Picture : IPL / X
Punjab Kings produced a sensational batting masterclass and pulled off a record chase to stun Kolkata Knight Riders by 8 wickets in a Tata IPL 2024 encounter at jam packed Eden Gardens.
Earlier, Punjab Skipper Sam Curran won the toss and opted to field first . The move appeared to backfire as KKR posted a massive total. And making matters worse was poor fielding as Punjab dropped three catches early on as KKR openers – Sunil Narine and Phil Salt smashed them all- around the ground with and sixes.
Philip Salt 75 ( 37 balls, 7 fours, 7 sixes) and Narine 71 (32 balls . 9 fours, 4 sixes). The duo put on a superb opening stand of 138-1, 10.2 overs. The run feast continued with Venkatesh Iyer 39 ( 23 balls , 3 fours , 2 sixes) , Andre Russell 24 ( 12 balls , 2 fours , 2 sixes) and Skipper Shreyas Iyer too joining the party with a blazing 28 ( 10 balls , 1 four 3 sixes) . Rinku Singh was out for 5 . Ramandeep Singh was not out 3 as KKR posted 261/ 6 in their 20 overs .
Punjab bowlers had a nightmarish outing . Sam Curran 1/ 60 ( 4 overs) , Arshdeep Singh 2/ 45 ( 4 overs), Harshal Patel 1/ 48 ( 3 overs), Kagiso Rabada 0/ 52 ( 3 overs), Rahul Chahar 1/ 33 ( 4 overs), Harpreet Brar 0/ 21 ( 2 overs)
KKR thought the total was good enough. But little did they and the Eden Gardens crowd realise what was to unfold . Punjab Kings came out with all guns blazing and showed great intent form the start. Opener and Impact player Prabhsimran Singh and Jonny Bairstow made it clear they are going to chase.
Prabhsimran Singh was sensational and smashed a superb 50 off mere ( 20 balls , 4 fours , 5 sixes) before he was unfortunately run- out. But not before setting the platform with the opening stand of 93-1, in 6 overs.
Having a rather below par season Jonny Bairstow back in the playing XI blasted his way back with sensational unbeaten power hundred. Jonny Bairstow was in full flow and hammered the KKR bowlers and leaving the crowd shocked . Jonny Bairstow would stay till the end unbeaten with a magnificent 108 ( 48 balls , 8 fours, 9 sixes) . It was carnage . Giving Bairstow support were Rilee Rossouw who chipped in with 26 .
Shashank Singh who had impressed all with his power hitting along with Bairstow saw the Punjab team home by 8 wickets and 8 balls to spare . Punjab reaching 262/ 2 in 18. 4 overs. It was a stunning chase. Shashank remained not with a blistering innings 68 ( 28 balls , 2 fours, 8 sixes). KKR bowlers had no answer to the onslaught .
KKR bowling : Dushmantha Chameera 0/ 48 ( 3 overs), Harshit Rana 0/ 61 ( 4 overs), Anukul Roy 0/ 36 ( 2 overs), Sunil Narine 1/ 24 ( 4 overs), Varun Chakaravarthy 0/ 46 ( 3 overs), Andre Russell 0/ 36 ( 2 overs), Ramandeep Singh 0/9 ( 0.4)
KKR Impact Player: Anukul Roy replaces Venkatesh Iyer
PBKS Impact Player: Prabhsimran Singh replaces Arshdeep Singh
Match: IPL 2024, 42nd Match
Venue: Kolkata | Date: April 26, 2024
