New Delhi, April 17 – Punjab Kings (PBKS) etched their name in Indian Premier League (IPL) history with a remarkable 16-run win over Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at the New PCA Stadium in New Chandigarh. Defending a mere 111 runs, Punjab registered the lowest-ever successful defense in IPL history.
The bowlers rose to the occasion, with leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal delivering a match-winning performance by claiming four vital wickets and dismantling the KKR batting line-up. His brilliance helped Punjab bowl out Kolkata for just 95 runs.
In a post-match dressing room talk, head coach Ricky Ponting lauded Chahal’s performance. “I want to praise all the bowlers who were outstanding. But the little bloke sitting down here was tremendous,” Ponting said, pointing at Chahal. “We challenged you to get back to bowling like you – and tonight, you did just that.”
Chahal, who was named Player of the Match, emphasized the collective effort behind the win. “It is a team effort. We knew early wickets in the powerplay would be key. Even though I went for 56 in the last game, I backed myself today and varied my pace. If they want to hit, let them work for it,” he said.
Punjab’s batting faltered after electing to bat, with the team bundled out for 111. However, spurred on by a passionate home crowd, the bowlers turned the game around. Marco Jansen impressed with 3/17, while Arshdeep Singh maintained pressure with a miserly spell of 1/11.
Ponting was full of praise for both pacers. “Marco started brilliantly with the ball, and the plan to bowl him against Sunil Narine paid off,” he noted. “Arshdeep, even without the new ball, showed leadership and maturity. That attitude is what we want from this team.”
With four wins from six games, PBKS now sits at fourth on the IPL table. Ponting, however, urged the team to remain grounded. “Let’s not get carried away. This win sets a standard. We must understand what it takes to win hard-fought games and keep that belief alive.”