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Quinton de Kock and Spinners Shine in KKR’s First Victory
Kolkata Knight Riders Secure Comfortable Win Against Rajasthan Royals
Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) bounced back strongly after their opening game defeat, securing an impressive eight-wicket victory over Rajasthan Royals (RR) in Guwahati. Despite missing star spinner Sunil Narine, KKR’s spin attack put in a stellar performance to restrict RR to 151/9. Quinton de Kock then guided the chase with an unbeaten 97 off 61 balls, ensuring KKR reached the target in just 17.3 overs.
Where Was the Game Won?
Dominance in the Middle Overs
The match turned decisively in the middle overs, where KKR’s spin duo of Moeen Ali and Varun Chakaravarthy controlled the game. On a pitch assisting spinners, KKR used spin in seven of the nine overs during this phase. The disciplined bowling effort kept RR in check, allowing only a six and a four while picking up crucial wickets. RR managed only 56/5 during this period, scoring just 22 runs in boundaries. Meanwhile, de Kock paced his innings superbly, ensuring KKR maintained the required run rate despite RR’s spin-heavy strategy.
Rajasthan Royals’ Batting Performance
PowerPlay – A Solid Start with an Early Setback
Phase Score: 54/1 [RR: 9.00, 4s/6s: 4/4]
RR openers started with an attacking intent, with Yashasvi Jaiswal and Sanju Samson finding early boundaries. However, Samson was dismissed early after struggling to time his shots. Riyan Parag attempted to accelerate the innings with a couple of sixes, helping RR cross the 50-run mark at the end of the powerplay.
Middle Overs – Spin Trouble for RR
Phase Score: 56/5 [RR: 6.22, 4s/6s: 4/1]
Jaiswal, though aggressive in the powerplay, struggled to find his rhythm. Parag was the only batter showing intent but perished while attempting a lofted shot. Moeen Ali and Varun Chakaravarthy dismantled RR’s middle order, dismissing key batters like Jaiswal, Wanindu Hasaranga, and Nitish Rana. Dhruv Jurel managed a couple of lucky boundaries, but RR found themselves at a precarious 110/6 after 15 overs.
Death Overs – Underwhelming Finish
Phase Score: 41/3 [RR: 8.20, 4s/6s: 3/2]
RR struggled in the final overs, with Varun Chakaravarthy and Harshit Rana keeping things tight. Jurel and Shimron Hetmyer fell while trying to accelerate. Jofra Archer struck a couple of sixes but was bowled in the final over as RR barely crossed the 150-mark.
Kolkata Knight Riders’ Chase
PowerPlay – RR Keep KKR in Check
Phase Score: 40/0 [RR: 6.66, 4s/6s: 4/2]
Jofra Archer started aggressively, troubling Moeen Ali early on. However, Quinton de Kock took charge, attacking Archer and Maheesh Theekshana with well-timed boundaries. KKR played cautiously, ensuring they didn’t lose early wickets but finished the powerplay with a sub-50 total.
Middle Overs – De Kock Leads the Charge
Phase Score: 78/2 [RR: 8.66, 4s/6s: 5/3]
Moeen Ali was run out cheaply, but de Kock continued his dominance. He found good support from Ajinkya Rahane, and both batters played smart cricket against RR’s spinners. Hasaranga dismissed Rahane, but de Kock kept attacking, bringing up his half-century in just 36 balls. KKR accelerated well, keeping the required run rate in check.
Death Overs – KKR Wrap Up the Game in Style
Phase Score: 35/0 [RR: 14.00, 4s/6s: 2/2]
With just 34 runs needed in five overs, KKR comfortably finished the chase. De Kock smashed a four and two sixes off Archer in the 18th over, sealing an emphatic victory for KKR with plenty of deliveries to spare.
Match Summary
Brief Scores:
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Rajasthan Royals: 151/9 in 20 overs (Dhruv Jurel 33, Yashasvi Jaiswal 29; Varun Chakaravarthy 2-17, Moeen Ali 2-23)
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Kolkata Knight Riders: 153/2 in 17.3 overs (Quinton de Kock 97*, Angkrish Raghuvanshi 22*; Wanindu Hasaranga 1-34)
KKR won by 8 wickets.
What’s Next?
Rajasthan Royals remain in Guwahati for their next match against Chennai Super Kings on March 30. Meanwhile, Kolkata Knight Riders will travel to Mumbai for their upcoming clash against Mumbai Indians on March 31.
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