Rajasthan Royals vs Kolkata Knight Riders Match-6 Results

Right then, that is it from this one-sided affair where Kolkata Knight Riders brushed aside Rajasthan Royals. Now, we move our focus to the clash between Sunrisers Hyderabad and Lucknow Super Giants at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad where we can once again expect runs galore. That will begin on 27th March, Thursday at 7.30 pm IST (2 pm GMT), but as you know, you can join us early for all the build-up to the same. Until then, cheers and goodbye!

Quinton de Kock is the PLAYER OF THE MATCH for his unbeaten 97-run knock. He says that it was nice to get the opportunity and make it count. Adds that he didn't face any challenges as he had a three months break since Christmas. Ends by saying that a couple of warm-up matches helped him get out there and do his thing.

The victorious captain of Kolkata Knight Riders, Ajinkya Rahane, says that they bowled the first six overs really well, and the middle overs were also crucial for them as their spinners did really good by picking up those wickets. Adds that this is the format where you want to give your players freedom to play their shots and they have good explosive batters in the team who can turn up on their given day. Mentions that Moeen bowled really well, and he didn’t say much to him. He is happy that all the players contributed to the team’s win. States that every season brings a different challenge and it is an opportunity for them to improve with each game.

The skipper of Rajasthan Royals, Riyan Parag, says that 170 could have been a good score on this pitch, and they wanted that, but he feels that the batting wasn’t that up to the mark. Adds that de Kock played really well and they tried to contain him in the middle overs but failed to do so. Mentions that the team wanted him to bat at number four and this year, they want him to bat at number four, so he is happy in being whatever the team wants from him and he wants to be professional for that. States that they have a young team and have a lot of talent in the group, and it is about having to click together, and they need just one match to show their talent. Concludes that they want to improve their mistakes when they go to Chennai and will try to put on a good performance.

Presentation Time ...

Moeen Ali is in for a quick chat. He says he was practising well and was ready for whenever the chance came, and also mentions it's hard to replace somebody like Sunil Narine, but he did well. Says that a few balls spun while others didn't, but it was a good pitch to bowl on. Mentions that this is a fun bunch and he just looks to learn at this age as well. Says that the team balance is too good and the overseas players are fierce as well. Concludes that facing the quality new bowlers was a tough task, and he hasn't done it after the Ashes.

Rajasthan Royals will be disappointed with their bowling performance, though they didn’t have much of a total to defend. Their spinners couldn’t match the impact of KKR’s, and while they did manage to pick up a couple of wickets, it wasn’t enough to put the chasing side under real pressure. In the end, the visitors chased down the total with ease in 17.3 overs.

Earlier in the game, Rajasthan Royals posted a somewhat fighting total with a few of the batters playing cameos, but no one could convert it into a big score, which was the problem for them. Kolkata Knight Riders bowlers were on the money right from the start, and except for Spencer Johnson, who picked up one wicket, every other bowler chipped in with a couple each to restrict the hosts.

Kolkata Knight Riders began steadily, ensuring they didn’t lose any wickets in the Powerplay - a crucial factor in their chase. Quinton de Kock played the anchor role to perfection, even as a couple of wickets fell at the other end. He brought up his maiden IPL fifty for KKR in style, looking in sublime form throughout. His partnership with Angkrish Raghuvanshi, worth over 50 runs, kept RR at bay, and in the end, it was only fitting that De Kock finished the game in style.

The defending champions are off the mark! A dominant performance from Kolkata Knight Riders as they outclassed Rajasthan Royals in all departments, handing them their second straight defeat of the season. QDK stole the spotlight with a brilliant unbeaten 97, sealing the chase in style.

Jofra Archer to Quinton de Kock, Six!SIX! BANG! Game, set and match! Quinton de Kock wraps the game and Kolkata Knight Riders register their first win. They win by 8 wickets! Archer goes fuller and angles it into middle, Quinton de Kock swings through the line and pumps it over long on for a biggie. He finishes unbeaten at 97!

Jofra Archer to Quinton de Kock, Wide!WIDE! Another one but on the other end! Archer fires it in, on a length but down leg.

Jofra Archer to Quinton de Kock, Wide!WIDE! Overpitched and well beyond the tramline outside off. Left alone by Quinton de Kock!

