Punjab Record-Breaking Chase Downs Kolkata in IPL Thriller

In a nail-biting encounter at Kolkata home ground, Punjab scripted history with a jaw-dropping chase against Kolkata, setting a new world record in T20 cricket. The 41st league match of the IPL 2024 T20 cricket series witnessed Punjab chasing down a daunting target of 262 runs with remarkable ease, securing an emphatic victory by 8 wickets.

Winning the toss, Punjab elected to bowl first against Kolkata, but their bowlers found it tough early on against Kolkata’s opening pair of Sunil Narine and Phil Salt. The duo capitalized on three missed catches by Punjab within the first 7 overs, laying a solid foundation with an opening partnership of 138 runs in just 10.2 overs. Narine blazed his way to 71 runs off 31 balls, while Salt scored a blistering 75 off 37 balls before being dismissed.

Following the explosive start, Venkatesh Iyer, Andre Russell, and skipper Shreyas Iyer contributed valuable runs, propelling Kolkata to a formidable total of 261/6 in their allotted 20 overs. Arshdeep Singh was the pick of the bowlers for Punjab, claiming 2 crucial wickets.

Chasing a mammoth target of 262 runs, Punjab got off to a flyer, thanks to the explosive batting display by Jonny Bairstow and Prabsimran Singh. Prabsimran Singh, in particular, was in devastating form, smashing a half-century in just 18 balls. Although he was unfortunately run out for 54 off 20 balls, his partnership with Bairstow set the tone for Punjab’s chase.

Bairstow, finding his form at the right time, registered a scintillating half-century off just 23 balls. Despite the loss of Rilee Rossouw wicket, Bairstow found an able partner in Shashank Singh, who played an aggressive inning, scoring an unbeaten 68 off 28 balls.

However, the spotlight belonged to Bairstow, who continued his onslaught on the Kolkata bowlers, eventually reaching his century in just 45 balls. His unbeaten knock of 108 runs off 48 balls, which included 8 fours and 9 sixes, propelled Punjab to a historic victory.

With this win, Punjab not only secured their 3rd victory of the season but also etched their name in the record books, surpassing the previous record of the highest successful chase in T20 cricket. The previous record of 259/4 chased down by South Africa against West Indies in 2023 was shattered by Punjab’s incredible chase.

While Punjab celebrated their remarkable achievement, Kolkata was left to rue their missed opportunities, suffering a heavy defeat at their home ground due to a below-par bowling performance.

Punjab victory has not only boosted their chances of making it to the playoffs but has also sent a strong message to their competitors in the IPL 2024 T20 cricket series.