In a pulsating encounter at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) clinched a vital 14-run win over Delhi Capitals (DC) in Match 48 of IPL 2025. Powered by explosive batting from young Angkrish Raghuvanshi and disciplined spells by Mitchell Starc and Sunil Narine, KKR defended 204 successfully to register another crucial victory in their campaign.
KKR’s Batting Brilliance Sets Up a Big Total
After losing the toss, KKR were asked to bat first by DC skipper Rishabh Pant. KKR responded with a powerful batting display, finishing at 204/9 in 20 overs. Youngster Angkrish Raghuvanshi played a mature knock of 44 off 32 balls, anchoring the middle overs and rotating the strike smartly.
Rinku Singh added a handy 36 off 25, while Sunil Narine gave KKR a flying start with his quick-fire 27 off just 16 deliveries, smashing boundaries early against Chameera.
Despite wickets falling in clusters during the death overs, KKR crossed the 200-run mark, thanks in part to a 106m six from Andre Russell that sent the crowd roaring.
For DC, Axar Patel was the standout with the ball, grabbing 2/27 in 4 overs, while Vipraj Nigam picked up 2/41, though he proved expensive in the final overs.
DC’s Chase: Brave but Short
Chasing a mammoth 205, Delhi Capitals started cautiously but lost early wickets. The in-form Faf du Plessis steadied the innings with a gritty 62 off 45, keeping the chase alive.
The real momentum, however, came from Axar Patel, who counterattacked with an aggressive 43 off 23 balls, hitting timely boundaries and refusing to back down. Vipraj Nigam added a crucial 38 off just 19 balls, injecting late hope into the DC camp.
But KKR’s bowling attack held its nerve. Sunil Narine was magnificent, returning figures of 3/29 in his four overs, including a superb direct hit run-out of Rahul which turned the tide.
Mitchell Starc, after an expensive start, bounced back strong at the death. He bowled a sensational final over, taking 3/43 overall and ensuring DC fell short, finishing at 190/9 in 20 overs.
Turning Points of the Match
- Narine’s explosive powerplay batting and direct hit run-out of Rahul gave KKR early momentum in both innings.
- Angkrish Raghuvanshi’s composed 44 helped KKR build a solid platform in the middle overs.
- Starc’s redemption over, including wickets and pressure, sealed the match in KKR’s favor.
Match Summary:
- KKR: 204/9 (20 overs)
- Angkrish Raghuvanshi 44 (32), Rinku Singh 36 (25), Sunil Narine 27 (16)
- Axar Patel 2/27, Vipraj Nigam 2/41
- DC: 190/9 (20 overs)
- Faf du Plessis 62 (45), Axar Patel 43 (23), Vipraj Nigam 38 (19)
- Sunil Narine 3/29, Mitchell Starc 3/43, Varun Chakaravarthy 2/39
- Result: KKR won by 14 runs
- Venue: Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi
- Player of the Match: Sunil Narine (3 wickets + 27 runs + brilliant fielding)
