KKR highest score in IPL: Check out Kolkata Knight Riders top performances in IPL history

KKR highest score in IPL: Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) have established themselves as one of the most successful franchises in the Indian Premier League (IPL) history, having won the championship twice, in 2012 and 2014. The team has been blessed with some exceptional captains over the years, with Gautam Gambhir leading the team for seven years, and later Eoin Morgan taking the side to the finals of IPL 2021.

KKR has been known for their strengths in both batting and spin departments. The team has boasted some of the finest hitters in the world, including Chris Gayle, Brendon McCullum, Chris Lynn, and Andre Russell. The power-hitting ability of KKR’s players has been the key to their success, with many of their batsmen known for their aggressive and hard-hitting approach.

KKR highest score in IPL

Sunil Narine, who was initially seen as a lower-order batter, has also made a significant impact with his hitting abilities. Gambhir recognized Narine’s potential as a power-hitter and promoted him to the frontline opening slot, where he has been successful in providing quick starts to the team. Brendon McCullum is another KKRian who has registered the highest figures in batting for the team. In the inaugural match of the tournament in 2008, McCullum smashed a record-breaking 158* off 73 balls with a blistering strike rate of 216.43.

1. 245/6 vs KXIP (2018)

During the 2018 IPL league phase, Kolkata Knight Riders faced Kings XI Punjab and registered their KKR highest score in IPL history, scoring 245/6. Sunil Narine and Dinesh Karthik played spectacular innings, scoring 75 (36) and 50 (23) respectively, delighting the spectators. KXIP started their batting inning well, with Chris Gayle and KL Rahul making impressive contributions, but they were eventually restricted to a total of 214/8 in their allotted 20 overs. Despite their efforts, KXIP were unable to chase down the mammoth target set by KKR, who went on to win the match. This was a significant achievement for KKR and their fans, who were thrilled to witness such a dominant performance from their team.

2. 232/2 vs MI (2019)

In a league encounter against the Mumbai Indians, Andre Russell’s stunning knock was the highlight of the match. Kolkata Knight Riders batted first and set a massive total of 232/2 in their allotted 20 overs, thanks in large part to Russell’s dismantling cameo of 80* (40). He hit six fours and eight sixes at an impressive scoring rate of 200, propelling KKR to a commanding total. Mumbai Indians started their chase well, but they were only able to reach a total of 198/7, and KKR ultimately won by 34 runs.

Russell’s innings was a masterclass in power hitting, leaving the Mumbai Indians helpless as he relentlessly attacked their bowlers. KKR’s total was a daunting one for Mumbai to chase, but they put up a strong fight before falling short. Despite their best efforts, Mumbai were unable to stop Russell’s onslaught, and they paid the price for it in the end.

KKR’s victory was a significant achievement, as they had convincingly defeated one of the strongest teams in the IPL. Russell’s contribution was particularly noteworthy, and he proved to be the game-changer for KKR. This match was a testament to the team’s skills and resilience, and it showed that they were capable of taking on the best teams in the league and emerging victorious.

3. 222/3 vs RCB (2008)

KKR highest score in IPL came in the inaugural season’s opening match against Royal Challengers Bangalore in 2008. The team’s deputy captain, Brendon McCullum, played a stunning innings, scoring an unbeaten 158 runs off just 73 balls, which helped KKR to set a target of 222 runs. McCullum smashed 13 sixes and 12 fours in that match and was named the ‘Player of the Match.’ KKR won the match convincingly, as they restricted Royal Challengers Bangalore to just 140/10.

Related: IPL Best Catches

McCullum’s innings was one of the most memorable in IPL history, and it set the tone for the tournament’s opening season. His blistering knock was a combination of power, precision, and skill, and it made him an instant star. The fact that KKR won the match by a huge margin only added to the significance of his innings.

4. 218/4 vs KXIP (2019)

Kolkata Knight Riders, led by Dinesh Karthik, faced Kings XI Punjab in the sixth league match of IPL 2019. After being invited to bat first by R Ashwin, KKR’s Nitish Rana, Robin Uthappa, and Andre Russell dominated the Punjab bowlers and helped the team set a massive target of 218/4 in 20 overs. KXIP’s batting lineup struggled to chase the target in the second half as Andre Russell continued his heroics, not only with the bat but also with the ball. He took two crucial wickets and conceded only 21 runs in his four overs, restricting Punjab to 190/4. KKR won the match by 28 runs.

The KKR batsmen made sure that Ashwin’s decision to bowl first proved wrong as they played aggressive cricket and scored runs at will. On the other hand, KXIP’s bowlers could not contain the KKR batsmen, and the team ended up conceding a mammoth total. Despite the best efforts of KL Rahul, who scored a valiant 71*, KXIP fell short of the target. Andre Russell’s all-round performance played a significant role in KKR’s victory, and he was rightfully awarded the player of the match.

5. 210/8 vs DC (2020)

KKR’s total of 210/8 against DC in IPL 2020 is at the bottom of their highest total list. Despite a valiant effort with the bat, they fell short by 18 runs while chasing the mammoth total of 228 runs set by Delhi Capitals. Nitish Rana was the star performer for KKR with the bat, as he played a swashbuckling knock of 58 off just 35 balls, including four fours and four sixes. Though KKR lost the match, Rana’s attacking innings showed the fighting spirit of the team.

Related: KKR IPL Auction 2023