Indian cricket team and Rajasthan Royals spinner Ravichandran Ashwin issued an urgent call for assistance for the bowlers, as the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Punjab Kings (PBKS) engaged in a high-scoring match at Eden Gardens.
The seasoned off-spinner went to social media and appealed for support to aid the bowlers, particularly as Punjab appeared to be on the brink of achieving something remarkable.
The Knight Riders achieved their second-highest score ever in IPL history, reaching a total of 261-6 after being put into bat by Sam Curran. Phil Salt and Sunil Narine formed a dynamic partnership of 138 runs, benefiting from some careless fielding by PBKS, who dropped three catches in just three overs.
Shreyas Iyer, Venkatesh Iyer, and Andre Russell also contributed brief but impactful innings, setting a target of 262 for Punjab Kings to chase. Ashwin, on the other hand, posted on Twitter:
“Save the bowlers” someone plsss.”
“Save the bowlers” someone plsss
🆘🆘🆘 #KKRvsPBKS #IPL2024— Ashwin 🇮🇳 (@ashwinravi99) April 26, 2024
Ashwin has faced difficulties with his bowling performance in IPL 2024, managing just one wicket in seven matches at an average of 240.
PBKS accomplished the greatest run chase ever recorded in T20 history
Despite facing a formidable target of 261 for victory, the team from Punjab remained undeterred and embraced the challenge. Prabhsimran Singh reached his half-century in just 18 deliveries before departing, having forged a 93-run opening partnership with Jonny Bairstow.
However, Bairstow continued his onslaught, reaching his fifty in 23 balls and reaching the coveted century mark in just 22 more deliveries. He received valuable support from Rilee Rossouw and Shashank Singh, with Singh remaining unbeaten on 68.
Bairstow, meanwhile, finished not out on 108 as PBKS comfortably chased down the target in just 18.4 overs with eight wickets in hand. The match also witnessed an astonishing 41 sixes from both teams, setting a new T20 record.
As a result, the Kolkata Knight Riders suffered their second defeat at home, having previously lost to the Rajasthan Royals.
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