The Indian Premier League (IPL) never fails to deliver heart-pounding cricket action, and the clash between Punjab Kings vs Kolkata Knight Riders Match Scorecard 42 of the 2024 season was a perfect example. Played on April 26, 2024, at the iconic Eden Gardens in Kolkata, this match went down in history as one of the most exhilarating chases in T20 cricket. Punjab Kings chased a mammoth 262-run target set by KKR, winning by 8 wickets with 8 balls to spare. Let’s dive into the details of this unforgettable game, break down the scorecard, and relive the moments that made it special.

The Build-Up to the Match

Eden Gardens, known for its electric atmosphere, was packed with passionate KKR fans hoping to see their team continue their strong run in IPL 2024. KKR, sitting second in the points table, were favorites, especially at home. Punjab Kings, on the other hand, were struggling with inconsistency, sitting lower in the standings with only two wins before this game. But as the IPL often proves, underdogs can shine, and PBKS came into the match with nothing to lose.

The toss was crucial on a batting-friendly pitch. Punjab Kings’ captain, Sam Curran, won the toss and elected to bowl first, banking on their strong batting lineup to chase whatever KKR posted. Both teams made strategic choices with their playing XI, with KKR sticking to their core players like Phil Salt and Andre Russell, while PBKS brought in new players like Harshit Rana to bolster their attack.

Kolkata Knight Riders’ Explosive Innings

KKR’s batting was a masterclass in aggressive T20 cricket. Openers Phil Salt and Sunil Narine set the tone with a blistering 138-run partnership in just 10.2 overs. Salt was in scintillating form, smashing 75 runs off 37 balls, including 6 fours and 6 sixes, at a strike rate of 202.70. Narine matched him shot for shot, scoring 71 runs off 32 balls with 9 fours and 4 sixes, at an incredible strike rate of 221.88. Their partnership was a rock-solid foundation, putting Punjab’s bowlers under pressure early.

After Narine’s dismissal, caught by Jonny Bairstow off Sam Curran’s bowling, Venkatesh Iyer joined Salt and kept the momentum going. Salt fell soon after for his 75, but Iyer’s quickfire 39 off 23 balls (3 fours, 2 sixes) ensured KKR didn’t slow down. Andre Russell added a fiery 24 off 12 balls (2 fours, 2 sixes), and Shreyas Iyer, KKR’s captain, chipped in with a rapid 28 off 10 balls (1 four, 3 sixes). Rinku Singh (5 off 4) and Ramandeep Singh (6 off 1) provided the finishing touches, helping KKR post a daunting 261/6 in 20 overs.

Punjab’s bowlers had a tough time containing KKR’s onslaught. Arshdeep Singh was the pick of the bowlers, taking 2 wickets for 2/44, while Sam Curran, Rahul Chahar, Harshal Patel, and Kagiso Rabada each claimed 1 wicket. Despite 13 extras (1 bye, 2 leg-byes, 10 wides, 1 no-ball), PBKS couldn’t stop KKR from setting what seemed like an unplayable total at the time.

Punjab Kings’ Historic Chase

Chasing 262 was a tall order, but Punjab Kings’ openers, Prabhsimran Singh and Jonny Bairstow, came out with fearless intent. The duo smashed 50 runs in just 3.2 overs, with 3 extras, signaling their aggressive approach. Prabhsimran was dismissed for a quick 54 off 20 balls (4 fours, 5 sixes), caught by Sunil Narine, but his explosive start laid a solid foundation.

Bairstow, however, stole the show with an unbeaten 108 off 48 balls, earning him the Player of the Match award. His innings included 8 fours and 9 sixes, with a strike rate of 225. He was supported by Rilee Rossouw, who scored 26 off 16 balls (1 four, 2 sixes), before falling to Sunil Narine. Shashank Singh then joined Bairstow and played a match-defining knock of 68 not out off 28 balls (2 fours, 8 sixes), with a strike rate of 242.85. Their unbroken 3rd-wicket partnership took PBKS over the line, finishing at 262/2 in 18.4 overs.

