Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) edged past Rajasthan Royals (RR) by 4 wickets, with two balls to spare, in a thrilling 28th match of IPL 2026 at Eden Gardens.
After being asked to bat first, Rajasthan Royals posted 155/9 on the scoreboard in 20 overs. Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and Yashasvi Jaiswal added 81 runs for the first wicket in 8.4 overs. However, after this partnership, Rajasthan Royals lost wickets at regular intervals. Varun Chakaravarthy (3/14 in 4 overs), Kartik Tyagi (3/22 in 4 overs), and Sunil Narine (2/26 in 4 overs) dismantled the Rajasthan Royals batting lineup and also put a brake on the run rate. Vaibhav Sooryavanshi remained the top scorer for Rajasthan Royals.
While chasing, Jofra Archer and Nandre Burger gave early blows to KKR, but Rinku Singh and Anukul Roy helped the team reach the finishing line with two balls to spare. Rinku Singh played a superb knock of 53 runs and remained unbeaten till the end, while Anukul Roy stayed not out on 29 runs. Ravindra Jadeja (2/8 in 3 overs) was the most successful bowler for Rajasthan Royals.
With this win, KKR opened their account on the points table.
Rinku, Roy turn the game around
Rinku Singh, who had been struggling for form, played a match-winning knock. He was dropped early on 8 but made the most of the chance. He started the comeback with a slog-sweep six off Ravi Bishnoi in the 16th over. He then finished the chase with another six, reaching his fifty and sealing the win with two balls remaining.
However, Anukul Roy played a crucial supporting role. He scored a quick 29 off 16 balls when the required rate climbed to 67 off 33 balls, the toughest phase of the chase.
KKR spinners restrict RR
KKR had earlier struggled with both bat and ball. But their spin duo, Varun Chakravarthy and Sunil Narine, pulled things back. They combined to bowl eight overs, giving away just 40 runs and taking five wickets. Their spell slowed RR’s scoring in the middle overs.
Later, Kartik Tyagi delivered a strong 19th over, picking up three wickets and preventing RR from finishing strongly.
RR’s steady start fades
RR openers Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and Yashasvi Jaiswal started cautiously on a slow pitch. They focused on building a steady partnership rather than playing aggressive shots. However, Sooryavanshi still managed to hit early sixes against top bowlers.
The pair added valuable runs, but momentum shifted once KKR introduced spin.
Middle overs collapse hurts RR
Sooryavanshi tried to attack Chakravarthy but was caught in the deep. After that, wickets fell quickly. Dhruv Jurel was stumped attempting a reverse sweep. Narine then dismissed Jaiswal for 39 off 29 balls.
Riyan Parag was bowled while trying to attack. Narine also removed Donovan Ferreira with a clever variation. RR lost 5 wickets for 61 runs in the middle overs, which slowed their progress significantly.
Late wickets dent RR total
RR hoped to finish strong with players like Shimron Hetmyer and Ravindra Jadeja at the crease. However, both fell in the 19th over. Jadeja miscued a pull shot, while Hetmyer got out attempting an aggressive sweep.
This helped Tyagi achieve career-best figures of 3 for 22. RR finished with 155, a total they rarely defend successfully.
RR bowlers strike early
RR bowlers made a strong start while defending the total. Jofra Archer took a wicket with the first ball for the third consecutive match. Dhruv Jurel also produced a brilliant stumping to dismiss Cameron Green.
Spin bowlers kept the pressure on. Jadeja bowled tightly, taking 2 wickets for just 8 runs in three overs. Debutant Yash Raj Punja also contributed with a wicket.
Missed chances cost RR
RR had control of the match at one stage. However, a dropped catch proved costly. Jurel attempted a catch but got distracted, and Nandre Burger dropped a simple chance. That moment allowed Rinku to continue, who was then on just 8 runs. This mistake changed the course of the game.
Final overs swing match to KKR
As the match entered the final phase, RR still looked favourites. But Bishnoi bowled a loose delivery in the 16th over, which Rinku hit for six. Roy followed with a powerful shot, and suddenly the target became easier. Despite tight bowling from Archer and Brijesh Sharma, KKR kept scoring.
Roy punished small errors, while Rinku capitalised on loose balls. Archer bowled well in the 19th over but missed his yorker twice, allowing Roy to hit a crucial six. KKR needed just 9 runs in the final over and completed the chase comfortably.
Kolkata Knight Riders secured their first victory of IPL 2026. Their spinners controlled the match early, while the lower middle order rescued the team after a poor start with the bat.
Rajasthan Royals adapted well to the slow pitch. They reached 81 without loss and later defended strongly. However, one expensive over turned the match in KKR’s favour. Stay tuned with JUSZNEWS for regular updates!