The Punjab Kings vs Kolkata Knight Riders timeline is one of the longest-running matchups in Indian Premier League history. The two franchises first met in the inaugural IPL season in 2008, and their rivalry has continued through different eras, team rebuilds, overseas campaigns, dramatic finishes and some of the tournament’s most memorable matches.
Punjab entered the IPL as Kings XI Punjab, while Kolkata Knight Riders have retained the KKR name since the league began. Punjab later rebranded as Punjab Kings (PBKS) in 2021, but the team’s earlier records under the Kings XI Punjab name remain part of its IPL history.
Over the years, KKR have generally had the better head-to-head record. After the 2026 season, the teams had played 36 IPL matches, with KKR winning 21, PBKS winning 13 and two ending without a result.
Yet the numbers do not tell the whole story. This rivalry includes the unforgettable 2014 IPL Final, when KKR chased 200 to deny Punjab their first IPL trophy, the remarkable 2024 chase of 262, and the low-scoring thriller in 2025 when PBKS defended just 111 against KKR.
The latest chapter came in IPL 2026 at Eden Gardens. Rain stopped the contest after KKR reached 25/2 in 3.4 overs, meaning the match ended without a result.
This is the complete Punjab Kings vs Kolkata Knight Riders timeline, covering their meetings from 2008 through 2026, major records, memorable players, important venues and the matches that shaped the rivalry.
Punjab Kings vs Kolkata Knight Riders Head-to-Head Record
The overall head-to-head record currently favours Kolkata Knight Riders. The teams have faced one another 36 times in the IPL, with KKR winning 21 matches and Punjab Kings winning 13. Two games have ended without a result.
| Category | Punjab Kings | Kolkata Knight Riders |
| Total Matches | 36 | 36 |
| Wins | 13 | 21 |
| Losses | 21 | 13 |
| No Result | 2 | 2 |
| Highest Team Score | 262/2 | 261/6 |
| Lowest Team Score | 111 | 95 |
| Biggest Winning Margin | 111 runs | 9 wickets |
| Highest Successful Chase | 262 | 191 |
| IPL Final Wins in H2H | 0 | 1 |
The most eye-catching numbers are the highest scores. Punjab’s 262/2 in 2024 remains the highest total by either side in this matchup, while KKR’s 261/6 came in the same game. PBKS won that contest by eight wickets.
The two no-results came in recent years. In 2025, Punjab had already posted 201/4 at Eden Gardens before rain reduced KKR’s chase to only one over, while the 2026 meeting at the same venue was abandoned after KKR reached 25/2 in 3.4 overs.
Punjab Kings vs Kolkata Knight Riders Timeline: Year-by-Year Results
PBKS vs KKR in 2008
The rivalry began in the inaugural IPL season, when Punjab were known as Kings XI Punjab.
The first meeting took place at the Punjab Cricket Association Stadium in Mohali on May 3, 2008. Kings XI Punjab produced an impressive batting performance, scoring 178/6 in 20 overs. Kolkata Knight Riders replied with 169/6, giving Punjab a nine-run victory.
The second meeting came later in the season at Eden Gardens on May 25. This time KKR responded strongly. Kolkata scored 175/7 and defeated Kings XI Punjab by three wickets.
The opening season therefore finished level at 1-1.
| Date | Venue | Result |
| May 3, 2008 | Mohali | Kings XI Punjab won by 9 runs |
| May 25, 2008 | Eden Gardens | KKR won by 3 wickets |
The first season established a pattern that would become familiar: Punjab were capable of producing big totals, while KKR often found ways to chase or defend tight targets.
Also read this: Kolkata Knight Riders vs Rajasthan Royals Match Scorecard | Punjab Kings vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru Timeline | Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Mumbai Indians Timeline
PBKS vs KKR in 2009
The 2009 IPL was played in South Africa, giving the rivalry a completely different setting.
The first meeting took place at Kingsmead, Durban. Kings XI Punjab posted 158/6, but rain interrupted the contest. KKR reached 79/1 from 9.2 overs and were declared winners by 11 runs under the Duckworth-Lewis method.
The second encounter was played at St George’s Park on May 3. Punjab scored 154/4, but KKR successfully chased the target, reaching 153/3 according to the historical score listings, with the result recorded as a six-wicket victory for Kings XI Punjab.
The two sides again split their meetings.
The 2009 season was important because it showed that the rivalry was not restricted to Indian conditions. Both sides had to adapt to South African pitches, travel and weather, adding a different dimension to the matchup.
PBKS vs KKR in 2010
The 2010 season produced two contrasting matches.
On March 27 at Mohali, Kolkata Knight Riders scored 183/5 and defeated Kings XI Punjab by 39 runs. KKR’s batting unit put Punjab under pressure from the beginning, and the target eventually proved too large.
