India Vs South Africa: 1st T20I Full Preview, Lineups, Pitch Report, And Dream11 Team Prediction

India vs South Africa: Team India will face South Africa in the first T20I match on Thursday, June 9 at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi

Arijit Barua

Jun 8, 2022, 6:37 AM•3 min read

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India Vs South Africa: 1st T20I Full Preview, Lineups, Pitch Report, And Dream11 Team Prediction

Team India will face South Africa in the first T20I match on Thursday, June 9 at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi.

Make your dream11 team prediction and every Fantasy League prediction with our fantasy cricket tips and suggestions. Get early updates, game previews, team news, suggestion, and prediction for your fantasy team in our exclusive section Fantasy Sports.

India vs South Africa: 1st T20I Match Preview

Match Details:-

Match: India vs South Africa – 1st T20I
Venue: Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi.
Date & Time: 9th June 2022 at 7 PM (IST)
Where to Watch Live: Star Sports Network & Disney+Hotstar.

Pitch Report: India vs South Africa: 1st T20I Preview

Pitch Report: It's one of the fastest wickets in India where seamers will get plenty of assistance having said the batters will complete value for their shots. It's much easier to bat in the latter half of the match and hence bowling first is a better option.

Also Read: IND vs SA: KL Rahul ruled out of the T20I series, Rishabh Pant to lead

Head to Head Stats:

Matches Played: 2 (in India)
Won by India: 2
Won by South Africa: 2

Injury News:

KL Rahul and Kuldeep Yadav have been ruled out of the five-match T20I series due to different injuries. Wicket-keeper Rishabh Pant will be the new captain for India while Hardik Pandya will be the vice-captain.

Team News: 1st T20I

India:

Team India is looking for a fresh start against the Africans with a new squad for the series. Captain Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli aren't in the squad KL Rahul and Kuldeep Yadav have been ruled out of the five-match T20I series due to different injuries. Wicket-keeper Rishabh Pant will be the new captain for India while Hardik Pandya will be the vice-captain. India will welcome back Dinesh Karthik to their hut for the first time since 2018.

India will also closely watch how Hardik Pandya performs as the all-rounder showed immense poise and leadership qualities in IPL 2022 while leading Gujarat Titans to the title. In the year of T20 World Cup 2022, India also received a major boost as Hardik bowled quite well in the IPL 2022 and it will add to India's team balance.

Also Read: "He is a young boy who is learning all the time": Dravid on Umran Malik

South Africa:

South Africa will assemble as a team for a T20I series for the first time after the T20 World Cup last year. Though, many of their players have already been in the T20 mode, thanks to the IPL. Heinrich Klaasen makes a return to the SA T20I setup after a long time. It's a great chance for the South African side to make it count against India, as Rohit and Virat are missing the series.

India vs South Africa: 1st T20I: Possible Playing XI

India:

Ruturaj Gaikwad
Ishan Kishan
Shreyas Iyer
Rishabh Pant (C & wk)
Dinesh Karthik
Hardik Pandya
Axar Patel
Bhuvneshwar Kumar
Harshal Patel
Yuzvendra Chahal
Avesh Khan

South Africa:

Quinton de Kock (wk)
Reeza Hendricks
Rassie van der Dussen
Aiden Markram
Temba Bavuma (Captain)
David Miller
Dwaine Pretorious
Kagiso Rabada
Keshav Maharaj
Tabraiz Shamsi
Anrich Nortje

1st T20I: Fantasy Cricket Dream11 Team Prediction: India vs South Africa:

You must change your team if any of these players aren't announced in the starting lineup.

Cricket

Kolkata Knight Riders vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru IPL 2025 Match 1 Highlights: RCB thrash KKR by 7 wickets in the opening match

Catch the highlights of the Kolkata Knight Riders vs Royal Challengers Bangalore today in the IPL 2025 as RCB thrashed KKR by 7 wickets in the opening match at Eden Gardens.

Koushik Biswas

Mar 22, 2025, 6:22 PM•1 min read

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Virat Kohli gets to his fifty from 30 balls, KKR vs RCB, Match No. 1, IPL 2025 at Eden Gardens | sportzpoint.com

Hello and welcome to our live coverage of Kolkata Knight Riders vs Royal Challengers Bangalore IPL 2025 Match 1 in Kolkata at the Eden Gardens Stadium.

This is Koushik Biswas, with all the LIVE Updates for you from the web desk.

It's time for the grand opening match of IPL 2025 with 2 of the founding members of the tournament locking horns. On one side, we have the defending champions, Kolkata Knight Riders, and on the other, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, who are hoping to end their title jinx once and for all.

This is a proper throwback to the first season of the IPL in 2008 when RCB hosted KKR at the Chinnaswamy stadium. Brendon McCullum set the tone with his blistering knock to get the IPL juggernaut started, and the rest is history.

So, sit back and relax as we start the live coverage of KKR vs RCB match for you. keep refreshing the page for all the latest updates.

Moreover, you can follow us on Twitter for all the updates. Join our Telegram and WhatsApp channels to get all the news and scores.

