Jonny Bairstow’s magnificent century and Shashank Singh’s explosive knock of 68 led Punjab Kings to a record-shattering eight-wicket victory over Kolkata Knight Riders in the Indian Premier League (IPL) on Saturday. The emphatic win saw Punjab complete the highest successful run chase in T20 cricket history, surpassing the previous record set by Royal Challengers Bangalore earlier this month.
Punjab’s pursuit of KKR’s formidable total of 261-6 got off to a blistering start, with Prabhsimran Singh and Bairstow putting on a 93-run opening stand. After Prabhsimran’s dismissal, Bairstow continued his onslaught, smashing eight boundaries and nine maximums to help Punjab reach 178-1 before Rilee Roussow’s departure.
The stage was then set for Shashank Singh to take center stage. The young all-rounder unleashed a flurry of eight sixes in his blistering 28-ball innings, forming an unbeaten 84-run partnership with Bairstow. The Englishman remained at the crease throughout Punjab’s historic chase, finishing on an unbeaten 108 runs to seal a memorable victory for his team.
Bairstow’s innings, coupled with Singh’s fireworks, propelled Punjab to a remarkable joint-highest score in IPL history for a team batting second. The team’s total of 262-7 matched Royal Challengers Bangalore’s 262-7 against Sunrisers Hyderabad earlier this month in the league’s highest-scoring game.
Punjab’s triumph not only etched their name in the record books but also strengthened their position in the IPL standings. The team now has two wins and two losses, while KKR remains winless after three matches.
