In one of the most exciting IPL upsets in history, Punjab Kings (PBKS) surprised cricket enthusiasts by battling against a mere total of 111 runs to defeat Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) by 16 runs. The April 16 Mullanpur match was not all about the hair-raising bowling performance by the PBKS squad—it also won hearts because of team co-owner Preity Zinta's run-amok and mad celebration, which became an overnight internet meme sensation.

An Unlikely Victory That Made IPL History

Punjab Kings were dismissed for a meager 111 runs off 15.3 overs, and TV viewers for the most part believed that the game was deep into Kolkata's pocket. No support to the wicket came for the batsmen, and KKR bowling unit led by Mitchell Starc and Sunil Narine shattered the batting line of PBKS. Not one of their batsmen could settle, and the scoreboard pressure did not seem enough to unsettle a seasoned KKR batting line-up.

South African seamer Marco Jansen provided Punjab the launching pad by returning both the KKR openers early in the game, providing the Punjab camp with a new lease of hope. Jansen played his first game and kept his cool in a pressure-cooker match and was a goldmine with line and length.

The actual game-changer was Yuzvendra Chahal. The experienced campaigner leg-spinner cast magic to register four vital wickets, and big guns like Angkrish Raghuvanshi, Rinku Singh, and Ajinkya Rahane in his bag. His penetrating bowling strangled the ground field and planted seeds of fear in the KKR middle order.

Andre Russell attempted a rescue with his trademark power-hitting, scoring two sixes in an over. But it fell short. Jansen came back to deliver the death blow and snuff out the danger of Russell and virtually seal the match for PBKS.

Zinta's Emotional Reaction Sweeps the Internet

When the final KKR wicket was lost, the cameras caught Preity Zinta, and what they recorded was sheer emotion. In the PBKS red jersey, Zinta leapt out of her seat, let out a whoop of victory, and waved her arms in victory as the team did the unthinkable. Her spontaneous celebration was raw, emotional, and struck an immediate chord with cricket fans worldwide.

Preity Zinta truly deserves this epic win! #PBKSvsKKR #PBKSvKKR #PreityZinta #PunjabKings #KolkataKnightRiderspic.twitter.com/uoJbLZRWDN

— TamilCineX (@TamilCineX) April 16, 2025

Video of her over-the-top reaction was trending on Twitter, Instagram, and other social media sites within minutes, fans hailing her effervescence and unbridled enthusiasm for the team. Some were calling her one of the league's most visible and passionate owners.

"Preity Zinta is the heart of PBKS," a fan wrote. "Her energy can't be beat. This is what IPL stands for."

A Test of Team Spunk and Endurance

This record-breaking feat of PBKS is not just a case of numbers—whimsical numbers—it's about showing never-say-die team spirit and resolve in the heart. In pursuit of the lowest aggregate IPL history has witnessed is as much a reflection on team battle spirit as on the mental prowess of the bowling department.

Most of all, the win is a reminder of the great uncertainty of cricket. A match can be set up to be won, to be turned upside down by chance on the flip of a coin through the intervention of some sticky overs or an enterprising placement of field.

The Bigger Picture for PBKS

This win may turn out to be a season-saver for Punjab Kings. Following a series of below-par performances, this shocking win may just bring much-needed confidence and momentum in the team. With its main performers Jansen and Chahal finally finding their form and new signing Bartlett chipping in too, PBKS might well be hitting peak form at the right time.

And as for Preity Zinta, her vigor and fervor continue to propel the team and the spectators. Her loyalty to the franchise, cemented through years of ups and downs, was again evident—and her party-goes-viral extravaganza is one IPL 2025 won't soon forget.