Chris Lynn’s top 3 performances in IPL

Chris Lynn is one of the most devastating batters that the game of cricket has seen. Lynn has been a journeyman when it comes to the shortest format of the game. In 2014, the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) embarked on a fairy tale journey with the debut of Australian cricketer Chris Lynn. His remarkable catch at the mid-wicket boundary against AB de Villiers showcased his phenomenal talent. Lynn’s crucial innings in the same match solidified his importance to the team. 

Despite a shoulder injury sidelining him in the following season, Lynn has since become a key figure at Eden Gardens and a beloved T20 batter globally, renowned for his destructive style. Despite participating in only seven matches, Chris Lynn narrowly missed the 300-run mark in IPL 2017. 

However, in the following season, he amassed an impressive 491 runs across 16 games. Crucially, Lynn spearheaded the batting lineup for Kolkata Knight Riders, assuming a leadership role and inspiring a sense of accountability while representing the team. Let us look at the top three knocks by Chris Lynn in IPL history;

3. 50 runs off 22 balls vs Royal Challengers Bangalore, IPL 2017

This innings from the right-hand batter shows his ability to absolutely smoke the cricket balls out of the part. It was also evident in his encounter with Virat Kohli’s team. Despite Travis Head’s impressive innings for the Challengers, posting a competitive total of 158, Lynn’s onslaught, comprising five fours and four sixes, swiftly swung the momentum in Kolkata Knight Riders’ favor. Partnering with Sunil Narine, Lynn formed a formidable 100-run partnership, ultimately leading KKR to a convincing victory, chasing down the target in just 15.1 overs.

2. 45 runs off 42 balls vs Rajasthan Royals, IPL 2018

In the game, Batting first the Rajasthan Royals managed a mere 142 runs in 19 overs. In response, Sunil Narine provided a blistering start for the hosts, while Chris Lynn initially struggled to find his usual form. However, rather than forcefully attacking every ball, Lynn adopted a more composed approach, focusing on rotating the strike and supporting his team amidst falling wickets. Despite notching up five fours and a six, Lynn’s noteworthy achievement was his adept handling of the opposition’s spin attack, silencing his critics. Though he fell short of a half-century, Lynn’s adaptive batting style played a pivotal role in Kolkata Knight Riders’ victory, showcasing his ability to contribute crucial innings when needed.

1. 93 runs off 41 balls vs Gujarat Lions, IPL 2017

Chris Lynn‘s unbeaten 93 against the now-defunct Gujarat Lions stands out as not only his finest innings to date but also as one of the IPL’s most dominant performances. Despite Suresh Raina’s 68 and a rapid 47 from Dinesh Karthik, Gujarat set a formidable target of 183 runs. The conditions favored batting, but Kolkata Knight Riders’ pursuit left spectators in awe. Remarkably, they chased down the target in less than 15 overs without losing a wicket. Lynn’s innings wasn’t just about power hitting; it was characterized by effortless strokeplay. With eight towering sixes and six fours, Lynn’s fearless batting propelled KKR to a comprehensive victory.