A week later, the story changed dramatically at Eden Gardens.
Punjab responded with one of the biggest wins in the early history of the rivalry. Kings XI Punjab scored 204/2 and then restricted KKR to 200/3, winning by eight wickets.
That match was particularly significant because Punjab successfully chased a total of 200, showing the kind of aggressive batting that would repeatedly appear in this rivalry.
The 2010 season again ended 1-1.
PBKS vs KKR in 2011
Unlike several other seasons, Punjab and Kolkata met only once in 2011.
The match took place at Eden Gardens on April 30. KKR dominated the contest, restricting Kings XI Punjab to 119/6 before chasing the target comfortably.
Kolkata reached 120/2 in 17.2 overs and won by eight wickets.
It was one of the more straightforward victories in the early rivalry and gave KKR an advantage heading into the following season.
PBKS vs KKR in 2012
The 2012 meetings were much closer.
The first match took place at Eden Gardens on April 15. Kolkata made 132/7, but Punjab held their nerve to finish on 134/9 and win by just two runs. Sunil Narine produced an outstanding bowling performance for KKR, taking 5/19, but Punjab still managed to cross the line.
Three days later, the teams met in Mohali.
This time KKR were dominant. Kings XI Punjab made 124/7, after which Gautam Gambhir’s side chased the target in only 16.3 overs, reaching 127/2 and winning by eight wickets.
The season ended level again at 1-1.
The first match was especially memorable because of how narrowly Punjab escaped despite Narine’s five-wicket haul.
PBKS vs KKR in 2013
The 2013 rivalry delivered another split result.
On April 16 at Mohali, Kings XI Punjab scored 157/9 and defended the total against KKR’s 153/9. Punjab won by four runs in a tense finish.
The return fixture at Eden Gardens went Kolkata’s way.
KKR scored 150/4 in 18.2 overs after Punjab had made 149/6. Kolkata won by six wickets, with Jacques Kallis producing an influential all-round performance and taking the Player of the Match award.
Once again, neither team could establish complete dominance.
KKR vs Kings XI Punjab in 2014: The Defining Season
The 2014 IPL season changed the importance of this rivalry.
Punjab had one of the strongest teams in the competition and finished the league stage at the top of the table. KKR, meanwhile, recovered from a poor start by winning seven consecutive matches at the end of the league phase. The official IPL preview noted that Punjab finished with 11 wins while KKR entered the playoffs on a seven-match winning streak.
The teams met four times during the season.
PBKS vs KKR in 2014: League Match in Abu Dhabi
On April 26, Kings XI Punjab faced KKR at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi.
Punjab scored 132/9. KKR appeared to have a manageable chase, but Punjab’s bowlers produced an excellent defensive performance.
KKR were bowled out for 109 in 18.2 overs, giving Kings XI Punjab a 23-run victory. Sandeep Sharma was the standout performer with 3/21.
The result was particularly impressive because Punjab defended what looked like a modest total.
PBKS vs KKR in 2014: Second League Meeting
The teams met again later in the league stage, this time at Cuttack.
Kolkata produced a much stronger performance and defeated Punjab by nine wickets. This result prevented Punjab from completing a clean sweep over KKR during the league phase.
The victory was important for KKR because the team was building momentum heading toward the playoffs.
KKR vs PBKS in 2014 Qualifier 1
The rivalry became even more important in Qualifier 1.
Punjab entered the playoff as the top-ranked side, while KKR had climbed into second after their spectacular late-season run. The winner would go directly to the final.
The match was played at Eden Gardens after weather forced the original schedule to be shifted by a day.
KKR scored 163/8 and then restricted Kings XI Punjab to 135/8.
Kolkata won by 28 runs, with Umesh Yadav named Player of the Match.
Punjab therefore had to take the longer route to the final, while KKR advanced directly.
That set up the biggest match in the history of this rivalry.
KKR vs Kings XI Punjab in the 2014 IPL Final
The 2014 IPL Final remains the most important match in the Punjab Kings vs Kolkata Knight Riders timeline.
The final was played on June 1, 2014, at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. Punjab batted first and posted a huge 199/4 in 20 overs. KKR chased the target successfully, reaching 200/7 in 19.3 overs and winning the IPL trophy by three wickets.
The match had several unforgettable individual performances.
Wriddhiman Saha produced a brilliant unbeaten 115 off 55 balls, including 10 fours and eight sixes. Manan Vohra also contributed 67 from 52 balls.
For a long period, 199 appeared to be a championship-winning total.
But KKR’s chase transformed the contest.
Manish Pandey played the decisive innings, scoring 94 from 50 balls. His attacking batting kept KKR in the chase despite regular wickets. Eventually, Kolkata reached 200/7 with three balls remaining.
