Punjab Kings vs Kolkata Knight Riders Ball by Ball Commentary

SIX! Sunil Narine clears the fence now! Arshdeep Singh bowls a slower delivery, on a length and on off, Sunil Narine picks it up early and heaves it over the wide long on fence for a biggie.

A good yorker now, on middle, Shardul Thakur jams it out towards long on for a run.

Full and on off, Sunil Narine drives it through covers for a single.

Sunil Narine walks out to the middle.

OUT! TAKEN! Arshdeep Singh strikes again! A soft dismissal and Kolkata lose their set batters in quick succession. Arshdeep Singh bangs this short and around off, slower too, Venkatesh Iyer looks to upper cut it, but is through his shot early and the ball takes the inside edge and flies towards point where Rahul Chahar makes no mistake. Punjab are right on top here!

Full again and on middle, Shardul Thakur tucks it through square leg for a run.

Full and outside off, Venkatesh Iyer slices it towards deep point for a single.

SIX! What a shot to get off the mark! This is on a hard length and on middle, Shardul Thakur stays there and just lofts it over the deep mid-wicket fence for a biggie.

OUT! TAKEN! A huge wicket for Punjab, and Sam Curran gets the last laugh. Andre Russell goes back to the hut now, and with that probably most of the hopes of Kolkata too. Sam Curran bowl this short again and on middle, slower too, Andre Russell goes for the pull shot this time, but loses his bottom hand a bit and mistimes it in the air towards deep mid-wicket where Sikandar Raza pouches it safely. Russell is livid with himself, and Kolkata are six down now. Shardul Thakur is the next man in.

FOUR! Clever shot! Sam Curran lands this short and on middle, slower too, Andre Russell makes room and ramps it over short third man for a boundary.

SIX! Up, up and away! Sam Curran misses his yorker, and bowls a full toss, on middle, Andre Russell clears his front leg and slogs it over the wide deep mid-wicket fence for a maximum.

Full and on middle, Venkatesh Iyer clips it towards deep mid-wicket for a run.

Back of a length and outside off, Andre Russell cuts it towards deep point for a single.

Strategic break! The players will take some refreshments and discuss their final plans for the closing portion of this game. Kolkata need 74 runs in 36 balls and they have just the man to do the job at the crease - Andre Russell. Venkatesh Iyer is playing a handy knock and they will look to press the foot on the pedal now. Punjab know they need to break this partnership and not allow the game to go too late. There seems to be a slight drizzle around at the moment but not enough to stop play.

On a length and on middle, slower too, Andre Russell forces it towards long on for one more.

Another fine yorker, outside off, Andre Russell tries to squeeze it out, but misses.

Nathan Ellis redeems himself with a good yorker, on off, Venkatesh Iyer digs it out to long off for one.

SIX! Venkatesh Iyer uses the Free Hit to full advantage! This is full and in the slot, on middle, Venkatesh Iyer stays there and dispatches it over the long on fence for a biggie. The umpire waits and signal that it is another No Ball. Free Hit next up..

Another slower blower, back of a length and outside off, Andre Russell punches it towards sweeper covers for one. Oh..no! It is called a No Ball for overstepping. Free Hit coming up...

DROPPED! A tough chance, but it should have been taken. Nathan Ellis bowls a slower bounce, on middle, Andre Russell goes for the pull shot, but is through a bit early and gets a top edge behind the wickets, Prabhsimran Singh from short mid on runs backwards, but spills it out. Two runs taken!

FOUR! Powered away! Nathan Ellis pitches this up, on off, Andre Russell stays in his crease and thrashes it wide of mid off for a boundary.

A slower one, on a length and on off, Venkatesh Iyer guides it towards point for a single.

Quicker, short and outside off, spinning further away, Andre Russell slashes hard, but misses.

Looped up, full and on off, Venkatesh Iyer mistimes his sweep towards deep square leg for one.

Flighted, full and on off, Andre Russell taps it in front of covers for a single.

Quicker, short and on off, Andre Russell guides it towards short third man and denies the single.

SIX! BOOM! Andre Russell shows his power now! This is tossed up, full and on off, in the slot as well, Andre Russell clears his front leg and smokes it over the long off fence for a biggie.

Flatter, short and on middle, Venkatesh Iyer reverse-sweeps it towards point where a fumble allows the run.

Darts this one full and on leg, Venkatesh Iyer goes for the reverse sweep, but misses and Jitesh Sharma fails to stop it as well. A bye is taken.

Quicker, full and on off, Venkatesh Iyer drills it straight to extra covers.

Flatter, full and on middle, Andre Russell heaves it towards deep mid-wicket on the bounce for a run.

FOUR! SMASHED! This is tossed up, full and on middle, Andre Russell stays there and powers it over the bowler's head for a boundary.

Angles this one into the batter, short and on leg, Andre Russell gets cramped and blocks it back to the bowler.

Harpreet Brar starts with a floated delivery, full and on leg, Andre Russell tickles it wide of fine leg for a brace.

Another short delivery, outside off, turning away, Venkatesh Iyer goes for the cut again, but fails to connect this time.

Short again and on leg, keeps low too, Andre Russell manages well and pulls it through square leg for one.

