KKR vs SRH Highlights, IPL 2026: SRH beat KKR by 65 runs, secure first win of the campaign

KKR vs SRH Highlights, IPL 2026: Heinrich Klaasen delivers a match-winning performance with a stylish half-century as Sunrisers Hyderabad defeat Kolkata Knight Riders by 65 runs in a high-scoring IPL encounter. After being asked to bat, SRH make a flying start thanks to an explosive opening partnership between Travis Head and Abhishek Sharma.

The duo put on 82 runs in just 34 balls, attacking the bowlers from the outset and setting the tone for a big total. Head scores 46 while Abhishek adds 48, both missing out on well-deserved fifties but providing crucial momentum.

Following the strong start, Klaasen takes charge in the middle overs with a composed yet aggressive knock of 52. He finds the right balance between caution and attack, ensuring the innings doesn’t lose direction.

Nitish Kumar Reddy further boosts the total with a quickfire 39, helping SRH post a formidable 226 for 8 in their 20 overs. Despite the onslaught, Blessing Muzarabani stands out for KKR with a commendable four-wicket haul, while Vaibhav Arora and others provide limited support.

Chasing a daunting target, KKR falter early and never quite recover from the pressure of the required run rate. Angkrish Raghuvanshi emerges as the lone bright spot with a well-made 52 off 29 balls, showing intent and skill. However, regular wickets derail the chase, and the rest of the batting lineup fails to contribute significantly. KKR are eventually bowled out for 161 in just 16 overs.

SRH’s bowling unit puts in a disciplined performance, led by Jaydev Unadkat’s three wickets. Nitish Kumar Reddy and Eshan Malinga claim two wickets each, effectively sealing the win. Overall, SRH dominate with both bat and ball to register a comprehensive victory.

16:48 (IST) Apr 02

IPL Score 2026: Will KKR drop Cameron Green today?

Green, who made 18 off 10 balls, did not bowl because of his workload management instructions given by Cricket Australia. With Green not being used as a bowler, it remains to be seen if KKR are tempted to bring in Rovman Powell, given the West Indian’s proven T20 credentials. Powell scored 149 runs in the T20 World Cup at a strike rate of 147.52 and also has fond memories of Eden Gardens, having smashed an unbeaten 34 off 19 balls in a Super Eight game against India. While KKR reportedly requested for a turning track, the pitch is expected to remain a sporting one, assisting both seamers and spinners, with 200 considered a par score. That makes it essential for Narine and Chakravarthy to step up.

16:47 (IST) Apr 02

SRH vs KKR Live Score: KKR home fixture of high importance

This fixture also marks the start of a crucial home stretch for the three-time champions, who will play three matches in seven days and another on April 19 before the Kolkata leg pauses for nearly a month due to the upcoming assembly polls. With four away games to follow and their next home fixture scheduled only on May 16, KKR know it is imperative to build momentum in this phase. Historically, Eden Gardens has been a stronghold of KKR, winning 54 out of 95 matches since 2008.

However, KKR's start has already hit a few early bumps as expectedly with their thin bowling resources. They seemed to have assembled a well-rounded pace attack but injuries and availability issues had blunted their firepower. Harshit Rana and Akash Deep are ruled out, Matheesha Pathirana is yet to get an NOC from Sri Lanka Cricket, and Cameron Green -- their Rs 25.20 crore overseas acquisition -- is currently available only as a batter.

16:47 (IST) Apr 02

KKR vs SRH Live Score: Predicted XI, Pitch Report and Weather Forecast

KKR vs SRH Pitch Report

Eden Gardens in the IPL has been a batting paradise and the runs would be free flowing at the venue. One of the quickest outfields in the country, the pitch generally offers some assistance to the pacers early on, but even the slightest error will be punished by the pacers. Chasing under lights is always the preferred option here, so the team winning the toss is likely to bowl first.

KKR vs SRH Match Weather Forecast

The temperature will hover around 31°C in the evening with conditions likely to be humid with clear skies. No forecast of rain in the evening and throughout the night.

KKR vs SRH Match Prediction

KKR managed to post a massive 220 in their first game, but failed to defend, while on the other hand, SRH batters left nearly 20-30 runs in their game against RCB. Looking at the conditions, and the batting prowess, SRH will have the advantage over KKR with their more explosive batting unit, while KKR will hope their spin twins of Sunil Narine and Varun Chakaravarthy fire in tandem to stop the SRH batters.

16:46 (IST) Apr 02

IPL Live Score: KKR, SRH in search of 1st win

Welcome to Times Of India's live coverage of the IPL 2026 match 6 between Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) at the Eden Garden, Kolkata. Both KKR and SRH lost their opening fixtures and will be aiming to open their account. KKR would imagine that they have the advantage playing at home, but SRH will be buoyed by the fact that they have the batting prowess to maximise the conditions at play. Eden Gardens has been a belter of a track in IPL over the years and SRH will have a gun batting line up that will back themselves to come good. On the other hand, even though KKR batters also made merry in their first outing at Wankhede, racking up 220 runs, but their bowling fell apart against Mumbai Indians, and they will be a major cause of concern for them against SRH.

KKR vs SRH Highlights, IPL 2026: Heinrich Klaasen plays a key role with a fluent half-century as Sunrisers Hyderabad secure a convincing 65-run victory over Kolkata Knight Riders. Batting first, SRH get off to a blazing start with Travis Head and Abhishek Sharma adding 82 runs in just 34 balls, laying a strong foundation.

Head scores 46 while Abhishek contributes 48, narrowly missing out on fifties. Klaasen then anchors the middle phase with a composed 52, and Nitish Kumar Reddy adds a valuable 39 to power SRH to an imposing total of 226 for 8.

In response, KKR struggle to keep up with the required rate and are eventually bowled out for 161 in 16 overs. Angkrish Raghuvanshi stands out with a fighting 52 off 29 balls, but lacks support from the rest of the batting lineup.

The SRH bowlers dominate the chase, with Jaydev Unadkat leading the attack with three wickets. Nitish Kumar Reddy and Eshan Malinga chip in with two wickets each to dismantle KKR.

Earlier, Blessing Muzarabani shines for KKR with an impressive four-wicket haul, but the total proves too steep. SRH’s all-round performance ensures a comfortable win.

IPL 2026: Points Table | Full Schedule | Orange Cap | Purple Cap

KKR vs SRH Highlights, IPL 2026: SRH beat KKR by 65 runs, secure first win of the campaign

Tired of too many ads?go ad free now

Match Statistics

Head to Head in IPLTotal Matches 31

TOI

KKR vs SRH Highlights, IPL 2026: SRH beat KKR by 65 runs, secure first win of the campaign

Match Statistics

Venue

Eden Gardens, Kolkata

SRH PLAYING XI

KKR PLAYING XI

Top Stories Right Now