Punjab Kings Set T20 World Record With 262-Run Chase Against Kolkata Knight Riders
The Punjab Kings (PBKS) completed the highest successful run chase in Indian Premier League (IPL) and Men’s T20 history by tracking down a target of 262 runs against the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). The historic match took place at Eden Gardens in Kolkata on April 26, 2024. The visitors secured the victory with 8 wickets in hand and 8 balls remaining, resetting the global benchmark for run chases in the 20-over format.
Record-Breaking Batting Display at Eden Gardens
Kolkata Knight Riders posted an imposing first-innings total of 261 for 6. Openers Phil Salt and Sunil Narine provided a rapid start, generating 138 runs in 10.2 overs. Salt led the scoring with 75 off 37 deliveries, while Narine added 71 off 32 balls. Despite the high required run rate, the Punjab Kings capitalized on favorable batting conditions and short boundaries to maintain a steady scoring pace.
Jonny Bairstow anchored the historic reply with an unbeaten century. Opening the innings alongside Prabhsimran Singh, who scored a rapid 54 off 20 balls, Bairstow finished with 108 not out from 48 deliveries. The foundation was solidified by Shashank Singh, who cleared the boundary eight times to remain unbeaten on 68 from 28 balls.
Key Match Statistics
| Player | Team | Runs | Balls | Strike Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jonny Bairstow | PBKS | 108* | 48 | 225.00 |
| Phil Salt | KKR | 75 | 37 | 202.70 |
| Sunil Narine | KKR | 71 | 32 | 221.87 |
| Shashank Singh | PBKS | 68* | 28 | 242.85 |
| Prabhsimran Singh | PBKS | 54 | 20 | 270.00 |
Rewriting the T20 Record Books
This fixture altered several long-standing records in professional cricket. The match produced unprecedented power-hitting metrics that highlight the evolving scoring rates in franchise cricket.
- Highest successful run chase in Men’s T20 cricket: Punjab Kings successfully chased 262, surpassing the previous record of 259 set by South Africa against the West Indies in 2023.
- Most aggregate sixes in a single T20 match: The teams combined for 42 sixes during the game.
- Most sixes by a team in an IPL innings: Punjab Kings batters hit 24 sixes during their chase.
Highest Successful Run Chases in IPL History
| Rank | Team | Opponent | Target Chased | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Punjab Kings | Kolkata Knight Riders | 262 | 2024 |
| 2 | Rajasthan Royals | Kings XI Punjab | 224 | 2020 |
| 3 | Rajasthan Royals | Kolkata Knight Riders | 224 | 2024 |
| 4 | Mumbai Indians | Chennai Super Kings | 219 | 2021 |
Implications for the T20 Format
The result at Eden Gardens demonstrated the shifting par scores in modern franchise cricket. Batting units are increasingly maximizing the Powerplay and middle overs, utilizing the Impact Player rule to lengthen lineups. The match reinforced the necessity for bowling units to adapt strategies against aggressive top-order batters on flat surfaces. For official match data and ongoing tournament updates, visit the official IPL website and the BCCI portal. Additional historical data on T20 run chases can be accessed via ESPNcricinfo.