Quartet of Rinku-Anukul-Varun-Kartik helps KKR taste first win of IPL 2026 with 4-wicket victory over RR

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) secured their maiden win in IPL 2026 by defeating Rajasthan Royals by four wickets on Sunday, April 19 at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata. Rinku Singh and Anukul Roy shined with the bat for the Kolkata-based franchise in the thrilling run-chase.

Rinku Singh and Anukul Roy's match-winning partnership

Rinku Singh finally scored his first half-century off the game hitting 53 runs off 34 balls, which was very crucial in KKR's run-chase. On the other hand, all-rounder Anukul Roy kept his cool and helped with a fine 29 off 16 to seal the game.

Underwhelming first innings for RR

RR skipper Riyan Parag won the toss and opted to bat first against KKR. The opening duo of Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and Yashasvi Jaiswal got off to a flying start, stitching a 81-run opening stand before the 15-year-old batter lost his wicket to Varun Chakaravarthy after scoring 46 off 28 balls. Meanwhile Jaiswal got out on Sunil Narine' delivery after scoring 39 off 29.

After the dismissal of openers, RR endured a batting collapse with middle-order batters departing on low scores. At the end of the first innings, the Riyan Parag-led side managed to post 155 at the loss of nine wickets.

Exciting chase in the second innings

In the second innings, KKR's opening duo of Tim Seifert and Ajinkya Rahane failed to open the team's account, both departing on ducks. All-rounder Cameron Green (27 off 13) and Rovman Powell (23 off 20) stitched a decent partnership but could not last long. Rinku Singh (53 off 34) and Anukul Roy (29 off 16) stitched a match-winning partnership for KKR.

In the penultimate over, Jofra Archer pitched one into the slot, with Anukul Roy launching it for a massive six over the covers, collecting 12 runs.

Needing nine runs off the last over, Rinku Singh became hero for KKR, smashing back-to-back boundaries and a six off Brijesh Sharma to seal the maiden win in IPL 2026. 

Next challenge for KKR

With their win, KKR climbed to ninth position in the standings with three points in hand after seven matches. The Ajinkya Rhane-led side will lock horns with Lucknow Super Giants in their upcoming game on April 26 at the Ekana Cricket Stadium.