Ajinkya Rahane, Angkrish Raghuvanshi shine as Kolkata Knight Riders beat Sunrisers Hyderabad

Kolkata Knight Riders continued their strong run in IPL 2026, registering a third consecutive win with a comfortable seven-wicket victory over Sunrisers Hyderabad at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium.

Chasing a target of 166, KKR rode on composed knocks from Ajinkya Rahane and Angkrish Raghuvanshi, who returned to form at a crucial stage of the tournament.

🔥 Rahane–Raghuvanshi partnership anchors chase

After a quick start, the duo steadied the innings with a match-defining 84-run partnership for the second wicket:

• Rahane: 43 off 36 balls
• Raghuvanshi: 59 off 47 balls

Their controlled approach ensured KKR stayed ahead of the required rate despite losing early momentum.

⚡ Finn Allen sets the tone

KKR got off to a flying start thanks to Finn Allen:

• Scored 29 off just 13 balls
• Hammered Pat Cummins for 27 runs in a single over

Although Cummins dismissed Allen soon after, the early burst gave KKR a strong platform.

🎯 Rinku Singh finishes in style

After brief hiccups with the fall of Rahane and Raghuvanshi, Rinku Singh once again played the finisher’s role:

• Unbeaten 22 off 11 balls
• Calmly guided KKR home with overs to spare

His consistency in pressure situations continues to be a major asset for the team.

🏏 SRH innings: Strong start, sudden collapse

Earlier, Sunrisers Hyderabad were bowled out for 165 after a dramatic collapse.

💥 Travis Head leads charge

• Blistering 61 off 28 balls
• Powered SRH to 105/1

However, his dismissal triggered a collapse:

• SRH slipped from 105/1 to 139/6
• Eventually bowled out for 165

🎯 KKR bowlers turn the game

• Varun Chakravarthy: 3/36 (key breakthrough spell)
• Sunil Narine: 2/31
• Kartik Tyagi: 2/30

The bowlers’ ability to strike in clusters proved decisive in restricting SRH.

📊 Match Summary

• SRH: 165 all out
• KKR: 166/3
• Result: KKR won by 7 wickets

📈 What this means

• KKR continue their upward momentum with three straight wins
• SRH’s impressive five-match winning streak comes to an end
• Rahane and Raghuvanshi finding form is a big boost for KKR’s campaign

🧾 Final takeaway

This was a clinical performance from Kolkata Knight Riders—strong bowling, a steady middle-order partnership, and a composed finish. With key players rediscovering form, KKR are shaping up as serious contenders in IPL 2026.