Gujarat Titans vs Lucknow Super Giants Ball by Ball Commentary

A dot to end the game then! Alzarri Joseph lands this back of a length and on leg, angling in, Ravi Bishnoi makes room to cut it away but fails to connect. GUJARAT WIN BY 56 RUNS~

Another fiery bumper, on leg, Ravi Bishnoi once again ducks under it.

Sharp bowling! Alzarri Joseph bangs this onto the pitch again, on leg following the batter, Ravi Bishnoi ducks under it and then falls over in the process. He takes the review as he thinks it is a wide but the replay shows that it is a fair delivery and Lucknow loses their review.

Alzarri Joseph bangs in a bouncer, on leg, Ravi Bishnoi makes room and tries to cut it away but misses.

FOUR! Up and over! This is full and on off, Ravi Bishnoi lifts it over mid off for a boundary.

Full and on leg, Swapnil Singh flicks it through square leg for a single.

Ravi Bishnoi comes out to bat now. Also, Alzarri Joseph comes into the attack, just to bowl the final over.

OUT! TWO IN TWO! Mohit Sharma works his magic again! He once again serves the slower one, full and on off, Krunal Pandya tries to slog it away over long on but mistimes it in the air as David Miller there settles under it and takes a good catch. Mohit Sharma ends up with four wickets!

Skipper, Krunal Pandya is the new man in.

OUT! TAKEN! Mohit Sharma strikes again! He gets his third wicket of the game! This is another slower delivery, full and on middle, Ayush Badoni tries to slog it away but is way early and only manages to get a top edge towards square leg where Noor Ahmad runs across, judges it well with the wind, and pouches it safely tumbling to the ground. Lucknow six down now!

Slower again, full but well outside off, Ayush Badoni leave it alone. Wided.

FOUR! Nice shot! Mohit Sharma lands this short and on middle, Ayush Badoni swivels and pulls it wide of deep mid-wicket for a boundary.

Chance of a run out...missed! This is good yorker, on off, Ayush Badoni digs it out towards point as Swapnil Singh sets off for the run but is sent back halfway through, Rashid Khan throws it at the bowler's end where Mohit Sharma is way in front of the stumps and fails to collect it and Singh makes his ground.

SIX! Good strike! This is full and around off, slower again, Ayush Badoni shuffles across and lofts it over the bowler's head for a biggie.

A slower one, full and outside off, Ayush Badoni uses his feet but swings way early and misses.

Darts this one full and around leg, Ayush Badoni eases it towards long on for one more.

Flatter, full and on leg, Swapnil Singh sweeps it towards deep square leg for one.

A googly now, outside off, turning further away, Swapnil Singh tries to reach for it but misses.

Flighted, full and on middle, Swapnil Singh blocks it down the pitch.

Swapnil Singh walks out to bat next.

OUT! TAKEN! Noor Ahmad strikes now! Nicholas Pooran goes back to the hut now and with that most of the hopes of Lucknow as well. This is floated, full and outside off, Nicholas Pooran tries to heave it away but only manages to get an outside edge as the ball loops up towards short third man where Mohammad Shami takes dolly. Lucknow lose half their side now!

Tossed up, full and on middle, Ayush Badoni tries to slog it away but gets a bottom edge towards deep mid-wicket for a single.

A slower one, full and on leg, Ayush Badoni clips it through mid-wicket for one.

Full and outside off, Ayush Badoni makes room and drills it wide of deep point and comes back for the second. If the throw from Vijay Shankar would have been better, Pooran was in trouble.

Length again on middle, this is whipped away in front of the man at deep backward square leg for a run.

Leg bye! Good length around off stump, Ayush Badoni attempts the reverse-paddle but misses and gets hit on the pads. The ball rolls on the deck and the batters scamper through for a leg bye.

SIX! Oh, what an unbelievable shot! Full and at the stumps, Ayush Badoni walks right across the stumps and laps it a long way over the fine leg fence for a biggie.

Full and straight from Mohammad Shami, right in the blockhole. Nicholas Pooran drives it to long off for a single.

Ayush Badoni, the Impact Player walks out to bat now.

OUT! BOWLED! A bizarre dismissal but Rashid Khan won't mind that! This is flatter, short and around leg, Quinton de Kock moves across and goes down to slog-sweep it away but misses and it brushes against his gloves and just clips the bail as KS Bharat also grabs it behind the stumps, and then the bail falls down. There is a huge appeal, but the umpire is not sure and sends this one upstairs. The replay shows that the ball did touch the bail and he is bowled. Rashid Khan is very happy and Gujarat are right on top here!

Floated, full and on middle, Nicholas Pooran heaves it off the inner half wide of deep mid-wicket for a brace.

Tossed up, full and on off, Nicholas Pooran tries to go for the lofted drive but gets an inside edge onto his pads as the ball goes nowhere.

Short again and on middle, Quinton de Kock pulls it towards deep square leg for a single.

Quicker, short and on leg, Quinton de Kock nudges it through square leg for a brace.

SIX! Much-needed for Lucknow! Rashid Khan lands this short and around off, Quinton de Kock has all the time in the world and pumps it over the wide long on fence for a biggie.

Another slower delivery, full and well outside the off stump. Nicholas Pooran tries to reach out and hammer it away but gets an outside edge. The ball though dies on its way to the keeper.

Nicholas Pooran comes out to the middle now.

