Former Australian all rounder Shane Watson was left awestruck by Quinton de Kock’s breathtaking performance in Match 6 of the Indian Premier League 2025 (IPL 2025). De Kock played a sensational knock of 97 off just 61 balls, guiding the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to their first win of the season. His explosive innings, laced with eight fours and six towering sixes, left fans and experts alike marveling at his vintage brilliance.

De Kock’s Knock Seals Victory for KKR

Chasing a modest target of 152, KKR made light work of the chase, wrapping it up in just 17.3 overs with eight wickets to spare. The match was a showcase of pure dominance by de Kock, who single-handedly dismantled Rajasthan Royals’ bowling attack. His unbeaten 97 ensured that KKR cruised to victory without any hiccups.

Watson, who has seen countless T20 masterclasses, couldn’t stop praising de Kock. He said, “It was definitely a comfortable chase, and Quinton de Kock was simply outstanding tonight. That was vintage Quinton de Kock the kind of brilliance we’ve seen over the last 10 to 15 years, whether in the IPL or on the international stage.”

Q for Quality, Q for Quinton 👌👌

A sensational unbeaten 9⃣7⃣ runs to seal the deal ✅

Scorecard ▶ https://t.co/lGpYvw87IR#TATAIPL | #RRvKKR | @KKRiders pic.twitter.com/kbjY1vbjNL

— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) March 26, 2025

The Highlight: A Stunning Pull Shot Against Jofra Archer

One that particularly caught Watson’s attention was de Kock’s pull shot off Jofra Archer. Watson described it as a moment of pure genius, saying, “That pull shot he played off Jofra Archer over mid wicket my goodness it was a testament to the sublime form he’s in.”

This shot not only highlighted de Kock’s skill but also his fearless approach at the crease. It was a reminder of why he remains one of the most destructive openers in T20 cricket.

A Confidence Boosting Win for KKR

Watson emphasized how crucial this performance was for KKR. He added, “This performance will give KKR tremendous confidence, knowing they have such explosive firepower in their middle order. It’s a significant confidence boosting win for KKR tonight.”

With de Kock in such scintillating form, KKR now looks like a formidable contender in IPL 2025. His ability to take the game away from the opposition in a matter of overs makes him a key asset for the team.

Moeen Ali Steps Up After Sunil Narine’s Injury

Meanwhile, KKR had to make a change to their lineup as star all rounder Sunil Narine was ruled out due to an injury. In his place, Moeen Ali stepped up and delivered a match winning performance. The off-spinner bowled with precision, picking up 2/23 in four overs.

Moeen was well-supported by Varun Chakravarthy, who also shone with figures of 2/17 in four overs. Together, they restricted Rajasthan Royals to a below-par total of 151/9 in their 20 overs. Only Dhruv Jurel showed some resistance for RR, scoring a gritty 33 off 28 balls, but it wasn’t enough to challenge KKR’s dominance.

What’s Next for KKR?

KKR will now face the Mumbai Indians (MI) on Monday, March 31, at the iconic Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. With momentum on their side, KKR will be eager to continue their winning streak. Fans can expect another thrilling contest as MI is known for their strong home performances.

Final Thoughts

Quinton de Kock’s match winning knock against Rajasthan Royals was a throwback to his best days in T20 cricket. His explosive batting not only secured a crucial win for KKR but also served as a reminder of his unmatched talent. Shane Watson’s admiration for de Kock’s performance speaks volumes about the impact he had on the game.

As IPL 2025 progresses, all eyes will be on de Kock and KKR to see if they can maintain this level of excellence. Will de Kock continue his stellar form? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

Stay tuned for more updates and thrilling moments from IPL 2025!