Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) continued their dominant run in IPL 2025 with a thumping 80-run victory over Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) at Eden Gardens. Venkatesh Iyer and Angkrish Raghuvanshi starred with the bat, while the pace duo of Vaibhav Arora and Harshit Rana dismantled SRH’s chase.
KKR’s Explosive Batting Sets the Stage
After being put in to bat, KKR made the most of the conditions, posting a formidable total of 200/6 in 20 overs. The innings was powered by Venkatesh Iyer’s fiery 60 off 29 balls, which included crisp stroke play and big hits. Youngster Angkrish Raghuvanshi also impressed with a steady 50 off 32 deliveries, anchoring the innings effectively.
Captain Ajinkya Rahane played a crucial knock of 38 (27), providing stability at the top. SRH’s bowlers struggled to contain the onslaught, with Mohammed Shami (1/29 in 4 overs) and Zeeshan Ansari (1/25 in 3 overs) being the pick of the attack.
SRH’s Collapse: Arora, Chakaravarthy Run Riot
Chasing 201, SRH never found momentum and were bundled out for just 120 in 16.4 overs. Heinrich Klaasen (33 off 21) and Kamindu Mendis (27 off 20) showed some resistance, but the rest of the batting lineup crumbled under pressure.
KKR’s bowling unit was relentless, with Varun Chakaravarthy leading the attack with figures of 3/22 in 4 overs. Young pacer Vaibhav Arora (3/29 in 4 overs) and all-rounder Andre Russell (2/21 in 1.4 overs) ensured there was no escape for SRH’s batters.
Key Takeaways from KKR’s Victory
- Venkatesh Iyer’s return to form with a blistering half-century.
- Angkrish Raghuvanshi’s composed knock, proving his potential as a middle-order mainstay.
- Vaibhav Arora and Harshit Rana’s pace attack rattling SRH’s batting unit.
- Varun Chakaravarthy’s magic with the ball, continuing his consistency in the tournament.
With this win, KKR have strengthened their position in the IPL 2025 standings, while SRH will have to regroup quickly to stay in contention.
Match Summary
KKR: 200/6 (20) | Venkatesh Iyer 60 (29), Angkrish Raghuvanshi 50 (32), Ajinkya Rahane 38 (27) | Kamindu Mendis 1/4 (1), Zeeshan Ansari 1/25 (3), Mohammed Shami 1/29 (4)
SRH: 120 (16.4) | Heinrich Klaasen 33 (21), Kamindu Mendis 27 (20), Nitish Kumar Reddy 19 (15) | Varun Chakaravarthy 3/22 (4), Vaibhav Arora 3/29 (4), Andre Russell 2/21 (1.4)
Result: KKR won by 80 runs
