IPL 2025: KKR Sets the Pace with Explosive Boundaries and Sixes Against RCB

A Flurry of Boundaries and Sixes Marks the Exciting Start

The IPL 2025 match between the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) witnessed a compelling start with KKR setting a solid pace during their innings.

Rahane and Narine Set the Tone

Ajinkya Rahane and Sunil Narine showed their prowess straight from the beginning, alternating between steady singles and explosive boundaries. The drama began unfolding in the third over as Rahane demonstrated his intention with a stylish boundary off Salam's delivery.

• 3.2 - A beautiful four by Rahane, sliding down leg and helped well wide of deep fine leg.

This set the stage for more dynamic play, with Rahane hitting a spectacular six, the first of the 2025 IPL, over deep backward square leg in the very next ball.

• 3.3 - Rahane's first six of the season, firmly whipped over deep backward square leg.

This was soon followed by another six, making it clear that KKR was not going to hold back.

• 3.5 - Rahane walked into his shot and launched a six well over deep mid-wicket.

Continued Aggression

Krunal Pandya came into the attack in the fifth over, but the momentum heavily favored KKR. The partnership between Rahane and Narine showcased aggression and intelligent play.

• 4.1 - Sunil Narine greeted Krunal with a monstrous six over deep mid-wicket, flowing effortlessly through his swing.

Rahane continued his destructive form, targeting every possible opportunity to score.

• 4.5 - With finesse, Rahane swept Krunal over square leg for a boundary.
• 4.6 - Rahane continued his assault by pumping the ball over mid-on for another brilliant four.

Krunal's over turned out to be quite expensive, costing 15 runs and setting a high run-rate for KKR.

Steady Start with Extraordinary Hits

Despite some attempts to manage the run-flow, KKR didn't shy away from big hits keeping RCB on their toes. Rahane, showing great form, scored multiple boundaries and sixes in quick succession, providing a solid foundation for KKR.

Critical Moments and Misses

RCB had moments where they could have gained control, but missed opportunities allowed KKR to dominate. In Hazlewood's early overs, including a well-directed bouncer that Sunil Narine managed to edge over the keeper for a boundary.

• 2.4 - A streaky boundary over the keeper off Hazlewood's bouncer showed a moment of luck favoring KKR.

There were significant appeals and close shaves, but they lacked the impact to destabilize KKR's rhythm.

The aggressive play from Rahane and Narine was noteworthy as they laid a strong foundation for KKR. Their precise timing and choice of shots kept the runs ticking, leading to a commendable score of 40/1 at the end of 4.6 overs. KKR displayed fascinating cricket by blending powerful hits with smooth singles, showcasing a perfect example of explosive T20 plays.