Punjab Kings vs Kolkata Knight Riders Match Scorecard

On April 15, 2025, Punjab Kings (PBKS) faced Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in a thrilling IPL match in Mullanpur. PBKS pulled off a stunning victory, defending a low total of 111, as KKR crumbled to 95 all out. ESPN Cricinfo said this was the lowest successful defence in IPL history. Yuzvendra Chahal’s magical spell and sharp bowling from Arshdeep Singh and Marco Jansen turned the game around. Anrich Nortje’s bat issue added drama as umpires enforced new on-field checks.

As per BBC Sports, KKR were favourites at 62 for 2 but collapsed dramatically. This match showed how unpredictable T20 cricket can be, with spinners and pacers stealing the show. Kids, imagine a game where the underdog wins by playing smart! Our analysis breaks down nine key moments to help you understand what happened. Let’s dive into the action and see why this game was so special for PBKS fans and cricket lovers everywhere.

PBKS Set a Modest Total of 111

PBKS started strongly, reaching 39 for 0 in Mullanpur. Their openers looked confident, hitting boundaries early. However, KKR’s bowlers struck back, causing a collapse. From 39 for 0, PBKS slumped to 54 for 4. As per Cricbuzz, Harshit Rana’s short balls troubled batters. The middle order struggled against spin and pace. PBKS lost wickets quickly, ending at 111 all out.

Andre Russell and Vaibhav Arora bowled tightly. According to Wikipedia, KKR’s fielding was sharp, with key catches. The pitch helped seamers, making batting challenging. PBKS’s lower order couldn’t add runs, leaving a low target. Yet, this small total set the stage for drama. Fans expected KKR to chase effortlessly, but cricket is full of surprises. This inning showed how quickly games can turn. The Punjab Kings needed their bowlers to step up big time.

Yuzvendra Chahal’s Four Wickets Changed the Game

Yuzvendra Chahal proved why he’s a T20 star. He took four wickets, destroying KKR’s chase. At 62 for 2, KKR looked comfortable. Chahal struck, removing Ajinkya Rahane lbw with dip. According to Aajtak Sports, he bowled slower, wider deliveries. Rinku Singh was stumped, falling to a clever spin. Ramandeep Singh got out for a golden duck. Chahal’s figures read 4-0-28-4 despite a costly over.

ESPN Cricinfo said his spell turned a 98% KKR win chance. He beat batters with flight and turn. Even Andre Russell hit him for a six, but Chahal stayed calm. The wet ball made bowling tough, yet he delivered. This performance showed spin can win T20 games. PBKS fans cheered as Chahal brought hope back. His wickets made the low target look big.

Anrich Nortje’s Bat Drama Stole Headlines

Like at Nassau Ground, Anrich Nortje faced a unique issue during KKR’s chase. He walked out to bat in the 16th over. Umpires checked his bat with a gauge. Shockingly, it didn’t fit the size rules. As per BBC Sports, the bat’s width exceeded 10.79 cm. Nortje had to swap it, a first in IPL. Rahmanullah Gurbaz ran out with new bats. According to Cricbuzz, this delay added pressure on KKR. Nortje didn’t face a ball as Russell got out by the godfather.

The incident highlighted new on-field bat checks. Started on Sunday, these ensure fair play. Wikipedia notes bat edges can’t exceed 4 cm. Nortje’s return from injury was eventful. He bowled well, taking 1 for 23. But his bat issue became the talk. Fans were surprised by this rare moment. It showed how rules shape modern cricket played by Punjab Kings.

KKR’s Collapse Was Sudden and Shocking

KKR were cruising at 62 for 2, chasing 112. They needed just 50 runs to win. Then, disaster struck, losing six wickets for 17 runs. As per ESPN Cricinfo, Chahal sparked the collapse. Venkatesh Iyer was trapped lbw by Maxwell. Angkrish Raghuvanshi edged to the backward point. Jansen rattled Harshit Rana’s stumps.

According to Aajtak Sports, KKR’s batters panicked under pressure from the Punjab Kings. Andre Russell tried hitting out but failed. The pitch helped seamers with bounce and movement. PBKS bowlers used short balls cleverly. Cricbuzz reports that KR’s 98% win chance vanished fast.

From a strong position, they fell to 95 all out. Fans couldn’t believe the turnaround. This collapse showed T20’s unpredictable nature. PBKS’s bowlers deserve credit for staying focused. KKR’s dream chase quickly became an interesting match like the Ranji Trophy encounters.

Punjab Kings vs Kolkata Knight Riders Match Scorecard, 31st Match at Mohali, IPL, Apr 15, 2025

Arshdeep Singh and Marco Jansen were PBKS’s heroes. They bowled deadly short balls to finish KKR. At 79 for 8, KKR needed 33 runs. Arshdeep’s testing overdismissed Vaibhav Arora. According to BBC Sports, his short balls hit Arora’s body. Jansen then bowled Russell, ending KKR’s hopes. As per Cricbuzz, Jansen’s angle troubled batters. Their pace and bounce were unplayable. KKR needed 17 when Nortje walked out like South Africa in ICC Tournaments.