LIVE Updates

Mar 22, 2025, 6:27 PM

Points Table After The Match

POS	TEAM	P	W	L	NRR	FOR	AGAINST	PTS	RECENT FORM
1	RCB	1	1	0	2.137	177/16.2	174/20.0	2	W
2	KKR	1	0	1	-2.137	174/20.0	177/16.2	0	L
-	CSK	0	0	0	0.000	0/0	0/0	0	-
-	DC	0	0	0	0.000	0/0	0/0	0	-
-	GT	0	0	0	0.000	0/0	0/0	0	-
-	LSG	0	0	0	0.000	0/0	0/0	0	-
-	MI	0	0	0	0.000	0/0	0/0	0	-
-	PBKS	0	0	0	0.000	0/0	0/0	0	-
-	RR	0	0	0	0.000	0/0	0/0	0	-
-	SRH	0	0	0	0.000	0/0	0/0	0	-

Mar 22, 2025, 6:18 PM

LIVE Discussion after the match!

Mar 22, 2025, 5:16 PM

RCB win 7 wickets

Big win for RCB to start IPL 2025!

They thrash the defending champions KKR by 7 wickets at Eden Gardens!

Chase master KKR remained unbeaten on 59 for RCB!#IPL2025 #KKRvsRCB #ViratKohli𓃵 pic.twitter.com/lD6sAa32jD
— Sportz Point (@sportz_point) March 22, 2025

Mar 22, 2025, 5:16 PM

Over 16: RCB 167/3

Key over from Vaibhav Arora.

He began with Virat Kohli driving a single to mid-off, followed by Rajat Patidar pulling a four to deep backward square leg. Arora struck on the third, getting Patidar caught by Rinku Singh at deep midwicket off a lofted drive—a big wicket.

New man Liam Livingstone started with a bang, pulling a four to deep square leg on the fourth, but couldn’t get the fifth away, stuck for a dot. He finished with a single to deep forward point on the last. Arora’s breakthrough kept things in check.

10 runs and a wicket (1, 4, W, 4, 0, 1). RCB at 167/3 after the 16th.

Mar 22, 2025, 5:15 PM

Over 15: Patidar goes bang-bang | RCB 157/2

Expensive over from Harshit Rana.

He started with Virat Kohli driving a single to long-on, but Rajat Patidar took over from there. Patidar lofted a classy four over extra cover on the second, followed by a neat flick for another four over short fine leg on the third.

He kept going with a leg glance for two to square fine leg on the fourth and punched another four to backward point on the fifth—though Rinku Singh let it slip through. Patidar capped it with a carved four-over backward point on the last. Rana had no answer to Patidar’s masterclass.

19 runs from the over (1, 4, 4, 2, 4, 4). RCB at 157/2 after the 15th.

Mar 22, 2025, 5:06 PM

14th Over: RCB Cruising now | RCB 138/2

Steady over from Sunil Narine.

He began with Virat Kohli nudging a single to midwicket, but Rajat Patidar stole the show on the second—smashing a powerful slog for a six over long-on, clean and confident.

Patidar kept the strike rotating with a leg glance for a single to deep square leg on the third and a pull for another single to deep forward square leg on the fourth.

Kohli added a single to deep midwicket on the fifth and finished with another to deep midwicket on the last. Narine couldn’t stop the big shot but kept the rest in check.

11 runs from the over (1, 6, 1, 1, 1, 1). RCB at 138/2 after the 14th.

Mar 22, 2025, 5:00 PM

Over 13: RCB 127/2

Decent over from Harshit Rana.

He started strong, beating Rajat Patidar on the first two balls—a cut and a glide, both missing the edge for dots. Patidar finally got going on the third, driving for two to deep midwicket, and followed with a single to the same area on the fourth.

Virat Kohli then took over, smashing a lofted cover drive for four to deep extra cover on the fifth, and he finished with a single to short extra cover on the last. Rana kept it tight early but couldn’t stop the late runs.

9 runs from the over (0, 0, 2, 1, 4, 1). RCB at 127/2 after the 13th.

Mar 22, 2025, 4:59 PM

30-ball fifty for Kohli!

Virat Kohli gets to his fifty from 30 balls, KKR vs RCB, Match No. 1, IPL 2025 at Eden Gardens | sportzpoint.com

The chase master at his best!

He lofts Rana over the cover to get to his fifty. Kohli gets to his milestone from 30 balls.

Mar 22, 2025, 4:54 PM

12th Over: Narine gets Devdutt | RCB 118/2

Crucial over from Sunil Narine.

He started with Virat Kohli slicing a single to deep cover, followed by Devdutt Padikkal nudging one to deep midwicket.

Kohli kept the strike rotating with a slog sweep for a single to deep midwicket on the third. Narine struck on the fourth, getting Padikkal—who stepped down for a lofted drive—caught by Ramandeep Singh.

New man Rajat Patidar couldn’t get going, stuck for a dot on the fifth at short midwicket. Narine’s wicket was a game-changer.

4 runs and a wicket (1, 1, 1, W, 0). RCB at 118/2 after the 12th.

Mar 22, 2025, 4:50 PM

11th Over: 10 runs from Varun's final over | RCB 114/1

Decent over from Varun Chakaravarthy.

He began with Virat Kohli slicing a single to deep point, followed by Devdutt Padikkal nudging one to wide long-on.

Kohli then took charge on the third, smashing a lofted on-drive for a six over long-on, showing his intent. He kept the scoreboard ticking with a single to midwicket on the fourth, and Padikkal finished with a leg glance for a single to deep square leg on the fifth.

Varun couldn’t contain Kohli’s big shot but kept the rest in check.

10 runs from the over (1, 1, 6, 1, 1). RCB at 114/1 after the 11th.

Mar 22, 2025, 4:46 PM

10th Over: RCB 104/1

Steady over from Sunil Narine.

