KKR vs RR Highlights | IPL 2025 Kolkata Knight Riders Beat Rajasthan Royals by 1 Run in Thriller

KKR Edge Past Rajasthan Royals in a Last-Ball Thriller at Eden Gardens

Summary

Kolkata Knight Riders clinched a thrilling 1-run victory over Rajasthan Royals in Match 53 of IPL 2025 at Eden Gardens. Powered by Andre Russell’s unbeaten 57 and strong middle-order cameos, KKR posted 206/4. Despite Riyan Parag’s explosive 95 and a late charge from the Royals, the visitors fell just short. Moeen Ali and Harshit Rana claimed crucial wickets to derail RR’s chase. With this win, KKR strengthened their playoff push, while RR were left ruing missed chances in a game that slipped away in the final over

Scorecard

KKR 206/4 (20 overs): Russell 57*, Gurbaz 35, Raghuvanshi 44 | Theekshana 1/41, Archer 1/30
RR 205/8 (20 overs): Riyan Parag 95, Jaiswal 34 | Moeen Ali 2/43, Harshit Rana 2/41
Result: KKR won by 1 run
Player of the Match: Andre Russell

KKR’s Batting Fireworks Set the Stage

Batting first on a good surface, Kolkata Knight Riders got off to a steady start with Rahmanullah Gurbaz leading the charge. His 35 from 25 deliveries set the tone after an early loss of Sunil Narine. Ajinkya Rahane added 30, anchoring the middle overs and rotating strike efficiently.

The real momentum shift came with the partnership between Angkrish Raghuvanshi and Andre Russell. Raghuvanshi, the young prodigy, impressed yet again with a fluent 44 off 31 balls, keeping the scoreboard ticking. But it was Russell’s late blitz a breathtaking 57 off 25 balls with five sixes that propelled KKR past the 200-run mark. His innings was a masterclass in death-overs hitting, dismantling RR’s bowling plans.

Despite wickets in the 19th over from Jofra Archer and Maheesh Theekshana, RR failed to contain the carnage. Rinku Singh’s composed 19* also provided the finishing touches.

RR's Rollercoaster Run Chase Falls Just Short

In response, Rajasthan Royals got off to a rocky start, losing two wickets inside two overs. Vaibhav Suryavanshi and Kunal Rathore departed cheaply, exposing the middle order early. However, Yashasvi Jaiswal and captain Riyan Parag launched a repair job, with Jaiswal playing a classy knock of 34.

The innings soon belonged to Riyan Parag. He batted with supreme confidence, combining flair with composure to build a sensational 95-run innings off just 45 balls. His acceleration after the halfway mark brought RR right back into the game. But KKR struck at crucial moments.

Harshit Rana dismissed Hetmyer, while Varun Chakaravarthy bowled a clutch spell to stifle the middle overs. Moeen Ali turned the game by removing Jaiswal and Rathore, exploiting RR’s vulnerability against spin.

Even though Shubham Dubey and Jofra Archer provided a thrilling final push, scoring 32 runs in the last two overs, Russell's sharp fielding and Vaibhav Arora's nerveless last over sealed the game for KKR.

Turning Point: Russell's All-Round Brilliance

Andre Russell’s impact on the match was undeniable. His batting created the cushion KKR needed, but it was his presence in the field that made the difference in the dying stages. A key run-out and tight over under pressure underscored his value as an all-round match-winner.

With Varun Chakaravarthy bowling an economical 3/22 and Harshit Rana’s wickets in crucial moments, KKR executed their bowling plans under pressure.

Looking Ahead: Playoff Implications

This narrow win takes KKR a step closer to sealing a playoff berth, showcasing their depth and ability to win tight contests. The team’s balance between experience and youth continues to be their strength.

For RR, Riyan Parag’s form remains a silver lining, but repeated middle-order collapses continue to haunt them. With the league entering its final stretch, RR will now need to regroup quickly and hope for favorable results.