The Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) delivered a clinical performance to defeat the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) by seven wickets in Match 45 of IPL 2026. Playing at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium on Sunday, May 3, KKR successfully halted SRH’s formidable five-match winning run.
A combined bowling effort followed by a composed chase saw KKR reach the target of 166 with 10 balls to spare, keeping their playoff hopes alive with a third consecutive victory. Earlier, SRH captain Pat Cummins won the toss and elected to bat first.
The home side got off to a blistering start, reaching 77/1 at the end of the Powerplay. Travis Head was the star of the first half, smashing 61 off just 28 balls, including nine boundaries and three sixes. He was well-supported by Ishan Kishan, who contributed 42 off 29 balls.
At 105/1 in the 9th over, SRH looked set for a massive total. However, the introduction of KKR’s spin duo changed the complexion of the game. Varun Chakaravarthy (3/36) and Sunil Narine (2/31) triggered a sensational collapse, as SRH lost nine wickets for just 60 runs.
Narine’s performance was particularly historic, as he became only the third bowler in IPL history to reach the 200-wicket milestone. SRH was eventually bowled out for 165 in 19 overs.
Here are some twitter reactions:
KKR DEFEATED SRH BY 7 WICKETS.
– 2 wins in 2 matches for KKR against SRH in IPL 2026. pic.twitter.com/GKu4RPm0hg
— Maina Singh (@Maina_Singhx77) May 3, 2026
Knights strike back in style 💜⚔️#KKR make it three in a row, taking down #SRH with authority and keeping the playoff dream alive 🔥
Revenge served in style. KKR flip the script from their earlier setback against SRH and make it count ⚔️#TATAIPL Revenge Week 2026 | #SRHvKKR… pic.twitter.com/3R2imZqlTT
— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) May 3, 2026
– PLAYER OF THE MATCH vs RR 🎯
– PLAYER OF THE MATCH vs SRH 🎯2 POTM awards in KKR’s 3 wins 🤯🔥
Varun Chakravarthy stepping up big time for KKR! 💜🙇♂️#VarunChakravarthy #KKR #IPL2026 #POTM #Cricket 🏏🔥 pic.twitter.com/dcZVMxPRDk
— Akaran.A (@Akaran_1) May 3, 2026
Congratulations Whole @kkriders Team For Such Fantastic Win Vs SRH#KKR #KKRvSRH#IPL2026 #AmiKKR 💜💜🏏🏏🏏 @Rokte_Amarr_KKR @KkrKaravan @KnightsVibe @IPL https://t.co/BEfzOJb9js pic.twitter.com/ii7N7KwZ1Q
— Priyadarshi Das (@toposant55) May 3, 2026
🚨 KKR CREATED HISTORY 🚨
– KKR now has Joint second Most wins against a team in IPL History (21 wins Vs SRH). 🥶 pic.twitter.com/XQAFC0JL9n
— DIGITAL SPORTS (@digital_sports) May 3, 2026
KKR have won d match by different way vs SRH.SRH was with very limited score they have stood d massive target.But KKR with very cool batting they have achieved d given score by getting more runs as compare with SRH team.
— Prateek Bodkhe (Yuvraaj) (@prateekB84760) May 3, 2026
KKR won today vs SRH by 7 wickets.
Does it effect on Qualifying Four teams for PlayOff ?
What you think??@KKRiders@SunRisers#SRHvsKKR pic.twitter.com/ZpPErFA1tf
— CodeMan (@Codeman_Only) May 3, 2026
Allen and Rahane Lead KKR Chase
In response, KKR’s chase was headlined by a powerful start and a steady middle-order partnership. Finn Allen provided the early momentum with a quickfire 29 off 13 balls before being dismissed by Pat Cummins.Captain Ajinkya Rahane then anchored the innings with a responsible 43 off 36 deliveries.
He found an excellent partner in young Angkrish Raghuvanshi, who top-scored with a sublime 59 off 47 balls, featuring five fours and two sixes. The duo shared an 84-run stand for the second wicket, effectively taking the game away from the Sunrisers.
When Rahane and Raghuvanshi departed in quick succession, Rinku Singh ensured there were no late hiccups. Rinku smashed an unbeaten 22 off 11 balls, finishing the game with a flourish of boundaries to secure the win.
Varun Chakaravarthy was named Player of the Match for his game-changing spell that derailed the SRH middle order. With this win, KKR moves up the table, while SRH remains in the top four despite the setback.
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