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The Punjab Kings Vs Kolkata Knight Riders Stats comparison highlights one of the most entertaining rivalries in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Previously known as Kings XI Punjab, Punjab Kings (PBKS) have faced Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) since the competition began in 2008. Their encounters have featured high-scoring matches, dramatic finishes, impressive individual performances, and memorable playoff battles.
Kolkata Knight Riders have historically held the advantage in the head-to-head record. However, Punjab Kings have produced some remarkable victories, including their extraordinary successful chase of 262 runs in IPL 2024. That match became one of the most memorable games in IPL history and demonstrated Punjab’s ability to overcome even the biggest targets.
The rivalry also includes the 2014 IPL final, when Kolkata Knight Riders defeated Kings XI Punjab to win their second championship. More recently, Punjab recorded important victories in 2023, 2024, and 2025, while the scheduled 2026 meeting at Eden Gardens ended without a result because of rain.
Punjab Kings Vs Kolkata Knight Riders Head-to-Head Stats
As of the end of IPL 2026, Punjab Kings and Kolkata Knight Riders had played 36 IPL matches against each other. KKR had won 21 matches, PBKS had won 13, and two matches had ended without a result.
| Head-to-Head Statistic | Punjab Kings | Kolkata Knight Riders |
|---|---|---|
| Total matches | 36 | 36 |
| Matches won | 13 | 21 |
| Matches lost | 21 | 13 |
| No-result matches | 2 | 2 |
| Highest team total | 262/2 | 261/6 |
| Lowest completed innings total | 111 | 95 |
| Overall record | 13 wins | 21 wins |
Kolkata’s advantage comes from consistent performances across multiple IPL seasons. The franchise has often performed well in this matchup, particularly when its bowlers have controlled Punjab’s middle order.
Punjab Kings, meanwhile, have demonstrated that they can defeat Kolkata convincingly when their batters gain momentum. Their record-breaking chase in 2024 remains the clearest example of their potential in this fixture.
Punjab Kings Vs Kolkata Knight Riders Match History
The two teams have met in almost every phase of IPL history, from the league’s early seasons to its modern era. Their match history includes league-stage games, the 2014 final, high-scoring contests, and rain-affected encounters.
| IPL Season | Notable Result |
|---|---|
| 2008 | Early meetings established the rivalry |
| 2010 | KKR recorded a major victory by 39 runs |
| 2012 | KKR won a close encounter by 2 runs |
| 2014 | KKR defeated Kings XI Punjab in the IPL final |
| 2018 | KKR scored 245/6 in a high-scoring contest |
| 2020 | Both teams recorded victories in separate meetings |
| 2021 | The teams exchanged wins |
| 2023 | Both sides won one match each |
| 2024 | PBKS chased 262/2 to win by 8 wickets |
| 2025 | PBKS won by 16 runs in one match; another was abandoned |
| 2026 | The match at Eden Gardens was abandoned because of rain |
This history shows how the rivalry has evolved. Kolkata’s overall record is stronger, but Punjab’s more recent wins have included several notable batting performances.
Punjab Kings Vs Kolkata Knight Riders Stats in IPL 2024
The 2024 meeting at Eden Gardens became a defining moment in this rivalry. Kolkata Knight Riders scored 261/6 in their allotted 20 overs, setting Punjab Kings a target of 262 runs.
KKR’s total appeared formidable, especially at a venue where the home side had often performed well. However, Punjab Kings responded with extraordinary attacking cricket and reached 262/2 in just 18.4 overs, winning by eight wickets.
Jonny Bairstow played a match-winning innings, scoring an unbeaten century. Shashank Singh also contributed significantly, helping PBKS maintain a remarkable scoring rate throughout the chase.
The result was historic because Punjab successfully chased a target of 262, setting a major benchmark for successful run chases in men’s T20 cricket. The match also illustrated the changing nature of T20 batting, where even totals above 250 can be chased with the right combination of partnerships and boundary hitting.
For Kolkata Knight Riders, the defeat demonstrated that a huge total does not guarantee victory. Despite scoring 261 runs, the bowlers could not prevent Punjab from dominating the second innings.
