IPL: Jonny Bairstow hits unbeaten century to help Punjab Kings record highest ever T20 run-chase
- Planet Sport writer
- 26 April 2024
Jonny Bairstow hit form in the Indian Premier League (IPL) with an unbeaten century to help Punjab Kings record the highest-ever T20 run-chase, reaching a target of 262 to beat Kolkata Knight Riders by eight wickets at Eden Gardens.
The 34-year-old England batter had been omitted from struggling Punjab's previous two games after scoring just 96 runs in his first six IPL outings this season.
But, in a timely reminder of his abilities ahead of this year's T20 World Cup, he produced a remarkable display on his return to the side as a replacement for compatriot Liam Livingstone, smashing 108 not out off 48 balls with nine sixes and eight fours.
Bairstow received brilliant support from fellow opener Prabhsimran Singh, who hit a quick-fire 54 off 20 balls, as the pair added 93 in just six overs to kick-start the innings.
Proteas batter Rilee Rossouw added 26 from 16 deliveries bu the knockout blow was struck Shashank Singh who smashed 68 not out off just 28 deliveries to complete the chase with eight balls to spare.
That helped Punjab record the highest-ever successful T20 run chase after overhauling Kolkata's mammoth 262 for six – Phil Salt top-scoring with 75 – with eight wickets and eight balls in hand.
