IPL 2025: PBKS Makes History Defending Lowest Total of 111 vs KKR in Record-Breaking Clash
Player of the Match
On the night of April 15, 2025, the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur witnessed a spectacle that etched a new chapter in the Indian Premier League (IPL) history. Punjab Kings (PBKS) pulled off an extraordinary feat by defending a paltry total of 111 runs against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), setting a new record for the lowest score ever defended in the IPL. This nail-biting encounter wasn’t just a treat for cricket fans but also a testament to the unpredictable thrill of T20 cricket. In this blog, we’ll dive deep into the details of this historic victory, explore the lowest defended totals in IPL history, and highlight what made this match unforgettable.
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IPL 2025 PBKS vs KKR: A Match for the Ages
In the 31st match of IPL 2025, PBKS won the toss and opted to bat first. The innings started brightly, with openers Prabhsimran Singh (30 off 15 balls) and Priyansh Arya (22 off 12 balls) stitching together a quick 39 runs in just 3.1 overs. However, the momentum fizzled out as PBKS’s batting collapsed like a house of cards. KKR’s bowlers, led by Harshit Rana (3/25), Varun Chakravarthy (2/21), and Sunil Narine (2/14), ran through the PBKS lineup, bundling them out for a mere 111 in 15.3 overs. At that point, defending such a low total in a T20 game seemed like a pipe dream.
But PBKS’s bowlers had other plans. KKR’s chase got off to a shaky start, with Marco Jansen striking in the very first over to dismiss Sunil Narine (5). Debutant Xavier Bartlett followed suit, sending Quinton de Kock (2) back to the pavilion. Angkrish Raghuvanshi (37) and Ajinkya Rahane (17) tried to steady the ship with a 55-run partnership, but the game turned on its head when Yuzvendra Chahal (4/28) unleashed his magic. Chahal dismantled KKR’s middle order, removing Rahane, Raghuvanshi, Rinku Singh, and Ramandeep Singh in quick succession. Marco Jansen (3/17) sealed the deal by bowling out Andre Russell (17), handing PBKS a stunning 16-run victory as KKR crumbled to 95 in 15.1 overs.
This triumph was monumental because PBKS broke the IPL record for defending the lowest total, surpassing Chennai Super Kings’ (CSK) record of defending 116/9 against Kings XI Punjab (now PBKS) in 2009.
Lowest Defended Totals in IPL History
PBKS’s heroics rewrote the IPL record books. Let’s take a look at the lowest totals successfully defended in the IPL (in full 20-over matches, excluding rain-affected games):
- 111 – PBKS vs KKR, Mullanpur, 2025
PBKS created history by defending 111 against KKR, bowling them out for 95. Yuzvendra Chahal and Marco Jansen’s stellar performances were the backbone of this victory. - 116/9 – CSK vs Kings XI Punjab, Durban, 2009
CSK posted 116/9 and restricted Kings XI Punjab to 92/8, winning by 24 runs. This was the lowest defended total at the time. - 118 – Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) vs Mumbai Indians (MI), Mumbai, 2018
SRH defended 118, skittling MI for 87. Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s fiery spell was the game-changer. - 119/8 – Kings XI Punjab vs Mumbai Indians, Durban, 2009
Kings XI Punjab defended 119/8, edging out MI by 8 runs in a thrilling finish. - 119/8 – SRH vs Pune Warriors India, Pune, 2013
SRH held their nerve to defend 119/8, beating Pune Warriors by 11 runs.
These numbers highlight how rare and challenging it is to defend such low totals in T20 cricket. PBKS’s defense of 111 runs now tops this elite list, proving that with the right strategy and execution, no target is too small.
Key Factors Behind PBKS’s Victory
Several elements came together to make this historic win possible for PBKS:
- Yuzvendra Chahal’s Spin Wizardry: After a rocky start to the season, Chahal found his rhythm in this match. His 4/28 spell ripped through KKR’s batting, turning the game in PBKS’s favor.
- Marco Jansen’s Precision: Jansen set the tone early with Narine’s wicket and closed the game by dismissing Russell. His 3/17 was a match-defining effort.
- Team Resilience: Defending 111 seemed like a lost cause, but PBKS refused to give up. Captain Shreyas Iyer and coach Ricky Ponting rallied the team, with Ponting later calling it the greatest win of his IPL coaching career.
- Pitch Assistance: The Mullanpur pitch offered help to bowlers, especially spinners. Chahal exploited the conditions masterfully to keep KKR under pressure.
The PBKS-KKR Rivalry: A Record-Breaking Saga
This wasn’t the first time PBKS and KKR produced a record-breaking clash. In 2024, PBKS chased down a mammoth 262 against KKR, setting the record for the highest successful T20 chase. Now, in 2025, they’ve added the lowest defended total to their list of achievements against KKR. Matches between these two teams always seem to deliver something extraordinary.
Wrapping Up
PBKS’s defense of 111 runs against KKR in IPL 2025 is a moment that will be cherished by fans for years to come. This victory not only propelled PBKS to fourth place in the points table but also underscored the beauty of cricket—where no challenge is too big, and no total is too small. Yuzvendra Chahal and Marco Jansen proved that a well-executed plan can change the course of any game. This record for defending the lowest total in IPL history is a badge of honor for PBKS.
Did you catch this thrilling match? Drop a comment and let us know what you loved most about PBKS’s epic win!