IPL 2024 has witnessed thrilling cricketing action, with players showcasing their skills on the grand stage. As the tournament progresses, the race for the Orange and Purple Caps intensifies, highlighting individual brilliance amidst team efforts.

IPL 2024: Most Runs

Kohli has amassed a remarkable 708 runs in 14 matches, reaffirming his status as one of the most incredible batters in the IPL’s history. His consistency and ability to play match-winning innings have been pivotal for RCB this season.

Despite facing a setback with another duck against RCB, Ruturaj Gaikwad, the captain of CSK, stands second on the list of highest run-getters this season. Gaikwad has scored 583 runs in 14 matches, showcasing his consistency and skill as a top-order batsman.

See Also: IPL 2024: SRH vs PBKS Video Highlights: Turning Points, Stats and more

The Australian batter Travis Head has significantly impacted the IPL with his explosive hitting. Boasting a strike rate just above 200, Head has scored 533 runs in 12 matches, making him one of the most formidable batters in the tournament.

Riyan Parag, the young sensation from Rajasthan Royals, has been a revelation this season. His remarkable performance has catapulted him into the top five run-getters of the tournament. With 531 runs in 14 matches, Parag has shown maturity and skill beyond his years.

Sudharsan has scored 527 runs in 12 matches, making him one of the top five run-scorers this season. His consistent performances have been vital for his team’s success and showcase his potential as a future star.

IPL 2024: Orange Cap

IPL 2024: Most Wickets

Harshal Patel, representing Punjab Kings, was the first bowler to reach the 20-wicket mark this season. His improved game, especially in the death overs, has been impressive. Patel has 24 wickets in 14 matches, making him the season’s leading wicket-taker.

Jasprit Bumrah, Mumbai Indians’ ace bowler, continues to dominate the wicket-takers list in IPL 2024. His performance against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) was another example of why he is one of the most feared bowlers in the tournament. Bumrah has bagged 20 wickets in 13 matches, showcasing his lethal bowling skills.

Arshdeep Singh has made a significant impact with his left-arm pace for PBKS. Despite his team being out of the tournament, Arshdeep’s performances have been noteworthy. He has bagged 19 wickets in 14 matches, making his presence felt in crucial games.

Kolkata Knight Riders’ mystery spinner, Varun Chakravarthy, had a shaky start to the season, but his persistence has paid off. He now ranks among the top wicket-takers with 18 wickets in 13 matches. His unique bowling style continues to baffle batters.

Tushar Deshpande has been a consistent performer in the IPL 2024 season. He has taken 17 wickets in 13 games, averaging 24.94. His ability to take crucial wickets at critical moments has made him a valuable asset for his team.

IPL 2024: Purple Cap

The much-anticipated final league game of IPL 2024 between Rajasthan Royals (RR) and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) was washed out without a ball being bowled, disrupting the plans of cricket enthusiasts and altering the playoff landscape. This unexpected turn of events means SRH stays in second place and will face KKR, while RR, placed third, will face a formidable RCB side in the second qualifier.

Match Details

The 70th match of the IPL 2024 was slated to be a thrilling encounter between RR and KKR at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati. Fans eagerly awaited how the league stage would conclude and which teams would cement their playoff positions.

Despite the looming threat of rain, the toss took place with KKR captain Shreyas Iyer winning and opting to bowl first. The match officials, hopeful of some play, had scheduled a shortened 7-7 overs match due to earlier rain delays.

See Also: Sunrisers Hyderabad beat Punjab Kings by 4 wickets

Just as the teams prepared to take the field, the rain returned with renewed intensity. Armed with covers, the ground staff made multiple efforts to protect the pitch and get the match underway. However, the weather had other plans.

Final Decision

After several hours of persistent rain and no improvement in conditions, the match officials had no choice but to call off the game. This washout confirmed the end of the league stage of IPL 2024, solidifying the teams’ positions on the points table.

Qualifiers Overview

In the first qualifier, table-toppers KKR will face SRH, promising an exciting clash of titans. The eliminator will see RR taking on RCB, a match that promises fireworks, given both teams’ recent form and hunger for victory.

