IPL 2025: RCB restrict Rahane-led KKR at 174 in opening clash at Eden Gardens
Kolkata Knight Riders, setting a target of 175 for Rajat Patidar-led Royal Royal Challengers Bengaluru.
Despite Kolkata started on a weak note with South Africa's Quinton de Kock wicket in the first over of the opener, skipper Rahane came to the rescue and formed a strong partnership with Sunil Narine.
Skipper Ajinkya Rahane made a wonderful 56 but defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders could only manage a sub-par 174 for eight against Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the opening match of the IPL 2025 here on Saturday. Rahane made his fifty off just 31 balls and shared a 103-run stand for the second wicket with Sunil Narine (44, 26b) as at one stage KKR looked to break the 200-run margin with ease.
However, RCB bowlers led by left-arm spinner Krunal Pandya (3/29) staged a splendid comeback. Josh Hazlewood got two wickets.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru captain Rajat Patidar won the toss and opted to bowl against the defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders in the tournament opener of the 18th edition of the cash-rich Indian Premier League (IPL) at the iconic Eden Gardens on Saturday.
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RCB is eager to end its string of defeats against KKR, as it has been unsuccessful in its last four meetings with them. Before the toss, Spencer Johnson received his maiden (KKR) cap from the franchise icon Sunil Narine. Notably, seasoned pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar, who was acquired for Rs 10.75 crore, was absent from RCB's playing XI.
Brief scores: Kolkata Knight Riders: 174/8 in 20 overs (Ajinkya Rahane 56, Sunil Narine 44, Angkrish Raghuvanshi 30; Krunal Pandya 3/29).
Squads:
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (Playing XI): Virat Kohli, Philip Salt(w), Rajat Patidar©, Liam Livingstone, Jitesh Sharma, Tim David, Krunal Pandya,
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