LSG vs PBKS, Indian Premier League, 2023: Lucknow Super Giants vs Punjab Kings, Match 21 Squad Updates and Match Summary

nd Innings Punjab Kings

That is it from this game and we have yet again witnessed a humdinger of a game. The action in the 2023 Indian T20 League continues on Sunday, the 16th of April with another doubleheader. In the first game, Mumbai will host Kolkata at 3.30 pm IST (10 am GMT) and that will be followed by a clash between Gujarat and Rajasthan in Ahmedabad at 7.30 pm IST (2 pm GMT). You can however catch the build-up for both those games a lot earlier. Cheers!

Sikandar Raza is the Player of the Match for his match-winning knock along with his one wicket. The Zimbabwean star says that it feels great to win the game and credits Shahrukh Khan for the way he finished the game. Adds that it is one of the biggest stages and you want to do well. Admits that he had a few average games and is happy that it went well this evening. Feels that the wicket of Jitesh Sharma was very crucial as he has the ability to hit the big shots and his dismissal could have been the turning point but Shahrukh came in and did the job.

Sam Curran, the stand-in captain of Punjab, calls it an amazing win and is happy that the boys chipped in. Admits that it was not a perfect game. Praises the bowlers and shares that there was dew but the pitch was still offering something. He lauds the way Sikandar Raza batted and is thrilled with the batting of Shahrukh Khan. Hopes that they all keep their form and on his personal form, Sam replies that his rhythm is getting good and credits all the bowlers in his team. Smiles and hopes that Shikhar Dhawan gets fit soon.

KL Rahul, the captain of Lucknow, says that they were 10 runs short and the dew also came in later which helped the batters. Mentions that on a fairly new ground, one cannot rely on previous games' stats. Says that they take it as it goes and they could have got to 180 as well but unfortunately a few of the main batters weren't able to fire. On his splendid catch to dismiss Jitesh Sharma, KL replies that he gives his all when on the ground. Mentions that they have batters in the side who can clear the fence with regularity and it's not just about power but skills as well. Ends by saying that they look to give the batters that freedom so they can do their own thing.

Stay tuned for a few interviews...

Lucknow gave it their all on the field and it's their batting that will have to take the blame for this defeat. Only KL Rahul was the one who fought like a warrior but he received very little support from the other batters. A total of 159 was only going to be below par with the dew setting in and credit goes to the Lucknow bowlers for taking this match into the last over. Yudhvir Singh was incredible in his maiden outing as he bagged a couple of early wickets and Mark Wood once again was fast and furious in his stint. Ravi Bishnoi picked the prized scalps of Sam Curran and Sikandar Raza and the departure of the latter left Punjab in a pickle but Shahrukh Khan, the cricketer, also spread his arms and absorbed all the pressure to earn his team crucial points.

This match saw plenty of twists and turns as momentum was no one's friend. Punjab started on the wrong foot and lost three wickets inside the Powerplay. Matthew Short's early attack though helped them to gather some important runs in the first six overs. The chase never looked secure for the visiting side due to the regular fall of wickets but Sikandar Raza's timely onslaught handed them a solid shot in the arm. He brought this match on level terms and then a timely cameo from Shahrukh Khan won them the game in the end.

There's something in the air in this season's Indian T20 League. Almost every game is going the distance and it's been very hard to predict an outright winner. The afternoon game on Saturday can be counted as an aberration as it was quite one-sided but this one filled our Super Saturday with all the thrill and entertainment. Punjab held on to their nerves in the end and registered a vital away win.

19.3

over

19.3 | 8 Runs | HH: 161/8

19.3

Ravi Bishnoi to Shahrukh Khan, FOUR! Shahrukh Khan seals the win in style! Ravi Bishnoi drags this one down and bowls it outside off. Khan waits for it and thumps it over extra cover. The man from long off can't get there and it will be a boundary. PUNJAB WIN BY 2 WICKETS!

19.2

Ravi Bishnoi to Shahrukh Khan, Just short! Good effort in the deep from Deepak Hooda. A tad shorter and around middle, Shahrukh Khan flat-bats it down to long on where Hooda dives forward but fails to reach the ball. He manages to get his body behind it but the batters get another brace.

