Courtesy: BCCI/IPL
Punjab Kings (PBKS) coach Ricky Ponting looked elated following his team’s 16-run victory against defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025. Defending mere 111 runs in Mohali, PBKS contained KKR on 95 and became the team to save the lowest total in IPL. Yuzvendra Chahal looked clinical with the ball and played an instrumental role in success. He bagged 4/28 figures in his four-over spell and became the recipient of the player of the match (POTM) award. Pacer Marco Jansen also took 3/17 figures and made an essential contribution to the historic win.
Following Punjab’s sensational show, their coach Ponting delivered his take on the performance. The former Australia captain remarked, “The heart rate is still up there. I'm 50 years now and don't need more games like these. Defending 112, with 16 runs up our sleeves. We actually said to the guys at the halfway mark that these really small chases, like these, are sometimes the hardest.
Ponting also admitted the pitch was difficult for batters throughout the contest. He added, "The wicket wasn't easy, as you can see that right through the game, it was definitely holding up. But what about Chahal tonight? How good a spell of bowling was that!"
Punjab to take on Royal Challengers Bengaluru on April 18 in IPL 2025
PBKS will clash against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium on April 18. RCB have won four and lost two matches in their six outings. Both defeats came while playing at home against Gujarat Titans (GT) and Delhi Capitals (DC).
Noting this fact, Punjab will look to continue their aggressive brand of cricket to make RCB struggle at home. Bengaluru won their previous game against Rajasthan Royals (RR) in Jaipur convincingly, riding on their opener Phil Salt’s 65 off 33.
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