IPL 2024 KKR vs PBKS : Openers blitz in Knights vs Kings clash

Kolkata Knight Riders clashed with Punjab Kings in the 42nd match of the Indian Premier League 2024 on April 26 at Eden Gardens. Kolkata had offered a belter of a surface of late and the same trend followed in this clash. Interestingly, opening batters from both sides feasted on the golden opportunity and went all guns blazing with the bat.

KKR batted first and Phil Salt and Sunil Narine put up a show with the bat. The two batters clobbered bowlers to all across the park. To make matters worse, Punjab dropped three catches and KKR openers made sure that PBKS paid the price. The duo aggregated 138 runs in just 10.2 overs before Narine was dismissed. While Narine smashed 71 runs off 32 deliveries, Salt amassed 75 runs off 37 deliveries. Riding on their opener showings, KKR posted a mammoth total of 261 runs on the board.

Chasing a massive target, Prabhsimran Singh and Jonny Bairstow got Punjab to a flyer. They played a fearless style of cricket and put KKR bowlers under the pump. They battered the opposition all across the park and plundered 93 runs in the powerplay. Prabhsimran Singh smashed his half-century with 18 deliveries before getting run out on 54. Though Prabhsimran got out, Bairstow kept going and hammered the bowlers to all corners. Bairstow brought his century in 45 balls. It was the opener's day out at KKR and it was the first time in IPL 2024 that all openers have breached the 50-run mark.