IPL 2024: KKR vs PBKS 42th Match Highlights | A Night of Records Shattered in Kolkata

KKR & PBKS rewrote record books in IPL's highest chase! © iplt20.com

The 42nd match of the IPL 2024 season at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata witnessed a spectacle unlike any other. It was a night where bowlers were left speechless, and the stands roared with every monstrous six that sailed over the boundary. The Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and the Punjab Kings (PBKS) rewrote the record books with their phenomenal batting displays, making this match historic.

The KKR innings got off to a flying start with the openers, Sunil Narine and Phil Salt, taking the PBKS bowling attack by storm. The left-handed Narine, known for his bowling prowess, surprised everyone with his aggressive batting, smashing 71 runs off just 32 deliveries. Salt, the English wicket-keeper batsman, complemented him perfectly, scoring a fluent 75 off 37 balls. Their 138-run opening partnership laid a solid foundation for a mammoth total.

Even after the openers were dismissed, the KKR batsmen continued their assault. Shreyas Iyer, Venkatesh Iyer, and the big-hitting Andre Russell all contributed valuable knocks, taking the team’s total to a staggering 261/6 at the end of their 20 overs. This score would have been considered a match-winner on most occasions, but it was just the beginning of a thrilling chase on this special night in Kolkata.

PBKS Scripts the Highest Chase in T20 History

Most teams would crumble under pressure chasing a target of 262. However, the PBKS batters had other plans. They came out with all guns blazing right from the start. Prabhsimran Singh came in as an impact substitute and took the attack to the KKR bowlers, smashing a quickfire 54 off just 20 balls. His knock was laced with five towering sixes, setting the tone for the chase.

The experienced Jonny Bairstow, struggling for form in the tournament, finally found his touch. He played a breath-taking innings, scoring an unbeaten 108 runs off just 48 deliveries. His knock was a masterclass in power-hitting, with nine monstrous sixes that easily cleared the ropes.

Shashank Singh, another youngster in the PBKS lineup, provided valuable support to Bairstow. He played a cameo of 68 runs off just 28 balls, ensuring that the required run rate remained within reach. The duo of Bairstow and Shashank stitched together a crucial partnership that took the game away from KKR.

Records Tumble Like Wickets

The match wasn’t just about the high scores but also about rewriting history. Both teams hit a staggering 42 sixes, shattering the previous record for the most sixes in a T20 match. Despite their best efforts, the bowlers couldn’t contain both sides’ onslaught of big hitting.

Although impressive, KKR’s total of 261 could only manage the eighth-highest score in the tournament by the end of the match. That highlights the sheer dominance of batting throughout the night.

A Night to Remember

The 42nd match of IPL 2024 was a night etched in the memory of every cricket fan who witnessed it. It was a testament to the ever-evolving nature of T20 cricket, where batters are constantly pushing the boundaries of possibility. Although overshadowed on this occasion, the bowlers will surely come back stronger in their upcoming matches. This match will undoubtedly be one of the most entertaining and record-breaking encounters in IPL history.

Match Summary

Toss: PBKS won the toss and decided to bowl

Stadium: Eden Gardens

Result: PBKS won by 8 wickets and 8 balls left

Player of the Match: Jonny Bairstow (PBKS) – 108* (48)