When Jonny Bairstow and Prabhsimran Singh opened the innings for Punjab Kings, they faced a monumental challenge; no team had ever chased down a total of over 260 in T20 cricket history. With the scoreboard reading a daunting 262, the task seemed nearly insurmountable, and understandably, few believed Punjab Kings had a realistic chance of achieving this feat.

However, defying the odds, the Punjab Kings batters embarked on an extraordinary display of cricket, delivering what can only be described as one of the most explosive batting performances ever seen in the sport. In a stunning exhibition of power hitting, Bairstow and Singh, along with their teammates, not only chased down the target but did so with eight balls to spare, remarkably losing only two wickets in the process. This historic chase shattered expectations and records alike, marking a momentous occasion in T20 cricket history.

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Key Reasons Behind Punjab Kings Unbelievable Victory

Facing a nearly insurmountable target, Jonny Bairstow and Prabhsimran Singh, two batsmen struggling with form, stepped up to open for the Punjab Kings in a high-pressure scenario. Bairstow, freshly reinstated in the starting XI after being dropped, had a meager average of 16.00 for the season, while Prabhsimran wasn’t faring much better with an average of 19.25 and no individual scores surpassing 40. Compounding their challenges, Punjab had the lowest powerplay strike rate of all teams in IPL 2024, at just 130.6.

Despite these discouraging statistics and a backdrop of underperformance, Bairstow and Prabhsimran led a stunning turnaround in the game on April 26th. In a defiant display of aggression and skill, they propelled the Punjab Kings to score 93 runs in the powerplay—the fourth-highest powerplay score in IPL history. This remarkable start not only defied their previous form but also set the stage for one of the most unexpected and thrilling chases in the annals of T20 cricket.

Despite a strong start, the Punjab Kings still faced a challenging situation with 85 runs needed off the final 45 balls, a scenario where a couple of good overs from the opposition could swing the match back to an even contest. At this critical juncture, Shashank Singh walked in to bat, a decision that significantly altered the course of the game.

Shashank had been a consistent performer for the Kings throughout the season, albeit from a lower-order position. Despite his proven capabilities, the team management had been hesitant to promote him up the batting order. Finally, in this high-pressure situation, they decided to make the strategic adjustment. This move was uncharted territory for both Shashank and the team, injecting a degree of uncertainty into the match.

However, the decision to promote Shashank proved to be a tactical masterstroke. He delivered his best performance of the season, playing a pivotal knock that not only addressed the immediate challenge but also carried his team across the finish line. His innings underlined his value as a versatile player capable of stepping up when needed the most, thereby justifying the faith placed in him and securing a memorable victory for the Punjab Kings.

The match began with anticipation as Prabhsimran Singh and Jonny Bairstow stepped onto the pitch for the chase of 262 runs against KKR. Facing Chameera’s deliveries, Bairstow wasted no time making his mark, smashing a boundary off the fourth ball, setting the tone for Punjab Kings.

Bairstow’s Dominance

Harshit Rana took up the ball next, but Bairstow proved a formidable opponent, sending the ball soaring over the long-on boundary for a massive SIX. Meanwhile, Rossouw joined the action, breaking his four-dot streak with a boundary of his own.

See Also: Netizens question KKR for sending Shreyas ahead of Rinku Singh

As Harshit Rana continued his spell, Bairstow showcased his prowess with a mistimed shot that still cleared extra covers for a SIX, propelling him to a well-deserved FIFTY. Andre Russell entered the attack, but Bairstow, greeting him with a boundary, remained unfazed.

Bairstow’s Milestone

In a stunning display of skill and determination, Bairstow reached a century in just 45 balls, solidifying his reputation as a powerhouse batsman. Jonny Bairstow becomes the FIRST player to score an IPL century while chasing 250+ total.

