"Save the bowlers" - Ravichandran Ashwin's SOS call amid KKR vs PBKS IPL 2024 match

Team India and Rajasthan Royals spinner Ravichandran Ashwin called for SOS for the bowlers, given the high-scoring contest between Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Punjab Kings (PBKS) at the Eden Gardens. The veteran off-spinner took to X and called for help to save the bowlers as Punjab were on the verge of something special.

The Knight Riders smashed their second-highest total in IPL history, amassing 261-6 after Sam Curran had put them into bat. Phil Salt and Sunil Narine stitched an explosive 138-run stand, aided by some sloppy fielding from PBKS, dropping three catches inside three overs. Shreyas Iyer, Venkatesh Iyer and Andre Russell also crafted cameos to set 262 for Punjab Kings to win.

Ashwin, meanwhile, tweeted:

"Save the bowlers” someone plsss."

Ashwin himself has had a tough time with the ball in IPL 2024, taking only one wicket in seven games at 240.

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PBKS complete highest run-chase in T20 history

Jonny Bairstow brought up his 2nd IPL ton. (Credits: Twitter)

Despite being set a daunting 261 to win, the Punjab-based franchise remained unfazed and took the game on. Prabhsimran Singh brought up his half-century off only 18 deliveries and departed after stitching a 93-run opening stand with his fellow opener Jonny Bairstow.

However, Bairstow kept going and completed his fifty off 23 balls and took only 22 deliveries more to reach the magical three-figure mark. The Yorkshire batter received good support from Rilee Rossouw and Shashank Singh, who stayed unbeaten on 68. Bairstow, meanwhile, stayed not out on 108 as PBKS took only 18.4 overs to chase their target down with eight wickets to spare.

The contest also witnessed a staggering 41 sixes from both sides, a T20 record. In the process, the Kolkata Knight Riders lost their second home match, losing their first to the Rajasthan Royals.