OUT! CAUGHT! Mohit Sharma outsmarts Marcus Stoinis here and gets the breakthrough for Gujarat. Sharma steams in and grunts before delivering it at just 104.5 clicks. This is full and wide, Stoinis stays deep in his crease and looks to heave it across the line. The ball takes the outside edge and lobs up to the right of short third man where Mohammad Shami takes a few steps to his right and grabs a simple catch. Lucknow slip further now.

Takes pace off and bowls it full and wide, Quinton de Kock goes after it but mistimes it over wide mid off for just another single.

SIX! BOOM! Finally, Quinton de Kock gets one away. Pitched up around off, de Kock gets under it and thumps it straight back down the ground for a maximum.

Pace on this time and gets it in the blockhole around middle, Marcus Stoinis hangs deep and jams it out toward wide long on for one more.

In the air but safe! A slower delivery, a touch fuller and pushed outside off. Quinton de Kock reaches out and slices it over the point region for a single.

Strategic-Break! Gujarat have pulled things back nicely here to choke the Lucknow batters and they haven't given away much in the middle overs. Now, the visitors need over 100 runs in the last six overs and they will need something really special from Quinton de Kock, Marcus Stoinis or Nicholas Pooran to get over the line. Nonetheless, an exciting end to this chase awaits us.

A fraction shorter on off stump, Quinton de Kock muscles it down to the right of long on for yet another single.

Leg bye! Flatter and on the pads, worked away off the pads to short fine leg for a leg bye.

Nicely bowled! Noor Ahmad bowls the wrong'un now as he gives it a bit more flight and angles it across the right-hander. Marcus Stoinis looks to go after it but pulls out and gets beaten on the outside edge.

Flatter one around middle, Marcus Stoinis bunts it out to cover. Lucknow need something to give here.

Very full, drifted onto middle and leg, Quinton de Kock backs away and drives it right back past the bowler for one more.

Tosses it up nicely and around off, Marcus Stoinis clears the front leg and drives it down to long off for a single.

Good length around middle and leg, this is nudged away behind square leg for one more. Three quiet overs in a row now for Gujarat and they have a firm grip on the game at the moment.

Full, right at the base of the leg stump, Quinton de Kock backs away and heaves it through mid-wicket for a single.

Full and outside off, driven through the cover region for a single.

Length ball on off stump, Marcus Stoinis pushes it toward mid off.

Marcus Stoinis walks out to bat now.

OUT! CAUGHT! Deepak Hooda never looked on song and he now holes out after a sluggish start. Mohammad Shami serves a full toss on off stump and bowls this one at around 139 clicks. Hooda goes deep in his crease and looks to smoke it away over the mid-wicket fence. Hooda gets no timing on it and hits it straight down the throat of the incoming fielder at deep mid-wicket. Rahul Tewatia there takes a simple catch and the pressure just keeps building on Lucknow.

Well short of the fielder once again and Quinton de Kock for the single that brings up his FIFTY as well. This is banged in short and around off, de Kock looks to muscle it away but mistimes it in front of the fielder at deep mid-wicket. De Kock will now look to shift gears here.

Mohammad Shami (2-0-22-0) comes back into the attack now.

Well short! Full again on middle and leg, Quinton de Kock gets in position to slog-sweep but mistimes it badly on the bounce to the man at deep mid-wicket and picks up a single.

Tosses it up nicely and bowls it very full on the pads, Quinton de Kock looks for the big slog across the line but misses and gets struck on the pads.

Full on middle and leg, worked away in front of mid-wicket for a single.

Floated up a bit and across the off stump, Quinton de Kock gets inside the line and stylishly sweeps it to deep backward square leg for one more.

Full and around off, Deepak Hooda gets down on one knee and sweeps it hard through square leg for one.

Flatter delivery on the pads, Deepak Hooda works it away 'round the corner and picks up a couple of runs.

Just another single and only 5 runs come off it. Slower delivery, a bit shorter and outside off, Deepak Hooda slaps it away wide of the man at long off and picks up a single.

Good length around off, Quinton de Kock plays a whippy shot through square leg and gets across for another run.

Pace on now and this is a low full toss on off stump, Deepak Hooda lifts it off the toe end of the bat and on the bounce to long off for just another single.

Slower again, full and outside off, this is driven firmly down to long off for a single.

Quinton de Kock getting crafty here. Another off-paced delivery, on a length and around off. De Kock gets inside the line and paddles it away straight to short fine leg.

Slower one, dragged down well outside the off stump, Deepak Hooda reaches out and taps it away in front of point for a single.

SIX! FLAT AND HARD! Hardik Pandya serves this full and on leg, Quinton de Kock uses the pace and just flicks it as the ball zips over the deep square leg fence for a biggie. 100 up for Lucknow!

A slower one now, full and on leg, Deepak Hooda uses his feet and pushes it towards covers for one more.

A high full toss, on leg, Quinton de Kock gets a bit hurried and mistimes his slog towards deep square leg for one.

Hardik Pandya sees the batter make room and nails the yorker, on leg, Quinton de Kock only manages to dig it out as the ball goes nowhere.

Full again and on off, Deepak Hooda slices it wide of third man for a run.

Fuller and on middle, Quinton de Kock tries to flick it away over short fine leg but gets a leading edge past point for only a single.

Hardik Pandya (2-0-27-0) is back on.

Fuller and on off, Quinton de Kock moves across and tries to whip it away but mistimes it on the bounce towards deep square leg. They cross.

Touch fuller and on middle, Deepak Hooda tucks it through mid-wicket for one more.

Another slower one, back of a length and on off, Quinton de Kock steers it towards short third man for one.