SRH’s Journey

SRH had a commendable season, finishing second on the points table. Their consistent performances and critical victories, including a decisive win over the Punjab Kings, showcased their resilience and strength.

KKR’s Road to the Top

KKR’s journey to the top of the table was marked by strategic brilliance and standout performances. Their balanced team, led by Shreyas Iyer, demonstrated both batting depth and bowling prowess, making them formidable opponents.

RR’s Rollercoaster Ride

Rajasthan Royals experienced a season full of highs and lows. After a dream start with eight wins in their first nine games, they faced a slump, losing four consecutive matches. Despite these challenges, they managed to secure a third-place finish.

RCB’s Hot Streak

RCB’s recent form has been nothing short of spectacular. Thanks to Virat Kohli and Faf du Plessis, they entered the playoffs with solid performances. Their hot streak has positioned them as serious contenders in the qualifiers.

In the 70th IPL 2024 encounter, the Rajasthan Royals (RR) set to face Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at the Barsapara Stadium in Guwahati. However, as the cricketing world eagerly anticipates this crucial clash, rain has damaged the proceedings, delaying the all-important toss and potentially jeopardizing the match.

Latest Weather Update

21:31 Local Time, 16:01 GMT: Still raining, covers firmly in place. The chances of a game getting bleaker with every passing minute. Just a reminder, if this game ends up being a washout, SRH will play the qualifier, Rajasthan will have to play the eliminator.

21:11 Local Time, 15:41 GMT: The cut-off time for a five-over game is 10:56 PM. Toss needs to happen atleast 15 minutes before that. Meanwhile, there are a few puddles forming on the edge of the square covers. Not looking very good in Barsapara.

9:05pm: Only the square is covered and there is water is trickling out onto the grass just inside the ring, square of the wicket.

20:14 Local Time, 14:44 GMT: Rain has reduced to a drizzle. Two supersoppers at work on one side of the ground. There is still a steady drizzle. Given the toss hasn’t happened and it’ll be an hour into the scheduled start of play in 20 minutes, it’s almost inevitable that this won’t be a full game.

As of the latest update at 8 PM, Guwahati is still experiencing a slight drizzle, with the entire ground nearly covered. The persistent rain has raised concerns about whether the match will proceed. Ground staff are on standby, but the game might be canceled if the weather doesn’t improve soon.

See Also: WATCH: RCB players do not shake hands with MS Dhoni after epic win against CSK

Significance for Rajasthan Royals

For the Rajasthan Royals, this match is more than just another game; it’s a chance to secure a top-two finish. Despite a solid start to the tournament, recent defeats have put pressure on the Royals. A win here is crucial to regain momentum and boost their standings.

Implications for Kolkata Knight Riders

Kolkata Knight Riders are also eyeing a solid finish to the group stage. With playoff spots on the line, every point counts. A win could significantly improve their position, while a washout might leave their fate in the hands of other results.

Impact of a Washed-Out Match

If the match is abandoned due to rain, both teams will share points. For RR, this would mean finishing the group stage with 17 points, equaling Sunrisers Hyderabad, but potentially missing out on the top two due to Net Run Rate.

In the event of a washout, Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) would face RR in the eliminator, while SRH would take on KKR in Qualifier 1. This would set up a thrilling playoff stage with high stakes for all teams involved.

Net Run Rate and Playoff Scenarios

Net Run Rate (NRR) is a critical metric in IPL standings. It’s calculated by the difference between a team’s scoring rate and the rate at which it concedes runs. A higher NRR can be the deciding factor in tight points table situations.

A washout would mean RR misses the chance to improve its NRR, potentially impacting its playoff seeding. KKR would also miss an opportunity to climb the table, making its path to the playoffs more challenging.

