PBKS lowest score defended in IPL history is a tale that will echo through cricket’s halls forever. On April 14, 2025, Punjab Kings (PBKS) stunned Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) by defending a meager 111 runs in Match 31 of IPL 2025 at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium, Mullanpur. This wasn’t just a win—it was a masterclass in grit, strategy, and sheer belief. Led by Shreyas Iyer, PBKS turned an improbable situation into a historic victory, rewriting record books and leaving fans in awe.
This article dives deep into the match’s electrifying moments, tactical brilliance, and the emotional rollercoaster for fans. From Yuzvendra Chahal’s magical spin to KKR’s unexpected collapse, here’s everything you need to know about this unforgettable clash.
Match Report: A Thrilling Low-Scoring Drama in Mullanpur
The Mullanpur IPL match was nothing short of a Bollywood blockbuster. PBKS, batting first after winning the toss, started strong with openers Priyansh Arya (22 off 12) and Prabhsimran Singh (30 off 15) racing to 39/0 in 3.1 overs. But KKR’s bowlers, led by Harshit Rana (3/25), triggered a collapse. Varun Chakaravarthy (2/21) and Sunil Narine (2/14) tightened the screws, bundling PBKS out for 111 in 15.3 overs.
Chasing 112, KKR seemed in control with Angkrish Raghuvanshi (37 off 28) and Ajinkya Rahane (16 off 14) steadying the ship after early blows. But PBKS’s bowlers had other plans. Yuzvendra Chahal’s 4/28 and Marco Jansen’s 3/17 sparked a dramatic KKR collapse, bowling them out for 95 in 15.1 overs. PBKS clinched a 16-run victory, etching their name in IPL folklore.
Key Match Stats
| Team | Score | Overs | Top Batsman | Top Bowler |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PBKS | 111 all out | 15.3 | Prabhsimran Singh (30) | Yuzvendra Chahal (4/28) |
| KKR | 95 all out | 15.1 | Angkrish Raghuvanshi (37) | Harshit Rana (3/25) |
Tactical Breakdown: How PBKS Pulled Off the Impossible
The PBKS lowest score defended wasn’t just luck—it was a tactical masterpiece. Shreyas Iyer’s captaincy shone through with clever field placements and bowler rotations. Here’s how PBKS turned the tide:
Chahal’s Spin Wizardry
Yuzvendra Chahal was the architect of KKR’s downfall. His 4/28 included crucial wickets of Rahane, Raghuvanshi, Rinku Singh, and Ramandeep Singh. Chahal varied his pace, used flight to deceive, and targeted the stumps, exploiting Mullanpur’s spin-friendly pitch. His dismissal of Raghuvanshi, who was set on 37, shifted momentum decisively.
Jansen and Arshdeep’s Pace Precision
Marco Jansen (3/17) struck early, removing Quinton de Kock and Sunil Narine in quick succession. His high bouncers and yorkers kept KKR’s batsmen guessing. Arshdeep Singh, bowling at the death, conceded just 5 runs in his final over, strangling KKR’s hopes. Their combined pressure ensured KKR couldn’t rotate strike effectively.
Shreyas Iyer’s Field Craft
Iyer’s aggressive fields, like placing a slip for Chahal and a short midwicket for Jansen, forced KKR into mistakes. His decision to bowl Chahal out early against KKR’s middle order was a game-changer, breaking their backbone.
KKR’s Tactical Errors
KKR’s chase faltered due to poor shot selection and inability to counter spin. Losing de Kock and Narine early set a shaky tone, and their middle order couldn’t adapt to Chahal’s guile. Failing to build partnerships after the powerplay (55/2) sealed their fate.
Tactical Stats Snapshot
- Chahal’s Wickets: 4 in 4 overs (Rahane, Raghuvanshi, Rinku, Ramandeep)
- Jansen’s Early Blows: 2 wickets in first 2 overs
- KKR’s Dot Balls: 45% of chase faced dot balls
- PBKS’s Boundary Concession: Only 7 boundaries allowed
Fan Reactions: The Emotional High of PBKS’s Triumph
For PBKS fans, the IPL 2025 Match 31 was a rollercoaster. After a crushing loss to Sunrisers Hyderabad, where they failed to defend 245, this victory felt like redemption. The Mullanpur crowd roared as each wicket fell, turning the stadium into a cauldron of noise.
