Punjab Kings vs Lucknow Super Giants Ball by Ball Commentary

Four dots on the trot to end the innings! Full length, outside off. Rishi Dhawan tries to slog it away but misses it completely. Lucknow win the game by 20 runs.

Nothing again! Good length, on off. Rishi Dhawan pulls it to long on but straight to Jason Holder.

Back of a length, outside off. Rishi Dhawan pulls it to long on off the bottom half. He decides to go against the single.

Excellent yorker, outside off. Rishi Dhawan dabs it down to short third man. Straight to the fielder though.

FOUR! Straight as an arrow. This is full, on off. Rishi Dhawan smokes it over the bowler's head for a boundary. 10 off the first two deliveries. Can Rishi Dhawan do the unthinkable?

SIX! Well, hello! Rishi Dhawan takes the aerial route now. This is overpitched, outside off. Rishi Dhawan connects and sends it sailing over the long off fence.

Two dots on the trot! A strong end to the penultimate over by Dushmantha Chameera. Length ball, outside off. Arshdeep Singh comes across and tries to scoop it away but does not get any bat on the ball.

Full length, outside off. Arshdeep Singh tries to heave it away but fails to do so.

WIDE! A short ball, on the bodyline. Arshdeep Singh ducks under it. The umpire signals a wide.

Back of a length, outside off. Rishi Dhawan goes for the cut but gets it to roll out off the inside edge. They take one.

A slower ball, on a length, outside off. Rishi Dhawan tries to pull it away but only connects with thin air.

FOUR! What a shot! Full length, outside off. Rishi Dhawan flays it over mid off and bags a boundary.

Back of a length, on off. Dhawan tries to chase it but misses.

OUT! CAUGHT! Mohsin Khan's stocks continue to rise in this edition of the Indian T20 League. It is full, on middle and leg. Rahul Chahar clears his front leg and flicks it aerially towards deep mid-wicket. Ayush Badoni is there yet again to take a stunning catch. Arshdeep Singh comes in at number 10.

What a delivery! Full length, down the leg side. Rahul Chahar moves to that side and tries to heave it down the ground but misses.

WIDE! Back of a length, on off. Rahul Chahar looks to pull it away but misses. The umpire signals wide due to height.

FOUR! Nicely played. A short ball, on off. Chahar pulls it through mid-wicket for a boundary.

A slower bouncer, on off. Chahar looks to heave it across the line but misses.

Rahul Chahar is the new man in.

OUT! CAUGHT! Another one bites the dust. Just like Lucknow, Punjab are now losing wickets in cluster at the back end of the innings. It is a short ball, outside off. Kagiso Rabada throws his blade at it and outside-edges it towards sweeper cover. Ayush Badoni settles under it and takes a sharp catch.

Kagiso Rabada moves to the leg side, Mohsin Khan follows him with a length ball, Kagiso Rabada is left with no room. He tries to chase it but misses.

Full length, outside off. Kagiso Rabada slaps it to the right of mid off. KL Rahul runs to his right and makes a sharp stop. They take one.

Swing and a miss! A length ball, outside off. Kagiso Rabada looks to chase it but misses.

Back of a length, outside off. Rishi Dhawan cuts it to deep point for a single.

A ripper this time! On a length, outside off. Rishi Dhawan tries to heave it across the line but only ends up spinning inside the crease, as the balls zips past the off pole.

FOUR! A freebie and Rishi Dhawan accepts it with both hands. A low full toss, on the bodyline. Rishi Dhawan flicks it over mid-wicket for a boundary.

Very full, outside off. Rishi Dhawan looks to heave it away but is nowhere near the ball.

WIDE! Full length, down leg. Rishi Dhawan leaves it alone. Wided.

Dushmantha Chameera now dishes a wide yorker, outside off. Rishi Dhawan works it to third man for one. Just two runs and a wicket off it. Lucknow are dominating here.

A short ball, outside off. Rishi Dhawan looks to pull it away but only manages to connect with thin air.

Swing and a miss! Short ball, outside off. Rishi Dhawan tries to heave it away but misses.

Touch short, on middle. Kagiso Rabada tries to pull it away but gets it to point off the outside edge. They take one.

OUT! CAUGHT! Chance and taken! Dushmantha Chameera sends back the set batsman in Jonny Bairstow. Dushmantha Chameera is the third bowler to strike for Lucknow instantly after coming back into the attack. This is full, wide outside off, Jonny Bairstow throws the kitchen sink at it. The ball flies to third man off the outside edge. Krunal Pandya charges in and takes a sharp sliding catch. Kagiso Rabada is the new batter in.

Length ball, around the hips. Jonny Bairstow swivels but fails to pull it away. It goes to the right of the keeper off the body.

Quicker, angled into the pads. Rishi Dhawan comes down the track and tries to flick it away but misses. It rolls to the leg side off the pads. 11 runs off the over.

Full, on middle and leg. Jonny Bairstow flicks it to mid-wicket for one.

