PBKS won by 16 Runs against KKR
- PBKS 111 in 20 overs
- KKR 95 in 15.1overs
PLAYER OF THE MATCH
Yuzvendra Chahal (PBKS) – 4 wickets for 28 runs
In a historic encounter at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium on April 15, 2025, the Punjab Kings (PBKS) achieved a remarkable 16-run victory over the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), successfully defending a total of just 111 runs—the lowest ever defended in IPL history.
PBKS Innings: A Tumultuous Start
Opting to bat first, PBKS faced a challenging start, losing wickets at regular intervals. Prabhsimran Singh top-scored with a quick 30 off 15 balls, while Priyansh Arya contributed 22 runs. KKR’s bowling attack, led by Harshit Rana (3/25), Sunil Narine (2/14), and Varun Chakaravarthy (2/21), dismantled PBKS’s batting lineup, restricting them to a modest total of 111.
KKR Innings: A Collapse Under Pressure
Chasing a seemingly achievable target, KKR’s innings unraveled dramatically. Early wickets of Sunil Narine and Quinton de Kock set the tone for a collapse. Despite Angkrish Raghuvanshi’s 37-run effort, KKR lost eight wickets for just 33 runs, culminating in a total of 95. Yuzvendra Chahal’s exceptional spell of 4/28 and Marco Jansen’s 3/17 were instrumental in PBKS’s defense.
Turning Points:
- Chahal’s Game-Changing Spell: His four wickets dismantled KKR’s middle order, shifting momentum in PBKS’s favor.
- Early KKR Wickets: The dismissals of Narine and de Kock in quick succession set the stage for a collapse.
- PBKS’s Bowling Discipline: Consistent pressure and strategic bowling changes kept KKR’s batsmen in check.
Conclusion:
PBKS’s victory not only ended their losing streak but also set a new benchmark for the lowest total defended in IPL history. The match highlighted the unpredictable nature of T20 cricket and the impact of disciplined bowling. KKR, despite a strong bowling performance, will need to reassess their batting strategies moving forward.