RR vs KKR Match Preview

The Rajasthan Royals will face the Kolkata Knight Riders in the 70th match of the IPL 2024. The game will take place at the Barsapara Cricket Ground in Guwahati on May 19 at 7:30 PM IST. As a result, RR must beat KKR in order to finish in the top two. If RR loses and SRH wins their final game, they will fall to third and face the Eliminator. Meanwhile, KKR has performed admirably and will finish the league stage as table toppers for the first time in IPL history. They have been confirmed as finishing in the top two, earning a spot in Qualifier One.

RR vs KKR Match Details

Rajasthan Royals vs Kolkata Knight Riders – 70th Match

Venue: Barsapara Cricket Stadium – Guwahati

Date & Time: 19th May 2024 at 07:30 PM IST 

Live Streaming: Jio Cinema

RR vs KKR Venue Stats

RR vs KKR Pitch Report

RR scored only 144-9 in their previous game against PBKS at the Barsapara Stadium. There was a turn on offer for spinners. If the wicket continues to play as it has, the batters may have a difficult time again. A score of 180 should suffice.

RR vs KKR Weather Report

There is a more than 50% chance of rain on match day. The humidity will be 73 percent, and the temperature will be in the high 20s.

RR vs KKR Last Five Matches

RR vs KKR Head-to-Head Stats

Injury News

No Injury. Will be added when there is an update.

Also Read: Is it the end for Dhoni? Looking at the memorable IPL journeyrney

RR vs KKR Probable Playing XIs:

Kolkata Knight Riders Probable Playing XIs

Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Sunil Narine, Venkatesh Iyer, Shreyas Iyer (c), Andre Russell, Nitish Rana, Rinku Singh, Ramandeep Singh , Mitchell Starc,  Harshit Rana, Varun Chakaravarthy

Rajasthan Royals Probable Playing XIs

Yashasvi Jaiswal, Sanju Samson (c & wk), Riyan Parag, Dhruv Jurel, Rovman Powell, Shimron Hetmyer, Ravichandran Ashwin, Trent Boult, Sandeep Sharma, Avesh Khan, Yuzvendra Chahal

Topmost Picks for RR vs KKR Dream11 Prediction:

Top Picks – Kolkata Knight Riders

• Shreyas Iyer- the captain top scored for KKR in the last game but he will want to increase his strike-rate from only 106.25 in that match.
• Vaibhav Arora- the 26 year old right-arm fast medium bowler impressed with figures of 2/28 against CSK and dismissed Rachin Ravindra before also getting the wicket of Shivam Dubey.

Top Picks – Rajasthan Royals

• Sanju Samson- Sanju Samson has been outstanding for RR in IPL 2024 season. He has delivered his best performance in IPL in terms of runs this year, with 504 runs in 13 games.
• Yuzvendra Chahal – Yuzvendra Chahal has been outstanding as ever in IPL 2024. He is the leading wicket-taker of the tournament with 11 wickets in six games.

Suggested Playing XI N0.1 for RR vs KKR Dream11 Team:

Sanju Samson(C), Yashasvi Jaiswal(VC), Rovman Powell, Venkatesh Iyer, Shreyas Iyer, Sunil Narine, Riyan Parag, Varun Chakaravarthy, Harshit Rana, Yuzendra Chahal, Trent Boult

Suggested Playing XI N0.2 for RR vs KKR Dream11 Team:

Sanju Samson, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rovman Powell, Venkatesh Iyer, Shreyas Iyer, Sunil Narine(C), Riyan Parag(VC), Varun Chakaravarthy, Harshit Rana, Yuzendra Chahal, Trent Boult

Captain and Vice-Captain Options:

Captain – Sanju Samson, Sunil Narine

Vice-captain – Riyan Parag, Yashasvi Jaiswal

Wicketkeeper – Sanju Samson

RR vs KKR Probable Winners:

Rajasthan Royals have lost four consecutive games, which is surprising given their strong team. The Royals have already played in Guwahati, and their familiarity with the conditions should be a significant advantage for RR ahead of the game against KKR. The match is between two equal teams, with little to choose in terms of which team is better on paper. We predict RR to win the game. Considering the team combination, Rajasthan Royals are expected to win this match.

