KKR won against CSK by 8 wickets
- CSK 103/9 (20)
- KKR 107/2 (10.1)
PLAYER OF THE MATCH
Sunil Narine (KKR)
In a commanding performance at the M.A. Chidambaram Stadium on April 11, 2025, the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) secured a decisive 8-wicket victory over the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in Match 25 of the IPL 2025 season. This win propelled KKR to third place in the standings, while CSK suffered their fifth consecutive defeat, marking a challenging phase in their campaign.
Match Summary:
- Venue: M.A. Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai
- Toss: KKR won and elected to bowl first
- CSK Innings: 103/9 in 20 overs
- KKR Innings: 107/2 in 10.1 overs
- Result: KKR won by 8 wickets
CSK’s Innings: A Struggle from the Outset
Opting to bat first, CSK’s innings faltered early, with the team posting their lowest-ever total at home. The batting lineup struggled against KKR’s disciplined bowling attack, managing only 103 runs for the loss of 9 wickets in their allotted 20 overs.
Top Performers:
- Shivam Dube: 31* runs off 29 balls
- Vijay Shankar: 29 runs off 21 balls
KKR Bowling Highlights:
- Sunil Narine: 4 overs, 13 runs, 3 wickets
- Harshit Rana: 4 overs, 16 runs, 2 wickets
- Varun Chakravarthy: 4 overs, 22 runs, 2 wickets
KKR’s Chase: Swift and Decisive
Chasing a modest target of 104, KKR’s openers set the tone with an aggressive start. Sunil Narine led the charge with a rapid 44 off 18 balls, including five sixes. Despite losing two wickets, KKR reached the target comfortably in just 10.1 overs, showcasing their batting depth and intent.
Key Batting Contributions:
- Sunil Narine: 44 runs off 18 balls
- Quinton de Kock: 23 runs off 16 balls
- Ajinkya Rahane: 20* runs off 17 balls
- Rinku Singh: 15* runs off 12 balls
Turning Points:
- Sunil Narine’s All-Round Performance: His impactful bowling dismantled CSK’s middle order, and his aggressive batting ensured a swift chase.
- KKR’s Bowling Strategy: The combination of spin and pace effectively restricted CSK, preventing any significant partnerships.
- CSK’s Batting Collapse: Early wickets and a lack of substantial partnerships led to a below-par total, putting pressure on their bowlers.
Post-Match Reflections:
KKR’s comprehensive victory underscores their balanced team performance and strategic execution. For CSK, the defeat highlights areas requiring urgent attention, particularly in stabilizing their batting order and regaining form.