The 2024 edition of the Indian Premier League witnessed a record-breaking performance as Jonny Bairstow played an unbeaten century and powered the Punjab Kings to a stunning victory against the Kolkata Knight Riders on April 26, 2024. Bairstow’s remarkable innings not only earned him the Player of the Match title but also etched his name in the annals of IPL history with the highest successful run chase ever recorded in the T20 format.
The Punjab Kings were chasing a mammoth total of 262 runs set by the Kolkata Knight Riders, who posted a formidable 261/6 in their 20 overs. The home team’s innings was highlighted by a 138-run opening partnership between Phil Salt (75 off 37 balls) and Sunil Narine (71 off 32 balls), setting a daunting task for the Kings.
Jonny Bairstow Century Helps Punjab Register Highest Ever Run Chase In T20 Cricket.
However, the Kings were not to be deterred. Bairstow, who had been dropped from the side for the previous two matches, responded with a magnificent knock of 108 runs off just 48 balls, including eight fours and nine sixes. His aggressive batting set the tone for the rest of the innings, and his partnership with Prabhsimran Singh (54 off 20 balls) and Shashank Singh (68 not out off 28 balls) ensured that the Kings completed the chase with eight balls to spare.
Bairstow’s century was not only a display of power hitting but also a testament to his ability to pace his innings effectively. He reached his half-century off just 23 balls and accelerated to his century off the next 22 balls. His partnership with Rilee Rossouw (26 off 16 balls) for the second wicket added 85 runs off just 39 balls, further pushing the Kings towards their target.
Shashank Singh: A Knight In Shinning Armour
Despite losing Rossouw in the 13th over, Jonny Bairstow and Shashank Singh combined to add an unbeaten 84 runs off 37 balls, with the latter playing a crucial role in the final assault with his quickfire 68 not out off 28 balls. This partnership ensured that the Kings easily completed the chase, securing an eight-wicket victory in the process.
READ MORE: Punjab Kings’ Historic Chase Against Kolkata Knight Riders
The Punjab Kings’ victory was not only a testament to their batting prowess but also a record-breaking feat in the history of T20 cricket. They surpassed the previous highest successful run chase of 259 runs, set by South Africa Against West Indies in March of 2023.