He started with Devdutt Padikkal, nudging a single to wide long-on, while Virat Kohli couldn’t get the second ball away, stuck for a dot.

Kohli then worked a single to deep midwicket on the third, and Padikkal followed with another single to wide long-on on the fourth. Kohli kept the strike rotating with a single to deep midwicket on the fifth before Padikkal finished strong, smashing an aggressive on-drive for four to deep midwicket on the last.

Narine kept it tight but couldn’t stop the late boundary.

7 runs from the over (1, 0, 1, 1, 1, 4). RCB at 104/1 after the 10th.

Mar 22, 2025, 4:45 PM

9th Over: Big over from Vaurn | RCB 96/1

Big over from Varun Chakaravarthy.

He started with Phil Salt smashing a fierce pull for four to deep square leg, keeping the runs flowing. But Varun tightened up—beating Salt with a cut on the second and then striking on the third, as Salt’s big downtown shot took an outside edge, brilliantly caught low by Spencer Johnson at deep third.

New man Devdutt Padikkal struggled, beaten on the fourth and fifth balls, before nudging a single to deep midwicket on the last. Varun’s breakthrough was crucial.

5 runs and a wicket (4, 0, W, 0, 0, 1). RCB at 96/1 after the 9th.

Mar 22, 2025, 4:40 PM

Varun gets Salt!

Will it turn things for KKR?

Varun Chakravarthy gets the big fish. It is the leg spinner, and it was a bit wide for Salt to get a good connection. He top edged it to short third man, where Spencer Johnson took an easy catch.

Salt goes after 56 from 31.

Mar 22, 2025, 4:38 PM

8th Over: Tight from Narine | RCB 91/0

Tight over from Sunil Narine.

He started with Phil Salt nicking a leg bye off a sweep, followed by Virat Kohli finding a fielder at backward short leg for a dot on the second. Kohli then pulled a single to deep midwicket on the third, and Salt drove one to long-off on the fourth.

Kohli kept the strike rotating with a single to deep midwicket on the fifth, and Salt finished with a single to deep cover on the last.

Narine kept it disciplined, not giving the batters any room to break free.

5 runs from the over (1 LB, 0, 1, 1, 1, 1). RCB 91/0 after the 8th.

Mar 22, 2025, 4:37 PM

7th Over: Good comeback from Varun | RCB 86/0

Solid over from Varun Chakaravarthy.

He kept Virat Kohli and Phil Salt in check, starting with Kohli being unable to get a defensive push away for a dot.

Kohli broke through on the second, smashing a vintage slog sweep for four over deep midwicket, showing his class. He followed with a single to deep backward square leg on the third. Salt struggled on the fourth, stuck for a dot, but managed a single to long-off on the fifth.

Kohli couldn’t capitalize on the last, stopped by short extra cover. Varun held the batters down well despite the boundary.

6 runs from the over (0, 4, 1, 0, 1, 0). RCB at 86/0 after the 7th.

Mar 22, 2025, 4:34 PM

25-ball fifty for Salt

25-ball fifty for Salt, RCB vs KKR, IPL 2025 Match No. 1| sportzpoint.com

Against his former team, Phil Salt does it again at the Eden Gardens.

He gets to his first fifty for RCB in just 25 balls.

Brutal from the English opener.

Mar 22, 2025, 4:30 PM

6th Over: Good first over from Rana | RCB 80/0

What an excellent power play it has been for RCB!

Rana did well to do only five in this over. He nearly dismissed Virat, but even a diving Ramandeep could not latch onto the outside edge Virat Kohli got.

RCB 80/0 after the powerplay. They need 95 from 84 balls.

Mar 22, 2025, 4:23 PM

5th Over: RCB cruising at Eden | RCB 75/0

Orgasmic, Kohli bhai!

Pure Orgasmic! #ViratKohli #IPL2025 #RCBvsKKR pic.twitter.com/aTsxdRoj4W
— Koushik Biswas (@kbofficial25) March 22, 2025

Costly over from Spencer Johnson.

He got smashed by Virat Kohli, who started with back-to-back sixes—two lofted straight shots soaring over long-off, pure class.

Kohli couldn’t keep it going on the third, stopped by mid-on for a dot, but pulled a single to deep square leg on the fourth.

Phil Salt joined in late, held to a dot on the fifth, then gliding a four to square third man on the last. Johnson couldn’t find his line as the runs piled up.

17 runs from the over (6, 6, 0, 1, 0, 4). RCB at 75/0 after the 5th.

Mar 22, 2025, 4:18 PM

4th Over: Even Varun goes expensive | RCB 58/0

Super expensive over from Varun Chakravarthy.

He started with Virat Kohli working a single to wide long-on off a flatter ball. Then Phil Salt took over—first with a misfield allowing two runs as Varun cramped him at square leg, followed by a lofted four over mid-off on the third.

Salt kept the heat on, tonking a six over mid-off on the fourth and carting another four over mid-on on the fifth. He finished in style, bending down to sweep a length ball for four to deep square leg. Varun couldn’t contain Salt’s onslaught.

21 runs from the over (1, 2, 4, 6, 4, 4). RCB at 58/0 after the 4th.

Mar 22, 2025, 4:15 PM

3rd Over: 21 from Arora's second over | RCB 37/0

Expensive over from Vaibhav Arora.

He got hammered by Phil Salt, who started with a cracking four straight over mid-on, followed by a sublime six over long-on off a lofted drive—pure timing.

