In a low-scoring but thrilling encounter played on Tuesday in the Indian Premier League 2025, Punjab Kings sprung a surprise by defeating Kolkata Knight Riders by 16 runs. Punjab had been bowled out for a mere 111 runs.
Sports News: The match between Punjab Kings and Kolkata Knight Riders, played today in Mullanpur, redefined excitement. This ground is usually known for high-scoring matches, but today the bowlers dominated. Batting first, Punjab were bowled out for just 111 runs, suggesting an easy win for KKR.
However, Punjab's bowling unit turned the match around with a superb performance. Kolkata's b batting lineup, chasing a small target of 111 runs, could only manage 95. Punjab Kings won the match by 16 runs.
KKR's Innings Falters From the Start
Such a low-scoring match on the Mullanpur pitch, usually famous for high scores, was unexpected. But Punjab Kings' disciplined bowling and Chahal's cunning completely dismantled KKR's batting. Kolkata's entire team was dismissed for 95 runs. Kolkata's innings began shakily.
With only 7 runs on the board, their two openers, Quinton de Kock (2) and Sunil Narine (5), were back in the pavilion. Captain Ajinkya Rahane (17) and young batsman Angkrish Raghuvanshi (37) tried to steady the innings, but after their 55-run partnership, KKR's batting crumbled.
Five Wickets Fall Within Seven Runs
KKR had reached 72 for 3 and hopes of victory seemed b. However, within seven runs, the wickets of Venkatesh Iyer (7), Rinku Singh (2), Angkrish Raghuvanshi (37), Ramandeep Singh, and Harshit Rana tumbled, sending Kolkata's innings into a tailspin.
Yuzvendra Chahal – The Real 'Game Changer'
The hero of this match was Punjab's spinner Yuzvendra Chahal, who took 4 wickets for 28 runs in his 4 overs. He dismissed set batsmen like Ajinkya Rahane and Raghuvanshi, tilting the match in Punjab's favor. His subsequent dismissals of Rinku Singh and Ramandeep Singh dashed Kolkata's hopes.
