IPL 2025: Punjab Kings Record-Low Score Stuns Kolkata Knight Riders

In a thriller encounter at the PCA New International Cricket Stadium in Mohali, Punjab Kings (PBKS) became a part of IPL history books by successfully defending the lowest ever total in IPL history. PBKS bowled out Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) for a mere 95 in reply to their humble 111 and won the Match 42 of IPL 2025 by a record 16 runs.

Choosing to bat first following a toss victory, Punjab Kings found themselves in soup with early wickets. Only Prabhsimran Singh put up any fight with 30 off 15 balls. The rest of the batting lineup folded against KKR’s well-trained bowling outfit. Harshit Rana began the proceedings with a return of 3/25, as Sunil Narine (2/18) and Varun Chakravarthy (2/22) saw to it that PBKS were skittled for 15.3 overs only.

Pursuing what appeared an easy prey of 112, the Knight Riders were expecting to finish the game in a flash. But what ensued was a Himalayan collapse. In spite of a decent start and a calm 25 by Ajinkya Rahane, KKR collapsed, losing 8 wickets for a mere 33 runs. They were dismissed for 95 in 15.1 overs.

Yuzvendra Chahal was the mastermind behind the collapse, grabbing 4 key wickets on 28 runs. South African paceman Marco Jansen also chipped in, claiming 3/17. The relentless pressure generated by the bowlers of the PBKS in the middle overs flipped the entire game in their favor.

This victory not only gave Punjab a crucial victory in the playoff battle but also made it into IPL history books. Their record-breaking defensive victory of 111 is the lowest in IPL history, surpassing the earlier mark of 116.

“We knew that 111 was a target that was short, but the message was very clear—milk every run,” said Chahal, who was given Player of the Match. “This victory is the reflection of the character of our team.”

With this victory, PBKS are in the tournament and KKR will regret what seemed like an easy win turning into a crushing defeat.