Fastest IPL hundreds for PBKS (by balls faced)
38 – David Miller vs RCB, Mohali, 2013
45 – Mayank Agarwal vs RR, Sharjah, 2020
45 – Jonny Bairstow vs KKR, Kolkata, 2024
49 – Wriddhiman Saha vs KKR, Bengaluru, 2014 final

Punjab Kings’ Created History

With KKR setting a formidable target of 261/6 at the Eden Gardens, PBKS have a golden opportunity to surpass the highest IPL chase and etch their name in the annals of T20 cricket history with the most successful chase ever.

Blistering Start by Punjab Kings

PBKS wasted no time launching a fierce assault on the opposition bowlers, courtesy of a breathtaking century by Jonny Bairstow in just 45 balls. Bairstow’s explosive innings set the tone for Punjab Kings’ chase, instilling hope and excitement among fans witnessing the unfolding drama at the Eden Gardens.

T20 Record for Highest Successful Chase

While IPL matches have witnessed thrilling chases over the years, the overall T20 record for the most successful chase currently rests with South Africa. However, with PBKS’s ambitious pursuit of KKR’s imposing total, cricket enthusiasts eagerly anticipate witnessing history being made on the hallowed grounds of Eden Gardens.

High Scores in IPL 2024 Season

The ongoing season of the IPL has witnessed a surge in high-scoring matches, with teams consistently posting 250-plus scores. Sunrisers Hyderabad, in particular, have set new benchmarks by recording the two highest scores ever in IPL and T20 franchise cricket, adding to the excitement and intensity of the tournament.

Highest successful IPL run-chases

Highest successful T20 run-chases

Several key players in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 are facing the prospect of early exits from the tournament due to their international commitments. These players, integral to their IPL franchises, are likely to depart earlier than expected, leaving a void in their teams’ line-ups. Let’s know about the details of these potential departures and their impact on the ongoing IPL season.

Reece Topley (RCB)

Representing Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), Reece Topley is an essential component of England’s T20 World Cup plans. Scheduled to leave in the third week of May, Topley’s absence could pose a challenge for RCB’s bowling lineup as they strive for success in the IPL.

Sikandar Raza (PBKS)

Playing for Punjab Kings (PBKS), Sikandar Raza is expected to bid adieu to the IPL by the end of April. With Zimbabwe set to tour Bangladesh for five T20Is, Raza’s departure could disrupt PBKS’ balance in the middle order.

Mustafizur Rahman (CSK)

For Chennai Super Kings (CSK), Mustafizur Rahman’s services might not be available in May due to Bangladesh’s T20I series against Zimbabwe and the USA. Rahman’s absence could affect CSK’s bowling options in the crucial stages of the tournament.

Jos Buttler (RR)

Rajasthan Royals’ (RR) Jos Buttler could receive a call back in the third week of May as England prepares to face Pakistan in four T20Is starting from May 22. Buttler’s potential departure could leave a significant void in RR’s batting lineup.

Will Jacks (RCB)

Another player from RCB, Will Jacks, is a vital cog in England’s T20 World Cup plans. Like Topley, he might leave the IPL early to participate in T20Is against Pakistan, potentially impacting RCB’s middle-order stability.

Liam Livingstone (PBKS)

PBKS’s Liam Livingstone is another English player who could exit the IPL prematurely to feature in the Pakistan series. His departure might disrupt PBKS’s plans, especially considering his all-round capabilities.

Moeen Ali (CSK)

CSK’s Moeen Ali could face unavailability issues with England facing Pakistan from May 22 onwards. Ali’s departure might leave a void in CSK’s middle order and spin department.

Phil Salt (KKR)

Representing Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), opener Phil Salt might also face an early exit from the IPL due to England’s series against Pakistan. KKR could struggle to find a suitable replacement for Salt at the top of the order.

Joshua Little (Gujarat Titans)

Although he hasn’t featured in any games this season, Joshua Little of Gujarat Titans might have to leave in May as Ireland plays Pakistan in three T20Is from May 10 to 14. His absence might not directly impact Gujarat Titans but could affect their squad depth.

