IPL 2025: Harshit's powerplay spell bamboozles PBKS, KKR bundles out hosts for 111

ANI April 15, 2025 151 views

Kolkata Knight Riders delivered a crushing bowling performance against Punjab Kings in their IPL match at Mullanpur. Harshit Rana emerged as the primary architect of PBKS's downfall with a stunning 3/25 spell during the powerplay. Shreyas Iyer, facing his former team, endured a forgettable match with a two-ball duck. The defending champions comprehensively bundled out PBKS for a mere 111 runs, showcasing their bowling depth and tactical brilliance.

"A fiery powerplay spell never let Punjab Kings batters roar" - Match Commentary
Mullanpur, April 15: A fiery powerplay spell by Harshit Rana and some fine fielding by Ramandeep Singh never let Punjab Kings (PBKS) batters roar in their home conditions as defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) bundled them out for just 111 in 15.3 overs at Mullanpur on Tuesday.

Key Points

1

Harshit Rana's 3/25 spell destroyed PBKS top-order batting

2

Shreyas Iyer suffered humiliating duck against former team

3

KKR bowlers dismantled PBKS for just 111 runs

PBKS skipper Shreyas Iyer was up against his former team, which he led to title last year. But with a two-ball duck and a shambolic batting performance to his team's name, it proved to be a nightmare.

After opting to bat first, PBKS was off to a fine start. Openers Priyansh Arya and Prabhsimran came out all guns blazing.

The duo feasted on Vaibhav Arora's pace, taking him down for 20 runs, with three fours and a six, with Prabhsimran being the aggressor.

However, the combo of Harshit Rana and Ramandeep Singh, the fielder, kickstarted PBKS's downfall, as Priyansh (22 in 12 balls, with three fours and a six) and skipper Shreyas Iyer (0) were dismissed in same over. PBKS was 39/2 in 3.4 overs.

In the fifth over, Josh Inglis was cleaned up by Varun Chakravarthy for just two. PBKS was 42/3 in 4.5 overs.

In the final over of the powerplay, Prabhsimran launched Harshit for two sixes, unfazed by the loss of wickets. But once again, Prabhsimran was removed by the duo of Harshit-Ramandeep for 30 in 15 balls, with two fours and three sixes. PBKS was 54/4 at the end of powerplay.

Nehal Wadhera and Glenn Maxwell tried stitching a partnership. However, Anrich Nortje got Wadhera (10) caught by Venkatesh Iyer while attempting a flick, at deep square leg. PBKS was 74/5 in 8.4 overs.

It was later on, turn of spinners to dominate as Glenn Maxwell (7) continued his poor run, dismissed by Varun Chakravarthy.

Sunil Narine also picked up Suryansh Shedge (4) and Marco Jansen (1). PBKS was 86/8 in 11 overs.

Thanks to a six from Shashank Singh, PBKS reached the 100-run mark in 13.3 overs.

In the 16th over, Shashank (18 in 17 balls, with a four and six) and Xavier Bartlett (11 in 15 balls) were dismissed. PBKS was all out for 111 in 15.3 overs.

Harshit (3/25) was the pick of the bowlers for KKR, while Narine (2/14) and Varun (2/21) were also brilliant. Vaibhav and Nortje got a wicket each.

Reader Comments

R
Rahul K.
What a bowling performance by KKR! Harshit Rana was absolutely 🔥 in the powerplay. PBKS never recovered after those early blows. Shreyas Iyer must be regretting his decision to bat first against his old team!
P
Priya M.
As a PBKS fan, this was painful to watch 😭 Our batting lineup completely collapsed after that promising start. Maxwell's poor form continues to be a major concern - we need him to step up!
A
Amit S.
While KKR bowled well, I think PBKS's shot selection was questionable. Too many reckless shots when they needed to rebuild. Prabhsimran looked good but threw his wicket away at crucial moments.
S
Sanjay R.
Ramandeep Singh's fielding was outstanding today! That catch and the run out completely changed the momentum. KKR's all-round performance shows why they're defending champs 💜
N
Neha P.
Varun Chakravarthy's spell was underrated today - his control in the middle overs choked PBKS completely. KKR's spin trio is looking deadly this season!
V
Vikram D.
Respectful criticism: The article could have included more about KKR's bowling strategy. How did they plan for each batter? The execution was perfect but what was the thought process behind it?

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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