Salt kept going with a single to deep square leg on the third, while Virat Kohli joined in, flicking a four to deep midwicket on the fourth and driving a single to extra cover on the fifth.

Salt capped it off with an uppercut for four to square third man. Arora had no answers as the batters took control.

21 runs from the over (4, 6, 1, 4, 1, 4). RCB at 37/0 after the 3rd.

Mar 22, 2025, 4:12 PM

Will he?

Will No. 18 win the IPL 18? #ViratKohli #KKRvsRCB #IPL2025 pic.twitter.com/r5U2SBXtBn
— Sportz Point (@sportz_point) March 22, 2025

Mar 22, 2025, 4:10 PM

2nd Over: RCB 16/0

Excellent over from Spencer Johnson.

He kept Phil Salt in check, starting with two balls that beat the bat—an aggressive off drive and a cover drive, both yielding nothing.

Salt finally connected on the third, smashing a four through deep extra cover with a cracking cover drive.

But Johnson bounced back, tying Salt down with two more dots—a drive stopped at short extra cover and a defensive push to short mid-on. Tight stuff from Johnson, giving little away.

4 runs from the over (0, 0, 4, 0, 0). RCB at 16/0 after the 2nd.

Mar 22, 2025, 4:04 PM

1st Over: 12 from Arora's over | RCB 12/1

Good start for RCB

Arora got off to a rocky start, with Phil Salt smashing a crisp four through the covers on the first ball.

A wide followed on the second, and Salt couldn’t connect on the next two, held to dots. He managed a single on the fourth to mid-on, bringing Virat Kohli on strike.

Kohli cashed in, flicking a four to deep midwicket on the fifth and gliding two more to square third man on the last. Arora couldn’t settle as the batters pounced early.

12 runs from the over (4, 1 WD, 0, 0, 1, 4, 2). RCB at 12/0 after the 1st.

Mar 22, 2025, 4:01 PM

Impact Player for KKR: Vaibhav Arora replaces Angkrish Raghuvanshi

KKR have brought in Vaibhav Arora as an Impact Player in place of Angkrish Raghuvanshi

Mar 22, 2025, 4:00 PM

Record night for Virat Kohli!

Milestone Unlocked 🔓

4⃣0⃣0⃣ T20 matches and counting 👌

Congratulations to the prolific Virat Kohli 👏👏

Updates ▶ https://t.co/C9xIFpQDTn #TATAIPL | #KKRvRCB | @imVkohli pic.twitter.com/IPPUeWDEmL
— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) March 22, 2025

Mar 22, 2025, 3:47 PM

First Inning: RCB spinners dismantle KKR middle order

Despite a great start from Rahane and Narine, on a belter of a pitch, RCB were able to restrict KKR to a total which they will be confident to chase.

Angkrish says it became tougher when the faster bowlers rolled their arms.

Krunal Pandya, with three wickets and Hazlewood, with 16 dots and 2 wickets, were the stars for RCB.

Mar 22, 2025, 3:44 PM

20th Over: KKR 174/8

What an excellent over from Hazlewood!

He goes for only 5 in the final over and also dismissed Harshit Rana.

KKR reach 174/8 in the first inning.

Mar 22, 2025, 3:39 PM

19th Over: Top class over from Yash Dayal | KKR 169/7

Crucial over from Yash Dayal.

He started with Ramandeep Singh slicing a single to cover, followed by Angkrish Raghuvanshi pulling one to deep midwicket.

Ramandeep flicked another single on the third, but Raghuvanshi couldn’t get the fourth away, stopped by mid-off.

Dayal struck gold on the fifth, getting Raghuvanshi caught behind off a short one. New man Harshit Rana finished with a single to deep forward point. Dayal kept it tight and nabbed a big scalp.

5 runs and a wicket (1, 1, 1, 0, W, 1). KKR at 169/7 after the 19th.

Mar 22, 2025, 3:33 PM

18th over: 10 from Hazelwood's over!

Decent over from Josh Hazlewood.

He kicked off with Angkrish Raghuvanshi missing a short one, beaten on the pull. Raghuvanshi fought back with a single on the second, while Ramandeep Singh nicked a leg bye on the third.

Then, Raghuvanshi took charge—smashing a huge six on the fourth over long-on and grabbing a single on the fifth. Hazlewood couldn’t quite nail it down as the batters found some gaps late.

9 runs from the over (0, 1, 1 LB, 6, 1). KKR at 164/6 after the 18th.

Mar 22, 2025, 3:29 PM

17th Over: Only 4 from Livingstone | KKR 155/6

Tight over from Liam Livingstone.

He started with Ramandeep Singh pulling a single to wide long-on, followed by Angkrish Raghuvanshi nudging one to deep midwicket.

Ramandeep took a single on the third to short extra cover, but Raghuvanshi couldn’t get the fourth away, stuck for a dot. He managed a single on the fifth to long-on, and Ramandeep finished with a dot, finding a fielder at forward point. Livingstone kept the runs in check.

4 runs from the over (1, 1, 1, 0, 1, 0). KKR at 155/6 after the 17th.

Mar 22, 2025, 3:27 PM

Padikkal in for Suyash!

Impact sub comes in for RCB.

Devdutt Paddikal comes in for Suyash Sharma.

Mar 22, 2025, 3:27 PM

16th Over: KKR 151/6

Key over from Suyash Sharma.