Short and outside off, Venkatesh Iyer cuts it towards deep point for a run.

Tossed up, full and on off, Venkatesh Iyer pushes it towards short extra covers.

Floated, short and on off, Andre Russell steers it towards short third man for a single.

Andre Russell walks out to the middle with his team in a spot of bother.

OUT! TAKEN! Rahul Chahar strikes straightaway! He gets a wicket on his very first delivery. Chahar begins with a googly, full and on off, turning away, Rinku Singh goes down and tries to slog-sweep, but hits it with the bottom half of the bat as the ball fails to get the distance and Sikandar Raza at deep mid-wicket takes a good catch. Kolkata lose half their side now.

Slightly short and outside the off stump. Rinku Singh slaps this towards deep point for a single.

Bowls this into the pads on a fuller length. Rinku Singh clips this towards deep backward square leg and a misfield allows them to pick up a brace.

Angles this into the pads on a shorter length. Venkatesh Iyer flicks this towards deep mid-wicket and takes a run.

Floats this one full and outside the off stump. Rinku Singh knocks this towards deep point for a single to get off the mark.

Rinku Singh is the next man in.

OUT! CAUGHT! Sikandar Raza gets a wicket right after the break! The partnership was building nicely for Kolkata but it comes to an end now! This is bowled short and outside the off stump. Nitish Rana gets low to cut this into the off side but is unable to keep the ball down. He hits it straight into the hands of Rahul Chahar at point and Kolkata are now four down.

Sikandar Raza bowls this full and going down leg. Nitish Rana misses his sweep and the ball goes off the pads towards short fine leg.

Strategic-Break! Punjab took three wickets inside the Powerplay and put Kolkata on the back foot, but Nitish Rana and Venkatesh Iyer have steadied things for the visitors. The game is nicely poised and it could go either way in the blink of an eye. An exiciting middle phase of this innings awaits us.

Bowls this one outside the off stump on a shorter length. Venkatesh Iyer cuts this straight to point.

FOUR! Kolkata have decided to make the most of this over! Rishi Dhawan bowls slightly short once again and in line with the stumps. Venkatesh Iyer uses his fast hands to whip this towards deep mid-wicket for four runs.

Goes back to bowling back of a length and outside the off stump. Venkatesh Iyer dabs this towards backward point.

Goes full this time and outside the off stump. Nitish Rana knocks this towards point and sets off for a single.

SIX! No luck is involved here as this has been smashed away with disdain! Rishi Dhawan bowls this back of a length and outside the off stump. Nitish Rana pulls this towards deep mid-wicket for a massive six.

FOUR! A bit of luck going Kolkata's way here! Rishi Dhawan bowls this short and outside the off stump. Nitish Rana charges down the wicket and goes hard at the ball but gets an outside edge that flies to third man for four runs.

Rishi Dhawan replaces Nathan Ellis.

Floats this one full and into the stumps. Nitish Rana goes for the conventional sweep this time but misses it and the ball just goes past the stumps. The take a bye as the keeper is unable to collect it.

FOUR! Nitish Rana plays this one beautifully! Sikandar Raza tosses this one full and outside the off stump. Nitish Rana goes for the reverse sweep and finds the third man fence for four runs.

Fires this one full and just outside the off pole. Venkatesh Iyer eases this down to long on for another run.

Bowls this one short as well and outside the off pole. Nitish Rana cuts this towards deep point for one.

Bowls this one slightly short and into the pads. Venkatesh Iyer goes back and whips this towards deep square leg for a single.

Sikandar Raza tosses this one full and into the stumps. Venkatesh Iyer clips this wide of long on and takes a couple of runs.

Bangs this in short and outside the off stump. Venkatesh Iyer gets on top of the bounce and pulls this towards deep square leg for another run.

Bowls this one slightly shorter and outside the off stump. Nitish Rana pulls this awkwardly towards deep square leg for a single.

Keeps bowling on a good length and outside the off stump, Nitish Rana looks to hit through the line and gets beaten.

Delivers this one outside the off stump on a good length. Nitish Rana dabs this towards the cover fielder.

Bowls this on a good length as well and in line with the stumps. Venkatesh Iyer clips this towards deep square leg for a single.

Nathan Ellis bowls this on a good length and on a leg stump line. Nitish Rana looks to work this leg side but misses and gets hit on the pads. They take a leg bye as the ball rolls towards square leg.

FOUR! That is a cracking shot from Venkatesh Iyer! Sikandar Raza bowls this slightly short and outside the off stump. Venkatesh Iyer rocks back and punches this towards deep cover-point for four more runs. Kolkata are 46 for the loss of one wicket after the Powerplay.

FOUR! Venkatesh Iyer uses the pace of the ball well here! Sikandar Raza bowls this full and into the pads. Venkatesh Iyer flicks this past backward square leg for four runs.

Tosses this one full and outside the off stump. Venkatesh Iyer knocks this towards mid off.

WIDE! Bowls this one quick and full but sprays it down leg side. Venkatesh Iyer misses his sweep and the umpire calls this wide.

Fires this one full and into the stumps. Nitish Rana clips this towards deep mid-wicket for another run.

Continues to bowl short and at the stumps. Venkatesh Iyer flicks this towards deep mid-wicket for a single.