Pandey was named Player of the Match.
For Punjab, it was a heartbreaking defeat. The franchise had reached the final after an outstanding league campaign but missed the opportunity to win its first IPL title.
For KKR, it was their second IPL championship.
The 2014 final remains the defining chapter of this rivalry because it combined a huge score, a century, a near-200 chase and a championship at stake.
PBKS vs KKR in 2015
The 2015 season produced one of the most dramatic finishes in IPL history.
Kings XI Punjab scored 183/5 at Eden Gardens on May 9. KKR’s chase looked increasingly difficult as wickets continued to fall.
Then Andre Russell changed the match.
Russell smashed 51 from only 21 balls, while Yusuf Pathan scored 29 and Piyush Chawla provided crucial late runs. KKR reached 184/9 in 19.5 overs and won by one wicket with one ball remaining.
Sunil Narine was also outstanding with the ball, taking 4/19 for KKR.
The match became famous because KKR became the first IPL side to win by one wicket while successfully chasing a substantial target in such dramatic circumstances.
This was another example of how the PBKS-KKR rivalry could produce extraordinary finishes even when one side appeared to be in control.
PBKS vs KKR in 2016
The 2016 meetings were both won by Kolkata Knight Riders.
The first encounter came at Mohali on April 19, when KKR defeated Kings XI Punjab by six wickets.
The second match took place at Eden Gardens on May 4. KKR scored 164/3 and Punjab replied with 157/9. KKR won by seven runs.
Robin Uthappa and Gautam Gambhir were important contributors in Kolkata’s first-innings total. Uthappa scored 70 and Gambhir 54.
The two victories gave KKR a 2-0 season advantage and reinforced their overall superiority in the head-to-head record.
PBKS vs KKR in 2017
The first 2017 meeting went KKR’s way.
Kolkata won by eight wickets at Eden Gardens, continuing their strong record against Punjab.
The second meeting, however, produced a memorable Punjab victory.
At Mohali on May 9, Kings XI Punjab scored 167/6. KKR responded with 153/6 and fell 14 runs short. Mohit Sharma was named Player of the Match, while Rahul Tewatia played a key role with the ball.
Chris Lynn was KKR’s leading batter, scoring 84 from 52 balls, but Punjab’s bowlers controlled the closing overs. Tewatia finished with 2/18 and Mohit Sharma also took two wickets.
The victory kept Punjab’s playoff hopes alive and became one of the more memorable KXIP wins of that season.
PBKS vs KKR in 2018
After the two-year suspension of the old Chennai Super Kings and Rajasthan Royals franchises, the 2018 IPL saw several teams return to a more familiar structure. Kings XI Punjab and KKR continued their rivalry.
The first meeting at Eden Gardens on April 21 was heavily affected by rain.
KKR scored 191/7, but Punjab chased a revised target and reached 126/1 in only 11.1 overs. Kings XI Punjab won by nine wickets under the Duckworth-Lewis method.
The second match was a high-scoring affair.
At the Holkar Stadium in Indore, KKR produced a massive 245/6, while Kings XI Punjab responded with 214/8. KKR won by 31 runs.
The two matches showed two very different sides of the rivalry: a rain-affected chase followed by a huge run-fest.
PBKS vs KKR in 2019
The 2019 season was dominated by KKR’s batting.
At Eden Gardens on March 27, Kolkata scored 218/4, while Punjab managed 190/4. KKR won by 28 runs.
The return fixture at Mohali was another high-scoring contest. Punjab posted 183/6, but KKR chased the target successfully, reaching 185/3 and winning by seven wickets with 12 balls remaining.
KKR therefore won both matches.
The 2019 season was also significant because it highlighted the explosive batting potential of both teams. KKR’s 218 remained one of the highest scores recorded in this rivalry at that point.
PBKS vs KKR in 2020
The 2020 season produced two very different contests.
In the first meeting at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi, KKR scored 164/6 and defended the total successfully. Punjab finished on 162/5, losing by only two runs.
The narrow margin made it one of the closest results in the rivalry.
The second meeting was played at Sharjah.
Punjab scored 150/2 and KKR replied with 149/9. Kings XI Punjab won by eight wickets.
The result was especially significant because Punjab had recovered strongly after losing several early-season matches and were suddenly competing with greater confidence.
PBKS vs KKR in 2021
By 2021, Kings XI Punjab had officially become Punjab Kings.
The teams met twice.
The first match was played at the Narendra Modi Stadium on April 26. Punjab scored 123/9, but KKR chased the target, reaching 126/5 and winning by five wickets.
The second meeting came in Dubai on October 1.
Punjab scored 168/5 and KKR reached 165/7. PBKS won by five wickets.
The 2021 season therefore ended 1-1.
