The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season commenced with a thrilling encounter between the defending champions, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) at Eden Gardens, Kolkata, on March 22, 2025. This opening match set the tone for what promises to be an exhilarating season of cricket IPL 2025 First Match.
Match Overview
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Date: March 22, 2025
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Venue: Eden Gardens, Kolkata
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Teams: Kolkata Knight Riders vs. Royal Challengers Bengaluru
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Result: Royal Challengers Bengaluru won by 7 wickets
Match Summary
The inaugural match of IPL 2025 featured a face-off between the defending champions, Kolkata Knight Riders, and Royal Challengers Bengaluru. RCB emerged victorious with a seven-wicket win, marking a strong start to their campaign.
Team Performances
Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR)
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Total Runs: 174/8 in 20 overs
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Top Performers:
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Ajinkya Rahane: 56 runs off 31 balls
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Sunil Narine: 44 runs
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Notable Partnerships:
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Rahane and Narine provided a solid foundation with their contributions.
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Bowling Highlights:
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Struggled to contain RCB’s batting lineup, leading to a seven-wicket loss.
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Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB)
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Total Runs: 175/3 in 16.2 overs
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Top Performers:
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Virat Kohli: Unbeaten 59 runs
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Phil Salt: 56 runs
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Notable Partnerships:
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Kohli and Salt’s 95-run partnership set the foundation for the chase.
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Bowling Highlights:
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Josh Hazlewood: 2 wickets for 22 runs
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Krunal Pandya: 3 wickets for 29 runs
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Key Moments
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Ajinkya Rahane’s Aggressive Start: Rahane’s quickfire 56 provided KKR with early momentum.
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RCB’s Bowling Discipline: Hazlewood and Pandya’s economical spells restricted KKR to a manageable total.
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Kohli and Salt’s Partnership: Their 95-run stand was pivotal in RCB’s successful chase.
Player of the Match
Virat Kohli was awarded the Player of the Match for his unbeaten 59 runs, anchoring RCB’s chase and ensuring a comfortable victory.
Statistical Highlights
| Statistic | KKR | RCB |
|---|---|---|
| Highest Run Scorer | Ajinkya Rahane – 56 | Virat Kohli – 59* |
| Best Bowling Figures | Sunil Narine – 1/30 | Josh Hazlewood – 2/22 |
| Total Sixes Hit | 8 | 10 |
| Total Fours Hit | 12 | 14 |
| Extras Conceded | 12 | 8 |
Post-Match Reactions
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Ajinkya Rahane (KKR Captain): Acknowledged the need to learn from mistakes, noting that quick wickets in the middle overs hampered their ability to reach an anticipated score of 210-220.
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Virat Kohli (RCB Captain): Praised the team’s all-round performance and emphasized the importance of starting the season with a win.
Implications for the Season
RCB’s convincing win in the opener positions them as strong contenders for the season, while KKR will need to reassess and strategize for upcoming matches to defend their title effectively.
Upcoming Fixtures
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KKR’s Next Match: Versus Rajasthan Royals on March 26, 2025, at Sawai Mansingh Stadium, Jaipur.
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RCB’s Next Match: Hosting Chennai Super Kings on March 27, 2025, at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About IPL 2025 First Match
1. When and where was the first match of IPL 2025 played?
The first match of IPL 2025 was played on March 22, 2025, at Eden Gardens, Kolkata.
2. Which teams played in the IPL 2025 opening match?
The first match of IPL 2025 was between Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB).
3. Who won the first match of IPL 2025?
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) won the first match by 7 wickets.
4. Who was the Player of the Match in IPL 2025 first game?
Virat Kohli was awarded the Player of the Match for his unbeaten 59 runs, helping RCB secure victory.
5. What was the final score of the IPL 2025 first match?
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KKR: 174/8 in 20 overs
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RCB: 175/3 in 16.2 overs
6. Who were the top performers in the IPL 2025 opening match?
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Batting:
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Ajinkya Rahane (KKR) – 56 runs
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Virat Kohli (RCB) – 59* runs
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Phil Salt (RCB) – 56 runs
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Bowling:
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Josh Hazlewood (RCB) – 2 wickets for 22 runs
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Krunal Pandya (RCB) – 3 wickets for 29 runs
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7. What was the most exciting moment of the IPL 2025 first match?
One of the most exciting moments was Virat Kohli and Phil Salt’s 95-run partnership, which helped RCB chase the target comfortably.
8. What were the key takeaways from the match?
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RCB’s strong start to the season with a dominant performance.
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KKR’s batting collapse in the middle overs cost them a higher total.
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RCB’s bowling, especially from Hazlewood and Pandya, played a crucial role in restricting KKR.
9. When and where will KKR and RCB play their next matches?
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KKR’s Next Match: March 26, 2025, vs. Rajasthan Royals at Sawai Mansingh Stadium, Jaipur.
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RCB’s Next Match: March 27, 2025, vs. Chennai Super Kings at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru.
10. Where can I watch IPL 2025 live?
IPL 2025 matches are broadcast on Star Sports Network and streamed online via JioCinema & Disney+ Hotstar.
Conclusion
The opening match of IPL 2025 delivered excitement and showcased the high level of competition expected throughout the season. Fans can look forward to more thrilling encounters as teams vie for supremacy in this prestigious tournament.