Sikandar Raza bowls this slightly short and going down leg. Venkatesh Iyer misses his pull shot and the ball hits him on his body.

Sikandar Raza to bowl now.

Goes fuller this time and outside the off pole. Nitish Rana defends this solidly back towards the bowler. Six runs and a wicket in this over.

Bowls this one on a good length and in line with the stumps. Nitish Rana tucks this towards deep mid-wicket for a couple of runs.

FOUR! Nitish Rana opens his account with a well-placed boundary! This is bowled slightly short and at the pads. Nitish Rana whips this towards deep backward square leg for four runs.

Goes full and outside the off pole. Nitish Rana blocks this back to the bowler.

Skipper Nitish Rana walks out to bat now with his side in a spot of bother.

OUT! TIMBER! Nathan Ellis strikes and Kolkata have now lost their third wicket! He bowls this on a good length and aimed for the stumps. Rahmanullah Gurbaz shimmies down the wicket and swings blindly. The ball shatters against the top of the off pole and Punjab are right on top of this game. Kolkata will need to rebuild this inning now if they are to have any hope of completing this run chase.

Nathan Ellis bowls this full and outside the off pole. Rahmanullah Gurbaz swings his bat and mistimes his shot towards cover.

Nathan Ellis comes into the attack now.

On a good length this time and outside the off stump. Rahmanullah Gurbaz pushes this towards cover-point and takes one to keep strike.

FOUR! Much-needed boundary for Kolkata! Arshdeep Singh misses his length as his attempted yorker turns into a full toss, outside off. Rahmanullah Gurbaz steps down the wicket and flashes hard. He slices the ball to backward point for four runs.

Make that four! Arshdeep Singh bangs this in short and at the batter. Rahmanullah Gurbaz ducks under this one and lets the keeper collect the ball.

Continues to bowl full and into the pads. Rahmanullah Gurbaz misses his flick and gets hit on the pads. Three dot balls in a row now.

Goes full and wide outside the off pole. Rahmanullah Gurbaz looks to make room but has to reach for the ball and gets beaten.

Arshdeep Singh bowls this on a good length and angles this away outside off. Rahmanullah Gurbaz dabs this towards point.

Sam Curran bowls this one a good length and in line with the sumps. Rahmanullah Gurbaz eases this down to long on for a single.

A bouncer this time outside the leg stump. Rahmanullah Gurbaz charges down the wicket and goes hard at the ball as he looks to pull this away but gets beaten.

Angles this into the pads on a fuller length. Venkatesh Iyer flicks this towards deep square leg for a run.

Bowls this one short and outside the off pole. Rahmanullah Gurbaz pulls this towards deep square leg for a single.

Impact Player! Kolkata have also used their impact player as Venkatesh Iyer comes out to the middle to bat and replaces Varun Chakaravarthy.

On a good length and outside the off stump. Rahmanullah Gurbaz dabs this towards the point fielder.

FOUR! Rahmanullah Gurbaz continues along his merry way! Sam Curran bowls this full and outside the off pole. Rahmanullah Gurbaz lofts this towards long on for four runs.

OUT! CAUGHT! Arshdeep Singh gets the second wicket in the over and the Punjab players are absolutely ecstatic! Another well-directed short ball angled in from outside off. Anukul Roy looks to pull this away but is cramped for room and lobs this straight into the hands of Sikandar Raza at mid-wicket. Kolkata lose their second wicket and are in a spot of bother here and will need to approach this run chase differently.

Bangs this in short and at the batter. Anukul Roy takes evasive action and ducks under this one to let it go through to the keeper.

Continues to bowl full and outside the off pole. Anukul Roy strokes this crisply towards the cover fielder.

FOUR! Anukul Roy showing positive intent right away! Arshdeep Singh bowls this a touch fuller and just outside the off pole. Anukul Roy heaves this towards long on and that ball hits the ropes on the bounce for four runs.

Bowls this one on a good length and into the stumps. Anukul Roy dabs this towards mid-wicket.

Anukul Roy walks out to bat at number 3.

OUT! CAUGHT! Arshdeep Singh has got the breakthrough straightaway! He bangs this in short and at the batter. Mandeep Singh gets inside the line of the ball and looks to pull this away but does not connect this cleanly. The ball floats towards deep square leg where Sam Curran takes an easy catch to help Punjab draw first blood. Just the start the hosts wanted and will want to apply the pressure now.

Arshdeep Singh to bowl from the other end.

FOUR! All timing on this one! Sam Curran goes a fraction fuller and bowls this at the stumps. Rahmanullah Gurbaz flicks this towards deep mid-wicket for yet another boundary.

SIX! Rahmanullah Gurbaz has absolutely dispatched this one out of the ground! This is bowled on a length and in line with the stumps. Rahmanullah Gurbaz walks down the wicket and heaves the ball over deep mid-wicket for a maximum.

Bowls this slightly short and outside the off stump. Mandeep Singh slaps this to the left of mid on and takes one.

Rahmanullah Gurbaz opens his account as well with a risky single! Sam Curran bowls this on a good length and outside the off stump. Rahmanullah Gurbaz taps this towards backward point and sets off for a run. The fielder takes aim at the striker's end and Mandeep Singh would have been gone had this hit.

