IPL 2024, KKR vs PBKS: Bairstow, Shashank easily overhaul KKR's 261

IPL 2024, KKR vs PBKS: Jonny Bairstow (108), Shashank Singh (68) set the record of highest chase in the history of IPL. Punjab beat Kolkata and move to 8th spot. Top takeaways for KKR and Punjab from the game.

IPL 2024: Bairstow scored 108 off 48 balls against KKR (Images: ©BCCI/IPLT20)

Brief Scores: KKR - 261/6 (Phil Salt 75, Sunil Narine 71, Arshdeep Singh 2/45) lost to PBKS - 262/2 (Jonny Bairstow 108*, Shashank Singh 68*, Sunil Narine 1/24) by 8 wickets.

Player of the Match: Jonny Bairstow (108* off 48)

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Punjab Kings (PBKS) are the two teams at the opposite ends of the points table. However, the Eden Gardens today witnessed a thriller encounter between these two sides. In an unbelievably ruthless display of batting, Punjab hunted down 262 against Kolkata to record the highest successful chase in T20 history. 

PBKS won the toss and opted to bowl first. KKR started the innings strongly, courtesy of their openers Sunil Narine and Phil Salt. Salt bagged a half-century, with his opening partner Narine also doing the same. Narine fell for 71 runs off 32 balls while Salt departed for 75 off 37 balls. They shared a fantastic partnership of 138 runs between them.The batters that followed consolidated the home team's position and took them to an imposing total. The PBKS bowlers struggled to get their act right in the face of a sustained assault.

In the second innings, Punjab also had a powerful start with their openers displaying strong hitting. Prabhsimran Singh and Jonny Bairstow gave their side a perfect start. Prabhsimran departed after scoring 54 runs off just 20 balls. Whereas, Bairstow fired a dazzling 45-ball century to keep the Kings in the hunt in a record 262 run chase. Soon Shashank Singh joined Bairstow and kept the Kings alive in the chase. He scored a magnificent 68 runs off 28 balls, taking Punjab to a famous win. 

Key Takeaways from KKR vs PBKS, Match 42, IPL 2024 - Winning team (PBKS)

Brilliant fight back from Punjab openers

Punjab Kings’ openers Prabhsimran Singh and Jonny Bairstow showcased a remarkable display of resilience and determination. They gave Punjab an unbelievable start while chasing a massive target. Prabhsimran smashed 54 runs meanwhile Bairstow shattered his first century of this edition and second in IPL. Their partnership rewrote the script on comebacks and gave Punjab the hope to chase the huge total of 262. Their stand of 93 runs was more than just runs on the board - it was a game-changer that set the stage on fire. 

Earlier Bairstow was struggling with his form. He returned to the team after sitting out for two matches. He played shots all over the park and took on the KKR bowlers to make this innings special. The England batter finished on an unbeaten 108 runs. His century became even more special as Punjab successfully chased the record target. 

Read More: IPL 2024, PBKS vs GT: Gujarat beat Punjab by 3 wickets, move to 8 points

Shashank Singh scored 68 off 28 balls against KKR (Images: ©BCCI/IPLT20)

Punjab could look into Shashank Singh’s promotion

Punjab batter Shashank Singh displayed yet another superlative batting performance. He played an absolutely wonderful innings with his all-round shot-making. Shashank scored 68* runs of 28 balls to support Bairstow and take his team home.

Shashank's promotion within the team could herald a new chapter in Punjab's cricketing saga. With him stepping up into a more prominent role, their gameplay could see a refreshing shift in dynamics. His inclusion could offer the team new tactical options, strategic insights, and a fresh perspective on approaching crucial match situations. The Punjab Kings management could look into his promotion for the upcoming games. 

Read More: IPL 2024: Shashank Singh - Journeyman Cricketer finally announces his arrival

Key Takeaways from KKR vs PBKS, Match 42, IPL 2024 - Losing team (KKR)

Salt, Narine added 138 off 63 balls for 1st wicket (Images: ©BCCI/IPLT20)

Phil Salt and Sunil Narine destroy Punjab bowlers

In a sensational display of power-hitting and tactical finesse, Phil Salt and Sunil Narine left everyone in awe as they decimated the Punjab bowlers in a dramatic encounter. The game witnessed top-class performances from both KKR openers. Salt stole the show with his explosive batting display, leaving the opposition bowlers in a state of shock. His aggressive approach and powerful shots kept the scoreboard ticking, as he displayed his prowess with the bat. He smashed a blistering 75 runs off just 37 balls.

Meanwhile, Narine who is having a terrific IPL season, continued his exceptional form from the other end. He hit 71 runs off 32 balls which included 4 sixes and 9 fours. He shared a strong partnership of 138 runs with Salt for the opening wicket. Narine's innings was a display of sheer dominance, as he dismantled the bowlers with his aggressive stroke play and calculated risks.

Read More: IPL 2024, KKR vs RCB, Key Takeaways: Russell, Narine's crucial strikes prove handy; KKR win by 1 run

Statistical Highlights from KKR vs PBKS, IPL 2024

• Sunil Narine has the third most runs in the powerplay in IPL 2024.

• KKR scored the highest total at Eden Gardens. 

• Punjab Kings registered their highest powerplay score in IPL history.

• Sam Curran has dismissed Phil Salt for the fifth time in T20s.

IPL 2024 Points table

Points Table Scenario & What’s Next

With their historic victory over KKR, the Punjab Kings moved to eighth position on the points table with six points. Whereas, the Knight Riders are still at the second spot with ten points.

Next up, Delhi Capitals (DC) will lock horns with Mumbai Indians (MI) at their home ground, Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi in an afternoon clash on April 27.

Read More: IPL 2024, KKR vs LSG: Salt bludgeons LSG with 89* after Starc's impressive 3-28; KKR onto 8 points