This story is from April 27, 2024

'We can still qualify for the playoffs': Shashank Singh after helping Punjab Kings beat Kolkata Knight Riders

| TOI Sports Desk | TIMESOFINDIA.COM | Apr 27, 2024, 10:18 IST

NEW DELHI: Punjab Kings' batting all-rounder Shashank Singh showcased his mettle, guiding his team to a crucial victory over Kolkata Knight Riders in a thrilling encounter at the Eden Gardens and reigniting their playoff aspirations in the IPL 2024.

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Reflecting on his match-winning knock, Shashank shared insights into his approach, stating, "When I was in the dug-out, I was just watching the behaviour of the pitch, and felt it was coming on nicely with a good bounce."

He emphasized the importance of planning, adding, "Just backed myself to hit the other bowlers, was happy to take the singles and doubles off Narine, we wanted to play him out."

Acknowledging Jonny Bairstow's support, Shashank highlighted, "A big positive when Jonny (Bairstow) supports you (from the other end), he has played 100 Test matches and to see him clap for you, you'll feel happy and vindicated."

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Looking ahead optimistically, Shashank expressed confidence in Punjab Kings' playoff prospects, stating, "We still have five matches to go, we'll take it one match at a time and I believe that we can still qualify for the playoffs."

As Punjab Kings celebrate their triumph, they remain focused on their ultimate goal of securing a playoff spot.

Punjab pull off record T20 chase against Kolkata

Jonny Bairstow smashed a "ballistic" unbeaten century as Punjab Kings recorded the highest successful run chase in Twenty20 cricket with an eight-wicket thrashing of Kolkata Knight Riders on Friday.

The England star clobbered nine sixes and eight fours in his 48-ball 108 to help Punjab overhaul Kolkata's 261-6 with eight balls to spare.

Shashank Singh also impressed with the bat, making 68 not out off 28 balls with eight sixes and two fours.

The match also saw the batsmen club 42 sixes -- the most ever hit in a T20 game.

Opening the Punjab innings, Bairstow put on 93 runs with impact sub Prabhsimran Singh (54) and another 85 runs with Rilee Rossouw (26).

Prabhsimran was run out by a direct throw from Sunil Narine who also chipped in with the wicket of Rossouw in the 13th over.

Despite the two dismissals, Shashank continued to unleash big shots, making sure Punjab did not lose their nerve while chasing the big total.

Earlier, Kolkata got off to a blistering start with Phil Salt and Narine sharing 138 runs off just 69 balls for the first wicket after being put in to bat.

Narine hit 4 sixes and 9 fours in his 32-ball 71 before holing out to Bairstow off Rahul Chahar as Kolkata posted the highest IPL total ever at Eden Gardens.