Goes full once again and in line with the stumps. Mandeep Singh clips this to the right of mid-wicket and takes a single to get off the mark.

Sam Curran bowls this full and outside the off stump. Mandeep Singh dabs this towards cover as he negotiates the late swing well.

A dot ball to end the over! A slower delivery on a good length and pitching outside the leg stump. Sam Curran charges down the wicket and swings blindly but does not connect. The ball rolls to the keeper and Punjab have managed to put a decent score on the board.

On a good length this time and outside the off pole. Sam Curran heaves across the line and miscues the ball to deep square leg for yet another brace.

Tim Southee bowls this on a good length and in line with the stumps. Sam Curran flicks this towards deep square leg for a couple of runs.

SIX! Sam Curran is on the team for this exact reason! Tim Southee bowls a slower delivery shorter in length and outside the off pole. Sam Curran backs away and pulls this over long on for a maximum.

Bowls this back of a length and outside the off pole. Shahrukh Khan mistimes his pull toward long on for a single.

FOUR! This is an exhibition of power from Shahrukh Khan! Tim Southee bowls this on a length and outside the off stump. Shahrukh Khan crunches this towards deep cover for yet another boundary.

Tim Southee (3-0-39-2) to bowl the last over.

Well outside the off stump on a fuller length. Shahrukh Khan reaches for it and slaps this towards deep point for a single to retain strike.

FOUR! That has been pummelled to the fence! Shardul Thakur bowls full and wide outside the off pole. Shahrukh Khan creams this towards deep cover for a boundary.

Delivers this wide outside the off stump on a fuller length. Shahrukh Khan looks to go hard at the ball but misses.

Continues to bowl full and outside the off stump. Sam Curran knocks this down to long off for another one.

Bowls this full as well and outside the off stump from over the wicket. Shahrukh Khan strokes this to deep point for a run.

Shardul Thakur bowls from 'round the wicket and serves this full, outside off. Sam Curran powers this down to long off and they have to settle for a single.

Shardul Thakur (3-0-35-0) to bowl the penultimate over.

Continues to toss this one full and outside the off stump. Shahrukh Khan looks to work this leg side and gets a leading edge to the left of the bowler.

Shahrukh Khan is the next man in.

OUT! CAUGHT! Sikandar Raza departs in the quest to accelerate the scoring! Sunil Narine flights this one full and outside the off stump. Sikandar Raza charges down the wicket and slips while attempting the shot. Ends up slicing it high into the air of the off side. Nitish Rana has placed himself at cover and he runs back to his left to take a good catch. Sunil Narine finally gets a wicket under his belt and Punjab lose half their side now.

Floats this one full and outside the off pole. Sikandar Raza gets his front foot across the stumps and looks to heave across the line but misses.

Angles this into the stumps on a shortish length. Sam Curran flicks this towards deep square leg for one.

Tosses this one full and into the pads. Sam Curran clips this towards deep mid-wicket and they run well to complete a couple of runs.

Sunil Narine bowls this slightly short and outside the off stump. Sikandar Raza cuts this towards deep point for a single.

SIX! Good use of the feet from Sam Curran! Varun Chakaravarthy tosses this one full and outside the off pole. Sam Curran is down the wicket and thumps this over the bowler's head for six useful runs.

Goes full and into the pads. Sam Curran misses his shot and gets hit on his leg.

Floats this one into the stumps on a shortish length. Sikandar Raza tucks this towards deep square leg for another run.

Short once again and in line with the stumps. Sam Curran eases this down to long on for one.

Tosses this one full and outside the off pole. Sikandar Raza sweeps this towards backward square leg for a run.

Slightly short this time and outside the off stump. Sam Curran pulls this towards deep mid-wicket for a single.

WIDE! Varun Chakaravarthy fires this one full and going down leg. Sam Curran misses the flick and the umpire calls this wide.

Strategic break! A few quick wickets have taken the impetus out of the Punjab inning and they will be hoping their hitters are able to push them to a strong total. Kolkata have managed to build some control and will want a few more wickets to put a cap on the scoring rate.

Fullish and on off, slower again, Sikandar Raza swings hard at it, but gets an inside edge past the stumps and towards short fine leg.

Shardul Thakur nails the yorker now, on off, Sikandar Raza is late to put down his bat in time, and misses.

SIX! Sikandar Raza clears the fence now! Shardul Thakur bowsl the knuckle-ball, but serves this too full and outside off, Sikandar Raza waits for it and smashes it over the deep extra cover fence for a biggie.

This is on a hard length and on off, Sam Curran nudges it through mid-wicket for a run.

Back of a length and around off, Sam Curran punches it towards sweeper covers for a brace.

On a length and on off, Sikandar Raza pushes it towards covers and sets off for the run, and the fielder has a shy at the bowler's end but msises and Raza makes it.

Short and on off, Sam Curran moves back and punches it straight to short covers. Only a run and a crucial wicket in this over. Brilliant form Varun Chakaravarthy!

Tossed up, full and on off, Sam Curran drives it towards short covers again.

Floated, full and on middle, Sam Curran pushes it towards short covers.

Sam Curran strides out to the middle.

