
Record-breaking Run Chase: Punjab Kings stun KKR at Eden Gardens
In an astonishing display of batting prowess, Punjab Kings executed a remarkable run chase to overhaul KKR's formidable total of 261 runs with remarkable ease at the historic Eden Gardens. Spearheaded by Jonny Bairstow's scintillating century and explosive fifties from Prabhsimran Singh and Shashank Singh, PBKS scripted a sensational eight-wicket victory, rewriting several records in the process.
The Difference: KKR contained in Death Overs
Amidst the high-scoring spectacle, KKR found themselves contained in the crucial death overs, unable to capitalise fully despite a valiant effort.
Kolkata Knight Riders
Powerplay: Salt, Narine make merry
- KKR's innings commenced explosively, with Sunil Narine and Phil Salt unleashing a relentless onslaught to amass 76 runs without losing a wicket.
- Exploiting loose deliveries, the dynamic duo dominated the powerplay, setting a formidable platform for the innings.
Middle Overs: KKR continue the assault
- Narine and Salt sustained their aggressive approach, maintaining a brisk scoring rate even after the conclusion of the powerplay.
- The middle-order pair of Venkatesh Iyer and Andre Russell injected further impetus, ensuring the momentum remained firmly in KKR's favour.
Death Overs: Iyer(s) blaze away but PBKS limit damage
- Despite a flurry of boundaries from Shreyas Iyer, PBKS managed to curtail KKR's scoring in the death overs, restricting them to 69 runs.
- Sam Curran's timely dismissal of Russell and effective bowling by PBKS thwarted KKR's bid for a late surge.
Punjab Kings
Powerplay: The Prabhsimran show
- Prabhsimran Singh's blistering half-century ignited PBKS' innings, as they amassed a staggering 93 runs during the powerplay.
- Bairstow's late flourish bolstered PBKS' charge, providing impetus towards the latter stages of the innings.
Middle Overs: Bairstow takes over the charge
- Bairstow assumed control during the middle overs, launching a relentless assault on the KKR bowlers with a flurry of boundaries and sixes.
- Despite Sunil Narine's economical spell, Bairstow's aggressive innings ensured PBKS maintained a commanding position in the chase.
Death Overs: Shashank Singh takes over the charge
- Shashank Singh's aggressive strokeplay in the death overs dealt a decisive blow to KKR's hopes, as PBKS cruised to victory with consummate ease.
- Shashank's calculated aggression, coupled with sensible batting, propelled PBKS to a resounding triumph.
Brief Scores
- KKR: 261/6 in 20 overs
- PBKS: 262/2 in 18.4 overs
What's Next?
- Punjab Kings will lock horns with the defending champions in Chennai, while KKR prepares to host Delhi Capitals in their next encounter.