On a length and on middle, Deepak Hooda pats it towards long on for a single.

Deepak Hooda walks in at number 3.

OUT! TAKEN! What a catch, Rashid Khan! Surely a contender for catch of the season. Gujarat needed something special and they got it from the Afghan magician in the field. Mohit Sharma lands this short of a length and outside off, slower again, Kyle Mayers is way early into his pull shot and tries to check it in the end. As a result, it goes high up in the air in front of deep square leg where Rashid Khan covers a lot of ground to his left and he slips in the end too but manages to grab it behind him sliding in. A special catch! Mayers goes after an impactful knock!

Mohit Sharma begins with a slower delivery, full and on off, Kyle Mayers taps it towards point.

Mohit Sharma is now brought into the attack.

FOUR! Lovely shot! This is tossed up, full and on middle, Quinton de Kock once again changes his stance and reverse-sweeps it towards the deep point fence for a one-bounce boundary.

A googly, short and on leg, turning in, Quinton de Kock misses his flick and KS Bharat gathers it and appeals for the catch, but is turned down. It is called a wide. However, Bharat asks Hardik Pandya to challenge this decision and UltraEdge shows a spike when it is near the thigh pads. The on-field decision of wide is overturned. A good review from Gujarat!

Short and around leg, Kyle Mayers moves back and forces it towards long on for another run.

Darts this one full, on leg, Quinton de Kock drills it towards long on for a run.

Flatter, full and way outside off, Quinton de Kock leaves it alone. Wided.

FOUR! Easy pickings! Noor Ahmad serves another full toss, on off, Quinton de Kock goes down and reverse-sweeps it past short third man for a boundary.

A low full toss, on off, Kyle Mayers drives it wide of covers where Hardik Pandya stops it well again, They cross.

Short and on off, Quinton de Kock cuts it towards backward point.

Shortish and on middle, Kyle Mayers pulls it towards deep square leg for one.

A huge appeal for LBW, but turned down! Rashid Khan is very confident and signals for the review and his skipper, Pandya obliges after a chat with KS Bharat. Khan bowls this quicker again around leg, Kyle Mayers is caught on his crease and misses his flick to get hit on the pads. The question is whether it has pitched in line and with the replay it looks like it is and Gujarat players starts celebrating as it looks plumb, but UltraEdge shows a spike when the ball is near the bat and Mayers is safe. Pandya and Rashid Khan are in disbelief and they lose their review.

Flatter, full and on leg, Quinton de Kock works it through square leg for another run.

Quicker, short and on middle, Kyle Mayers pulls it towards deep square leg for a run. They though about the second but decided against it in the end.

Tossed up, full and on middle, Quinton de Kock reverse-sweeps it towards point for a single.

Strategic break! This is just the start Lucknow were looking for and the pair of Quinton de Kock and Kyle Mayers has simply been sensational just like their counterparts. It is still a big target and there's a long way to go in the chase and the middle overs will certainly prove to be vital. Lucknow will look to garner as many runs as possible at the top of the order and Gujarat will be gunning for wickets. Which side will take momentum into the death overs? Let's find out...

FOUR! Fine shot! This is flighted, full and on off, Kyle Mayers stays there and drills it past the bowler and well wide of mid off for a boundary. Lucknow are 72 for no loss at the end of the Powerplay!

A googly now, full and on off, turning in, Kyle Mayers tries to slog it away but fails to connect.

Quicker, short and on off, Kyle Mayers bunts it to the off side.

IN THE AIR BUT FOUR! Noor Ahmad lands this short and on middle Kyle Mayers moves back and pulls it high in the air but it lands safely in the deep square leg region and beats the dive of David Miller for a boundary.

Flatter, full and on off, Kyle Mayers chops it off the bottom edge towards covers.

Good fielding! Noor Ahmad starts with a tossed up delivery, full and on off, Kyle Mayers drives it wide of mid off where Hardik Pandya dives to his left to make a good stop.

Noor Ahmad comes in to bowl the final over of the Powerplay.

FOUR! In the gap! Short again and this time around leg stump, Quinton de Kock shuffles across and gets inside the line before pulling it in between backward square leg and short fine leg for a boundary.

Short of a length and over middle, this is pulled away off the back foot toward deep mid-wicket for a run.

SIX! BANG! Right in the slot from Rashid Khan and Kyle Mayers thumps it straight back over the bowler's head. The ball swerves away in the air before crashing into the sightscreen for a biggie.

Around middle and leg, Quinton de Kock leans in and turns it through mid-wicket for a single.

Full again on the pads, this is flicked away in front of square leg for a couple of runs.

Quick and full on the pads, Quinton de Kock goes for the hard sweep but misses and gets it off the pads toward square leg. There is an appeal for lbw from the bowler but that is all. Also, the replays show that there was an inside edge on it as well.

FOUR! Lucky boundary! A good bumper from Hardik Pandya, over off stump and comes in at a difficult height for the batter. Kyle Mayers looks to take it on but gets a top edge that flies down to third man and goes into the fence.

We will see some spin now as Rashid Khan is ready bowl some leggies.

WIDE! Very full and well down the leg side this time. Kyle Mayers misses the flick and another wide is signalled.

WIDE! Full and just down the leg side, this is left alone for a wide.

Is that a dropped catch? It certainly looks like it and the replays confirm the same. Another low full toss from Hardik Pandya, this time outside off. Kyle Mayers deliberately opens the face of the bat and slices it toward cover-point. The ball goes quickly and low to the left of Rashid Khan there and he ends up spilling it.

