PBKS VS KKR, IPL 2023 Match 2 – Full Scorecard, Commentary, Squad

We are all set to start folks! Punjab players walk out to the field again along with the openers for Kolkata. Sam Curran is ready to bowl now. Here we go…

The players are now walking off the field and the start of the second innings is delayed until the lights get on. Stay tuned for further updates.

We are back for the chase! The players are already out there in the middle. Mandeep Singh and Rahmanullah Gurbaz are the two openers for Kolkata. Sam Curran to start proceedings with the ball. Also, the umpire signals the X sign for the Impact player as Punjab replaces Bhanuka Rajapaksa for Rishi Dhawan. We have to wait for a bit more as there are some issues with the floodlights in the ground.

… THE RUN CHASE …

Right then, Punjab have posted a very good total on the board with some explosive batting, and they will be hopeful of defending this one. Kolkata has a lot of quality in their batting order, but this is not going to be easy and they will need bat really well to start their campaign with a win. Let's see how the chase unfolds.

Kolkata never really got settled in this innings and  most of their bowlers were taken apart by the Punjab batters. They struggled a bit to pick up wickets and when they did, they couldn't stop the run flow. However, Umesh Yadav and Varun Chakaravarthy were economical and picked up a wicket each as well. Towards the fag end of the innings they were able to bowl a couple of cheap overs and put pressure on the hosts. Tim Southee picked up two wickets, but also was quite expensive while Sunil Narine chipped in with one as well.

Punjab got off to a flying start with Prabhsimran Singh playing some lusty blows before losing his wicket against the run of play. However, that did not affect the scoring rate as Bhanuka Rajapaksa and Shikhar Dhawan stitched up a brilliant partnership of 86 runs. The former got to his half-century and got out and the skipper followed him soon after. After that they struggled a bit, but cameos from Jitesh Sharma, Sikandar Raza, Shahrukh Khan and Sam Curran helped them to go over the 190-run mark, but they would be disappointed that they could not go over 200.

An innings of two halves! It was a good battle between both bat and bowl. Punjab looked like scoring over 200 runs quite easily, but Kolkata managed to fight back well and kept them under it. It gives them a psychological advantage, but this game is nicely poised going into the break.

Tim Southee to Sam Curran, 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.

Tim Southee to Sam Curran, 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 to Sam Curran, 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.

Tim Southee to Sam Curran, 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.

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

Tim Southee to Shahrukh Khan, 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.

Shardul Thakur to Shahrukh Khan, 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.

Shardul Thakur to Shahrukh Khan, 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.

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

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

Shardul Thakur to Shahrukh Khan, 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 to Sam Curran, 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.

Sunil Narine to Shahrukh Khan, 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.

Sunil Narine to Sikandar Raza, 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.

Sunil Narine to Sikandar Raza, 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.

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

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

Varun Chakaravarthy to Sam Curran, 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.

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

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

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

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

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

Varun Chakaravarthy to Sam Curran, 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.

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

Shardul Thakur to Sikandar Raza, 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.

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

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

Shardul Thakur to Sikandar Raza, 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.

Varun Chakaravarthy to Sam Curran, 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!

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

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

Sam Curran strides out to the middle.

Varun Chakaravarthy to Shikhar Dhawan, 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.

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

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

Tim Southee to Shikhar Dhawan, 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!

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

Tim Southee to Sikandar Raza, 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.

Tim Southee to Jitesh Sharma, 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.

Tim Southee to Jitesh Sharma, 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 to Jitesh Sharma, 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.

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

Umesh Yadav to Jitesh Sharma, 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.

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

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

Umesh Yadav to Jitesh Sharma, 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.

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

Sunil Narine to Jitesh Sharma, 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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Jitesh Sharma walks out to the middle.

Umesh Yadav to Bhanuka Rajapaksa, 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!

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

Umesh Yadav to Bhanuka Rajapaksa, 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.

Umesh Yadav to Bhanuka Rajapaksa, 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!

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

Umesh Yadav to Shikhar Dhawan, 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.

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

Varun Chakaravarthy to Bhanuka Rajapaksa, 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.

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

Varun Chakaravarthy to Bhanuka Rajapaksa, 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.

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

Varun Chakaravarthy to Shikhar Dhawan, 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.

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

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

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

Shardul Thakur to Shikhar Dhawan, 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…

Shardul Thakur to Bhanuka Rajapaksa, 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.

Shardul Thakur to Bhanuka Rajapaksa, 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.

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

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

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

Sunil Narine to Bhanuka Rajapaksa, 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.

Sunil Narine to Bhanuka Rajapaksa, 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.

Sunil Narine to Bhanuka Rajapaksa, 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.

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

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

Shardul Thakur to Bhanuka Rajapaksa, 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.

Shardul Thakur to Bhanuka Rajapaksa, 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.

Shardul Thakur to Bhanuka Rajapaksa, 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 to Bhanuka Rajapaksa, 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.

Varun Chakaravarthy to Shikhar Dhawan, 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.

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

Varun Chakaravarthy to Bhanuka Rajapaksa, 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.

Varun Chakaravarthy to Shikhar Dhawan, 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.

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

Varun Chakaravarthy to Shikhar Dhawan, 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.

Sunil Narine to Bhanuka Rajapaksa, 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.

Sunil Narine to Bhanuka Rajapaksa, 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.

Sunil Narine to Bhanuka Rajapaksa, 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.

Sunil Narine to Bhanuka Rajapaksa, 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.

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

Sunil Narine to Bhanuka Rajapaksa, 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.

Tim Southee to Shikhar Dhawan, 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.

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

Tim Southee to Bhanuka Rajapaksa, 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.

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

Tim Southee to Shikhar Dhawan, 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.

Tim Southee to Shikhar Dhawan, 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.

Umesh Yadav to Bhanuka Rajapaksa, 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.

Umesh Yadav to Bhanuka Rajapaksa, 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.

Umesh Yadav to Shikhar Dhawan, 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.

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

Umesh Yadav to Shikhar Dhawan, 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 to Shikhar Dhawan, 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.

Tim Southee to Prabhsimran Singh, 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.

Tim Southee to Prabhsimran Singh, 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.

Tim Southee to Prabhsimran Singh, 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.

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

Tim Southee to Prabhsimran Singh, 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.

Tim Southee to Prabhsimran Singh, 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.

Umesh Yadav to Prabhsimran Singh, 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.

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

Umesh Yadav to Prabhsimran Singh, 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.

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

Umesh Yadav to Prabhsimran Singh, 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 to Prabhsimran Singh, 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.