In a crucial IPL 2025 encounter, the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) defeated the Delhi Capitals (DC) by 14 runs in a high-scoring thriller at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi.
- KKR Score: 204/9 (20 overs)
- DC Score: 190/9 (20 overs)
- Player of the Match: Sunil Narine (27 off 16 & 3/29)
Turning Point of the Match
At the halfway stage, KKR seemed 20 runs short of a competitive total. DC’s chase was well on track with Faf du Plessis leading the charge. However, the game turned when Sunil Narine delivered a match-winning 14th over, picking up two crucial wickets and breaking DC’s momentum.
Andre Russell also played a key role, executing perfect yorkers in the death overs to restrict DC. Despite a late cameo from Nigam, DC fell short, suffering their third loss in four home games.
Key Performances & Post-Match Reactions
1. Sunil Narine – The Match-Winner
Narine’s all-round brilliance sealed the game for KKR:
- 27 runs (16 balls) with the bat
- 3/29 with the ball, including the big wickets of du Plessis & Vipraj
- A direct-hit run-out to dismiss a dangerous-looking batter
Narine’s Statement:
“It was a total team effort. I still back myself to deliver for the team. The more wickets I take, the better it is for KKR.”
2. Andre Russell’s Birthday Special
Russell, celebrating his birthday, dedicated the win to his team:
- Bowled crucial yorkers in the death overs
- Praised Narine’s game-changing 14th over
Russell’s Statement:
“I told the skipper I’d bowl six yorkers—executed three or four. Narine’s over was crucial; that’s when we believed we could win.”
3. DC’s Missed Opportunities
Axar Patel (DC Captain) admitted:
- Powerplay bowling gave KKR 15-20 extra runs
- Soft dismissals hurt DC’s chase
- Injury concern: Axar suffered a hand injury but hopes to recover before the next game
IPL 2025 Standings Update
KKR’s win keeps them in the mid-table battle, while DC remains in the top four.
| Team | Matches | Wins | Losses | Points | NRR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| RCB | 10 | 7 | 3 | 14 | +0.521 |
| MI | 10 | 6 | 4 | 12 | +0.889 |
| GT | 9 | 6 | 3 | 12 | +0.748 |
| DC | 10 | 6 | 4 | 12 | +0.362 |
| PBKS | 9 | 5 | 3 | 11 | +0.177 |
| KKR | 10 | 4 | 5 | 9 | +0.271 |
What’s Next in IPL 2025?
- CSK vs PBKS (May 1) – A must-win for Chennai Super Kings
- KKR vs RR (May 5) – Kolkata looks to build momentum
