The Kolkata Knight Riders vs Punjab Kings rivalry is one of the most exciting matchups in IPL history. Since 2008, both teams have delivered thrilling games filled with big scores and dramatic finishes.
KKR has often dominated the contest, while PBKS is known for shocking comebacks. Many matches have gone down to the last over, keeping fans on the edge of their seats.
From legendary players to rising stars, this rivalry has seen it all. This timeline covers the full match history, key records, and important stats between KKR and PBKS.
Kolkata Knight Riders vs Punjab Kings Timeline
The Indian Premier League (IPL) has witnessed many famous rivalries, but the clash between Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Punjab Kings (PBKS) stands out for its unpredictability and excitement.
From the very first season of the IPL in 2008, matches between these two teams have delivered thrilling moments, dramatic finishes, and unforgettable individual performances.
Over the years, this rivalry has evolved with team rebrandings, captaincy changes, and the arrival of new cricketing stars. While KKR has largely dominated the head-to-head record, PBKS has often surprised fans with explosive chases and heroic performances.
Overall Head-to-Head Summary
KKR and PBKS first met in IPL 2008, and since then, they have played more than 30 matches against each other. Historically, Kolkata Knight Riders have enjoyed more success, especially in pressure situations and knockout-style games.
- KKR has won the majority of matches across seasons
- PBKS is known for pulling off record-breaking run chases
- Many matches have gone down to the last over or last ball
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 |
| Closest Finish | KKR won by 2 runs |
These numbers clearly show KKR’s dominance, but PBKS’s victories are often more dramatic and memorable.
Year-by-Year Timeline of KKR vs PBKS
The Year-by-Year Timeline of KKR vs PBKS shows how this rivalry has grown season after season in the IPL. From the first match in 2008 to recent high-scoring thrillers, every year has brought new drama.
Some seasons were dominated by KKR, while others saw PBKS pull off surprise wins. Iconic performances, last-over finishes, and record-breaking chases are part of this journey. This timeline highlights the key moments, results, and turning points from each IPL season.
IPL 2008 – The Beginning of the Rivalry
The first-ever clash between KKR and PBKS set the tone for an exciting rivalry.
PBKS Dominates the Debut Clash
- Shaun Marsh played a match-winning knock
- PBKS secured a comfortable victory
- KKR struggled with consistency in their debut season
KKR Strikes Back
- Sourav Ganguly led from the front
- KKR bowlers restricted PBKS effectively
- The season ended with a balanced rivalry
IPL 2009 – Low-Scoring Thrillers
The 2009 season, played in South Africa, produced low-scoring and tense matches.
PBKS Clinches a Narrow Win
- Bowlers dominated the match
- PBKS defended a modest total successfully
KKR Shows Resilience
- KKR’s spinners controlled the middle overs
- One of KKR’s rare bright moments that season
IPL 2010 – KKR Takes Control
KKR began asserting dominance in this season.
- Chris Gayle provided explosive starts
- Ishant Sharma delivered early breakthroughs
- Sourav Ganguly’s leadership proved crucial
KKR moved ahead in the head-to-head tally.
IPL 2011 – A Shift in Punjab’s Strategy
PBKS adopted an aggressive approach with young talent.
- Paul Valthaty smashed a memorable 120 against KKR
- Punjab shocked Kolkata with fearless batting
- Gautam Gambhir, as new KKR captain, led a strong comeback
IPL 2012 – KKR’s Championship Season & Dominance Over PBKS
This season marked KKR’s rise as champions.
- Sunil Narine’s mystery spin destroyed PBKS batting
- Jacques Kallis contributed with both bat and ball
- KKR won matches with big margins
This year firmly established KKR’s dominance.
IPL 2013 – Evenly Balanced Year
Both teams won one match each.
- Manish Pandey impressed with elegant batting
- Azhar Mahmood starred as an all-rounder
- Matches remained close and competitive
IPL 2014 – The Grand Final Year
This season is remembered as the most iconic chapter of the rivalry.
League Stage
- PBKS dominated KKR with record-breaking batting
- Glenn Maxwell and company overwhelmed KKR bowlers
The IPL 2014 Final – One of the Greatest Finals Ever
- KKR defeated PBKS to lift the trophy
- Manish Pandey’s brilliant 94 was match-defining
- One of the most celebrated IPL finals in history
IPL 2015 to IPL 2017 – KKR Rules the Timeline
KKR enjoyed a golden run during these seasons.
- Andre Russell emerged as a game-changer
- Sunil Narine controlled matches with spin
- Gautam Gambhir’s captaincy outclassed PBKS
IPL 2018 – PBKS Fights Back
PBKS returned stronger with young stars.
- KL Rahul smashed a rapid 66 off 29 balls
- PBKS chased targets with ease
- Russell’s power-hitting still troubled PBKS
IPL 2019 – High-Scoring Battles
This season featured big totals and strong batting line-ups.
