Top reactions as Jonny Bairstow's 45-ball hundred helps PBKS record highest successful chase in T20 cricket

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IPL 2024: Returning to the playing eleven after being dropped for the match against Mumbai Indians (MI) and Gujarat Titans (GT), Punjab Kings opener Jonny Bairstow roared back to form with a 45-ball hundred against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) on Friday, April 26.

The England star, who struggled in the 5-Test series against India, endured a tough time in his first six IPL 2024 matches before being dropped by the PBKS management. He kicked off his campaign with eight runs against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and went on to score 42, 22, 0 and 15 in the following innings.

However, the experienced campaigner roared back to form with a scintillating hundred against hosts KKR at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata. He smashed eight four and as many sixes en route to the three-figure mark.

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The 45-ball hundred by Bairstow is the joint second-fastest hundred by a Punjab Kings batter. David Miller holds the record with a 38-ball hundred against RCB in IPL 2013. Mayank Agarwal scored a 45-ball hundred against Rajasthan Royals (RR) in IPL 2020.

This was Jonny Bairstow's second IPL hundred, and fourth T20 hundred. The firework from Bairtsow helped Punjab Kings chase down 262 - the highest successful chase in T20 cricket. He finished at 108 of 48. The innings consisted of eight fours and nine sixes.

Earlier in the match, KKR openers Phil Salt (75 off 37) and Sunil Narine (71 off 32) stitched a 138-run partnership off 63 balls. Handy contributions from Venkatesh Iyer (39), Andre Russell (24) and Shreyas Iyer (28) helped Kolkata post their second 250-plus total in the IPL 2024.