He began with Angkrish Raghuvanshi slicing a single to deep cover, but Andre Russell couldn’t get going on the second, blocked for a dot.

Russell smashed the third ball hard for four through point, but Sharma hit back on the fourth—bowling him with a beauty that crashed into middle stump as Russell went for a big slog.

New man Ramandeep Singh faced two balls, managing a single on the last after a dot. Sharma’s trap worked perfectly.

6 runs and a wicket (1, 0, 4, W, 0, 1). KKR at 151/6 after the 16th.

Mar 22, 2025, 3:26 PM

Suyash gets Russell!

𝗪𝗿𝗼𝗻𝗴'𝘂𝗻 done 𝗥𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 ⚡

Suyash Sharma gets the big one 😍#RCB bowlers continue to chip away at the wickets

Updates ▶ https://t.co/C9xIFpQDTn #TATAIPL | #KKRvRCB | @RCBTweets pic.twitter.com/rPqOIGCnYY
— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) March 22, 2025

Huge, huge wicket!

Suyash was brave enough to toss that up against the big man, and it was the googly Russell did not pick up.

The wrong one gets the stumps cleaned up, and KKR lose their 6th.

Well done to Rajat Patidar to continue with spin and give Suyash a go against Andre Russell!

It was a risky but a wicket worth taking the risk! #KKRvsRCB #IPL2025
— Koushik Biswas (@kbofficial25) March 22, 2025

Mar 22, 2025, 3:24 PM

Top class spell from Krunal

A batting paradise, but Krunal Pandya shines with the ball! 🎯🔥

- Dismisses Rahane ✅
- Sends back Venkatesh ✅
- Gets Rinku Singh ✅
- Stellar figures: 4-0-29-3 🎭

Krunal Pandya – The MVP for RCB! 👏💥#KrunalPandya #RCB #GameChanger #ipl2025 #IPL #AjinkyaRahane pic.twitter.com/4MHykU0jFw
— Sportz Point (@sportz_point) March 22, 2025

Mar 22, 2025, 3:17 PM

Krunal gets Rinku Singh!

Krunal, with another short and tight delivery, gets the big wicket of Rinku Singh.

He cleans up the stumps, and Rinku goes after 12 off 10.

KKR 145/5

Mar 22, 2025, 3:16 PM

14th over: KKR 141/4

Steady over from Liam Livingstone.

He started with Angkrish Raghuvanshi taking a single to short point, followed by Rinku Singh nudging one to wide long-on.

Raghuvanshi grabbed another single on the third, then Rinku lit up the fourth—smashing a cracking four through deep midwicket with a textbook punch.

He kept the momentum with a flicked two on the fifth and a leg glance for a single on the last. Livingstone couldn’t stop the runs flowing.

10 runs from the over (1, 1, 1, 4, 2, 1). KKR at 141/4 after the 14th.

Mar 22, 2025, 3:10 PM

13th Over: Krunal gets Venkatesh Iyer | KKR 131/4

Clever over from Krunal Pandya.

He started with a surprising bouncer to Venkatesh Iyer, which went for a wide, but got his man on the first legal ball, clean bowling Iyer with a sharp one.

New batter Rinku Singh nudged a single on the second, and Angkrish Raghuvanshi followed with a single on the third. Rinku grabbed another single on the fourth before Raghuvanshi worked a two on the fifth and finished with a sweep for a single on the last. Pandya kept it tight and snagged a big wicket.

7 runs and a wicket (1 WD, W, 1, 1, 1, 2, 1). KKR at 131/4 after the 13th.

Mar 22, 2025, 3:09 PM

12th over: KKR 124/3

Costly over from Suyash Sharma.

He began with Angkrish Raghuvanshi easing a single off the first ball, but Venkatesh Iyer couldn’t get going on the second, stopped by a fielder. Iyer broke free on the third, pulling a four to deep backward square leg.

He added a scratchy single on the fourth before Raghuvanshi took over—smashing an elegant four over wide long-off on the fifth and cutting another for four to deep point on the last. Sharma couldn’t keep the lid on this time.

14 runs from the over (1, 0, 4, 1, 4, 4). KKR at 124/3 after the 12th.

Mar 22, 2025, 3:01 PM

11th Over: Krunal gets Rahane | KKR 110/3

Kolkata Knight Riders vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru IPL 2025 Match 1 LIVE Updates, Scores, News and Free Commentary: Krunal Pandya dismissed Ajinkya Rahane | sportzpoint.com

Tight over from Krunal Pandya.

He started with Ajinkya Rahane, nudging a single off the first ball, then Venkatesh Iyer grabbed one on the second with an aggressive drive. Pandya hit back hard, getting Rahane out on the third—caught at deep square leg off a pull shot.

New man Angkrish Raghuvanshi got off the mark with a single on the fourth. Iyer couldn’t break free after that, stuck with two dots as Pandya kept it tight.

Just 3 runs and a wicket (1, 1, W, 1, 0, 0). KKR at 110/3 after the 11th.

Mar 22, 2025, 2:58 PM

10th Over: KKR 107/2

Mixed over from Rasikh Dar.

He kept Ajinkya Rahane quiet early, forcing a dot on the first ball and giving up just a single on the second with a pull shot. Then Sunil Narine took over—smashing a full toss for four, hammering a huge six to notch his 100th IPL maximum, but getting nothing off the next. Dar struck back on the last ball, nailing Narine with a short one, caught by the keeper. Venkatesh Iyer steps in now.

