#TATAIPL-2024-42 : Blistering Knocks By Jonny Bairstow, Prabhsimran Singh, Shashank Singh Help Punjab Kings Shock KKR In A Record Chase By 8 Wickets

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