KKR clinch 14-run victory as Sunil Narine dismantles DC’s middle order

Kolkata Knight Riders secured a thrilling 14-run victory over Delhi Capitals in their IPL 2025 encounter, staging a remarkable turnaround in what appeared to be a lost cause at one stage.

Chasing a formidable target of 205, Delhi looked firmly in control with seasoned campaigners Faf du Plessis (62) and Axar Patel (37) forming a solid partnership at the crease. However, KKR’s spin maestro Sunil Narine turned the game on its head with a match-winning spell, claiming three vital wickets that derailed the Capitals’ chase.

Earlier in the evening, KKR, after being asked to bat first, produced a commendable collective batting performance to post 204 for 9 on the board. The innings began with aggression and flair as the batters came out with clear attacking intent. Though DC managed to rein in the scoring rate by striking at regular intervals, the Knight Riders still kept the scoreboard moving efficiently.

Young Angkrish Raghuvanshi anchored the innings with a mature knock of 44 off 32 balls, showcasing a blend of controlled aggression and smart running between the wickets. His ability to rotate the strike and pierce the gaps allowed KKR to maintain momentum in the middle overs.

Rinku Singh added a valuable cameo of 36 runs, providing a crucial push in the latter stages of the innings. His stroke play and ability to find boundaries ensured that the run rate didn’t stagnate, even as wickets continued to fall around him. Supporting contributions from the rest of the batting line-up added depth to KKR’s total, enabling them to cross the 200-run mark.

Delhi Capitals’ bowling unit had its moments. Mitchell Starc led the attack with figures of 3 for 43, using his pace and bounce to good effect. The left-arm quick varied his deliveries smartly, often unsettling the batters with sharp short balls. Spinner Axar Patel was the most economical, claiming 2 for 27 from his four overs, applying crucial pressure in the middle phase of the innings. Youngster Vipraj Nigam also made his mark with 2 for 41, grabbing key wickets at vital junctures.

Despite their best efforts, Delhi struggled to contain KKR’s intent throughout the innings. In the end, the total proved just enough, as the Kolkata bowlers — spearheaded by Narine, stepped up to secure a well-earned victory in a closely contested fixture.