The Kolkata Knight Riders vs Punjab Kings rivalry is one of the most exciting matchups in IPL history. Since the first IPL season in 2008, both teams have produced thrilling games filled with big scores, close finishes, and unforgettable performances.
Fans have seen powerful batting, smart bowling, and dramatic moments whenever these two sides meet. This timeline covers the full match history, records, and key statistics of KKR vs PBKS.
It shows how the rivalry has grown over the years, who has dominated, and which matches became iconic. From early low-scoring games to record-breaking chases, this rivalry continues to entertain cricket lovers every season.
Kolkata Knight Riders vs Punjab Kings Timeline
The rivalry between Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Punjab Kings (PBKS) is one of the most entertaining matchups in the Indian Premier League. From the very first IPL season in 2008, both teams have delivered thrilling contests filled with big hits, dramatic finishes, and unforgettable performances.
Over the years, this rivalry has evolved with changing captains, new stars, and shifting team strategies. While KKR has enjoyed more success overall, PBKS has often surprised fans with fearless batting and record-breaking chases.
This timeline covers the full match history, key moments, records, and statistics that define the KKR vs PBKS rivalry.
Overall Head-to-Head Summary
The KKR vs PBKS rivalry started in IPL 2008 and has grown stronger with every season. Both teams have faced each other many times across different venues and conditions.
- KKR has won more matches overall
- PBKS has produced some of the most dramatic wins
- Matches are often high-scoring and close
- Several IPL records were set in this rivalry
KKR’s strength lies in spin bowling and finishing power, while PBKS is known for explosive batting and fearless chases.
KKR vs PBKS Head-to-Head Table
| Category | Details |
| Total Matches Played | 32+ |
| KKR Wins | 20+ |
| PBKS Wins | 12+ |
| Tie / Super Over | 1 |
| Highest Score (KKR) | 245/6 |
| Highest Score (PBKS) | 214/8 |
| Lowest Score (KKR) | 109 |
| Lowest Score (PBKS) | 119 |
| Biggest Win | KKR by 39 runs |
| Closest Finish | KKR by 2 runs |
Year-by-Year Timeline of KKR vs PBKS
This section explains the rivalry season by season, highlighting major matches and turning points.
IPL 2008 – The Beginning of the Rivalry
The first season of IPL introduced fans to the KKR vs PBKS clash. Both teams were still building their identities.
1 – PBKS Dominates the Debut Clash
- Punjab won the first-ever meeting
- Shaun Marsh played a match-winning knock
- PBKS showed strong batting depth
2 – KKR Strikes Back
- KKR bounced back in the second match
- Sourav Ganguly led from the front
- Bowlers controlled Punjab effectively
This season laid the foundation for a competitive rivalry.
IPL 2009 – Low-Scoring Thrillers
IPL 2009 was played in South Africa, where pitches favored bowlers.
PBKS Clinches a Narrow Win
- Low-scoring match
- Punjab defended a small total
- Bowlers dominated the game
KKR Shows Resilience
- KKR won the reverse fixture
- Spinners played a key role
- Match went down to the wire
IPL 2010 – KKR Takes Control
KKR began asserting dominance during this season.
Key Highlights
- Chris Gayle’s power hitting
- Ishant Sharma’s early wickets
- Tactical leadership by Ganguly
KKR started pulling ahead in the head-to-head count.
IPL 2011 – A Shift in Punjab’s Strategy
Punjab adopted a more aggressive batting approach.
Major Moments
- Paul Valthaty smashed a brilliant 120
- PBKS shocked KKR with fearless batting
- Gautam Gambhir took charge as KKR captain
KKR responded strongly in the second encounter.
IPL 2012 – KKR’s Championship Season & Dominance Over PBKS
This season belonged to KKR.
Highlights
- One-sided win against Punjab
- Sunil Narine’s mystery spin
- Jacques Kallis’ all-round performance
KKR went on to win their first IPL title.
IPL 2013 – Evenly Balanced Year
Both teams won one match each.
Key Points
- Manish Pandey’s consistent batting
- Azhar Mahmood’s all-round impact
- Close and competitive matches
IPL 2014 – The Grand Final Year
This was the most iconic season in the rivalry.
League Stage
- PBKS defeated KKR multiple times
- Record-breaking batting displays
The IPL 2014 Final – One of the Greatest Finals Ever
- KKR vs PBKS (not league rivals but final opponents)
- Manish Pandey’s iconic 94
- KKR lifted their second IPL trophy
This season took the rivalry to legendary status.
IPL 2015 to IPL 2017 – KKR Rules the Timeline
KKR dominated for three straight seasons.
Reasons
- Sunil Narine’s consistent spin threat
- Andre Russell’s explosive finishing
- Gambhir’s smart captaincy
PBKS struggled to counter KKR’s bowling attack.
IPL 2018 – PBKS Fights Back
Punjab finally pushed back.
