Key Highlights:
PBKS vs KKR: KKR’s Bowlers Stun PBKS in the First Innings of IPL 2025 Match 31
In a dramatic turn of events during IPL 2025 Match 31, Punjab Kings (PBKS) faced a complete batting collapse, putting up just 111 runs in their first innings. The KKR bowlers took full advantage of the conditions and put on a dominant show, with Varun Chakaravarthy and Harshit Rana making crucial breakthroughs early.
Key Moments from PBKS’s Batting Collapse From PBKS vs KKR Match
- 3.2 to Priyansh Arya (Caught by Ramandeep Singh off Harshit Rana): The first breakthrough came when Priyansh Arya attempted a flick shot off a length delivery outside leg stump but didn’t connect with power. Ramandeep Singh took a straightforward catch at the boundary, and PBKS found themselves at 39/1.
- 3.4 to Shreyas Iyer (Caught by Ramandeep Singh off Harshit Rana): Shreyas Iyer, the PBKS captain, fell to Harshit Rana for a second-ball duck. Rana’s delivery was short and wide, and Iyer’s attempt at a big shot was mistimed, leaving PBKS at 39/2.
- 4.5 to JP Inglis (Bowled by Varun Chakaravarthy): JP Inglis’s debut innings was short-lived. Varun Chakaravarthy bowled a brilliant delivery, and Inglis attempted a big slog sweep but missed the ball entirely, getting bowled out. PBKS was now in trouble at 42/3.
- 5.6 to Prabhsimran Singh (Caught by Rana off Varun Chakaravarthy): Another key wicket came when Prabhsimran Singh was dismissed for 30 runs by Varun Chakaravarthy. He was cramped for room and sliced the ball to the fielder at point, leaving PBKS at 54/4.
- 9.1 to Glenn Maxwell (Bowled by Varun Chakaravarthy): Glenn Maxwell, another big-hitter for PBKS, had no idea what hit him when Varun Chakaravarthy bowled a brilliant delivery outside off stump. Maxwell attempted to cut the ball but misjudged the line and got bowled out for 76/6.
KKR Bowlers: Varun Chakaravarthy and Harshit Rana Lead the Charge
The KKR bowling attack was sharp from the get-go, with Harshit Rana and Varun Chakaravarthy leading the way.
- Harshit Rana took three wickets, including the vital dismissals of Priyansh Arya and Shreyas Iyer, who were key batters for PBKS.
- Varun Chakaravarthy continued to shine in the middle overs, taking two important wickets — that of JP Inglis and Glenn Maxwell — and continuing his excellent form with the ball.
Their combined efforts restricted PBKS from building any partnerships and kept the pressure on throughout the innings.
PBKS Struggling to Recover
After a promising start, PBKS were unable to recover from the early wickets. Their key batters, including Shreyas Iyer and Glenn Maxwell, failed to deliver, and the middle order crumbled under pressure. Harshit Rana and Varun Chakaravarthy’s brilliant spells ensured that PBKS had no respite, leaving them with only 111 runs to defend.
What’s Next for PBKS?
With only 111 runs on the board, PBKS will have to put up a strong fight with the ball. Their bowlers will need to be at their best, especially in the powerplay and middle overs, to have any chance of defending this low total. The task ahead is tough, but PBKS can still take heart from the fact that the KKR batting lineup has been inconsistent at times.
KKR’s Bowlers Dominate PBKS’s First Innings
Varun Chakaravarthy and Harshit Rana have once again proven their worth for KKR, putting up a clinical bowling performance to dismantle PBKS’s batting. With PBKS managing only 111 runs, KKR now have a great opportunity to take control of this match and push for a win that will keep them in the hunt for a playoff spot.
As the match moves into the second innings, KKR’s confidence will be sky-high, and PBKS will need something special from their bowlers to make a comeback.
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