IPL 2025 Thriller: Punjab Kings Defend Lowest Total in IPL 2025 to Beat KKR by 16 Runs

Ajinkya Rahane takes responsibility as KKR falter chasing 112; Ricky Ponting calls it his greatest IPL win as coach

Chandigarh, April 16, 2025: In one of the most dramatic IPL moments, Punjab Kings defended the lowest total in IPL 2025 history, beating Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) by 16 runs. The match, which had everything from a dismal batting performance to a miraculous bowling turnaround, will be remembered for years to come.

Key Match Stats

• Punjab Kings: 111 all out (15.5 overs)
• Kolkata Knight Riders: 95 all out (16.3 overs)
• Yuzvendra Chahal: 4/28 (4 overs)
• Marco Jansen: 3/17 (3.3 overs)
• Prabhsimran Singh: 30 (15 balls)
• Win probability for PBKS at halfway: 2%

Punjab Collapse, Then Fight Back

Punjab Kings won the toss and chose to bat first. However, their innings crumbled quickly. They were all out for just 111 runs in 15.5 overs. Prabhsimran Singh was the only batter to make a notable contribution, scoring 30 off 15 balls.

KKR bowlers dominated early. Harshit Rana took 3 for 25. Sunil Narine and Varun Chakravarthy each picked up two wickets, helping dismiss Punjab cheaply.

Despite the low score, Punjab never gave up. Their bowlers took the field with renewed intensity

Chahal and Jansen Turn the Match Around

KKR made a strong start in their chase. They scored 55 runs in the powerplay and lost just two wickets. At that point, Punjab’s chances of winning stood at only 2%.

However, Yuzvendra Chahal changed everything. He took two wickets in one over and ended with figures of 4/28. His spell halted KKR’s momentum completely. Meanwhile, Marco Jansen provided vital support, grabbing 3/17 and cleaning up the tail.

Captain Shreyas Iyer praised the team effort:

“It is hard to express in words. I was just backing my instincts. I saw the ball turn a bit, asked Yuzi to control his breathing. We needed to be attacking and the right players were in the right places. It is tough to talk right now and such wins make it special.”

He added:

“It is important we stay humble and not get over-hyped. We need to carry the positives and execute from ball one in the next game.”

Head coach Ricky Ponting couldn’t contain his excitement after the game:

“The heart rate is still up there. I’m 50 years now and don’t need more games like these. Defending 112 with 16 runs to spare was incredible. We told the guys at the halfway mark — small chases like this can often be the toughest.”

He went on to say:

“I’ve coached a lot of games in the IPL, and this might just be the best win I’ve ever had.”

Rahane Accepts Responsibility After KKR Collapse

On the other hand, KKR captain Ajinkya Rahane took ownership of the loss:

“The wicket was good. It wasn’t unplayable or difficult. I take this responsibility as captain because we couldn’t chase this down. But I’m sure each player, especially the batters, will reflect on their performances and improve.”

Why This Match Will Be Remembered

This game is now part of IPL folklore. It’s a reminder that no total is too low to defend with belief, execution, and discipline. Punjab’s comeback was not just about stats — it was about character.

Their bowlers turned a hopeless position into one of the most inspiring wins ever seen in T20 cricket.