Punjab Kings Create IPL History with Sensational Defense of Lowest Total Against KKR
In a match that will be etched in the annals of Indian Premier League (IPL) history, Punjab Kings (PBKS) achieved the unthinkable on Tuesday, defending the lowest total ever in the tournament’s history to secure a breathtaking 16-run victory over Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at the PCA New Stadium in Mullanpur, Chandigarh.
After a disastrous batting performance saw PBKS bowled out for a paltry 111 runs in just 15.3 overs—a score widely regarded as indefensible in the high-scoring world of T20 cricket—their bowlers turned the game on its head. With sheer grit and tactical brilliance, they skittled KKR for a mere 95 runs in 15.1 overs, rewriting the record books in the process.
This extraordinary feat surpassed the long-standing record held by Chennai Super Kings (CSK), who had defended 116 against the same Punjab franchise back in 2009. Notably, this record excludes rain-affected matches, making Punjab’s achievement even more remarkable given the full 20-over context.
The architect of this historic turnaround was none other than leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal, who delivered a match-winning performance with figures of 4/28 in his four overs. Chahal dismantled KKR’s middle order, claiming the crucial wickets of Angkrish Raghuvanshi (37), Rinku Singh (9), Ramandeep Singh (6), and captain Ajinkya Rahane (29). His ability to deceive batsmen in the air and extract turn on a challenging pitch was a masterclass in spin bowling.
The collapse began early for KKR, as Punjab’s pace attack set the tone with immediate breakthroughs. South African speedster Marco Jansen was lethal with the new ball, finishing with figures of 3/17, while debutant Australian pacer Xavier Bartlett impressed with 1/30, removing dangerous openers Sunil Narine (4) and Quinton de Kock (6) within the first two overs.
KKR briefly found hope through a 55-run partnership between Rahane and Raghuvanshi, who looked to stabilize the innings. However, Chahal’s double-strike in the middle overs triggered a dramatic collapse, leaving KKR reeling at 68/5. From there, the writing was on the wall.
West Indian powerhouse Andre Russell attempted a late fightback, smashing two towering sixes off Chahal in a desperate bid to turn the tide. His 17-run cameo raised faint hopes for KKR, but Jansen returned to deliver the final blow, clean-bowling Russell to seal Punjab’s historic triumph.
This victory not only highlights Punjab Kings’ resilience but also underscores the unpredictable nature of T20 cricket, where no total is too small to defend with the right mindset and execution. For KKR, this loss will sting, as they failed to capitalize on a golden opportunity to chase down a modest target.
As the IPL 2023 season progresses, Punjab Kings will look to build on this momentum, while KKR must regroup quickly to avoid further setbacks. One thing is certain—this match will be remembered as a testament to the never-say-die spirit of Punjab Kings and their ability to defy the odds.