In a nail-biting encounter, Punjab Kings decimated Kolkata Knight Riders, successfully defending a modest total of 111 to clinch a 16-run win on Tuesday at Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium, Mullanpur, Chandigarh. PBKS successfully defended the lowest ever total in IPL history and they totally destroyed KKR.

Having won the toss, PBKS opted to bat first. However, their decision didn’t pay off as they were bundled out for just 111 runs in 15.3 overs. KKR bowlers set the tone early, putting constant pressure on Kings’ batsmen. They were quickly put on the back foot by a disciplined bowling attack led by Harshit Rana. Punjab’s opening pair, Prabhsimran Singh and Priyansh Arya, started solidly, stitching a 39-run partnership. However, Harshit Rana tore through Punjab’s batting lineup that completely dwindled their momentum. His spell was a masterclass as he claimed three crucial wickets. Varun Chakaravarthy and Sunil Narine provided valuable support, each picking up two wickets. Anrich Nortje and Vaibhav Arora claimed one wicket each.

In reply, KKR’s chase got off to a disastrous start, and from there, they never truly recovered. Their batsmen were consistently under pressure, failing to consolidate and build any significant partnerships. They kept losing wickets regularly. Even their middle-order failed to set the tone. Meanwhile, Punjab’s bowlers, led by Yuzvendra Chahal, were exceptional in their execution. Chahal was the standout performer, claiming four crucial wickets and dismantling KKR's batting lineup. Marco Jansen took three wickets as KKR were bowled out for 95 in 15.1 overs.