By Robert 
Yuzvendra Chahal was the hero of the night as Punjab Kings pulled off one of the most dramatic wins in IPL history, defending a meager total of 111 to hand Kolkata Knight Riders a 16-run defeat in Mullanpur. Chahal’s magical spell of 4/28 triggered a batting collapse that stunned the defending champions and cricket fans alike.
With Kolkata cruising at 62/2, it looked like a routine chase until Chahal’s leg-spin tore through the middle order. KKR were bowled out for 95 in just 15.1 overs, giving Punjab a famous win — and breaking the record for the lowest total ever defended in a full 20-over IPL game, surpassing CSK’s defense of 116 back in 2009.
Amid the celebrations, RJ Mahvash added to the buzz by posting a heartfelt tribute to Chahal on her Instagram story. Sharing a picture with the leggie, she wrote, “What a talented man! Highest wicket-taker of IPL for a reason! Asambhav!” The post quickly went viral, echoing the sentiment of millions of fans in awe of Chahal’s brilliance.
Chahal Leads the Charge
The match turned when Chahal removed KKR skipper Ajinkya Rahane LBW, though replays showed the ball might’ve missed the stumps. Rahane, who didn’t opt for a review, later admitted, “I’ll take the blame. Played the wrong shot, although it was missing.”
Chahal followed that up with the wicket of Angkrish Raghuvanshi, and then sent Rinku Singh and Ramandeep Singh packing off consecutive deliveries to nearly claim a hat-trick.
Although Andre Russell fought back with a flurry of boundaries — two sixes and a four off Chahal — Marco Jansen cleaned him up, triggering wild celebrations at Punjab’s home ground.
“I’ve coached a lot of games in the IPL, and that might just be the best win I’ve ever had,” said a jubilant Ricky Ponting, Punjab’s head coach.
Punjab’s Batting Woes
Earlier, Punjab’s batters crumbled after a brisk start. Openers Priyansh Arya (22) and Prabhsimran Singh (30) got the hosts off to a flyer, racing to 39 in just 3.1 overs. But KKR’s bowlers — especially Nitish Rana (3/25) and Varun Chakravarthy — struck back hard.
Punjab were bowled out in just 15.3 overs, managing only 111, but the bowlers — especially Chahal — turned the tide in stunning fashion.
With this win, Punjab Kings move into the top four of the IPL 2025 points table, registering their fourth win in six matches. Chahal, battling a shoulder niggle before the game, was fittingly named Player of the Match.
From injury doubts to match-winner — and now viral for all the right reasons — Chahal reminded the world once again why he remains one of the IPL’s most valuable players.