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Bowling legend Dale Steyn sent a heartwarming message to Shashank Singh following his batting heroics against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in Punjab Kings' (PBKS) record chase. Shashank Singh's impressive batting played a crucial role in helping Punjab Kings (PBKS) chase down a record-breaking target of 262 runs against the two-time IPL champions, KKR, at their home ground, Eden Gardens. Earlier, KKR batted first and put up a massive total of 261/6 on the board, thanks to stunning knocks from Phil Salt (75 runs) and Sunil Narine (71 runs). This marked KKR's second 260-plus total of the season.
Facing a daunting target of 262, PBKS achieved the impossible in just 18.4 overs. Jonny Bairstow led the charge with a magnificent unbeaten century, laying the foundation for the victory. Openers Prabhsimran Singh and Shashank Singh provided crucial support, both hammering quickfire half-centuries.
Prabhsimran got the chase off to a flying start with a blistering 50 off just 18 balls inside the powerplay. Once he departed, the in-form Bairstow took control of the innings.
With 84 runs still needed in under eight overs when Shashank Singh entered the fray, the pressure was on. Unfazed, Shashank launched a brutal assault, smashing eight sixes and two fours on his way to an unbeaten 68 off just 28 balls. His knock sealed a historic win for PBKS.
Dale Steyn in awe of Shashank Singh
Shashank Singh's heroics against KKR caught the eye of cricketing legend Dale Steyn. Fresh off the record-breaking chase by PBKS, Steyn, the former South African pace bowler and coach, took to social media (previously known as Twitter) to express his joy at Shashank's performance. Steyn, who previously worked with Shashank at Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), lauded the batsman's positive attitude and praised his knock against KKR. We can now wait to see the exact wording of Steyn's message, which will be revealed next.
"I couldn’t be happier for Shashank! He was with us at SRH a few years ago, such a hard worker, a great team guy, gives it his all and always has a smile on his face. Well done my friend! So well deserved 👏"
From 'Accidental Buy' to batting phenomenon
Shashank Singh has emerged as a batting sensation for PBKS in IPL 2024. Despite a confusing auction situation last year where PBKS mistakenly purchased him, Shashank has silenced his doubters and become the team's leading run-scorer. In just nine games, he's amassed 263 runs with two impressive half-centuries. His consistent batting is reflected in his impressive average of over 65 and a blistering strike rate exceeding 182. This is a remarkable turnaround for Singh, who initially made headlines for the unexpected auction incident. However, he has responded brilliantly, proving himself as PBKS' most valuable batsman in the ongoing IPL season.
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