Brief by Shorts91NewsDesk / 07:31pm on 22 Mar 2025,Saturday Sports
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) commenced their IPL 2025 campaign with a commanding seven-wicket victory over defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at Eden Gardens. Opting to bowl first, RCB's Josh Hazlewood struck early, dismissing Quinton de Kock. However, KKR's captain Ajinkya Rahane (56 off 31) and Sunil Narine (44 off 26) forged a rapid 103-run partnership. RCB's Krunal Pandya then shifted the momentum, claiming 3-29, restricting KKR to 174-8. In response, RCB openers Phil Salt (56 off 31) and Virat Kohli (59* off 36) established a 95-run stand, propelling the chase. Captain Rajat Patidar added a brisk 34, guiding RCB to 175-3 in 16.2 overs. Kohli's unbeaten half-century marked his 400th T20 match, earning him the Player of the Match accolade. (PC: Jagran Josh, ESPNcricinfo)
