Punjab Kings Script Historic Win with Lowest Total Defence in IPL History
It was a nail-gnawing IPL 2025 encounter in Mullanpur, Chandigarh, with Punjab Kings masterminding an incredible 16-run victory against Kolkata Knight Riders, defending a record-low total in IPL. Skipper Shreyas Iyer's team was bowled out for a meager 111 in only 15.3 overs, but Punjab scripted a stunning turn-around, skittling out KKR for 95 in 15.1 overs.
Defending a humble target, Punjab's bowlers opened up early. Xavier Bartlett got rid of Quinton de Kock in the first over, and Marco Jansen removed Sunil Narine in the second. KKR tried to make a comeback through Angkrish Raghuvanshi (37 from 28) and Ajinkya Rahane (17 from 17), adding 55 runs for the third wicket. But the momentum changed when Yuzvendra Chahal got Rahane LBW though the decision was not reviewed, replays later confirmed the impact was outside the line.
Chahal's breakthrough proved to be the opening of floodgates. He sent back Raghuvanshi immediately after and resumed his demolition show by scalping two more wickets. Glenn Maxwell added one crucial dismissal, while Marco Jansen knocked out Harshit Rana's stumps, taking KKR down to 79/8. Andre Russell tried a late recovery but got out for 17 off 11, deciding the fate of Kolkata. Chahal ended up with impressive returns of 4 wickets, while Jansen took three.
Punjab's innings, which began promisingly, fell apart quickly earlier. Bade to bat first, Priyansh Arya made 22 off 12 with three fours and one six before being dismissed by Harshit Rana and Iyer (0) in the fourth over. Season debutant Josh Inglis didn't even get going, scoring just 2 off 6, which he fell to for a Varun Chakaravarthy delivery. The carnage went on with Nehal Wadhera (10) getting bowled by Anrich Nortje, and Impact Substitute Suryansh Shedge scoring only 4 before Sunil Narine returned him. Maxwell (7) and Jansen (1) also got out cheaply as KKR's spinners Chakaravarthy and Narine divided four wickets.
In spite of the collapse in batting, Punjab's bowlers proved to be gutsy to record a remarkable win, demonstrating grit, determination, and clinical accuracy. Not only does this keep their playoff aspirations alive but also puts their name in the IPL record books for defending the lowest-ever total in the history of the tournament.
