanshi also contributed by finding the boundary. Even with the game tightening, de Kock and Raghuvanshi managed to keep their composure, and de Kock finished the chase in style by dispatching Archer over long-on.

Earlier in the match, pushed to bat first, Jaiswal and Sanju Samson scored boundaries in the opening over. The bowling pair of Spencer Johnson and Vaibhav Arora generated some swing, with Jaiswal displaying aggressive shots and ending the power-play at 54/1.

Samson’s attempt to loft Arora resulted in his dismissal for 13, while local star Riyan Parag entertained with two sixes. Following Parag's six off Chakaravarthy, the spinner retaliated by claiming Parag's wicket. RR's woes began as Jaiswal fell to Moeen, and Wanindu Hasaranga's promotion to number five led to his quick dismissal against Chakaravarthy.

Dhruv Jurel attempted to stabilize the innings with boundaries but lost his wicket for 33. Despite efforts from Shimron Hetmyer and Archer's late sixes, RR could only muster 151 runs, falling short of avoiding their first home defeat of IPL 2025.

Brief scores:

Rajasthan Royals 151/9 in 20 overs (Dhruv Jurel 33, Yashasvi Jaiswal 29; Varun Chakaravarthy 2-17, Moeen Ali 2-23) lost to Kolkata Knight Riders 153/2 in 17.3 overs (Quinton de Kock 97 not out, Angkrish Raghuvanshi 22 not out; Wanindu Hasaranga 1-34) by eight wickets.