Misses out! A juicy full toss on off stump, Kyle Mayers clears the front leg but drills it straight to the man at mid off who makes a sharp stop.

Back of a length around off, Quinton de Kock hands back and nudges it down toward third man for a run.

FOUR! This is a blistering start from Lucknow! Hardik Pandya serves a low full toss around off, Quinton de Kock drives at it and gets it in between mid on and mid-wicket for yet another boundary.

FOUR! Easy pickings! Short of a length around off and this one just sits up for the batter. Quinton de Kock lays into it and muscles it away well in front of square on the leg side for a boundary.

FOUR! Gets it through and 19 runs come off the over, a big one for Lucknow. This is very full and around off, Kyle Mayers backs away and squeezes it through the cover region for a boundary.

Good length on middle and leg, Kyle Mayers keeps it out.

SIX! Clean strike! Length ball on off and middle, Kyle Mayers hangs back and just swings through the line dispatching it over the long on fence for a maximum.

Leg bye! Confusion galore out in the middle! This is bowled on a hard length over middle, Quinton de Kock looks to defend but misses and the ball goes off the thigh pads onto the off side. The batters start off for the single but stop midway and the three fielders around the ball also stop. The batters do push for the run and the fielders are just not attentive enough.

FOUR! Oh, that is cheeky from Quinton de Kock! On a length again and around off, de Kock walks across the stumps and gets inside the line before paddling it past the man at short fine leg for another boundary.

FOUR! Lovely shot and Quinton de Kock gets off the mark in this year's tournament! On a good length but a bit too wide of the off stump, de Kock just taps it away and gets it through the point region for a boundary.

Halt! KS Bharat now comes in as the substitute wicket-keeper in place of Wriddhiman Saha who goes out of the field with the physio.

Perfect length, on middle and leg, Kyle Mayers stays back and blocks it out.

Good length on off stump, kept out in front of cover.

FOUR! Does well the batter. A well-directed short ball from Hardik Pandya at the body. Kyle Mayers hops and takes his eyes off it a bit but manages to flick it over short fine leg and he picks up yet another boundary.

FOUR! Two in a row! A fraction shorter around off, Kyle Mayers is waiting for it and rocks back a bit before muscling it in front of deep mid-wicket for a boundary.

FOUR! Up and over! Pitched-up delivery around off, Kyle Mayers stands tall and lofts it well over mid off and picks up the first boundary of the chase.

Starts with a fullish delivery on leg stump and Kyle Mayers gets a bit cramped. Mayers pushes it out toward cover.

Hardik Pandya to share the attack.

Around the top of off stump yet again and Quinton de Kock blocks it out with hard hands. Just 4 runs off the first over of the chase.

Length ball, pushed it wider of the off stump, Kyle Mayers goes after it and gets a thick outside edge on the bounce to the man at third man and picks up a single.

Too close for comfort! Beautiful delivery from Mohammad Shami as he bowls it around the top of off and gets the ball to nip back in sharply off the deck. Kyle Mayers stands tall and swings across the line but is beaten on the inside edge and the ball just goes over the stumps. Wriddhiman Saha also makes a good stop diving down to his right.

Good length around the top of off at 140 clicks. Kyle Mayers solidly defends it out on the off side.

Nicely bowled! Good length, around off stump and getting a bit extra bounce off the deck. Kyle Mayers has a poke at it but is well beaten.

Full again and swinging into the pads, Kyle Mayers whips it away in front of the man at deep square leg and gets off the mark with a couple of runs.

WIDE! Mohammad Shami starts with a real loosener as he spills it well down the leg side and the ball swings further away. Lucknow are underway with an extra.

Well bowled! Yash Thakur steams in from 'round the wicket and angles in a perfect yorker at the toes. David Miller manages to dig it out and gets it toward long on for a single. 14 off the final over and Gujarat finish with a massive total of 227/2 on the board!

FOUR! Excellent placement! A good slower bumper from Yash Thakur over middle, David Miller stays back and waits for it before playing a controlled pull shot in front of square leg. Nicholas Pooran from deep mid-wicket runs to his left and dives in but fails to stop the boundary.

Slower and shorter around off stump, Shubman Gill pulls it away without much timing toward wide long on for a single. The score now reads - 222 for 2!

Slower one, bowled back of a length and outside off. Shubman Gill mistimes the pull right back at the bowler who does well to make a stop.

Calls for two right away and gets it! Full and wide, Shubman Gill reaches out and squeezes it in front of point for a couple of runs.

SIX! All the way! Yash Thakur just misses the yorker and serves it in the slot outside off. Shubman Gill goes deep in his crease and lofts it right back over the bowler's head for a maximum. Gill moves into the 90s now.

Who will bowl the last over? It will be Yash Thakur (3-0-34-0).

Swing and a miss! Just a bit slower and on a length, angled well across the left-hander. David Miller hangs deep and looks for the slog across the line but is well beaten.

Full and wide outside off, David Miller reaches out and slices it away in front of the man at deep backward point for a couple of runs.

SIX! Up, up and away! Avesh Khan misses the yorker outside off and pays the price. David Miller gets across the off stump and whacks it over the long on fence for a biggie.

Takes pace off a bit and bowls it back of a length outside off, Shubman Gill drags the pull shot through mid-wicket and turns the strike over.

Gets in the wide yorker at over 140 clicks, David Miller shuffles across and drives it toward sweeper cover for just a single.

