![\"IPL](\"https:\/\/static.toiimg.com\/thumb\/msid-131238972,imgsize-58184,width-400,height-225,resizemode-4\/kkr-beat-mi.jpg\" "\\"KKR")
<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nNEW DELHI: IPL 2026 scripted another slice of history on Wednesday night as Kolkata Knight Riders\u2019 four-wicket victory over Mumbai Indians<\/a> became the 42nd win of the season for a team batting second \u2014 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 \u2014 2026, 2016 and 2011 \u2014 underlining a growing trend that has tilted heavily in favour of teams batting second this year.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 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<\/a>, 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 \u2014 the fifth time this season they lost at least three wickets in the first six overs. Hardik Pandya<\/a> 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\u2019s 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.\u201cThis is the only time I\u2019ve batted this season. I\u2019ve been padded up and waiting to bat, this is a special one for me,\u201d he said.Powell\u2019s aggressive strokeplay complemented Pandey\u2019s calm approach before Rinku Singh finished the chase and ensured KKR remained alive in the playoff race.<\/div>\nMost wins by chasing teams in an IPL season
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KKR stay alive in playoff race
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