Key Moments
- KL Rahul’s 66 off 29 balls
- Chris Gayle’s power hitting
- Russell still shined for KKR
Both teams won one match each.
IPL 2019 – High-Scoring Battles
Batting dominated this season.
Highlights
- Shubman Gill’s classy knocks
- Big totals at Eden Gardens
- KKR’s batting depth proved decisive
IPL 2020 – PBKS Breaks the Pattern
Played in the UAE due to COVID-19.
Key Points
- Rahul and Gayle led Punjab’s chase
- KKR’s middle order collapsed
- PBKS showed calm under pressure
IPL 2021 – Last-Over Thriller
One of the most thrilling games ever.
Highlights
- PBKS chased the target in the final over
- Rahul played a captain’s knock
- KKR struggled at the death
IPL 2022 – KKR’s Strong Comeback
KKR returned strongly.
Key Moments
- Umesh Yadav’s 4-wicket spell
- Punjab bowled out cheaply
- KKR won comfortably
IPL 2023 – Rain Drama & Last-Ball Thriller
This season had drama and magic.
1 – PBKS Wins via DLS Method
- Rain affected the match
- PBKS won using DLS rules
2 – Rinku Singh’s Magic at Eden
- Last-over chase
- Rinku finished the game in style
- One of IPL’s best finishes
IPL 2024 – PBKS Creates History
Punjab stunned the cricket world.
Historic Moments
- PBKS chased 260+ runs
- Shashank Singh and Ashutosh Sharma starred
- Highest successful chase in T20 history
Even in defeat, KKR’s batting impressed.
KKR vs PBKS Timeline – Season Summary Table
| Season | Match 1 Winner | Match 2 Winner | Key Highlight |
| 2008 | PBKS | KKR | Shaun Marsh |
| 2011 | PBKS | KKR | Valthaty 120 |
| 2014 | PBKS | PBKS | Best PBKS season |
| 2018 | PBKS | KKR | Rahul vs Russell |
| 2023 | PBKS | KKR | DLS & thrillers |
| 2024 | PBKS | — | 260+ chase |
10 Memorable Moments in KKR vs PBKS Timeline
Manish Pandey’s Heroic Knock (IPL 2014 Final)
Pandey’s brilliant innings helped KKR win one of the greatest IPL finals.
PBKS 260+ Record Chase (IPL 2024)
Punjab created history with the highest successful chase in T20 cricket.
Rinku Singh’s Last-Over Magic (IPL 2023)
Rinku finished the match in style with fearless hitting at Eden Gardens.
Paul Valthaty’s Stunning 120 (IPL 2011)
A surprise century that shocked KKR and fans alike.
Sunil Narine’s Mystery Spell (IPL 2012)
Narine destroyed Punjab’s batting with his unplayable spin.
KL Rahul’s Fast Fifty (IPL 2018)
Rahul’s quickfire knock showed Punjab’s aggressive new approach.
Andre Russell’s Power Shows Across Season
Russell repeatedly dominated PBKS bowlers with his explosive hitting.
A Super Over Thriller
One match went to a Super Over, keeping fans on the edge of their seats.
Umesh Yadav’s Fiery Spell (IPL 2022)
Umesh’s pace and swing gave KKR a dominant win.
Electric Eden Gardens Atmosphere
Night matches at Eden Gardens created unforgettable energy and drama.
Statistical Comparison – KKR vs PBKS All-Time Stats
| Category | KKR | PBKS |
| Most Runs | Gautam Gambhir | KL Rahul |
| Most Wickets | Sunil Narine | Piyush Chawla |
| Highest Total | 245 | 214 |
| Best Bowling | 5/19 | 5/21 |
| Total Wins | 20+ | 12+ |
Winners & Match Influencers Over the Years
Key Players for KKR
- Sunil Narine
- Andre Russell
- Gautam Gambhir
Key Players for PBKS
- KL Rahul
- Shaun Marsh
- Chris Gayle
Why KKR Dominates the Timeline
- Strong spin attack
- Reliable finishers
- Better leadership
- Calm under pressure
- Balanced team combinations
Future of the Rivalry
The future promises:
- Bigger scores
- More last-ball finishes
- Rising young stars
- New IPL records
Fans can expect even more excitement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which team has won more matches – KKR or PBKS?
KKR has won more matches overall.
What is the highest score in KKR vs PBKS matches?
KKR’s 245 is the highest team total.
Which match is the most famous?
The IPL 2014 final and 2024 record chase.
Who is the best performer in this rivalry?
Sunil Narine and KL Rahul stand out.
Are these matches usually high-scoring?
Yes, especially in recent seasons.
Conclusion
The Kolkata Knight Riders vs Punjab Kings timeline is filled with unforgettable moments, legendary performances, and record-breaking matches. While KKR holds the historical edge, PBKS has delivered some of the most thrilling games in IPL history.
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