FOUR! EDGY! Jonny Bairstow rubbing the salt over the wounds now. This is short, outside off. Jonny Bairstow tries to cut it away. The ball races away to the third man fence off the outside edge. Ravi Bishnoi is not happy with himself.

Fuller, on the pads, Jonny Bairstow flicks it to mid-wicket for a brace.

FOUR! Crunched! Fuller, on off. Jonny Bairstow comes down the track and slaps it past the bowler. The ball races away to the long off fence.

NOT OUT! Ravi Bishnoi also has an impact straightaway after coming back into the attack to bowl out. The umpire agrees but Jonny Bairstow challenges the decision of the official. It is tossed up, full and on off. Jonny Bairstow tries to defend it on the front foot but misses. He gets rapped on his pads. The UltraEdge shows no bat is involved. The Ball Tracking though shows the ball is missing the wickets. The umpire is forced to overturn his decision. How costly will this prove to be for Lucknow?

Strategic break! Punjab are on the back foot! We do believe so. Have to say, a lot depends on Bairstow if they are to win this game. He will have to stay there till the end and the others will have to bat around him. Can he take his side over the line? Lucknow will know his wicket and they will be well on course to win this game. Something tells me we are in for a brilliant finish.

Incredible over by Krunal Pandya. He ends his spell of 4 wickets with a wicket-maiden. This one was not far away from the stumps though. Quicker through the air, on the fourth stump. Rishi Dhawan tries to play it late but fails to connect.

Full, on off. Dhawan blocks it to point.

Tossed up, full and on off. Rishi Dhawan blocks it back to the bowler.

Fuller, on the stumps, blocked out.

Rishi Dhawan is the new man in.

OUT! A loud appeal for LBW turned down. Lucknow opt to take the review. It is a loopy ball, pitching outside off and turns in a long way. Jitesh Sharma gets on the front foot and tries to defend it out but misses. He gets pinged on his pads. Although, the bat was really close to the ball as well. The review later confirms that it is pad first via the UltraEdge. The Ball Tracking confirms three reds and Jitesh Sharma has to walk back before he could even get his eye in.

Fuller, on off. Sharma blocks it out watchfully.

A single to end the over. A really tidy over by Mohsin Khan. Length ball, on the pads, Jitesh Sharma flicks it to mid-wicket for an easy single.

Short ball, outside off. Jitesh Sharma guides it towards short third man but this time is unable to find the gap.

WIDE! A slower bumper this time. Jitesh Sharma leaves it alone for the keeper. The umpire thinks this is very high and hence signals a wide.

Length ball, on off. Jonny Bairstow pushes it to cover for one.

Back of a length, outside off. Jonny Bairstow cuts it to point, not in the gap though.

Sharma gets off the mark straightaway. Slower ball again, on a length, outside off. Jitesh Sharma runs it down to third man for one.

Jitesh Sharma comes in at number 6.

OUT! CAUGHT BEHIND! Mohsin Khan comes back into the attack and strikes instantly. Khan serves a slower deliver, on a length, outside off. Liam Livingstone shuffles across and tries to scoop it over the keeper's head but fails to connect it well. The ball lobs behind the sticks where Quinton de Kock takes a dolly. Mohsin Khan is delighted. Punjab lose their fourth wicket.

Length, on off. Jonny Bairstow defends it to backward point. A dot to end the over.

Looped up, outside off. Liam Livingstone taps it to backward point for a quick single.

Short, on off. Liam Livingstone goes back and blocks it to extra cover.

Tossed up, full, on off. Jonny Bairstow sweeps it to deep square leg for a single.

Fuller, on off. Jonny Bairstow blocks it to the off side.

A single as this is eased to long off.

Full, on off. Jonny Bairstow blocks it back to the bowler on the front foot. A brilliant over for Punjab, 18 runs come off it.

FOUR! No need to run for that. Jonny Bairstow gets into the act as well. A juicy half-volley, outside off. Jonny Bairstow creams it through the gap at covers for a boundary.

A single now! Really good batting. Darted on the pads, Liam Livingstone flicks it to mid-wicket for one more.

SIX! Back-to-back sixes. This is incredible hitting. Liam Livingstone is coming into his own now. It is full and on middle. Liam Livingstone uses his feet once again. This time though he clears the long on fence with ease.

SIX! High and handsome! Tossed up, full and outside off. Liam Livingstone dances down the track and smokes it over the long off fence.

Floated, full, on middle and leg. Bairstow tucks it to mid-wicket for one.

Another dot to end! A tidy over then from Krunal Pandya! Shorter and outside off, Liam cuts but to point.

Fires it on the pads, Jonny Bairstow looks to flick but misses, it hits the pad and rolls on the leg side. A leg bye taken.

Slightly shorter and on off, this is pushed down to long off for one.

Three dots in a row! On middle, Liam Livingstone plays it to the right of the bowler.

Slows it up and lands it on middle, blocked.

