IPL Live Cricket Score 2025 season has been a rollercoaster of emotions, with breathtaking performances and nail-biting finishes. On April 15, 2025, the 31st match of the season at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur, Chandigarh, delivered one of the most unforgettable moments in IPL history. Punjab Kings (PBKS) faced off against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in a clash that defied expectations, rewriting record books and showcasing the unpredictable nature of T20 cricket. PBKS scripted history by defending the lowest-ever total in a full 20-over IPL match, defeating KKR by 16 runs in a low-scoring thriller. This article delves into the match’s key moments, standout performances, tactical battles, and its impact on the IPL 2025 season.
Match Overview
IPL Live Cricket Score The match began with KKR captain Ajinkya Rahane winning the toss and electing to bowl first, a decision influenced by the trend of teams batting first securing victories at Mullanpur and the expectation of dew aiding the chase. PBKS, led by Shreyas Iyer, posted a modest 111 runs in 15.3 overs, a total that seemed inadequate on a pitch known to favor batters in IPL 2025. IPL Live Cricket Score KKR, boasting a formidable batting lineup, appeared poised for an easy chase. However, PBKS bowlers, spearheaded by Yuzvendra Chahal and Marco Jansen, turned the game on its head, bundling out KKR for 95 in 15.1 overs. This victory marked the lowest total ever defended in IPL history, surpassing previous records and etching PBKS’s name in the annals of T20 cricket.
First Innings: Punjab Kings’ Batting Collapse
PBKS got off to a flying start, with openers Prabhsimran Singh and Priyansh Arya adding 39 runs in just 3.1 overs. IPL Live Cricket Score Prabhsimran, known for his aggressive strokeplay, scored 30 off 15 balls, while Arya, a debutant backed by coach Ricky Ponting, contributed 22 off 12. The duo’s attacking approach set an optimistic tone, but KKR’s bowlers, led by Harshit Rana, struck back with venom.
Rana’s double-wicket over in the fourth triggered a dramatic collapse. He dismissed Prabhsimran and Nehal Wadhera in quick succession, reducing PBKS to 43/2. Varun Chakaravarthy and Sunil Narine, KKR’s spin duo, tightened the screws, exploiting the slowing pitch. Narine’s guile accounted for Shreyas Iyer (caught for 8), while Chakaravarthy removed Glenn Maxwell (12), leaving PBKS reeling at 67/5 after 10 overs.
The middle order, including Shashank Singh and Marcus Stoinis, failed to stabilize the innings. IPL Live Cricket Score Harshit Rana returned to claim his third wicket, dismissing Stoinis, while Andre Russell’s pace accounted for Marco Jansen. PBKS’s tail offered little resistance, with Arshdeep Singh (1 not out) watching helplessly as the innings folded for 111. Rana finished with 3/25, Narine with 2/14, and Chakaravarthy with 2/21, setting KKR a seemingly straightforward target of 112.
Second Innings: KKR’s Stunning Implosion
IPL Live Cricket Score KKR’s chase began confidently, with Quinton de Kock and Sunil Narine navigating the powerplay cautiously. At 62/2 after 8 overs, with Ajinkya Rahane (21) and Angkrish Raghuvanshi (37 off 28) at the crease, KKR appeared to be cruising. The required run rate was under 5, and victory seemed a formality. However, a single moment changed the course of the match: Rahane’s dismissal.
Rahane, struck on the pads by Chahal, was adjudged LBW but failed to review, a decision that proved costly as replays suggested the ball was missing the stumps. His departure opened the floodgates, and KKR’s batting crumbled under pressure. Chahal, overcoming a shoulder niggle, was the architect of the collapse, finishing with 4/28. He dismissed Raghuvanshi, Venkatesh Iyer (7), Rinku Singh (2), and Ramandeep Singh (0) in quick succession, reducing KKR to 79/8 by the 13th over.
Marco Jansen complemented Chahal’s brilliance with a fiery spell, claiming 3/17. His short-of-length deliveries troubled KKR’s lower order, with Harshit Rana (3) chopping on and Andre Russell (17 off 11) falling to an inside edge onto the stumps. Arshdeep Singh delivered the final blow, dismissing Vaibhav Arora (0) in a wicket-maiden over, caught by Josh Inglis. KKR’s innings ended at 95, handing PBKS a historic 16-run victory.