KKR’s bowlers struggled to contain the onslaught. Sunil Narine was the only one to take a wicket (1/24 in 4 overs), while others like Harshit Rana (0/61 in 4 overs) and Dushmantha Chameera (0/48 in 3 overs) were taken apart. The chase was completed with 8 balls to spare, making it the highest successful chase in T20 cricket history at the time.

Key Moments Punjab Kings vs Kolkata Knight Riders Match Scorecard

1. KKR’s Powerplay Dominance: KKR’s openers smashed 93 runs in the first 6 overs, setting a relentless pace. Salt and Narine’s aggressive strokeplay put PBKS bowlers on the back foot early.
2. Prabhsimran’s Explosive Start: Prabhsimran’s 54 off 20 balls gave PBKS the perfect platform to chase the massive total. His fearless hitting against KKR’s pacers set the tone.
3. Bairstow’s Masterclass: Bairstow’s century was a blend of power and precision. His ability to find gaps and clear the boundary kept PBKS ahead of the required run rate.
4. Shashank’s Finishing Touch: Shashank Singh’s 68* was the perfect foil to Bairstow’s aggression. His six-hitting spree in the death overs sealed the deal for PBKS.
5. KKR’s Bowling Collapse: Despite their strong batting, KKR’s bowlers couldn’t find answers to PBKS’ onslaught. Harshit Rana’s expensive spell (0/61) was a turning point.

The Punjab Kings vs Kolkata Knight Riders Match Scorecard – Match 42 Scorecard (IPL 2024)

Match Details

• Date: April 26, 2024

• Venue: Eden Gardens, Kolkata

• Toss: Punjab Kings won the toss and elected to bowl

• Result: Punjab Kings won by 8 wickets

• Player of the Match: Jonny Bairstow (108* off 48 balls)

Kolkata Knight Riders Innings: 261/6 (20 Overs)

Batter	Dismissal	Runs	Balls	4s	6s	Strike Rate
Phil Salt (wk)	b Sam Curran	75	37	6	6	202.70
Sunil Narine	c Bairstow b Rahul Chahar	71	32	9	4	221.88
Venkatesh Iyer	run out (Jitesh Sharma)	39	23	3	2	169.57
Andre Russell	c Harshal Patel b Arshdeep Singh	24	12	2	2	200.00
Shreyas Iyer (c)	c Rabada b Arshdeep Singh	28	10	1	3	280.00
Rinku Singh	c Ashutosh Sharma b Harshal Patel	5	4	1	0	125.00
Ramandeep Singh	not out	6	3	0	1	200.00
Extras	(b 1, lb 2, w 10, nb 1)	13
Total	(6 wickets, 20 overs)	261

Did Not Bat: Angkrish Raghuvanshi, Dushmantha Chameera, Varun Chakaravarthy, Harshit Rana, Anukul Roy

Fall of Wickets:

• 138/1 (Narine, 10.2 overs)

• 163/2 (Salt, 12.3 overs)

• 203/3 (Russell, 15.3 overs)

• 246/4 (Shreyas Iyer, 18.3 overs)

• 253/5 (Rinku Singh, 19.2 overs)

• 261/6 (Venkatesh Iyer, 20 overs)

Bowling:

Bowler	Overs	Maidens	Runs	Wickets	Economy	Wides	No-Balls
Sam Curran	3	0	41	1	13.67	2	0
Arshdeep Singh	4	0	44	2	11.00	2	0
Kagiso Rabada	4	0	52	1	13.00	1	1
Rahul Chahar	4	0	33	1	8.25	0	0
Harshal Patel	4	0	48	1	12.00	2	0
Harpreet Brar	1	0	21	0	21.00	0	0

Punjab Kings Innings: 262/2 (18.4 Overs)

Batter	Dismissal	Runs	Balls	4s	6s	Strike Rate
Prabhsimran Singh	run out (Sunil Narine)	54	20	4	5	270.00
Jonny Bairstow	not out	108	48	8	9	225.00
Rilee Rossouw	c Shreyas Iyer b Sunil Narine	26	16	1	2	162.50
Shashank Singh	not out	68	28	2	8	242.85
Extras	(lb 2, w 4)	6
Total	(2 wickets, 18.4 overs)	262