- Shubman Gill played classy innings
- PBKS bowlers struggled at Eden Gardens
- KKR’s depth proved decisive
IPL 2020 – PBKS Breaks the Pattern
Played in the UAE under unique conditions.
- KL Rahul and Chris Gayle built match-winning partnerships
- KKR suffered batting collapses
- PBKS found success while chasing
IPL 2021 – Last-Over Thriller
One of the most thrilling matches in the rivalry.
- PBKS chased the target in the final over
- KL Rahul top-scored again
- KKR struggled at the death
IPL 2022 – KKR’s Strong Comeback
KKR bounced back with fearless cricket.
- Umesh Yadav took four wickets
- PBKS were bowled out cheaply
- KKR won comfortably
IPL 2023 – Rain Drama & Last-Ball Thriller
PBKS Wins via DLS Method
- Rain interrupted play
- PBKS won under revised targets
Rinku Singh’s Magic at Eden
- Rinku finished the chase in the last over
- One of the season’s most iconic moments
IPL 2024 – PBKS Creates History
This season produced a historic record.
- PBKS chased down 260+ runs
- Shashank Singh and Ashutosh Sharma starred
- KKR bowlers were left stunned
KKR vs PBKS Timeline – Season Summary Table
| Season | Key Winner | Highlight |
| 2008 | PBKS / KKR | Shaun Marsh brilliance |
| 2011 | PBKS | Valthaty’s 120 |
| 2014 | KKR | Historic final win |
| 2018 | PBKS | Rahul vs Russell |
| 2024 | PBKS | Highest chase ever |
10 Memorable Moments in KKR vs PBKS Timeline
Manish Pandey’s Match-Winning Knock (IPL 2014 Final)
His brilliant innings helped KKR lift the IPL trophy in one of the greatest finals ever.
PBKS’ Historic 260+ Run Chase (IPL 2024)
Punjab created history by completing the highest successful chase in T20 cricket against KKR.
Rinku Singh’s Last-Over Heroics (IPL 2023)
Rinku finished the match in style, turning an impossible chase into a famous win at Eden Gardens.
Paul Valthaty’s Stunning 120 (IPL 2011)
A fearless century that shocked KKR and announced Valthaty as a rising star.
Sunil Narine’s Mystery Spell (IPL 2012)
Narine completely dismantled PBKS batting with his unplayable spin bowling.
KL Rahul’s Explosive Fast Fifty (IPL 2018)
Rahul’s aggressive knock set the tone for PBKS’ dominant chase.
Andre Russell’s Power-Hitting Across Seasons
Russell repeatedly changed games with his destructive batting against PBKS.
A Nail-Biting Super Over Finish
One thrilling match went down to a Super Over, keeping fans glued till the end.
Umesh Yadav’s Fiery Spell (IPL 2022)
His pace and swing helped KKR bowl PBKS out cheaply.
Electric Atmosphere at Eden Gardens
The passionate KKR home crowd has made these clashes unforgettable under the lights.
Statistical Comparison – KKR vs PBKS All-Time Stats
| Stat | KKR | PBKS |
| Most Wins | 20+ | 12+ |
| Top Run Scorer | Gautam Gambhir | KL Rahul |
| Top Wicket Taker | Sunil Narine | Piyush Chawla |
| Highest Team Score | 245 | 214 |
Winners & Match Influencers Over the Years
Key Players for KKR
- Sunil Narine
- Andre Russell
- Gautam Gambhir
- Rinku Singh
- Shubman Gill
Key Players for PBKS
- KL Rahul
- Shaun Marsh
- Chris Gayle
- Shashank Singh
- Sandeep Sharma
Why KKR Dominates the Timeline
- Strong spin attack
- Reliable finishers
- Smart leadership
- Better performance in pressure games
Future of the Rivalry
With young stars and explosive batters joining both teams, the future promises more high-scoring games, thrilling chases, and unforgettable moments.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which team has won more matches, KKR or PBKS?
KKR has won more matches and leads the head-to-head record.
What is the highest team score in KKR vs PBKS matches?
KKR scored 245, while PBKS recorded a historic 260+ chase in 2024.
Which match is the most famous in this rivalry?
The IPL 2014 final and the IPL 2024 record chase are the most iconic.
Who is the best performer in KKR vs PBKS matches?
Sunil Narine and KL Rahul are the most consistent performers.
Are KKR vs PBKS matches usually high-scoring?
Yes, especially in recent seasons, most matches have been high-scoring.
Conclusion
The Kolkata Knight Riders vs Punjab Kings timeline is full of drama, records, and unforgettable cricketing moments.
While KKR has dominated overall, PBKS has delivered some of the most thrilling performances in IPL history. As both teams continue to evolve, this rivalry will remain one of the most exciting matchups in the IPL.
Muhammad Shoaib is a passionate content creator with 3 years of experience in Love Shayari, Sad Shayari, Birthday Shayari. He crafts engaging, heartfelt content for readers and currently contributes his expertise to Englishwishes.com, delivering inspiring and memorable shayari and blog posts for a wide audience.
