Mullanpur (Punjab) [India]: In a historic showdown during the IPL 2025 season, Punjab Kings (PBKS) pulled off one of the most astonishing victories in league history, defeating reigning champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) by 16 runs in a low-scoring thriller at Mullanpur. PBKS set a new IPL record by successfully defending the lowest total ever in the tournament’s history — just 111 runs.
𝙏𝙃𝙄𝙎. 𝙄𝙎. 𝘾𝙄𝙉𝙀𝙈𝘼 🎬#PBKS have pulled off one of the greatest thrillers in #TATAIPL history 😮
— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) April 15, 2025
Scorecard ▶️ https://t.co/sZtJIQpcbx#PBKSvKKR | @PunjabKingsIPL pic.twitter.com/vYY6rX8TdG
Runs were low. But belief? Sky high 🫡#PBKS script history with the boldest defence ever in #TATAIPL! 💪#PBKSvKKR | @PunjabKingsIPL pic.twitter.com/whS0oXuK23
— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) April 15, 2025
After being bowled out for 111 in only 15.3 overs, PBKS looked all but out of the match. But their bowlers flipped the script in dramatic fashion, with Yuzvendra Chahal and Marco Jansen leading the charge as KKR were dismissed for just 95 in 15.1 overs. The previous record for the lowest total defended in the IPL was 116/9 by Chennai Super Kings against PBKS back in 2009 in Durban.
From the ecstasy of chasing big 🔥
— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) April 15, 2025
To the ecstasy of defending low 🛡️
The battle between these 2️⃣ teams is a rollercoaster you don’t want to miss 🎢#TATAIPL | #PBKSvKKR | @PunjabKingsIPL pic.twitter.com/RPC7Kx5Aa6
KKR’s chase got off to a disastrous start, losing both openers with just 7 runs on the scoreboard. Quinton de Kock managed only 2 runs, while Sunil Narine was dismissed for 5. A 55-run partnership between skipper Ajinkya Rahane and young talent Angkrish Raghuvanshi gave KKR some hope, but Chahal changed the game by removing Rahane for 17.
Relive the epic performance here 🎥🔽 | #TATAIPL | #PBKSvKKRhttps://t.co/nP1jyDyKsA https://t.co/VPoqF82Qzr
— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) April 15, 2025
Raghuvanshi looked solid, scoring 37 off 28 balls, but once Chahal sent him back, KKR’s innings began to collapse. Glenn Maxwell got rid of Venkatesh Iyer for 7, and Chahal returned to dismiss Rinku Singh for 2 via stumping. On the next ball, he struck again, sending Ramandeep Singh back for a golden duck — a turning point in the match.
KKR’s lower order crumbled under pressure. Harshit Rana, who had earlier impressed with a 3-wicket haul, was bowled with the team at 79/8. Vaibhav Arora fell without scoring, outsmarted by Arshdeep Singh. Though Andre Russell tried to fight back with a quick 17 off 11 balls, he was the final wicket to fall, bowled by Jansen.
Every Punjab bowler contributed to the remarkable comeback. Chahal led the way with 4 wickets for 28 runs, Jansen took 3 for 17, while Xavier Bartlett, Arshdeep Singh, and Maxwell each claimed a wicket.
This sensational victory not only gave PBKS a vital boost in the standings but also etched their name into IPL history books.
Earlier in the game, PBKS won the toss and chose to bat first. The opening duo of Priyansh Arya (22 off 12, including three fours and a six) and Prabhsimran Singh (30 off 15, with two fours and three sixes) gave them a strong start with a 39-run partnership. However, a fiery powerplay spell from Harshit Rana (3/25) and sharp fielding by Ramandeep Singh left PBKS at 54/4 by the end of the powerplay. Sunil Narine (2/14) and Varun Chakravarthy (2/21) tightened the screws further, wrapping up the innings at just 111.
Following this win, PBKS now sit in fourth place with four wins and two losses (8 points). KKR are in sixth position with three wins and four defeats (6 points).
Brief Score:
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)