Jofra Archer to Quinton de Kock, Six!SIX! That's into the orbits! Quinton de Kock is in a hurry to wrap this game up! Back of a length, on middle, Quinton de Kock swings across and pulls it over deep square leg for a huge six. Kolkata Knight Riders need 7 more runs off 16 balls.

Jofra Archer to Quinton de Kock, Four!FOUR! Stand and deliver! Jofra Archer drops it short and over middle, Quinton de Kock pulls it through the gap at mid-wicket for a boundary.

Jofra Archer (2-0-15-0) comes back into the attack.

Maheesh Theekshana to Quinton de Kock, 1 run.Full, on the pads, Quinton de Kock nudges it to short fine leg for a single.

Maheesh Theekshana to Quinton de Kock, 5 Wides!FIVE WIDES! That's the last thing Maheesh Theekshana and Rajasthan Royals wanted at this moment. Full and going down leg. The ball evades the batter and the keeper to race to the fine leg fence.

Maheesh Theekshana to Angkrish Raghuvanshi, 1 run.Tossed up, on off, Angkrish Raghuvanshi drives it to long off for one.

Maheesh Theekshana to Quinton de Kock, 1 run.Full, on off, Quinton de Kock tucks it to mid-wicket for one.

Maheesh Theekshana to Quinton de Kock, No run.An appeal for LBW but is turned down. There was a big chance for a run-out as well, but RR spill that chance. Fuller and on off, Quinton de Kock looks to reverse sweep but misses, and the ball deflects towards short third off his pads. Angkrish Raghuvanshi sets himself off for the run but is sent back from almost halfway down the track. The throw from Jofra Archer is fired at the bowling end, but Maheesh Theekshana isn't backing up and it misses the stumps too. The UltraEdge show no spike, and the Ball Tracking shows the impact to be outside off.

Maheesh Theekshana to Angkrish Raghuvanshi, 1 run.On a nagging length, at the stumps, Angkrish Raghuvanshi taps it to cover for one.

Maheesh Theekshana to Quinton de Kock, Leg bye.Sliding into the pads, on a fuller length, de Kock looks to run it behind but misses. The ball goes off his pads towards the on side and the batters sneak a leg bye.

Strategic Break! The result is pretty much inevitable here unless a miracle happens and saves the Rajasthan Royals. Quinton de Kock has taken this game out of the hands of the hosts with his fine knock, and he will be hoping to stay till the end and finish things off. RR bowling once again have missed that edge, and they will need to fix a few things if they want to be competitive in this season. Also, the hosts have asked for a change of ball here, and the umpires agree with them.

Tushar Deshpande to Quinton de Kock, 1 run.Angling in, on off, on a length, QDK knocks it in front of point for one. 7 come off this over and KKR need 27 more runs off 24 balls.

Tushar Deshpande to Angkrish Raghuvanshi, 1 run.On a length, around off, Raghuvanshi punches it to long on and picks up a single.

Tushar Deshpande to Angkrish Raghuvanshi, No run.Goes full and at the stumps, Angkrish Raghuvanshi offers a beautiful straight drive but hits the middle stump at the other end.

Tushar Deshpande to Quinton de Kock, 1 run.Fuller than a length, on off, Quinton de Kock taps it to cover for one.

Tushar Deshpande to Quinton de Kock, No run.Tushar takes pace off and keeps it on a good length, outside off, de Kock is beaten by the lack of pace.

Tushar Deshpande to Quinton de Kock, Four!FOUR! Quinton de Kock welcomes Tushar Deshpande into the attack with a boundary. The 50-run stand is also up between these two batters. Too full and well outside off, Quinton de Kock reaches out and slcies it over backward point for a boundary.

Nitish Rana to Angkrish Raghuvanshi, Four!FOUR! SLAPPED! Rana again keeps it shorter and around off, Angkrish Raghuvanshi gets in the line of the ball and lofts it down the ground over the bowler's head for a boundary. KKR need 34 in the last five overs.

Nitish Rana to Quinton de Kock, 1 run.Short again and around off, de Kock punches it to long off for a single.

Nitish Rana to Angkrish Raghuvanshi, 1 run.Short and outside off, Angkrish Raghuvanshi punches it to deep cover for a single.

Nitish Rana to Quinton de Kock, 1 run.Dragged length, touch outside off, QDK pats it down to sweeper cover for a single.

Nitish Rana to Angkrish Raghuvanshi, 1 run.Nice and full, around off, Angkrish Raghuvanshi flicks it to long on for a single.