Social media buzzed with excitement. Fans on platforms like X marveled at the PBKS lowest score defended, praising Chahal’s “unplayable” spell and Iyer’s calm leadership. Many called it a “legacy moment,” with some joking that PBKS had “defied cricket logic.” The win boosted team morale, with fans hopeful for a playoff push.
Fan Sentiment Highlights
| Theme | Fan Reaction |
|---|---|
| Chahal’s Performance | “Chahal spun KKR into oblivion! 🪄” |
| Iyer’s Captaincy | “Shreyas led like a boss, pure genius!” |
| Low-Score Drama | “111 defended? PBKS just broke the IPL!” |
| Playoff Hopes | “This win puts PBKS back in the race!” |
Historical Context: Where Does 111 Stand in IPL Records?
Defending 111 is now the lowest score defended in IPL history, surpassing Chennai Super Kings’ 116/9 against Kings XI Punjab in 2009. Low-scoring thrillers are rare in modern IPL, where 200-plus totals dominated 2025. This victory highlights the beauty of balanced pitches like Mullanpur’s, which assist both pace and spin.
Top 5 Lowest Totals Defended in IPL
| Team | Score | Opponent | Year | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PBKS | 111 | KKR | 2025 | Mullanpur |
| CSK | 116 | Kings XI Punjab | 2009 | Durban |
| SRH | 118 | Mumbai Indians | 2018 | Hyderabad |
| MI | 119 | Pune Warriors | 2012 | Mumbai |
| KKR | 125 | Sunrisers Hyderabad | 2017 | Kolkata |
This record underscores PBKS’s resilience. Unlike high-scoring chases, defending low totals tests a team’s bowling depth and mental toughness—qualities PBKS displayed in spades.
Player Spotlight: Yuzvendra Chahal, the Game-Changer
Yuzvendra Chahal was the heart of PBKS’s historic win. His 4/28 in IPL 2025 Match 31 wasn’t just about numbers—it was about outsmarting KKR’s batsmen. Let’s break down his impact:
Chahal’s Key Wickets
- Ajinkya Rahane (16): A flighted leg-break that Rahane misread, stumped by Prabhsimran Singh.
- Angkrish Raghuvanshi (37): A quicker googly that crashed into the stumps, ending KKR’s best hope.
- Rinku Singh (5): A skidding slider, trapping Rinku LBW.
- Ramandeep Singh (0): A tossed-up delivery, edged to slip.
Chahal’s season form has been stellar, with 12 wickets in 6 matches at an economy of 7.2. His 160+ IPL wickets make him one of the tournament’s all-time greats. Reflecting on the match, Chahal might’ve said: “I knew the pitch would turn. It was about staying patient and letting the ball talk.”
Visual Suggestion: Insert image of Chahal celebrating Raghuvanshi’s wicket, captioned: “Yuzvendra Chahal spins PBKS to glory!”
Image Alt Attribute: Yuzvendra Chahal celebrates wicket in PBKS lowest score defended match
Impact on IPL 2025: Playoff Race Heats Up
The PBKS lowest score defended reshaped the IPL 2025 points table. PBKS climbed to 4th with 4 wins from 6 matches, boosting their net run rate. KKR, however, slipped to 6th, with 3 wins from 7 games, putting pressure on Ajinkya Rahane’s side.
Updated Points Table (Post-Match 31)
| Team | Matches | Wins | Points | NRR |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| RR | 6 | 5 | 10 | +0.82 |
| SRH | 6 | 4 | 8 | +0.65 |
| CSK | 6 | 4 | 8 | +0.45 |
| PBKS | 6 | 4 | 8 | +0.12 |
| LSG | 6 | 3 | 6 | -0.15 |
| KKR | 7 | 3 | 6 | -0.28 |
This win could be a turning point for PBKS, proving they can compete with the best, even under pressure. For KKR, it’s a wake-up call to address their batting frailties.
Also Read: IPL 2025 Schedule
Trending Answered
Was 111 Really the Lowest Score Defended in IPL?
Yes, PBKS’s 111 against KKR in 2025 is the lowest total defended in a full 20-over IPL match, beating CSK’s 116 in 2009. It’s a testament to PBKS’s bowling prowess.
Who Were the Key Players in PBKS vs KKR Match 31?
Yuzvendra Chahal (4/28), Marco Jansen (3/17), and Arshdeep Singh were PBKS’s heroes, while Angkrish Raghuvanshi (37) fought alone for KKR.
Why Did KKR Collapse Chasing 112?
KKR lost early wickets to Jansen and couldn’t counter Chahal’s spin. Poor shot selection and lack of partnerships led to their 95 all out.
