In one of the most one-sided matches of the IPL 2025 season so far, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) delivered a clinical performance to thrash Chennai Super Kings (CSK) by 8 wickets, chasing down a modest target of 104 runs in just 10.1 overs at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.
The hero of the night was the ever-reliable Sunil Narine, who showcased his all-round brilliance by taking 3/13 in 4 overs and smashing a quickfire 44 off 18 balls, earning him the Player of the Match award.
Toss and Team News:
KKR won the toss and chose to bowl first, a decision that proved spot-on as their bowlers made full use of the Chepauk conditions, strangling CSK’s batting line-up right from the start.
CSK’s Batting Collapse:
Batting first, CSK could only manage 103/9 in 20 overs. Despite a slow and cautious start, they kept losing wickets at regular intervals. Shivam Dube remained unbeaten with 31 off 29, but found no support from the other end.
Vijay Shankar contributed 29 off 21, but the rest of the batting crumbled against KKR’s spin-heavy attack. Sunil Narine once again proved to be CSK’s nemesis with his mystery spin, while Varun Chakaravarthy (2/22) and Harshit Rana (2/16) chipped in effectively.
Even seasoned campaigners like MS Dhoni couldn’t get going, as CSK managed to put up one of their lowest totals at home in IPL history.
KKR’s Power-Packed Chase:
In reply, KKR’s openers came out with an aggressive intent. Sunil Narine, promoted up the order, took the attack to the CSK bowlers with a blistering 44 off just 18 balls, hitting boundaries at will.
Quinton de Kock played a steady hand with 23 off 16, while Ajinkya Rahane, showing class and calmness, remained unbeaten with 20 off 17 balls to finish the chase.
KKR completed the target in just 10.1 overs, with 59 balls to spare, handing CSK a crushing defeat in front of their home crowd.
Key Performances:
- Sunil Narine (KKR): 3/13 (4 overs) & 44 (18 balls) – Player of the Match
- Varun Chakaravarthy (KKR): 2/22 (4 overs)
- Harshit Rana (KKR): 2/16 (4 overs)
- Shivam Dube (CSK): 31* (29 balls)
- Vijay Shankar (CSK): 29 (21 balls)
With this dominant win, KKR climb higher on the points table and boost their net run rate significantly. Meanwhile, CSK will need to reassess their strategy, especially with concerns mounting over their fragile batting line-up.
As the IPL 2025 season intensifies, all eyes will now be on CSK’s comeback plan and whether they can bounce back from this heavy loss.