Key Performances
Yuzvendra Chahal (PBKS)
Relive the epic performance here 🎥🔽 | #TATAIPL | #PBKSvKKRhttps://t.co/nP1jyDyKsA https://t.co/VPoqF82Qzr
— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) April 15, 2025
Chahal’s four-wicket haul was the defining performance of the match. Introduced in the seventh over, he bowled with control and deception, exploiting the pitch’s grip to outfox KKR’s batters. His dismissal of Rahane was the turning point, and his ability to take wickets in clusters—Raghuvanshi, Rinku, and Ramandeep—ensured KKR had no chance of recovery. Chahal’s 4/28 earned him the Player of the Match award and cemented his reputation as one of the IPL’s premier spinners, with 33 wickets against KKR, the most by any bowler against a single team.
Marco Jansen (PBKS)
Jansen’s 3/17 was a masterclass in pace bowling. IPL Live Cricket Score His short-pitched deliveries, angled cleverly from around the wicket, unsettled KKR’s tail. The dismissal of Russell, KKR’s last hope, was a moment of brilliance, as Jansen induced an inside edge with a well-directed bouncer. His disciplined bowling in the death overs ensured PBKS maintained pressure, making the improbable defense possible.
Harshit Rana (KKR)
IPL Live Cricket Score Despite KKR’s loss, Rana’s 3/25 in the first innings was a standout effort. His double-wicket over derailed PBKS’s promising start, and his ability to mix pace with bounce troubled the opposition. Rana’s performance with the ball kept KKR in the driver’s seat until their batting collapse.
Angkrish Raghuvanshi (KKR)
IPL Live Cricket Score Raghuvanshi’s 37 off 28 was the highest score in KKR’s innings, offering a glimmer of hope during the chase. His composed batting, alongside Rahane, seemed to put KKR on course for victory, but his dismissal by Chahal marked the beginning of the end.
Tactical Analysis
PBKS’s Bowling Strategy
PBKS’s success lay in their adaptability. Recognizing the pitch’s assistance for slower bowlers, they relied heavily on Chahal and Maxwell (1/12) to control the middle overs. IPL Live Cricket Score Chahal’s variations—looping leg-breaks and sliders—exploited KKR’s aggressive approach, while Maxwell’s off-spin kept the scoring rate in check. Jansen and Arshdeep complemented the spinners with disciplined pace bowling, using short balls to exploit KKR’s discomfort against bounce. The decision to bowl Arshdeep in short bursts ensured he remained fresh for the death overs, where his wicket-maiden proved decisive.
KKR’s Missteps
KKR’s downfall was a combination of tactical errors and mental lapses. Rahane’s failure to review his LBW decision was a critical blunder, as it disrupted a stable partnership. IPL Live Cricket Score The middle order, including Venkatesh Iyer and Rinku Singh, failed to adapt to the slowing pitch, playing rash shots against Chahal. KKR’s over-reliance on Russell in the lower order backfired, as PBKS’s bowlers targeted him with precision. Additionally, KKR’s spinners, Narine and Chakaravarthy, were underutilized in the middle overs of PBKS’s innings, allowing the openers to dominate early.
Pitch and Conditions
IPL Live Cricket Score The Mullanpur pitch, known for favoring batters in IPL 2025, offered unexpected assistance to bowlers. The surface slowed as the match progressed, aiding spinners like Chahal and Narine. Dew, anticipated to favor the chasing team, had minimal impact, as PBKS’s bowlers maintained control. The match highlighted the importance of adaptability, as PBKS read the conditions better than KKR.
Turning Points
- Rahane’s Non-Reviewed Dismissal: At 62/2, KKR were in control, but Rahane’s failure to review a marginal LBW call shifted momentum. His departure exposed KKR’s middle order to Chahal’s wizardry.
- Chahal’s Four-Wicket Haul: Chahal’s introduction in the seventh over changed the game’s complexion. His dismissals of Rahane, Raghuvanshi, Rinku, and Ramandeep in quick succession left KKR reeling.