OUT! CASTLED! Varun Chakaravarthy gets the big fish, Shikhar Dhawan! Varun Chakaravarthy bowls this quicker, short and on middle, skids through the surface, Shikhar Dhawan stays there and tries to flick it away, but is a bit late on his shot and misses as the ball brushes against his pads and crashes into the stumps. Another set batter goes back to the hut and Punjab loses their fourth wicket.

Short again and on middle, Sikandar Raza mistimes his pull shot towards deep square leg for a single.

Short and on off, Sikandar Raza cuts it towards cover-point.

Back of a length and outside off, Shikhar Dhawan punches it wide of point, but the fielder from sweeper covers runs to his right and dives to keep it inside. Two runs taken!

Short again and on middle, Sikandar Raza pulls it through square leg for one.

FOUR! Sikandar Raza gets off the mark in the Indian T20 League in style! Tim Southee lands this short and on leg, Sikandar Raza swivels and pulls it towards the deep square leg fence for a boundary.

OUT! TAKEN! Tim Southee gets the last laugh! Jitesh Sharma tries to go big again, but holes out. Southee sticks with his slower ball plan, and serves this full, on middle and off, Jitesh Sharma goes for big slog across the line, but gets an outside edge towards short third man where Umesh Yadav takes a dolly. An entertaining quick-cameo from Sharma comes to an end.

SIX! BOOM! Jitesh Sharma connects this time alright! This is another slower one, on a length and on off, Jitesh Sharma stays in his crease and smacks it over the long off fence for a biggie.

Tim Southee starts off with an off-cutter, on off, Jitesh Sharma uses his feet to drive on the up, but swings early and misses.

Back of a length and on off, Jitesh Sharma slices it towards wide of deep backward point for one more.

FOUR! A poor delivery and rightly punished! Umesh Yadav bowls a slower delivery, but lands this short and on middle with no protection on the deep on the leg side, Jitesh Sharma waits for it and easily pulls it over square leg for a boundary.

Short and on middle, Shikhar Dhawan gets hurried a bit and misitmes his pull shot towards deep mid-wicket for one.

Overpitched and on off, Jitesh Sharma forces it down to long off for a run.

On a length and on off, slower too, Jitesh Sharma waits for it and punches it, but the fielder at short covers dives to his right and makes a half-stop.

Full and on middle, Shikhar Dhawan tucks it through mid-wicket for a single.

SIX! Jitesh Sharma decides to go big now! This is tossed up around middle, Jitesh Sharma skips down the track and launches it over the long on fence for a biggie.

Quicker, full and on middle, Jitesh Sharma blocks it down the pitch.

Flighted, full and on off, Jitesh Sharma drills it wide of long off for a brace.

Short and on leg, Shikhar Dhawan nudges it towards deep mid-wicket for another run.

Floated, full and down the leg, Shikhar Dhawan misses his flick. Wided.

Tossed up, full and on off, Jitesh Sharma drives it through covers for a run and gets off the mark.

Flatter, full and on middle, Shikhar Dhawan clips it through square leg for a single.

Jitesh Sharma walks out to the middle.

FIFTY AND OUT! TAKEN! Bhanuka Rajapaksa goes after playing a fine knock! Umesh Yadav gets the breakthrough for Kolkata. He bowls a good slower delivery, full and on middle, Bhanuka Rajapaksa looks to go for the big slog, but is through his shot early and mistimes it in the air towards long on where Rinku Singh settles under it and takes a fine catch. Punjab two down now!

This is on a good length and on off, Bhanuka Rajapaksa slashes at it, but misses.

FIFTY FOR RAJAPAKSA! This has been an excellent knock from him and a quick one too. Umesh Yadav bowls this full, on off, Bhanuka Rajapaksa slices it uppishly, but it lands well in front of sweeper covers. A couple of more runs.

Full and on off, Bhanuka Rajapaksa lofts it from the bottom half of the bat as Tim Southee from mid off chases it and keeps it in. Two runs taken!

Overpitched and on off, Shikhar Dhawan drills it towards sweeper covers for a single.

FOUR! Fantastic shot! Umesh Yadav sees the batter move forward and serves a yokrer, outside off, Shikhar Dhawan still manages to reach it and squeezes it towards the deep point fence for a boundary.

Shorter in length and outside off, Shikhar Dhawan chops it down towards point for one more.

Slower through the air, on off, Bhanuka Rajapaksa looks to pull, but is through his shot early and toe-ends it in front of covers for one.

Another short delivery, on middle, Shikhar Dhawan forces it towards deep mid-wicket for a run.

Tossed up, full and on leg, Bhanuka Rajapaksa goes down to sweep, but misses as the ball goes off his forearm towards short fine leg. A leg bye is taken.

Shortish and on leg, Shikhar Dhawan flicks it thrrough backward square leg for a single.

FOUR! Shikhar Dhawan finds the gap beautifully! This is short and on middle, Shikhar Dhawan quickly moves back and pulls it between deep square leg and deep mid-wicket for a boundary.

On a length and on off, Bhanuka Rajapaksa steers it towards backward point.

Another good yokrer, on off, Shikhar Dhawan squeezes it through point for a run.

