In the 31st match of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025, Punjab Kings (PBKS) defeated Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) by 16 runs at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Mohali.
PBKS won the toss and elected to bat first, but their decision appeared to backfire as they were bowled out for 111 in 15.3 overs. The innings began promisingly, with Priyansh Arya (22) and Prabhsimran Singh (30) both striking at 180. However, the momentum faded swiftly as wickets fell in clumps, exposing a vulnerable middle order. Tactical errors exacerbated the situation, beginning with Marcus Stoinis‘ unexpected omission from the XI. The choice to employ Suryansh Shedge as the impact player before even Shashank Singh came out to bat.
Chasing a modest target of 112, the reigning champions got off to a rocky start, losing two early wickets. Skipper Ajinkya Rahane (17) and Angkrish Raghuvanshi (37) anchored the innings with a calm 55-run stand during the powerplay. But just when it appeared that the chase was under control, the tide shifted dramatically. The PBKS bowlers, inspired by a magnificent performance from Yuzvendra Chahal, caused a startling collapse. From a comfortable 62/3, KKR crumbled under pressure and were bowled out for 95.
While defending, Chahal was at his ultimate best as he grabbed four wickets and had an economy rate of just 7. Marco Jansen also scalped three wickets, while one wicket each was also taken by Xavier Bartlett, Arshdeep Singh and Glenn Maxwell.
For KKR with the ball, Harshit Rana bagged three wickets in his opening spell, while spin twins Sunil Narine and Varun Chakaravarthy got one wicket each. Vaibhav Arora and Anrich Nortje also managed to claim one wicket each.
After not being able to defend 245 in the last game, PBKS today recorded the lowest score ever in the IPL. With this win, PBKS now have eight points and are fourth in the points tally.
Scorecard:
Punjab Kings: 111/10, Overs 15.3, Prabhsimran Singh 30, Harshit Rana 3/25
Kolkata Knight Riders: 95/10, Overs 15.1, Angkrish Raghuvanshi 37, Yuzvendra Chahal 4/28