Punjab Kings scripted a historic chase at the Eden Gardens, Kolkata, as they successfully chased down a monumental target of 261 runs, marking the highest-ever chase in T20 history. The match witnessed a thrilling display of power-hitting, with Phil Salt and Sunil Narine setting the stage on fire with a sensational 138-run opening partnership, only to be overshadowed by Jonny Bairstow’s spectacular century for Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR).
Opting to bowl first after winning the toss, Punjab Kings had high hopes of utilizing the dew factor to their advantage. However, their plans were quickly dismantled by the aggressive onslaught from Narine and Salt. The KKR openers unleashed a barrage of boundaries, amassing 76 runs in the powerplay and laying a solid foundation for their team.
Narine, in particular, was in scintillating form, smashing a blistering 70 off just 30 balls before being caught by Jonny Bairstow off Sam Curran’s bowling in the eleventh over. Salt, too, played a pivotal role, contributing a rapid 75 off 37 deliveries before falling victim to Curran’s guile.
WATCH – Sunil Narine’s Direct Sends Stuns Prabhsimran Singh To The Pavilion
KKR’s middle order, led by the explosive Andre Russell, further accelerated the run rate, propelling the team to an imposing total of 261/4. With the daunting target set, Punjab Kings needed a Herculean effort to secure victory.
In response, Punjab Kings got off to a flying start, with Prabhsimran Singh and Jonny Bairstow unleashing a relentless assault on the KKR bowlers. Prabhsimran’s aggressive approach yielded 54 runs in just five overs, setting the tone for the chase.
Despite Narine’s dismissal of Rilee Rossouw in the 13th over, Jonny Bairstow continued his onslaught, reaching a magnificent century off just 45 balls. The arrival of Shashank Singh further fueled Punjab Kings’ momentum, as he unleashed a flurry of boundaries to accelerate the chase.
WATCH – Rahul Chahar’s Brilliant Dismissal Of Sunil Narine Swings Momentum in IPL Clash
With Jonny Bairstow leading the charge, Punjab Kings reached the 262-run target with eight balls to spare, completing a historic chase and etching their name in the annals of IPL history.
Now, RR chased a total v KKR in the last over where they had an upper hand most of the time.
But this game, PBKS bossed the chase right from the word go.
Generally teams tend to falter in such high chase games, pitch talks aside, credit to PBKS for marshalling the chase.…
— Pranav Nair (@leg_gully) April 26, 2024
Sixes were cool and exciting because they were rare. But when every ball is going into the stands, it becomes boring.
Maybe I’m not the right audience, but for me there’s no fun watching 250 games everyday. #KKRvsPBKS
— Peeyush Sharma (@peeyushsharmaa) April 26, 2024
Beat century of #IPL2024 by Jonny Bairstow 🔥
— Sushant Mehta (@SushantNMehta) April 26, 2024
Jonny Bairstow show at the Eden Gardens. pic.twitter.com/KgGXnNPI8I
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) April 26, 2024
Shashank Singh 💣❤️
Madness batting
What a talent #KKRvsPBKS— PAVAN PATIL (@PAVANPATIL60477) April 26, 2024
• THIS IS UNREAL.
• THIS IS BRUTAL.
• THIS IS UNBELIEVABLE.
• THIS IS JONNY BAIRSTOW.WHAT A CENTURY, WHAT AN INNINGS BY THE BEAST 🔥🤯!! pic.twitter.com/Fw6EpO1niV
— Vishal. (@SPORTYVISHAL) April 26, 2024
Best find of #IPL2024 is #shashank … Wow watta player… Hitting lik anything N timing lik anything…. Hitting sixes looks so easy to him #KKRvsPBKS
— SELVA (@Actionboy_U1) April 26, 2024
Absolute madness in Eden Garden @IPL @cricbuzz #KKRVSPBKS
— kautilyakukunoor (@kautilya3803) April 26, 2024
Jonny Bairstow after scoring century : pic.twitter.com/KVOfkz6hwr
— Robin (@Bisleri_maymer) April 26, 2024
