Poonam Nath

IPL 2025: KKR dominance over SRH; secures Decisive 80-run win-mark

Digital Desk: In an impressive display, the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) defeated Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) by 80 runs on Thursday at Eden Gardens, earning a significant win and moving up the IPL 2025 rankings.

KKR suffered early difficulties after choosing to bat first, as Quinton de Kock and Sunil Narine left easily. But with a calm 38, skipper Ajinkya Rahane stabilized the innings and created the conditions for a partnership that would define the match.

Venkatesh Iyer stole the show with a scorching 60 off only 29 deliveries, destroying SRH's bowling attack, while young prospect Angkrish Raghuvanshi dazzled with a smooth 50 off 32 balls. With an undefeated 32, Rinku Singh added late pyrotechnics to help KKR reach a commanding 200/6.

In reaction, SRH's batting lineup collapsed under pressure. Vaibhav Arora struck early, dismissing Travis Head and Ishan Kishan, while Harshit Rana dismissed Abhishek Sharma, putting SRH in serious difficulty.

Making a statement ????

For his fiery spell of fast bowling that stunned #SRH, Vaibhav Arora is the Player of the Match ????????#TATAIPL | #KKRvSRH | @KKRiders pic.twitter.com/stHOdj8vJ5

— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) April 3, 2025

The middle order failed to provide the opposition, with only Heinrich Klaasen (33) and Kamindu Mendis (27) fighting. Varun Chakaravarthy led the bowling attack with three important wickets, while Andre Russell contributed two, ensuring an early collapse of SRH's lower order.

This major victory showcased KKR's all-round excellence, which included aggressive batting, excellent fielding, and disciplined bowling, while SRH struggled to find answers following yet another dismal performance.