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Xtra Time Web Desk: In a thrilling showdown at Eden Gardens, Jonny Bairstow's blistering unbeaten 108, coupled with Shashank Singh's commanding 68 not out, propelled the Punjab Kings to a historic eight-wicket triumph over the Kolkata Knight Riders in the Indian Premier League.

For Bairstow, this century marked a significant milestone, serving as a much-needed return to form in the IPL. His majestic knock, crafted off 48 balls, featured eight boundaries and nine towering sixes, further bolstering his bid for a spot in England's squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup.

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Bairstow's onslaught continued relentlessly, as he reached his fifty off a mere 23 deliveries, dispatching Varun Chakravarthy for a towering six over long-off. From overs 10 to 13, Bairstow unleashed a flurry of boundaries, despite losing Rilee Rossouw to Narine, cementing Punjab Kings' dominance in the match.

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The match unfolded as an absolute run-fest, with Phil Salt and Sunil Narine laying a formidable foundation for KKR with rollicking half-centuries, stitching together a sensational opening partnership of 138 runs in just 10.2 overs. Their onslaught propelled KKR to a daunting total of 261/6. Responding to the challenge, Prabhsimran Singh set the stage with a quick fifty for Punjab Kings, before Bairstow and Shashank took center stage, orchestrating a sensational chase to rewrite the record books with the highest successful chase in T20 history.