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In the Indian Premier League (IPL), there are certain rivalries that never fail to thrill the fans. The clash between the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and the Punjab Kings (PBKS) is one such rivalry. Both teams are often known for high-scoring games, dramatic chases, and surprising results.
KKR has been a two-time IPL champion (in 2012 and 2014), while PBKS has yet to lift the trophy; however, their batting lineup has consistently been explosive. To date, 35 matches have been played between the two teams, with KKR winning 21, PBKS winning 13, and one match ending in a 'No Result'. KKR's dominance is evident, yet PBKS has pulled off several memorable upsets in recent years.
Head-to-Head Records (Overall Stats)
- Total Matches: 35
- KKR Wins: 21
- PBKS Wins: 13
- No Result: 1
- KKR's Highest Score: 261/6 (2024, Eden Gardens)
- PBKS's Highest Score: 262/2 (2024, Eden Gardens – The highest successful chase in IPL history)
- KKR's Lowest Score: 95 (2025, Mullanpur)
- PBKS's Lowest Score: 111 (2025, Mullanpur – The lowest total successfully defended in IPL history)
KKR's record at Eden Gardens has been even more formidable, yet PBKS managed to create history there as well in 2024.
Most Memorable and Thrilling Matches (Most Memorable Encounters)
- PBKS's Historic Chase – 262/2 vs KKR (April 26, 2024, Eden Gardens)
This match was the most thrilling and record-breaking encounter in IPL history. Batting first, KKR posted a mammoth total of 261/6. In reply, aided by the efforts of Jonny Bairstow (108 runs off 48 balls) and Shashank Singh, PBKS chased down the target, scoring 262/2 in just 18.4 overs to win the match by 8 wickets. This stands as the highest successful run chase in the IPL and constitutes a major record in the world of T20 cricket. Fans still fondly remember this match today, referring to it as "Bairstow Ka Tandav" (Bairstow's Rampage). - PBKS Defends the Lowest Score – 111 vs KKR (April 15, 2025, Mullanpur)
PBKS managed to score only 111 runs in 15.3 overs. It appeared as though the match was firmly in KKR's grasp; however, the lethal bowling of Yuzvendra Chahal (4/28) and Marco Jansen bundled KKR out for just 95 runs. PBKS secured a victory by a margin of 16 runs. This holds the record for successfully defending the lowest total in IPL history.
- KKR's Dominant Victories
In 2010 in Mohali, KKR secured a victory by 39 runs (a significant margin).
In 2014 in Cuttack, they won by 9 wickets (one of the largest margins in terms of wickets).
In 2018 in Indore, KKR posted a total of 245/6 and won by 31 runs. - Other Thrilling Matches
2022: KKR secured a victory by 6 wickets.
2023: KKR defeated PBKS in a close contest at Eden Gardens.
In many matches, the excitement persisted right up until the final over—especially when all-rounders like Andre Russell or Sunil Narine were out on the field.
Highest Scores and Individual Performances
- Team Highest: PBKS 262/2 (2024), KKR 261/6 (2024)
- Individual Highest Score: Wriddhiman Saha's 115 (PBKS/KKR)* – This stands as the highest individual score in this rivalry.
- Other Notable Performances: Jonny Bairstow (108, 2024), Phil Salt, Shreyas Iyer, Gautam Gambhir (one of the highest run-scorers for KKR in this rivalry – 492 runs).
- Most Wickets: Sunil Narine has taken the most wickets in this rivalry (34+), including spells such as 5/19. Andre Russell's finishing prowess and Chahal's spin bowling have often served as the turning points of the matches.
What Makes This Rivalry Special?
- High-Scoring Games: Both teams play an aggressive brand of cricket.
- Scores of 250+ are common.
- The Surprise Element: PBKS has often emerged victorious against KKR while playing as the underdog.
- Star Players: KKR boasts match-winners like Narine, Russell, and Salt, while PBKS features players such as Bairstow, Prabhsimran, Shashank Singh, and Chahal.
- Venue Factor: The pitch at Eden Gardens is batting-friendly, whereas the surface at Mullanpur occasionally offers assistance to both spinners and pacers.
This rivalry brings fresh drama to every season of the IPL. The matches in 2024 and 2025 made it even more memorable—featuring a record-breaking chase on one side, and a record-breaking defense on the other.