Very full, around the base of the off stump, Shubman Gill stays deep in his crease and heaves it through square leg for a single.

Full and around off, this is driven firmly and down to long on for one more.

Goes back to bowling a slower ball into the deck and outside off, David Miller chops it away through cover-point for a single.

FOUR! Just misses the yorker and gets punished! This is a low full toss on middle, David Miller hangs back and frees his arms before thumping it straight down the ground for a boundary. 200 up now for Gujarat;

A slower bumper now, bowled from around the wicket and outside off stump. David Miller sways away from the line of the ball.

Risky single but they make it across! Back to over the wicket now and bowls an off-spinning slower ball into the deck and outside off. Shubman Gill mistimes the cut back onto the deck and the batters scamper through for a run.

Bowled from around the wicket and right in the blockhole on middle and leg, David Miller manages to flick it away through mid-wicket for a run.

Yash Thakur comes back into the attack now. He has conceded 26 runs in his two overs.

Hard length, angled across off stump, David Miller edges it wide of the man at third man and picks up a single.

Slower one, into the deck and this is pulled away to deep mid-wicket for a run.

FOUR! Gets a fingertip on it! Full and straight, Shubman Gill backs away and drills it right back at the bowler who sticks out his right hand. The ball though hits the thumb and races away to the long off fence for a boundary.

Two is the call and they get it with ease. Back of a length over middle and leg, Shubman Gill swats it away toward wide long on for a couple of runs.

Leg bye! Comes from around the wicket now and angles in a good-length ball into the pads. David Miller fails to get it away and gets it off the pads to backward square leg. They pick up a leg bye.

Hard length, angled into middle, swung away by Shubman Gill through square leg for one.

David Miller is the next man in. Also, Avesh Khan (2-0-14-1) is back on.

OUT! TAKEN! Krunal Pandya holds on to a sharp chance and sends his brother, Hardik Pandya back to the pavilion. Mohsin Khan goes full and wide now, pace off as well. Hardik hangs deep and throws his hands at it. Hardik gets a lot of power on it but doesn't get the elevation to extra cover. Krunal takes it brilliantly around his chest with both hands. A quick cameo from Hardik comes to an end now.

Banged in a bit around off stump, Shubman Gill pulls it away to deep mid-wicket for a single.

FOUR! Finds the gap! Fuller in length and Shubman Gill heaves it away off the inner half of the bat through wide mid on and beats the chasing man from long on for a boundary.

Shorter this time and over the stumps, Hardik Pandya pulls it away in front of deep mid-wicket for one more.

On a hard length and around off, punched away down to long off for a single.

DROPPED! Mohsin Khan bowls it back of a length and outside off. Hardik Pandya rocks back and cuts it hard to the man at backward point. Kyle Mayers there gets down to his left but the ball comes quickly to him and hits the left wrist. The batters pick up a single Hardik gets a life here.

A slower one to end the over, full and on leg, Hardik Pandya chips it through square leg for one. 20 runs off the over!

SIX! BOOM! Hardik Pandya connects this time alright! Marcus Stoinis goes pace on, full and outside off, Hardik Pandya this time reads it and muscles it over the deep extra covers fence for a maximum.

FOUR! Just over! This is full and outside off, slower again, Hardik Pandya slices it up in the air but it just goes over short thrid man for a boundary.

Short of a length and on off, slower too, Hardik Pandya swats it towards deep mid-wicket for a brace.

Full again and on middle, Shubman Gill drives it towards long on for a single.

SIX! Shubman Gill greets Marcus Stoinis with a maximum! This is a slower delivery, full and on off, Shubman Gill picks it up way early and waits for it to slog it over the deep mid-wicket fence for a biggie.

Full again and outside off again, Hardik Pandya slices it off the bottom edge but it goes straight to short third man.

SIX! Hardik Pandya goes big now! Yash Thakur serves this full again and outside off, Hardik Pandya shuffles across and dispatches it over the long off fence for a biggie.

Another slower delivery, full and outside off, Shubman Gill drives it towards sweeper covers for one.

Yash Thakur bowls a yorker, outside off, Shubman Gill tries to reach for it but misses. Wided.

Overpitched and on off, Hardik Pandya drives it towards long off for a another run.

A full toss, on off, Shubman Gill drills it towards sweeper covers for a run.

A slower one, full and on off, Hardik Pandya forces it towards long on for a single.

Strategic break! Gujarat are motoring along very nicely but they have lost their chief architect Wriddhiman Saha who played a blinder of a knock. The good thing for them is that the platform is laid and they can just take a couple of overs to rebuild and then shift gears once again. Lucknow need wickets and they need them in heaps to get back and restrict their opponents to a score not too much over 200. A crucial phase of play is coming up next.

Another short delivery, on middle, Hardik Pandya once again pulls it well towards deep square leg for one

Short again and on middle, Shubman Gill pats it through mid-wicket for another run.

Short and on middle, Hardik Pandya pulls it towards deep square leg for a single.

Oh...what just happened? Avesh Khan lands this on a back of a length and on middle, Hardik Pandya tries to work it away but misses and gets hit high on his body as the ball touches the ground spins back and hits the stumps but the bails do not come off as there is not enough power when the impact happens. Pandaya surives!

On a length and on off, Hardik Pandya dabs it towards point.

Skipper, Hardik Pandya walks out to bat next.