Sam Curran (PBKS)

PBKS’s Sam Curran, a key member of the team, might be unavailable towards the end of the league stage due to his international commitments. His absence could pose challenges for PBKS in both batting and bowling departments.

Jonny Bairstow (PBKS)

Another PBKS player, Jonny Bairstow, might have to depart early to be available for England’s T20Is against Pakistan. His early exit could disrupt PBKS’s batting plans and team balance.

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These potential departures due to international commitments highlight the delicate balance between IPL participation and national team duties. Cricket enthusiasts will keenly observe how these developments unfold and the subsequent impact on their respective IPL franchises.

In the fifth Test match between India and England in Dharamsala, India asserted their dominance, taking a significant lead in the first innings. England struggled to withstand the pressure, crumbling quickly on the third day. The match witnessed intense sledging between Indian and English players, with a notable exchange involving Shubman Gill, Sarfaraz Khan, and Jonny Bairstow. This is how they started;

Bairstow – What did you say to Jimmy about getting tired and he got you out after that?

Gill – So what, it was after my 100, how many have you got here?

Sarfaraz – Thode se runs kya bana diya, jyada uchal raha hain (scored a few runs today and jumping too much).

Watch the video

India seized control early, amassing a commanding 259-run lead in the first innings. Ravichandran Ashwin led the charge, decimating England’s top-order with his spin wizardry. The visitors’ batting line-up faltered, with England reaching just 103 for five in their second innings by lunch on day three.

India maintain pressure on England’s batsmen

Despite a valiant effort by some English batters, including Bairstow’s aggressive play, India’s bowlers continued to dominate. Bairstow fell victim to Kuldeep Yadav after hitting three powerful sixes off Ashwin, losing focus amidst the verbal exchanges with Gill.

See Also: IND vs ENG: Rohit Sharma doesn’t take the field in the fifth Test due to stiff back

At the lunch break India maintains a commanding lead with England trailing by 92 runs in their second innings. It’s Day 3, Session 2 of the match, and England’s batting efforts are led by captain Joe Root, who stands unbeaten on 60 runs off 102 balls, supported by Shoaib Bashir at 9 runs not out from 13 deliveries. However, India’s bowling attack, spearheaded by Jasprit Bumrah with 2 wickets for 34 runs in 9.2 overs and Kuldeep Yadav with 1 wicket for 34 runs in 12 overs, continues to pose a challenge for the English batsmen.

As the cricketing world buzzes with anticipation, Jonny Bairstow stands on the brink of an extraordinary milestone: his 100th Test match. The Punjab Kings IPL team recently took to Twitter to honor Bairstow’s incredible achievement, highlighting his journey to this significant moment.

“I’m proud. You know what I’m like, an emotional guy, so yeah – get the tissues ready.”

He said that he is an emotional guy in a recent interview. However, Bairstow’s path to his 100th Test has been nothing short of remarkable, marked by perseverance, resilience, and undeniable talent. From his early days as a promising youngster to establishing himself as a stalwart in the England cricket team, Bairstow has overcome numerous challenges and setbacks along the way.

Throughout his career, Bairstow has showcased his versatility and adaptability across formats, earning recognition as one of England’s finest cricketers. His ability to excel as a batsman, wicketkeeper, and fielder has made him a valuable asset to the team, contributing to many memorable victories.

Humble beginnings to cricketing glory

Despite facing criticism and adversity at times, Bairstow’s determination and passion for the game have never wavered. He has proven time and again his ability to rise to the occasion, delivering match-winning performances when it matters most.

Bairstow’s journey to his 100th Test is also adorned with numerous records and accolades. From scoring centuries against top-ranked teams to setting new milestones in wicketkeeping, Bairstow’s achievements have etched his name in cricketing history.

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He said, “Like in every game, you put your best foot forward. No matter what it is, I’ll be going out there, chewing my gum, puffing my chest out and trying to have a good time with the other ten blokes out there. Whatever the situation is, we’ll be going out there with smiles on our faces, like we have done in the whole series.”

