New Delhi: Yuzvendra Chahal’s match turning spell of 4/28 enabled Punjab Kings to defend the lowest-ever score in the Indian Premier League’s history, defeating Kolkata Knight Riders by 16 runs in a pulsating contest in Mullanpur.
Punjab were shot out for only 111 in 15.3 overs and looked dead and buried as KKR reached at 71 for 3 in 9.1 overs. But then leg-spinner turned the match on its head with a breathtaking spell as KKR suffered a sensational collapse to be bowled out for 95 in 15.1 overs.
The defending champions lost their last seven wickets for only 24 runs in 36 balls as Chahal dismissed Ajinkya Rahane (17), Angkrish Raghuvanshi (37), Rinku Singh (2) and Ramandeep Singh (0) to trigger KKR’s slide.
Left-arm pacer Marco Jansen claimed three for 17 runs while Xavier Bartlett, Glenn Maxwell and Arshdeep Singh picked up a wicket each as PBKS pulled off an improbable victory.
Chahal was named the man of the match for his game-turning exploits. Speaking after the game, the veteran spinner credited the team for rallying around him during the tense contest.
“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,” he said.
Punjab had come into the match after being unable to defend 245 in their last game against Sunrisers Hyderabad where Chahal conceded a lot of runs. But he said that didn’t demoralise him and the helpful wicket at Punjab’s home ground in Mullanpur gave him hope.
“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.
Yuzvendra Chahal claimed 4/28 as PBKS defended the lowest-ever score in the IPL in a 16-run win over KKR in Mullanpur. Cricket Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