Shardul Thakur redeems himself with a good yorker, on middle, Shikhar Dhawan jams it out to the off side.

NO BALL AND FOUR! Shardul Thakur loses his grip and bowls a high full toss, on off, Shikhar Dhawan does well to thrash it towards the deep point fence for a boundary. It is called a No ball for a waist-high full toss. Free Hit coming up...

Full again and on middle, Bhanuka Rajapaksa looks to flick it away, but gets an inside edge onto his pads and the ball rolls to the off side. They cross.

FOUR! Deft touch! Shardul Thakur serves this full and outside off, Bhanuka Rajapaksa waits for it and opens the face of his bat to guides it towards the third man fence for a boundary.

On a length and on off, Shikhar Dhawan pushes it towards deep point for a single.

Tossed up, full and on middle, Bhanuka Rajapaksa chips it in the air, but it falls wide of long on safely. Two runs taken!

Shortish and on middle, Shikhar Dhawan nudges it through square leg for one.

Quicker and on off, Bhanuka Rajapaksa uses his feet and tries to slog it away, but gets an inside edge past the stumps towards short fine leg for a run.

MISFIELD AND FOUR! Sunil Narine bowls this short again and around leg, Bhanuka Rajapaksa goes down and paddles it wide of short fine leg where Varun Chakaravarthy dives to his right, but lets the ball through and it races to the fine leg fence for a boundary.

Good running! This is a bit short and on middle, Bhanuka Rajapaksa moves back and flicks it wide of deep square leg for a couple of runs.

Flatter, full and on leg, Bhanuka Rajapaksa goes down and tries to sweep, but misses and the ball goes of his gloves to the off side.

Strategic break! Punjab got off to a flier but lost Prabhsimran Singh after a good cameo. Bhanuka Rajapaksa did not let the momentum fall and Shikhar Dhawan is playing a good role as an anchor. Kolkata have no been very disciplined with their bowling and will be hoping for a few quick wickets after the break.

Shardul Thakur nails the yorker now, on middle, Bhanuka Rajapaksa digs it out in front of covers for a quick single.

Short of a length and around off, Bhanuka Rajapaksa guides it straight to short third man.

SIX! Easy pickings! Shardul Thakur lands this back of a length and down the leg, Bhanuka Rajapaksa stays there and whips it over the fine leg fence for a boundary.

Short again and outside off, angling away, Bhanuka Rajapaksa tries to cut it away, but misses. Shardul Thakur is interested and appeals for the catch, but nothing doing for the umpire.

FOUR! Nice use of the feet! This is on a good length and on off, Bhanuka Rajapaksa advances down the track and slaps it wide of mid off, and Umesh Yadav from long on runs to his right and dives, but fails to stop it from going to the boundary.

Shardul Thakur begins with a short delivery around off, Bhanuka Rajapaksa heaves it wide of deep mid-wicket for a brace.

Shardul Thakur is brought into the attack.

FOUR! A boundary to the spoil a good first over by Varun Chakaravarthy! Another short ball delivered wide outside off. Shikhar Dhawan backs away to make more room and thumps this towards deep cover for four runs. Punjab are 56 for the loss of 1 wicket after the Powerplay.

Bowls this one wider outside off on a shorter length. Bhanuka Rajapaksa plays this late towards short third man for one.

Another short ball from 'round the wicket this time and outside the off pole. Bhanuka Rajapaksa gets across to pull this away but misses and the ball hits his body.

Continues to bowl short but from over the wicket and outside the off stump. Shikhar Dhawan eases this down to long off for a run.

This is short as well and outside the off stump. Shikhar Dhawan pulls this just short of the mid-wicket fielder.

Varun Chakaravarthy bowls this short and into the stumps. Shikhar Dhawan tucks this towards mid-wicket.

Spin from both ends as Varun Chakaravarthy to bowl now.

SIX! Bhanuka Rajapaksa has played this straight as an arrow! Another flighted delivery bowled full and in line with the stumps. Bhanuka Rajapaksa is down the wicket in a flash and goes over the bowler's head for a maximum.

Bowls this short and into the body. Bhanuka Rajapaksa does not offer a shot and the ball goes off him towards fine leg. They take a run but it is called a dead ball.

FOUR! Bhanuka Rajapaksa is clearing the in-field with ease! This is tossed up full and outside the off stump. Bhanuka Rajapaksa goes inside-out this time and finds the deep cover fence for four more runs.

FOUR! Great use of the feet from Bhanuka Rajapaksa! This is flighted full and on a leg stump line. Bhanuka Rajapaksa shimmies down the wicket and thumps this towards long off for four runs.

Tosses this one full and into the stumps. Bhanuka Rajapaksa knocks this back to the right of the bowler.

Sunil Narine floats this one full and outside the off stump. Bhanuka Rajapaksa dabs this towards backward point.

We will see spin for the first time as Sunil Narine is ready to bowl now.

Wide outside the off pole on a good length. Shikhar Dhawan gets down the pitch and swings his blade but is unable to connect. 12 runs from the over and Punjab are off to a decent start.

Back to bowling on a good length and outside the off stump. Bhanuka Rajapaksa pushes this towards point and take a single.

Goes a touch fuller this time and angles this into the pads. Bhanuka Rajapaksa clips this towards deep square leg and picks up a couple of runs.