As Bairstow prepares to step onto the field for his 100th Test, cricket fans around the world are inspired by his resilience, dedication, and unwavering commitment to excellence. His journey serves as a reminder that with hard work, perseverance, and belief in oneself, anything is possible in the world of cricket and beyond.

Throughout Jonny Bairstow’s career, controversy and critics were all at him. When he first came into the Test side, he had to face the wrath of Kevin Pieterson fans, with their hero in the middle of a controversy. Jonny Bairstow eventually replaced Kevin Pieterson in the Test side.

With an average of 36, Jonny Bairstow still has questions over his position in the side. Like Ben Stokes, though, Bairstow goes on to show that his impact is more than what the numbers show. His last lean period came back in between 2019 and 2021. The lean period saw him lose his spot in the Test side as well. His struggles coincided with one of England’s worst phases in Test Cricket as they won only one Test in a 17 Test period.

See Also: IND vs ENG: Mark Wood takes place of Ollie Robinson in England’s confirmed XI for 5th test – Cricket Winner

England though fought back the next summer, and a lot of credit there could go down to Jonny Bairstow. Before Ben Stokes took over as captain, Bairstow came up with some fight. Making his Test comeback at Sydney with the Ashes gone, Bairstow made a counter-attacking century to re-announce himself. He followed his Sydney ton with another in the Caribbean, in what turned out to be Root’s last as captain.

While England still went on to lose both tours, Bairstow sparked a change in mindset. Under Ben Stokes it was he who got the summer moving. Starting with a series against New Zealand, Bairstow led the way to show that no target is too much. He took on the New Zealand bowlers admirably as England chased down significant totals in all three Tests. Bairstow finished with two centuries in that series.

He followed it with two more in a Test against India. Facing a quality bowling attack, Bairstow stood out. In the first innings, he held the innings after a collapse and also had to endure some sledging from Virat Kohli. The second innings had him dominate once more as England made easy work of a target of 378.

From fighting for his spot, Bairstow became England’s most important batter in the summer of 2022. It was possibly the most defining part of his Test career. Throughout his long career which now comes to its 100th stage, Bairstow has had many defining moments.

He juggled with the wicket-keeping gloves as well throughout his career. His performance in 2016-2017 is another which will always be remembered. Coming in at number 7 and playing wicket-keeper as well, Jonny Bairstow was on another level during that season.

Ever since he made his debut, though, Jonny Bairstow has missed 51 Tests. Questions over his keeping, form, and inconsistency have seen him in and out on a number of occasions. Bairstow, though, for all his numbers, has some significant moments. Ben Stokes still acknowledges his partnership with Bairstow as the spark during the epic Ben Stokes chase at Headingley in 2019. The duo added 86 runs after a poor start and gathered momentum, which Ben Stokes went on to capitalize on.

With so many challenges and questions, he now reached a huge milestone. His legacy, like that of Stokes, is beyond numbers, as Bairstow remains an unnoticed star in the Bazball era.

Famous cricketer turned commentator David Lloyd has applauded the out-of-form Jonny Bairstow as the ideal Test wicketkeeper with comparisons to others, including India’s MS Dhoni, who is considered one of the best in world cricket.

The veteran is all set to play in his 100th Test in the series finale against India in Dharamsala despite questions over his place in the English team. Bairstow has faced a dismal series so far, scoring only 170 runs in the first four Tests at an average of just over 21 as well. In his column for The Daily Mail, Lloyd backed Bairstow amid the criticism of his glovework as well.

“He is someone who influences outcomes” – David Lloyd on Jonny Bairstow

“With an average of 36 and a strike rate of 59, he is someone who influences outcomes. Those numbers are close to ideal for a wicketkeeper. To critics of his glovework, I ask you: was Adam Gilchrist the best wicketkeeper in Australia when he played Test cricket? Was Mahendra Singh Dhoni the best in India? Sri Lanka’s Kumar Sangakkara? Our own Matt Prior? Brendon McCullum of New Zealand?” wrote Lloyd.

