In a dramatic low-scoring encounter at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur, Punjab Kings (PBKS) defended a modest total of 111, defeating Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) by 16 runs in Match 31 of IPL 2025.
Punjab Kings Innings: Opting to bat first after winning the toss, PBKS were bundled out for 111 in 15.3 overs. Despite a brisk start, the batting lineup collapsed under disciplined bowling from KKR. Harshit Rana was the standout bowler, claiming 3 wickets, while Varun Chakaravarthy and Sunil Narine provided crucial breakthroughs.

Kolkata Knight Riders Innings: Chasing a seemingly achievable target, KKR faltered early, losing both openers-Sunil Narine and Quinton de Kock-within the first two overs. Yuzvendra Chahal's exceptional spell of 4 wickets turned the tide in PBKS's favor. Despite a late surge from Andre Russell, who struck two sixes and a four in a single over, KKR were dismissed for 95 in 15.1 overs.
Ajinkya Rahane: Nothing to explain, we all saw what happened there. Pretty disappointed with the effort. I'll take the blame, played the wrong shot, although it was missing. He wasn't very sure (his chat with Angkrish after being given out LBW). He said it could be umpire's call. I didn't want to take a chance at that time, I wasn't sure as well. That was the discussion. Not really (was NRR in the mind?). We batted really badly as a batting unit, we take full responsibility. Bowlers did really well on this surface, restricting a strong Punjab batting lineup to 111. As an individual, you still have to be confident and positive. On this wicket, batting with full face (was better). Sweep was pretty hard to play. Keep the intent going but play cricketing shots. We were reckless and should take full responsibility. At the moment, too many things going in my head. It was an easy chase for us. When I go upstairs, need to keep myself calm and then think about what to say to the boys. Still have to be positive. Half of the tournament is still remaining. Have to address this and move forward.
Shreyas Iyer: 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 a bit. 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. I personally felt, when I went out to bat, I faced two balls - one stayed low and one hit the bottom of the bat, people were finding it difficult to sweep. There was variable bounce in the wicket, we got a decent total to be honest, looking at the win of 16 runs,. The bounce was not consistent. We had this at the back of our mind and we asked the bowlers to keep this in mind. And they executed it. Two wickets in two overs that gave us that kind of momentum and the two batters came in and took the momentum towards them. When we saw Yuzi came in and turn the ball, our hopes and expectations were higher and I wanted the field to be attacking and right in front of their face so that they make mistakes and the tide turned towards us. It is important we stay humble and not get over-hyped with this win. It is important we take all the positives from this game and try to execute from ball one in the next game.
(Quotes Courtesy: Cricbuzz)