It also marked a symbolic transition in the timeline: the franchise was now officially called Punjab Kings, while all historical Kings XI Punjab results remained part of the team’s record.
PBKS vs KKR in 2022
The 2022 meeting was played at Wankhede Stadium on April 1.
Punjab Kings were bowled out for 137, while KKR reached 141/4 and won by six wickets.
Kolkata’s bowling attack kept Punjab under pressure throughout the innings before their batters completed the chase.
It was another KKR victory in a rivalry where Kolkata had generally enjoyed the upper hand.
PBKS vs KKR in 2023
The teams played twice in 2023, and the season again demonstrated how unpredictable this matchup could be.
PBKS vs KKR in Mohali
On April 1, Punjab Kings scored 191/5 at the Punjab Cricket Association Stadium in Mohali.
Rain interrupted the chase, leaving KKR with a revised target. Kolkata reached 146/7, and Punjab won by seven runs under the DLS method.
KKR vs PBKS at Eden Gardens
The second encounter took place on May 8.
Punjab scored 179/7, but KKR chased the target with a score of 182/5 and won by five wickets.
The two sides therefore finished the season with one victory each.
PBKS vs KKR in 2024: The Record 262 Chase
The 2024 match at Eden Gardens is arguably the greatest regular-season match in the Punjab Kings vs Kolkata Knight Riders timeline.
On April 26, KKR produced an enormous 261/6.
A score above 260 would normally be expected to be extremely difficult to chase.
Punjab Kings had a different idea.
The visitors chased the target in extraordinary fashion, reaching 262/2 and winning by eight wickets.
Jonny Bairstow was the star.
He scored an unbeaten 108, helping Punjab maintain an extraordinary scoring rate throughout the chase. The IPL’s records also list Bairstow’s century among the fastest hundreds in tournament history, coming from 45 balls.
Shashank Singh and Prabhsimran Singh also played important roles in the chase.
The match became historic because Punjab did not merely chase 262; they reached the target with two wickets down and eight balls remaining.
It remains the highest team score in the head-to-head history for Punjab, while KKR’s 261/6 is the highest score by Kolkata against PBKS.
The match perfectly represented the modern IPL: aggressive opening batting, enormous totals and fearless chasing.
PBKS vs KKR in 2025
The 2025 season produced two meetings, but only one had a result.
Punjab Kings vs KKR in Mullanpur
On April 15, Punjab Kings faced KKR at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium.
Punjab were bowled out for only 111 in 15.3 overs.
Despite the modest total, PBKS produced a remarkable bowling performance and bowled KKR out for 95 in 15.1 overs.
Punjab won by 16 runs, with Yuzvendra Chahal taking 4/28 and being named Player of the Match. Marco Jansen also contributed three wickets.
The result was memorable because Punjab successfully defended just 111.
KKR vs PBKS in Kolkata
The second meeting was scheduled at Eden Gardens on April 26.
Punjab Kings batted first and produced 201/4. Prabhsimran Singh scored 83 from 49 balls, while Priyansh Arya smashed 69 from 35.
KKR began their chase and reached 7/0 after one over, but rain prevented the match from continuing.
The contest was officially abandoned with no result.
PBKS vs KKR in 2026
The latest meeting came at Eden Gardens on April 6, 2026.
KKR won the toss and elected to bat, but Punjab’s bowlers struck early.
Finn Allen fell for six, Cameron Green was dismissed for four and KKR reached 25/2 after 3.4 overs. Rain then intervened and the match was abandoned.
Because there was no result, neither side added a win to its head-to-head record.
The abandoned match also meant that the overall rivalry remained at 21 KKR wins, 13 PBKS wins and two no-results across 36 matches.
Punjab Kings vs KKR Match-by-Match Results
The following table provides a condensed timeline of the completed and abandoned meetings between the two franchises.
