Punjab Kings () scripted one of the greatest comebacks in IPL history, defending a mere 111 runs against defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in Mullanpur. However, after the game, PBKS co-owner Preity Zinta rushed onto the field and hugged Yuzvendra Chahal, who was the hero of the night, after he delivered a match-winning spell 4/28.
Preity Zinta’s happiness is the reason I support PBKS. Sirf Agla match nahi support karungi against RCB 😂please adjust kar lena https://t.co/mB0SY1xB2i pic.twitter.com/qwl34GXDz8
— aCute 📐 (@chaoticalm_090) April 15, 2025
The evening began in the worst possible way for the home team, who were bowled out for just 111 in 15.3 overs as their batting collapsed. Glenn Maxwell continued his poor run, captain Shreyas Iyer departed for a duck, and debutant Josh Inglis also perished early. KKR were expected to cruise to victory. And when Ajinkya Rahane and Angkrish Raghuvanshi steadied the ship after two early wickets, it looked certain.
But turned the game towards his side. Coming into the attack with KKR at 62 for 2 and 98% favourites to win, the 34-year-old ripped through their middle order, taking four wickets in three overs. He dismissed Rahane, who walked off without reviewing a close call, and triggered a collapse of six wickets in 5.1 overs. He later chipped in with the wickets of Raghuvanshi, Rinku Singh, and Ramandeep Singh.
KKR still had Andre Russell, who briefly revived chances with 16 runs off one Chahal over. But Marco Jansen had the final laugh, dismissing the power-hitter and sealing the win in what became the lowest successful defence in IPL history. Following the win, Zinta was ecstatic with her team's performance and hugged Chahal as the team celebrated on the field. She also presented the veteran spinner his Player of the Match award.
"It is a team effort. We wanted to be positive and we felt if we get 2-3 wickets in the powerplay then it will be good. We saw their spinners turn it and it helped us. When I bowled the first ball, it turned, Shreyas asked me if I wanted a slip, we wanted to be attacking as we had less runs and the only way we could win was by taking wickets. In the last game I conceded 56 for 4 overs, but I had full confidence and backed myself and my abilities. I always have the mindset of how to get the batters out, I varied my pace and if they have to hit, they will have to make an effort. When you win such a game, the team's morale will be high. It's my first man of the match for Punjab, I'm confident if I keep backing my skills and believe in myself, then I will get success," he said in the post-match interview.
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