Kolkata Knight Riders Vs Delhi Capitals Match Scorecard

Kolkata Knight Riders Innings: 204/9 (20 Overs)

Rahmanullah Gurbaz—Explosive Start

Kolkata Knight Riders Vs Delhi Capitals: Gurbaz set the tone for KKR with a brisk 26 off 15 balls, including 2 fours and a six. His aggressive approach provided early momentum before being caught by Abishek Porel off Mitchell Starc.

Sunil Narine – Quickfire Contribution

Narine contributed 27 runs from 16 deliveries, striking 2 fours and 2 sixes. His innings added valuable runs at a rapid pace before falling lbw to Vipraj Nigam.

Ajinkya Rahane (Captain) – Steadying the Ship

Captain Rahane scored 26 off 14 balls, maintaining a strike rate of 185.71. His innings included 4 boundaries, providing stability after early wickets.

Angkrish Raghuvanshi – Middle-Order Anchor

Raghuvanshi played a crucial role with a 44-run innings off 32 balls, hitting 3 fours and 2 sixes. His partnership with Venkatesh Iyer was instrumental in building KKR’s total.

Venkatesh Iyer – Aggressive Knock

Iyer’s 75 off 50 balls, featuring 7 fours and 3 sixes, was the highlight of KKR’s innings. His aggressive batting kept the scoreboard ticking before being caught by Vipraj Nigam off Axar Patel.

Rinku Singh – Brief Cameo

Rinku added 36 runs from 25 balls, including 3 fours and a six, before being caught by Mitchell Starc off Vipraj Nigam.

Andre Russell – Run-Out Setback

Russell scored 17 off 9 balls, with 2 sixes, before being run out by Abishek Porel. His quick runs added to the total in the death overs.

Rovman Powell – Short Stay

Powell managed 5 runs from 5 balls before being lbw to Mitchell Starc.

Anukul Roy – Golden Duck

Roy was dismissed for a duck, caught by Chameera off Mitchell Starc.

Harshit Rana & Varun Chakaravarthy – Tail-End Contributions

Rana remained not out without scoring, while Chakaravarthy added 1 run.

Delhi Capitals Bowling Highlights Mitchell Starc – Leading the Attack

Starc took 3 wickets for 40 runs in his 4 overs, dismissing Gurbaz, Powell, and Roy. His pace and accuracy were pivotal in restricting KKR.

Mitchell Starc – A Fierce Left-Arm Legacy in Cricket History

Introduction to a Pace Phenomenon

In the rich history of international cricket, Mitchell Starc stands as one of the most fearsome fast bowlers ever to grace the game. Known for his deadly pace, pinpoint yorkers, and lethal swing, Starc’s name has been etched among the elite bowlers of modern-day cricket. Born on 30 January 1990 in Baulkham Hills, New South Wales, Australia, Mitchell Aaron Starc rose from a talented wicketkeeper to a world-class left-arm fast bowler who has terrorized batsmen across formats and continents.

Early Career and Domestic Journey

Starc’s cricket journey began at a young age when he played as a wicketkeeper for his club team. However, his transition to fast bowling changed the course of his career. Representing New South Wales, he showed early promise and was soon inducted into the Australian Under-19 side. His domestic performances, especially in the Sheffield Shield, caught the eye of selectors.

Mitchell Starc in Test Cricket – The Strike Bowler

Starc has consistently been one of Australia’s main strike bowlers in Test cricket. With over 300 Test wickets, he is one of the few left-arm pacers to dominate with both the old and new ball. His high-arm action and ability to reverse swing the old ball have often been compared to the likes of Wasim Akram and Zaheer Khan. Starc’s memorable spells include his performances in The Ashes, where he dismantled English batting line-ups with unplayable deliveries.

Key Test Highlights:

2015 Ashes (UK): Despite Australia losing the series, Starc emerged as the leading wicket-taker.
2017-18 Ashes (Australia): Dominated with pace and bounce, playing a pivotal role in regaining the urn.
2019 Pakistan Series: Delivered one of the best spells of reverse swing bowling in recent memory at Adelaide.

