The Punjab Kings chased down a massive target of 262 runs with praise-worthy knocks from Jonny Bairstow and Shashank Singh.
The match between the Kolkata Knight Riders and Punjab Kings saw some breathtaking firepower from both teams. However, PBKS had the last laugh as they smashed through the challenging total of 261 runs and became the first team in IPL history to successfully chase such a huge score as they defeated KKR by 8 wickets.
The Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) put on a batting masterclass to post a mammoth 261 runs on the board against the Punjab Kings (PBKS). Put to bat first, KKR openers Sunil Narine (71) and Phil Salt (60) laid the foundation with a record-breaking 138-run partnership, the highest opening stand in IPL history, established within a brisk 63 balls.
The dismissal of Narine in the 11th over did little to halt KKR’s momentum. Venkatesh Iyer, Andre Russell, and captain Shreyas Iyer all played significant knocks, propelling the score towards a formidable total. While Arshdeep Singh managed to pick up two crucial wickets (Shreyas Iyer and Andre Russell), his efforts were overshadowed by the expensive spells of the other PBKS bowlers. Captain Sam Curran leaked 60 runs in his four overs, claiming a single wicket, while star pacer Kagiso Rabada was the most expensive, conceding 52 runs in his three overs at a worrying economy rate of 17.33.
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In response, SRH unleashed their batting firepower. Jonny Bairstow, who had been struggling for form in recent matches, silenced his critics with a match-winning, unbeatable century (108 off 48). Partnering with him, Shashank Singh (68 off 28) provided valuable support with some aggressive strokeplay, putting pressure on the KKR bowlers.
Sunil Narine was the lone bright spot in KKR’s bowling attack, taking a wicket and conceding just 24 runs in his four overs. However, the likes of Anukul Roy and Andre Russell proved expensive, each leaking 36 runs in their two overs.
PBKS chased down the mammoth target comfortably with eight balls to spare, securing their third win of the season and climbing to eighth position in the IPL points table.
Last Updated on April 26, 2024
