Match Recap: Rain Plays Spoilsport in Kolkata
After two record-breaking encounters earlier in the season—Punjab Kings (PBKS) pulling off the highest-ever T20 chase at Eden Gardens and then defending the lowest total in IPL history—fans were eager for another thrilling contest. However, rain had the final say in Kolkata, washing out the game after just one over of KKR’s chase.
PBKS, buoyed by a brilliant 120-run partnership between Priyansh Arya (69 off 35) and Prabhsimran Singh (83 off 49), posted 201 runs on a tricky pitch. Their aggressive approach against spin stood out, with sweeps and switch-hits yielding 34 runs off just 11 attempts against Varun Chakravarthy and Sunil Narine.
KKR’s chase never got going, with heavy rain and strong winds forcing an abandonment. The shared points denied PBKS a chance to leapfrog to the top of the table, while KKR stayed alive in the playoff race.
Russell’s Underutilized Bowling: A Missed Trick?
Andre Russell, who had a stellar 2024 season with the ball, once again proved his worth by breaking the dangerous Arya-Prabhsimran stand in his very first over. His three overs went for just 27 runs, including a dropped catch and an inside-edged boundary. Given his recent form, KKR’s reluctance to use him more frequently remains puzzling.
PBKS’ Spin Dominance: Sweeps & Switch-Hits Shine
KKR’s spin duo of Narine and Chakravarthy, usually economical, were taken apart by PBKS batters. Their combined figures of 1/74 in 8 overs highlighted Punjab’s aggressive intent, particularly against slower bowling. The sweep and switch-hit proved highly effective, contributing three fours and three sixes in a display of calculated aggression.
Elsewhere in IPL 2025: SRH Stun CSK in Chepauk
In another key fixture, Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) pulled off a crucial win against Chennai Super Kings (CSK) at Chepauk. Dewald Brevis (42 off 25) impressed on his CSK debut, but Harshal Patel’s 4/28 and **Kamindu Mendis’ all-round show (32* & a wicket)** guided SRH to victory.
Ravindra Jadeja’s struggles against spin continued, raising questions over his promotion to No. 4. Since 2018, Jadeja has averaged just 21.22 against spin, striking at a sluggish 88 in his first 10 balls—a concerning stat for CSK.
RCB Break Home Jinx in Thriller vs RR
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) finally ended their home losing streak with a thrilling win over Rajasthan Royals (RR). Virat Kohli (50) and Devdutt Padikkal (54) set the platform before Josh Hazlewood’s death-over heroics (3/33) sealed the deal. Despite Yashasvi Jaiswal’s explosive start (47 off 19), RR fell short in a chase of 206.
Tonight’s Fixtures: High-Stakes Encounters
- MI vs LSG (Mumbai): A mid-table battle with playoff implications.
- DC vs RCB (Delhi): Virat Kohli returns to his home ground as RCB aim to strengthen their top-four push.
With the playoff race heating up, every point matters—will rain or resilience decide the next chapter?
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