IPL: Top 3 highest successful chases by KKR

Indian Premier League is among the most popular franchise leagues in the world. The teams participating in the competition face several obstacles and intense competition as a result. However, a few teams have performed exceptionally well in its history. The Kolkata Knight Riders, a two-time champion, are one such team. Three teams, including KKR, have won two or more titles. KKR has frequently scored 200+ runs and chased down enormous totals. The top three KKR run-chases are listed below.

1. RCB vs KKR, 2019 (Target – 206)

With Virat Kohli leading from the front, scoring 84* off 49 balls, Royal Challengers Bangalore posted a mammoth 206-run target before KKR on their visit to Bengaluru. However, Kolkata Knight Riders were up to the task as they chased down the total riding on a team effort and an exceptional finish by the big West Indian, Andre Russell. Russell alone scored 48 off just 13 balls with a strike rate well over 350. They reached the total with five balls to spare; to date, it remains the highest successful run-chase by KKR.

2. KXIP vs KKR, 2014 IPL final (Target – 200)

Yes, the second-highest total chased by KKR came in an IPL final. In 2014, Kings XI Punjab (now known as Punjab Kings) met KKR at the Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru for the season finale. Batting first, KXIP posted 199/4, with Wriddhiman Saha scoring a brilliant 115 off 55 balls. Alas, his efforts would go in vain as KKR chased down the total with three balls to spare, recording their highest successful run-chase then. Manish Pandey, with 94 off 50, remained the star as handy contributions from other batters took KKR to their second IPL trophy.

3. CSK vs KKR, IPL 2012 final (Target – 191)

KKR’s third-highest run-chase in their history resulted in yet another historic night. To be precise, their first-ever IPL title. In 2012’s season finale, KKR faced off against Chennai Super Kings (CSK) at the Chepauk Stadium in Chennai. Being the home side, CSK were expected to win this one backed by their home crowd. However, despite posting 190/3, guided by handsome half-centuries by Suresh Raina and Michael Hussey, CSK found themselves on the losing end. KKR chased the total down with two balls to spare, recording their highest successful run-chase then. Manvinder Bisla with 89 off 48 and Jacques Kallis with 69 off 49 turned it into a mere two-man show.