Nitish Rana to Quinton de Kock, 1 run.Drops it short and around off, de Kock drills it down the ground where Nitish gets his right hand at it on his follow through. The ball parries away towards long off and the batters pick up a single.

Sandeep Sharma to Quinton de Kock, 1 run.On a good length and wide outside off, Quinton de Kock shuffles across and cuts it to deep point for a single. KKR need 43 runs in the last six overs.

Sandeep Sharma to Angkrish Raghuvanshi, 1 run.A low full toss, around middle and leg, Angkrish Raghuvanshi flicks it to deep mid-wicket for a single.

Sandeep Sharma to Quinton de Kock, 1 run.Much fuller, around off, QDK drills it back to the bowler. Sandeep extends his right arm to stop the ball, but it bursts out through his hands and goes towards long off. One run taken.

Sandeep Sharma to Angkrish Raghuvanshi, 1 run.Short of a length, around off, Angkrish Raghuvanshi pulls it along the ground to deep mid-wicket for a single.

Sandeep Sharma to Quinton de Kock, 1 run.On a good length, around off, Quinton de Kock changes his stance for a reverse ramp but the ball takes the top edge and goes over short fine leg. They take a single.

Sandeep Sharma to Angkrish Raghuvanshi, 1 run.Back of a length, angling into the batter, on middle, Angkrish Raghuvanshi pulls it aerially to deep mid-wicket for a single.

Wanindu Hasaranga to Quinton de Kock, 2 runs.Nice and full, around middle, QDK drives it down the ground and picks up a couple of runs to end the over. KRR need 49 runs in the last seven overs.

Wanindu Hasaranga to Angkrish Raghuvanshi, 1 run.Short again and on the pads, Angkrish Raghuvanshi works it away to deep square leg for a single.

Wanindu Hasaranga to Quinton de Kock, 1 run.Nagging length, around middle, de Kock turns it towards deep mid-wicket for a single.

Wanindu Hasaranga to Quinton de Kock, Four!FOUR! SMASHED! Wanindu serves it full and around off, Quinton de Kock takes a step forward and drills it absolutely down the ground to the right of the bowler for a boundary.

Wanindu Hasaranga to Angkrish Raghuvanshi, 1 run.Dragged length, around middle, Angkrish Raghuvanshi pats it down wide of backward point for a single.

Wanindu Hasaranga to Angkrish Raghuvanshi, Four!FOUR! Finds the gap! KKR is going well above in this chase for now! Wanindu drops it short and around middle, Angkrish Raghuvanshi shifts his weight to the back foot and pulls it. The ball goes in the gap towards deep mid-wicket for a boundary.

Riyan Parag to Angkrish Raghuvanshi, 1 run.Too short and around off, Angkrish Raghuvanshi waits for it and punches it to long off for a single off the back foot.

Riyan Parag to Quinton de Kock, 1 run.Nagging length, around middle, QDK uses his feet and crunches it to sweeper cover for a single.

Riyan Parag to Quinton de Kock, No run.Full again, around middle and leg, de Kock comes forward to defend it but gets beaten on the outside edge and gets hit on the pad.

Riyan Parag to Angkrish Raghuvanshi, 1 run.Nice and full, touch outside off, Angkrish Raghuvanshi sweeps it to deep square leg for a single.

Riyan Parag to Quinton de Kock, Leg bye.Leg bye! Darts in full and on the pads, QDK misses the flick shot and gets hit on the pads. He runs off for a leg bye as the ball gets deflected towards square leg off the pads.

Riyan Parag to Quinton de Kock, Six!SIX! This is of the highest order hitting, under pressure! Parag drops it short and around off, Quinton de Kock goes back and pulls it over the deep mid-wicket fence for a biggie.

Wanindu Hasaranga to Quinton de Kock, 1 run.Dragged length, around off, de Kock goes on the back foot and nudges it towards square leg for a single.

Wanindu Hasaranga to Quinton de Kock, Six!SIX! CLUBBED! Quinton de Kock completes his fifty with this biggie! A superb inning from a class batter in this chase and he holds the key for KKR! Tossed up by Wanindu, around middle, QDK uses his feet and whacks it over deep mid-wicket for a massive six.

Wanindu Hasaranga to Angkrish Raghuvanshi, 1 run.Nagging length and on the pads, Angkrish Raghuvanshi nduges it to dep mid-wicket for a single.

