Key Points
Venkatesh Iyer smashes 60 off 28 balls in blistering knock
Rinku Singh provides crucial unbeaten 32 runs support
KKR recovers from early 16/2 collapse with powerful middle order
Angkrish Raghuvanshi notches impressive fifty before team's acceleration
Batting first, KKR had a rocky beginning as Quinton de Kock fell early for 1, dismissed by SRH skipper Pat Cummins. Sunil Narine followed soon after, managing 7 runs before being sent back, leaving KKR at 16/2 within the first 2.3 overs.
However, captain Ajinkya Rahane and youngster Angkrish Raghuvanshi steadied the innings with a crucial 81-run partnership. Rahane played an aggressive knock of 38 off 27 balls, striking four sixes and a boundary before being dismissed by Zeeshan Ansari.
Raghuvanshi, continuing his fine form, registered his second Indian Premier League (IPL) fifty, scoring 50 off 32 balls with five fours and two sixes. His dismissal at 12.4 overs left KKR at 106/4, putting pressure on the middle order.
With KKR looking uncertain to reach 200, Venkatesh Iyer and Rinku Singh took charge. Iyer, who initially struggled, found his rhythm and hammered a 28-ball 60, marking his third consecutive fifty against SRH. His innings included seven boundaries and three maximums, ensuring momentum for the hosts.
Rinku Singh provided solid support with an unbeaten 32 off 17 balls, smashing four boundaries and a six. Their 91-run stand shifted the tide in KKR's favour, helping them accelerate in the death overs.
Iyer's blistering knock ended in the final over when Harshal Patel dismissed him, but by then, KKR had already ensured a competitive total. Andre Russell had minimal impact with the bat, but his contribution wasn't needed, given the explosive finish by Iyer and Rinku.
SRH's bowlers had a mixed outing, with wickets spread evenly. Pat Cummins, Mohammed Shami, Zeeshan Ansari, Harshal Patel, and Kamindu Mendis each picked up a wicket but struggled to contain KKR's late onslaught.
With 201 runs required for victory, SRH now faces a challenging chase to secure their second win in IPL 2025.
Comments:
What a comeback from KKR! Iyer and Rinku were 🔥 in those last overs. SRH bowlers had no answers once they got going. That 91-run partnership changed everything! 💜
Rinku Singh is so clutch under pressure. He never seems to panic, just calmly smashes boundaries. Future star for sure! 👏
Great batting, but KKR's top order needs to step up. Can't always rely on the middle/lower order to bail them out. Rahane was decent, but Narine at opener isn't working this season.
Venkatesh Iyer loves playing against SRH! Three fifties in a row against them is insane. That six off Cummins was pure class 😍
200+ at Eden Gardens is always tough to chase. SRH's batting lineup is strong, but KKR's spinners could be decisive. Should be a close finish!
