NEW DELHI: IPL 2026 scripted another slice of history on Wednesday night as Kolkata Knight Riders’ four-wicket victory over Mumbai Indians became the 42nd win of the season for a team batting second — the highest ever in a single IPL edition.

The previous record stood at 41 successful chases during the 2016 season, but with five league games still remaining in IPL 2026, the current campaign has already gone past that mark.

In 65 matches so far this season, teams chasing have won 42 times, meaning 64.6 percent of completed games have been won by the side batting second. Excluding the no-result clash between KKR and Punjab Kings, that percentage rises further to 65.6.

Only three IPL seasons have now witnessed 40 or more outright wins for chasing teams — 2026, 2016 and 2011 — underlining a growing trend that has tilted heavily in favour of teams batting second this year.

Most wins by chasing teams in an IPL season

• 42 in IPL 2026 (65 matches)

• 41 in IPL 2016 (60 matches)

• 40 in IPL 2011 (73 matches)

Advertisement

While the record highlights the thrill of successful run chases, it has also reignited debate around whether teams batting first are increasingly finding themselves at a disadvantage in the competition.

KKR stay alive in playoff race

On a tricky, two-paced Eden Gardens pitch, Kolkata produced a disciplined bowling effort before chasing down 148 with four wickets in hand to keep their playoff hopes alive.

Asked to bat first by KKR skipper Ajinkya Rahane, Mumbai never found momentum after early blows from pacers Saurabh Dubey and Cameron Green, who claimed two wickets each in their opening spells.

Mumbai slumped to 46/4 inside the powerplay — the fifth time this season they lost at least three wickets in the first six overs. Hardik Pandya and Tilak Varma added 43 runs, but their stand consumed 49 balls and failed to provide the acceleration Mumbai desperately needed.

Sunil Narine tightened the screws brilliantly in the middle overs, conceding just 13 runs from four overs, while late sixes from Corbin Bosch helped Mumbai reach 147/8.

KKR’s chase also began shakily after Finn Allen fell in the opening over. Rahane and Green departed soon after as Mumbai threatened an upset.

But experienced campaigner Manish Pandey and Rovman Powell steadied the innings with a composed partnership that ultimately decided the contest.

Pandey, playing his first game of the season, struck a crucial 45 and later admitted the innings meant a lot to him.

131240236

Advertisement

“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,” he said.

Powell’s aggressive strokeplay complemented Pandey’s calm approach before Rinku Singh finished the chase and ensured KKR remained alive in the playoff race.