Wanindu Hasaranga to Quinton de Kock, 1 run.Dragged length, on middle, QDK turns it to deep square leg for a single.

Wanindu Hasaranga to Angkrish Raghuvanshi, 1 run.Tossed it up, around middle, Angkrish Raghuvanshi nudges it towards wide mid-wicket and picks up a single as the fielder there makes a fumble.

Angkrish Raghuvanshi, the impact substitute, walks in at number 4 for Kolkata Knight Riders.

Wanindu Hasaranga to Ajinkya Rahane, OUT! c Tushar Deshpande b Wanindu Hasaranga.OUT! CAUGHT! Wanindu Hasaranga breaks the partnership and provides the much-needed breakthrough for RR! He bowls a googly here and keeps it on the pads, fuller in length, Ajinkya Rahane goes on his knee to sweep it. He mistimes it as the ball takes the outer half of the bat and goes towards square leg. Tushar Deshpande from short fine leg runs to his left and takes it with both hands. Kolkata Knight Riders are 70/2.

Wanindu Hasaranga (1-0-11-0) comes back into the attack.

Maheesh Theekshana to Quinton de Kock, No run.Another big shout for LBW, this time the finger goes up! However, Quinton de Kock takes the review straightaway. Maheesh Theekshana bowls this quicker, shortish and on middle, angling in again. Quinton de Kock tries to pull it away but gets a bit cramped up and misses as the ball hits him on the pads. The replay shows no bat involved and Ball Tracking shows that wickets is missing again. Nothing going for RR at the moment. Good review from KKR!

Maheesh Theekshana to Ajinkya Rahane, 1 run.A low full toss, on middle, Ajinkya Rahane drills it to long on for a single.

Maheesh Theekshana to Ajinkya Rahane, 2 runs.Floated, full and on middle, Ajinkya Rahane tucks it through mid-wicket for a brace.

Maheesh Theekshana to Ajinkya Rahane, Six!SIX! BANG! He connects this time alright! A bit short and on middle. Ajinkya Rahane picks up the length quickly and swipes it over the deep square leg fence for a flat six.

Maheesh Theekshana to Ajinkya Rahane, No run.Floated, full and around off, Ajinkya Rahane has wild hoick across the line but misses it.

Maheesh Theekshana to Ajinkya Rahane, No run.A massive shout for LBW, but turned down! However, Maheesh Theekshana looks confident here and convinces Riyan Parag to take the review. He bowls this flatter, full and on middle, angling in a bit. Ajinkya Rahane looks to work it away but misses and gets hit on the pads. UltraEdge confirms no bat involved and Ball Tracking shows that impact is umpire's call and wickets is missing. RR lose the review!

Strategic Break! Kolkata Knight Riders have begun their chase on a solid note, with Quinton de Kock looking in fine touch, already sending warning signals to Rajasthan Royals. With a deep batting lineup still in the hut, KKR will look to build a steady partnership, chip away at the target, and then accelerate when the moment is right. While RR’s bowlers have been disciplined, they haven’t posed enough tough questions yet. If they are to turn the tide, they need wickets, and they need them fast! The pressure is mounting, but for now, KKR’s batters look calm, composed, and in control. Maheesh Theekshana (2-0-14-0) comes back into the attack now.

Riyan Parag to Ajinkya Rahane, 1 run.Six singles in the over! Flatter, full and on off, Ajinkya Rahane pushes it through covers for on.

Riyan Parag to Quinton de Kock, 1 run.Another short delivery, on middle, Quinton de Kock pats it towards long on for one more.

Riyan Parag to Ajinkya Rahane, 1 run.Quicker, short and outside off, Ajinkya Rahane cuts it through point for one.

Riyan Parag to Quinton de Kock, 1 run.Floated, full and on middle, Quinton de Kock clips it through square leg for another run.

Riyan Parag to Ajinkya Rahane, 1 run.Short again and outside off, Ajinkya Rahane cuts it to sweeper covers for a run.

Riyan Parag to Quinton de Kock, 1 run.Shorter in length and around off, Quinton de Kock punches it to sweeper covers for a single.

Wanindu Hasaranga to Ajinkya Rahane, Four!FOUR! Up and over! Wanindu Hasaranga continues to bowl short, this is outside off as well. Ajinkya Rahane stays back in his crease and lofts it easily over extra covers for another boundary.

