🏟️ Match Overview
- Match: 53rd Match of IPL 2025
- Date: May 4, 2025
- Venue: Eden Gardens, Kolkata
- Toss: Kolkata Knight Riders won the toss and elected to bat first
- Result: Match in progress at the time of reportingESPN Cricinfo+4ESPN Cricinfo+4Reuters+4
🏏 First Innings: Kolkata Knight Riders Batting Performance
Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) opted to bat first, aiming to set a challenging total for Rajasthan Royals (RR).Hindustan Times
Key Performances:
- Rahmanullah Gurbaz: 35 runs off 25 balls
- Ajinkya Rahane (Captain): 30 runs off 24 balls
- Angkrish Raghuvanshi: 36* runs off 24 balls (not out)
KKR faced early challenges, losing Sunil Narine in the second over. Gurbaz and Rahane stabilized the innings with a 56-run partnership. However, wickets fell at regular intervals, and KKR reached 121/3 at the end of 15 overs.Hindustan Times+2The Indian Express+2NDTVSports.com+2
🎯 Bowling Highlights: Rajasthan Royals
Rajasthan Royals’ bowlers maintained pressure throughout KKR’s innings.
Notable Bowling Performances:
- Maheesh Theekshana: 3 overs, 18 runs, 1 wicket
- Wanindu Hasaranga: 4 overs, 35 runs, 0 wickets
- Riyan Parag: Key wicket of Ajinkya RahaneThe Indian Express+1NDTVSports.com+1The Indian Express+3The Times of India+3NDTVSports.com+3
Jofra Archer’s opening spell was economical, conceding just 5 runs in his first two overs, setting the tone for RR’s bowling attack.The Times of India+4NDTVSports.com+4Reuters+4
📊 Score Summary (As of 15 Overs)
- Kolkata Knight Riders: 121/3
- Angkrish Raghuvanshi: 36* (24 balls)
- Andre Russell: 2* (8 balls)Reuters+8The Indian Express+8Hindustan Times+8
KKR aims to accelerate in the final overs to post a competitive total.
🔍 Match Context
This match is crucial for KKR’s playoff aspirations. A victory would bolster their position in the points table, while RR, already out of contention, seeks to play the role of a spoiler and end their season on a high note.
📺 Watch the Match Live
Fans can catch the live action of KKR vs RR on Star Sports and stream it online via Disney+ Hotstar.
📝 Final Thoughts
As the match progresses, KKR will look to capitalize on their current position and set a formidable target for RR. The final overs will be critical in determining the outcome of this encounter.The Times of India
Tags:#KKRvsRR #IPL2025 #KolkataKnightRiders #RajasthanRoyals #EdenGardens #CricketMatchRecap