11 runs and a wicket (0, 1, 4, 0, 6, W). KKR at 107/2 after the 10th.

Mar 22, 2025, 2:55 PM

Narine goes after 44 from 26 balls!

Narine goes after 44 from 26 balls, Kolkata Knight Riders vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru IPL 2025 Match 1 LIVE Updates, Scores, News and Free Commentary | sportzpoint.com

Rashik Salim Dar gets the big wicket of Sunil Narine!

Narine goes after a quick 44 from 26 balls.

He went for the big shot over off-side and only managed a thick edge back to the wicket-keeper

Mar 22, 2025, 2:52 PM

Solid fifty from captain Ajinkya Rahane

First match as #KKR captain ✅
First fifty of the season ✅

Ajinkya Rahane continues to make merry 👌

Updates ▶ https://t.co/C9xIFpQDTn #TATAIPL | #KKRvRCB | @KKRiders pic.twitter.com/aeJUNEF9Bs
— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) March 22, 2025

Mar 22, 2025, 2:50 PM

9th Over: KKR 96/1

Expensive over from Suyash Sharma.

He lost control against Ajinkya Rahane and Sunil Narine, starting with a wide. Rahane smashed a six off the first legal ball to bring up his half-century, then added two and a single with lofted shots. Narine joined the party, lofting a two, blasting a massive six over cover, and finishing with a four straight down the ground. Sharma couldn’t find his rhythm this time.

22 runs total (1 WD, 6, 2, 1, 2, 6, 4). KKR at 96/1 after the 9th.

Mar 22, 2025, 2:45 PM

8th Over: KKR 74/1

Decent over from Rasikh Dar.

He mixed it up against Ajinkya Rahane and Sunil Narine, though a couple of wides didn’t help his cause. Rahane nicked a leg bye off the first ball and grabbed a single on the third, while Narine struggled early but found his groove late—edging a single on the second, then smashing a four on the fifth through square third man. The last ball went nowhere, stopped by a fielder at cover.

9 runs total (1 LB, 1 WD, 1, 1, 1 WD, 0, 4, 0). KKR at 74/1 after the 8th.

Mar 22, 2025, 2:40 PM

7th Over: KKR 65/1

Ajinkya Rahane was on strike the whole time. He got a sweet four on the second ball, smashing it through point like a pro. The rest was a bit of a grind—left one alone, missed a couple, and hit one straight to a fielder.

Finally snuck a single off the last ball with a lofty shot. Just 5 runs total (0, 4, 0, 0, 0, 1).

Mar 22, 2025, 2:32 PM

6th Over: Dayal goes for 20! | KKR 60/1

4, 1, 4, 6, 4, 1

20 run over from Yash Dayal.

Sunil Narine hit a four and a single; Ajinkya Rahane scored a lucky four, a six over square leg, a four from a full toss, and a single to end the over.

Mar 22, 2025, 2:26 PM

5th Over: Another big over for KKR | KKR 40/1

Ajinkya Rahane injected momentum after KKR's slow start, Kolkata Knight Riders vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru, IPL 2025, Kolkata, March 22, 2025

KKR welcomes spin with a 15-run over.

Narine hit the first ball for a six over long off, and Rahane then lofted two over the inner circle to get two boundaries.

Krunal Pandya goes for 15 in his first over.

KKR 40/1 after 5th over.

Mar 22, 2025, 2:21 PM

4th Over: Rahane goes bang-bang | KKR 25/1

Rahane welcomes Rashik Salim Dar with two huge sixes, one over deep square leg and one over deep mid-wicket. Along with that, he hit another four to make it 16 from the over.

KKR 25/1 after 4th over.

Mar 22, 2025, 2:16 PM

3rd Over: KKR 9/1

Excellent from Josh Hazlewood. Nothing at the arc for Sunil Narine to swing at.

Josh kept it short and at him, and only one to edge went for a four over the keeper's head.

KKR 9/1 after 3 and Narine 5 from 11 now.

Mar 22, 2025, 2:12 PM

2nd Over: KKR 5/1

Excellent over from Yash Dayal.

He kept it tight against Sunil Narine and did not allow any room for him to utilise.

Narine could take only one single in the fifth ball, and Rahane missed the final ball to make it only one from the over.

KKR 5/1 after the second over.

Mar 22, 2025, 2:07 PM

1st over: KKR 4/1

Kolkata Knight Riders vs Royal Challengers Bangalore IPL 2025 Match 1 LIVE Updates, Scores, News and Free Commentary: KKR lose QDK early | sportzpoint.com

After a great cut shot, Quinton de Kock top-edged one from Josh Hazlewood.

But Suyash Sharma dropped a dolly.

However, Hazlewood came back stronger with an incoming ball, which produced an inner edge.

Jitesh Sharma took the catch to dismiss him on 4.

KKR 4/1 after 4.

Mar 22, 2025, 1:54 PM

KKR playing XI

Venkatesh Iyer, Quinton de Kock (wk), Ajinkya Rahane (capt), Angkrish Raghuvanshi, Rinku Singh, Sunil Narine, Andre Russell, Ramandeep Singh, Harshit Rana, Varun Chakaravarthy, Spencer Johnson.

Mar 22, 2025, 1:52 PM

RCB Playing XI

Phil Salt, Virat Kohli, Rajat Patidar, Liam Livingstone, Jitesh Sharma, Tim David, Krunal Pandya, Rasikh Dar, Suyash Sharma, Josh Hazlewood, Yash Dayal

Mar 22, 2025, 1:50 PM

Just two Kings!