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“No, and in each case their worth to the team in front of the stumps outweighed whatever they did behind them. Ditto Bairstow’s worth to England, and he really comes into his own joining an existing batter in the middle or being left with the tail,” he further added.

However, Jonny Bairstow has played more than half of his 99 Tests as a keeper (55) and averages over 37 with five centuries as well. Meanwhile, former South African keeper Mark Boucer has the most dismissals in Tests (555), followed by Australian great Adam Gilchrist (416) While MS Dhoni is fifth with 294, Bairstow is 14th on the list with 223 dismissals as well.

“It is so important in Tests to put pressure back on the opposition” – David Lloyd

However, David Lloyd further lauded Jonny Bairstow as an unselfish player with the rare ability to change the course of a game in the longer format. He has scored almost 6,000 in his Test career at an average of over 36 with 12 tons as well. Notably, Bairstow will become only the second England cricketer to play 100 Tests and the fourth in the present side after James Anderson, Joe Root, and Ben Stokes as well.

“Never doubted he was a player who was going to make it. Why? Because of his style: totally unselfish, with an ability to change the game. It is so important in Tests to put pressure back on the opposition. Having been an international coach, I can tell you that his name will feature on the whiteboard in the opposition dressing room, because he can really hurt you with the speed of his scoring,” David Lloyd concluded.

Brendon McCullum was the one tasked with the tough job of informing Ben Foakes that he will be out of the squad for the Ireland Test and potentially the Ashes. 6 months ago, Ben Foakes, after the Ashes debacle was cemented as the keeper thanks to his incredible skill with the gloves. A freak injury to Jonny Bairstow, and a rich vein of form from Harry Brook, who plays exactly how Ben Stokes wants him and his side to play, has left England struggling with their selection.

Harry Brook, with his returns in Pakistan made himself undroppable. He came in as a replacement for Jonny Bairstow, the one who kicked off Bazball, and started England’s resurgence. From his century in Sydney, during that disappointing Ashes, to the English summer which had Jonny Bairstow go crazy with five centuries in the year, Jonny Bairstow went from a player who looked doubtful for the longest format to one who can not be left out.

It is a harsh call with Foakes doing so well in the County Championship, and considering his form for England too. The selectors though were left with a fair bit to think. Barring Ben Foakes, the only open slot potentially could have been the opening spot with Zak Crawley out of form. Who could move up though? Jonny Bairstow does open in white-ball cricket, but asking him to do the same, in England, against the moving ball would be asking for trouble.

Throughout his career, he was shuffled around a fair bit and that is what led to Bairstow moving in and out of the side for a while after 2019. Additionally, moving the batter who started the resurgence to the toughest position in the line-up would not have been a very fair move. Ben Stokes was another option, but in the end, England did not go that way, given the fact that Stokes already has a lot on his hands with captaincy, holding the middle-order and responsibilities as the fourth pacer keeping him busy.

Another option was moving Ollie Pope up, but given that he too has just moved to number three, another change in position may have been too much for the youngster, leading to the selectors going back to Bairstow as keeper.

Bairstow last kept for England back in 2019, and did a fair job with the gloves. He had his best year in Test Cricket back in 2016, finishing with the then highest tally for Test runs by an English batter in a calendar year. All his runs back then came at number seven while he had the gloves. His career though took another up turn last year as the beast was unlocked by the new management, who gave him the license to play in his natural, aggressive manner. He fit in perfectly with the Stokes-McCullum vision, and with Brook settled at five it only made sense to give Bairstow the gloves.

While Ben Foakes goes out, Stokes has mentioned that he remains their number one keeper. He is likely to comeback on tours to the subcontinent, where his glovework has been exceptional. As a batter too, despite not playing as aggressively as England may have wanted, he did a fair job over the last twelve months, providing some vital contributions. He looked settled for the Ashes, but for now, Ben Foakes is left waiting again.

