New Chandigarh, Apr 16: Former Indian cricketer Saba Karim delved into the thrilling upset pulled off by Punjab Kings against defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders, saying that no one had thought of PBKS pulling off such a remarkable feat by successfully defending the lowest total in the IPL history.

PBKS successfully defended a modest total of 111 to defeat KKR by 16 runs at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Stadium Tuesday.

Opting to bat first, PBKS were bowled out in 15.3 overs. In response, KKR were cruising along at 62/2 in the chase before they lost eight wickets for 33 runs and were all out in the 16th over.

"There has to be a sense of disbelief in all the Kolkata Knight Riders players, including the dugout. No one could ever believe that something like this could ever take place. Lowest score ever defended. It’s been, what, 18 seasons now of the IPL. So, imagine the self-belief that Punjab Kings had midway," said Karim on JioHotstar.

Yuzvendra Chahal was the standout performer, returning figures of 4 for 28 in his four overs, which earned him the Player of the Match award. Marco Jansen provided key support with 3 for 17, while Arshdeep Singh and Glenn Maxwell chipped in with one wicket each.

"For them to step out and then to have that self-belief and continue to do so through the entire innings is remarkable to watch. A great combination of some superb new-ball bowlers, then Chahal finally finding form at the right time, and some great captaincy skills. On top of that, Punjab Kings did very good catching. Even the way Shreyas Iyer was standing at first slip—he anticipated and moved one side to pick up that catch of Ramandeep Singh.

"It was off Yuzvendra Chahal’s delivery. And everybody having that kind of belief is so good to watch. I think that’s what you need. That’s what the IPL required at this point of time. No one ever thought that Punjab Kings could do something like this. But look what they have achieved today," he added.

With only 50 runs to get off 75 deliveries came a dramatic sequence of twists and turns as PBKS' spin duo of Chahal and Glenn Maxwell initiated a stunning comeback. They picked up three big wickets (Venkatesh Iyer, Rinku Singh, and Ramandeep) in the space of seven deliveries. Jansen picked up another and KKR were left shocked at 79/8. Then, Arshdeep and Jansen picked up the final two wickets to bowl out KKR for 95.

Former India pacer, Varun Aaron also reflected on PBKS's incredible turnaround and praised Chahal’s impact in the game. "This is the biggest heist which has ever been pulled off in the IPL. What we saw today, I would say, is the eighth wonder of the world. It's unbelievable what happened.

"You thought it was going to be an easy game, but I think the Punjab Kings side showed a lot of gumption in the way they played—especially with those wickets upfront. Great catching. And then, Yuzvendra Chahal. There’s a reason why he’s the best bowler in the league. That ball which got Rinku Singh was 72 kilometres an hour—that’s how slow he bowled that. And you need a lot of steel to come up with the goods when the team needs you," he said.

(IANS)

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