In what can only be described as a batting spectacle, the Punjab Kings (PBKS) orchestrated the highest successful run-chase in T20 history against the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the TATA Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024. The buoyant crowd at the historic Eden Gardens in Kolkata witnessed this staggering feat as PBKS surpassed KKR’s formidable target of 262 runs, setting not just a new IPL benchmark but also a world record in T20 cricket. The match displayed an extraordinary display of power-hitting, resulting in a record-breaking aggregate of 42 sixes across both innings.
The monumental chase commenced with PBKS looking at a mountainous target that, under ordinary circumstances, might have seemed insurmountable. Yet, the Impact Player of PBKS, Prabhsimran Singh, instilled belief in their pursuit right from the onset with an explosive start. Singh’s ingenious shot-making, which included scoops for sixes, had PBKS racing past fifty within the fourth over.
Despite a formidable bowling presence in the form of Sunil Narine, who was introduced in the fifth over in an attempt to curb the aggressive batting, Prabhsimran swiftly reached his explosive half-century in just 18 balls, while his partner, Jonny Bairstow, played a comparatively reserved innings up till then. However, it didn’t take long for Bairstow to join the onslaught. He went after young Anukul Roy for three fours and two sixes in the sixth over, signalling a clear intent from PBKS.
Prabhsimran, after a defining and innings-launching 54 off 20 balls, fell victim to a direct hit, paving the way for Rilee Roussow, who initially took his time at the crease. Bairstow, unhindered, maintained his rampant form leading to a rush of runs. Roussow eventually kicked into a higher gear, yet it was Bairstow’s remarkable century that kept the scoreboard surging forward.
Even as PBKS lost a few wickets, the chase never seemed in doubt – largely thanks to a spectacular innings by Shashank Singh. His authoritative stroke play ensured that any pressure built by KKR was ephemeral. Singh, amassing an 84-run partnership with Bairstow, played a pivotal role in the closing overs, particularly during a 23-run over from Dushmantha Chameera, which all but sealed the match for PBKS.
On the other end, Shashank, with his eight sixes and two fours, turned the match into a one-sided affair as PBKS achieved the target with eight balls to spare, concluding the match in their favor amidst wild celebrations. The unforgettable chase undeniably etched the innings into the annals of IPL and T20 cricket history.
However incredible the chase, it’s crucial not to overlook the phenomenal batting display by KKR earlier in the match. The openers, Narine and Phil Salt, devastated the bowling attack, propelling their team’s total with a flurry of boundaries and over-boundaries.
Narine, embodying aggressiveness and timing, started off strikingly with a boundary off the first delivery he faced. Arshdeep Singh and Kagiso Rabada, among others, felt the wrath of KKR’s openers as they piled on runs, propelling KKR to 76 in the powerplay overs alone. The PBKS fielders were culpable in this, dropping crucial catches that only added to their woes.
While Salt continued with his six-hitting spree, Narine departed for an exhilarating 71. Post Narine’s dismissal, the innings was carried forward by the likes of Andre Russell and captain Shreyas Iyer, with the latter’s cameo steering the ship to the 250 mark before they eventually culminated at 261.
The entirety of the match at Eden Gardens packed with power-hitting, precision, and record-breaking performances will be remembered as a day when the extraordinary became the reality. Both teams produced an exhibition of batting prowess and resiliency, but it was the Punjab Kings who immortalized the match with their triumphant chase that is sure to resonate for many seasons to come.
