The high-scoring thrilling IPL 2024 match between Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Punjab Kings (PBKS) was a record-breaker that left everyone stunned, including India's ace spinner R Ashwin. The run-fest at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata saw staggering 523 runs being scored and 42 sixes being launched in the sky. Remarkably, all four opening batters from both teams crossed the 50-run mark. This batting dominance left bowlers helpless. Jonny Bairstow's unbeaten 108 off just 48 balls was the knock of the night, taking full advantage of the small boundaries and flat pitch at the iconic stadium.
PBKS script history
Notably, history was made twice by Punjab Kings. Their successful chase of 262 runs against KKR is now the highest chase ever recorded in T20 cricket. This surpasses the previous record held by South Africa, who chased down 259 against West Indies in 2023. PBKS also rewrote the IPL record for most sixes in a single innings. They smashed a jaw-dropping 24 sixes, breaking the previous record of 22 set by SunRisers Hyderabad earlier in the month when they posted the IPL's highest-ever total of 287 runs at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium.
This is how R Ashwin reacted to PBKS' historic chase
"Save the bowlers" someone plsss," Ashwin wrote in his post on X, with a barrage of SOS emojis.
"It's run a ball for the last 2 overs of a T 20 game in a chase of 260 +. Let that sink in," he added
Yuzvendra Chahal, Ashwin's teammate at Rajasthan Royals, joined the fun. In a show of camaraderie, Chahal posted a meme online, seemingly agreeing with Ashwin's surprised reaction to the high-scoring match.
PBKS batters run riot
Shashank Singh continued his IPL 2024 hot streak by blasting 68 runs off just 28 balls. Opener Prabhsimran Singh also provided a blistering start, hammering a 20-ball 54 in a quickfire 93-run partnership with Bairstow. They achieved this incredible feat in just 6 overs.
Earlier, KKR had set a mammoth target of 262 runs thanks to some explosive batting from their top order. Sunil Narine, Phil Salt, Shreyas Iyer, and Venkatesh Iyer all contributed heavily.
Both teams struggled with their bowling on the day. Punjab Kings used 6 bowlers, with only Sam Curran (60 runs in 4 overs) and Kagiso Rabada (52 runs in 3 overs) failing to keep the run rate in check. KKR fared even worse with their bowling attack. Andre Russell (36 runs in 2 overs) and young Harshit Rana (a brutal 61 runs conceded in 4 overs) were particularly expensive, while Varun Chakrvarthy also leaked 46 runs in 3 overs. Overall, it was a bowlers' nightmare as both sides prioritized aggressive batting.
PBKS will next face Chennai Super Kings (CSK) on May 1 while KKR will take on Delhi Capitals on April 29.
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