Preity Zinta Cheers as Chahal’s Magic Powers PBKS to Historic Win in IPL Thriller Against KKR
In one of the most dramatic matches in IPL history, Punjab Kings (PBKS) pulled off a sensational 16-run victory over Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) by defending just 111 runs — the lowest total ever defended in the tournament’s history. The incredible win, delivered in Mullanpur on Tuesday, was orchestrated by leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal’s game-changing spell of 4 for 28, which left KKR stunned and PBKS co-owner Preity Zinta overjoyed.
What looked like a walk in the park for KKR turned into a nightmare as they collapsed from a comfortable 71 for 3 in the ninth over to being bowled out for just 95 in 15.1 overs. Chahal’s scalps included big names like Ajinkya Rahane, Angkrish Raghuvanshi, Rinku Singh, and Ramandeep Singh — the last two falling on consecutive deliveries in the 12th over. His fiery spell broke the backbone of KKR’s chase and lit up the crowd.
Preity Zinta, visibly thrilled, was seen hugging Chahal after the win, celebrating the historic moment with the team. Pacer Marco Jansen also played a crucial role, taking 3 for 17, while Xavier Bartlett, Glenn Maxwell, and Arshdeep Singh chipped in with a wicket each.
This remarkable defense broke the previous record held by Chennai Super Kings, who defended 116 against Punjab in 2009.
KKR had started their chase confidently, with Ajinkya Rahane and Raghuvanshi steadying the innings after early blows from Jansen and Bartlett. Rahane’s classic six into the sightscreen and Raghuvanshi’s fluent knock seemed to set the stage for a routine chase. But once Chahal entered the attack in the eighth over, everything changed.
Maxwell’s dismissal of Venkatesh Iyer further tilted the game, and Chahal capitalized by removing Rinku Singh with a delivery that sneaked past the bat, followed by Ramandeep’s wicket on the next ball. From there, KKR unraveled rapidly, with only Andre Russell showing some resistance with a quick 16-run burst.
With only two wickets in hand and 17 runs needed off six overs, the odds were still with KKR. But Arshdeep Singh bowled a tight over and dismissed Vaibhav Arora to seal the win.
Earlier in the day, Punjab’s decision to bat first on their home ground didn’t pay off as they were bundled out for a meager 111. Prabhsimran Singh (30) and Priyansh Arya (22) were the only top-order batters to put up some fight. Nehal Wadhera, Shashank Singh, and Bartlett were the only others to reach double digits.
KKR’s bowlers were clinical — Harshit Rana picked up 3 for 25, while Varun Chakaravarthy and Sunil Narine claimed two wickets each.
Despite the shaky start, it was Chahal’s brilliance and the team’s fighting spirit that turned the game around — making it a night to remember for Punjab Kings and their passionate fans.
News Source : Information for this article was gathered from a variety of reliable news outlets.