Punjab Kings Vs Kolkata Knight Riders Stats in IPL 2025
The 2025 season produced contrasting results in this matchup. Punjab Kings defeated Kolkata Knight Riders by 16 runs in their April 15 encounter at New Chandigarh.
Punjab scored 111 runs, while Kolkata were dismissed for 95. The low-scoring contest showed that this rivalry is not limited to batting spectacles. Bowling accuracy, pressure, and the ability to defend a modest total can be equally decisive.
Another scheduled meeting at Eden Gardens ended without a result. Punjab Kings had scored 201/4, but rain prevented the match from producing a completed result.
These games highlighted the variety of outcomes between the teams. In 2024, Punjab chased 262 with remarkable ease; in 2025, they defended a much smaller total through disciplined bowling.
Punjab Kings Vs Kolkata Knight Riders Stats in IPL 2026
The teams were scheduled to meet in Match 12 of IPL 2026 at Eden Gardens in Kolkata on April 6. Kolkata Knight Riders won the toss and elected to bat first.
However, rain interrupted the contest. KKR reached 25/2 in 3.4 overs before the match was abandoned without a result.
As a result, neither team received a win from that encounter, and the match was added to the rivalry’s no-result count.
The abandoned fixture continued a recent pattern of unpredictable meetings. Although KKR maintained their historical head-to-head lead, Punjab entered the season with confidence after a strong start and several impressive performances in previous seasons.
Highest Team Scores in PBKS vs KKR Matches
Both franchises have produced outstanding totals in this matchup. Punjab Kings hold the highest team score, while Kolkata Knight Riders have also crossed 250 runs against them.
| Team | Score | Season | Match Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| Punjab Kings | 262/2 | 2024 | Won by 8 wickets |
| Kolkata Knight Riders | 261/6 | 2024 | Lost by 8 wickets |
| Kolkata Knight Riders | 245/6 | 2018 | Competitive high-scoring performance |
Punjab’s 262/2 is particularly notable because it came while chasing a target of 262. KKR’s 261/6 was a substantial total in its own right, but Punjab’s batting performance overshadowed it.
These totals illustrate the importance of powerplay scoring, partnerships, and aggressive finishing. Both teams have had batters capable of changing a match within a few overs.
Lowest Team Scores in PBKS vs KKR Matches
The rivalry has also produced low-scoring innings, showing the impact of bowling pressure and early wickets.
| Team | Lowest Completed Innings Total |
|---|---|
| Punjab Kings | 111 |
| Kolkata Knight Riders | 95 |
Kolkata’s 95 all out against Punjab in 2025 was a reminder of how quickly a T20 innings can collapse. Punjab’s 111 in the same season also demonstrated how effective bowling can restrict even a competitive batting lineup.
These low totals contrast sharply with the 250-plus scores recorded in other seasons. Conditions, pitch behaviour, bowling execution, and the timing of wickets all influence the result.
Batting Records and Notable Performances
Batting has played a central role in the Punjab Kings vs Kolkata Knight Riders rivalry. Several players have delivered important innings, particularly when chasing large targets or setting imposing totals.
Jonny Bairstow: Bairstow’s unbeaten 108 in the 2024 match was a defining innings. His aggressive stroke play helped Punjab chase down KKR’s 261/6 with time to spare.
Shashank Singh: Shashank contributed crucial runs during Punjab’s successful 2024 chase. His ability to accelerate without losing control was important in completing the record-breaking pursuit.
Kolkata’s top-order batters: KKR have frequently depended on their top order to build strong foundations. Contributions from players such as Gautam Gambhir, Robin Uthappa, Andre Russell, and other key batters across different seasons have helped shape the franchise’s record in this fixture.
Punjab’s attacking approach: Punjab Kings have often looked to score rapidly through the powerplay and middle overs. Their 2024 performance showed how an aggressive but coordinated approach can overcome a daunting target.
