IPL 2024: PBKS pull off the unthinkable vs KKR, record highest-ever successful chase in T20 cricket

In an unprecedented display of batting prowess, the Punjab Kings etched their names into the history books by successfully chasing down a colossal target of 262 runs against the Kolkata Knight Riders at Eden Gardens in Kolkata. This remarkable chase was highlighted by Jonny Bairstow's breathtaking innings of 108* from just 48 balls, making it one of the most memorable performances in IPL history. His effort was well-supported by impactful knocks from Shashank Singh and Prabhsimran Singh.

The match began with KKR setting a formidable tone after being put into bat. The duo of Sunil Narine and Phil Salt delivered a spectacular start, combining for a 138-run opening stand in just 10.2 overs. Narine was particularly aggressive, hitting nine fours and four sixes for his 71 off 32 balls. Salt continued the assault with a 37-ball 75, peppered with six fours and an equal number of sixes, recording his third fifty of the season.

Despite the loss of Narine and Salt within 13 balls of each other, Andre Russell tried to maintain the tempo with a quick 24 from 12 balls. Shreyas Iyer's swift 28 off 10 balls along with Venkatesh Iyer's 23-ball 39 then propelled KKR past the 260-run mark.

Chasing a seemingly insurmountable target, Jonny Bairstow, returning to the playing XI, launched an all-out assault from the outset. He was ably supported by Prabhsimran Singh, who stepped in as an impact player for Arshdeep Singh. The pair put on 93 runs in the powerplay overs. Prabhsimran Singh contributed a rapid 54 from 20 balls before being run out.

As Bairstow continued his onslaught, Rilee Rossouw played a brief cameo of 26 from 16 balls. The Englishman eventually notched up a memorable hundred off just 45 balls, putting Punjab Kings in pole position. The pivotal moment came from Shashank Singh, the season's revelation for PBKS, who blasted 68 runs off just 28 deliveries. His explosive batting, alongside Bairstow, ensured that Punjab crossed the finish line with eight balls to spare.

This successful chase not only broke the IPL record previously held by Rajasthan Royals who scored 224 against KKR, but it also surpassed the world record previously held by South Africa when they smashed 259/4 against the West Indies last year. Furthermore, the match set a new milestone for the most sixes in a T20 game, with a staggering 42 sixes hit during the encounter.

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