Fires it on middle, it is pushed to cover.

Drinks! Lucknow have made a come back in this game by taking quick wickets. Punjab were off to a flier but not find themselves in some kind of trouble. Although, with Liam Livingstone and Jonny Bairstow still out in the middle. Punjab still have an opportunity to get over the victory unless these lose more wickets. Stick around to find out how things pan out.

Outside off, Liam Livingstone guides it past point for one.

Fuller and on middle, Liam Livingstone plays it back to the bowler.

Angled into the pads, Jonny Bairstow works it through square leg for one.

WIDE! Yet another extra! Down the leg side, Jonny Bairstow looks to flick but misses.

On middle, this is eased down to long on for one.

Nothing from it! This is flatter and angled into middle, Liam Livingstone looks to heave it on the leg side but misses. It hits the leg pole.

Another googly, this one turns back in, Bairstow looks to push at it, it goes off the inner half through square leg for one. The SIREN GOES ON! Ravi has overstepped! Free Hit for Liam Livingstone. He though does not need an invitation.

WIDE! Down the leg side, Bairstow looks to flick but misses. Wided.

On middle, this is worked to mid-wicket.

Liam Livingstone walks out at number 5.

OUT! IN THE AIR... TAKEN! Number three down and Punjab in big trouble now! Bhanuka Rajapaksa walks back and Krunal Pandya strikes in his first over! This is on middle, angled away from the batter. Bhanuka Rajapaksa looks to work it on the leg side as he feels it will turn back in. It ends up being against the angle, it goes off the leading edge and the fielder at point runs towards the ball and takes it. 96 needed in 72.

Falls safe and two in the end! On middle, Bhanuka Rajapaksa gets the slog sweep out, a little bit of extra bounce, it goes off the top edge towards deep square leg, wide of the fielder. Two.

This is swept, powerfully through square leg for one.

Another easy run! On off, this is worked down to long on for one.

Just the one again! On middle, Jonny Bairstow flicks it through mid-wicket for one.

Shorter and on middle, this is worked through mid-wicket for one.

WIDE! Starts off with one down the leg side, a little bit of turn too. Rajapaksha looks to flick but misses. Wided.

Flatter again and outside off, Bhanuka Rajapaksa waits and then guides it towards short third man for one. A wicket-taking over then by Ravi.

FOUR! Over the fielder and a boundary! A good way to get off the mark and that is how Bhanuka Rajapaksa will play. He will go for it! steps out and gets to the pitch of the ball, hits it over covers for a boundary.

Fuller and on off, Bhanuka Rajapaksa pushes it back to the bowler. Bishnoi fumbles but no run.

Bhanuka Rajapaksa is the new batter in.

OUT! TIMBER! That is a huge, huge wicket. Shikhar Dhawan's struggle ends. He was the man in-form for Punjab and he is now dismissed! This is full and on middle, Dhawan looks to sweep but the length is not right. It is way too full. It goes under the bat and the middle pole is uprooted. All those dots by Dhawan probably led to his wicket. He was under the pump and looked to target Bishnoi. Probably picked the wrong bowler.

Another dot! Fuller and on off, Dhawan plays it to the right of the bowler.

A very quick full toss on off, Dhawan mistimes it to covers.

Ravi Bishnoi comes into the attack now.

FOUR! Thumped down the ground! The last ball spoils the over totally! A poor ball to end! Short and outside off, Bairstow slaps it past mid off and this races away to the fence. A decent Powerplay for Punjab, they are 46 for 1 after the first 6. Another 108 needed in 84.

Yet again, does not time it that well! Shorter and outside off, Jonny Bairstow looks to cut but it goes off the underedge towards cover.

On the pads, Dhawan looks to flick but misses, it hits the pad and rolls on the leg side. A leg bye taken.

Good length and on off, Jonny Bairstow opens the face of the bat and guides it down to third man for one.

Length and outside off, Jonny Bairstow slaps it but to covers.

FOUR! That races away to the fence! Fortunate boundary! Shorter and outside off, Jonny Bairstow slashes at it, it goes off the outside edge, just wide of the first slip fielder and into the third man fence.

A single to end! Outstanding 5 balls from Chameera, went for a biggie on the first but comes back strongly, takes a wicket and only gives away one. On off, Jonny Bairstow pushes it wide of mid off and gets off the mark.

Another dot! Length and on middle, Bairstow works it to mid-wicket.

Jonny Bairstow walks out at number 3.

OUT! TAKEN! That is an outstanding catch by Rahul and he is delighted. Mayank Agarwal who was looking dangerous, walks back. Dushmantha Chameera gets the breakthrough! This is full and on middle, Agarwal creams it but since it is way too full, he does not get the elevation he would have wanted and it goes to the left of Rahul at mid off who takes it well. He had to time his jump and he did. 119 needed in 92.

Finds the fielder this time! Shorter and on off, Agarwal cuts it hard but to point.

