After defending just 111 runs against the reigning champions, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), in Mullanpur, Punjab Kings (PBKS) pulled off one of the greatest comebacks in IPL history. However, Yuzvendra Chahal was the game’s hero as he delivered a match-winning spell (4/28), and PBKS co-owner Preity Zinta raced onto the field to embrace him after the game.
Preity Zinta’s happiness is the reason I support PBKS. Sirf Agla match nahi support karungi against RCB
please adjust kar lena https://t.co/mB0SY1xB2i pic.twitter.com/qwl34GXDz8
— aCute
(@chaoticalm_090) April 15, 2025
The home team’s batting imploded and they were bowled out for just 111 in 15.3 overs, creating the worst possible start to the game. Josh Inglis, the newcomer, died early, captain Shreyas Iyer left for a duck, and Glenn Maxwell maintained his dismal run. It was anticipated that KKR would easily win. And it appeared likely when Angkrish Raghuvanshi and Ajinkya Rahane stabilised the ship with two early wickets.
Yuzvendra Chahal, however, shifted the game in his favour.
The 34-year-old rampaged through their middle order, claiming four wickets in three overs as KKR entered the attack at 62 for 2 and 98% favourites to win. He set off a collapse of six wickets in 5.1 overs after dismissing Rahane, who left without reviewing a close decision. Later, he contributed by taking out Ramandeep Singh, Rinku Singh, and Raghuvanshi.
Andre Russell, who scored 16 runs off one Chahal over, gave KKR a small reprieve. But in what turned out to be the least successful defence in IPL history, Marco Jansen had the last laugh, removing the big hitter and securing the victory. Zinta was overjoyed by her team’s performance after the victory and gave Chahal a hug as they celebrated on the pitch. She also gave his Player of the Match award to the seasoned spinner.
“It takes a collective effort. We wanted to be optimistic, and we thought it would be excellent if we took two or three wickets during the powerplay. It aided us when we watched their spinners turn it. We wanted to attack since we had fewer runs and getting wickets was the only way to win.
When I bowled the first ball, it turned, and Shreyas asked if I wanted a slip. Despite giving up 56 runs for 4 overs in the previous game, I was completely confident in my skills and abilities. I always think about how to get the batters out; I change up my tempo, and if they have to hit, they will have to try. It will boost the team’s spirits when you win a game like that. “This is my first man of the match for Punjab, and I’m sure I’ll succeed if I continue to believe in myself and support my abilities,” he stated in the interview conducted after the game.
India
