IPL 2025: KKR break Rajasthan Royals hearts as fans salute Riyan Parag’s brave effort in narrow 1-run loss

In a heart-stopping IPL 2025 encounter at Eden Gardens, KKR edged past Rajasthan Royals by just 1 run. Rajasthan fell short chasing 207, ending at 205/8, despite Riyan Parag’s heroic 95 off 45 balls. KKR’s innings was boosted by Andre Russell’s blistering finish and smart top-order contributions. The match went down to the last ball, with Jofra Archer run out attempting a second run. This win strengthens KKR’s playoff hopes while RR rue missed opportunities.

Russell’s Carnage and Calm Anchor from Raghuvanshi Lift KKR

KKR made good use of the flat Eden pitch, starting cautiously but accelerating in the second half. After early wickets, Ajinkya Rahane and Angkrish Raghuvanshi steadied things with vital contributions of 30 and 44 respectively. But it was Andre Russell’s 57 off 25*, laced with 4 fours and 6 sixes, that ignited the late charge. He was well supported by Rinku Singh’s cameo of 19 off 6*, which helped KKR plunder 95 runs in the last 7 overs. Rajasthan’s bowlers, particularly Akash Madhwal and Theekshana, leaked runs at the death. Despite early breakthroughs, they couldn’t contain the carnage. With a final total of 206/4, KKR had momentum firmly on their side. Sunil Narine’s early dismissal was quickly forgotten in the onslaught that followed. Their aggressive finish proved crucial in the final outcome.

Parag’s Heroic 95 in Vain as Royals Falter in Final Moments

Chasing 207, RR were rocked early by Moeen Ali, who dismissed Jaiswal and Rathore. At 71/5, the game looked done and dusted before Riyan Parag launched a stunning counterattack, smashing 8 sixes and 6 fours in a breathtaking 95 off 45 balls. He found a partner in Hetmyer, adding a 92-run stand for the sixth wicket. However, once Parag fell at 173 in the 18th over, pressure returned. Shubham Dubey and Jofra Archer fought valiantly, taking the game to the last ball. Archer was run out trying to steal a desperate second run, handing KKR a dramatic 1-run win. Varun Chakravarthy and Harshit Rana held their nerves in the slog overs. Parag’s career-best knock deserved more, but Rajasthan’s top-order collapse proved too costly. In the end, Kolkata’s sharper execution sealed a memorable victory.

Here’s how fans reacted:

What a game. ONE BALL WAS THE DIFFERENCE between the two teams in the 40 overs game.

— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) May 4, 2025

What a Game RR vs KKR … Congratulations to @KKRiders but must say Dil jeeta Rayan parag ne @rajasthanroyals 🏏 @IPL

— Harbhajan Turbanator (@harbhajan_singh) May 4, 2025

It is always a pleasure to watch Riyan Parag performing, he has done well this season & still so much hate & agenda people runs against him!

— Rajiv (@Rajiv1841) May 4, 2025

Rajasthan Royals in IPL 2025:

Lost to DC in Super Over.
Lost to LSG by 2 runs.
Lost to RCB by 11 runs. (Needed 18 in last 2 overs)
Lost to KKR by 1 run. pic.twitter.com/tVKiVHiuFV

— Silly Point (@FarziCricketer) May 4, 2025

5 sixes in that over but this is his BEST SIX OF THE SEASON. Riyan Parag is putting on a show here. What batting…

— arfan (@Im__Arfan) May 4, 2025

Well played Riyan!

Was the only guy who had the game going with nothing from the other end. 95 in 45!

— Nikhil 🏏 (@CricCrazyNIKS) May 4, 2025

Ah, Riyan…. Out for 95 and game over.

What an innings though 👏

— Saurabh Malhotra (@MalhotraSaurabh) May 4, 2025

A Thriller At Eden Gardens!!!

What a experience. 😭 pic.twitter.com/p6tZBgYbyQ

— Rokte Amar KKR (@Rokte_Amarr_KKR) May 4, 2025

A contest to remember at Eden! Well played, and hats off to Riyan Parag for a special innings 💜🤝 pic.twitter.com/jgRtYc7XKE

— KolkataKnightRiders (@KKRiders) May 4, 2025

What a match 🔥🔥#Cricket #KKRvRR #KKR #IPL2025 pic.twitter.com/2hVaOS4F9m

— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) May 4, 2025

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