| Season | Date | Venue | Winner | Winning Margin |
| 2008 | May 3 | Mohali | Kings XI Punjab | 9 runs |
| 2008 | May 25 | Eden Gardens | KKR | 3 wickets |
| 2009 | Apr 21 | Durban | KKR | 11 runs, DLS |
| 2009 | May 3 | Port Elizabeth | Kings XI Punjab | 6 wickets |
| 2010 | Mar 27 | Mohali | KKR | 39 runs |
| 2010 | Apr 4 | Eden Gardens | Kings XI Punjab | 8 wickets |
| 2011 | Apr 30 | Eden Gardens | KKR | 8 wickets |
| 2012 | Apr 15 | Eden Gardens | Kings XI Punjab | 2 runs |
| 2012 | Apr 18 | Mohali | KKR | 8 wickets |
| 2013 | Apr 16 | Mohali | Kings XI Punjab | 4 runs |
| 2013 | Apr 26 | Eden Gardens | KKR | 6 wickets |
| 2014 | Apr 26 | Abu Dhabi | Kings XI Punjab | 23 runs |
| 2014 | May 11 | Cuttack | KKR | 9 wickets |
| 2014 | May 28 | Eden Gardens | KKR | 28 runs |
| 2014 | Jun 1 | Bengaluru | KKR | 3 wickets |
| 2015 | May 9 | Eden Gardens | KKR | 1 wicket |
| 2016 | Apr 19 | Mohali | KKR | 6 wickets |
| 2016 | May 4 | Eden Gardens | KKR | 7 runs |
| 2017 | Apr 13 | Eden Gardens | KKR | 8 wickets |
| 2017 | May 9 | Mohali | Kings XI Punjab | 14 runs |
| 2018 | Apr 21 | Eden Gardens | Kings XI Punjab | 9 wickets, DLS |
| 2018 | May 12 | Indore | KKR | 31 runs |
| 2019 | Mar 27 | Eden Gardens | KKR | 28 runs |
| 2019 | May 3 | Mohali | KKR | 7 wickets |
| 2020 | Oct 10 | Abu Dhabi | KKR | 2 runs |
| 2020 | Oct 26 | Sharjah | Kings XI Punjab | 8 wickets |
| 2021 | Apr 26 | Ahmedabad | KKR | 5 wickets |
| 2021 | Oct 1 | Dubai | Punjab Kings | 5 wickets |
| 2022 | Apr 1 | Mumbai | KKR | 6 wickets |
| 2023 | Apr 1 | Mohali | Punjab Kings | 7 runs, DLS |
| 2023 | May 8 | Eden Gardens | KKR | 5 wickets |
| 2024 | Apr 26 | Eden Gardens | Punjab Kings | 8 wickets |
| 2025 | Apr 15 | Mullanpur | Punjab Kings | 16 runs |
| 2025 | Apr 26 | Eden Gardens | No Result | Rain |
| 2026 | Apr 6 | Eden Gardens | No Result | Rain |
Historical result records support the early-season results, while IPL’s current match pages confirm the more recent encounters.
Biggest Matches in Punjab Kings vs KKR History
2014 IPL Final
The 2014 final is unquestionably the biggest match in the rivalry.
Punjab made 199/4, powered by Wriddhiman Saha’s unbeaten 115. KKR chased 200 with three balls left, thanks largely to Manish Pandey’s 94.
The match had everything expected from a championship final: a huge total, individual brilliance, pressure, wickets and a dramatic finish.
Most importantly, it gave KKR their second IPL title while Punjab were denied their first.
2024 Record Chase
If the 2014 final is the most important match, the 2024 contest is arguably the most spectacular regular-season meeting.
KKR scored 261/6.
PBKS responded with 262/2.
Jonny Bairstow’s unbeaten 108 was the centrepiece of the chase.
The eight-wicket win made the match one of the greatest successful chases in IPL history.
2015 One-Wicket Thriller
The 2015 contest is remembered for KKR’s extraordinary chase of 184.
Andre Russell’s 51 from 21 balls transformed the game, and KKR eventually won by one wicket with one ball remaining.
It was the type of finish that made the PBKS-KKR rivalry so entertaining.
2020 Two-Run Thriller
KKR’s two-run victory in Abu Dhabi was another classic.
Kolkata scored 164/6, and Punjab finished only two runs short at 162/5.
The result demonstrated how even relatively modest totals could produce extremely close contests between these teams.
2025 Low-Scoring Thriller
In 2025, the teams produced the opposite of the 2024 run-fest.
Punjab were bowled out for 111, but their bowlers defended the total by dismissing KKR for 95.
Yuzvendra Chahal’s 4/28 proved decisive.
The match showed that the rivalry is not only about sixes and 200-plus totals; bowling can also determine the outcome.
Highest Team Scores in PBKS vs KKR Matches
| Rank | Team | Score | Season | Result |
| 1 | Punjab Kings | 262/2 | 2024 | Won by 8 wickets |
| 2 | Kolkata Knight Riders | 261/6 | 2024 | Lost by 8 wickets |
| 3 | Kolkata Knight Riders | 245/6 | 2018 | Won by 31 runs |
| 4 | Kolkata Knight Riders | 218/4 | 2019 | Won by 28 runs |
| 5 | Punjab Kings | 214/8 | 2018 | Lost by 31 runs |
The 2024 match sits comfortably at the top of the list. Punjab’s 262/2 and KKR’s 261/6 were the two highest scores recorded in this head-to-head matchup.
