IPL 2025, KKR vs PBKS Highlights: Rain plays spoilsport as the game gets abandoned, potentially impacting Punjab’s playoff chances.
Brief Scores: Punjab Kings 201 for 4 (Prabhsimran 83, Arya 69, Arora 2/34) vs Kolkata Knight Riders 7 for 0 (Narine 4*) – Match abandoned due to rain
The 44th match of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 between Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Punjab Kings (PBKS) was abandoned due to rain, with both teams earning one point each. After being asked to bat first, PBKS posted a strong total of 201/4 in their 20 overs.
Openers Priyansh Arya (69 off 35) and Prabhsimran Singh (83 off 49) starred with a fiery 120-run stand in under 12 overs. Captain Shreyas Iyer added a brisk 25 towards the end, while Vaibhav Arora was the pick of the KKR bowlers with 2/34. However, Kolkata’s chase was cut short after just one over due to rain, leaving fans disappointed as the match could not continue.
Highlights from PBKS vs KKR game, IPL 2025
Prabhsimran-Priyansh’s solid opening stand
After being put in to bat at Eden Gardens, PBKS came out all guns blazing, thanks to a scintillating start from Priyansh Arya. Continuing his red-hot form this season, which already includes a record-equalling century, Arya dazzled once again, smashing a rapid 69 off just 35 balls. His innings saw controlled aggression, along with towering sixes.
At the other end, Prabhsimran Singh provided the perfect complement. Playing with his signature flair and confidence, he kept the momentum going with a fluent 83 off 49 deliveries. His calculated aggression and composed stroke play ensured that the scoreboard kept ticking at a lively pace, further unsettling the KKR bowling attack.
The opening partnership proved to be a nightmare for KKR, whose bowlers, including Vaibhav Arora, Varun Chakravarthy, and Andre Russell, struggled to make inroads. Such was the dominance of the PBKS openers that the first breakthrough didn’t come until the 12th over.
Read More: IPL 2025, PBKS vs KKR, Highlights: Chahal, Jansen wreak havoc; Punjab defend lowest total in IPL
Brilliant death bowling by KKR
Despite a fiery start from their openers, Punjab Kings couldn’t fully capitalise on the solid foundation they had built. At 120/1 after 12 overs, they were well on course for a mammoth total, with big hitters like Shreyas Iyer, Josh Inglis, and Nehal Wadhera yet to come. However, KKR staged a strong comeback in the middle and death overs, pulling things back with disciplined bowling and crucial breakthroughs.
The momentum began to shift as PBKS lost wickets at regular intervals, disrupting the flow of runs. In particular, the final four overs saw a clinical display from KKR’s bowlers, who conceded just 34 runs while dismissing Glenn Maxwell and Marco Jansen. Their tight lines and smart variations denied Punjab the late surge they were aiming for, eventually restricting them to a total of 201. What once looked like a 220-plus score turned into a missed opportunity for the visitors.
What happens as KKR, PBKS share one point each?
The rain-affected match, which ended without a result, saw both KKR and PBKS share one point each. For KKR, the washout was a setback in what was virtually a must-win game to strengthen their playoff hopes. While the one point keeps them mathematically alive in the race, it does make their path to the top four more challenging, as they’ll now need to win most, if not all, of their remaining matches.
On the other hand, PBKS now move to 11 points with five wins from nine games, keeping them firmly in contention for a playoff spot. However, missing out on a potential full two points from this fixture could prove crucial in the tightly contested standings. The result also brings some relief to other mid-table teams like Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Mumbai Indians. With PBKS being limited to just one point, RCB and MI find themselves with a slightly clearer path to the playoffs, especially if they can string together a few strong performances.
Read More: IPL 2025: Top Playoff contenders at the halfway mark
Top Twitter/X Reactions from KKR vs PBKS, Kolkata, IPL 2025
Very impressed with Priyansh Arya.
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) April 26, 2025
Priyansh Arya's 50 is one of the finest T20 knocks I have seen. Except for that one mishit, not a false note.
— Joy Bhattacharjya (@joybhattacharj) April 26, 2025
Just caressing the the ball to the fence, exquisite timing. And love how he's changed his approach, not trying to hit everything from the start!
Stylish and Audacious 😎
— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) April 26, 2025
A brilliant 120-run opening partnership comes to an end 👏#PBKS 121/1 after 12 overs.
Updates ▶ https://t.co/oVAArAaDRX #TATAIPL | #KKRvPBKS | @PunjabKingsIPL pic.twitter.com/o6U9uzFrNJ
Read More: IPL 2025, PBKS vs RCB, Highlights: Paddikal-Kohli lead RCB to victory, Punjab slip to 4th Spot
