PBKS pull off highest run-chase in T20 history in IPL 2024 match vs KKR
The Punjab Kings (PBKS) made a mockery of a 262-run target against the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at the Eden Gardens on Friday. The visiting side chased down the score with eight balls to spare as Jonny Bairstow, Prabhsimran Singh, and Shashank Singh starred with explosive knocks. It is now the highest successful run-chase in all T20 cricket.
The Knight Riders were sent in to bat by PBKS skipper Sam Curran, who won the toss. Sunil Narine and Phil Salt continued to be at their belligerent best as they stitched together a 138-run opening stand. Salt top-scored for the home side with 75, while Narine hammered 71.
Shreyas Iyer, Venkatesh Iyer, and Andre Russell also played their parts at the death. The Knight Riders clobbered their second-highest IPL total, with their score of 272 against the Delhi Capitals in Vizag being the highest.
Jonny Bairstow roars back to form with a 45-ball century for PBKS
Jonny Bairstow, who returned to the playing XI for Liam Livingstone, was under pressure after repeated failures earlier in the season. However, along with Prabhsimran Singh, he provided PBKS with the perfect start. Prabhsimran perished after a 20-ball 54 and featured in a 93-run opening stand.
Rilee Rossouw struggled a touch, but still contributed 26 off 16 deliveries before becoming Sunil Narine's only wicket of the innings. At the other end, Bairstow completed his half-century in 23 balls and took only 22 balls more to get to the three-figure mark. The Yorkshire batter was especially ruthless against Andre Russell, whom he hammered for 24 runs in his second over, including a six that traveled 105 meters.
Shashank Singh proved to be the perfect foil after Rossouw's departure as he brought up his half-century off 23 balls. He hit the winning runs, staying unbeaten on 68.
The match also witnessed 42 sixes from both sides, marking another record. It proved to be the Kolkata Knight Riders' second home defeat this season, with their first being a loss to the Rajasthan Royals while defending 223.