KKR smash 261 vs PBKS, become 3rd team to post 250-plus more than once in IPL season

KKR smash 261 vs PBKS, become 3rd team to post 250-plus more than once in IPL season

KKR have showcased their prowess with the bat, delivering another high-quality batting masterclass to amass a formidable total of 261 runs in the IPL 2024 match against PBKS at the Eden Gardens. After hitting 22 fours and 18 sixes, KKR have now posted the biggest score ever at Eden Gardens and the seventh-highest in IPL history. Kolkata’s opening partnership proved to be the catalyst for their innings, with both Sunil Narine and Phil Salt launching a relentless assault on the opposition from the outset. Their blistering onslaught saw the side to a formidable 76 runs by the conclusion of the Powerplay, setting the tone for an explosive finish. Narine, in particular, showcased his ability with the bat, crafting a gritty 71-run knock before his departure, while Salt continued to exhibit aggressive intent, compiling a well-earned 75 runs before falling victim to an exceptional yorker.Â

The promotion of Andre Russell up the order further intensified Kolkata’s offensive, as the explosive all-rounder wasted no time in unleashing a flurry of boundaries before his dismissal. However, the momentum remained firmly in Kolkata’s favour, courtesy of a dynamic 43-run partnership between the Iyer duo, Shreyas and Venkatesh, who blazed their way in just 18 balls. Their quickfire contribution propelled Kolkata to their second-highest total, culminating in a daunting target of 262 runs for Punjab to chase.

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Following a promising start in the first over, Punjab’s bowling attack struggled to contain the rampant Kolkata openers, who capitalized on loose deliveries and exploited fielding lapses to build a commanding foundation from the outset. Despite early opportunities with three dropped catches, Kolkata’s openers relentlessly piled on the pressure, setting the stage for a daunting total. Punjab eventually found respite with a breakthrough courtesy of Rahul Chahar’s bowling, which momentarily stemmed the onslaught.

250-plus team totals in the IPL

287/3 – SRH vs RCB, Bengaluru, 2024

277/3 – SRH vs MI, Hyderabad, 2024

272/7 – KKR vs DC, Visakhapatnam, 2024

266/7 – SRH vs DC, Delhi, 2024

263/5 – RCB vs PWI, Bengaluru, 2013

261/6 – KKR vs PBKS, Kolkata, 2024

262/7 – RCB vs SRH, Bengaluru, 2024

257/5 – LSG vs PBKS, Mohali, 2023

Captain Sam Curran redeemed himself after conceding consecutive sixes by dismantling Phil Salt’s stumps, offering a glimmer of hope for Punjab. Arshdeep Singh continued his impressive spell in the middle overs, snaring the crucial wicket of Andre Russell before he could inflict further damage. However, just as Punjab appeared to regain control and rein in the run flow, their death bowling woes resurfaced, conceding 71 runs in the final five overs. Despite a valiant effort, highlighted by Rahul Chahar’s economical bowling and a couple of crucial wickets for Arshadeep, Punjab’s bowlers were unable to contain Kolkata’s onslaught, allowing them to set a target of 262 runs which will need something extraordinary from the batters of Punjab to chase down.

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