Bowling Records and Match-Winning Contributions
Although high scores attract attention, bowling has often decided the outcome of PBKS vs KKR matches. Kolkata’s overall head-to-head advantage reflects the franchise’s ability to take wickets and defend totals across many seasons.
Punjab’s successful 2025 defence of 111 demonstrated the value of accurate bowling and sustained pressure. By dismissing Kolkata for 95, Punjab showed that even a low total can be defended when the bowling attack performs effectively.
In high-scoring matches, death-over execution becomes especially important. Bowlers need to limit boundary opportunities, vary their pace, and avoid giving batters predictable deliveries. The 2024 contest demonstrated the consequences of failing to contain an aggressive chase.
IPL 2014 Final: Kolkata Knight Riders vs Kings XI Punjab
One of the most important matches in this rivalry was the IPL 2014 final. Kings XI Punjab, now known as Punjab Kings, reached the final after a strong season and posted 199/4, powered by Wriddhiman Saha’s unbeaten century.
Kolkata Knight Riders chased the target successfully, finishing on 200/7 in 19.3 overs and winning by three wickets. Manish Pandey played a crucial innings, while the lower order helped complete the chase under pressure.
The victory gave Kolkata Knight Riders their second IPL title. For Punjab, the defeat was disappointing because the team had enjoyed an impressive campaign but fell short in the final.
The match remains a significant chapter in the rivalry because it connected the teams not only through league-stage competition but also through the fight for the IPL trophy.
Key Factors That Influence PBKS vs KKR Matches
Powerplay performance: Strong starts can establish a platform for totals above 200. Conversely, early wickets can force a team to rebuild rather than attack.
Middle-order partnerships: The middle overs often determine whether a team can maintain momentum after the powerplay. Batters must balance risk and strike rotation.
Death-over batting: Players who can hit boundaries consistently in the final overs can transform a competitive total into a match-winning one.
Bowling under pressure: Defending large totals requires accurate execution. Even a few expensive overs can change the result, as demonstrated in the 2024 chase.
Adaptability: The 2025 low-scoring game showed that teams must adapt to conditions rather than rely on aggressive batting alone.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who has won more matches between Punjab Kings and Kolkata Knight Riders?
Kolkata Knight Riders have won more matches in the IPL rivalry. Through the end of the 2026 season, KKR had 21 wins, while Punjab Kings had 13 wins from 36 meetings. Two matches ended without a result.
What is the highest score in Punjab Kings vs Kolkata Knight Riders matches?
Punjab Kings hold the highest team score in this matchup with 262/2, achieved during their successful chase of KKR’s 261/6 in IPL 2024.
What happened in the PBKS vs KKR match in 2024?
Punjab Kings chased down Kolkata Knight Riders’ total of 261/6, reaching 262/2 in 18.4 overs. Punjab won by eight wickets in a historic high-scoring encounter.
Who won the IPL 2014 final between KKR and Punjab?
Kolkata Knight Riders defeated Kings XI Punjab by three wickets in the IPL 2014 final. KKR successfully chased the target of 200 runs to secure their second IPL title.
What was the result of the PBKS vs KKR match in IPL 2026?
The scheduled match at Eden Gardens on April 6, 2026, was abandoned because of rain. Kolkata Knight Riders had reached 25/2 in 3.4 overs when play ended.
Conclusion
The Punjab Kings Vs Kolkata Knight Riders Stats reveal a rivalry in which Kolkata Knight Riders have maintained the overall advantage, winning 21 of the 36 matches recorded through IPL 2026. Punjab Kings have won 13 matches, while two contests ended without a result.
Despite Kolkata’s stronger historical record, Punjab has produced some of the rivalry’s most memorable performances. Their successful chase of 262 in 2024 remains a landmark result, while the 2025 victory by 16 runs demonstrated the team’s ability to win low-scoring contests as well.
The 2014 IPL final remains another defining moment, with KKR defeating Kings XI Punjab to claim the championship. Together, these matches show why the fixture continues to attract attention: it can deliver huge totals, dramatic chases, bowling-led victories, and important results. Future meetings will provide further opportunities for both teams to strengthen their records and add new chapters to this IPL rivalry.
