Punjab Kings (PBKS) secured a crucial victory in the ongoing IPL 2025 with a narrow 16-run win against the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in Mohali. This win elevated Punjab Kings to fourth position on the league table with eight points from six matches.
Punjab's Heroic Defence
Despite being bowled out for 111 runs in just 15.3 overs, Punjab Kings' bowlers delivered an exceptional performance to limit Kolkata Knight Riders to a meagre 95 runs. Yuzvendra Chahal was the star, grabbing four wickets. Marco Jansen also bolstered the bowling attack with three key wickets.
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Leading the charge in the Knight Riders lineup, Angkrish Raghuvanshi scored a commendable 37 runs off 28 balls, yet it was not enough to lead his team to victory.
Knight Riders' Struggle
The defending champions showcased a strong bowling display as Harshit Rana took three wickets, while both Sunil Narine and Varun Chakravarthy contributed with two wickets each. However, they could not overcome Punjab's spirited bowling effort.
Local Pride
Harbhajan Singh, the legendary cricketer from Punjab, expressed his excitement about the Kings' prospects, saying, "Punjab Kings can win the IPL 2025. Their win against Kolkata Knight Riders will instil confidence. Matches like these make you believe success is possible. The entire state of Punjab will rally behind them."
With guidance from head coach Ricky Ponting and skipper Shreyas Iyer, Punjab Kings have exhibited resilience this season, overcoming their early setbacks to become strong contenders in the tournament.