New Delhi: The Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) secured a resounding eight-wicket victory over the Rajasthan Royals (RR) in the sixth match of IPL 2025 at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium, Guwahati, on March 26. This win marked KKR’s first triumph of the season, powered by Quinton de Kock‘s scintillating unbeaten 97 off 61 balls.
Opting to bowl first, KKR’s bowlers delivered a clinical performance, restricting RR to a modest 151/9 in 20 overs. Varun Chakravarthy (2/17) and Moeen Ali (2/23) were instrumental in choking RR’s middle order with their spin, while Vaibhav Arora and Harshit Rana claimed two wickets each.
RR’s batting lineup struggled to build partnerships, with Dhruv Jurel‘s 33 off 28 balls being the only notable contribution. Captain Riyan Parag’s decision-making came under scrutiny, as his field placements and bowling changes lacked clarity.
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In response, KKR’s chase was anchored by Quinton de Kock, who showcased a masterclass in controlled aggression. His innings included eight boundaries and six towering sixes, with the final blow being a massive six off Jofra Archer to seal the victory. Angkrish Raghuvanshi supported de Kock with a steady 22 off 17 balls, as KKR chased down the target in just 17.3 overs.
Post-match, KKR captain Ajinkya Rahane praised the team’s all-round performance, saying, “The bowlers set the tone, and Quinton’s knock was simply outstanding. This win gives us the momentum we needed.”
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Meanwhile, RR’s stand-in captain Riyan Parag admitted, “We fell short with the bat and couldn’t capitalize on key moments. Credit to KKR for their performance.”
This match highlighted KKR’s depth in both batting and bowling, while RR’s struggles with consistency were evident. KKR’s bowlers, despite missing Sunil Narine, stepped up to the challenge, with Moeen Ali filling the void effectively. On the other hand, RR’s bowling unit, including Jofra Archer, failed to contain KKR’s aggressive batters.
The victory propelled KKR to the sixth position in the points table, while RR remained at the bottom after two consecutive losses. With the IPL season heating up, both teams must regroup and address their weaknesses to stay competitive.