IPL 2024: Bairstow, Shashank script history with 8-wicket win over KKR

Jonny Bairstow and Shashank Singh dazzled with their power-hitting, propelling Punjab Kings (PBKS) to a spectacular chase against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the IPL. They successfully chased down the highest total in T20 cricket history, securing an 8-wicket victory.

KKR set a daunting target of 262 runs at Eden Gardens, a challenge that PBKS met head-on. Bairstow and Prabhsimran Singh initiated the chase with explosive batting, combining for seven sixes in the powerplay, putting up 93 runs in just 36 balls.

Despite losing Prabhsimran at the end of the powerplay, PBKS maintained their aggressive stance. Rilee Rossouw briefly continued the momentum with a quick 26 before Shashank Singh joined Bairstow at the crease. Together, they built an unbroken 84-run partnership that dismantled KKR’s bowling strategy.

Shashank tormented the bowlers with his aggressive play, while Bairstow, who notched up his century with a boundary, seemed content watching from the other end. The pair clinched the victory for PBKS in the 19th over, marking their third win of the season.

Earlier, KKR’s openers, Philip Salt and Sunil Narine, had set a solid foundation with a 138-run partnership, driving their team to a formidable 261/6. Narine made a swift 71 off 32, while Salt scored 75 off 37, showcasing a spectacular batting display that included a barrage against Harshal Patel and Kagiso Rabada.

Despite the powerful start by KKR, it was PBKS’s night, highlighted by a record-breaking run chase that emphasized the dynamic and unpredictable nature of T20 cricket.