The Indian Premier League (IPL) has always been a showcase of cricketing brilliance, with players from around the world converging to exhibit their prowess. Among the league’s luminaries, Jos Buttler recently distinguished himself by scoring an unbeaten century against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), solidifying his position as a premier batsman. This extraordinary feat not only advanced his team, Rajasthan Royals (RR), to a thrilling victory but also elevated him above Chris Gayle in the record books.

Jos Buttler’s Journey to IPL Stardom

Jos Buttler’s cricketing journey is a testament to his relentless hard work and innate talent. Having started his career in England, Buttler quickly made a name for himself with his aggressive batting style. Buttler blasted his way to an unbeaten 60-ball 107 as Rajasthan pulled off the IPL’s biggest run chase chase by gunning down 224/8.

See Also: Netizens can’t stop praising Buttler for RR chase

His entry into the IPL marked the beginning of a new chapter, where his ability to play high-impact innings became evident. Over the years, his role as a key player for Rajasthan Royals has been cemented by numerous match-winning performances.

Buttler’s century against KKR not only changed the course of the match but also significantly boosted the team’s morale. His teammates and the management lauded his ability to rise to the occasion and deliver when it mattered most.

The Record-Breaking Century

In a high-stakes game against KKR, Buttler showcased his exceptional skill by scoring 107 runs off just 60 balls. This match is now noted as the IPL’s biggest run chase, with Rajasthan successfully chasing down a daunting total of 224 runs. Buttler’s innings was punctuated by exquisite stroke play and strategic acumen, making it a spectacle for cricket aficionados.

Historical Context

Before Buttler, Chris Gayle was celebrated for his six centuries in the IPL, a record that stood as a benchmark of batting excellence. Buttler’s latest century has pushed him to the second position on the list of most hundreds in IPL history, just one behind Virat Kohli.

Virat Kohli’s Influence and Record

Virat Kohli remains the top century-maker in the IPL with eight hundreds. Buttler and Kohli’s performances offer a fascinating study of contrasting batting styles—Kohli’s calculated aggression versus Buttler’s dynamic explosiveness.

Most IPL hundreds
8 – Virat Kohli
7 – Jos Buttler
6 – Chris Gayle
4 – KL Rahul
4 – David Warner
4 – Shane Watson

Most hundreds in IPL run-chases
3 – Jos Buttler
2 – Virat Kohli
2 – Ben Stokes

Multiple hundreds against a team (IPL)
3 – KL Rahul vs MI
2 – Jos Buttler vs KKR
2 – Jos Buttler vs RCB
2 – Chris Gayle vs PBKS
2 – Virat Kohli vs GL
2 – David Warner vs KKR

Most T20 hundreds in a winning cause
16 – Chris Gayle
8 – Babar Azam
8 – Jos Buttler
Each of Buttler’s eight T20 hundreds have come in a winning cause.

As the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 season progresses, the excitement isn’t just about the matches, but also about the individual brilliance showcased by the players. Among these, the race for the Orange and Purple Caps holds a unique allure, pitting batsmen and bowlers in a season-long duel to top the charts.

Orange Cap Holder in IPL 2024

Virat Kohli, the ace Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) batter, continues to dominate, amassing 361 runs in just 7 games. His stunning average of 90.25 and a strike rate of 147.95 are testaments to his enduring class and formidable form this season.

See Also: Netizens can’t stop praising Buttler for RR chase

Following Kohli, Riyan Parag of the Rajasthan Royals has been a revelation this season. With 318 runs from the same number of games, Parag boasts an average of 71 and a strike rate of 155.18, signaling his arrival among the elites of the cricketing world.

KKR’s all-rounder Sunil Narine has turned heads with his aggressive batting style. His monumental 109 off 56 in a crucial match is part of his total 276 runs, placing him third in the run for the Orange Cap. His performance has been a game-changer for KKR this season.

Sanju Samson and Rohit Sharma have also been noteworthy, with consistent performances under their belts. Samson, with 276 runs and three half-centuries, and Sharma, who recently scored a brilliant 105 against CSK, are critical for their teams’ fortunes.