ODI Excellence – Starc’s World Cup Brilliance

If there’s one format where Mitchell Starc has truly shined, it is in One Day Internationals (ODIs). Starc has been Australia’s go-to bowler in pressure situations, delivering under the toughest circumstances.

World Cup 2015:

Starc was the Player of the Tournament.
Took 22 wickets in just 8 matches.
Played a crucial role in the final against New Zealand with a sensational opening spell.

World Cup 2019:

Starc again finished as the highest wicket-taker with 27 wickets.
Became the first bowler in history to take two 5-wicket hauls in two separate World Cups.

Starc’s toe-crushing yorkers, combined with his ability to bowl at 145-150 km/h, have made him a nightmare for batsmen in white-ball cricket.

T20 and Franchise Career

Though Starc has not played as much T20 franchise cricket as some of his peers due to injury management and national commitments, his impact when he has featured is profound.

Indian Premier League (IPL):

Starc represented Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in 2014 and 2015.
Took 34 wickets in 27 matches, including several match-winning performances.
Known for his ability to bowl in the powerplay and death overs with equal efficiency.

Despite missing multiple IPL seasons, Starc’s name remains highly sought after in T20 leagues around the world.

Technical Mastery and Bowling Skills

Mitchell Starc’s bowling arsenal is one of the most versatile in the modern game. Here are the primary weapons in his bowling:

Inswinging Yorker: Arguably the best in world cricket, capable of demolishing any batsman.
Fast Short Ball: Used as a surprise weapon, especially on lively pitches.
Reverse Swing: Deadly with the old ball, especially in subcontinent and Australian conditions.
Control and Accuracy: Maintains a tight line even at high speeds.

His tall frame allows him to generate bounce and extract seam movement, adding more to his attacking repertoire.

Injury Setbacks and Comebacks

Starc’s career hasn’t been without its share of injuries, especially to his foot, ankle, and back. Despite these, his ability to bounce back stronger each time is a testament to his mental toughness and dedication to the game. His rigorous rehab routines and focus on fitness have extended his career and maintained his bowling speeds, even after a decade in top-level cricket.

Mitchell Starc – Records and Achievements

Fastest to 100 ODI wickets in just 52 matches.
Fastest bowler to reach 150 ODI wickets.
Most wickets in a single Cricket World Cup (27) – 2019 edition.
Over 300 Test wickets and 230+ ODI wickets (as of 2025).
One of the few players to win two World Cups (2015, 2023).

Off the Field – Personality and Family Life

Starc is known for his quiet demeanor off the field. He is married to Alyssa Healy, one of Australia’s most prominent women cricketers. The couple represents a unique sporting power duo in Australian cricket. Despite his fame, Starc prefers a low-key lifestyle and is rarely seen in media controversies or limelight.

Legacy and Impact on Future Generations

Mitchell Starc has redefined what it means to be a fast left-arm bowler in modern cricket. His ability to blend traditional skills like swing and seam with modern-day fitness and aggression has set a benchmark for aspiring fast bowlers. Young cricketers across the world now look up to Starc for his dedication, consistency, and match-winning abilities.

In Australian cricketing folklore, Starc will always be remembered in the same breath as greats like Dennis Lillee, Glenn McGrath, and Brett Lee. His influence goes beyond statistics – it’s about the fear he instills in the opposition and the confidence he brings to his teammates.

Vipraj Nigam – Economical Spell

Nigam claimed 2 wickets for 41 runs in his 4 overs, removing Narine and Rinku Singh. His control in the middle overs was crucial.

Vipraj Nigam is one of the most exciting young cricketers rising through the Indian cricket scene. A talented leg-spin bowler and handy lower-order batsman, he has quickly made a name for himself, particularly with his performances for the Delhi Capitals in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Born on July 28, 2004, in Barabanki, Uttar Pradesh, Vipraj’s story is one of quiet determination, strong family support, and raw talent refined through hard work.

