KKN Gurugram Desk | In a dramatic showdown at their home ground, Punjab Kings (PBKS) stunned fans and critics alike by defending a modest score of 111 runs against the star-studded Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). The low-scoring IPL 2025 encounter turned into a bowling masterclass, led by none other than Yuzvendra Chahal, who was rightfully declared the Player of the Match for his game-changing spell.
Punjab were bowled out for 111 in just 15.3 overs, and yet managed to restrict KKR to a mere 95, pulling off a 16-run victory that may go down as one of the most improbable defenses in IPL history.
| Team | Score | Overs |
|---|---|---|
| PBKS | 111 (All out) | 15.3 overs |
| KKR | 95 (All out) | 17.4 overs |
| Result | PBKS won by 16 runs |
Chahal’s performance wasn’t just clinical—it was tactically brilliant. His bowling figures of 4 wickets for 28 runs in 4 overs not only halted KKR’s momentum but also underlined his reputation as one of IPL’s deadliest spinners.
“The pitch wasn’t easy for batting, and I knew early that if I kept a tight line and bowled variations, they’d make mistakes,” Chahal said during the post-match presentation. “This is my first Player of the Match award for Punjab Kings, and it feels amazing.”
PBKS opted to bat first but faced a horror start, losing wickets in quick succession. Despite a few moments of resistance, they collapsed for just 111. With most batters failing to score big, Shikhar Dhawan’s 26 off 19 remained the highest score in the innings.
KKR, chasing what seemed like an easy target, never got going. Punjab bowlers kept applying pressure from both ends. As Chahal entered the attack, wickets began to fall in clusters. He picked key scalps including Venkatesh Iyer, Nitish Rana, and Andre Russell, ripping through KKR’s middle order.
This match wasn’t just about the win—it was a historic day for Chahal. With this performance, he equaled Sunil Narine’s record of eight 4-wicket hauls in the IPL, becoming the joint-most 4+ wicket-taker in the league’s history.
| Bowler | 4+ Wicket Hauls |
|---|---|
| Yuzvendra Chahal | 8 |
| Sunil Narine | 8 |
| Lasith Malinga | 7 |
| Kagiso Rabada | 6 |
| Amit Mishra | 5 |
Remarkably, this was the third time Chahal took 4 or more wickets against KKR—more than any bowler has ever done against a single IPL team. His uncanny ability to break partnerships at key moments has made him a nemesis for Kolkata over the years.
After the match, a visibly elated Chahal credited the win to team effort.
“Everyone backed each other. The conditions were tricky, and our powerplay bowling gave us the edge. Once I saw the ball gripping and turning, I knew I had to attack. I’m really proud of how we executed the plans,” he said.
Head coach Trevor Bayliss also praised Chahal, calling him “the match-winner we needed when it mattered most.”
Though PBKS’s batting let them down, the bowling unit stood tall. Alongside Chahal, the likes of Arshdeep Singh, Kagiso Rabada, and Rahul Chahar maintained pressure, never allowing KKR batters to settle.
This victory gives Punjab Kings a crucial boost in the points table and reaffirms their ability to defend even below-par totals. With the tournament progressing, momentum and belief are just as important as skill—and PBKS showed both.
Fans flooded social media with praise for Chahal’s spell. Radio jockey RJ Mahvash even dedicated a heartfelt post on Instagram, celebrating PBKS’s fightback and Chahal’s brilliance.
“It’s not just about winning, it’s about how you win. And today, PBKS won hearts,” she wrote.
With this morale-boosting win, all eyes will be on Punjab’s upcoming fixtures. If Chahal continues this form, PBKS might just emerge as dark horses in IPL 2025.
In a tournament known for explosive batting and high-scoring thrillers, this match proved once again that bowling wins matches—especially when a master like Yuzvendra Chahal is in the attack. As PBKS turns the tide in IPL 2025, this win could mark a turning point in their campaign.
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