Good delivery! Angles it into the pads, cramps the batter for room. Agarwal looks to flick but misses to get hit on the pads.

SIX! That squirts off the outside edge and flies over the fence! Agarwal makes room again, this is fuller and on off. Agarwal looks to go over covers but this goes off the outside edge and sails over the third man fence.

Slashes but misses! A dot to end! Extra bounce. A slower bumper outside off, Dhawan looks to go after it but is beaten.

Drop and run! Really good batting! Length and on off, Agarwal guides it towards point for one.

FOUR! That is way too easy for Agarwal! Short and on the body, this is helped on its way to the backward square leg fence for a boundary. Holder has not started well. He has got away with a few deliveries.

Bangs this short and outside off, Dhawan slaps it towards deep point for one.

Another run! Angled into the pads, Agarwal works it through square leg for one.

Bangs this short and on the body, Dhawan looks to pull, he is hurried onto the shot, it hits the glove and rolls on the leg side for one.

FOUR! Up and over! That is a very clever shot! A boundary to end an expensive over and just the one Punjab needed! This is short and on middle, Agarwal arches his back and guides this over first slip for a boundary.

Two more! On middle, Agarwal flicks it through mid-wicket and takes two.

SIX! BANG! Over the fence, that should break the shackles! Agarwal makes room, this is full and on middle, Agarwal carves it over the point fence for a biggie. Much-needed.

Good running in the end! Length and on off, this one jags back in. Dhawan looks to defend, he gets an inside edge onto the body, it rolls on the off side. A run taken.

Agarwal takes one now! Length again and just outside off, he opens the face and plays it down to third man for one.

Well played in the end! Length and on off, shaping away. Dhawan opens the face of the bat and guides it down to third man for one.

Just the single to end! Angled into the body, Dhawan works it through square leg for one. A tidy start from Lucknow.

BEATEN! Chameera comes from around the wicket, Dhawan gives him the charge. It is shorter and outside off, Dhawan cuts but is beaten. Can he end the over well now?

Quite watchful from Dhawan to begin with! Length again and outside off, moves away. Easy leave.

This is the line to Dhawan, probably a little closer to the off pole. Length and outside off, left alone.

WIDE! Does not get it right this time! Bowls it down the leg side, Dhawan looks to flick but misses. Not sure if that is the right line to Dhawan.

Dhawan steps out, this is bowled shorter. On the body, Dhawan looks to flick but misses to get hit on the body.

That is a gem of a delivery! Length and on off, it seems to be coming back in but then lands and moves away. Dhawan is beaten as he tries to block.

Dushmantha Chameera to steam in from the other end.

Another absolute beauty to end! Length again, this lands on off and moves away. Agarwal is beaten all ends up as he tries to defend. End of a really good over then from Khan.

This one goes past the outside edge now. Now takes this one away from the batter, it is on a length and outside off. Agarwal looks to drive but is beaten.

Very well bowled! Mohsin Khan goes slightly fuller this time, gets it to come back in. Agarwal guides it to point. He wants a run but is sent back.

Back of a length and on off, this is guided to point.

FOUR BYES! That is a lucky boundary! De Kock had no chance! Agarwal makes room, this is short and Mohsin follows him. Extra bounce again. Agarwal fails to put bat on ball. It keeps swinging away from de Kock and goes down to the fine leg fence. Punjab are underway.

That is a good start by Mohsin Khan! A bumper to begin with! On middle, Mayank Agarwal lets it go through. Good pace and carry.

FOUR! Mohsin Khan ends the innings with a boundary. Exceptional shot. Full length, outside off. Mohsin Khan drives it through covers. He gets it through the gap and into the fence. Lucknow end their innings at 153/8.

Full length, on off. Mohsin Khan drills it to long on for a couple this time. Oh no! They will only get a single, as there is a short run.

Fuller, outside off. Avesh Khan works it only to mid off for a single.

Low full toss, outside off. Mohsin Khan slaps it down the ground to long off for one.

Arshdeep Singh nails his yorker this time. Avesh Khan gets it to the leg side off the inside edge. They take one.

Full and on the stumps. Mohsin Khan pushes it to mid off for one.

Three dots on the trot to end the over! A good comeback by Kagiso Rabada. Good length, outside off. Khan swings wildly and only manages to connect with thin air.

Another dot! This one is short, on off. Avesh Khan tries to hook it away but fails to connect.

A length ball, outside off. Avesh Khan looks to heave it away but misses.

OUT! CAUGHT! Kagiso Rabada picks up his fourth wicket. Chameera's cameo comes to an end. This will surely be one of the knocks he would be recognised for. Full length, on off. Dushmantha Chameera lofts it towards long off. Rahul Chahar takes a sharp catch in the deep. Avesh Khan is the new man in.

SIX! Kagiso Rabada under pressure. This time Dushmantha Chameera gets lucky though. On a length, outside off. Dushmantha Chameera throws his blade, it takes the outside edge and beats the fielder in the deep to go over the ropes for another biggie.

