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Kolkata Knight Riders narrowly defeated the Rajasthan Royals (RR) by a single run, keeping their playoff aspirations alive in the IPL 2025 on Sunday (May 4).

This victory propelled KKR to sixth place on the points table with 11 points from 11 matches.

KKR vs RR - As it Happened

KKR, opting to bat first, posted a formidable total of 206/4. Andre Russell was instrumental in this effort, delivering an explosive unbeaten 57 off 25 balls, including six sixes and four boundaries. Youngster Angkrish Raghuvanshi contributed a valuable 44, while Rinku Singh provided a late flourish with a quickfire 19* off 6 deliveries. Ajinkya Rahane (30) and Rahmanullah Gurbaz (35) laid a solid foundation at the top. For RR, Jofra Archer, Maheesh Theekshana, Yudhvir Singh, and stand-in captain Riyan Parag each claimed a wicket.

Chasing 207, RR's innings was anchored by a sensational 95 off 45 balls from Riyan Parag, which included five sixes in a single over. Despite his valiant effort, RR fell agonizingly short, finishing at 205/8. The match culminated in a dramatic final over, with RR needing 22 runs. Shubham Dubey's late surge brought them close, but a run-out on the final ball sealed KKR's narrow win.

KKR vs RR Awards List: Full List of Award Winners

• Curvv Super Striker of the Match: Andre Russell (KKR) - SR: 228
• My11Circle Fantasy King of the Match: Riyan Parag (RR)
• Angel One Most 6s: Riyan Parag (RR) - 8 Sixes
• Rupay on the Go Most 4s: Riyan Parag (RR) - 6 Fours
• TATA IPL Green Most Dot Balls: Jofra Archer (RR) - 11 Dot Balls
• Player of the Match: Andre Russell (KKR)

KKR vs RR Captains' Words

Ajinkya Rahane (KKR): "Yeah it was very close. Really happy with the performance and especially way we started with the bat. The partnerships between Gurbaz and me and Angkrish and Russell were very good. We wanted to go hard in the powerplay and after that the pitch was a bit dry so we wanted to consolidated from overs 7-12 and then our batters could express themselves. [On the fielding] Fielding is a factor that we can control and save 10-odd runs."

Riyan Parag (RR): "I was just too sad about myself getting out. Probably a miscalculation from my side, I should have finished it. I think we could have found better options in the last six overs. I think they were 120 or 130 and our spinners did really well and maybe we could have cut down their runs, but the game was in our hands. We should have finished this. [On bowling Madhwal when Russell was early in his innings] I didn't want to bowl bowlers back-to-back, but now it feels like maybe we could have done something else. We've got to give [Russell] credit because he came in, took his time. The way he accelerated was amazing to watch. It's a ground where sixes are hit, so I knew I had my boundaries if I stayed. Wicket was gripping a little and I had to pick my battles, but I felt I could have finished it. You've got to be clinical, you've got to be perfect, and we weren't so the consequences are here."

Quotes Courtesy: ESPNCricinfo