• KKR edged past Rajasthan Royals by just 1 run in match 53 of the IPL 2025.

  • Rajasthan fell short chasing 207, ending at 205/8, despite Riyan Parag’s heroic 95 off 45 balls.

IPL 2025: KKR break Rajasthan Royals team’s heart as fans salute Riyan Parag’s brave effort in narrow 1-run loss
Riyan Parag (Image Source: X)

In a heart-stopping Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 encounter at Eden Gardens, Kolkata Knight Riders edged past Rajasthan Royals by just 1 run. Rajasthan fell short chasing 207, ending at 205/8, despite Riyan Parag’s heroic 95 off 45 balls. KKR’s innings was boosted by Andre Russell’s blistering finish and smart top-order contributions. The match went down to the last ball, with Jofra Archer run out attempting a second run. This win strengthens KKR’s playoff hopes while RR rue missed opportunities.

Andre Russell’s carnage and calm anchor from Angrish Raghuvanshi lift KKR

KKR made good use of the Eden pitch, starting cautiously but accelerating in the second half. After early wickets, Ajinkya Rahane and Angkrish Raghuvanshi steadied things with vital contributions of 30 and 44 respectively. But it was Andre Russell‘s 57 off 25, laced with 4 fours and 6 sixes, that ignited the late charge. He was well supported by Rinku Singh‘s cameo of 19 off 6 not out, which helped KKR plunder 95 runs in the last 7 overs. Rajasthan’s bowlers, particularly Akash Madhwal and Maheesh Theekshana, leaked runs at the death. Despite early breakthroughs, they couldn’t contain the carnage. With a final total of 206/4, KKR had momentum firmly on their side. Sunil Narine’s early dismissal was quickly forgotten in the onslaught that followed. Their aggressive finish proved crucial in the final outcome.

Also WATCH: 6,6,6,6,6 – Riyan Parag demolishes Moeen Ali with explosive hitting during KKR vs RR match

Riyan Parag’s heroic 95 in vain as Rajasthan Royals falter in final moments

Chasing 207, RR were rocked early by Moeen Ali, who dismissed Vaibhav Suryavanshi and Kunal Rathore. At 71/5, the game looked done and dusted before Parag launched a stunning counterattack, smashing 8 sixes and 6 fours in a breathtaking 95 off 45 balls. He found a partner in Shimron Hetmyer, adding a 92-run stand for the sixth wicket. However, once Parag fell at 173 in the 18th over, pressure returned. Shubham Dubey and Archer fought valiantly, taking the game to the last ball. Archer was run out trying to steal a desperate second run, handing KKR a dramatic 1-run win. Varun Chakravarthy and Harshit Rana held their nerves in the slog overs. Parag’s career-best knock deserved more, but Rajasthan’s top-order collapse proved too costly. In the end, Kolkata’s sharper execution sealed a memorable victory.

Here’s how fans reacted:

Also READ: Fans go wild as Andre Russell lights up Eden Gardens with a milestone-laden knock during KKR vs RR game

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