Mullanpur witnessed a captivating display of bowling prowess as Punjab Kings (PBKS) successfully defended a meagre total to clinch a remarkable 16-run victory against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in Match 31 of the IPL 2025 season. Staged at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium, the match saw PBKS bowled out for just 111, only to stage a brilliant fightback led by Yuzvendra Chahal.
Punjab Kings creates history against Kolkata Knight Riders
Opting to bat first after winning the toss, Punjab Kings burst out of the blocks with aggressive intent. Openers Priyansh Arya, smashing 22 from just 12 deliveries, and Prabhsimran Singh, contributing a rapid 30 off 15 balls, forged an electrifying 42-run partnership. This initial onslaught hinted at a substantial total. However, the momentum shifted dramatically when KKR’s Harshit Rana struck twice in the same over, dismissing both Arya and PBKS skipper Shreyas Iyer.
This double blow triggered a precipitous collapse. The experienced spin duo of Varun Chakaravarthy and Sunil Narine capitalized effectively, applying relentless pressure and sharing four wickets between them. Rana continued his impressive spell, finishing with figures of 3 for 25. Amidst the tumbling wickets, only Shashank Singh offered some semblance of resistance with a score of 18, as Punjab Kings were eventually bundled out for 111 in just 15.3 overs.
Facing what seemed like a straightforward chase, Kolkata Knight Riders encountered immediate turbulence. Marco Jansen provided the early breakthrough for PBKS, removing the dangerous Narine. The introduction of Chahal proved decisive. The veteran leg-spinner delivered a masterclass, weaving a web around the KKR middle order and systematically dismantling their chase. Chahal concluded his mesmerizing four-over spell with outstanding figures of 4 for 28.
Despite a valiant effort from Angkrish Raghuvanshi, who top-scored with 37 off 28 balls, and a brief, aggressive cameo of 17 from Andre Russell, KKR failed to build any substantial partnerships. Glenn Maxwell bowled a highly economical spell, conceding only five runs in his two overs while crucially claiming Russell’s wicket. Arshdeep Singh and Xavier Bartlett also chipped in with a wicket each, ensuring the pressure remained consistently high.
The Knight Riders were eventually dismissed for 95 in 15.1 overs, falling 16 runs short of the target in a stunning conclusion. Chahal was deservedly named Player of the Match for his game-changing performance, underscoring his vital role in PBKS’ bowling attack and his reputation as one of the premier spinners in the tournament.
Also READ: IPL 2025 – Fans brutally roast Preity Zinta’s Punjab Kings for their ugly collapse against KKR
Here are reactions of fans:
Preity Zinta reaction after winning match#PreityZinta #ipl #KKRvPBKS pic.twitter.com/qPSwsXWTIL
— Abhishek Sharma♐ (@Abhishe_ksharma) April 15, 2025
Happy Preity Zinta, Happy Me🥰❤️ pic.twitter.com/RbMXj5r16r
— Surya (@MsdianDhfm) April 15, 2025
Preity Zinta’s happiness after the win. ❤️#PreityZinta #PBKSvKKR #IPL2025 #ShreyasIyer pic.twitter.com/UTHmLhZpzS
— SAHIL NAGPAL (@Pavilionpulse) April 15, 2025
Punjab kings Preity Zinta se hug aur parathe khane ke liye ..#PBKSvsKKR#chahal pic.twitter.com/36kfWB6AES
— Abhishek (@Abhishek__0102) April 15, 2025
Happiness by Preity Zinta when Punjab Kings defended the lowest total in IPL History ❤️ pic.twitter.com/HREeKAwMnQ
— Faruk (@uf2151593) April 15, 2025
🚨 SHREYAS IYER DEFENDS THE LOWEST EVER TOTAL IN IPL HISTORY. 🚨
Preity Zinta’s happiness after the win. ❤️#PBKSvKKR #ShreyasIyer #PreityZinta pic.twitter.com/xKWs90dhy2
— 𝐈𝐍𝐃𝐈𝐀𝐍 𝐍𝐀𝐕𝐄𝐄𝐍 (@INDIAN__NAVEEN) April 15, 2025
Happiness by Preity Zinta when Punjab Kings defended the lowest total in IPL History ❤️ pic.twitter.com/l2byn9PW75
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) April 15, 2025
My absolute favourite #IPL sight is a jubilant Preity Zinta. Go Kings go.
— Raja Sen (@RajaSen) April 15, 2025
preity zinta so happy after pbks win 🥺🤍 pic.twitter.com/i9wyAHZWrs
— 𐙚 (@sleepyxoxoheads) April 15, 2025
THE HAPPINESS OF PREITY ZINTA WHEN PUNJAB KINGS WON THE MATCH. pic.twitter.com/ZPUE0nRQFp
— Tanuj (@ImTanujSingh) April 15, 2025
Punjab Kings owner Preity Zinta ma’am is VERY happy 😊
Punjab Kings won the match. They defended just 111 runs.
What a brilliant match.😊😊 pic.twitter.com/lNcdoXx4PR
— Govind Muniya (@govindmuniya24) April 15, 2025
Also WATCH: Ramandeep Singh takes a stunning catch to dismiss Shreyas Iyer for a duck – IPL 2025, PBKS vs KKR