Early Life and Background

His natural ability with the ball and bat stood out, and it wasn’t long before his family began to take his dream seriously. Despite limited resources, Vipraj’s father played a crucial role in shaping his journey, often traveling long distances and juggling work commitments just to ensure his son got proper coaching and match exposure. That support, especially in the early days, laid the groundwork for the cricketer he’s becoming today.

Playing Style and Strengths

Bowling: Vipraj is primarily a right-arm leg-spinner, and what sets him apart is his calm approach under pressure. He bowls tight lines in the middle overs, making it difficult for batters to take risks. His variations — including a well-disguised googly — make him a genuine wicket-taker in T20s.

Batting: While primarily a bowler, Vipraj is no pushover with the bat. He’s a right-handed batsman capable of scoring quick runs when needed. In T20 formats, he has often turned matches around with short, explosive cameos — a sign of his growing confidence and game awareness.

His dual skill set gives his team an extra edge, especially in formats where all-rounders are worth their weight in gold.

Life Off the Field

Off the field, Vipraj is known to be humble, focused, and grounded. Standing at about 5 feet 9 inches, he carries himself with quiet confidence. He enjoys traveling and swimming during his free time — a refreshing way to break away from the intensity of professional cricket.

Interestingly, he has a soft spot for Maggi noodles, like many young Indians. He’s also fairly active on social media, particularly Instagram and Facebook, where he connects with fans and shares glimpses of his cricketing journey and life beyond the pitch.

Career Highlights and Achievements

T20 Debut:In the domestic circuit, Vipraj made waves with consistent performances for Uttar Pradesh and in the UP T20 League.
IPL Breakthrough:He was picked up by the Delhi Capitals for the 2025 IPL season, where he made an immediate impact with both ball and bat. In one match, he smashed 38 runs in just 19 balls and picked up 2 crucial wickets — a performance that turned heads across the league.
Key Stats:In his debut IPL season, he played 10 matches, scored over 100 runs at a strike rate of 200+, and took 9 wickets — an excellent return for a newcomer.

Future Outlook

At just 20 years old, Vipraj Nigam is already being talked about as one of India’s most promising young all-rounders.

If he continues developing at this pace, it’s only a matter of time before selectors consider him for India’s national team, especially in white-ball formats.

Axar Patel – Captain’s Contribution

Axar took 2 wickets for 27 runs in his 4 overs, including the key wicket of Venkatesh Iyer. His left-arm spin provided vital breakthroughs.

Delhi Capitals Innings: 190/9 (20 Overs)

Abishek Porel – Early Dismissal

Porel was dismissed for 4 runs, caught by Russell off Anukul Roy, providing an early setback for DC.

Faf du Plessis – Aggressive Start

Du Plessis scored 62 off 45 balls, hitting 7 fours and 2 sixes. His innings laid a strong foundation before being caught by Rinku Singh off Narine.

Karun Nair – Brief Stay

Nair contributed 15 runs from 13 balls before being lbw to Vaibhav Arora.

KL Rahul – Steadying the Innings

Rahul added 75 runs off 50 balls, including 6 fours and 3 sixes, before being run out by Narine. His innings kept DC in the chase.

Axar Patel – Quickfire Knock

Axar scored 43 off 23 balls, with 4 fours and 3 sixes, before being caught by Harshit Rana off Narine. His aggressive batting narrowed the target.

Tristan Stubbs – Short Stay

Stubbs was bowled by Narine for 1 run, adding pressure to the middle order.

Vipraj Nigam – Late Flourish

Nigam’s 38 off 19 balls, including 5 fours and 2 sixes, brought DC close to the target before being caught by Russell.

Ashutosh Sharma – Brief Contribution

Sharma added 7 runs from 6 balls before being caught by Narine off Varun Chakaravarthy.

Mitchell Starc – Dismissed Without Scoring

Starc was caught by Gurbaz off Varun Chakaravarthy for a duck.