SIX! ALL THE WAY! This time Dushmantha Chameera gets into the act. A length ball, on top of off. Dushmantha Chameera hangs back and pulls it over the mid-wicket fence for another maximum.

SIX! BOOM! Mohsin Khan means business. This is full and on off. Mohsin Khan gets under it and smokes it over the long on fence for a maximum. An expensive over by Chahar comes to an end. 14 runs off it.

Length, on off. Mohsin Khan blocks it back to the bowler.

OUT! CAUGHT! Rahul Chahar has the last laugh here. Lucknow have no recognised batter left in the rank now. This is full and outside off. Jason Holder reaches out and lofts it towards sweeper cover. Sandeep Sharma, in the deep runs to his left, and grabs the ball cleanly. Relief for Chahar as he punches in fist in the air. Mohsin Khan is the new man in.

SIX! BANG! Here we go! Jason Holder breaks his shackles now. This is full and on the stumps. Jason Holder picks it up early and tonks it over the bowler's head for a biggie.

Full, on middle and leg. Dushmantha Chameera sweeps it through the leg side for another single.

Fuller, on leg. Holder clears his front leg and sweeps it to deep mid-wicket for a single.

7 runs off it, but its been a while since Lucknow got the ball over the ropes. This is full, on middle and leg. Holder works it to long on for a single. He retains the strike.

On a length, outside off. Chameera guides it to third man for a single.

Two runs! Chameera doing his part of racking up as many runs as possible. Full length, outside off. Dushmantha Chameera gets it to fine leg off the inside edge. They take two.

A length ball, on off, angled across the right-hander. Holder comes down the track and dabs it to cover for one.

Length ball, outside off. Dushmantha Chameera taps it to point for a quick single.

Full length, outside off. Jason Holder steers it to third man for a single.

Swing and a miss! Fuller, outside off. Dushmantha Chameera goes for the drive but fails to connect. Just two runs and a wicket off it. Lucknow are finding it difficult to score now.

CLOSE! Tossed up, full and outside off. Dushmantha Chameera tries to defend it out but misses. He gets beaten on the outside edge.

Full, on off, blocked out.

OUT! CAUGHT AND BOWLED! Marcus Stoinis is the one to depart now. Chahar gets his first wicket of the night. Incredible catch of his own bowling. It is tossed up, on off. Marcus Stoinis makes room and punches it back to the bowler. It flies off the toe-end. Rahul Chahar is quick to react. He dives to his left and takes a sharp catch. Punjab are all over Lucknow at the moment. Dushmantha Chameera is the new man in.

Fuller, on off. Holder paddles it to fine leg for a single.

Short ball, on off. Marcus Stoinis stays back and slaps it down to long off for one.

A dot to end! On off, defended. End of a brilliant over from Rabada.

Strategic break! Oh my, Lucknow surely needed a breather. They have lost three wickets in the last 9 deliveries. Punjab has them by the scruff of the neck. Lucknow really need some miracle by the lower order to add some impetus to the total. Punjab are currently dominating the proceedings and would hope to end things quickly. Jason Holder comes in to bat for Lucknow.

OUT! CAUGHT! Not sure about the shots played by the Lucknow batters! They are just giving it away at the moment. Within no time, they are 5 down and in all sorts. 150 now looks difficult. On middle, Ayush Badoni looks to heave it over the leg side, this goes off the top edge, there are three players going for it, the mid off fielder, the mid-wicket one and the long on fielder. In the end it is Liam Livingstone who takes a really good catch after running in from long on.

Yet another delivery on a length and outside off, Ayush Badoni looks to guide it down to third man but is beaten.

Two more! That is just wide of the fielder! Shorter in length and on off, Ayush pulls it wide of the fielder at mid-wicket for another couple.

Two to get off the mark! Shorter and around off, Ayush Badoni pulls it over mid-wicket for a couple.

Ayush Badoni comes out at number 6.

OUT! TAKEN! Another one bites the dust and Lucknow are losing their way here! Not sure if this was needed from Pandya, especially right now. On middle, length. Pandya looks to go over long on but ends up mistiming it to the fielder there and it is taken nicely.

A dot to end! Three dots to end actually. A really good comeback by Arshdeep too after going for a boundary on the very first ball! A bumper on middle, Stoinis ducks under it. He wanted a wide but not given.

BEATEN! This is not a wicket where one can actually play the cut shots easily due to the extra bounce. Shorter and angling away from off. Stoinis slashes but misses.

On middle, Pandya pushes it down to long on and gets to the other end.

Marcus Stoinis comes out at number 5.

OUT! RUN OUT! Not sure if that is exceptional fielding from Bairstow or just luck! It was poor running though from Hooda! Punjab have both the set-batters back in the hut in no time and they are back in the game. This is short and on middle, Pandya pulls it wide of deep square leg. They take one, go for another one. Bairstow picks it up and throws it towards the bowler's end. He manages to hit the stumps. It is taken upstairs and this time, replays show that the batter is short. He walks back after getting off to a start and not in a way he would have liked.

