Punjab Kings stun KKR with historic low-score defense

KATHMANDU: In a thrilling IPL 2025 encounter, Punjab Kings stunned Kolkata Knight Riders with a record-setting defensive effort to secure a memorable 16-run victory on Tuesday night.

Defending a modest target of just 112 runs, Punjab’s bowlers put on a masterclass to snatch a win from the jaws of defeat.

Batting first, Punjab Kings were bowled out for 111 runs in just 15.3 overs. Despite the early collapse, quickfire cameos from Prabhsimran Singh (30 off 15) and Priyansh Arya (22 off 12) gave the team a fighting chance.

Kolkata’s bowling attack was clinical, with Harshit Rana claiming three wickets, while Varun Chakravarthy and Sunil Narine chipped in with two each.

In reply, Kolkata Knight Riders looked well on course at 62 for 2 in 7.3 overs, cruising towards an easy chase. But the momentum dramatically shifted when Yuzvendra Chahal dismissed Ajinkya Rahane for 17, triggering a sensational collapse.

Chahal spun a web around Kolkata’s middle order, finishing with figures of 4/28 in 4 overs and earning the well-deserved Player of the Match award.

Glenn Maxwell contributed with a tight spell, giving away just 5 runs and taking a wicket in 2 overs, while Marco Jansen delivered at the death, grabbing 3 wickets to dismantle the tail.

Kolkata’s innings crumbled under pressure, bowled out for just 95 in 15.1 overs.

Arshdeep Singh struck the penultimate blow by dismissing Harshit Vaibhav Aroha, before Jansen sealed the deal with the final wicket.

This victory marked a historic achievement for Punjab Kings, as they recorded the best-ever defense of a low total in IPL history.

Interestingly, it adds to their growing dominance over Kolkata, having chased down their highest-ever target against the same opponent in the previous season.

From chasing big totals to defending small ones, Punjab Kings continue to prove they are a force to be reckoned with in IPL 2025.