Kolkata : Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) defeated Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) by 7 Wickets at Eden Gardens, Kolkata & started IPL 2025 campaign with victory.
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RCB bowling first, saw pacer Josh Hazlewood picking wicket of Quinton de Kock for 4 runs.
KKR skipper Ajinkya Rahane (56) & Sunil Narine (44) notched up 103 runs partnership, shifting momentum towards themselves.
However, Rasikh Salam Dar & Krunal Pandya (3/29) picked wickets of Narine & Rahane respectively. The KKR middle order suddenly began losing wickets at regular interval, ending on score of 174-8 (20), when the it was looking past 200 at one stage.
Chasing 175 runs, Virat Kohli (59*) & Phil Salt (56) smashed 95 runs opening stand.
Skipper Rajat Patidar (34) & Liam Livingstone (15*) also scored vital runs later in the innings as RCB chased past the target in 16.2 overs.
Krunal was adjourned Player of the match for his heroic spell.
Brief Scorecard :
1st Innings :
KKR : 174-8 (20)
Ajinkya Rahane : 56 (31)
RCB :
Krunal Pandya : 4-29-3
2nd Innings :
RCB : 177-3 (16.2)
Virat Kohli : 59* (36)
Phil Salt : 56 (31)
KKR :
Sunil Narine : 4-27-1
Result : RCB win by 7 Wickets.