Gets in, in time! Hooda sends Krunal back in time! On middle, this is worked to mid-wicket. Krunal wants one but is sent back. Rishi from that position hits the stumps at the keeper's end. It is taken upstairs but replays show that the batter is safe.

FOUR! Timed wonderfully! It goes just over the head of the bowler. Fuller and on middle, this is timed over the bowler's head and into the long off fence. Another over which starts with a boundary.

A quick single to end the over! A really good comeback from Sharma. Went for 9 from his first three balls but got a wicket and only gave away a run on the next three! On off, this is pushed to mid off for one.

Extra bounce evident yet again! Outside off and shorter. Pandya slashes but misses.

Krunal Pandya is the new man in.

OUT! TAKEN! That is brilliant from de Kock! He walked! The umpire was shaking his head but de Kock decides to walk off! This is short and outside off, de Kock slashes but edges it, a faint one to the keeper. Both the bowler and the keeper put in a loud appeal. Turned down. De Kock though is seen walking off. Gets a pat on the back from the bowler and rightly so. Sandeep Sharma gets his revenge and also breaks the stand that would have been really worrying Punjab. He falls 4 short of a half ton.

FOUR! Carved away! That is a beautiful stroke! Second boundary in the over and that is 9 from the first three balls. A full toss outside off, de Kock waits and then guides it through point for a boundary. Lovely placement.

Outside off, de Kock looks to go over covers again, looks to hit it way too hard, he gets an underedge back to the bowler.

WIDE! Looking to bowl it well away from de Kock's hitting zone. Ends up bowling well wide outside off, left alone.

FOUR! A boundary to end the last over and one to begin this one! This is right off the middle too and it races away. Full and outside off, de Kock slaps it through covers, this one races away to the fence.

FOUR! That has been thumped and the last ball spoils the over somewhat! Not sure if that fancy run-up was needed. Chahar does do it often but not sure if it was needed this time. He comes from right-arm over across the wicket. He though bangs it short and on middle, this is crunched down the ground and into the long on fence.

Fails to find the gap! Shorter and outside off, Hooda makes room and cuts but finds point.

Shorter and on middle, de Kock looks to pull, it goes more off the inner half through square leg for one more.

DROPPED! That was hit back really hard! It was a chance but a tough one. On middle, fuller, it is smashed back to the left of the bowler. Chahar gets both hands to it but spills it. Second life for de Kock.

Flatter and on middle, this is worked through mid-wicket for one.

This one lands short! Nicely flighted, dips as it gets to the batter. De Kock is done in by the flight. He ends up chipping it short of long off for one.

Two more and that could well be the momentum shifting over! 15 from it. On middle, shorter in length as Hooda steps out, he though works it through mid-wicket, in the gap for two.

Fuller and on middle, this is hit down to long on for one.

On middle, Hooda works it towards mid-wicket and only a single this time.

Good work from Dhawan! Hooda makes room yet again, this is fuller and on middle, Hooda lofts it over covers. Dhawan at long off, runs to his left and kicks it into play. Two taken.

That should have been two earlier on but in the end it is! On middle, this is worked through mid-wicket. Hooda calls for two but de Kock is not interested. The throw comes to the bowler who does not collect it cleanly and another run is taken.

WIDE! Now makes room again, Liam bowls it down the leg side, left alone.

SIX! That is massive! That is absolutely massive! What a hit. This is tossed up on the leg pole, Hooda goes down on one knee and sends it sailing over the long on fence. Bowler under pressure now. Good start to the over for Lucknow.

On off, Quinton de Kock blocks it out solidly. A decent over by Chahar comes to an end.

FOUR! Nicely played. Fuller, down leg. Quinton de Kock gets low and sweeps it to fine leg for a boundary. He finds the gap really well here.

Loopy ball, just outside off. Quinton de Kock stays back and defends it to the off side.

Full, outside off. Hooda drives it through covers for a single. The stand moves to 50 now.

On the pads, de Kock tucks it to mid-wicket for a single.

Short ball, outside off. Hooda cuts hard to covers but the fielder there does well to make a sharp stop. They take only a single.

DRINKS! Lucknow have recovered well after losing Rahul early. They though probably will feel they need to step on the gas, they have two set batters out there and that is probably what the two will look to do after the break. Punjab on the other hand, will try and break this stand quickly, Lucknow do bat deep so if wickets do not fall, Punjab may well be chasing a stiff total.

Fuller, down leg. Liam Livingstone follows the batter. Deepak Hooda heaves it to deep mid-wicket across the line. It meets the fielder on a bounce. They take one more. 8 runs off the over, a good one for Lucknow.

A single as this is worked to long off.

Fuller, angled down leg. Quinton de Kock tries to reverse sweep but misses. The ball brushes the pads and goes to the keeper.

Outside off. Hooda chops it to deep point for a single.

