In a jaw-dropping encounter that will go down as one of the best matches of IPL 2025, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) clinched a 1-run victory over Rajasthan Royals (RR) at Eden Gardens. But while KKR took the points, it was Riyan Parag’s explosive 95-run knock that stole the limelight and won hearts across the cricketing world.
📊 Match Summary – KKR vs RR (May 4, 2025)
Venue: Eden Gardens, Kolkata
Match No.: 53
Result: KKR won by 1 run
KKR: 206/4 (20 overs)
RR: 205/8 (20 overs)
Player of the Match: Andre Russell (KKR)
🔥 Riyan Parag – The Highlight of the Night
While RR fell agonizingly short of victory, Riyan Parag’s sensational 95 off just 45 balls was the standout performance of the evening. It was one of the best knocks of IPL 2025, filled with fearless hitting, calculated aggression, and unshakable composure under pressure.
Runs: 95 (45 balls)
Fours/Sixes: 7x4s, 6x6s
Strike Rate: 211.11
Impact: Took the match to the final ball, almost clinching a miracle win
Parag’s maturity and aggression against elite bowlers like Narine and Russell showcased his evolution into a top-tier T20 player. Social media hailed him as the “future of Indian cricket” and a front-runner for the Emerging Player of the Season.
💣 KKR’s Power-Packed First Innings
Batting first, KKR posted a formidable 206/4 with a balanced effort across the top and middle order:
Andre Russell: 57* off 25 balls – Classic finisher mode activated
Angkrish Raghuvanshi: 44 off 31 – Set the tone in the middle overs
Rahmanullah Gurbaz: 35 off 20 – Gave KKR a fiery start
Despite efforts from Moeen Ali and Trent Boult, the Knight Riders stormed past the 200-mark.
🧊 Nerve-Wracking Finish
Needing 10 off the final over, RR had Riyan Parag at the crease. But Vaibhav Arora held his nerve, defending the total brilliantly and taking the crucial wicket that sealed the game.
⭐ Key Performers
| Player | Team | Performance |
|---|---|---|
| Riyan Parag | RR | 95 (45) – 6x6s, 7x4s |
| Andre Russell | KKR | 57* (25) + 1 Wicket |
| Angkrish Raghuvanshi | KKR | 44 (31) |
| Vaibhav Arora | KKR | Defended 10 in the final over |
🗣 Final Thoughts
This match was pure IPL magic — high drama, brilliant individual efforts, and a finale that no fan will forget. While KKR takes home the win, Riyan Parag takes home the glory. His 95 was a reminder that in cricket, sometimes even in defeat, legends are born.
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