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April 26, 2024
In a game that was a statistician’s dream, Punjab Kings (PBKS) set the record for the highest successful run-chase by overhauling a 262-run target set by Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). This remarkable achievement not only established a record in the TATA Indian Premier League (IPL) but also in overall T20 cricket. The match featured 42 sixes, another TATA IPL, and a T20 cricket record. The historic Eden Gardens in Kolkata added another chapter to its rich legacy.
When PBKS was tasked with chasing 262 runs, it seemed almost impossible to achieve it—especially with more than an over to spare. However, the explosive start provided by Impact Player Prabhsimran Singh injected energy into the innings and hope into the PBKS camp. Prabhsimran played aggressively, using his crease to create angles and even scooping a six at one point. In a thrilling display, PBKS raced past fifty by the fourth over. At the same time, Dushmantha Chameera, making his debut for KKR, was welcomed with a hefty 23-run over in the third. The excitement of PBKS vs KKR kept fans on the edge of their seats throughout this historic match.
Sunil Narine bowled the fifth over as Kolkata Knight Riders tried to halt the momentum. However, Prabhsimran swept one over fine-leg for four and followed it up with a six on the next ball, reaching his half-century in just 18 balls. Meanwhile, Bairstow batted at a cautious 12 off 10 balls until he joined the action. In the sixth over, bowled by Anukul Roy, Bairstow shifted gears, smashing three fours and two sixes. Unfortunately, Prabhsimran called for a tight single on the last ball but was run out after a direct hit from a short third man, departing for an impressive 54 off 20 balls.
Rilee Roussow entered at No. 3 but took his time at the crease, which didn’t hinder Bairstow, who consistently found the middle of the bat. In the ninth over, he launched Varun Chakaravarthy over long-off with one hand for a six, bringing up his fifty off just 23 balls. The onslaught continued as PBKS raced to 132 runs in 10 overs, well on track in the thrilling PBKS vs KKR clash. The excitement of PBKS vs. KKR kept the fans on the edge of their seats throughout this remarkable inning.
Roussow also ramped up the aggression, but Bairstow’s outstanding innings maintained the momentum. Together, they added 85 runs off 39 balls, with Roussow contributing 26. However, his innings ended when he attempted to hit Narine across the line, only to top-edge the ball and get caught at cover. At that point, PBKS needed 84 runs off 45 balls.
In came Shashank Singh, who played an impressive innings of his own. As Bairstow celebrated his century with the Kolkata crowd, Shashank took charge in the slog overs. The match-winning partnership remained unbeaten at 84 runs off 37 balls, with Shashank hitting 68 of those runs, including eight sixes and two fours.
Whenever KKR managed to apply pressure, Shashank responded by clearing the boundaries with ease. With 54 runs needed in the last four overs, Shashank led PBKS to victory with eight balls to spare in this thrilling PBKS vs KKR match. The excitement of PBKS vs KKR showcased some extraordinary batting performances.
Chameera was dismissed after conceding three sixes in the 17th over. The following over from Harshit Rana also proved costly, yielding 25 runs as both Bairstow and Shashank feasted on the bowling. Shashank hit a six over mid-wicket to bring up his fifty. Punjab Kings cruised to victory in the penultimate over, igniting jubilant celebrations.
While PBKS’s heroics stole the spotlight, it’s easy to overlook KKR’s impressive batting performance earlier in the day. Their innings were highlighted by a memorable opening partnership between Narine and Phil Salt, showcasing why they are one of the most exciting batting combinations in the TATA IPL 2024. Narine began his innings in style, smashing his first ball through the covers for four. When Arshdeep Singh bowled in the second over, Narine swung at a short delivery, launching it over square-leg for a six. The thrilling PBKS vs KKR matchup featured outstanding performances from both sides.
Harshal Patel was introduced in the third over, and Phil Salt quickly found his rhythm, hitting two sixes and a four. The Kolkata crowd cheered for every boundary as Salt and Narine took full advantage of the conditions, providing no relief for the bowlers. Kagiso Rabada faced a tough start, conceding 21 runs in the fourth over, which pushed KKR past their half-century. They accelerated to 76 runs within the powerplay.
PBKS faced additional challenges with three dropped chances in the early overs—Narine was dropped on 16, and Salt was let go twice. With each boundary hit, the frustration of these missed opportunities mounted for PBKS. Despite the fielding restrictions being lifted, Narine and Salt continued their assault, with Narine emerging as the dominant scorer. He skillfully made room for himself against short balls and unleashed powerful shots on total deliveries. Salt also showcased his talent, which was highlighted by a 19-run over in the 10th. By the halfway mark, KKR stood at a commanding 137 for no loss in this thrilling PBKS vs KKR encounter. The excitement of PBKS vs KKR kept the fans engaged throughout the match.
Narine’s entertaining innings ended at 71 when he attempted to hit a ball over long-on in the 10th over. Venkatesh Iyer was sent in at No. 3, and Salt maintained the momentum, hitting two sixes when Sam Curran bowled the 13th over. However, Curran quickly dismissed him for 75.
Andre Russell joined Iyer and added 40 runs in 18 balls, pushing KKR past the 200-run mark. Shreyas Iyer stepped up, delivering a captain’s performance that fueled the innings during the slog overs. When Curran brought himself on for the 18th over, Iyer decided to attack, hitting three sixes and a four, including a memorable flick through the leg side that thrilled the crowd. Although Iyer was dismissed for 28 off just 10 balls, KKR’s momentum continued as they surged past 250, ultimately finishing with 261 in this exciting PBKS vs KKR matchup. The thrilling action of PBKS vs KKR kept fans on the edge of their seats throughout the match.
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