Punjab Kings vs Kolkata Knight Riders — Full Match Report & Statistical Breakdown
Ipl • Punjab Kings won the match by 2 wicket.
Key Match Highlights
1. Match Overview & Context
In this 10-over encounter of Ipl, Punjab Kings took on Kolkata Knight Riders on May 26, 2026, 11:44 AM. After competitive cricket across both innings, the fixture concluded with the official result: Punjab Kings won the match by 2 wicket.. Across the match, spectators witnessed a combined total of 139 runs and 4 wickets fall between Kolkata Knight Riders (69/3 in 8.0 overs) and Punjab Kings (70/1 in 6.5 overs).
2. Kolkata Knight Riders Innings Breakdown (69/3)
Batting in the first innings, Kolkata Knight Riders finished on 69/3 from 8.0 overs, maintaining an innings run rate of 8.63 runs per over. During the opening 6 overs, Kolkata Knight Riders accumulated 57 runs for the loss of 1 wicket. Fin Allen spearheaded the batting effort with 25 runs off 14 balls (including 1 fours and 3 sixes at a strike rate of 178.6). Valuable middle-order support came from Andre Russel, who contributed 25 runs off 19 deliveries, while Ajinkya Rahane added 8 (11b). The bowling side conceded 4 extra runs (wides: 3, no-balls: 1, byes: 0, leg-byes: 0). With the ball in the first innings, Chahal led the bowling figures with 2/20 in 2.0 overs (economy 10.00), assisted by Chris Gayle (1/14 in 2.0 overs).
3. Punjab Kings Chase & Second Innings Summary (70/1)
Pursuing a target of 70 runs for victory, Punjab Kings recorded 70/1 in 6.5 overs at a scoring rate of 10.24 runs per over. Nicolas Pooran anchored the chase for Punjab Kings with 27 runs from 19 balls (0 fours, 3 sixes, strike rate 142.1), alongside Chris Gayle who chipped in with 20 off 12 balls. Defending the total, Ankul Roy delivered a key spell of 1/14 across 1.0 overs at an economy rate of 14.00, while Varun Chakravarthi finished with 0/14 (1.5 overs).
4. Partnerships, Fielding & CricÓ MVP Standings
The highest batting stand of the match was forged by Nicolas Pooran and Shreyas Iyer (Punjab Kings), who combined for 39 runs off 25 balls. In the field, both sides combined for 3 catches, 0 run-outs, and 0 stumpings, with Shreyas Iyer making a notable impact in the outfield. According to the CricÓ MVP & Player Points engine—which evaluates runs, boundaries, strike rate milestones, wickets, dot balls, bowling economy, and fielding dismissals—Chris Gayle (Punjab Kings) topped the match rankings with 82.0 total points, followed closely by Chahal (69.0 points). Official Player of the Match honors were awarded to Chris Gayle.