Wanindu Hasaranga to Quinton de Kock, 1 run.Tossed up, full and on middle, Quinton de Kock tucks it through mid-wicket for a run

Wanindu Hasaranga to Ajinkya Rahane, 1 run.Drags his length back, on off, Ajinkya Rahane punches it through covers for a run. 50 up for Kolkata Knight Riders!

Wanindu Hasaranga to Ajinkya Rahane, No run.A googly, short again and on midle, turns in. Ajinkya Rahane moves back to pull but misses and gets hit on the pads.

Wanindu Hasaranga to Quinton de Kock, 1 run.Short again and on middle, Quinton de Kock pulls it just on the bounce to deep mid-wicket for a single.

Wanindu Hasaranga to Quinton de Kock, Four!FOUR! QDK greets Wanindu Hasaranga with a boundary! This is a loose delivery, short and around middle and leg. Quinton de Kock rocks back and heaves it to the deep square leg fence for a bouunary.

More spin as Wanindu Hasaranga comes into the attack now.

Riyan Parag to Quinton de Kock, 1 run.Another short delivery, outside off, Quinton de Kock cuts it through cover-point for one.

Riyan Parag to Ajinkya Rahane, 1 run.Short again and on middle, Ajinkya Rahane pulls it to deep square leg for a single.

Riyan Parag to Ajinkya Rahane, No run.Flatter, full and around off, Ajinkya Rahane stabs it towards short covers.

Riyan Parag to Ajinkya Rahane, No run.Tossed up, full and on middle, Ajinkya Rahane strides out and blocks it out.

Riyan Parag to Quinton de Kock, 1 run.Short and on middle, Quinton de Kock stays back and punches it to long on for a single.

Ajinkya Rahane walks in at number 3 for Kolkata Knight Riders.

Riyan Parag to Moeen Ali, OUT! run out (Maheesh Theekshana / Riyan Parag).OUT! RUN OUT! A wicket against the run of play, but Rajasthan Royals will not mind at all! Riyan Parag floats it up, short and around off, and Moeen Ali punches it wide of sweeper covers for a single. He wants the second and sets off but is sent back. He slips a bit and is lazy with his effort to get back in and does not put a dive in as well. Maheesh Theekshana throws it on the bounce to the bowler, where Parag collects and breaks the stumps. The replay shows that Ali is short of his crease, and his struggles at the crease come to an end. Kolkata Knight Riders lose their first!

Is that a run-out? Nobody seems interested, but this looks close. The third umpire is summoned and Moeen Ali is caught short of the crease. A wicket out of nowhere!

Sandeep Sharma to Quinton de Kock, No run.A dot to finish the over! Good length and outside off again, Quinton de Kock tries to cut but chops it onto the pitch. Kolkata Knight Riders are 40 for no loss at the end o the Powerplay!

Sandeep Sharma to Quinton de Kock, No run.Short of a length and outside off, Quinton de Kock slaps it straight to mid off.

Sandeep Sharma to Quinton de Kock, Four!FOUR! Excellent shot! Sandeep Sharma goes pace on, full and on the pads. Quinton de Kock brings his wrists into play and flicks it away nicely through mid-wicket for a boundary.

Sandeep Sharma to Quinton de Kock, No run.Hard length and on off, Quinton de Kock swats it wide of mid on but Hettie mops it up nicley to his right.

Sandeep Sharma to Quinton de Kock, No run.Back of a length and outside off, Quinton de Kock reaches out for it and stabs it on the bounce to extra covers.

Sandeep Sharma to Moeen Ali, 1 run.A slower one, full and on middle, Moeen Ali eases it to long on for a single.

Riyan Parag to Moeen Ali, 1 run.Dragged length, around off and middle, Moeen nduges it wide of square leg for a single.

Riyan Parag to Quinton de Kock, 1 run.Nice and full, around middle, de Kock makes room and drives it to long off for a single.

Riyan Parag to Quinton de Kock, No run.Flighted it up, around middle and leg, Quinton de Kock again uses his feet and looks to loft it down the ground but gets an inside edge towards square leg.

Riyan Parag to Quinton de Kock, Four!FOUR! UP AND OVER! Riyan tosses it up, around off, Quinton de Kock dances down the track to get to the pitch of the ball. He lofts it over the leaping mid on fielder for a boundary.