By Robert 
In one of the most astonishing turnarounds in IPL history, Punjab Kings pulled off a sensational 16-run win over Kolkata Knight Riders, defending a mere 111 at the New Chandigarh Stadium — the lowest successful defence in IPL history.
After a collective bowling performance had bundled PBKS out in just 15.3 overs, KKR seemed well on their way to an easy victory at 60/2. But Yuzvendra Chahal (4/28) and Marco Jansen (3/17) led a dramatic comeback, bowling KKR out for just 95 and lifting PBKS to fourth in the standings.
Where the Game Turned
It was a tale of twin middle-order collapses. PBKS went from 39/0 to 86/8 in a blink, managing only 111. KKR, in control at 62/2, then suffered a dramatic implosion, losing six wickets for 17 runs as PBKS clawed their way back in sensational fashion. The turning point came in the second half of the chase, when Chahal struck key blows to derail KKR’s march.
Punjab Kings Innings
Powerplay – Bright Start, Sudden Slide (54/4)
PBKS began confidently, with Priyansh Arya and Prabhsimran Singh attacking early. Arya launched Nortje and Rana for big hits, while Prabhsimran looked fluent against Arora. But Harshit Rana removed Arya, and wickets began tumbling. Shreyas Iyer fell for a duck, Inglis was bowled attempting a sweep, and Varun Chakravarthy returned to dismiss Prabhsimran, despite his brisk 30 off 13.
Middle Overs – Collapse Continues (55/4)
Nehal Wadhera and Glenn Maxwell tried to stabilize things, but Nortje removed Wadhera after a brief flurry. Impact sub Suryansh Shedge added no value, falling to Narine. Maxwell’s familiar struggles against Varun continued, and PBKS were soon 86/8, with only Shashank Singh and debutant Xavier Bartlett holding the tail together.
Death Overs – Quick Finish (2/2)
Shashank and Bartlett tried to stretch the innings but didn’t last long. Shashank was trapped in front, Bartlett was run out, and PBKS were bowled out for their lowest home score – 111 in 15.3 overs.
Kolkata Knight Riders Innings
Powerplay – Quick Start Despite Setbacks (55/2)
Despite losing Narine and de Kock early, KKR stormed through the PowerPlay with Raghuvanshi’s aggressive strokeplay and Rahane’s stability. Bartlett leaked runs in the sixth over as KKR raced ahead.
Middle Overs – Chahal Turns the Tide (40/7)
Just when it looked like a formality, Chahal spun magic. He trapped Rahane, dismissed Raghuvanshi, and returned to get Rinku Singh stumped and Ramandeep caught on a scoop. Rana and Venkatesh Iyer also departed cheaply, the latter to Maxwell. Jansen then joined the party by bowling Rana, leaving KKR tottering at 79/8.
Russell offered a glimmer of hope, launching Chahal for two sixes and a four, but Arora’s short ball undid Arshdeep’s tight over, claiming his wicket and piling pressure back on.
Death Overs – Jansen Seals It (0/1)
Russell stood alone as KKR’s last hope. But it wasn’t to be. Jansen came in and knocked over Russell with an inside edge, sparking wild celebrations as PBKS pulled off a memorable heist.
Brief Scores:
Punjab Kings 111 in 15.3 overs (Prabhsimran Singh 30; Harshit Rana 3/25, Sunil Narine 2/14)
Kolkata Knight Riders 95 in 15.1 overs (Angkrish Raghuvanshi 37; Yuzvendra Chahal 4/28, Marco Jansen 3/17)
Result: PBKS won by 16 runs
What’s Next?
Punjab Kings face Royal Challengers Bengaluru in back-to-back games, starting April 18 at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium. KKR have a few days to regroup, with their next fixture on April 21 at Eden Gardens against Gujarat Titans.