Full and outside off. Quinton de Kock pushes it to cover for a single.

FOUR! Nicely played but got lucky as Bhanuka Rajapaksa fails to judge the ball in the deep. Fuller, outside off. Quinton de Kock punches it past extra cover. The ball races away to the right of long off. Bhanuka Rajapaksa puts in an early slide, only to see the ball touch the ropes.

A couple to end the over. Full length, outside off. Hooda drives it down the groung to long off for one.

A slower delivery, wide outside off. It turns away off the deck. Deepak Hooda steps across and tries to drive it away but misses it by a mile.

Full length, outside off. Quinton de Kock slaps it through the cover region for a single.

On a length, outside off, de Kock cuts it to cover.

Really good batting! On middle, Hooda works it on the leg side and gets to the other end. Follows the biggie with a single. Sensible stuff.

SIX! That is a beautiful shot! Pure timing! A much-needed one for Hooda who was really struggling. The thing here was, he held his shape. Makes room, this is on a length and on off, Hooda just nonchalantly, eases it over the long off fence for a biggie.

Length ball, on the pads. Hooda flicks it to mid-wicket for a single.

WIDE! Another stipled appeal by Sharma. Length ball, down leg. Hooda tries to chase it but misses. Wide called.

A length ball, angled down leg. Deepak Hooda gets on one knee and tries to slog it away but misses. The ball goes to the left off the keeper off the thigh pads. There is an appeal but the umpire shows no interest.

Third dot of the over! Full length, outside off. Deepak Hooda drives it towards extra cover. Shikhar Dhawan is quick to get to the ball and restricts a single.

Length ball, on the stumps, at 131 clicks. Deepak Hooda blocks it back to the bowler. This is brilliant bowling by Sandeep Sharma.

Length ball, on off. Quinton de Kock hangs back and bunts it to cover for a quick single.

Full length, wide outside off. Quinton de Kock reaches out, but only gets it back to the bowler off the inner half.

FOUR LEG BYES! This surely spoils the over. A length ball, angled down leg. Deepak Hooda tries to tickle it away but misses. It brushes his pads and runs down to the fine leg fence anyways. The umpire signals a leg bye. Lucknow are 39/1 at the end of Powerplay.

Three dots on the trot. This is brilliant bowling by Rishi Dhawan. Drags his length a bit this time, as Deepak Hooda charges down the track and awkwardly plays it back to the bowler.

Length ball, on the stumps. Deepak Hooda blocks it back to the bowler.

Swing and a miss! On a length, outside off. Deepak Hooda tries to chase it but misses.

A length ball, on the pads, Quinton de Kock flicks it to mid-wicket for a single.

Kagiso Rabada does all the hard work but the ball lands safely in the end. The bowler is also quick to appreciate the effort. Good length, on off. Quinton de Kock heaves wild across the line. The ball flies beyond the inner circle towards third man. There were no men stationed behind. Kagiso Rabada runs behind, dives a long way but the ball spills out. The batters the two runs.

Another single to end a really good over for Lucknow. On off, this is pushed to mid off for one. A much-needed over for Lucknow.

Hooda takes one! Length and on off, this one takes off after landing. It hits the splice of the bat as Hooda looks to drive, it goes to mid off for one.

Now takes one, good sensible batting! On middle, this is pushed down to mid on for one.

SIX! BANG! That is trademark de Kock! This is probably his favourite shot! This is shortish and on off, de Kock picks the length early and heaves it over the mid-wicket fence for a biggie. Two in a row and he has surely got going.

SIX! That has hit the fence on the full! Will this get de Kock going now? This is full and right in the slot, it is smashed down the ground, it hits the ropes on the full and it is the first biggie of the game.

De Kock is probably trying to hit the ball way too hard here! This is a full toss, a low one outside off. De Kock swings but it goes off the underedge and to the keeper.

WIDE! Good take in the end! This is well wide outside off, swings away further. De Kock goes after it but misses.

Yet another dot! Lucknow really struggling to get going here! Length and outside off, Hooda waits and then guides it but straight to short third man.

Just the single again! Length and on off, de Kock pushes it to mid off and gets to the other end.

Cracked away! There is a fielder in the deep though! Shorter and outside off, Hooda cuts it through point and takes one.

De Kock gets off strike! Shorter and outside off, this is cut to point for one.

That is yet another lovely delivery! Begins on middle and then moves away. De Kock looks to go downtown this time but is beaten. Some nice bounce for the bowlers.

Slashes but misses! This is wide outside off, room on offer. De Kock goes after it but misses.

A good delivery to welcome the new batter! Goes full and straight, on middle, this is pushed to mid on. End of a wicket-taking over from Rabada.

Deepak Hooda walks out at number 3.

OUT! EDGED AND TAKEN! Rabada strikes in the Powerplay yet again and he gets the big fish, the in-form KL Rahul! Another beauty of a delivery. This starts on middle, it is angling in but then leaves the batter. Rahul is rooted to his crease and ends up pushing ahead of his body, this goes off the outside edge and it is a low catch taken by Sharma by diving to his right behind the sticks. Early wicket for Punjab, just the start they needed.

