April 15, 2025, Mullanpur, Chandigarh-The PBKS vs KKR match during IPL 2025 in Mullanpur saw both teams, along with their fans, being taken through an emotional roller coaster. Punjab Kings (PBKS) created history by securing an unbelievable win through defending the smallest total in the history of IPL, but even Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) saw their dose of brilliance combined with heartbreak. The PBKS vs KKR match will remain in everyone’s hearts for drama, records, as well as T20 cricket’s nature of being unpredictable.
PBKS vs KKR: Punjab Kings’ Batting Collapse
Pbks vs KKR started with Punjab Kings opting to bat after tossing. Prabhsimran Singh along with Priyansh Arya provided PBKS with an initial advantage by scoring 39 in three overs. The PBKS batsmen lost their footing with KKR bowlers, particularly with Harshit Rana, asserting dominance. Rana took three wickets for merely 25 runs, with Varun Chakaravarthy and Sunil Narine taking two wickets each. PBKS batsmen collapsed under pressure by losing their wickets at intermittent intervals.
Although with a good start, PBKS failed to establish any huge partnerships. Prabhsimran Singh hit 30, which was the biggest, but other batsmen did not even touch 20. PBKS lost all their wickets to be bowled out for just 111 in 15.3 overs. The PBKS vs KKR match completely belonged to KKR at this point.
KKR’s Chase Falters in PBKS vs KKR Thriller
With a modest target in mind of 112, KKR started their innings with confidence. The openers gave KKR a good start, with KKR moving along at one point to 62 for 2. KKR’s dream partnership then ensued by way of Ajinkya Rahane and Angkrish Raghuvanshi, with Raghuvanshi being KKR’s highest scoring batsman with 37.
The PBKS vs KKR match seemed to be sailing along to an easy KKR win. The game changed in PBKS’s direction with Yuzvendra Chahal’s arrival in attack. Chahal bowled with brilliance, dismissing Rahane, Raghuvanshi, Rinku Singh, and Ramandeep Singh. His spell of four dismissals triggered a KKR batting order’s collapse.
KKR lost eight of their wickets in just 33 off 62 for 2 and were bowled out for 95 off 15.1 overs. Russell tried to respond with two sixes and four against Chahal, but harm had already happened. KKR’s lower-order batsmen were brushed aside by Marco Jansen and Arshdeep Singh with ease to give PBKS an iconic win. PBKS vs KKR came down to being a low-scoring thriller with Chahal’s spell being the decider.
PBKS vs KKR: Match Summary Table
| Team | Innings Score | Top Bowler (Wickets) | Top Batter (Runs) | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PBKS | 111 (15.3) | Y. Chahal (4/28) | P. Singh (30) | Won by 16 runs |
| KKR | 95 (15.1) | H. Rana (3/25) | A. Raghuvanshi (37) | Lost |
PBKS vs KKR: What Went Wrong for KKR?
This became a two-halves affair for the Kolkata Knight Riders. Their bowlers gave PBKS a task of scoring under. Harshit Rana took three wickets to lead their attack, with Chakaravarthy and Narine tightening screws. KKR’s fielding aced whenever opportunity presented itself. KKR looked destined to achieve an easy win.
| Team | Matches Played | Wins | Losses | Highest Score | Lowest Score | Current Position |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PBKS | 6 | 4 | 2 | 262 | 111 | 4th |
| KKR | 7 | 3 | 4 | 238 | 95 | 6th |
However, KKR’s second-half order couldn’t handle pressure. The lower order folded in front of spin from Chahal after seeing off a good start. Important batsmen like Rinku Singh and Ramandeep Singh got out cheaply, even veteran Andre Russell couldn’t help. The PBKS vs KKR matchup exposed KKR’s vulnerability to quality spin bowling under pressure.
Conclusion
PBKS vs KKK was just the perfect example of how cricket is also considered to be a game of uncertainties. Punjab Kings, due to Chahal’s brilliance, successfully defended a paltry total and scripted a historical victory saga. Kolkata Knight Riders will be disappointed to have lost from a position of strength but will look to get their footing in their next match. The PBKS vs KKR match will be remembered in history as one of league’s most thrilling as well as unpredictable matches.
Also Read: Dhoni’s Masterstroke Shines in LSG vs CSK Clash: Can CSK Still Make to the Playoffs?
Comments 1