Punjab Kings (PBKS) and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) have developed a fascinating rivalry in the Indian Premier League (IPL) since the tournament began in 2008. Punjab originally competed as Kings XI Punjab before adopting the Punjab Kings name in 2021, while Kolkata Knight Riders have remained one of the IPL’s established franchises. Punjab vs Kolkata Head-to-Head in IPL
Their rivalry has produced close finishes, high-scoring encounters, dramatic run chases and several memorable individual performances. According to IPL records updated through the 2026 season, the two teams have met 36 times, with Kolkata Knight Riders winning 21 matches and Punjab Kings winning 13, while two matches ended without a result.
The contest has also included one of the IPL’s most memorable successful chases. In 2024, Punjab Kings chased down 262 runs against KKR at Eden Gardens, winning by eight wickets.
Punjab Kings vs KKR Head-to-Head Record
| Category | Record |
|---|---|
| Total matches | 36 |
| Punjab Kings wins | 13 |
| Kolkata Knight Riders wins | 21 |
| No result | 2 |
| Ties | 0 |
| KKR win percentage | 58.33%* |
| PBKS win percentage | 36.11%* |
| First IPL meeting | 2008 |
| PBKS highest total vs KKR | 262/2 |
| KKR highest total vs PBKS | 245/6 |
*Win percentage calculated from total matches, including no-results in the denominator. Punjab vs Kolkata Head-to-Head in IPL
The overall record gives KKR a clear advantage. IPL’s official head-to-head listings show that the rivalry has remained competitive in recent seasons, despite Kolkata holding the stronger long-term record.
History of the Punjab Kings vs KKR Rivalry
The rivalry dates back to the inaugural IPL season in 2008. Over the years, the two franchises have experienced periods of dominance.
Punjab’s early victories established them as a difficult opponent for KKR. However, Kolkata gradually built a stronger overall record through consistent performances across multiple IPL seasons.
The rivalry became particularly interesting in the middle years of the tournament because both sides possessed aggressive batting line-ups and match-winning bowlers. The introduction of new players, changing team combinations and different home venues also influenced the results.
Punjab’s franchise was known as Kings XI Punjab until 2020 before being renamed Punjab Kings from the 2021 season. The historical records from both names are counted together because they represent the same IPL franchise.
Recent Head-to-Head Results
The recent meetings have produced several memorable results.
IPL 2026
The scheduled 2026 meeting between KKR and PBKS ended with no result because of rain, according to IPL’s official match listing.
This result meant that the overall head-to-head advantage remained with KKR.
IPL 2025
Punjab Kings defeated Kolkata Knight Riders by 16 runs in their April 15, 2025 meeting. PBKS were bowled out for 111, but KKR were dismissed for only 95.
The teams also met later in the 2025 season, with the match ending without a result because of rain. Punjab had scored 201/4 before the interruption.
IPL 2024
One of the most spectacular games in this rivalry took place on April 26, 2024.
KKR scored a massive 261/6 at Eden Gardens. Punjab Kings responded with an extraordinary chase, reaching 262/2 and winning by eight wickets.
The match became particularly memorable because Punjab successfully chased such a huge target with eight wickets still in hand.
IPL 2023
The teams met twice in 2023. Punjab Kings won the first meeting by seven runs via the DLS method, while KKR won the return fixture by five wickets.
This demonstrated how closely matched the teams could be during a particular season.
Memorable Matches Between PBKS and KKR
1. Punjab’s Record Chase in 2024
The 2024 encounter is arguably one of the most remarkable matches in the history of this fixture from a statistical perspective.
KKR posted 261/6, seemingly giving themselves a commanding position. Punjab Kings, however, produced an outstanding batting display to reach 262/2.
The eight-wicket victory showed the importance of aggressive batting and maintaining a high scoring rate throughout a T20 chase.
2. KKR’s Five-Wicket Win in 2023
In May 2023, KKR successfully chased Punjab’s 179/7, reaching 182/5 to win by five wickets. The match was played at Eden Gardens and added another competitive chapter to the rivalry.
3. The 2023 DLS Match
The first meeting between the teams in 2023 produced another memorable result. Punjab scored 191/5, while KKR reached 146/7 before the match was decided by the DLS method, giving Punjab a seven-run victory.
Head-to-Head in Recent Seasons
The recent record shows how the balance has shifted from season to season.
| IPL Season | Result |
|---|---|
| 2026 | No result |
| 2025 | PBKS win + No result |
| 2024 | PBKS win |
| 2023 | PBKS win, KKR win |
| 2022 | KKR win |
| 2021 | KKR win |
| 2020 | PBKS win, KKR win |
IPL’s official records show that the last 10 completed/relevant meetings have included several changes in momentum, with both teams recording important victories.