IPL 2024 Most Runs

Purple Cap Holder in IPL 2024

The leg-spinner from Rajasthan Royals, Yuzvendra Chahal, has captured the Purple Cap with 12 wickets. His strategic bowling at crucial junctures has been vital for his team.

Jasprit Bumrah of the Mumbai Indians, with 10 wickets, continues to be a significant threat with his yorkers and sharp bouncers, making him a tough opponent to face. Mustafizur Rahman has 10 wickets in 5 matches, and he is in third place in this race. 

Pat Cummins has been pivotal for their teams, with nine wickets. His ability to execute plans and deliver in pressure situations has earned him spots among the top bowlers this season.

Kagiso Rabada, known for his speed and accuracy, has been instrumental with his 9 wickets for Delhi Capitals, showcasing his ability to break partnerships and tilt matches in his team’s favor.

IPL 2024 Top Wicket Takers

The Indian Premier League (IPL) is no stranger to high-octane, edge-of-your-seat cricket matches, but few games have captured the imagination of cricket fans quite like the historic chase by the Rajasthan Royals (RR) during the 2020 IPL season. Not only did they achieve the highest successful run chase in IPL history, but their feat has remained a benchmark for batting excellence. As the IPL 2024 season unfolds, memories of that game remain fresh, especially as high scores continue to thrill fans.

The Game at Eden Gardens

On a humid Tuesday at Eden Gardens, the stage was set for another high-scoring drama. Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), batting first, were propelled by Sunil Narine’s explosive maiden T20 hundred, culminating in a formidable 223-run total. The target was daunting, and the pressure immense, as RR began their chase.

See Also: Watch: Brilliant Buttler completes the chase in style for Rajasthan Royals

Rajasthan Royals’ Chase

The chase began on a shaky note with Jaiswal falling early for a quick 19 off 9 balls. However, the Royals did not let the early setback dampen their spirits. Sanju Samson, after a narrow escape, started hitting boundaries, bringing the chase back on track.

Despite a promising start, RR faced a slump in the middle overs. Narine’s strategic bowling and Chakravarthy’s consecutive wickets caused significant dents in their progress. The scoring rate dipped, and the required runs seemed like a steep climb.

At a critical juncture, Jos Buttler took charge. His experience and calm demeanor were evident as he meticulously built his innings. From being 42 off 33 balls, he accelerated, maintaining a balance between aggression and precision.

The Climax: Final Overs

The final overs were a spectacle of cricketing prowess and nerves of steel. Buttler’s consecutive boundaries in the 18th over turned the game on its head. His duel with Narine was particularly memorable, overcoming Narine’s season-long streak of no boundary concessions.

Fan and Media Reaction

The game was a viral sensation, with clips and memes celebrating Buttler’s performance and the thrilling finish circulating widely across social media platforms. Media outlets hailed it as one of the greatest IPL games ever played.

Jos Buttler’s recent performance in the IPL 2024 is nothing short of historic. In a thrilling match against Kolkata Knight Riders at Eden Gardens, Buttler not only showcased his formidable batting skills but also led the Rajasthan Royals to the highest successful run chase in IPL history.

Breaking Down Buttler’s Performance

Buttler’s innings was a crescendo of skill, determination, and strategic prowess. Initially, the Royals struggled, losing early wickets, which set the stage for Buttler’s remarkable comeback.

See Also: Rajasthan Royals beat Kolkata Knight Riders by 2 wickets; Points Table updated

Early in his innings, Buttler appeared conservative, scoring 40 runs off 30 balls—a strike rate that was uncharacteristic given the high target. His cautious approach laid a stable foundation, despite the team’s precarious position.

Post the slow start, Buttler switched gears dramatically. The next 30 balls saw him blasting 67 runs, demonstrating a master class in batting under pressure. His ability to escalate his strike rate from 130 to nearly 180 by the end of his innings was a key factor in the chase.

Record-Breaking Chase

The Royals’ successful chase of a towering 224 set a new record in IPL history, largely credited to Buttler’s dynamic innings. This not only added a remarkable chapter to the IPL’s legacy but also underscored the high competitive standards of the league.

