After a tough loss to Mumbai Indians, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) bounced back in style, defeating Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) by 80 runs at Eden Gardens on Thursday in IPL 2025.
KKR set a target of 201, posting 200/6, thanks to half-centuries from Venkatesh Iyer (60) and Angkrish Raghuvanshi (50). SRH made early breakthroughs with Pat Cummins and Mohammed Shami dismissing Quinton de Kock and Sunil Narine, but KKR’s captain, Ajinkya Rahane (38), kept the innings steady. Rahane hit three sixes and helped KKR score 53 runs in the PowerPlay.
Raghuvanshi formed a solid 81-run partnership with Rahane, playing some excellent shots. Venkatesh then took charge, hitting his first fifty of the season, and with Rinku Singh (32*), they added a quick 91 runs for the fifth wicket. Venkatesh dominated the penultimate over, scoring 21 runs, including three fours and a six.
In response, SRH struggled against KKR’s pacers, who reduced them to 9/3. Vaibhav Arora took two key wickets, including Travis Head and Ishan Kishan, while Harshit Rana removed Abhishek Sharma. SRH lost wickets regularly and was eventually bowled out for 120, handing KKR a convincing win.
Despite a couple of quick wickets falling for KKR, Venkatesh and Rinku’s late surge ensured KKR reached 200. With this win, KKR recorded their second victory of the season, while SRH suffered their third consecutive defeat.
