Punjab Kings Defend IPL’s Lowest Total, Beat Kolkata by 16 Runs, Chahal Stars
IPL 2025: In the 31st match of the Indian Premier League today, Punjab Kings triumphed over Kolkata Knight Riders by 16 runs. Punjab set a modest target of 112 runs, and Kolkata could only manage 95 in response. This marks the lowest total ever defended by Punjab in IPL history. The previous record was held by a 2009 match between Chennai and Punjab, where 116 runs were successfully defended.
Punjab batted first, being all-out for 111 runs in just 15.3 overs. In reply, Kolkata’s chase faltered as they managed only 95 runs. Despite the small target, Punjab’s bowling unit delivered a stellar performance, stifling Kolkata’s batsmen and preventing them from chasing down the target.
Kolkata’s chase started poorly, with both openers dismissed cheaply. Quinton de Kock scored just 2 runs, and SunilNarine was dismissed for 5. In this low-scoring match, AnkurshRaghvanshi and captain AjinkyaRahane added 55 runs, briefly raising Kolkata’s hopes. Raghvanshi was Kolkata’s top scorer with 37 runs, while Rahane contributed 17.
5 Wickets Lost for Just 7 Runs
At one point, Kolkata were 72 for 3 in pursuit of the 112-run target. However, after the dismissal of AnkurshRaghvanshi, Kolkata’s batting collapse continued, losing 5 wickets for just 7 runs. During this phase, Venkatesh Iyer, Rinku Singh, AnkurshRaghvanshi, Ramandeep Singh, and HarshitRana were all dismissed. Venkatesh Iyer scored just 7 runs, and Rinku Singh, who was expected to score big, fell for only 2.
Chahal’s Match-Changing Spell
The standout performer of the match was YuzvendraChahal, who claimed 4 wickets for just 28 runs in his 4-over spell. His key wickets included AjinkyaRahane and, crucially, AnkurshRaghvanshi, which turned the match in Punjab’s favor. Chahal also dismissed Rinku Singh and Ramandeep Singh, ensuring Kolkata’s chase fell short.
