Credit: IPL
On April 26, 2024, Punjab Kings (PBKS) chased down a colossal total of 262 runs against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) with eight wickets in hand and recorded the most-successful chase in not only the Indian Premier League (IPL), but also the T20 history. Batting first after losing the toss at the iconic Eden Gardens, KKR posted 261/6 runs on the board, riding on the valiant innings of their openers Phil Salt (75 off 37) and Sunil Narine (71 off 32). Both batters stitched a 138-run stand off just 62 balls and helped their team have a commanding position in the first half of the game.
Their opening efforts helped successive batters to attack bowlers. Venkatesh Iyer struck 39 off 23 with five boundaries (three fours and two maximums), while Andre Russell played with a strike-rate of 200.00 and amassed 24 runs off just 12 balls. However, Punjab didn’t get demoralised after hammering in the first innings and hit back at the hosts. Prabhsimran Singh and Jonny Bairstow stepped up in the contest and took KKR’s bowling unit to the cleaners. Prabhsmiran departed on the last delivery of the first powerplay, after racking up just 54 off 20 with nine boundaries (four fours and five maximums).
Jonny Bairstow notched up an unbeaten ton and guided PBKS to victory
Jonny Bairstow looked relentless against bowlers and stood in the middle until the end. The veteran struck an unbeaten 108 run off just 48 deliveries. He brought his century in just 45 balls. His scintillating knock was studded with 17 boundaries (eight fours and nine maximums). He was supported by Shashank Singh, who batted at number four and chipped in with an unbeaten 68 off 28.
Both Bairstow and Shashank produced an 84-run partnership off just 45 balls. Riding on their innings, PBKS completed the chase with eight balls to spare. Bairstow also received the player of the match (POTM) award for his match-winning innings.
