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The evolution of batting in modern cricket, particularly in the T20 format, has seen a significant shift in the balance between bat and ball. With the advent of shorter formats like T20 cricket, batters have adapted their techniques and approaches to capitalize on various factors, making batting seemingly easier than in previous eras.
The evolution of batting conditions: Impact on modern cricket
The evolution of playing conditions and pitches has favoured batters in modern times. T20 cricket often features flat and hard pitches that offer true bounce and minimal lateral movement, providing batters with ideal batting conditions to showcase their strokeplay. Furthermore, the proliferation of covered stadiums and improved ground maintenance techniques have ensured consistent playing surfaces, reducing the unpredictability traditionally associated with outdoor cricket.
Global platforms: T20 leagues and Batters’ development
Another factor contributing to the perceived ease of batting in modern times is the proliferation of T20 leagues and the subsequent increase in exposure and opportunities for batters to hone their skills. The emergence of franchise-based leagues like the Indian Premier League (IPL) and the Big Bash League (BBL) has provided platforms for batters to showcase their talent on a global stage, facing top-quality opposition and refining their techniques under pressure-packed situations.
Additionally, changes in rules and regulations, such as fielding restrictions and powerplays, have tilted the balance in favor of batters, encouraging aggressive strokeplay and innovative shot-making. Batters are now more adept at exploiting gaps in the field and manipulating fielding placements to score quickly and build momentum for their team.
Also READ: Top 5: Highest individual scores while chasing in IPL history
Record alert: Highest T20 run-chase scores
1. Punjab Kings make T20 history with record run chase
- Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) set a challenging target of 261/6 in their 20 overs.
- Phil Salt top-scored with 75 runs off 37 balls, while Sunil Narine contributed 71 runs from 32 deliveries.
- Prabhsimran Singh‘s 54 and Jonny Bairstow‘s unbeaten 108 propelled Punjab Kings to a historic run chase.
- Bairstow’s century came off just 48 balls, anchoring the chase with authority.
- Shashank Singh‘s blistering 68 off 28 balls provided crucial support in the middle overs.
- Punjab Kings (PBKS) achieved the target of 262 runs with 8 balls to spare, making it the highest-ever run chase in T20 history.
In a sensational display of batting prowess, Punjab etched their name in T20 history books by pulling off the highest-ever run chase. Kolkata posted a daunting score of 261/6, fueled by explosive knocks from Salt (75) and Narine (71). However, Punjab embarked on a relentless pursuit, led by Prabhsimran’s brisk 54 and a monumental unbeaten century by Bairstow, who bludgeoned 108 runs off just 48 balls. Rilee Rossouw‘s cameo (26) and Shashank’s blitzkrieg 68 off 28 balls further fueled Punjab’s charge. With meticulous batting and calculated aggression, Punjab Kings achieved the mammoth target with 8 balls to spare, showcasing an extraordinary display of batting prowess and resilience.
2. Brave effort falls short: RCB’s battle against SRH
- Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) posted a formidable total of 287/3 in 20 overs.
- Travis Head‘s century (102 runs off 41 balls) was the highlight of their innings.
- Heinrich Klaasen contributed a brisk 67 runs from 31 deliveries.
- Abhishek Sharma provided impetus with his 34 runs cameo.
- Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) managed 262/7 in their chase.
- Dinesh Karthik‘s explosive 83 off 35 balls was a standout performance.
- Faf du Plessis supported with a quick 62 runs.
In a thrilling encounter between Hyderabad and Bengaluru, the former put up a formidable score of 287/3 in their allotted 20 overs. Head led the charge with a scintillating century, smashing 102 runs off just 41 deliveries, while Klaasen provided ample support with a blazing 67 runs from 31 balls. Abhishek’s quick 34 also contributed to their imposing total. Bengaluru, in response, fought valiantly but fell short, managing 262/7 in their 20 overs. Karthik played a magnificent innings, scoring a rapid-fire 83 runs off 35 balls, supported by Du Plessis’ rapid 62. Nevertheless, the Hyderabad bowlers, led by Pat Cummins with 3 crucial wickets, managed to restrict Bengaluru’s chase, securing a hard-fought victory.
