Defending a modest total of 112, Punjab Kings (PBKS) needed something extraordinary from their bowlers—and Yuzvendra Chahal delivered just that. Despite a patchy run of form, the leg-spinner orchestrated a remarkable batting collapse to finish with figures of 4/28 in his four overs, powering PBKS to a stunning 16-run victory in one of the most memorable encounters in IPL history.
At 61/2, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) looked firmly in control of the chase. But Chahal’s introduction flipped the script. His spell dismantled the middle order and derailed KKR’s progress, marking his eighth four-wicket haul in the IPL—the joint-most alongside Sunil Narine. Lasith Malinga trails the duo with seven such performances. Remarkably, this was also Chahal’s third four-plus wicket haul against KKR, the most by any bowler against a single franchise in IPL history.
Variation in pace does the trick for Chahal
Unsurprisingly, he was named Player of the Match for his match-winning effort.
“In the last game, I gave away 56 in 4 overs, but I had full confidence in my abilities,” Chahal said at the post-match presentation. “I always think about how to get the batters out. I varied my pace and made them work for their shots. Winning such a game lifts the whole team’s morale. It’s my first Man of the Match for Punjab, and I believe if I keep backing myself, the results will follow.”
Before this match, Chahal had featured in all five of PBKS’ games but managed just two wickets at an average of 83.50. He completed his full quota of four overs in only two of those games. Even in PBKS’ 18-run win over Chennai Super Kings (CSK), Chahal was used sparingly, bowling just one over—the 17th—and conceding only nine runs.
With growing pressure and critics questioning his form, Chahal answered in style when it mattered most, delivering a spell that not only won the match but may also reignite his season.