IPL Epic unfolds
Eden Gardens witnessed a resurgent Jonny Bairstow lead the Punjab Kings to a record run chase. While there were runs galore in many of the IPL matches this season, this one broke a bunch of records.
KKR, who, with SRH, have a batting line that has lit up this IPL, did what they do best. Put into bat, openers Phil Salt and Sunil Naraine raced to 138 in just over 10 overs. They once again set up a platform from which a score of 250 or higher looked eminent. The batters to follow held up the tempo and helped KKR finish at 261 for 6. Salt scored 75, Nariane 71, and Shreyas Iyer ended with a 10-ball 28.
This time around in the IPL, all teams realize the fact that no total is safe. Iyer, leading KKR out to defend 262, would have known that the chase is always on. He would not have counted for what followed. It was not just a chase; it was one at breakneck speed.
The Bairstow show blows KKR away
Jonny Bairstow was having a quiet IPL. His fellow Englishman Jos Buttler had come to life a few days ago, and Jonny chose the Eden Gardens to come to life. He broke loose from the first over and bashed his way to the 19th. His unbeaten 108 from 48 balls was studded with 8 fours and 9 sixes.
It was a display of sheer power from Bairstow, along with Prabhsimran Singh and the surprise package from Punjab, Shashank Singh. They managed to make it look ridiculously easy and came home with more than an over to spare.
This IPL has been a different kind; some of the new guys have taken power hitting to a new level. Many new records will be in place by the time this edition ends. Today was the highest-run chase. and also a record 42 sixes in a match.
One waits to see how many more records would tumble as the tournament progresses.
