In one of the most astonishing turnarounds in Indian Premier League (IPL) history, Punjab Kings (PBKS) pulled off a stunning 16-run victory over defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in a low-scoring thriller at Mullanpur during the IPL 2025 season. This match will be remembered for PBKS successfully defending the lowest total ever in IPL history — just 111 runs.
After being bowled out for 111 in 15.3 overs, Punjab’s chances looked bleak. But a sensational bowling performance, led by Yuzvendra Chahal and Marco Jansen, turned the game on its head, as KKR were dismissed for a mere 95 in 15.1 overs. The previous lowest total defended in the IPL was 116/9 by Chennai Super Kings against Punjab in Durban back in 2009.
KKR’s chase got off to a disastrous start, losing both openers with just 7 runs on the board — Quinton de Kock fell for 2, and Sunil Narine for 5. Skipper Ajinkya Rahane and youngster Angkrish Raghuvanshi tried to resurrect the innings with a 55-run stand, but Chahal broke the partnership by removing Rahane for 17.
Raghuvanshi showed promise with a 37-run knock off 28 balls, but once he fell to Chahal, the collapse was inevitable. Glenn Maxwell got rid of Venkatesh Iyer (7), before Chahal returned to trap Rinku Singh (2) stumped, and removed Ramandeep Singh for a golden duck off the very next ball.
KKR’s lower order folded tamely. Harshit Rana, who had earlier impressed with the ball, was bowled with the team teetering at 79/8. Arshdeep Singh then dismissed Vaibhav Arora for a duck, while Andre Russell’s quickfire 17 off 11 was not enough to change the outcome, as Jansen ended the innings with his wicket.
Every Punjab bowler made a telling contribution. Chahal was the star with figures of 4/28, Jansen claimed 3/17, and the trio of Xavier Bartlett, Arshdeep Singh, and Glenn Maxwell chipped in with one wicket apiece.
This incredible win not only lifted Punjab Kings’ morale but also secured their place in IPL folklore with a record-breaking feat.
Earlier in the match, PBKS elected to bat first after winning the toss. Openers Priyansh Arya (22 off 12, 3 fours, 1 six) and Prabhsimran Singh (30 off 15, 2 fours, 3 sixes) gave the team a fiery start with a 39-run opening stand. However, a lethal powerplay spell from Harshit Rana (3/25) and sharp fielding from Ramandeep Singh reduced Punjab to 54/4 by the end of the sixth over. Narine (2/14) and Varun Chakravarthy (2/21) maintained the pressure in the middle overs, bundling PBKS out for just 111.
Points Table Update:
PBKS now sits at the fourth on the table with four wins and two losses (8 points), while KKR drops to sixth with three wins and four losses (6 points).
Brief Scores:
Punjab Kings 111 in 15.3 overs (Prabhsimran Singh 30, Priyansh Arya 22; Harshit Rana 3/25)
Kolkata Knight Riders 95 in 15.1 overs (Angkrish Raghuvanshi 37, Andre Russell 17; Yuzvendra Chahal 4/28)
(With ANI inputs)
