In a breathtaking display of batting, Punjab Kings pulled off a historic run chase against Kolkata Knight Riders at Eden Gardens, setting fresh records and thrilling fans with an exceptional display of range hitting. The match, which saw a total of 42 sixes – the most ever in a T20 game – showcased some incredible power-hitting by the batters. However, at the same time, heart goes out to all the bowlers, who are having to bowl at the flattest of decks being produced all across the country.
The magnitude of Punjab Kings’ achievement is underscored by the slew of records shattered during the match. Notably, Punjab Kings’ 262-run chase is now the highest successful run chase in T20 cricket, eclipsing all previous records. This feat is made even more impressive by the fact that it helped them surpass their own previous highest IPL total, which stood at 232 runs, achieved against Royal Challengers Bangalore in 2011. A total of 523 runs was scored in the game – third most in an IPL match – out of which 252 runs came through sixes. One would wonder whether any youngster would want to become a bowler watching this carnage.
Punjab’s tally of 24 sixes in their innings set a new IPL record for the most sixes in an innings, surpassing Sunrisers Hyderabad’s previous record of 22 sixes against Royal Challengers Bengaluru earlier in the season. Only Nepal have smashed more sixes in an innings in men’s T20 cricket (26 versus Mongolia at the 2023 Asian Games) than PBKS.
“Very pleasing. Most importantly the win, cricket has turned to baseball isn’t it? We’re delighted with the two points,” winning captain Sam Curran was quick to highlight how cricket has turned into a show of big hits at the post-match presentation.
The sheer power and aggression displayed by the Punjab batters left a lasting impression, further exemplified by the record-breaking 42 sixes hit collectively in the match. But at the same time, looking at some big-name bowlers in Arshdeep Singh, Kagiso Rabada, Harshal Patel, Dushmantha Chameera, Andre Russell and Harshit Rana among all others bowlers barring Sunil Narine, it felt like whether they have turned into mere bowling machines in this tournament.
Before this match, the record for most sixes hit in any T20 match was 38, achieved by Sunrisers Hyderabad and Mumbai Indians in Hyderabad in 2024.
Prabhsimran Singh, Jonny Bairstow and Shashank Singh power Punjab Kings to record-breaking chase against Kolkata Knight Riders at Eden Gardens#IPL2024 #KKRvPBKS https://t.co/DgFFTWylD6
— RevSportz (@RevSportz) April 26, 2024
Only Sunil Narine (6) and Rahul Chahar (8.2) had an economy of less than 10 in the game.
The clash between Kolkata Knight Riders and Punjab Kings witnessed a historic first in the IPL, as all four opening batters from both teams registered half-centuries. Narine (71) and Phil Salt (75) spearheaded KKR’s formidable total of 261, while Jonny Bairstow and Prabhsimran Singh’s stellar performances for Punjab fuelled an electrifying chase.
Punjab Kings’ aggressive start during the Powerplay set the tone for their audacious chase. Recording 93 runs for the loss of one wicket in the first six overs, Punjab Kings achieved their highest-ever PowerPlay score in IPL history. This blitzkrieg was led by Prabhsimran, who blazed to a 50 off just 18 balls, setting the stage for Punjab’s record-breaking pursuit.
In this season, a total of 1,290 fours and 771 sixes have already been hit with 10 centuries and 74 half-centuries in 42 games. The bowlers have literally turned into bowling machines with batters having a free licence to go for the kill, thanks to highway-like pitches in IPL 2024.
Punjab Kings’ remarkable victory served as a stark reminder about the unpredictable nature of the IPL and it was a spectacle of power-hitting. But how long will the imbalance between bat and ball continue?