India, March 22 -- Ajinkya Rahane led Kolkata Knight Riders from the front with the bat in the season opener as he scored a blistering half-century against Royal Challengers Bengaluru at Eden Gardens. The visitors, who tasted early success in the first over by dismissing Quinton de Kock, faced the wrath of Rahane and Sunil Narine for the next nine overs in the innings.

The defending champions were asked to bat first after Rajat Patidar won the toss and elected to bowl first in the first match of the season after a glittery opening ceremony.

De Kock failed to get going and was dismissed for just four by Josh Hazlewood in the first over, which brought Rahane in the middle. The newly appointed captain took a couple of deliveries to get use...