In a surprising moment during the IPL 2025 clash between Punjab Kings (PBKS) and the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) on April 15, Australian pacer Xavier Bartlett committed a costly fielding error that gifted five extra runs to the opposition. The incident occurred at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur and added unexpected drama to what was already a high-intensity encounter.

The blunder unfolded in the 8th over of KKR’s innings, right after Ajinkya Rahane had been dismissed. Venkatesh Iyer, stepping in next, nudged Yuzvendra Chahal’s first delivery towards backward square-leg for a routine single. Bartlett, positioned at fine-leg, quickly intercepted the ball and looked to return it sharply to the wicketkeeper.

However, what followed stunned everyone. In his haste to release the throw, Bartlett lost grip of the ball, causing it to slip awkwardly out of his hand and roll all the way to the boundary. The unexpected error not only drew gasps from the crowd but also handed KKR five bonus runs, making it a moment to forget for the bowler and a turning point in the intensity of the match.

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What’s happened there?! 😳

Has the game slipped from #PBKS or can they muster a comeback from here? 🫠

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The Umpire's Decision

Rather than the traditional four runs for the boundary, the umpires awarded five runs to KKR. The reason is that Bartlett's action was termed an overthrow and not a misfield. Accordingly, one run which the batsmen had already run was included in the boundary, summing up to a total of five runs for the error. Although Bartlett previously dropped Quinton de Kock on debut during an IPL match, this act of dropping a player became the most discussed point of the match.

The match had already proved to be an up-and-down ride. PBKS, following being sent in first, was able to register only a below-par 111. KKR bowlers, steered by Harshit Rana (3/25) and Sunil Narine (2/14), kept PBKS to a below-par score. During the pursuit, KKR appeared to be in command, but a dramatic collapse, courtesy of Yuzvendra Chahal's four-wicket haul, left them short by 16 runs. Eventually, PBKS defended the lowest total in IPL history and posted a record win.