Raghuvanshi, Rinku Singh Fire KKR to 204 Despite Late Collapse Against Delhi Capitals

Aggressive knocks from Angkrish Raghuvanshi and Rinku Singh lift Kolkata Knight Riders to a strong total, but Delhi bowlers strike back late to restrict further damage.

New Delhi [India], April 29:
A series of explosive contributions from young batter Angkrish Raghuvanshi and finisher Rinku Singh helped Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) post a formidable total of 204/9 against Delhi Capitals (DC) in their Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 clash at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on Tuesday.

After DC skipper Axar Patel opted to bowl first, KKR got off to a flying start. Sunil Narine smashed 26 runs off Dushmantha Chameera in the second over, while Rahmanullah Gurbaz took the attack to Mitchell Starc in the third over, scoring 17 runs before being dismissed on the last ball of the over.

Skipper Ajinkya Rahane joined Narine to take KKR to 79/1 at the end of the powerplay. However, debutant Vipraj Nigam soon dismissed Narine (27 off 16), and Axar Patel removed Rahane (26 off 14), triggering a brief stumble.

Angkrish Raghuvanshi stabilized the innings with a composed 44 off 32 balls, hitting three fours and two sixes. He shared a crucial 51-run partnership with Rinku Singh, who contributed a vital 36 off 25 balls, including three boundaries and a six.

Rinku’s aggressive approach continued in the 15th over, taking 17 runs off Kuldeep Yadav. But with Raghuvanshi falling in the 17th over to Chameera and Rinku getting out in the 18th to Vipraj, KKR lost momentum in the death overs.

Andre Russell’s six in the final over briefly lifted hopes of a late surge, but DC struck back. Mitchell Starc dismissed Rovman Powell and Anukul Roy in back-to-back deliveries, before Russell was run out for 9. KKR lost three wickets in the final over, finishing at 204/9.

Bowling Highlights:
For Delhi, Starc emerged as the most successful bowler, finishing with figures of 3/43. Axar Patel (2/27) and debutant Vipraj Nigam (2/41) provided key breakthroughs, while Chameera claimed 1/43. Mukesh Kumar and Kuldeep Yadav went wicketless.

With 204 on the board, KKR have given their bowlers a healthy cushion, but Delhi Capitals will be eyeing a competitive chase on a batting-friendly surface.