KING OF BOLLYWOOD 🤝KING OF CRICKET!#ipl2025openingceremony pic.twitter.com/Y5qvuVmGzj
— Sportz Point (@sportz_point) March 22, 2025

Mar 22, 2025, 1:49 PM

Rinku's performance with SRK

LUT PUT GAYA 💓

Rinku Singh and SRK perform for the fans at the #ipl2025openingceremony pic.twitter.com/cQ1dfKxIsJ
— Sportz Point (@sportz_point) March 22, 2025

Mar 22, 2025, 1:49 PM

HUSN TERA TAUBA!

pic.twitter.com/x9U48n9MB8 Karan Aujla performs Husn Tera Tauba Tauba at the #ipl2025openingceremony
— Sportz Point (@sportz_point) March 22, 2025

Mar 22, 2025, 1:48 PM

Shreya's stunning performance

pic.twitter.com/woUfiGaGgF Shreya Ghoshal's stunning performance at the #ipl2025openingceremony
— Sportz Point (@sportz_point) March 22, 2025

Mar 22, 2025, 1:46 PM

Toss Update: RCB win the toss and decide to bowl first

RCB win the toss and decide to bowl first.

Mar 22, 2025, 11:21 AM

Current view of Eden Gardens

The current view of Eden Gardens ahead of the #IPL2025 opener!

The sky is clear, and the fans are coming out in large numbers!

We are ready for #KKRvsRCB!

Follow @sportz_point for more updates!#KKR #RCB #ipl2025openingceremony pic.twitter.com/uSiuv98Lom
— Sportz Point (@sportz_point) March 22, 2025

Mar 22, 2025, 11:19 AM

GOOD NEWS

🚨GOOD NEWS

The weather at the Eden Gardens is really good now. The sun is out, and we can have a full game tonight.

Follow @sportz_point for more updates on #KKRvsRCB match!#IPL2025 #EdenGardens pic.twitter.com/0z8ZI8wIf9
— Sportz Point (@sportz_point) March 22, 2025

Mar 22, 2025, 11:17 AM

Pitch & Weather Report

Eden Gardens's flat surface and perfect bounce make it a batsman's paradise. But as the match goes on, the pitch tends to slow down, helping spinners.

Out of 93 IPL matches played at this venue, teams batting first have won 38 times while chasing teams have emerged victorious on 55 occasions.

While the weather forecast indicates a possibility of rain during the KKR vs RCB game, it shouldn't be enough to halt the match completely. The temperature is likely to hover in the mid-20s during the course of the match.

Mar 22, 2025, 11:17 AM

KKR vs RCB: Head-to-Head Record

Over the years, the KKR-RCB rivalry has been nothing short of thrilling. In their previous encounters, KKR has won 20 out of 34 matches, while RCB has emerged victorious on 14 occasions.

At home, the defending champions have eight wins and four defeats against the team.

The two teams met twice last year, and KKR prevailed on both occasions.

Played: 34
KKR: 20
RCB: 14

At Eden Gardens

Played: 12
KKR: 8
RCB: 4

Mar 22, 2025, 11:16 AM

How to watch the match?

The live telecast of the Kolkata Knight Riders vs Royal Challengers Bangalore Match 1 will be available on the Star Sports Network in India.

The live streaming will be available on the JioHostar App and website.

Mar 22, 2025, 11:14 AM

Match Details

Match: Kolkata Knight Riders vs Royal Challengers Bangalore
Tournament: Indian Premier League 2025 - Match 1
Date: 22 March 2025
Time: 7:30 pm IST
Venue: Eden Gardens, Kolkata

IPL 2025 Kolkata Knight Riders Royal Challengers Bangalore Phil Salt Virat Kohli Krunal Pandya Quinton De Kock Ajinkya Rahane Venkatesh Iyer Rinku Singh Harshit Rana Varun Chakravarthy Andre Russell Sunil Narine Rajat Patidar

Cricket

IPL Facts: Highest Strike Rate in IPL History (Minimum 2000 Runs)

In this particular article, we will be discussing the IPL facts about 10 batters who have registered the highest strike rate in the cash rich league. These include the players who have scored a minimum of 2000 runs in the tournament history.

Payal Debnath

Mar 20, 2025, 1:03 PM•6 min read

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IPL Facts: Highest Strike Rate in IPL History (Minimum 2000 Runs)

In a T20 tournament like IPL, it is important for every team to have a quality set of players who can score runs at a fast pace. Particularly, this is most required in the death overs when the team is looking to score quick runs. These big hitters play a crucial role in the campaign of all the teams in each IPL season.

One of the most basic criteria for judging a batter for his fast scoring is his strike rate.

Also Read: Best Strike Rate in IPL (Minimum 1000 Runs)

IPL Facts | Highest Strike Rate in IPL History

10. Suryakumar Yadav | 145.32

The Indian Cricket Team T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav's success on the international stage is built on the foundation of his IPL career, particularly his stint with the Mumbai Indians (MI), where he made his reputation as a versatile and reliable middle-order batter.

Through his 150 IPL matches, SKY has accumulated 3594 runs while maintaining an outstanding strike rate reaching 145.32. His significant fifty and two double hundred scores have consistently helped Mumbai Indians during crucial moments.