Highest Individual Scores in PBKS vs KKR Matches
| Rank | Player | Score | Team | Season |
| 1 | Wriddhiman Saha | 115* | Kings XI Punjab | 2014 |
| 2 | Jonny Bairstow | 108* | Punjab Kings | 2024 |
| 3 | Chris Lynn | 84 | KKR | 2017 |
| 4 | Prabhsimran Singh | 83 | Punjab Kings | 2025 |
| 5 | Manan Vohra | 67 | Kings XI Punjab | 2014 |
Wriddhiman Saha’s 115 not out in the 2014 final remains the highest individual score in the rivalry. Jonny Bairstow’s unbeaten 108 in the 2024 chase is second.
Chris Lynn’s 84 in 2017 came in a losing cause, as Punjab defended 167/6 to win by 14 runs.
Best Bowling Performances in PBKS vs KKR Matches
| Rank | Bowler | Figures | Team | Season | Opponent |
| 1 | Sunil Narine | 5/19 | KKR | 2012 | Kings XI Punjab |
| 2 | Sandeep Sharma | 3/21 | Kings XI Punjab | 2014 | KKR |
| 3 | Yuzvendra Chahal | 4/28 | PBKS | 2025 | KKR |
| 4 | Sunil Narine | 4/19 | KKR | 2015 | KXIP |
| 5 | Rahul Tewatia | 2/18 | KXIP | 2017 | KKR |
Sunil Narine’s 5/19 in 2012 stands out as the best bowling performance listed above. Despite his five wickets, Punjab managed to win that match by two runs.
That performance is a perfect example of why individual bowling figures do not always guarantee victory.
Punjab Kings vs KKR Most Successful Players
Top Run Scorers
Over the years, several high-profile batters have made a major impact in this matchup.
For KKR, players such as Gautam Gambhir, Robin Uthappa, Manish Pandey, Andre Russell, Chris Lynn and Sunil Narine have produced important performances.
For Punjab, Wriddhiman Saha, KL Rahul, Glenn Maxwell, Jonny Bairstow, David Miller and Shubman Gill have been among the prominent names associated with major innings in this rivalry.
The most memorable individual batting performances include Saha’s 115 in the 2014 final, Pandey’s 94 in the same match and Bairstow’s unbeaten 108 in 2024.
Top Wicket-Takers
KKR’s spin tradition has been particularly influential in this matchup.
Sunil Narine has produced multiple outstanding spells, including 5/19 in 2012 and 4/19 in the dramatic 2015 encounter.
Punjab have also produced important bowling performances through players such as Sandeep Sharma, Mohit Sharma, Rahul Tewatia and Yuzvendra Chahal.
Chahal’s 4/28 in 2025 was particularly important because it helped Punjab defend only 111.
Best Individual Performances
Some performances stand above the rest:
- Wriddhiman Saha – 115:* Record-setting century in the 2014 final.
- Manish Pandey – 94: Match-winning knock in the 2014 final.
- Jonny Bairstow – 108:* Key innings in the 262-run chase in 2024.
- Andre Russell – 51 off 21: Match-changing innings in the 2015 one-wicket thriller.
- Sunil Narine – 5/19: Outstanding spell despite Punjab winning in 2012.
- Yuzvendra Chahal – 4/28: Match-winning bowling in the 2025 low-scoring contest.
Punjab Kings vs Kolkata Knight Riders Rivalry Statistics
| Record | PBKS vs KKR |
| Total IPL Matches | 36 |
| KKR Wins | 21 |
| PBKS Wins | 13 |
| No Results | 2 |
| Highest PBKS Score | 262/2 |
| Highest KKR Score | 261/6 |
| Lowest PBKS Score | 111 |
| Lowest KKR Score | 95 |
| Highest Successful Chase | PBKS – 262 |
| Biggest KKR Win by Wickets | 9 wickets |
| Biggest PBKS Win by Wickets | 9 wickets |
| Biggest PBKS Win by Runs | 39+ runs in early history |
| Most Famous Match | 2014 IPL Final |
| Most Famous Chase | 262 in 2024 |
The overall record gives KKR a clear advantage, with 21 wins to Punjab’s 13.
However, Punjab’s recent performances have made the rivalry more competitive. PBKS won the 2024 record chase and then defended 111 against KKR in 2025.
PBKS vs KKR at Different IPL Venues
Eden Gardens
Eden Gardens has hosted a large number of matches between these franchises and remains one of the most important venues in the rivalry.
It has witnessed KKR victories, Punjab victories, high-scoring games and some of the most dramatic finishes.
The venue was the setting for the 2015 one-wicket thriller, the 2024 262-run chase and the 2025 abandoned match.
Mohali
The Punjab Cricket Association Stadium, now associated with the broader Punjab home venue setup, has hosted numerous early rivalry matches.
Punjab’s nine-run win in 2008, four-run win in 2013 and 14-run victory in 2017 all came in Punjab’s home region.
The 2017 match was particularly memorable because KKR were chasing 168 but finished at 153/6.