There is no doubt that Ben Foakes will be taken aback by this selection. As a gloveman though he remains one of the best in the country, and England will be hoping he comes back strongly, as he finds himself waiting on the sidelines once more.

Jonny Bairstow and Nat Sciver have been voted winners of the cinch Professional Cricketers’ Association (PCA) men’s and women’s Player of the Year awards. With Harry Brook and Freya Kemp being named as Young Players of the Year. Bairstow, who earlier this week was named by the Cricket Writers’ Club as the inaugural Bob Willis Trophy winner. Collected the trophy at the PCA’s annual awards dinner at Hurlingham Club in London, having been the outstanding player of a memorable season for England’s Test team.

He made 681 runs at 75.66, including four centuries, as England won six of their seven Tests against New Zealand, India and South Africa. However, he is currently out of action after suffering a badly broken leg during a freak golfing accident. “It’s a privilege to win the cinch PCA Men’s Player of the Year and when your colleagues vote for you it’s a real honour,” Bairstow said. “It’s so hard to pinpoint one individual moment but as a collective I was delighted to have contributed in most of the Tests.

Also Read: IND vs SA, ODI: SA dominates by 9 runs

Harry Brook, Freya Kemp scoop prestigious Young Player of Year awards

“Winning six out of seven Tests was a huge achievement for everyone,” he added. “After the last couple of years that we’ve had its great to be back on the winning side of it. I was really pleased with how the results turned out and how the group has grown and bonded together over the summer. It’s been a pleasure to be part of and hopefully I’ll be back with the squad soon.” Bairstow is the fourth England player in a row to claim the top PCA award. Which last season went to Joe Root and before him Chris Woakes.

Sciver, who also won the PCA Women’s Player of the Year award in 2017. The outstanding performer for club and country in 2022. A year that began with two centuries at the World Cup in New Zealand. She followed that form up with a maiden Test hundred, 169 not out against South Africa at Taunton. And capped her season by being named the PCA’s MVP at the Hundred.

Sciver is currently taking a break from the game, having withdrawn from England’s series against India in September, for which she had initially been named as stand-in captain. “A massive thank you to everybody that voted for me to win. The cinch PCA Women’s Player of the Year, I am really honoured,” Sciver said. Has retained the Young Player Award that he picked up in 2021. Making him the first player to do so since Sir Alastair Cook in 2005 and 2006.

Jonny Bairstow, the cricketer who has changed the scene of Test matches in England lately, was among the numerous who welcomed Rishabh Pant after the 24-year-old wicketkeeper-batter’s exciting and unbeaten hundred drove India to a victory in the third and deciding ODI against the home team at Old Trafford on Sunday.

Bairstow, nonetheless, didn’t contend with a basic handshake. 

The English cricketer, mindful of Pant’s talent and exploits, embraced the young gun in a warm bear hug.

For the people who missed the nerve wrecking competition on Sunday, India were in desperate waters, battling at 72/4 at one phase while pursuing England’s 260. It was Rishabh Pant (125*) and Hardik Pandya (71) who took upon themselves to give their team a battling opportunity. The duo sewed a vital partnership of 133 and later Pant guaranteed he smacked the triumphant runs to bring his side back home in a popular win.

Pant’s maiden ODI ton saw the Old Trafford swarm on its feet as handshakes were seen all over. It was then Bairstow gave the little explosive a wholesome hug.

ALSO READ: IND vs ENG ODI: Pant & Pandya steal the show!

Prior Reece Topley was ready for action as he eliminated India’s top order very much like the second match in Lord’s where he got six wickets. He accounted for  Rohit Sharma, Shikhar Dhawan and Virat Kohli, however his effort went in vain as Rishabh Pant and Hardik Pandya joined for 133 run stand to bail India out.