How Did Shreyas Iyer Influence the Game?
As captain, Iyer’s smart field placements and bowling changes, like using Chahal early, outwitted KKR. His leadership was pivotal despite a duck with the bat.
Is Mullanpur a Low-Scoring Venue?
Not typically—Mullanpur saw 200-plus totals earlier in 2025. But its spin-friendly pitch helped PBKS defend 111, making it versatile.
Why This Match Matters for Cricket Fans
The PBKS lowest score defended isn’t just a statistic—it’s a reminder of cricket’s unpredictability. In an IPL season dominated by run-fests, this low-scoring thriller proved that strategy and heart can trump firepower. For PBKS, it’s a confidence booster; for KKR, a lesson in humility.
Fans will remember this match for Chahal’s artistry, Iyer’s composure, and the sheer drama of a 111-run defense. It’s the kind of game that sparks debates in cricket circles for years.
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FAQs: PBKS’s Historic 111 Defense in IPL 2025 vs KKR
What Was the Lowest Score Defended by PBKS in IPL 2025?
The PBKS lowest score defended was 111 runs against Kolkata Knight Riders in IPL 2025 Match 31 on April 14, 2025, at Mullanpur. This historic victory surpassed Chennai Super Kings’ 116 in 2009, making it the lowest total ever defended in a full 20-over IPL match. Punjab Kings’ bowlers, led by Yuzvendra Chahal, turned an improbable situation into a record-breaking triumph.
How Did Yuzvendra Chahal Contribute to PBKS’s Win?
Yuzvendra Chahal was the star of the Mullanpur IPL match, taking 4 wickets for 28 runs. His spell dismantled KKR’s batting, with key dismissals of Ajinkya Rahane, Angkrish Raghuvanshi, Rinku Singh, and Ramandeep Singh. Chahal’s clever variations and spin on the Mullanpur pitch were pivotal in PBKS achieving the PBKS lowest score defended in IPL 2025 Match 31.
Why Did KKR Collapse Chasing 112 in IPL 2025?
The KKR collapse in IPL 2025 Match 31 stemmed from early wickets and poor shot selection. Marco Jansen removed Quinton de Kock and Sunil Narine, while Yuzvendra Chahal’s spin triggered a middle-order meltdown. KKR scored just 95 in 15.1 overs, unable to counter PBKS’s tight bowling and Shreyas Iyer’s smart field placements, leading to the PBKS lowest score defended.
Where Was the PBKS vs KKR Match Played in IPL 2025?
The Mullanpur IPL match took place at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur on April 14, 2025. This venue witnessed the PBKS lowest score defended as Punjab Kings bowled out KKR for 95 to defend 111 in IPL 2025 Match 31, thrilling the home crowd with a historic victory.
How Does PBKS’s 111 Defense Compare to Other IPL Records?
The PBKS lowest score defended of 111 in IPL 2025 Match 31 is the lowest in IPL history, beating CSK’s 116 against Kings XI Punjab in 2009. Other notable defenses include SRH’s 118 in 2018 and MI’s 119 in 2012. PBKS’s feat in the Mullanpur IPL match stands out for its rarity in a high-scoring 2025 season, showcasing their bowling brilliance.
Who Were the Key Bowlers in PBKS’s Victory Over KKR?
Besides Yuzvendra Chahal (4/28), Marco Jansen (3/17) and Arshdeep Singh were crucial in the PBKS lowest score defended during IPL 2025 Match 31. Jansen struck early, while Arshdeep’s death bowling sealed KKR’s fate in the Mullanpur IPL match. Their combined efforts ensured the KKR collapse, bowling them out for 95.
What Was the Impact of PBKS’s Win on the IPL 2025 Points Table?
The PBKS lowest score defended in IPL 2025 Match 31 boosted Punjab Kings to 4th place with 4 wins from 6 matches. Meanwhile, the KKR collapse saw them drop to 6th with 3 wins from 7 games. This Mullanpur IPL match victory improved PBKS’s net run rate, strengthening their playoff chances in a tight 2025 season.
Was the Mullanpur Pitch Responsible for the Low Score?
The Mullanpur IPL match pitch assisted both pace and spin, aiding the PBKS lowest score defended. While not a low-scoring venue typically—2025 saw 200-plus totals there—its spin-friendly nature helped Yuzvendra Chahal and bowlers in IPL 2025 Match 31. PBKS’s strategy, not just the pitch, was key to the KKR collapse.