Kolkata Knight Riders scored 261/6 in 20 overs, where as Punjab Kings scored 262/2 in 18.4 overs.
So, finally Punjab Kings beat Kolkata Knight Riders by 8 wickets.
Punjab Kings accomplished a record-breaking run chase at the Eden Gardens, stunning Kolkata Knight Riders by chasing down their mammoth total of 261.
Despite Sunil Narine’s outstanding all-round display, Punjab Kings, spearheaded by Jonny Bairstow’s unbeaten century, along with rapid-fire fifties from Prabhsimran Singh and Shashank Singh, secured an astonishing eight-wicket victory with eight balls remaining in an unforgettable showdown on Friday (April 26).
The turning point emerged in the death overs, where Kolkata Knight Riders, despite amassing 69 runs in the last five overs, found themselves contained.
While it may seem harsh to suggest containment given their substantial late surge, in the context of the IPL’s second-highest scoring game (match aggregate: 523 runs), it ultimately proved to be the decisive factor.
Kolkata Knight Riders
Powerplay: Salt, Narine Dominate
KKR: 76/0 [RR: 12.67; 4s/6s: 9/4]
The formidable opening duo of Kolkata Knight Riders continued their reign of dominance.
Narine kick-started the onslaught with a boundary off the very first delivery, unleashing a powerful drive through the extra cover region.
While Salt took a bit of time to find his rhythm, Narine remained aggressive, dismantling Arshdeep Singh and Kagiso Rabada.
Salt eventually joined the party in the third over, smashing two sixes and a four off Harshal Patel.
Both openers had their share of luck, with Narine surviving a dropped catch by Harpreet Brar and Salt getting a reprieve when Curran grassed a straightforward chance at mid-off in the sixth over.
Middle Overs: KKR’s Assault Continues
KKR: 115/2 [RR: 12.78; 4s/6s: 9/8]
Even after the fielding restrictions were lifted, Narine and Salt kept the pressure on the PBKS bowlers.
Despite a tight over from Rahul Chahar, Salt received another lifeline when Rabada put down a straightforward chance.
The duo then punished the South African bowler for 22 runs, building a formidable partnership of 128 runs for the opening wicket before both fell in quick succession.
However, Venkatesh Iyer and Andre Russell, batting at No. 3 and No. 4 respectively, continued the onslaught, ensuring that the scoring rate remained high during the middle overs.
Death Overs: Iyer(s) Shine, PBKS Holds Firm
KKR: 69/4 [RR: 13.80; 4s/6s: 4/6]
Sam Curran made an early breakthrough in the death overs, dismissing Andre Russell with a well-directed bouncer.
However, Shreyas Iyer counter attacked in the 18th over, smashing two sixes and a four off successive deliveries.
Although his innings was brief, his quickfire 28 off 10 balls provided KKR with the late flourish they needed.
Despite some struggle from the rest of the batsmen, KKR managed to post a daunting total of 261/6, the highest ever at Eden Gardens.
Punjab Kings
Powerplay: Prabhsimran’s Spectacle
PBKS: 93/1 [RR: 15.50; 4s/6s: 9/7]
Led by Prabhsimran Singh’s explosive half-century off just 18 balls, Punjab Kings showcased a dominant performance in the power play.
Prabhsimran mixed classical strokes with innovative scoops, making it challenging for the KKR bowlers to contain the scoring.
Although his innings ended with a run-out attempt in the final over of the powerplay, Jonny Bairstow, who had played second fiddle for most of the partnership, unleashed his attacking prowess in the last over, smashing Anukul Roy for two sixes and three boundaries.
The 93/1 total was not only the highest-ever power play score for PBKS but also the fourth-highest in IPL history.
Middle Overs: Bairstow Takes Command
PBKS: 108/1 [RR: 17.94; 4s/6s: 4/10]
Apart from three economical overs by Narine, PBKS continued their onslaught during the middle overs.
During this phase, Bairstow assumed the role of the primary run-scorer, with Rilee Rossouw struggling to find momentum.
Bairstow’s most devastating assault came against Andre Russell, whom he hammered for 24 runs in the 12th over, including three towering sixes.
Death Overs: Shashank Seals the Deal
PBKS: 61/0 in 3.4 overs [RR: 12.00; 4s/6s: 2/7]
Needing nearly 12 runs per over in the death overs, PBKS maintained their aggressive approach.
Although a tight over from Harshit Rana momentarily slowed down the chase, Shashank Singh’s blitzkrieg, comprising seven sixes and a boundary in the next two overs, dashed KKR’s hopes.
With just nine runs required off the last two overs, Shashank delivered the final blow, smashing Chameera for another six before calmly guiding PBKS to victory with three comfortable singles.
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