In a match that will go down as one of the greatest low-scoring thrillers in IPL history, Punjab Kings (PBKS) defended a mere 112 runs to defeat Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) by 17 runs at the New PCA Stadium, New Chandigarh in Match 31 of TATA IPL 2025.

Just a year after scripting the highest run chase in IPL history at this very venue, PBKS turned the tables by defending the lowest total ever successfully defended in the league.

Punjab’s Electric Start Fizzles After Quick Wickets

After winning the toss and opting to bat, PBKS looked in ominous form early on. Priyansh Arya and Prabhsimran Singh came out swinging, powering their side to 39 runs in just 19 balls.

But KKR quickly turned things around. Harshit Rana and Ramandeep Singh struck back brilliantly — first dismissing Arya with a well-judged catch, and then removing skipper Shreyas Iyer and Prabhsimran in quick succession. PBKS found themselves struggling at 54/4 by the end of the powerplay.

KKR’s Bowling Excellence Restricts PBKS to 112

KKR’s bowlers didn’t let the pressure ease. Varun Chakaravarthy and Sunil Narine dismantled the PBKS middle and lower order with clinical precision. Chakaravarthy’s deliveries bowled out Josh Inglis and Glenn Maxwell, while Narine cleaned up Marco Jansen.

With regular wickets falling, PBKS were bundled out for 111 in just 15.3 overs, giving KKR what looked like a modest target to chase.

A Dramatic Collapse: KKR Fall from 62/2 to 95 All Out

KKR began the chase with confidence but soon found themselves in trouble. Marco Jansen struck in the first over, removing Narine. Soon after, Xavier Bartlett dismissed Quinton de Kock for his maiden IPL wicket, reducing KKR to 7/2.

A promising 55-run partnership between Ajinkya Rahane and Angkrish Raghuvanshi brought KKR back into the game, taking them to 62/2 in the 8th over.

But the real drama was yet to unfold.

Chahal and Jansen Trigger PBKS Comeback

The spin duo of Yuzvendra Chahal and Glenn Maxwell turned the match on its head. In a span of just 7 deliveries, PBKS picked up 3 crucial wickets — including Venkatesh Iyer, Rinku Singh, and Ramandeep Singh.

Marco Jansen returned to dismiss Rahane and then sent back Andre Russell, who had briefly threatened to take the game away with a couple of sixes and a four.

In the end, Chahal’s spell of 4/28 — with an impressive 14 dot balls — and Jansen’s 3/17 dismantled KKR’s batting lineup. Arshdeep Singh cleaned up the tail to bowl out KKR for 95 in 16 overs.

A New Chapter in IPL Records

This match didn’t just deliver edge-of-the-seat excitement — it also rewrote IPL history:

• Lowest Total Successfully Defended: 112 by PBKS
• Yuzvendra Chahal continues to shine as IPL’s leading wicket-taker
• Marco Jansen delivers under pressure yet again

What was once expected to be a straightforward chase turned into an unforgettable collapse — making PBKS vs KKR – Match 31 Report one of the most remarkable chapters of IPL 2025.

Final Scorecard Snapshot

• PBKS: 112 all out (15.3 overs)
• KKR: 95 all out (16 overs)
• Top Performers:
  • Yuzvendra Chahal: 4/28
  • Marco Jansen: 3/17
  • Angkrish Raghuvanshi: 38 (Top KKR scorer)

Read Also :- TATA IPL 2025 Match 30: LSG vs CSK – Match Highlights
TATA IPL 2025 Match 28: RR vs RCB – Match Highlights

Conclusion

The PBKS vs KKR – Match 31 Report proves once again why the IPL is the most unpredictable and entertaining cricket league in the world. With high-octane performances, shocking collapses, and historical feats — this clash had it all.

As the tournament progresses, PBKS will take a huge confidence boost from this win, while KKR will need to regroup and re-strategize quickly.

FAQs