IPL 2025 Opener: KKR Scores 174 Against RCB Despite Late Slowdown

The 18th season of the IPL has commenced. In the tournament’s opening match, Kolkata Knight Riders faced Royal Challengers Bangalore. RCB won the toss and opted to bowl, while KKR batted first, scoring 174 runs for the loss of 8 wickets in their allotted 20 overs.

KKR's innings began with aggressive batting from captain Ajinkya Rahane and opener Sunil Narine, which boosted the scoreboard significantly. Rahane scored 56 runs off 31 balls, hitting six fours and four sixes. Narine contributed 44 runs off 26 balls, including five fours and three sixes.

However, RCB spinner Krunal Pandya turned the momentum by taking three crucial wickets, putting KKR under pressure. He dismissed key players Rahane, Venkatesh Iyer (6), and Rinku Singh (12).

In the middle order, Ang Krish Raghuvamshi scored a moderate 30 runs. However, Quinton de Kock (4) and Andre Russell (4) failed to make an impact. KKR's scoring rate slowed down significantly towards the end due to the lack of aggressive finishers.

Among RCB bowlers, Krunal Pandya took 3 wickets, Josh Hazlewood claimed 2, while Yash Dayal, Rasikh Dar Salam, and Suyash Sharma each took one wicket.