IPL 2025: Chahal, Jansen Shine as Punjab Kings Defend Lowest Total in Tournament History
In a gripping low-scoring encounter at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium, Punjab Kings stunned Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) with a sensational 16-run victory, defending a meager total of 111 runs — the lowest ever defended in IPL history.
Yuzvendra Chahal was the star of the match, delivering his career-best IPL figures of 4 for 28, while Marco Jansen’s fiery spell of 3 for 17 dismantled the KKR batting order. The thrilling win marked a historic comeback for Punjab Kings in Match 33 of IPL 2025.
A Fierce Bowling Performance
After electing to bat first, Punjab struggled on a slow surface. Despite a promising start from openers Prabhsimran Singh (30 off 15) and Priyansh Arya (22), a middle-order collapse saw them crash from 54/2 to 111 all out in just 15.3 overs. Harshit Rana (3-25), Varun Chakaravarthy (2-21), and Sunil Narine (2-14) led the charge for KKR, ripping through the Punjab lineup.
However, what seemed like a modest total turned into a nightmare chase for Kolkata.
Jansen removed both openers — Sunil Narine and Quinton de Kock — cheaply, while debutant Xavier Bartlett contributed with early breakthroughs. KKR appeared to stabilize through a 60-run partnership between captain Ajinkya Rahane (17) and young Angkrish Raghuvanshi (37), but Chahal’s double strike shifted momentum dramatically.
Chahal dismissed Rahane in the 8th over and then removed Raghuvanshi in his next, triggering a dramatic collapse. Middle-order batters Venkatesh Iyer (7), Rinku Singh (2), and Ramandeep Singh (0) all perished in quick succession, failing to resist the pressure from Punjab’s spinners.
Andre Russell attempted a late rescue act with a brisk 17, but Jansen’s return to the attack sealed the game in Punjab’s favor. KKR were bowled out for just 95 in 15.1 overs.
Punjab’s Remarkable Defense
The victory was nothing short of remarkable, considering the low total and the pressure on Punjab’s bowlers. Their discipline, aggression, and smart field placements kept KKR on the back foot throughout the chase. Chahal’s match-winning spell and Jansen’s crucial wickets ensured Punjab’s incredible defense will be etched in IPL history.
Match Summary:
Punjab Kings: 111/10 in 15.3 overs (Prabhsimran Singh 30, Priyanash Arya 22; Harshit Rana 3-25, Varun Chakaravarthy 2-21, Sunil Narine 2-14)
Kolkata Knight Riders: 95/10 in 15.1 overs (Angkrish Raghuvanshi 37, Andre Russell 17; Yuzvendra Chahal 4-28, Marco Jansen 3-17)
Result: Punjab Kings won by 16 runs
With this win, Punjab Kings not only secured valuable points but also sent a strong message about their bowling prowess, capable of defending even the lowest of totals in high-pressure situations.
