Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) played the opening match of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 on March 22 at Eden Gardens in Kolkata. Quinton de Kock and Sunil Narine came out in the middle to signal the start of the massive event, and the RCB invited the hosts to bat first.
Josh Hazlewood defeated the star wicketkeeper-batter on the fifth delivery of the match, and Jitesh Sharma’s outstanding catch behind the wickets ended De Kock’s stay at the crease and gave RCB their first breakthrough. The ball changed course due to an inside-edge from the Proteas’ bat, but Jitesh, his opponent, was nimble enough behind the wickets to pick the ball into his gloves.
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GONE!
After getting a life, #QuintondeKock is caught behind courtesy a neat catch and #JoshHazlewood has the first wicket of #TATAIPL 2025!
Watch LIVE action: https://t.co/iB1oqMusYv #IPLonJioStar
#KKRvRCB, LIVE NOW on Star Sports Network & JioHotstar! pic.twitter.com/8W2uZzcDng
— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) March 22, 2025
Later in the contest, KKR could put up a score of 174/8 at the end of 20 overs.
RCB chased down the goal extremely convincingly to secure their first win of the season by seven wickets and 22 balls to spare. Beating the defending champions will undoubtedly give the Rajat Patidar-led side the much-needed confidence for the remainder of the competition.
RCB will next engage in a face-off against rivals Chennai Super Kings on March 28, whereas, Kolkata will face Rajasthan Royals in Guwahati on March 26.
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