KKR 174/8 in 20 Overs [Ajinkya Rahane 56(31), Sunil Narine 44(26); Krunal Pandya 3/29 in 4 Overs) lost to RCB 177/3 in 16.2 Overs [Phil Salt 56(31), Virat Kohli 59*(36); Sunil Narine 1/27 in 4 Overs]

The biggest carnival of cricket kicked off at the Eden Gardens with the defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders clashing against the Royal Challengers Bangalore in a game which promised to be a thrilling one. With the stage set for a stunning showdown, KKR fans were buzzing in anticipation to see their favourite stars in action. The defense of the coveted title began for KKR as a new chapter unfolded in the rivalry of KKR vs RCB.

A new opening combination of Quinton De Kock & Sunil Narine took centre stage for KKR as they were put into bat first on a pitch which had it’s surprises in store. KKR lost their first wicket quite early as de Kock departed but in walked KKR’s new skipper Ajinkya Rahane with a remarkable intent and his unmatched class. Ajinkya took on the fast bowlers with a radical attacking style. While Narine played second fiddle to his skipper, both wreaked havoc at the Gardens with a 100-run stand. Ajinkya reached his fifty at a brisk pace as Narine also upped the ante. However, both lost their wickets in the effort to accelerate which put KKR on the backfoot. Angkrish Raghuvanshi came in to provide some stability, however the wickets continued to fall at the other end. As the wickets slowed down, it was quite difficult for the batters to hit through the line and keep the boundary score up. KKR ended up stuttering their way to a total of 175 as they hoped to come out in the second innings and churn out a brilliant bowling performance to pick up their first win of the season.

In the defence of the total, KKR aimed to pick up quick wickets in the power-play. However, the pair of Phil Salt & Virat Kohli put up a strong opening partnership to take RCB briskly towards the total. A couple of wickets brought some hope for KKR however, RCB cruised towards the total and completed the chase in the 16th over. KKR will be aiming to go back to the drawing board, pick out the positives and come back strong in the next game.