New Delhi: Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) kept their IPL 2025 playoff hopes alive with a sensational one-run victory over Rajasthan Royals (RR) in a high-octane contest at Eden Gardens on Sunday. The match had everything—power-packed batting record-breaking moments and a tense final-over finish. Opting to bat first KKR posted an imposing total of 206/4 in their 20 overs. The star of their innings was Andre Russell who returned to form in spectacular style. After a slow start Russell exploded with an unbeaten 57 off 25 balls including a barrage of boundaries in the final overs. His resurgence came at a critical moment with KKR needing a win to stay in the playoff hunt. Riyan Parag’s Blistering 95 Keeps RR in the Hunt In response Rajasthan Royals mounted a fierce chase led by their captain Riyan Parag who played the innings of his life. The 22-year-old hammered 95 off just 45 balls nearly pulling off an improbable win for his side. His powerful hitting and smart shot selection brought RR within touching distance of the target injecting life into a chase that initially seemed out of reach. A Dream Fulfilled: Parag Hits Six Sixes in a Row Parags knock featured a historic moment: six consecutive sixes—five in a single over off KKR all-rounder Moeen Ali followed by one more off Varun Chakaravarthy. Moeen’s over cost KKR 32 runs swinging momentum firmly in RRs favor. Parags ability to read the bowlers and clear the ropes with ease left fans and pundits alike in awe. Manifestation Becomes Reality for Parag Adding to the drama was a personal subplot—Parag’s old tweet from 2023 where he had manifested hitting four sixes in an over resurfaced after the match. That dream was not only fulfilled but exceeded as Parag smashed six in a row in front of a packed Eden Gardens. The moment quickly went viral becoming one of the most talked-about highlights of the season. Heartbreak for Royals Despite Parag’s Heroics Despite the breathtaking performance Rajasthan Royals fell short by just one run. Parag’s dismissal in the 18th over shifted the balance back to KKR. RR struggled to find boundaries in the final overs and couldnt finish the job officially knocking themselves out of playoff contention. It was a harsh reminder of how close games can slip away in T20 cricket. Parag Reflects on Missed Opportunities Speaking after the match a visibly dejected Parag admitted that his early departure had cost the team. “I was planning to stay till the last 2 overs but I got out in the 18th. It was a miscalculation” he said. He also reflected on RR’s bowling strategy suggesting that better decisions could have made the difference in such a tightly fought game. My inner conscience says i’m hitting 4 sixes in an over at some point this IPL.. — Riyan Paragg (@ParagRiyan) March 14 2023 Andre Russell’s Comeback Powers KKR While Parag dominated headlines Andre Russell’s explosive finish was crucial to KKR’s win. From 2 runs off 10 balls to an eventual 57 off 25* Russells late assault changed the course of the match. Even Parag acknowledged his brilliance saying “The way he accelerated after that it was great to watch.” Russells return to form couldnt have come at a better time for KKR as they march forward in the tournament.