Bairstow century – Jonny Bairstow’s astonishing unbeaten 108 off 48 balls took the Punjab Kings to the most successful T20 run chase. Kolkata Knight Riders posted 261-6, but the Kings reached their target with eight balls to spare and eight wickets remaining.
The previous record was South Africa’s chase of 259 against the West Indies last year.
England’s Bairstow was out of Punjab’s previous two matches and responded with a brutal display of hitting that included eight fours and nine sixes.Bairstow century
His 45-ball century was the fastest by an Englishman in the IPL, surpassing his 52-ball effort from 2019.
Narine earlier helped set up Kolkata’s 261 with a 32-ball 71 at the top of the order, while England’s Phil Salt continued his good form with a 37-ball 75. It was an innings to forget for England and Punjab all-rounder Sam Curran, who was sent out for 60 runs in his four overs.
Six of the seven highest team totals in IPL history were scored in this year’s tournament, and this match was the third to surpass 500 runs added in a match.
Kolkata remains second in the table despite the defeat, while Punjab is fighting for eighth place. Bairstow century
Bairstow century
We knew we had to go crazy after the way they hit. We had to take risks and luckily they turned out well,” Bairstow said.
“I’ve never faced a target like that before. So we knew the power play was going to be important, and if something is close to being in your area, you want to make the most of it.”
He had previously been struggling for form, with a high score of 42 in his six innings.Bairstow century
Prabhsimran Singh opened with Bairstow as an impact substitute and made 54 off 20 balls in an opening stand of 93 in six overs.
Shashank Singh’s 68 not out off 28 balls, including eight sixes, also helped Punjab claim victory.
Kolkata spinner Sunil Narine’s 1-24 in four overs was a remarkable effort in the context of the score, making him the only bowler to concede at a rate of less than 10 runs per over in the innings.