NEW DELHI: Kolkata Knight Riders added another landmark moment to IPL 2026 on Wednesday night, sealing a four-wicket win over Mumbai Indians. The result marked the 42nd successful run chase of the season by a team batting second, setting a new league record for the most such victories in a single IPL campaign. With five fixtures still left, the current edition has already surpassed the previous high.
Before this week, the benchmark belonged to IPL 2016, when sides chasing targets managed 41 wins. In IPL 2026, 65 matches have been completed so far and chase teams have won 42 times, translating to 64.6% of all completed games ending in favour of the team batting second. If the no-result meeting between KKR and Punjab Kings is left out, the ratio climbs to 65.6%, further underlining how dominant successful chases have become.
Quick facts
- 42 wins by chasing teams in IPL 2026 (65 matches played)
- Previous record: 41 chase wins in IPL 2016 (60 matches)
- Earlier high: 40 chase wins in IPL 2011 (73 matches)
- Chasing teams have won 64.6% of completed matches in IPL 2026
- Excluding the KKR vs Punjab Kings no-result, the figure rises to 65.6%
Only three seasons in IPL history have seen 40 or more outright victories by sides chasing—IPL 2026, IPL 2016, and IPL 2011—pointing to a clear shift in match dynamics this year. While fans have enjoyed the late-innings drama, the numbers have also reignited the argument that captains might be less comfortable choosing to bat first as the tournament progresses.
KKR keep playoff hopes flickering
On a difficult, two-paced Eden Gardens surface, KKR delivered a controlled bowling display before completing the chase of 148 with four wickets to spare. The win keeps their postseason ambitions alive, even as the chase was anything but smooth from the start.
Kolkata asked Mumbai to bat first, with KKR skipper Ajinkya Rahane leading the decision. Mumbai struggled to build rhythm after early strikes from pacers Saurabh Dubey and Cameron Green, both of whom finished with two wickets in their opening overs.
The innings took another sharp turn in the powerplay as Mumbai slid to 46/4 within the first six overs—marking the fifth time this season they have lost at least three wickets during that early window. Hardik Pandya and Tilak Varma attempted to steady the ship, adding 43 runs, but their partnership consumed 49 deliveries and never quite provided the burst Mumbai needed.
Sunil Narine then tightened the middle overs, allowing only 13 runs across four overs. Late hitting, including sixes powered by Corbin Bosch, helped Mumbai reach 147/8, but the total still looked like it could be chased with patience.
KKR’s pursuit began on an uneasy note when Finn Allen fell in the very first over. Rahane and Green were dismissed shortly afterwards, and Mumbai sensed an opportunity to spring an upset.
That threat faded as Manish Pandey and Rovman Powell formed a steadying partnership that ultimately proved decisive. Pandey, featuring for the first time this season, played a key innings of 45 and later reflected on how meaningful the opportunity had been.
“This is the only time I’ve batted this season. I’ve been padded up and waiting to bat, this is a special one for me,” Pandey said, capturing the emotion of delivering in a crucial moment.
Powell’s aggressive approach complemented Pandey’s composed base, keeping the scoreboard moving without letting the required run-rate spiral. Once the foundations were set, Rinku Singh finished the job to ensure KKR stayed in the playoff hunt.
