The Punjab Kings were chasing a mammoth total of 262 runs set by the Kolkata Knight Riders, who posted a formidable 261/6 in their 20 overs. The home team’s innings was highlighted by a 138-run opening partnership between Phil Salt (75 off 37 balls) and Sunil Narine (71 off 32 balls), setting a daunting task for the Kings.

Jonny Bairstow Century Helps Punjab Register Highest Ever Run Chase In T20 Cricket.

However, the Kings were not to be deterred. Bairstow, who had been dropped from the side for the previous two matches, responded with a magnificent knock of 108 runs off just 48 balls, including eight fours and nine sixes. His aggressive batting set the tone for the rest of the innings, and his partnership with Prabhsimran Singh (54 off 20 balls) and Shashank Singh (68 not out off 28 balls) ensured that the Kings completed the chase with eight balls to spare.

Bairstow’s century was not only a display of power hitting but also a testament to his ability to pace his innings effectively. He reached his half-century off just 23 balls and accelerated to his century off the next 22 balls. His partnership with Rilee Rossouw (26 off 16 balls) for the second wicket added 85 runs off just 39 balls, further pushing the Kings towards their target.

Shashank Singh: A Knight In Shinning Armour

Despite losing Rossouw in the 13th over,  Jonny Bairstow and Shashank Singh combined to add an unbeaten 84 runs off 37 balls, with the latter playing a crucial role in the final assault with his quickfire 68 not out off 28 balls. This partnership ensured that the Kings easily completed the chase, securing an eight-wicket victory in the process.

READ MORE: Punjab Kings’ Historic Chase Against Kolkata Knight Riders

The Punjab Kings’ victory was not only a testament to their batting prowess but also a record-breaking feat in the history of T20 cricket. They surpassed the previous highest successful run chase of 259 runs, set by South Africa Against West Indies in March of 2023.

Kolkata Knight Riders and Royal Challengers Bengaluru came into the match with a win from their previous encounters. RCB beat Punjab Kings, whereas KKR stood victorious against SRH in their opening game.  KKR won the toss and chose to field first, given the pitch condition. However, RCB was more than happy to bat first.

Kolkata Knight Riders vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru 1st Innings.

RCB openers Faf and Kohli started the game with a flory of boundaries. Kohli and Du Plessis added seventeen runs on the scoreboard. However, on the last ball of the second over, Du Plessis gave up his wicket to Harshit Rana to recreate the previous six-hitting shot.

While Kohli stood his ground at one end, apart from Green and Maxwell, there was not much support from the middle order. Green scored 33 runs in 21 balls, whereas Maxwell made 28 runs in 19 balls. Kohli built healthy partnerships with Green and Maxwell of 65 and 42 runs, respectively. However, local lads Pattidar and Rawat made no significant contribution, as both players were dismissed for three runs each.

As the innings progressed, Kohli added another 50-run milestone to his record. To upscale the scoreboard, Virat got the support from Dinesh Karthik, as the veteran made an astounding 20 runs in 8 balls with three 6s. Virat Kohli made 83 runs in 59 balls, including four 4s and four 6s. RCB posted 182 runs on the board for the loss of six wickets.

Kolkata Creates Carnage in the 2nd Innings.

To everyone’s surprise, Sunil Narine opened the innings with Phil Salt for KKR in his 500th IPL game for the franchise. Narine and Salt scored at a staggering run rate of 17 runs per over in the first three overs. What once looked like a fighting total became a mere cakewalk. By the end of the powerplay, KKR reached the 80-run mark without losing any wickets. However, eventually, RCB got the first breakthrough as Mayank Dagar bowled Sunil Narine in the seventh over. Narine made 47 runs in 22 balls with two 4s and five 6s with just seven runs per over required to win the game.

Next, Phil Salt returned to the pavilion as he picked Green on the leg-side boundary, scoring 30 runs for the team. Things didn’t change for any teams as KKR kept the beating of RCB bowlers on song. To add Salt to injury, Venkatesh Iyyer scored 50 runs from thirty balls with three 4s and four 6s.

READ MORE: Rajasthan Royals vs Delhi Capitals Match Report

With nothing much left to defend, RCB got the wicket of Venkatesh in the over of Yash Dayal. However, KKR intelligently won the game and chased the 183 runs total in 17 overs. Sunil Narine won the player of the match for his batting performance, and he also picked the crucial wicket of Glen Maxwell after he was dropped twice before in the game. Next in IPL, RCB will play Lucknow Super Giants on 2nd April 2024. Meanwhile, KKR will play Delhi Capitals on 3rd April in Visakhapatnam.

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Kolkata Knight Riders Showcase a Batting Masterclass. Initially, Kolkata Knight Riders faced some early setbacks with the quick dismissals of key players like Suniel Narine, Ventakesh Iyer, and Shreyas Iyer. However, they managed to steady the ship with a composed partnership between Nitish Rana and Rinku Singh, contributing crucial runs to the scoreboard.

Kolkata Knight Riders witness a  classical Andre Russles Performance.

The highlight of Kolkata Knight Riders’ innings was undoubtedly Andre Russell’s explosive knock. With an astonishing strike rate of 256.00, Russell’s unbeaten 64 off 25 balls included a barrage of boundaries and towering sixes, propelling his team to a formidable total of 208 runs.

Many questions were raised at the previous form of Andre Russel. However, giving 2 back to back season flops, fans didn’t keep much hope coming forward this season. However, the West Indies powerhouse stepped foot inside the ropes with grit and determination in his mind. The Russel Muscle was on display in ultra HD as the game progressed. A key moment in the game occurred in the sixteenth over when Russell was caught at the long off boundary courtesy of Makram.

However, the TV umpire decided to overturn the outcome due to a bump on the ground, resulting in continuous carnage from Russle. As a result, KKR made 208 from their respective twenty overs.

Bowling Response

Sunrisers Hyderabad were on song with their Batting performance. Evidently, the Orange army went all guns blazing from the get-go. Though Mayank and Abhishek did start well, a classical performance by Heinrich Klaasen stood out for SRH. Klaasen’s fiery knock of 63 runs off 29 balls is nothing less than a match-winning performance.

Despite setting a challenging target, Kolkata Knight Riders knew they had to deliver with the ball. Led by Harshit Rana’s disciplined bowling and the impactful spells from Sunil Narine and Andre Russell, they restricted the Sunrisers to 204 runs, clinching a hard-fought victory.

In summary, Kolkata Knight Riders’ exceptional batting performance and disciplined bowling effort secured a thrilling win against Sunrisers, showcasing their prowess in the tournament.

READ MORE: Kings’ Batting Collapse Hands Capitals a Victory

In the tournament, KKR, in the next game, will play along with Royal Challengers Bengaluru in Bangalore on 29th March. However, the Sunrisers Hyderabad will go head to head against Mumbai Indians at Rajeev Gandhi International Stadium on 27th March.