Key Points:
- Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) defeated Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) by a massive 80-run margin in the 15th match of IPL 2025.
- Venkatesh Iyer smashed a blistering 60 off 29 balls, supported by Angkrish Raghuvanshi (50) and Ajinkya Rahane (38).
- KKR set a challenging target of 201 runs, while SRH crumbled to just 120 runs.
- Vaibhav Arora claimed the Player of the Match title with an impressive 3-wicket haul.
- SRH’s top order collapsed early, with Travis Head, Abhishek Sharma, and Ishan Kishan dismissed cheaply.
New Delhi: The Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) delivered a commanding performance against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in the 15th match of IPL 2025, securing an emphatic victory by 80 runs. The match, held at Eden Gardens, saw KKR dominate with both bat and ball to hand SRH their second defeat of the season.
KKR’s Innings: Resilient Batting After Early Setbacks
After losing the toss, KKR was put into bat by SRH captain Pat Cummins. The start was shaky for Kolkata as their openers struggled against Hyderabad’s bowlers. Quinton de Kock was dismissed for just 1 run by Cummins, while Mohammed Shami sent Sunil Narine back to the pavilion for only 7 runs. At this point, KKR was reeling at 20/2.
However, captain Ajinkya Rahane (38 off 27 balls) and young talent Angkrish Raghuvanshi (50 off 36 balls) steadied the innings with a crucial partnership. They took the team past the 100-run mark before Raghuvanshi fell to Harshal Patel.
The real fireworks came from Venkatesh Iyer, who played a sensational knock of 60 runs off just 29 balls, including five sixes and four boundaries. His aggressive batting propelled KKR to a formidable total. Rinku Singh provided late support with a quickfire 32 off 17 balls, helping KKR post a challenging target of 201/6.
SRH’s Disastrous Chase
Chasing a daunting target of 201, SRH’s batting lineup collapsed under pressure. The team got off to a dismal start as their top order faltered. Travis Head (4), Abhishek Sharma (2), and Ishan Kishan (2) were all dismissed within the first five overs, leaving SRH struggling at 30/3.
Despite Heinrich Klaasen’s fighting knock of 33 runs, no other batsman managed to anchor the innings. Nitish Kumar Reddy and Kamindu Mendis also fell cheaply to Andre Russell and Sunil Narine respectively. The middle and lower order offered little resistance as SRH was bowled out for just 120 runs in 18 overs.
Bowling Brilliance: Vaibhav Arora Steals the Show
KKR’s bowlers delivered an outstanding performance to defend their total. Vaibhav Arora led the attack with figures of 3/29 in three overs, earning him the Player of the Match award. He dismissed key players Travis Head, Ishan Kishan, and Heinrich Klaasen at crucial moments.
Spin wizard Varun Chakravarthy also impressed with three wickets, while Andre Russell chipped in with two dismissals. The disciplined bowling effort ensured that SRH never found momentum in their chase.
Match Highlights:
- KKR Total: 201/6 in 20 overs.
- Top Scorers: Venkatesh Iyer (60 off 29), Angkrish Raghuvanshi (50 off 36), Ajinkya Rahane (38 off 27).
- SRH Total: All out for 120 in 18 overs.
- Top Bowlers: Vaibhav Arora (3/29), Varun Chakravarthy (3/24), Andre Russell (2/18).
With this victory, KKR showcased their dominance in IPL 2025 while exposing SRH’s vulnerabilities. Fans will eagerly await their next matches as both teams look to refine their strategies moving forward.
