Cricket Highlights, May 04: IPL 2025 (53rd Match) – KKR vs RR

KKR vs RR (53rd Match) – Highlights

In one of the most thrilling contests of the IPL 2025 season, KKR pulled off a sensational 1-run win over RR at Eden Gardens in the 53rd match of the tournament. The clash turned out to be a spectacle of aggressive batting, pressure-packed bowling, and a last-ball finish that had fans on the edge of their seats. While Andre Russell’s explosive fifty earned him the Player of the Match award, it was Riyan Parag’s valiant 95 that almost pulled off an epic chase for Rajasthan.

KKR started the run chase after deciding to set a target and shot a remarkable 206 for 4 on a good batting wicket. For KKR, Rahmanullah Gurbaz got them off to a brisk start with 35 runs off 25 balls. KKR Captain Ajinkya Rahane then chipped in with 30 runs and the exciting young Angkrish Raghuvanshi looked particularly fluent in his 44 runs. However, the show was stolen at the end by Andre Russell who ended the innings with a stunning 57* off only 25 balls including 4 fours and 6 sixes. Rinku Singh was a nice partner for Russell at the end of the innings smashing a quick 19 runs off only 6 balls at the back end of the innings.

RR bowlers struggled for consistency, with only Jofra Archer and Riyan Parag managing to keep the scoring somewhat in check. Riyan Parag, in addition to his batting heroics later, chipped in with a crucial wicket of Rahane and gave away just 21 in his three overs.

In response, Rajasthan Royals began their chase on a shaky note, losing three wickets inside the Powerplay. Yashasvi Jaiswal looked threatening during his 34-run cameo but fell just when he was getting into stride. Kunal Singh Rathore and Dhruv Jurel fell without scoring, and Hasaranga’s dismissal soon after left RR in deep trouble at 71 for 5.

It was then that Riyan Parag unleashed a stunning counterattack. The young captain showed tremendous maturity and class, hammering 95 off just 45 balls with six fours and eight sixes. He was relentless against both pace and spin, reviving RR’s hopes alongside Shimron Hetmyer, who added 29 off 23 balls. Their 92-run partnership brought Rajasthan back into the contest, and even after Parag’s dismissal in the 18th over, the Royals remained in the hunt.

The equation came down to 13 runs off the final over, with Jofra Archer and Shubham Dubey at the crease. Dubey swung for the fences with a few meaty hits, but Harshit Rana’s ice-cold nerves at the death sealed it. Archer’s last-ball dash came up just shy—one run short, one heartbreak richer.

Kolkata Knight Riders vs Rajasthan Royals Scoreboard

Kolkata Knight Riders – 206/4 (20)

Rajasthan Royals – 205/8 (20)

Result – KKR won by 1 run

Player of the Match – Andre Russell

KKR vs RR Playing XI

Kolkata Knight Riders

Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Sunil Narine, Ajinkya Rahane (c), Angkrish Raghuvanshi, Andre Russell, Rinku Singh, Venkatesh Iyer, Ramandeep Singh, Moeen Ali, Vaibhav Arora, Varun Chakravarthy

Rajasthan Royals

Yashasvi Jaiswal, Vaibhav Suryavanshi, Kunal Singh Rathore, Riyan Parag (c), Dhruv Jurel (wk), Wanindu Hasaranga, Shimron Hetmyer, Shubham Dubey, Jofra Archer, Maheesh Theekshana, Yudhvir Singh

Disclaimer: This match highlight is based on the author’s understanding, analysis, and instinct. As you review this information, consider the points mentioned and form your own conclusions.

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