3. South Africa clinch record-breaking run chase in T20 International history
- West Indies set a formidable target of 258/5 in their 20 overs.
- Johnson Charles was the standout performer with a blistering 118 runs off just 46 balls.
- Kyle Mayers contributed a quickfire 51 runs, while Rovman Powell and Romario Shepherd added valuable runs towards the end.
- South Africa pulled off a historic run chase, achieving the target of 259 runs in just 18.5 overs.
- Quinton de Kock led the charge with a stunning century, scoring 100 runs off 44 balls.
- Reeza Hendricks provided crucial support with 68 runs, laying the foundation for the chase.
- Aiden Markram‘s unbeaten 38 guided South Africa to victory in the highest-ever run chase in T20 international history.
In an electrifying T20 encounter, West Indies posted an imposing total of 258/5, powered by Charles’ scintillating century. Charles blazed his way to 118 runs off just 46 balls, setting the stage on fire with his onslaught. Kyle Mayers’ fast 51 and valuable contributions from Powell and Shepherd propelled West Indies to a daunting total. Nonetheless, South Africa staged an incredible run chase, rewriting the record books with a historic pursuit. De Kock’s breathtaking century, coupled with Reeza Hendricks’ explosive 68, laid the foundation for South Africa’s charge. With Markram’s composed unbeaten 38, South Africa completed the highest-ever run chase in T20 international history, achieving the target of 259 runs with 7 balls to spare.
4. Middlesex chase down Surrey’s formidable total in Vitality Blast thriller
- Surrey set a challenging target of 252/7 in their allotted 20 overs.
- Will Jacks starred with a blazing 96 runs off just 45 balls, well supported by Laurie Evans’ 85.
- Middlesex pulled off a sensational run chase, reaching 254/3 in 19.2 overs to win by 7 wickets.
- Stephen Eskinazi led the charge with a rapid 73 off 39 balls for Middlesex.
- Max Holden anchored the chase with an unbeaten 68, guiding Middlesex to victory.
- Ryan Higgins‘ explosive 48 off 24 balls and a quickfire cameo from Jack Davies sealed the win for Middlesex.
- Chris Jordan was the pick of the bowlers for Surrey, claiming 2 wickets for 41 runs.
In a thrilling encounter in the Vitality Blast, Surrey posted a formidable total of 252/7, courtesy of Jacks’ explosive 96 and Laurie Evans’ elegant 85. However, Middlesex staged a remarkable run chase, overcoming Surrey’s total with just 4 balls to spare. Eskinazi set the tone with a blistering 73, while Holden’s composed unbeaten 68 anchored the chase. Higgins’ explosive 48 and a quick cameo from Davies ensured Middlesex’s victory. Despite Jordan’s two crucial wickets for Surrey, Middlesex’s batting prowess prevailed, sealing a memorable seven-wicket win in a high-scoring encounter.
5. Quetta Gladiators’ valiant effort falls short against Multan Sultans in PSL 2023 encounter
- Multan Sultans set a formidable target of 262/3 in their allotted 20 overs.
- Usman Khan was the star performer with a scintillating 120 runs off just 43 balls, supported by Mohammad Rizwan‘s solid 55.
- Quetta Gladiators put up a valiant chase but fell short, managing 253/8 in their 20 overs.
- Omair Yousuf played a superb innings for Gladiators, scoring 67 off 36 balls.
- Abbas Afridi was the pick of the bowlers for Sultans, claiming 5 wickets for 47 runs.
- Sultans secured victory by 9 runs, with Afridi adjudged as the Player of the Match for his brilliant bowling performance.
In a pulsating encounter in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2023, Sultans showcased their batting prowess by posting a commanding score of 262/3. Usman stole the show with a breathtaking innings, smashing 120 runs off just 43 balls, while Rizwan contributed a crucial 55. In response, Gladiators launched a spirited chase led by Yousuf’s impressive 67. Nevertheless, Afridi’s stellar bowling performance, claiming 5 wickets for 47 runs, halted Gladiators’ charge. Despite a valiant effort, Gladiators fell short of the target, managing 253/8 in their 20 overs. Sultans emerged victorious by 9 runs, with Afridi rightfully earning the Player of the Match award for his outstanding contribution with the ball.
