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KKR Spinners Outclass DC in IPL 2025 Spin Battle
In a thrilling contest between two spin-heavy lineups, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) spinners outwitted their Delhi Capitals (DC) counterparts to register a vital win in Match 48 of IPL 2025. The game was a tactical spin battle, and KKR held their nerve to dominate the crucial phases.
Fan Poll Sets the Stage
Midway through the match, a poll on the official IPL site asked fans to vote for the better spin attack—KKR or DC. At the innings break, it was tied 50-50. By the end of the match, KKR edged ahead 51-49, both in the poll and on the field.
Anukul Roy’s Impressive Comeback
Anukul Roy, playing his first match of the season, made an instant impact. Despite being hit for boundaries at the start of both his overs, he conceded just 15 runs in the Powerplay and dismissed Abhishek Porel with a sharp arm ball. He also kept Du Plessis quiet, allowing only singles across 11 balls.
KKR vs DC – Spin Bowling Comparison
| Team | Overs | Wickets | Economy Rate | 4s/6s Conceded |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| KKR | 12 | 6 | 7.91 | 7/5 |
| DC | 11 | 4 | 8.63 | 8/3 |
KKR’s spinners were not only more effective with the ball but also applied scoreboard pressure with tighter lines and lengths.
Length-Based Analysis – Key Differences
KKR spinners focused on shorter lengths:
- 76% of KKR deliveries were under 5 meters – resulting in 5 wickets at just 7.5 RPO
- DC bowled only 61% in that length range, took no wickets, and went at 8.29 RPO
This tactical edge in length selection proved crucial.
Sunil Narine: Master of Control
Narine once again showed why he’s a T20 great. After being hit early, he adjusted his lengths smartly:
- Axar Patel: Fell to a short ball caught at extra cover
- Stubbs: Clean bowled with a fuller, turning delivery
- Du Plessis: Cramped for room, tried to slog and lost his stumps
Narine finished with 3/29, a match-defining spell.
Varun Bounces Back
Varun Chakravarthy had a rough start but made a comeback:
- Conceded 31 in his first 3 overs
- Took 2 wickets by slowing down and hitting shorter lengths
- All wickets came off deliveries under 100 kph
His adaptability in the final over helped seal the win.
Collapse That Sealed the Game
DC were cruising at 136/3 with Axar and Du Plessis set. But then came the spin choke:
- DC collapsed to 160/8
- KKR spinners took 5 of those 5 wickets
- Tactical spin bowling flipped the game
Conclusion: Spin Wins You Matches
This match was a reminder that smart spin bowling wins T20 games. KKR’s trio of Narine, Varun, and Anukul outthought and outperformed DC’s spin unit to secure two crucial points in their playoff quest.