Highest successful run-chase in IPL

Multiple hundreds against a team (IPL)
3 – KL Rahul vs MI
2 – Jos Buttler vs KKR
2 – Jos Buttler vs RCB
2 – Chris Gayle vs PBKS
2 – Virat Kohli vs GL
2 – David Warner vs KKR

Most T20 hundreds in a winning cause
16 – Chris Gayle
8 – Babar Azam
8 – Jos Buttler
Each of Buttler’s eight T20 hundreds have come in a winning cause.

Buttler’s Position Among IPL Legends

With this century, Buttler now holds the record for the second-most centuries in the IPL, nearing Virat Kohli’s record. His consistent performance underlines his status as one of the IPL’s all-time greats.

Players to hit the most centuries in IPL history

The Indian Premier League (IPL) is renowned for its thrilling matches, but the 31st match of the 2024 season between Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Rajasthan Royals (RR) at Eden Gardens will be remembered as one of the most exhilarating. This match saw not only individual brilliance but also a historic team effort, particularly from Rajasthan Royals who executed the highest successful chase ever in IPL history.

KKR’s Innings Overview

KKR opened their innings with Phil Salt and Sunil Narine. Despite losing Salt early, Narine took the game by storm. His aggressive batting not only stabilized KKR’s innings but also set a monumental target.

See Also: IPL 2024: Netizens go gaga after Sunil Narine’s blistering century against RR

KKR got off to a good start despite losing Phil Salt early as they raced to 56/1 in the Power-play thanks mainly to West Indies dasher Sunil Narine and young Angkrish Raghuvanshi, who was promoted to the No.3 position and made it count with an 18-ball 30. KKR reached 101/1 at the halfway stage.

But they lost a couple of wickets in quick succession, Raghuvanshi returning to the dugout after adding 85 runs for the second-wicket partnership with Narine. 

From 106/2, KKR slumped to 133/3 as skipper Shreyas Iyer was trapped LBW by Chahal. But the setbacks did not matter much for Sunil Narine as the West Indies allrounder continued with his power-hitting, hammering shots around the ground as he raced to his century off 49 balls.

Highest Successful run chase in IPL History

Narine’s Knock

Sunil Narine, known for his explosive batting, outdid himself by scoring a breathtaking 109 off 56 balls. His innings was adorned with 13 boundaries and six maximums, making him the third KKR player to score a century in the IPL and the first to do so at Eden Gardens.

RR’s Rocky Start

On a vibrant Tuesday evening, the stage was set at Kolkata’s iconic Eden Gardens. With the pitch looking favorable for batting, anticipation was high among the cricketing fraternity. Rajasthan Royals, led by Sanju Samson, were put into the field after losing the toss, setting the scene for a high-voltage encounter.

Chasing a formidable target of 224, RR had a less than ideal start. Yashasvi Jaiswal and Sanju Samson departed early, putting pressure on the middle order.

As RR struggled to find rhythm, KKR tightened their grip with strategic bowling changes. Harshit Rana and Sunil Narine picked crucial wickets, making the chase even more challenging.

The thirteenth over brought a surge for KKR as spinner Varun Chakravarthy clinched the wickets of R Ashwin and Shimron Hetmeyer on consecutive deliveries. Ashwin managed 8 runs off 11 balls before departing without scoring, while Hetmeyer was sent back for a duck.

Amidst falling wickets, Jos Buttler was a pillar of strength for RR. His calculated aggression and keen eye helped him notch up a fifty in just 36 balls, keeping RR in the hunt.

Narine continued his dominance, grabbing his second wicket by dismissing Rovman Powell in the 17th over. Powell had scored a promising 26 runs off 13 balls before his dismissal.

In the 18th over, RR suffered the loss of their eighth wicket as Trent Boult was run-out. Despite wickets falling steadily from the other end, opener Jos Buttler remained resolute. With remarkable composure, Buttler not only reached his century but did so in spectacular fashion, smashing a ton off just 55 balls. The English batter anchored the innings, staying unbeaten at 107 runs, guiding his team to a thrilling 2-wicket victory.