9. Hardik Pandya | 145.61

Hardik Pandya, the Indian all-rounder and Mumbai Indians (MI) captain holds the 9th position in this list. In his IPL career of 137 matches, Pandya has scored a total of 2,525 runs with 10 half-centuries. His strike-rate reads 145.61.

Hardik has also contributed to his team's bowling department by taking 64 wickets with an economy rate of 9.09.

Besides representing MI, Pandya also led Gujarat Titans to the title in their maiden IPL season (2022). He returned the MI setup following the 2023 season, in a record all-cash trade.

8. Kieron Pollard | 147.32

Mumbai Indians legend Kieron Pollard holds the 8th position in this list. Known for striking the ball hard, Pollard was one of the tournament’s finest power hitters.

Since his debut in 2010, Pollard competed in 189 matches while scoring 3412 runs. He managed to put up these numbers at an impressive strike rate of 147.32 with 16 half-centuries.

Pollard was one of Mumbai's batting mainstays throughout his career. His best performances for them came in 2013, where he scored 420 runs in the season, and in 2015, where he smashed 419 runs. Both were seasons where Mumbai lifted the trophy as well.

7. Jos Buttler | 147.92

Jos Buttler holds the seventh position in this list. He has been a consistent performer for Rajasthan Royals ever since he signed for the team before the Indian Premier League 2018 season.

Before joining the Royals, Buttler represented Mumbai Indians in the 2016 and 2017 seasons and while he fared decently with them, it was after joining the Royals that the Englishman truly hit his stride in the IPL.

Buttler scored 3582 runs in 107 games at an average of 38.10 and a strike rate of 147.92. His first season with the Royals saw him score 548 runs at an average of 54.80 and strike rate of 155.24. The tally included five half-centuries.

6. Rishabh Pant | 148.93

Rishabh Pant, who made his IPL debut in 2016, has played 111 matches in the Indian Premier League so far scoring 3284 runs with an average of 35.31 and strike rate of 148.93. He has one century and 18 half-centuries to his name.

Pant joined the Delhi Capitals in 2016 after he performed exceptionally in the Under-19 World Cup in Bangladesh, where India finished as the runners-up under Ishan Kishan’s leadership. Pant was a teenager then and from there on he did not look back.

During the 2018 Indian Premier League, Rishabh Pant scored an unbeaten 128 from 63 balls for Delhi Capitals in IPL. It is Pant's highest-ever individual score in IPL.

5. Chris Gayle | 148.96

Chris Gayle has been the most destructive batter in the T20 set-up. Gayle is the fifth-highest batter with best strike rate in IPL (minimum 2000 runs).

In a career spanning from 2009-2021, the left-handed batsman has amassed 4,965 runs from 142 matches at an incredible average of 39.72. He owns a strike rate of 148.96.

Gayle scored 193 runs in ten games in IPL 2021.

Also Read: IPL Facts: Who was hit the most sixes in IPL History? Top 10 list

4. AB de Villiers | 151.68

AB de Villiers had a 13-year-long career in the IPL where he played for two teams, namely Delhi Capitals and Royal Challengers Bengaluru.

He's counted among one of the greatest players to have played in the tournament, being the fourth-highest batter with best strike rate in IPL.

de Villiers scored 5162 runs in his IPL career from 184 matches (170 innings) at an average of 39.70 and a strike rate of 151.68 with three hundreds and 40 fifties.

3. Virender Sehwag | 155.44

The cricket community is aware of what Virender Sehwag has achieved in his career. He was one of the best openers India ever had. But in the IPL, he had a different aura.

Sehwag played for teams like Delhi Daredevils (DD) and Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) and scored 2728 runs in 104 games. Indeed, he has also slammed a century in the tournament. Interestingly, his strike rate in the league is 155.44.

2. Glenn Maxwell | 156.73

The second name in this list is Glenn Maxwell in terms of keeping the highest strike rate in the IPL.

Maxwell began his IPL journey with Delhi Daredevils in 2012. The Australian all-rounder then represented Mumbai Indians and Kings XI Punjab, before landing with Royal Challengers Bengaluru.

The 36-year-old has turned out in 134 IPL matches, scoring 2771 runs at a strike rate of 156.73. He has also picked 37 wickets at an economy rate of 8.28.

1. Andre Russell | 174.92

Andre Russell has the highest strike rate in IPL for a batter with minimum 2000 runs. His figures are much more impressive considering his long career with KKR and the innings he has played.

Playing 127 IPL matches, Russell has scored 2484 runs at a commendable strike rate of 174.92.

He has eleven half-centuries with a high score of 88 not out in the IPL. Russell has many times won games for KKR on his own in very difficult situations.

Ipl Suryakumar Yadav Hardik Pandya Kieron Pollard Jos Buttler Rishabh Pant Chris Gayle Ab De Villiers Virender Sehwag Glenn Maxwell Andre Russell

Cricket

IPL records: 5 youngest centurion in IPL

Making IPL records and scoring for team's victory is what a batsman dreams of. Here's a list of 5 youngest centurion in IPL.

Shreya Ghosh Payal Debnath

Mar 19, 2025, 12:33 PM•3 min read

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Hitting a century is always one of the most special moments of every batsman's life. Playing well in a platform like IPL that has opened the door of a lot of cricketers into the national team is always extra special for the cricketers.

Breaking and making IPL records and scoring for the team's victory is what a batsman always dreams of. Being able to contribute to the team at a very young age makes the cricketers confident and ready for future challenges.

Here is a list of the 5 youngest centurion in IPL.