KKR Intrasquad Practice Match Highlights: Ajinkya Rahane, Navdeep Saini Star With Bat & Ball As Golden Knights Secure 1 Run Victory

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KKR Intrasquad Practice Match: The Kolkata Knight Riders produced a run-fest in their second intra-squad practice match on March 23 at Eden Gardens, where the Golden Knights secured a thrilling one-run victory over the Purple Knights.

Batting first, the Golden Knights delivered a dominant performance, piling up a massive 249/5 in 20 overs. Ajinkya Rahane led from the front with an explosive 58 off 25 balls, setting the tone early.

He was well-supported by Cameron Green, who smashed a rapid 53 off just 21 deliveries, showcasing his power-hitting ability. Finn Allen also made a valuable contribution with 31 off 16 balls, ensuring the momentum never dipped. The batting unit fired collectively, taking the total to an imposing level and putting the opposition under immense pressure.

Purple Knights Falter Under Pressure in Steep Chase

Chasing a daunting 250, the Purple Knights found themselves on the back foot early and never quite recovered. Despite a few promising starts, they failed to build meaningful partnerships and were restricted to 188/9 in their 20 overs. The required run rate kept climbing, forcing the batters into risky strokes, which resulted in regular wickets.

The Golden Knights' bowlers maintained discipline and capitalized on the scoreboard pressure, striking at crucial intervals to derail the chase. The match was ultimately decided by a narrow margin of one run via the VJD method, simulating rain-affected scenarios and adding an extra competitive edge to the encounter.

The game served as an important preparation exercise for KKR ahead of IPL 2026, offering valuable insights into player form and team combinations. While the Golden Knights will be encouraged by their batting firepower, the Purple Knights will look to address their batting inconsistencies before the tournament begins.

When Will KKR Begin Its IPL 2026 Campaign?

KKR will begin their IPL 2026 campaign on March 29 against the Mumbai Indians at Wankhede Stadium. They will then return to Eden Gardens for home matches against the Sunrisers Hyderabad, Punjab Kings, and Lucknow Super Giants.