Synopsis
On April 16, Saba Karim noted the extraordinary achievement of Punjab Kings in defending the lowest total in IPL history against Kolkata Knight Riders, a feat few anticipated. It highlights the unpredictability and excitement of the IPL.Key Takeaways
- Punjab Kings defended a mere total of 111 runs.
- Kolkata Knight Riders collapsed from 62/2 to 95 all out.
- Yuzvendra Chahal was named Player of the Match with 4 wickets.
- The match showcased remarkable catching and bowling skills.
- Varun Aaron hailed it as the greatest heist in IPL history.
New Chandigarh, April 16 (NationPress) Former Indian cricketer Saba Karim explored the astonishing upset achieved by Punjab Kings against the reigning champions Kolkata Knight Riders, stating that it was unimaginable for anyone to foresee PBKS defending the lowest total in IPL history successfully.
PBKS managed to defend a modest total of 111, defeating KKR by 16 runs at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Stadium on Tuesday.
Choosing to bat first, PBKS was bowled out in just 15.3 overs. In response, KKR began strong, sitting at 62/2 in their chase before losing eight wickets for just 33 runs and being all out in the 16th over.
"There must be a sense of disbelief among all the players of Kolkata Knight Riders, including those in the dugout. No one could have anticipated such an event. It’s the lowest score ever defended in 18 seasons of IPL. Just imagine the confidence that Punjab Kings displayed midway through the match," Karim stated on JioHotstar.
Yuzvendra Chahal shone with exceptional performance, achieving figures of 4 for 28 in four overs, earning him the Player of the Match accolade. Marco Jansen supported well with 3 for 17, while Arshdeep Singh and Glenn Maxwell contributed one wicket each.
"To step onto the field with that confidence and maintain it throughout the innings is remarkable to witness. It was an excellent mix of skilled new-ball bowlers, Chahal hitting form at the right moment, and exceptional captaincy. Additionally, Punjab Kings exhibited outstanding catching. Shreyas Iyer’s anticipation at first slip to take Ramandeep Singh's catch was impressive.
"It was off a delivery from Yuzvendra Chahal. Everyone having that level of belief is fantastic to observe. It’s exactly what the IPL needs at this moment. No one ever envisioned Punjab Kings achieving something like this, yet here we are today," he added.
With only 50 runs required off 75 deliveries, a dramatic series of events unfolded as PBKS's spin duo of Chahal and Maxwell sparked a remarkable comeback. They claimed three crucial wickets (Venkatesh Iyer, Rinku Singh, and Ramandeep) within seven deliveries. Jansen took another wicket, leaving KKR in disbelief at 79/8. Subsequently, Arshdeep and Jansen secured the final two wickets, bowling KKR out for 95.
Former Indian pacer Varun Aaron also reflected on PBKS's incredible comeback, commending Chahal's influence on the game. "This is the most significant heist in IPL history. What transpired today could be termed the eighth wonder of the world. It’s astonishing what happened.
"It seemed like an easy match, but Punjab Kings displayed remarkable courage in their play—especially with early wickets. Amazing catching. And then, Yuzvendra Chahal. He’s the best bowler in the league for a reason. The ball that got Rinku Singh was bowled at 72 kilometers per hour—that’s how slow it was. It takes a lot of determination to deliver when the team needs you most," he remarked.
