PBKS vs KKR Thriller – Punjab Kings Make History with Record Low-Score Defense
PBKS Stun KKR in a Record-Breaking Low-Scoring Thriller: IPL image @BCCI
On April 15, 2025, the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur, Chandigarh, witnessed an unforgettable IPL 2025 encounter. In the 31st match of the season, Punjab Kings (PBKS) pulled off a jaw-dropping 16-run victory against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), etching their name in the record books. Defending a modest total of 111 runs, Punjab bowled out KKR for just 95, achieving the lowest successful defense in IPL history. This nail-biting match was a rollercoaster of emotions, filled with dramatic moments and standout performances. Let’s dive into the highlights, key moments, and fascinating facts from this historic clash.
Toss and Punjab’s Batting: A Promising Start Fades Quickly
Punjab Kings’ captain Shreyas Iyer won the toss and opted to bat first, a decision that initially seemed promising. Openers Prabhsimran Singh and Priyansh Arya came out swinging, stitching together a brisk 39-run partnership in just 3.1 overs. Priyansh Arya played a fiery knock of 22 runs off 12 balls, smashing three boundaries, while Prabhsimran Singh contributed a solid 30.
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However, the tide turned in the fourth when KKR’s pacer Harshit Rana struck twice quickly. He dismissed Priyansh Arya and followed it up by sending captain Shreyas Iyer back for a golden duck, leaving PBKS reeling. Varun Chakravarthy added to Punjab’s woes by trapping Josh Inglis (2) in front, reducing them to 42/3. By the end of the powerplay, Punjab was 54/4, struggling to find momentum.
The middle order crumbled under pressure. Glenn Maxwell (7), Nehal Wadhera (10), and Suryansh Shedge (4) fell cheaply, unable to stabilize the innings. Shashank Singh fought valiantly with a gritty 18, and Xavier Bartlett chipped in with 11, but KKR’s bowlers kept the screws tight. Harshit Rana led the charge with 3/25, supported by Varun Chakravarthy (2/21) and Sunil Narine (2/14). Punjab’s innings folded for 111 in 15.3 overs, marking the second-lowest total of IPL 2025.
KKR’s Chase: Early Stumbles and a Brief Recovery
Chasing a seemingly manageable 112, KKR’s innings got off to a shaky start. Openers Sunil Narine (5) and Quinton de Kock (2) were dismissed early, leaving them at 7/2. However, Ajinkya Rahane (17) and Angkrish Raghuvanshi (37) steadied the ship with a crucial 55-run stand for the third wicket. By the seventh over, KKR were 60/2, looking comfortably placed to chase down the target.
Yuzvendra Chahal’s Magic: The Game-Changer
The match’s defining moment came when Punjab unleashed Yuzvendra Chahal in the eighth over. Chahal, who had been relatively quiet this season, turned the game on its head with a mesmerizing spell. In his first three overs, he scalped four crucial wickets—Ajinkya Rahane, Angkrish Raghuvanshi, Rinku Singh, and Ramandeep Singh—leaving KKR shell-shocked. Finishing with figures of 4/28, Chahal single-handedly dismantled KKR’s batting, reducing them from 62/2 to 79/8.
Chahal’s clever variations and deceptive spin were too much for KKR’s batters. His dismissal of Rinku Singh (2) via a sharp stumping and Ramandeep Singh (0) on consecutive deliveries sent the Mullanpur crowd into a frenzy. The energy in the stadium was electric as Punjab sensed an improbable victory.
Andre Russell’s Late Surge: A Glimmer of Hope
With KKR’s hopes fading, Andre Russell stepped up to keep them in the fight. In Chahal’s final over, Russell smashed 16 runs, including two massive sixes and a four, reigniting KKR’s chances. Needing just 17 runs off the last 36 balls with Russell at the crease, KKR dared to dream. But Punjab’s bowlers refused to back down. Arshdeep Singh struck a crucial blow by dismissing Vaibhav Arora (0), and Marco Jansen sealed the deal in the 15.1st over by clean-bowling Russell (17). KKR were bundled out for 95, handing Punjab a historic win.
A Record-Breaking Triumph
Punjab Kings etched their name in IPL folklore by defending the lowest total ever in the tournament’s history—111 runs. This surpassed the previous record set by Chennai Super Kings, who defended 116/9 in 2009. The victory was especially sweet for Punjab, who had failed to defend a massive 245 against Sunrisers Hyderabad in their previous match. This win propelled PBKS to fourth place on the points table, boosting their playoff hopes.
Scoreboard
| Team | Score | Overs | Top Scorers | Key Bowlers |
| Punjab Kings | 111/10 | 15.3 | Prabhsimran Singh (30), Priyansh Arya (22) | Yuzvendra Chahal (4/28), Marco Jansen (3/17) |
| Kolkata Knight Riders | 95/10 | 15.1 | Angkrish Raghuvanshi (37), Andre Russell (17) | Harshit Rana (3/25), Varun Chakravarthy (2/21) |
Player of the Match: Yuzvendra Chahal (PBKS) for his match-defining 4/28, which turned the game in Punjab’s favor.
Key Performers
- Yuzvendra Chahal (PBKS): The undisputed star, Chahal’s 4/28 was a masterclass in spin bowling, dismantling KKR’s middle order.
- Marco Jansen (PBKS): Jansen’s 3/17, including the crucial wicket of Andre Russell, was instrumental in sealing the victory.
- Harshit Rana (KKR): Rana’s 3/25 gave KKR early breakthroughs, setting the tone for their bowling effort.
- Angkrish Raghuvanshi (KKR): His 37 was KKR’s highest score, offering a glimmer of hope in the chase.
Pitch and Conditions
The Mullanpur pitch had been a batting paradise this season, with an average first-innings score of 176. However, in this match, it offered assistance to both pacers and spinners. Early seam movement troubled the batters, while spinners found grip and turn in the middle overs, making it a challenging surface for strokeplay.
Unforgettable Moments
- Harshit Rana’s Double Blow: In the fourth over, Rana removed Priyansh Arya and Shreyas Iyer in quick succession, swinging the momentum in KKR’s favor.
- Chahal’s Spin Wizardry: Chahal’s seventh-over dismissal of Rahane broke KKR’s partnership, and his rapid wickets thereafter shifted the game decisively.
- Russell’s Explosive Cameo: Russell’s 16-run onslaught in Chahal’s final over brought KKR tantalizingly close, only for Punjab to hold their nerve.
- Arshdeep’s Tactical Brilliance: Arshdeep’s barrage of short balls to Vaibhav Arora culminated in a crucial wicket, paving the way for Punjab’s triumph.
Final Thoughts
The PBKS vs KKR clash will go down as one of IPL 2025’s most iconic matches. Punjab Kings showcased their bowling prowess and proved that no target is too small to defend in T20 cricket. Yuzvendra Chahal’s spell was the heartbeat of this victory, backed by Marco Jansen’s ice-cool finishing. For KKR, this defeat was a reminder that complacency has no place in the IPL’s high-stakes arena.
This win has injected fresh confidence into Punjab Kings as they aim to carry this momentum forward. For cricket fans, this match was a thrilling reminder of why the IPL remains the world’s most unpredictable T20 league—every ball can change the story.
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