Punjab Kings’ Performance Against KKR
Punjab Kings have had several strong performances against Kolkata, particularly in high-scoring matches.
Their biggest recent highlight is undoubtedly the 2024 chase of 262. Punjab’s ability to chase a huge target demonstrated the team’s potential when its top order performs at a high level.
However, the overall numbers show that KKR have historically been a difficult opponent for Punjab. PBKS have won 13 of their 36 meetings, while KKR have won 21.
Punjab therefore enters this rivalry with a significant historical deficit, although individual seasons have produced very different results.
Kolkata Knight Riders’ Performance Against Punjab Kings
KKR have enjoyed the stronger overall record in this matchup.
They have recorded 21 wins from 36 meetings, making Punjab one of the teams against whom Kolkata has a relatively strong IPL record.
KKR’s success has come from different combinations of explosive batting, effective spin bowling and strong performances at crucial stages of matches.
The team’s historical record also includes two IPL finals against Punjab’s franchise history. In the 2014 IPL final, KKR defeated Kings XI Punjab to win the championship.
Highest Team Scores
The rivalry has produced several big totals.
Punjab Kings’ most notable score against KKR is 262/2 in 2024, which came during their eight-wicket victory at Eden Gardens.
KKR have also produced huge scores against Punjab. One notable example came in 2018, when Kolkata scored 245/6 against Kings XI Punjab.
These matches demonstrate that the PBKS-KKR fixture can be particularly high-scoring when the batting conditions are favorable.
Why This IPL Rivalry Is Interesting
Several factors make Punjab Kings vs Kolkata Knight Riders an interesting IPL matchup.
Aggressive Batting
Both teams have historically featured aggressive T20 batsmen capable of changing a match quickly. The 2024 match is the clearest example, with both sides passing 260.
Competitive Middle Overs
Spin and middle-over bowling have often played an important role. Controlling scoring between overs 7 and 15 can determine whether a team successfully defends or chases a large total.
Changing Team Combinations
IPL squads change frequently through auctions and transfers. As a result, the rivalry has featured different captains, coaches and player combinations over the years.
Memorable Finishes
Several games have gone down to the final overs, while rain-affected matches have also influenced the recent history of the fixture.
PBKS vs KKR: Key Facts
- Total meetings: 36
- KKR wins: 21
- PBKS wins: 13
- No results: 2
- Ties: 0
- First meeting: IPL 2008
- PBKS highest score: 262/2
- KKR highest score: 245/6
- Most notable chase: PBKS chased 262 against KKR in 2024
- 2014 IPL final: KKR defeated Kings XI Punjab
Conclusion
The Punjab Kings vs Kolkata Knight Riders head-to-head record in IPL reflects a rivalry that has produced plenty of memorable cricket. Kolkata Knight Riders hold the stronger overall record, with 21 wins compared with Punjab Kings’ 13 from 36 meetings, while two games have ended without a result.
At the same time, Punjab have produced some extraordinary victories. Their eight-wicket chase of KKR’s 261/6 in 2024 remains one of the standout performances in this fixture. Recent seasons have also shown that the results can change quickly, with Punjab winning in 2024 and 2025 while KKR have maintained the long-term advantage.
For IPL fans, this matchup remains notable for its combination of powerful batting, tactical battles and unpredictable results.
5 Frequently Asked Questions
1. How many times have Punjab Kings and Kolkata Knight Riders played each other in IPL?
Punjab Kings and Kolkata Knight Riders have played 36 IPL matches according to records updated through the 2026 season. KKR have won 21, while PBKS have won 13, with two matches ending without a result.
2. Who has won more matches between PBKS and KKR?
Kolkata Knight Riders have won more matches. They have 21 victories compared with Punjab Kings’ 13 in the 36-match head-to-head record.
3. What is Punjab Kings’ highest score against KKR?
Punjab Kings’ highest score against Kolkata Knight Riders is 262/2, achieved during their eight-wicket victory at Eden Gardens in IPL 2024.
4. What is KKR’s highest score against Punjab Kings?
Kolkata Knight Riders’ highest listed score against Punjab’s franchise is 245/6, recorded in their 2018 meeting.
5. Which team won the 2014 IPL final between KKR and Punjab?
Kolkata Knight Riders won the 2014 IPL final against Kings XI Punjab, securing the IPL championship.