KKR vs PBKS: Jonny Bairstow ton powers PBKS to highest successful IPL, T20 run chase in history; Twitter reacts

Punjab Kings outclassed Kolkata Knight Riders by eight wickets at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata on Friday. PBKS won the toss and opted for field first. Sunil Narine and Phil Salt provided a blistering start for the Knight Riders as they put in 138 runs for the first wicket. They both scored 75 and 71 respectively. On the back of handy cameos from Shreyas Iyer and Andre Russel, KKR posted a daunting target of 261 runs on board.

Little did KKR know the PBKS were ready to bat their skin out. Prabhsimran Singh and Jonny Bairstow were on song as they stitched a 93-run stand for the first wicket. Prabhsimran departed for 54 off 20 and Rilee Rossouw was good with his 26 off 16. Shashank Singh unleashed mayhem with his unbeaten 68 off 28. Not to forget, the record chase was made possible by Bairstow’s unbeaten 108 off 48.

Punjab's 262-run chase has shattered all records in the T20 format. Bairstow's timely ton has propelled PBKS to shatter the record for the highest successful IPL run chase as well as the highest successful T20 run chase in the history of cricket. 

Also Check: IPL 2024 Stats

Highest successful run chase in T20 cricket: 

Highest successful run chase in IPL from 2008 to 2024:

Let’s take a look at the highlights from the match:

1. Prabhsimran flicks one for the shutterbugs  

Prabhsimran Singh hit the first six of the PBKS’ innings in some style. He anticipated a fuller delivery from Harshit Rana and was ready for the assault. He flicked one off his legs and the ball sailed over deep-square leg for a six.

2. Arshdeep Singh showcases nerves of steel at death 

Arshdeep Singh had gone for plenty of runs before he was brought in to bowl the 19^th over of the innings. Andre Russel was well set and he looked to smash anything that came in his arc. Arshdeep unleashed whatever experience he had and bowled a short delivery taking the pace off. Russel in search of a big handed over the catch to Harshal Patel.

3. Jonny Bairstow takes Anukul Roy to the cleaners

Jonny Bairstow was in no mood to spare the youngster when he bowled the final over of the powerplay. Facing the five deliveries of the spinners over, Bairstow smashed three boundaries and two maximums in six balls he faced. He faced 24 runs in a span of just five deliveries and provided PBKS a power-packed final over.

Here's what 'X' users expressed after KKR vs PBKS game: