Stats Review of player records and achieved milestones

In a pulsating encounter at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) edged out Delhi Capitals (DC) by 14 runs to stay alive in the playoff race of IPL 2025. DC won the toss and opted to bowl, but KKR’s explosive batting powered them to 204/9 in 20 overs.

Rahmanullah Gurbaz got KKR off to a flying start with a blistering 26 off 12 balls, supported by Sunil Narine’s aggressive 27 off 16. Captain Ajinkya Rahane added 26, and Angkrish Raghuvanshi’s 44 provided the needed acceleration in the middle overs. Late strikes from DC bowlers, particularly Mitchell Starc (4-0-43-3) and Vipraj Nigam (4-0-41-2), helped pull things back in the death overs.

In response, DC began on the back foot, losing Abishek Porel early. Faf du Plessis (62 off 45) and Axar Patel (43 off 23) rebuilt with a classy partnership, putting DC in a strong position at 136/3. But the tide turned when Narine (4-0-29-3) struck twice in quick succession, removing Axar Patel and Stubbs. Despite a late onslaught by Vipraj Nigam (38 off 19), DC fell short, finishing at 190/9.

Varun Chakaravarthy (4-0-39-2) and Anukul Roy (4-0-27-1) played crucial roles in choking the middle and death overs. Andre Russell also chipped in with a wicket, stalling DC’s charge at a crucial juncture. With this win, KKR registered their fourth victory in 10 games and kept their playoff hopes alive. DC, despite a spirited effort, will rue the missed opportunity in what turned out to be a nail-biting finish in front of their home crowd.