Jobaaj Stories
Punjab Kings' Historic Heist: Defending the Lowest IPL Total
In a stunning upset that rewrote IPL history, the Punjab Kings (PBKS) defended a paltry 111 runs against the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), achieving the lowest ever total successfully defended in the Indian Premier League. This low-scoring thriller, played at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur, Chandigarh, saw Yuzvendra Chahal spearhead a sensational bowling performance, securing a memorable 16-run victory for PBKS.
A Low-Scoring Masterclass
PBKS's batting lineup struggled, posting a modest 111 in 15.3 overs. Harshit Rana (2/21) and Varun Chakravarthy (2/21) were the pick of the KKR bowlers. Prabhsimran Singh top-scored for PBKS with 30 runs. However, the real drama unfolded in the chase. KKR, despite a promising start from Angkrish Raghuvanshi (37) and Ajinkya Rahane (17), collapsed spectacularly, bowled out for 95 in just 15.1 overs.
Chahal's Magical Spell
Yuzvendra Chahal's breathtaking spell of 4/28 was the cornerstone of PBKS's victory. He claimed the crucial wickets of Rahane, Raghuvanshi, Rinku Singh, and Ramandeep Singh, dismantling KKR's middle order. His performance not only secured a historic win but also saw him join Sunil Narine at the top of the list for most 4+ wicket hauls in IPL history (8 each).
Lowest Totals Defended in IPL History
- 111 - PBKS vs KKR (Mullanpur, 2025)
- 116/9 - CSK vs PBKS (Durban, 2009)
- 118 - SRH vs MI (Mumbai, 2018)
This win marks a significant turning point for PBKS, propelling them up the points table. Chahal's match-winning performance earned him the Player of the Match award, a well-deserved accolade for his remarkable bowling display. The victory highlights the unpredictable nature of T20 cricket and the immense impact a single outstanding performance can have on the outcome of a match.