The Winning Moment

In a nail-biting finish, Buttler’s unbeaten 107 off 60 balls guided RR to a historic two-wicket victory. His innings was not just about the runs but the hope it instilled in his team.

Most runs added after the fall of 6th wicket in a successful IPL
run-chase
103 – RR vs KKR, Kolkata, 2024
91 – RCB vs GL, Bengaluru, 2016 Q1
85 – CSK vs MI, Mumbai WS, 2018
78 – CSK vs SRH, Mumbai WS, 2018 Q1
76 – DC vs GL, Kanpur, 2017

Most individual hundreds in an IPL match
2 – RCB vs GL, Bengaluru, 2016
2 – SRH vs RCB, Hyderabad, 2019
2 – SRH vs RCB, Hyderabad, 2023
2 – RCB vs GT, Bengaluru, 2023
2 – RR vs RCB, Jaipur, 2024
2 – KKR vs RR, Kolkata, 2024

100 and wicket(s) in an IPL match
107 & 3/21 – Chris Gayle (RCB) vs PBKS, Bengaluru, 2011
175* & 2/5 – Chris Gayle (RCB) vs PWI, Bengaluru, 2013
104* & 2/38 – Shane Watson (RR) vs KKR, Brabourne, 2015
106 & 1/13 – Shane Watson (CSK) vs RR, Pune, 2018
109 & 2/30 – Sunil Narine (KKR) vs RR, Kolkata, 2024

IPL Points Table 2024

The IPL 2024 match between Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Rajasthan Royals (RR) at the iconic Eden Gardens witnessed a monumental performance from Sunil Narine. Coming into bat under challenging circumstances, Narine’s scorching century not only propelled KKR’s total but also left fans and critics in awe of his explosive batting.

Early Game Analysis

The match began with KKR batting first after RR’s captain, Sanju Samson, won the toss and opted to field. The decision seemed sound as RR’s bowlers initially managed to restrict KKR’s openers. Phil Salt’s early dismissal set the stage for Narine, who started cautiously but was clearly gearing up for a significant onslaught.

See Also: BCB rope in Pakistani legend as bowling coach ahead of T20 WC 2024

Narine’s Batting Strategy

Narine’s approach against both spin and pace was calculated. Focusing on waiting for the bad ball, he capitalized significantly on anything pitched wrong. His strategy to dominate the spinners, especially targeting Ashwin and Chahal, played a crucial role in accelerating his scoring rate.

Narine’s fifty came off just 29 balls, a fiery innings highlighted by a massive six to bring up his half-century. The first 10 overs were crucial, with Narine and Angkrish Raghuvanshi pushing the score past 100, setting a robust platform for a big total.

Race to the Century

Post the half-century, Narine shifted gears. Each over seemed like a spectacle, with Narine smashing boundaries at will. The climactic moment came when he hit a powerful six over long-off to notch up his century in just 49 balls, sending the crowd into a frenzy.

Narine’s ability to read the bowlers and his impeccable timing were evident throughout his innings. His preference for straight drives and clearing the long-off and long-on boundaries demonstrated his technical prowess and understanding of the field placements.

Boult to Narine, out Bowled!! Knocked him over! It has been a sensational knock from Narine and Boult congratulates him on his way back! A standing ovation for Narine! Narine scored 109(56) [4s-13 6s-6]

IPL hundreds for KKR
158* – Brendon McCullum vs RCB, Bengaluru, 2008
105* – Sunil Narine vs RR, Kolkata, 2024
104 – Venkatesh Iyer vs MI, Mumbai WS, 2023

April 16th, 2013 – Sunil Narine took an IPL Hat-trick.
April 16th, 2024 – Sunil Narine scored IPL Hundred.

Fan and Media Reaction

The social media buzz was immediate, with fans and pundits praising Narine for his record-setting innings. Media coverage highlighted this innings as one of the top performances of IPL 2024.