Chahal’s Magic, Jansen’s Firepower Help Punjab Kings Pull Off Historic IPL Defense Against KKR
In a dramatic twist of fortunes, Punjab Kings (PBKS) stunned Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) on Tuesday night by defending a mere 111 runs — the lowest successful defense in IPL history — clinching a thrilling 16-run victory at a packed stadium.
Just days after failing to defend a mammoth 245 against Sunrisers Hyderabad, PBKS turned the tables with a performance that head coach Ricky Ponting called “just about the best win” he’s ever witnessed in his IPL coaching career.
The game was full of momentum swings. PBKS started strong with a 39-run opening stand between Prabhsimran Singh and debutant Arya Desai, but quickly crumbled from 54 for 2 to 111 all out, thanks to clinical spells from Harshit Rana (3-25), Sunil Narine (2-14), and Varun Chakravarthy (2-21). The modest total looked well below par — until it wasn’t.
KKR’s chase began shakily at 7 for 2 but soon stabilized at 62 for 2, with young Angkrish Raghuvanshi (37) anchoring the innings. At that point, KKR were 98% favorites to win according to win probability metrics. But Yuzvendra Chahal had other plans.
The veteran leg-spinner, carrying a shoulder niggle from the previous game, was given a late fitness test before the match. “I looked him in the eye and asked, ‘Mate, are you OK?’ He said, ‘Coach, I’m 100% alright, let me out there,’” Ponting recalled after the match.
Chahal delivered one of the most memorable spells in recent IPL history, taking 4 wickets for 28 runs and completely changing the course of the game. His clever variations and flight troubled every KKR batter, including a dangerous Andre Russell, who briefly threatened with 16 runs off a single Chahal over.
However, PBKS’ tall fast bowlers — Marco Jansen and Arshdeep Singh — capitalized on the pitch’s grip and bounce, using short balls effectively to dismantle the lower order. Jansen finished with 3 for 17, while Arshdeep applied pressure with his hostile lines to close out the game.
With this win, PBKS not only earned two crucial points but also climbed into the top four, reviving their campaign with what many are calling a season-defining performance.
“It was a gritty win,” said Ponting. “Three days ago we couldn’t defend 246, and today we defended 111. It just goes to show what belief and fight can do. We told the boys at halftime, these low targets are often the toughest. The pitch was sticky, the ball was holding, and we believed.”
The result serves as a huge statement for PBKS — a reminder that even in T20 cricket, resilience, clever match-ups, and individual brilliance can overcome any odds.