OUT! TAKEN! A brilliant catch in the deep! Avesh Khan draws first blood! Some relief on the faces of the Lucknow players as they see the back of the dangerous Saha now.  Khan serves this fuller and on leg, Wriddhiman Saha skips down the track and tries to whip it away and connects well but unfortunately for him it travel in the air and wide of deep square leg where Prerak Mankad (Sub) runs to his left and takes it tumbling on the ground in the process. Saha goes back to a huge ovation from the crowd!

SIX! Into the stands! Krunal Pandya darts this one a bit short, on middle, angling in, Shubman Gill clears his front leg and smokes it over the wide long on fence for a biggie.

Flighted, on middle, Wriddhiman Saha uses his feet and tries to drive it but once again gets an inside edge towards long on for one more.

Short and on middle, Shubman Gill moves back and works it through mid-wicket for one.

Quicker, full and on middle, Wriddhiman Saha mistimes his drive off the inner half towards long on for a run.

FOUR! Good shot! Krunal Pandya sees Saha make room and serves a full toss, outside off, Wriddhiman Saha still manages to slice it over point for a boundary.

FIFTY FOR GILL! He loves this ground and continues to rack up the runs. This has been a stylish knock from him and he will want to go hard now. Krunal Pandya bowls this flatter, full and on leg, Shubman Gill flicks it through mid-wicket for a single.

Fires this one full and on the pads, Shubman Gill works it through square leg for one.

Another short delivery, outside off, Wriddhiman Saha makes room and punches it wide of sweeper covers for a run.

Floated, short and on middle, Wriddhiman Saha uses his feet but only manages to bunt it back to the bowler.

Flatter, full and on middle Shubman Gill drives it towards long off for a single.

Short again and on middle, Shubman Gill nudges it towards deep mid-wicket for a couple of more runs.

Swapnil Singh begins with a short delivery, on middle, Shubman Gill tucks it with soft hands towards mid-wicket and comes back for the second easily as the fielder fails to pick up on the go.

Swapnil Singh comes into the attack now.

Flatter one, angled into middle and leg, Shubman Gill stays back and knocks it down to long on to make it six singles off the over.

Floats it up a bit and bowls it outside off, Wriddhiman Saha comes forward and drives it through the cover region for yet another single.

Flatter one on the pads, worked away 'round the corner for a single.

Very full and very wide outside the off stump, Wriddhiman Saha reaches out and toe-ends it down to long off for one more.

Drifted onto the pads, Shubman Gill looks to tuck it away but gets a leading edge toward mid on and collects a single.

Slower and shorter outside off, hit away through cover-point for a run.

Nicely bowled but still, 17 runs come off it. Ravi Bishnoi sees Wriddhiman Saha coming down the pitch and bowls a quicker and fuller one outside off. Saha gets an inside edge off the pads and the ball rolls toward short third man. They get a single.

Full and around off, this is driven off the front foot through extra cover for a run.

SIX! Wow, that is a shot and a half! Tossed up once again and on off stump, Shubman Gill plays a straight-batted lofted drive and smokes the ball a long way over the fence and picks up a 96-meter maximum.

WIDE! Tossed up full and well outside the off stump. Shubman Gill leaves it alone and a wide is called.

Slightly flighted and outside off, Wriddhiman Saha steps out and drives it toward sweeper cover for one.

Quicker and flatter outside off, this is slapped away in front of point for a single.

SIX! Pure class from Shubman Gill and the 100 is already up for Gujarat! This is floated up full and outside off, Gill crouches a bit and just reaches out before lofting it all the way over the cover fence for a maximum.

FOUR! Lucky! Nagging length outside off, Wriddhiman Saha looks to cut but gets a bottom edge and the ball goes past the stumps and the keeper before running away into the fence. 16 off the over, another big one for Gujarat.

Slower one, a low full toss and angled across the off stump. Shubman Gill reaches out and tries to drag it leg side but toe-ends it toward mid-wicket for a single.

NO BALL! It's going bad to worse here for Kyle Mayers. Comes from around the wicket and angles across a very high full toss. Wriddhiman Saha looks to pull but ends up slicing it toward backward point for a single. Krunal Pandya wants to review it but he is a bit too late. Free Hit to follow...

FOUR! The boundaries just keep on coming for Wriddhiman Saha. Just a tad short and over middle, Saha pulls it well in front of square on the leg side and finds the fence once again.

Full and around off, angling it in. Wriddhiman Saha shuffles across and looks for the lap shot but misses and gets struck on the pads.

FOUR! Short and wide, Wriddhiman Saha comes forward a bit and slaps it away over backward point for a boundary.

Starts with a shortish delivery around off, Shubman Gill stays back and half-pulls it in front of the square on the leg side for a single.

Kyle Mayers comes into the attack now.

Short on middle and leg, Shubman Gill with a short-arm jab down to wide long on for just a single.

Ravi Bishnoi sees Wriddhiman Saha coming and shortens the length nicely. Saha forces it through cover-point and gets across for a single.

Full on middle and leg, worked away in front of mid-wicket for one more.

Fraction shorter around off and turning in, Saha cuts it off the back foot through point for a single.

Pushed through a bit fuller and outside off, Wriddhiman Saha looks to step out but ends up just blocking it.

Quicker and flatter on off stump, Wriddhiman Saha goes on the back foot to defend it out.

Strategic-Break! This has been a rollicking start from Gujarat as both their openers are striking a good rate especially Saha who has already notched up his fifty. They will hope to continue this momentum and set a huge total. Lucknow need a wicket and they need it quickly as this is getting out of their hands. Ravi Bishnoi to bowl after the break.

