KKR beat MI by 4 wickets (Pic Credit: IPL)
New Delhi: IPL 2026 wrote another slice of history on Wednesday night as Kolkata Knight Riders’ four-wicket win over Mumbai Indians became the 42nd win of the season for a second-placed side – the highest ever in a single edition of the IPL.The previous record stood at 41 successful chases during the 2016 season, but with five league matches remaining in IPL 2026, the current season has already surpassed that mark.
In 65 matches so far this season, teams in pursuit have won 42 times, meaning 64.6 percent of completed matches have been won by the team in second place. Excluding the resultless clash between KKR and Punjab Kings, this percentage rises to 65.6.Only three Indian Premier League seasons have now seen 40 or more outright wins for chasing teams – 2026, 2016 and 2011 – underscoring a growing trend that is heavily skewed in favor of teams finishing second this year.
Most wins by chasing teams in IPL season
- 42nd in 2026 Indian Premier League (65 matches)
- 41st in Indian Premier League 2016 (60 matches)
- 40th in Indian Premier League 2011 (73 matches)
While the record highlights the thrill of successful run chases, it has also reignited the debate over whether teams batting first increasingly find themselves at a disadvantage in the competition.
KKR survive in playoff race
On a tough two-speed pitch at Eden Gardens, Kolkata produced a disciplined bowling effort before chasing down 148 with four wickets in hand to keep their playoff hopes alive.
When KKR skipper Ajinkya Rahane was asked to bat first, Mumbai never found the momentum after early knocks from pacers Saurabh Dube and Cameron Green, who each took two wickets in their opening overs.Mumbai slumped to 46/4 inside the powerplay – the fifth time this season they have lost at least three wickets in their first six overs. Hardik Pandya and Tilak Varma added 43 runs, but their stand consumed 49 balls and failed to provide the acceleration that Mumbai desperately needed.Sunil Narine tightened the noose brilliantly in the middle, conceding just 13 runs off his four overs, while late sixes from Corbin Bosh helped Mumbai reach 147/8.KKR’s chase also got off to a shaky start after Finn Allen fell in the opener. Rahane and Green departed soon after as Mumbai threatened to be upset.But experienced campaigners Manish Pandey and Rovman Powell nailed the roles with a composed partnership that ultimately decided the contest.Pandey, playing his first match of the season, hit a crucial 45 and later admitted that the innings meant a lot to him.“This is the only time I have batted this season. I was ready and waiting to bat, and this is special for me,” he said.Powell’s aggressive knock complemented Pandey’s calm style before Rinku Singh ended the chase and ensured KKR’s survival in the playoff race.