Mullanpur
The Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium became another important Punjab home venue.
In 2025, it hosted one of the lowest-scoring but most memorable contests between the two teams.
Punjab were dismissed for 111, then bowled KKR out for 95 to win by 16 runs.
M. Chinnaswamy Stadium
The Bengaluru venue has special importance because it hosted the 2014 IPL Final.
Punjab scored 199/4, but KKR chased 200 to win their second IPL trophy. Manish Pandey’s 94 was the defining performance.
Wankhede Stadium
The Mumbai venue hosted the 2022 meeting, where KKR defeated Punjab by six wickets after restricting PBKS to 137.
Punjab Kings vs KKR Most Memorable Players
Manish Pandey
Manish Pandey is permanently connected with the rivalry because of his performance in the 2014 IPL Final.
His 94 from 50 balls turned a difficult chase into a championship-winning performance. He was named Player of the Match.
Wriddhiman Saha
Saha produced one of the greatest individual innings in the rivalry.
His unbeaten 115 in the 2014 final was the first century in an IPL final and gave Punjab a huge platform. Despite his brilliant performance, Punjab ultimately lost the trophy.
Jonny Bairstow
Bairstow’s unbeaten 108 in 2024 belongs among the greatest innings in the rivalry.
His performance helped Punjab chase 262 against KKR at Eden Gardens, turning what appeared to be an almost impossible target into a comfortable eight-wicket victory.
Andre Russell
Russell’s 51 from 21 balls in 2015 is one of the most memorable KKR innings against Punjab.
His counter-attacking performance helped KKR chase 184 and win by one wicket with one ball remaining.
Sunil Narine
Narine has repeatedly troubled Punjab’s batters.
His 5/19 in 2012 remains an outstanding bowling performance, while his 4/19 in 2015 was instrumental in restricting Punjab to 183/5.
Shubman Gill
Shubman Gill association with the Punjab-KKR rivalry is also interesting because he played for KKR before later becoming a major IPL star elsewhere.
His time with KKR included several meetings against Punjab, making him part of an important transition period in the rivalry.
Also read this: Shubman Gill Favourite Colour | Shubman Gill Highest Score
KL Rahul
KL Rahul became one of Punjab’s most important modern-era batters and captain figures.
His tenure represented a period when Punjab increasingly relied on a top-order built around consistency and aggressive stroke play.
How the PBKS vs KKR Rivalry Has Evolved
2008–2013: Early IPL Encounters
The early years were relatively balanced.
Punjab and Kolkata frequently exchanged victories, with many matches decided by relatively small margins.
The rivalry was still developing, but the ingredients were already present: strong batting, quality spin and dramatic finishes.
2014: The Championship Rivalry
The 2014 season transformed the matchup.
Punjab were the league-stage leaders, while KKR came into the playoffs on a seven-match winning streak. KKR then defeated Punjab in Qualifier 1 before beating them again in the final.
The final gave the rivalry its most important narrative: Punjab’s search for a first title versus KKR’s championship experience.
2015–2020: Changing Squads and Competitive Matches
During this period, the rivalry became increasingly unpredictable.
KKR enjoyed several strong seasons, but Punjab continued to produce major upsets.
The 2015 one-wicket thriller and 2020 two-run match showed how small the margins could be.
The teams also began producing increasingly high-scoring games, particularly toward the end of the decade.
2021–2023: New Generation of Players
The franchise name changed from Kings XI Punjab to Punjab Kings in 2021.
This period also brought new players and new leadership structures.
The results continued to swing between the sides. KKR won some games comfortably, while Punjab responded with victories in Dubai, Mohali and other venues.
2024 Onward: High-Scoring Modern IPL Contests
The 2024 meeting became the perfect example of modern T20 cricket.
KKR scored 261/6, but Punjab chased 262/2.
The following year brought the opposite kind of contest, with Punjab defending 111 against KKR.
Then both 2025 and 2026 produced rain-affected matches, showing another recurring feature of IPL cricket: weather can sometimes become as influential as batting or bowling.
Why the Punjab Kings vs KKR Rivalry Is So Interesting
The rivalry stands out because it has produced almost every possible type of IPL match.
There have been:
- Two-run victories.
- Four-run victories.
- One-wicket thrillers.
- Eight-wicket chases.
- Nine-wicket wins.
- Rain-affected matches.
- Huge 200-plus totals.
- Low-scoring bowling battles.
- A championship final.
- A 262-run successful chase.
- A defense of just 111.
That variety gives the matchup a unique character.
KKR’s overall record is stronger, but Punjab have repeatedly produced extraordinary performances when the conditions have favoured them.
Punjab Kings vs Kolkata Knight Riders Timeline: Key Takeaways
The complete PBKS vs KKR timeline can be summarized through a few major milestones.