SIX! Easy pickings! This is short again and down leg, Shubman Gill stays put and just helps it on its way, sending it a long way over the fine leg fence for a biggie. 15 off the over and after the Powerplay, Gujarat are flying at 78/0!

Full and straight, this is pushed out through mid on for one more.

Shorter one around the hips, Shubman Gill stays back and whips it away past square leg for another single.

A tad slower and banged in as well, Wriddhiman Saha walks down the track and pulls it away through mid-wicket for a single.

Back of a length and over middle, Wriddhiman Saha looks to pull but gets hurried on a bit and takes a blow on the body.

SIX! What a way to get to a sensational FIFTY from Wriddhiman Saha and he is in a relentless mood here. Yash Thakur starts with a short ball around off, Saha steps out and clobbers it over the long on fence for yet another biggie.

Yash Thakur comes into the attack now.

SIX! Salt to the wounds! A great effort though from Deepak Hooda in the deep. This is tossed up, on middle, Shubman Gill uses his feet and launches it towards the long off fence with not much timing. However it has just enough power to go over Hooda for a biggie who tries to parry it inside but fails to do so.

A huge appeal for LBW, but turned down! Krunal Pandya takes the review after some discussion with Quinton de Kock. This is floated, shortish and around middle, Shubman Gill goes down and tries to sweep it away but misses and gets hit on the pads. UltraEdge shows no bat involved but Ball Tracking shows that wickets is missing as the ball is going above it. Lucknow loses their review!

Another short delivery, on off, Shubman Gill punches it wide of covers where Ravi Bishnoi dives to his right to stop it.

Short again and on middle, Shubman Gill tucks it wide of deep mid-wicket for a brace.

Quicker, short and on off, Shubman Gill looks to push it away but gets an outside edge towards short third man.

Flatter, full and on leg, Shubman Gill nudges it wide of square leg for a couple of runs.

FOUR! 24 runs off the over! Saha is on fire! This is on a hard length and on middle, Wriddhiman Saha picks up the length early and heaves it between deep square leg and deep mid-wicket for another boundary. 50 up for Gujarat as well!

SIX! Classy from Saha! Mohsin Khan pitches this one up, on off, Wriddhiman Saha stays there and shows the full face of the bat to loft it over the long off fence for a maximum.

FOUR! Wriddhiman Saha is dealing in boundaries only! Mohsin Khan lands this on a good length and on middle, Wriddhiman Saha moves across a bit and whips it wide of short fine leg for four more runs.

Short of a length and outside off, Shubman Gill cuts it towards deep point for a single.

Full and on off, Wriddhiman Saha drives it towards covers where a bit of a fumble allows the run.

SIX! What a shot! Mohsin Khan bangs in a bouncer now, on middle, Wriddhiman Saha gets into position quickly and hammers it over the deep mid-wicket fence for a biggie.

Mohsin Khan (1-0-12-0) switches ends now.

Another short delivery, on middle, Shubman Gill winds up for the big heave but pats it towards square leg in the end.

Flatter, full and on middle,e Shubman Gill drills it towards mid on and sets off for the run, Yash Thakur misfields a bit and allows the second runs. Although, if the throw would have been better there was a chance of a run out at the non-striker's end as Saha was struggling.

Short again and on middle, Wriddhiman Saha moves back and nudges it through mid-wicket for a run.

Short and on leg, Wriddhiman Saha works it towards square leg.

FOUR! Up and over! This is tossed up, full and around off, Wriddhiman Saha goes inside out and lofts it gently over covers for a boundary.

Krunal Pandya starts with a floated delivery, full and on middle, Shubman Gill tucks it through mid-wicket for a single.

FOUR! Nice shot! This is short of a length and around middle, Wriddhiman Saha skips down the track and pulls it well towards the deep square leg fence for a boundary.

SIX! First maximum of the match! Avesh Khan bangs in a bouncer again, on leg, Wriddhiman Saha tries to pull it away but gets a bit hurried and it goes of the top edge over the fine leg fence for a biggie.

This is on a hard length and around off, Wriddhiman Saha uses his feet and slashes at it but fails to connect.

Back of a length and on off, Wriddhiman Saha steers it towards point.

So close! Avesh Khan bangs this onto the pitch, on middle, keeps a bit low, Wriddhiman Saha tries to pull it away but it goes under his bat and hits him on the thigh pads and then deflects off the gloves just past the off pole.

Avesh Khan begins with a full delivery as well, on middle, Shubman Gill knocks it towards mid on for a quick single.

Avesh Khan to operate from the other end.

On a length and on off, Wriddhiman Saha dabs it towards point.

FOUR! Beautiful shot! Mohsin Khan serves this way fuller and on off, Wriddhiman Saha leans on a bit and creams it through covers for a boundary.

EDGED AND FOUR! This is on a good length and around off, shaping away a bit, Wriddhiman Saha looks to push it away but gets a thick outside edge past first slip and wide of third man for a boundary.

Mohsin Khan loses his line again and lands this short of a length, way outside off, Wriddhiman Saha throws his bat at it but misses. It is called a wide!

Mohsin Khan bowls the slower delivery, on a length and on off, Wriddhiman Saha is way early into his drive and his bottom hand comes off when he connects. The ball travels in the air but well wide of mid off. Two runs taken!

Fuller again and on off, Wriddhiman Saha pushes it towards short covers.

Back of a length, outside off, way outside off, Wriddhiman Saha leaves it alone. Wided. Gujarat are underway with extras!