That is a good comeback! After serving a half volley on the last ball, Rabada bowls this one on a length and around middle, Rahul looks to defend but it goes off the outer half to short third man.

FOUR! That is beautifully timed! Length and on off, shaping away. Rahul leans into it and creams it through covers for a boundary.

Probably de Kock was a little surprised there! This one is a full toss, Rabada was going for a yorker but end up bowling a full toss, de Kock is early in the flick, it goes off the inner half wide of mid on for one.

A quick run! On middle, Rahul pushes it to mid on for a single.

Looks to be innovative but it does not come off! This one is well wide outside off, de Kock looks to play the scoop on the leg side but misses by a long way. Really good start by Sandeep.

Really good five deliveries! Length and on off, de Kock pushes it to covers.

Leading edge but safe! This starts around the leg pole. Shapes away. De Kock looks to flick, it is against the swing, it goes off the leading edge but lands well short of point.

Rahul is off the mark! Length and on middle, this is pushed down to long on for one.

Slashes but misses! Outside off, shaping away. Rahul goes after it but no connection.

Some shape for Sandeep too! Fuller and around off, this one moves away. De Kock looks to drive, it goes off the outer half through point for one.

Who will bowl from the other end? It will be Sandeep Sharma.

FOUR LEG BYES! Fails to end the over well! Ends up with one on the pads, Rahul does not put bat on ball but it hits the pad, goes past the keeper and into the fine leg fence. First boundary of the game. A steady start for Lucknow.

Now gets this one to shape away! Length and on off, Rahul hangs back and defends. Can he end the over well now?

Another loud appeal but it is probably going down leg! Yet again, Arshdeep Singh gets nice amount of movement into the right-hander. The line though is on the pads, Rahul looks to flick but misses to get hit on the pads. Sharma from behind the stumps indicates it is going down leg.

Yet again, this one shapes back in nicely but the length is slightly short, on middle, Rahul has enough time to adjust and defend it.

This one does come back in a touch! The line is a little too straight though. Rahul looks to flick but misses to get hit on the pads.

De Kock and Lucknow are underway! Length and on off, shaping away. De Kock opens the face of the bat and guides it towards point for one.

Time for the action to begin! The players make their way out to the middle. Quinton de Kock and KL Rahul are the openers for Lucknow. Arshdeep Singh has the new ball in hand. Here we go...

Marcus Stoinis is up for a chat. He says he is looking forward to the game after a 5-day break. Mentions he bats when needed, they are still not sure about his best position. He adds he would love to bat up the order but he will bat wherever needed. Mentions the bowling is going good but not sure if he will be needed. Ends by saying, the wicket seems like it will have good bounce.

KL Rahul says there has not been much dew and hence, it is an even game and whoever plays well, will win. States it is now about enjoying their batting and they need to bat smartly. Informs they have one change, Manish misses out and Avesh Khan comes in.

Mayank Agarwal says they would want to know what they are chasing and informs they are playing the same team. Mentions the dew does not arrive and it is now more about trying to restrict them early and chase whatever they put up on board. Mentions the guys are quite flexible and if they win, then who plays and who does not is not an issue. Ends by saying he is looking forward to play against Rahul.

LUCKNOW (PLAYING XI) - Quinton de Kock (WK), KL Rahul (C), Deepak Hooda, Marcus Stoinis, Ayush Badoni, Krunal Pandya, Jason Holder, Dushmantha Chameera, Ravi Bishnoi, Avesh Khan (IN FOR Manish Pandey), Mohsin Khan.

PUNJAB (PLAYING XI) - Mayank Agarwal (C), Shikhar Dhawan, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Jonny Bairstow, Liam Livingstone, Jitesh Sharma (WK), Rishi Dhawan, Kagiso Rabada, Rahul Chahar, Sandeep Sharma, Arshdeep Singh.

TOSS - Punjab win the toss and ELECT TO FIELD!

PITCH REPORT - Danny Morrison says the straighter boundaries are longer. Adds one needs to bowl length and probably short on this wicket and there is even covering of grass in that area and the pacers will love it.

Lucknow have been really good so far. They sit in the top 4 with 5 games won and three lost out of the 8 they have played. Punjab on the other hand, have won and lost the same number of games. They have been a tad inconsistent so far but head into this game on the back of a good win. Can they continue the good work is what we will have to see. A win here will see them go level on points with the sides placed on 3rd and 4th. They’ll have to play really well if they are to beat Lucknow. Toss and teams in a bit…

Three of the most successful franchise are struggling big time as Kolkata tasted yet another defeat at the hands of Delhi. It is a new day and two new teams will be facing of as the action shifts to Pune. It is a clash between the new entrants this year, Lucknow and Punjab. This promises to be an absolute cracker.

... MATCH DAY ...