- The rivalry began in 2008. Kings XI Punjab and KKR played twice in the inaugural season, splitting the results.
- 2014 was the defining year. The teams met four times, including the league stage, Qualifier 1 and the IPL Final. KKR won the playoff and final meetings, culminating in a three-wicket victory in the championship match.
- The 2014 final produced legendary performances. Saha scored 115*, while Manish Pandey scored 94 in KKR’s successful chase of 200.
- 2015 delivered one of the greatest finishes. KKR chased 184 and won by one wicket with one ball remaining, with Andre Russell scoring 51 from 21 balls.
- 2024 produced the biggest batting spectacle. Punjab chased KKR’s 261/6 by reaching 262/2, with Jonny Bairstow scoring 108*.
- 2025 demonstrated Punjab’s bowling strength. PBKS defended 111 and bowled KKR out for 95, with Yuzvendra Chahal taking four wickets.
- 2026 ended without a result. Rain stopped the contest at Eden Gardens after KKR reached 25/2.
Overall, KKR remain ahead with 21 wins compared with Punjab’s 13 across 36 meetings, while two matches have ended without a result.
Conclusion
The Punjab Kings vs Kolkata Knight Riders timeline is a story of changing teams, dramatic finishes and unforgettable individual performances.
From the first meeting in 2008 to the rain-affected contest in 2026, the rivalry has produced a remarkable range of matches. KKR have maintained the statistical advantage with 21 wins from 36 meetings, but Punjab have repeatedly produced some of the rivalry’s most spectacular victories.
The 2014 IPL Final remains the emotional centrepiece. Kings XI Punjab scored 199/4, Wriddhiman Saha made a magnificent 115*, and yet KKR chased the target through Manish Pandey’s brilliant 94 to win by three wickets.
A decade later, Punjab created another unforgettable moment. In 2024, they chased KKR’s 261/6 by reaching 262/2, with Jonny Bairstow scoring an unbeaten 108.
The 2025 season then showed the opposite side of T20 cricket when PBKS defended just 111 and bowled KKR out for 95.
That contrast is what makes this matchup so compelling. Sometimes PBKS vs KKR is a 260-run shootout. Sometimes it is decided by two runs, one wicket or a brilliant spell of bowling. And sometimes, as in 2025 and 2026, rain becomes part of the story.
With both franchises continuing to rebuild their squads and develop new stars, the Punjab Kings vs Kolkata Knight Riders rivalry is likely to add many more chapters to an already fascinating IPL history.
FAQs
1.When did Punjab Kings and Kolkata Knight Riders first play each other?
Punjab Kings, then known as Kings XI Punjab, and Kolkata Knight Riders first met in the inaugural IPL season in 2008. Punjab won their first encounter in Mohali by nine runs, while KKR won the return match at Eden Gardens by three wickets.
2.Who has won more matches between PBKS and KKR?
Kolkata Knight Riders have won more matches. After IPL 2026, KKR had 21 wins compared with 13 for Punjab Kings, while two matches ended without a result.
3.What was the biggest PBKS vs KKR match?
The 2014 IPL Final is the biggest match in terms of importance. KKR defeated Kings XI Punjab by three wickets while chasing 200 to win the IPL title.
4.Who won the 2014 IPL Final between KKR and Punjab?
Kolkata Knight Riders won the 2014 IPL Final by three wickets. They chased Kings XI Punjab’s 199/4 and reached 200/7 in 19.3 overs. Manish Pandey was named Player of the Match after scoring 94.
5.What happened in PBKS vs KKR in 2024?
KKR scored 261/6 at Eden Gardens, but Punjab Kings chased the target and reached 262/2 to win by eight wickets. Jonny Bairstow scored an unbeaten 108.
6.What is the highest score in PBKS vs KKR history?
Punjab Kings’ 262/2 in 2024 is the highest score in the rivalry. KKR’s highest is 261/6, scored in the same match.
7.Who has scored the most runs in PBKS vs KKR matches?
Among the most notable individual scores, Wriddhiman Saha’s 115 not out in the 2014 final is the highest individual innings in the matchup, followed by Jonny Bairstow’s unbeaten 108 in 2024.
8.Who has taken the most wickets in PBKS vs KKR matches?
Sunil Narine has produced some of the most notable bowling performances in the rivalry, including 5/19 in 2012 and 4/19 in 2015.
9.How many times have Punjab Kings and KKR played each other?
Punjab Kings and Kolkata Knight Riders have played 36 IPL matches through the 2026 season. KKR have won 21, PBKS have won 13 and two matches have ended without a result.
10.What is the PBKS vs KKR head-to-head record?
The current IPL head-to-head record stands at KKR 21 wins, PBKS 13 wins and two no-results from 36 matches.
