On Tuesday, Punjab Kings made history by successfully defending the lowest total ever recorded in the Indian Premier League against the reigning champions, Kolkata Knight Riders. The revitalized PBKS have commenced their season positively, achieving four victories in six matches, and have emerged as serious title contenders under the captaincy of Shreyas Iyer.

Yuzvendra Chahal played a pivotal role in Punjab's success, delivering an outstanding performance with figures of 4/28, as KKR faltered in their pursuit of 112 runs. Prior to this match, Chahal had faced scrutiny, but he rose to the occasion when his team required him the most.

KKR's powerful batsman, Andre Russell, attempted to mount a comeback with a few sixes and a four before being dismissed by Marco Jansen. Ultimately, KKR was bowled out for 95, falling short by 16 runs. The total could have been higher, but an unusual mistake by Xavier Bartlett allowed the visitors to gain an extra four runs.

During the eighth over of the innings, Venkatesh Iyer swept a delivery from Yuzvendra Chahal towards long leg, where Bartlett fielded the ball cleanly. However, as he prepared to throw it, the ball slipped from his grasp, resulting in an accidental throw that went backward for a boundary. Venkatesh and Angkrish Raghuvanshi had already completed a run before Bartlett's error, adding five runs to KKR's total. Chahal expressed his frustration with the fielder's mishap.

Meanwhile, KKR lost momentum after that as Chahal spun his web to get rid of Raghuavanshi and power-hitters Rinku Singh and Ramandeep Singh, which derailed the visitor's chase.

‘It was a team effort’: Chahal

Chahal, who received the Player of the Match award, acknowledged the collective effort of the team while emphasizing the significance of maintaining a positive mindset despite the modest score on the scoreboard.

"It was truly a team effort. Our goal was to remain optimistic and secure 2-3 wickets during the powerplay. The pitch presented challenges, including some turn," Chahal remarked following the match.

"My first delivery turned, prompting Shreyas [Iyer] to suggest, 'Let's have a slip.' We needed to take wickets to secure victory, given the low run total," he continued.

With this victory, PBKS has ascended to fourth place, boasting four wins and two losses, while KKR finds itself in sixth place with three wins and four losses.

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