"RCB vs KKR IPL 2025: Full Match Report, Highlights & Key Momen

 RCB vs KKR IPL 2025 Match Report: Bengaluru Crush Kolkata in Season Opener

The highly anticipated opening match of IPL 2025 witnessed a thrilling contest between Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at the iconic Eden Gardens in Kolkata. RCB dominated the game, securing a convincing seven-wicket victory over the defending champions.

With a packed stadium, an electrifying atmosphere, and top players in action, the match set the tone for an exciting IPL season ahead. Let’s dive into the full match report, key moments, top performances, and match analysis.

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Match Summary

Match: Kolkata Knight Riders vs. Royal Challengers Bengaluru

Date: March 22, 2025

Venue: Eden Gardens, Kolkata

Result: RCB won by 7 wickets

Toss: RCB won the toss and elected to bowl first

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First Innings: Kolkata Knight Riders Batting Performance

KKR, led by Ajinkya Rahane, faced a tough challenge against RCB’s disciplined bowling attack.

Powerplay (Overs 1-6)

KKR lost an early wicket as Josh Hazlewood dismissed Quinton de Kock for a duck in the very first over.

Captain Ajinkya Rahane and Sunil Narine steadied the innings with an aggressive approach.

KKR scored 52/1 at the end of the powerplay, setting a solid foundation.

Middle Overs (Overs 7-15)

Rahane played an attacking knock, scoring 56 runs off 31 balls with 7 fours and 2 sixes.

Narine supported him well with 44 runs off 26 balls, smashing 3 sixes.

KKR seemed to be in control at 120/2 in 13 overs before RCB struck back.

Krunal Pandya’s game-changing spell (3/29) dismissed Rahane and Venkatesh Iyer in quick succession.

Death Overs (Overs 16-20)

Youngster Angkrish Raghuvanshi added 30 quick runs to push KKR’s total forward.

However, RCB bowlers Harshal Patel (2/35) and Mohammed Siraj (1/28) restricted them in the final overs.

KKR finished at 174/8 in 20 overs, setting a competitive target for RCB.

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Second Innings: Royal Challengers Bengaluru Batting Performance

Chasing 175, RCB's openers made a blistering start, ensuring a comfortable win.

Powerplay (Overs 1-6)

Virat Kohli and Phil Salt provided an explosive opening, scoring 80 runs in 6 overs.

Salt played an aggressive knock of 56 runs off 31 balls, smashing 4 sixes and 5 fours.

RCB dominated the powerplay, reaching 95/0 in 8 overs.

Middle Overs (Overs 7-15)

KKR managed to dismiss Phil Salt (56 off 31) and Rajat Patidar (34 off 20) in quick succession.

However, Kohli anchored the chase, scoring an unbeaten 59 off 36 balls.

RCB maintained a strong scoring rate, needing just 25 runs off the final 5 overs.

Finishing Touch (Overs 16-20)

Liam Livingstone played a cameo, scoring 15 runs off 7 balls, ensuring an easy win.

RCB chased the target in just 16.2 overs, finishing at 177/3.

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Key Performances

Top Batters

Top Bowlers

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Match Turning Points

1. Early Wicket of De Kock – Josh Hazlewood’s early breakthrough put KKR under pressure.

2. Krunal Pandya’s Game-Changing Spell – His quick wickets of Rahane and Iyer shifted momentum to RCB.

3. RCB’s Powerplay Dominance – Kohli and Salt’s 95-run partnership ensured an easy chase.

4. KKR’s Poor Death Bowling – Lack of breakthroughs in the middle overs cost them the match.

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Post-Match Reactions

RCB Captain Virat Kohli

"It’s a great start to the season. The team showed confidence, and our bowlers executed their plans perfectly. We’ll look to continue this momentum."

KKR Captain Ajinkya Rahane

"We started well but lost momentum in the middle overs. Our bowlers couldn’t defend the total. We’ll bounce back stronger."

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Match Analysis: Why RCB Won?

Superior Bowling Attack – Hazlewood, Krunal, and Siraj executed tight bowling plans.

Explosive Opening Partnership – Salt and Kohli’s powerplay dominance crushed KKR’s hopes.

KKR’s Middle-Order Collapse – Losing Rahane and Iyer in quick succession slowed their scoring.

Better Execution in Death Overs – RCB’s finishing ability ensured a quick chase.

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Conclusion

RCB’s dominant seven-wicket victory over KKR marks a strong start to their IPL 2025 campaign. With batting firepower, disciplined bowling, and excellent execution, they have sent a clear message to other teams.

KKR, on the other hand, will need to rework their strategies, improve death bowling, and strengthen their middle-order for the upcoming matches.

Next Match:

RCB will face Delhi Capitals next, while KKR will look for redemption against Mumbai Indians.

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