Table of Contents
In what proved to be one of the most exciting encounters of the Indian Premier League 2025 season, the Punjab Kings suffered a critical blow to their playoff ambitions after losing to the Delhi Capitals in a tightly contested match on Sunday.
Punjab Kings’ top-two hopes dent as Delhi Capitals clinch final-over thriller
Batting first, the Faf du Plessis-led Delhi showcased a commanding performance, posting a daunting total of 206 runs in their allotted 20 overs. Despite a valiant batting effort from Punjab, the run chase fell short in the final over, thanks to a composed finishing act by the Delhi batters. With their defeat to Delhi, Punjab’s journey to securing a top-two spot in the IPL playoffs now hinges on the outcome of their final league match against the Mumbai Indians. Sitting at 17 points with one match left, Punjab finds themselves in a must-win situation, not just for qualification, but for seizing a direct path to the final via the Qualifier 1 route. Meanwhile, Mumbai, who have also booked a playoff berth, are equally hungry for a top-two finish and will approach the clash in Jaipur with aggressive intent. The net run rate (+0.327 for PBKS) might come into play depending on other match results, making every over and every run of paramount importance.
Controversial third umpire call sparks outrage as Preity Zinta reacts
The match, however, wasn’t without controversy. During the 15th over of Punjab’s innings, a pivotal moment unfolded that left not just the team, but also fans and team officials visibly upset. Shashank Singh, who has been one of the standout batters for Punjab this season, struck a powerful straight drive off Mohit Sharma. Positioned near the long-off boundary was Karun Nair, who stretched every sinew of his body to pull off what appeared to be a spectacular fielding effort.
Also READ: All is not well in Punjab Kings! Preity Zinta moves court; here’s the reason
Nair, after making the save, immediately gestured that the ball had in fact crossed the boundary rope and signaled it was a six. The on-field umpires, uncertain about the call, referred the matter to the third umpire. Upon review, the third umpire adjudged that there was no conclusive video evidence showing Nair’s foot making contact with the boundary cushions. As a result, only a single was awarded instead of six runs, much to the disbelief of the batting side and their supporters.
This decision took on a life of its own when a fan on social media platform X (formerly Twitter) posted a question to Grok, an AI chatbot, summarizing the incident and expressing confusion over how a clear on-field gesture by the fielder could be overruled by technology.
@grok it was a DC vs PBKS match. Karun nair tried to save a six on the boundary line but after saving he confirmed that it was a six. Then third umpire checked it and it wasn't a six.
— Konda Reddy (@gayatri_an68571) May 24, 2025
To the astonishment of many, Punjab co-owner Preity Zinta, who was not even tagged in the post, unexpectedly responded, clearly livid with the third umpire’s verdict. Zinta stated, “In a such a high profile tournament with so much technology at the Third Umpire’s disposal such mistakes are unacceptable & simply shouldn’t happen. I spoke To Karun after the game & he confirmed it was DEFINITELY a 6 ! I rest my case !” Preity wrote.
In a such a high profile tournament with so much technology at the Third Umpire’s disposal such mistakes are unacceptable & simply shouldn’t happen. I spoke To Karun after the game & he confirmed it was DEFINITELY a 6 ! I rest my case ! #PBKSvsDC #IPL2025 https://t.co/o35yCueuNP
— Preity G Zinta (@realpreityzinta) May 24, 2025
Also READ: IPL 2025: Here’s how Punjab Kings can finish in top two even after defeat against Delhi Capitals