- Jansen’s Dismissal of Russell: With 17 runs needed, Russell’s aggressive 17 off 11 kept KKR in the hunt. Jansen’s well-directed short ball, resulting in an inside edge, sealed KKR’s fate.
- Arshdeep’s Wicket-Maiden: Arshdeep’s final over, dismissing Arora and conceding no runs, epitomized PBKS’s discipline and ensured the historic victory.
Impact on IPL 2025 Standings
The victory propelled PBKS to fourth place in the IPL 2025 points table with four wins in six matches, boosting their net run rate and playoff prospects. KKR, with three wins in six games, slipped to sixth, highlighting their inconsistency. The result underscored PBKS’s resilience, especially at a venue where they had won only two of seven matches previously, while KKR faced questions about their batting depth and decision-making under pressure.
Post-Match Reactions
PBKS head coach Ricky Ponting hailed the win as a “minor miracle,” praising Chahal’s fitness and impact despite a shoulder niggle. He also lauded debutant Priyansh Arya, whose early aggression set the tone. IPL Live Cricket Score Shreyas Iyer, reflecting on his return to face KKR, emphasized the team’s belief in defending low totals. For KKR, Ajinkya Rahane admitted the batting unit’s recklessness, taking responsibility for the collapse. He stressed the need to remain positive with half the tournament remaining.
Historical Context
IPL Live Cricket Score PBKS’s defense of 111 surpassed previous IPL records for the lowest totals defended, including Chennai Super Kings’ 116/9 against PBKS in 2009 and Sunrisers Hyderabad’s 118 against Mumbai Indians in 2018. The match also marked the first instance in IPL 2025 of a batter changing bats mid-innings, with Anrich Nortje’s bat failing a contraption check. Chahal’s four-wicket haul was his third against KKR, the most by any bowler against a single opponent, further solidifying his legacy.
Fan and Media Reactions
Moments they will never forget 🤩
— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) April 16, 2025
🎥 All the 𝙍𝙖𝙬 𝙀𝙢𝙤𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣𝙨 from a thrilling ending and memorable victory as #PBKS created history in front of a buzzing home crowd ❤🥳#TATAIPL | #PBKSvKKR | @PunjabKingsIPL pic.twitter.com/mndhJxEt5X
IPL Live Cricket Score The cricketing world erupted in awe of PBKS’s heroics. Social media platforms buzzed with praise for Chahal and Jansen, with fans dubbing the match “the greatest IPL heist.” Posts on X highlighted PBKS’s record-breaking defense, with one user noting, “PBKS defends the lowest score in IPL history. Unreal scenes in Mullanpur!” Media outlets, including ESPNcricinfo and The Indian Express, described the match as a “low-scoring thriller” and a testament to T20 cricket’s unpredictability.
Conclusion
IPL Live Cricket Score The 31st match of TATA IPL 2025 between PBKS and KKR will be remembered as a landmark in T20 cricket. PBKS’s ability to defend 111 against a star-studded KKR side showcased the power of belief, strategy, and execution. IPL Live Cricket Score Yuzvendra Chahal’s spell, Marco Jansen’s pace, and Arshdeep Singh’s composure turned an improbable scenario into a historic triumph. For KKR, the loss exposed vulnerabilities that need addressing as the season progresses. As the IPL 2025 caravan moves forward, this match serves as a reminder that in T20 cricket, no total is too low to defend, and no chase is ever guaranteed.
Scorecard Summary
Punjab Kings: 111/10 (15.3 overs)
- Prabhsimran Singh: 30 (15)
- Priyansh Arya: 22 (12)
- Harshit Rana: 3/25
- Sunil Narine: 2/14
- Varun Chakaravarthy: 2/21
Kolkata Knight Riders: 95/10 (15.1 overs)
- Angkrish Raghuvanshi: 37 (28)
- Andre Russell: 17 (11)
- Yuzvendra Chahal: 4/28
- Marco Jansen: 3/17
- Arshdeep Singh: 1/13
Result: Punjab Kings won by 16 runs
Player of the Match: Yuzvendra Chahal
