After a string of close games, the Punjab Kings (PBKS) are back on home soil, ready to reignite their IPL 2025 campaign. In Match 31, they take on the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium, also known as the Mullanpur Stadium in New Chandigarh. With both teams showing solid form this season, fans can expect an intense and action-packed contest.
Can Home Advantage Spark a PBKS Comeback?
While PBKS haven’t had the best record at their new home ground — winning just 2 of 7 matches — their most recent game here saw them defeat Chennai Super Kings by 18 runs. That win could signal a turning point. Backed by their home crowd, PBKS will be hungry to gain momentum and improve their playoff prospects.
Mullanpur Pitch Report: A Paradise for Batters
The Mullanpur Stadium is known for its batting-friendly pitch, which also offers support to pace bowlers. It’s a well-balanced surface that often produces high-scoring thrillers. Here are the key stats:
- Average 1st innings score: 176/6
- Average run rate: 8.8
- Matches with 200+ totals: 4 out of 15 (excluding rain-shortened games)
- Average sixes per match: 14
Notably, teams that score 170 or more when batting first have won 10 of 11 such matches at this venue. This makes the toss crucial — batting first is clearly a major advantage.
Pace vs Spin: Who Has the Edge?
- Pace bowlers:
- Bowl 63% of the overs
- Take 148 wickets
- Average: 22.5
- Economy: 8.8
- Spinners:
- Bowl 37% of the overs
- Take 55 wickets
- Average: 32.8
- Economy: 8.0
The data shows that fast bowlers have been far more effective, despite the high-scoring conditions. Expect pace attacks to play a key role in this clash.
Top Scorers at Mullanpur: PBKS’s Young Guns Stand Out
The stadium has witnessed some rising stars make an impact:
| Player | Innings | Runs | Average | Strike Rate | High Score | 100/50 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shashank Singh | 7 | 166 | 41.5 | 152.44 | 52* | 0/0 |
| Ashutosh Sharma | 4 | 128 | 42.66 | 191.04 | 61 | 0/1 |
| Sam Curran | 5 | 124 | 24.8 | 118.09 | 63 | 0/1 |
| Jitesh Sharma | 5 | 79 | 15.8 | 121.53 | 29 | 0/0 |
| Suryakumar Yadav | 1 | 78 | 78.0 | 147.16 | 78 | 0/1 |
PBKS’s homegrown talent, especially Ashutosh Sharma, has impressed with a staggering strike rate of 191.04 — a possible game-changer in this fixture.
PBKS vs KKR: Team Form & What to Expect
Both sides have had moments of brilliance this season. While KKR have been more consistent overall, PBKS have shown flashes of brilliance — especially at home. With their recent win at this very venue, the Kings may carry renewed confidence into the contest.
Mullanpur Stadium IPL T20 Stats (Since 2023)
- Total matches: 16
- Bat 1st wins: 11
- Bat 2nd wins: 5
- Lowest total defended: 161
- Highest target chased: 175
- PBKS record at Mullanpur: 7 matches | 2 wins | 5 losses | Win rate: 29%
These stats strongly suggest that teams must aim for a 1st innings score above 170 to stay in control. Anything below gives the chasing team a good shot.
Prediction & Final Thoughts
This venue demands bold strategies. The team that wins the toss should bat first and aim for 180+ to put scoreboard pressure on the opponent. For PBKS, if their power-hitters fire and bowlers like Sam Curran strike early, they could turn the tide of their home campaign.
With high stakes and a lively crowd at Mullanpur, this match is set to be one of the most exciting in IPL 2025 so far. Expect fireworks, tight battles, and a night to remember.(online casino real money)