On a good length this time and outside the off stump. Shikhar Dhawan knocks this towards point and takes one.

FOUR! Two boundaries in a row and this is easy pickings for the Punjab skipper! Short once again and wide outside off. Shikhar Dhawan reaches for this and gets bat on the ball as it flies towards deep point for four more runs.

FOUR! First boundary for Shikhar Dhawan and this has flown to the fence! Tim Southee bowls this short and outside the off stump. Shikhar Dhawan slaps this towards deep cover for four runs.

Great over from Umesh Yadav as just one run comes from it! This is bowled slightly short and outside the off stump. Bhanuka Rajapaksa slashes his blade and finds the point fielder.

Continues to bowl full and angles this into the stumps. Bhanuka Rajapaksa gets behind the line of the ball and defends this towards mid off.

Goes full and offers width outside the off stump. Shikhar Dhawan guides this down to third man and picks up a single to get off the mark.

On a good length this time and just outside off. Shikhar Dhawan knocks this towards point as he can not find the gap.

Back of a length delivery bowled close to the body. Shikhar Dhawan gets on his toes and dabs this into the off side.

Umesh Yadav bowls this one full and outside the off stump. Shikhar Dhawan strokes this firmly wide of mid off. No run taken.

Bhanuka Rajapaksa walks out to bat at number 3.

OUT! CAUGHT! Tim Southee gets his man against the run of play and with a delivery that he would not consider his best! He bowls an off-cutter on a good length and strays down the leg side. Prabhsimran Singh looks to glance this fine but gets the faintest of edges through to the keeper. Rahmanullah Gurbaz grabs hold of the catch and starts to celebrate. The umpire raises his finger and Prabhsimran Singh has to depart after an entertaining inning. Kolkata have drawn first blood and will look to get some control in the game.

SIX! This is some exhibition of batting! Prabhsimran Singh is out there to entertain! Tim Southee bowls this slightly back of a length and in line with the stumps. Prabhsimran Singh gets forward once again and pulls this over deep mid-wicket for a six.

On a good length once again and closer to the off pole. Prabhsimran Singh gets behind the line of the ball and blocks this back to the bowler.

Continues bowling on a good length and outside off. Prabhsimran Singh pushes this towards the point fielder.

FOUR! Prabhsimran Singh is looking really good here! Tim Southee bowls this on a good length and outside the off stump. Prabhsimran Singh shuffles down the wicket and cross-bats this past the fielder towards long off for another boundary.

FOUR! Poor start from Tim Southee and gets a full treatment! This is bowled on a fullish length and on the pads. Prabhsimran Singh clips this towards fine leg and collects four runs.

Tim Southee to share the attack.

Really close but Prabhsimran Singh gets away with it. This is bowled on a good length and outside off. Prabhsimran Singh looks to cut this but the ball is too close to the body and not short enough. Gets an inside edge past the stumps and he takes a single to rotate strike.

Goes back to bowling on a good length and outside the off stump. Prabhsimran Singh knocks this towards short cover.

SIX That has been picked up beautifully! Umesh Yadav goes full and on a middle and leg line. Prabhsimran Singh gets his front foot across the line of the ball and flicks this over deep square leg for a maximum. First boundary of the Punjab inning.

Delivers this one outside the off stump on a good length. Prabhsimran Singh pushes this towards point.

Bowls this one back of a length and just outside off with pace taken off. Prabhsimran Singh feels for this tentatively and gets an inside edge past the keeper for a couple of runs.

Umesh Yadav begins with a full delivery outside the off stump. Gets some movement off the pitch as Prabhsimran Singh miscues his shot towards mid off.

We are all set to begin! The two umpires walk out and pick up the ball. The players of Kolkata are seen in a huddle just outside the ropes and they spread out to take their respective field positions. Prabhsimran Singh and Shikhar Dhawan are the two openers for Punjab. Umesh Yadav has the new ball in his hand and is raring to go. Let's play...

Andre Russell is up for a chat and he says that it may sound small but you need to get bat on the ball and adds that it is always amazing to play in India. Explains that he tries to be relaxed in the hope to get the job done and play his part. Claims that his role is to finish the games and get the team to a good total while his job on the field is to take catches and creat run-out chances.

Shikhar Dhawan the skipper of Punjab says that they would have fielded first as well as they could then get the Impact Player in the second innings. Adds that they have a well-balanced side so they are happy to bat as well. Mentions that the team preparation has been good so they are looking to play well and dominate the game. Claims that they want to win the trophy and as a leader, he wants to perform from the front and keep a great environment in the team.

Nitish Rana the captain of Kolkata says that they will bowl first. Adds that there was a bit of rain and he expects some moisture on it. Tells that he is excited to lead the team as this is an opportunity only a few people get. Mentions that the impact player rule is in its initial stages and they have to take the right decisions.

Impact Players for Kolkata - Suyash Sharma, Vaibhav Arora, Narayan Jagadeesan, Venkatesh Iyer, David Wiese.

Kolkata (Playing XI) - Mandeep Singh, Rahmanullah Gurbaz (WK), Nitish Rana (C), Rinku Singh, Andre Russell, Shardul Thakur, Sunil Narine, Tim Southee, Umesh Yadav, Anukul Roy, Varun Chakaravarthy.