But Jansen’s wicket sealed the deal. ESPN Cricinfo notes that PBKS’s bowlers used conditions well. The Mullanpur crowd roared with joy. Arshdeep and Jansen bowled like Test match stars. Their accuracy made the low target enough. According to Wikipedia, PBKS moved to the top four. This win proved teamwork wins games. PBKS’s pacers showed skill and heart.

Nortje’s Bowling Showed His Comeback Grit

Anrich Nortje returned from a back injury in style. He played his first IPL 2025 match. Nortje bowled three overs, taking 1 for 23. His pace troubled PBKS batters early on. As per Aajtak Sports, he consistently bowled tight lines. Nortje’s wicket came from a well-directed ball.

According to ESPN Cricinfo, his return boosted KKR’s attack. The SA20 injury had kept him out long. Fans were excited to see him back. He mixed pace with clever, slower balls. Cricbuzz reports Nortje’s economy rate impressed experts. Despite KKR’s loss, he showed a fight like Zimbabwe in the 2024 T20 Series.

His bat issue overshadowed his bowling effort. Yet, Nortje proved he’s still a threat. According to BBC Sports, his fitness looked good. This game marked a strong comeback story. Nortje’s grit gives KKR hope for future matches.

Pitch Conditions Favored Seamers Heavily

Experts believe that the Mullanpur pitch was a seamer’s paradise. It offered bounce and movement all game. Punjab Kings struggled, losing wickets to KKR’s pacers. KKR’s chase also faltered against short balls. As per Cricbuzz, the pitch behaved like a Test track. Arshdeep and Jansen exploited conditions perfectly.

According to Wikipedia, seamers took the most wickets in the match. KKR’s batters couldn’t handle the extra bounce. ESPN Cricinfo suggests the pitch surprised both teams. PBKS’s low total wasn’t just poor batting. The conditions made strokeplay tough for all. Aajtak Sports notes seamers bowled 70% of overs.

This assumption explains the low scores. Fans saw a rare T20 game dominated by pace. KKR’s collapse wasn’t only about foul shots. The pitch played a massive role in PBKS’s win. Seamers ruled, making it a bowlers’ day.

KKR Underestimated Punjab Kings Spin Attack

KKR likely didn’t expect Chahal to turn the game. At 62 for 2, they felt in control. Chahal’s spin changed everything, taking four quick wickets. As per BBC Sports, KKR batters misread his variations. Glenn Maxwell also chipped in with a wicket.

According to Cricbuzz, KKR planned for seamers, not spin. The wet ball made bowling tough, yet Chahal shined. ESPN Cricinfo notes that KKR’s middle order lacked spin practice. Rinku and Rahane fell to clever bowling. Aajtak Sports says KKR’s aggressive approach backfired.

This assumption fits their sudden collapse. PBKS’s spinners used the pitch’s grip well. KKR’s batters didn’t adapt to turning balls. According to Wikipedia, Chahal’s spell was match-defining. Fans saw KKR’s overconfidence cost them dearly. Punjab’s spin attack proved T20 games need balance.

PBKS’s Fielding Kept Them in the Fight

PBKS’s fielding might’ve been the silent game-changer. They dropped early catches, letting KKR race to 55 for 2. But their outfielders tightened up later. As per ESPN Cricinfo, Shreyas Iyer’s catch was crucial. According to Aajtak Sports, PBKS took sharp chances post-powerplay. Chahal’s wickets came with the fielders’ support. Cricbuzz notes their energy lifted team spirit. KKR’s batters faced pressure from tight fielding. Wikipedia says PBKS’s ground fielding saved runs. This assumption explains their comeback from 62 for 2.

PBKS didn’t let KKR hit easy boundaries. Their slip and point fielders were alert. According to BBC Sports, fielding turned the momentum. Fans noticed PBKS’s hustle in key moments. Without strong fielding, KKR might’ve chased 112. PBKS’s effort on the field made victory possible.

Conclusion

What a match that was in Mullanpur on April 15, 2025! Punjab Kings turned a tiny total of 111 into a historic win, bowling out KKR for 95. Yuzvendra Chahal’s four wickets were like magic, while Arshdeep Singh and Marco Jansen bowled quickly to finish the job.

According to ESPN Cricinfo, it’s the lowest total ever defended in the IPL. It’s pretty cool. Anrich Nortje’s bat drama added a fun twist, showing even small things matter. As per Cricbuzz, PBKS’s brilliant bowling and fielding made them heroes.

This game teaches us never to give up, even when things look tough. PBKS believed in themselves and won big. For KKR, it’s a lesson to stay focused. Cricket is so exciting because anything can happen! PBKS fans will remember this day forever, and we can’t wait for more IPL action.