KKR secure their first win in IPL 2024 with 8-wicket victory over RR

KATHMANDU: Kolkata Knight Riders registered their first win of the 2024 Indian Premier League (IPL) by defeating Rajasthan Royals by 8 wickets in their second match.

After suffering a seven-wicket loss to Royal Challengers Bangalore in their opening game, this victory was crucial for Kolkata.

The hero of the match was opener Quinton de Kock, who played a match-winning unbeaten knock, reviving his team’s hopes after a slow start. De Kock scored 97 runs off 61 balls, hitting 6 sixes and 8 fours, just 3 runs short of a century.

Choosing to bowl first after winning the toss, Kolkata restricted Rajasthan to just 152 runs. In response, Kolkata comfortably chased down the target with 15 balls to spare, losing only 2 wickets in the process.

Although Kolkata lost their opener, Moeen Ali, for just 5 runs, and captain Ajinkya Rahane for 18, de Kock combined with young player Angkrish Raghuvanshi to put on a crucial 83-run partnership for the third wicket. This partnership guided Kolkata to a comfortable victory.

Batting first at the Basarapata Cricket Stadium in Guwahati, Rajasthan managed only 151 runs in 20 overs, losing 9 wickets.

Dhruv Jurel was the top scorer for Rajasthan with 33 runs, while Yashasvi Jaiswal contributed 29, captain Riyan Parag made 25, and Jofra Archer added 16 runs.

Kolkata’s bowlers were outstanding, with Varun Chakravarthy, Moeen Ali, Harshit Rana, and Vaibhav Arora each taking 2 wickets.

With this victory, Kolkata has earned 2 points from two games, while Rajasthan, after suffering their second consecutive defeat, remains without any points. Rajasthan had also lost their opening match to Sunrisers Hyderabad by 44 runs.

Kolkata’s comeback win has brought new excitement to the competition, and they will now look to maintain their winning momentum in their upcoming matches.