Impact Players for Punjab - Rishi Dhawan, Atharva Taide, Matthew Short, Harpreet Singh, Mohit Rathee.

Punjab (Playing XI) - Shikhar Dhawan (C), Prabhsimran Singh, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Jitesh Sharma (WK), Sam Curran, Sikandar Raza, Shahrukh Khan, Rahul Chahar, Harpreet Brar, Nathan Ellis, Arshdeep Singh.

TOSS - The captains are out in the middle. The coin is flipped into the air and lands in favor of Kolkata. They have elected to BOWL first.

On the other hand, Kolkata had a similar fate to their opponents, as they also couldn't make it to the playoffs and their performance last season was a bit hot and cold. They have also suffered a huge blow as their skipper, Iyer, has been ruled out at least for the initial stage, and Nitish Rana has stepped up to take up that role. They may find it difficult to find the right balance, but they have two of the big names in this format - Andre Russell and Sunil Narine. However, others will need to chip in as well and they have built a solid squad to challenge for their third title. Will they be able to start their campaign with a win? Or will Punjab make the most of their home advantage? We will find out shortly. Toss and team news in a bit.

Punjab missed out on a playoff berth last season, and they will be eager to turn things around under their new captain, Shikhar Dhawan. They have a batting powerhouse with the likes of Bhanuka Rajapaksa and Sam Curran, but they will surely miss the services of Bairstow this season and Livingstone will also miss this game as he has not yet been cleared by ECB to join the squad. Arshdeep Singh and Rahul Chahar will lead the bowling attack as Rabada is not available due to national commitments. They will be playing at home after a long time and will want to give their fans a victory to cheer about.

Hello and a warm welcome, folks. The Indian T20 League 2023 started with a cracking contest, where Gujarat got the better of Chennai in the opener. Now we shift our focus to Mohali, where Punjab will kick off their campaign against Kolkata at the PCA Stadium. With both teams looking to start their season on a positive note, we can expect a thrilling contest.

... MATCH DAY ...

One of the world’s most exciting cricketing carnivals is now underway and the action is set to come thick and fast as we now look forward to our first doubleheader day in the 16th edition of the Indian T20 League. The limelight is on the 2nd match of the tournament as Punjab host Kolkata at the Punjab Cricket Association Stadium in Mohali and both teams will be eager to get off to a winning start in the competition. The hosts have never managed to win this competition while reaching the final only on one occasion and for the kind of teams they had managed to put together in the past, they have drastically underperformed. They struggled last season as well finishing in 6th position with 14 points having won seven games while losing the remaining seven. They released some of their key players like their captain Mayank Agarwal, Odean Smith, and Sandeep Sharma but kept the core of their side more or less intact. Shikhar Dhawan will be at the helm for the new season and with their new coach Trevor Bayliss, the Punjab franchise will be looking to push for their maiden title. Jonny Bairstow has been ruled out of the tournament and Matthew Short has been brought in as a replacement but they will also be missing Liam Livingstone in this game as he is yet to get his fitness clearance from the ECB after his recent injury. With Kagiso Rabada missing the first few games, the side’s overseas contingent is heavily depleted with the load falling heavily on the Indian T20 League record signing Sam Curran who was recruited for a staggering amount of INR 18.5 crore. Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Sikandar Raza, and Nathan Ellis are the only other foreign players in the squad and they may need to see the likes of Shahrukh Khan, Jitesh Sharma, Prabhsimran Singh, and Rishi Dhawan rise to the challenge with the bat. Indian internationals Arshdeep Singh and Rahul Chahar will bring some stability to the bowling attack but they have banked on purchasing some young fast bowling talents into their ranks and will hope one will rise through the ashes to become their next superstar. Kolkata Knight Riders are the two-time champions of this coveted title but still find themselves in the shadow of more successful teams. They finished in an unflattering 7th position in the previous season with 12 points having registered just 6 wins and this prompted a complete overhaul of the team as they released 15 players which were the most by any side. Pat Cummins, Shivam Mavi, Sam Billings, Aaron Finch, Alex Hales, Ajinkya Rahane, Mohammad Nabi, and Chamika Karunaratne are some of the big-name players that faced the axe as they got Lockie Ferguson, Shardul Thakur, and Rahmanullah Gurbaz on a transfer before the auction. They suffered a massive blow as their captain Shreyas Iyer suffered an injury before the tournament which will prevent him from leading the side and Nitish Rana will be given the reins in his absence. They retained their star all-rounder Andre Russell along with Sunil Narine and Tim Southee with David Wiese, Litton Das, and Shakib Al Hasan completing the overseas unit but the two Bangladeshi players will be unavailable at the start. Varun Chakaravarthy, Umesh Yadav, Rinku Singh, and Venkatesh Iyer were the standout Indian performers last season and have managed to retain their place in the squad. The pitch at this venue has a slight grass cover which will provide help to the fast bowlers but scoring runs does get easier as the ball gets older and the wicket slower. Let us get our preparations in order as we look forward to an exciting day of cricket! Which team will grab their first two points and get off the mark in their first outing? We will find out soon.