Dushmantha Chameera & Kuldeep Yadav – Tail-End Efforts

Chameera remained not out with 2 runs, while Kuldeep Yadav was not out with 1 run.

Kolkata Knight Riders Bowling Highlights

Sunil Narine – Match-Winning Spell

Narine took 3 wickets for 29 runs in his 4 overs, dismissing du Plessis, Axar Patel, and Stubbs. His performance was instrumental in KKR’s victory.

Varun Chakaravarthy – Containing the Opposition

Chakaravarthy claimed 2 wickets for 39 runs in his 4 overs, removing Sharma and Starc.

Anukul Roy – Early Breakthrough

Roy took the wicket of Porel, conceding 27 runs in his 4 overs.

Vaibhav Arora – Key Dismissal

Arora dismissed Karun Nair, giving away 19 runs in his 2 overs.

Match Summary

Kolkata Knight Riders set a challenging target of 204 runs, thanks to significant contributions from Venkatesh Iyer and Angkrish Raghuvanshi. Delhi Capitals’ chase was anchored by KL Rahul and Faf du Plessis, but Sunil Narine’s crucial wickets turned the tide in KKR’s favor. Ultimately, KKR secured a 14-run victory, showcasing a balanced team performance.

FAQs:

1. Who won the match between Delhi Capitals and Kolkata Knight Riders on April 29, 2025?

Kolkata Knight Riders emerged victorious, defeating Delhi Capitals by 14 runs. KKR posted a total of 204/9 in their 20 overs, and DC managed 190/9 in their chase

2. Who was the standout performer in the match?

Sunil Narine was the standout performer for KKR. He contributed significantly with both bat and ball, scoring 27 runs off 16 balls and taking 3 wickets for 29 runs in his 4 overs.

3. What were the key performances in KKR’s innings?

Angkrish Raghuvanshi: Scored a vital 44 runs, anchoring the middle overs.
Venkatesh Iyer: Contributed a quick 75 runs, accelerating the scoring rate. Sunil Narine: Provided a brisk start with 27 runs and later excelled with the ball.
Mitchell Starc: Claimed 3 wickets for 43 runs, crucial in the death overs.

4. How did Delhi Capitals’ batting lineup perform?

Faf du Plessis: Top-scored with 62 runs, providing a solid foundation.
Axar Patel: Added a quick 43 runs, attempting to keep the chase alive.
KL Rahul: Contributed 75 runs, anchoring the innings.

Despite these efforts, DC fell short by 14 runs.

5. Which bowlers were most effective in the match?

Sunil Narine (KKR): Took 3 wickets for 29 runs, pivotal in restricting DC’s chase.
Mitchell Starc (DC): Claimed 3 wickets for 43 runs, including key dismissals in KKR’s innings.
Varun Chakaravarthy (KKR): Secured 2 wickets, including crucial middle-order breakthroughs.

6. What was the turning point of the match?

The turning point was Sunil Narine’s spell in the middle overs, where he took 3 wickets, including the crucial dismissal of Axar Patel. This halted DC’s momentum and tilted the game in KKR’s favor.

7. How did the match impact the IPL 2025 points table?

With this win, KKR improved their standing in the points table, keeping their playoff hopes alive. DC remained in the top four despite the loss

8. Were there any notable fielding moments?

Yes, Dushmantha Chameera took a spectacular catch to dismiss Anukul Roy, diving full length to his left at deep backward square leg, which was hailed as one of the best catches of the tournament.

9. What was the performance of the captains in the match?

Ajinkya Rahane (KKR): Scored 26 runs and made strategic bowling changes that paid off.
Axar Patel (DC): Contributed 43 runs and took 2 wickets but couldn’t lead his team to victory.

10. What are the upcoming fixtures for both teams?

Post this match, KKR is set to face Chennai Super Kings in their next fixture, while DC will play against Mumbai Indians. These matches are crucial for both teams as they vie for playoff spots.