Did Not Bat: Sam Curran (c), Jitesh Sharma (wk), Ashutosh Sharma, Harpreet Brar, Harshal Patel, Kagiso Rabada, Rahul Chahar, Arshdeep Singh

Fall of Wickets:

• 93/1 (Prabhsimran Singh, 5.2 overs)

• 137/2 (Rilee Rossouw, 9.5 overs)

Bowling:

Bowler	Overs	Maidens	Runs	Wickets	Economy	Wides	No-Balls
Dushmantha Chameera	3	0	48	0	16.00	1	0
Varun Chakaravarthy	4	0	46	0	11.50	0	0
Harshit Rana	4	0	61	0	15.25	1	0
Sunil Narine	4	0	24	1	6.00	0	0
Andre Russell	2	0	36	0	18.00	1	0
Anukul Roy	1	0	19	0	19.00	0	0
Venkatesh Iyer	0.4	0	6	0	9.00	0	0

Match Notes:

• Powerplay: KKR – 93/0 (6 overs); PBKS – 84/0 (6 overs)

• Strategic Timeout: KKR – 163/2 (12.3 overs); PBKS – 137/2 (9.5 overs)

• Impact Players: PBKS – Prabhsimran Singh (replaced Arshdeep Singh); KKR – Anukul Roy (replaced Venkatesh Iyer)

Below is the full scorecard for the Punjab Kings vs Kolkata Knight Riders Match, presented in an easy-to-read table format

What Made This Match Special?

This match wasn’t just about runs and wickets; it was about rewriting T20 history. Punjab Kings’ chase of 262 was the highest successful chase in men’s T20 cricket at the time, surpassing previous records like South Africa’s 259 against West Indies in 2023. The game showcased the evolution of T20 batting, with players like Bairstow and Shashank Singh showing that no target is too big on a good pitch with fearless intent.

For PBKS, this win was a turning point in their 2024 campaign. It boosted their confidence and kept them in the playoff race. For KKR, it was a bitter pill, as their bowlers were exposed despite a stellar batting performance. The match also highlighted the importance of adaptability in T20 cricket—PBKS’ aggressive approach trumped KKR’s defensive bowling strategy.

Player Performances Punjab Kings vs Kolkata Knight Riders Match Scorecard

• Jonny Bairstow (PBKS): His 108* was a masterclass in chasing big totals. His ability to stay calm under pressure and accelerate when needed was key to PBKS’ victory.
• Phil Salt (KKR): Salt’s 75 set the tone for KKR’s massive total. His aggressive start put PBKS on the back foot early.
• Shashank Singh (PBKS): Shashank’s 68* was a game-changer. His six-hitting ability in the death overs sealed the chase for PBKS.
• Sunil Narine (KKR): Narine’s 71 with the bat and 1/24 with the ball made him KKR’s standout all-rounder, though it wasn’t enough to secure the win.
• Arshdeep Singh (PBKS): Despite the high-scoring game, Arshdeep’s 2/44 showed his ability to bounce back under pressure.

The Aftermath

Post-match, Jonny Bairstow spoke about the team’s belief in chasing the total, crediting the openers’ start and Shashank’s finishing. Shashank Singh mentioned the freedom given by coach Trevor Bayliss, which allowed him to play his natural game. KKR’s camp was disappointed, with their bowlers taking a confidence hit after conceding 262.

The match also sparked discussions about T20 cricket’s evolution. Fans and analysts marveled at how batting standards have risen, making even 260+ totals chaseable. Eden Gardens, once again, proved why it’s one of the best venues for high-scoring thrillers.

Conclusion

The Punjab Kings vs Kolkata Knight Riders Match on April 26, 2024, was a spectacle that will be remembered for years. From KKR’s explosive 261 to PBKS’ historic chase, it had everything a cricket fan could ask for—big hits, stunning catches, and nail-biting moments. Jonny Bairstow’s century, Shashank Singh’s finishing, and the openers’ fearless approach made PBKS the heroes of the night.

This game reminded us why the IPL is the world’s most exciting cricket league. It’s not just about the runs or wickets; it’s about the emotions, the drama, and the sheer unpredictability. Whether you’re a young fan or a seasoned cricket lover, this match was a celebration of what makes cricket so special.