Defending a modest total of 112, Punjab Kings (PBKS) desperately needed a miracle from their bowlers—and Yuzvendra Chahal stepped up like a true magician. Despite his recent struggles, the seasoned leg-spinner conjured a sensational batting collapse, finishing with figures of 4/28 in his four overs. His heroics propelled PBKS to a breathtaking 16-run victory, etching this match as one of the most unforgettable clashes in IPL history.
At 61/2, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) seemed poised to cruise to victory. But Chahal’s arrival changed the game’s trajectory. His spell ripped through the middle order, sending shockwaves through KKR’s lineup. This marked his eighth four-wicket haul in the IPL, tying him with Sunil Narine for the most in the league’s history. Lasith Malinga trails with seven such feats. Notably, this was Chahal’s third four-plus wicket haul against KKR, making him the most successful bowler against any single franchise in IPL history.
Chahal’s Masterclass: Variations that Baffled KKR
It was no surprise that Chahal walked away with the Player of the Match award for his game-changing performance.
“In the last game, I gave away 56 in 4 overs, but I never lost faith in my abilities,” Chahal said during the post-match presentation. “I constantly think about how to outfox batters. Today, I mixed my pace and forced them to work for every run. Winning a game like this boosts the entire team’s confidence. This is my first Man of the Match for Punjab, and I believe if I keep trusting myself, the results will come.”
Before this match, Chahal had featured in all five of PBKS’ games but managed just two wickets at an average of 83.50. He bowled his full quota of four overs in only two of those matches. Even in PBKS’ 18-run win over Chennai Super Kings (CSK), Chahal was underutilized, bowling just one over—the 17th—and conceding only nine runs.
With critics questioning his form and pressure mounting, Chahal silenced the doubters in spectacular fashion. His spell not only secured the win but also reignited his season, proving why he remains one of the most lethal spinners in the game.
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