Punjab Kings hit biggest IPL target: 262 in 18.4 overs against Kolkata; Bairstow’s century, Shashank’s half-century

Punjab Kings Rewrite T20 Record Books
Image Courtesy; X/Twitter

Punjab Kings Rewrite T20 Record Books

In a historic showdown against Kolkata Knight Riders, Punjab Kings scripted a remarkable chapter in T20 cricket history by achieving the highest successful run chase ever witnessed in the format.

Stellar Batting Performance by Punjab

Led by Jonny Bairstow’s explosive century and Shashank Singh’s rapid-fire half-century, Punjab Kings mounted a sensational pursuit of KKR’s imposing target of 262 runs. The opening duo of Prabhasimran Singh and Bairstow set the tone with a blistering start, followed by crucial contributions from Riley Russo and Shashank Singh. Bairstow’s unbeaten 108 runs off just 48 balls, embellished with 9 sixes and 8 fours, spearheaded Punjab’s charge, while Shashank Singh’s unbeaten 68 off 28 balls ensured a swift finish to the monumental chase.

KKR’s Formidable Batting Effort

Earlier in the match, Kolkata Knight Riders, after being invited to bat first, unleashed a formidable batting display, amassing a formidable total of 261 runs for the loss of 6 wickets. Philip Salt and Sunil Narine provided a solid foundation with explosive innings, followed by valuable contributions from Venkatesh Iyer, Andre Russell, and captain Shreyas Iyer. Despite KKR’s imposing total, Punjab Kings’ relentless pursuit saw them etch their name in the annals of T20 cricket history.

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Key Players and Bowling Performances

While Bairstow’s scintillating century stole the spotlight, the collective efforts of Punjab’s bowlers, led by Arshdeep Singh’s two wickets, played a pivotal role in restricting KKR’s formidable batting lineup. Despite valiant efforts from KKR’s batting stalwarts, Punjab Kings emerged triumphant, marking their emphatic victory as a watershed moment in T20 cricket.

Punjab Kings’ historic run chase against Kolkata Knight Riders not only secured a crucial win but also etched their name in the record books with the highest successful chase in T20 cricket history. Bairstow’s heroic century, complemented by Shashank Singh’s explosive batting, showcased Punjab’s batting prowess and resilience, underlining their credentials as formidable contenders in the IPL 2024 tournament.

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