KKR Edge Past Rajasthan Royals in Thrilling Last-Ball Encounter at Eden Gardens

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) won a nail-biting one-run IPL 2025 match against Rajasthan Royals (RR) in an edge-of-the-seat encounter at Eden Gardens. Both teams, who were jostling for playoff positions, gave it their all, before the match finally ended on a knife-edge.

After being asked to play first, KKR posted an intimidating total of 206/4 in 20 overs, supported by a destructive innings by Andre Russell, who hammered 54 off just 25 balls. Russell walked in during the middle overs and dominated from the very beginning, thrashing the bowlers with raw strength and precision. His innings had 5 sixes and 3 fours, which helped Kolkata achieve a commanding score.

Support was lent by Ajinkya Rahane, who steady-fisted 45 off 32 while anchoring the innings, and Nitish Rana, who made a 31 off 18 in quick time. The bowlers of Rajasthan Royals, particularly Yuzvendra Chahal (2/36), struggled to rein in the run flow during the final overs as Russell took over.

Pursuing 207, Rajasthan Royals started firmly, with Jos Buttler leading from the front with a quick 48 from 29 balls, and Sanju Samson also finishing sharply with a smooth 21. But the actual resistance was provided by the in-form Riyan Parag, who almost changed the course of the game in RR’s favor with an excellent 62 off 34 balls.

The chase, however, began to decline in the later overs as wickets started coming at the right moments. KKR’s bowling attack was one of nerves of steel as Harshit Rana delivered a match-winning spell of 3/35 with the crucial penultimate over. Sunil Narine also shattered the back of the innings with crucial wickets to take 2/28.

With 10 runs required off the final over, the match was decided in the last ball. Parag’s attempt was short as RR managed a mere 8 runs, and KKR took a heart-stopping win by 1 run.

Key Highlights:
Andre Russell was given Player of the Match for his half-century that turned the match around.

Daring batting by Riyan Parag kept RR in the match until the last.

KKR’s win secures their position at the points table and boosts their playoff chances.