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Chahal Spins Magic as PBKS Defend 111 in Historic IPL Thriller
A Shocking Turnaround at New Chandigarh Stadium
In what turned out to be one of the most dramatic matches in IPL history, Punjab Kings (PBKS) stunned Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) by defending a paltry total of just 111 runs—the lowest total ever successfully defended in IPL history. The win, orchestrated by a brilliant bowling display from Yuzvendra Chahal (4-28) and Marco Jansen (3-17), catapulted PBKS to fourth place in the points table.
At the halfway stage, even KKR’s Varun Chakaravarthy had assessed the pitch as a 180-type surface. KKR seemed on course, racing to 60/2 after just 7 overs. With a required rate of only four runs per over, the chase looked like a formality. However, the game turned on its head in a stunning collapse that saw KKR bowled out for 95.
Where Did the Match Swing?
Middle-Order Meltdowns Cost Both Teams
Both teams started positively but lost their way during the middle overs. PBKS went from 39/0 to 86/8 within a span of 8 overs, while KKR crumbled from 62/2 to 79/8 as Chahal weaved his magic. The defining phase was the second half of the middle overs, where KKR lost five wickets for just 23 runs.
Punjab Kings’ Innings Summary
Powerplay: A Promising Start Goes Sour
Phase score – 54/4 [RR: 9.00]
Prabhsimran Singh and Priyansh Arya gave PBKS a flying start, hammering boundaries off Nortje and Arora. Arya smashed a six off Harshit Rana, but the bowler had him caught soon after. Inglis and Shreyas Iyer fell in quick succession, with PBKS losing momentum despite a brief fireworks show from Prabhsimran.
Middle Overs: Collapse Continues
Phase score – 55/4 [RR: 6.11]
Nehal Wadhera tried to steady the innings, but once he fell to Nortje, the collapse resumed. Maxwell, Shedge (impact sub), and Jansen all fell cheaply. Narine and Varun Chakaravarthy were clinical as PBKS slumped to 86/8.
Death Overs: A Premature End
Phase score – 2/2 [RR: 4.00]
Shashank Singh and Xavier Bartlett pushed PBKS past 100, but the innings ended abruptly in the 16th over. PBKS were dismissed for 111—their lowest home total.
➡️ For a detailed history of low totals defended in IPL, check out this ESPNcricinfo analysis.
Kolkata Knight Riders’ Chase
Powerplay: Rapid Start Despite Blows
Phase score – 55/2 [RR: 9.16]
KKR began aggressively despite losing Narine and de Kock early. Raghuvanshi looked solid, while Rahane struck key boundaries. The chase looked comfortable by the end of the Powerplay.
Middle Overs: Chahal Breaks KKR’s Back
Phase score – 40/7 [RR: 4.44]
Chahal struck twice in the 10th over, removing both set batters. Maxwell got Venkatesh Iyer, while Chahal returned in the 12th over to dismiss Rinku Singh and Ramandeep. Jansen then cleaned up Rana as KKR crumbled to 79/8.
Death Overs: The Final Blow
Phase score – 0/1 [RR: 0.00]
Russell fought back with two sixes and a four off Chahal but couldn’t carry KKR across the line. Jansen bowled him with a sharp delivery in the 16th over, sealing the stunning 16-run victory for PBKS.
What’s Next?
PBKS now face back-to-back matches against Royal Challengers Bengaluru, starting April 18 at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium. KKR, meanwhile, will look to regroup before their April 21 clash against Gujarat Titans at home.
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