Mohsin Khan starts with a full delivery, on off, Wriddhiman Saha keeps it out to the off side.

All in readiness for the game to begin! The two umpires are out in the middle as the Lucknow players are seen in a huddle just inside the boundary ropes. Wriddhiman Saha and Shubman Gill will open the innings for Gujarat as usual. Mohsin Khan has been handed the new ball and is raring to go. Let's play...

Gujarat's skipper, Hardik Pandya says that they would have batted first anyway. On captaining against his brother, he adds that it is a big thing and a very emotional day and their father would have been really proud. Goes on to say that the family would not be able to support one brother or another but says that one Pandya will definitely win. Mentions that it is just about expressing themselves and not worrying too much about the result. Informs that they have a forced change as Joshua Little has to play for his country and hence, Alzarri Joseph comes back into the team.

Krunal Pandya, the captain of Lucknow says that they will bowl first. On both the Pandya brothers captaining this game, he adds that it is a dream come true for both of them leading their respective sides. Tells that the wicket will play the same and he feels that they have a good batting line-up and backs themselves to chase a target. Mentions that they have played some good cricket and are in a good position in the table. Says that the game face will be on when they step out on the field. Informs Quinton de Kock is in for Naveen-ul-Haq.

Impact Players nominated by Lucknow - Ayush Badoni, Daniel Sams, Amit Mishra, Prerak Mankad, Yudhvir Singh.

Lucknow (Playing XI) - Quinton de Kock (In for Naveen-ul-Haq) (WK), Kyle Mayers, Deepak Hooda (In for Manan Vohra), Marcus Stoinis, Nicholas Pooran, Krunal Pandya (C), Swapnil Singh (On Lucknow debut) (In for Karan Sharma), Yash Thakur (In for Ayush Badoni), Ravi Bishnoi, Mohsin Khan, Avesh Khan (In for Krishnappa Gowtham).

Impact Players nominated by Gujarat - Alzarri Joseph, Dasun Shanaka, KS Bharat, Shivam Mavi, Jayant Yadav.

Gujarat (Playing XI) - Wriddhiman Saha (WK), Shubman Gill (In for Joshua Little), Hardik Pandya (C), Vijay Shankar, Abhinav Manohar, David Miller, Rashid Khan, Rahul Tewatia, Mohit Sharma, Mohammad Shami, Noor Ahmad.

TOSS - Up goes the coin and it lands in favor of Lucknow. They will BOWL first.

For the visitors, their batting has been a huge problem and no one has shown consistency. In the absence of Rahul, Marcus Stoinis, Nicholas Pooran, and Kyle Mayers need to take responsibility and they might think of playing Quinton de Kock in place of a foreign bowler as Mohsin Khan is back for them which is good news. Their bowling, though, has been decent with Amit Mishra, Ravi Bishnoi, and Naveen-ul-Haq but they will have to think about the right combination if they want to get the better of Gujarat. Let's see who comes out on top. Toss and team news in a bit.

Lucknow, on the other hand, are still in a good position in the table even though they haven't been at their best in the last couple of games. They have suffered a huge setback as their skipper, KL Rahul will not take any further part in this season due to injury and they have named Karun Nair as his replacement. However, they will miss his leadership qualities on the field but this is a great opportunity for Krunal Pandya to gain some experience and lead the side well and he will be up against his own brother in this match.

Gujarat has been the team to beat this season. They have chased huge totals and defended low totals and everyone has contributed for them. They are coming here after a dominating victory over Rajasthan. Shubman Gill has been their top scorer so far and will look to continue that while David Miller and Hardik Pandya control their middle order. They already had Rashid Khan and now they have found another gem of an Afghan spinner in Noor Ahmad. There is nothing much to say about Mohammad Shami as he has been tearing top teams apart. They will be very confident of getting the two points here.

Hello and welcome to our coverage of the Indian T20 League, 2023. It is Match 51 and the battle will be between two of the newest teams in this tournament, Gujarat and Lucknow at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. Both teams have performed well so far and it will be interesting to see who grabs the bragging rights.

... MATCH DAY ...

It is now time for Match number 51 in the 2023 Indian T20 League and things are really heating up in the race to the playoffs. Gujarat sit at the top of the table at the moment with 7 wins from 10 games and a win or two more will guarantee them a place in the knockout stages of the competition for a second year running. Lucknow, on the other hand, have once again amongst one of the top sides in the competition, and a win here will really bolster their chances of making it to the knockouts. Gujarat demolished a strong Rajasthan outfit in their previous game that too playing away from home. The bowling was on song with Rashid Khan leading the way and the batters chased down a low target without breaking a sweat. A big plus for them is the form of their skipper, Hardik Pandya with the bat as he has been striking it clean in the last few games. Overall, the reigning champions have arguably the most well-balanced team in the tournament and will look to stamp their authority once again. Lucknow have had a solid tournament thus far but it hasn't all been smooth sailing for them. After losing to Bangalore in a heated battle, their skipper, KL Rahul was ruled out of the tournament due to an injury suffered in that very game, and their previous game against Chennai was abandoned due to rain as well. All of that makes this a very important clash for them as they look to get back on track and keep their place in the top 4. They have some batters in form and Ayush Badoni showed in the last game that he can do well under pressure. Their bowling does need a bit more consistency and given that they lost when these two sides met earlier in the tournament, they will be under more pressure to get the win. Right then, the stage is set for a feisty encounter under a hot Ahmedabad sun and neither side will back down. Who are you backing?