19.1

Ravi Bishnoi to Shahrukh Khan, On middle, Shahrukh Khan gets down on one knee and slog-sweeps it in front of the man at deep mid-wicket. The batters push hard for two and make it back with ease.

Right then, yet another game is going down to the wire. 7 needed off 6 balls looks like a simple equation and someone like Shahrukh Khan can settle this with one big blow but there is pressure and it makes you do funny things. Ravi Bishnoi to bowl...

over

19 | 13 Runs | HH: 153/8

18.6

Mark Wood to Kagiso Rabada, Back of a length and angled into the batter again at 150.6 clicks. Kagiso Rabada backs away and looks to play at it but pushes it back to the bowler.

18.5

Mark Wood to Harpreet Brar, OUT! CAUGHT BEHIND! Mark Wood comes back strongly and gets rid of Harpreet Brar. On a good length and angled into the batter from around the wicket. Brar backs away past the leg stump and tries to lift it over the cover region. The pace on the ball is just too quick and the outside edge is found. Nicholas Pooran doesn't have to move an inch and pouches it safely. 7 runs needed now off 7 deliveries and Kagiso Rabada walks in next.

18.4

Mark Wood to Harpreet Brar, FOUR! What a shot! This is bowled from around the wicket and angled in full at the legs. Harpreet Brar goes well past the leg stump and crunches the cover drive through the gap for a boundary.

18.3

Mark Wood to Shahrukh Khan, On a good length around off at 147 clicks, Shahrukh Khan mistimes the slog off the inside edge and toward short fine leg for a single.

18.2

Mark Wood to Shahrukh Khan, SIX! All the way! Mark Wood serves a bumper at around 142 clicks and at a good height as well. Shahrukh Khan is hurried into the pull shot. The ball flies off the top edge and over the keeper's head for a maximum.

18.2

Mark Wood to Shahrukh Khan, WIDE! Full and quick but spilled beyond the tramline outside off. Shahrukh Khan leaves it alone for a wide.

18.1

Mark Wood to Harpreet Brar, Comes from around the wicket and angles it in at 147 clicks on the body. Harpreet Brar tucks it away past square leg and turns the strike over.

over

18 | 3 Runs | HH: 140/7

17.6

Ravi Bishnoi to Harpreet Brar, On middle, Harpreet Brar pushes it through mid on and picks up a single. 20 needed off 12 balls.

The crowd has gone mad. A massive breakthrough for the hosts as they sent the dangerous Sikandar Raza packing. Harpreet Brar is in next. 21 needed off 13 balls.

17.5

Ravi Bishnoi to Sikandar Raza, OUT! CAUGHT! Marcus Stoinis with a pressure catch and the tide has turned again. Ravi Bishnoi bowls it full and on middle and leg. Sikandar Raza sits down on one knee and slogs it away. Raza doesn't get the connection and ends up hitting it flat toward deep square leg. Stonis there comes in from the deep and takes an excellent low catch sliding forward. Raza departs after a good knock and now the pressure is on Punjab.

17.4

Ravi Bishnoi to Sikandar Raza, Nicely bowled! Quicker and flatter angling in. Sikandar Raza looks to back away and pull but gets cut in half.

17.3

Ravi Bishnoi to Shahrukh Khan, Shorter on middle, this is pulled off the back foot to deep mid-wicket for a single.

17.2

Ravi Bishnoi to Shahrukh Khan, 17.2: Ravi Bishnoi to Shahrukh Khan, Flatter one around middle and at 98 clicks, Shahrukh Khan nudges it toward silly mid on.

17.2

Ravi Bishnoi to Shahrukh Khan, Wide called but it has been reviewed. The third umpire checks the replays. This is a bit fuller and angled down leg, Shahrukh Khan looks to sweep it fine but misses. The third umpire confirms that there is no bat involved and the wide decision stands.

17.1

Ravi Bishnoi to Shahrukh Khan, Flighted one on middle and leg and Shahrukh Khan blocks it back toward the bowler.

over

17 | 9 Runs | HH: 137/6

16.6

Avesh Khan to Sikandar Raza, FOUR! Crunched! Full and wide, misses the yorker and Sikandar Raza creams this one through extra cover for a boundary. 23 needed now off 18.

16.6

Avesh Khan to Sikandar Raza, WIDE! On a good length and pushed well outside the off stump, the ball skips the tramline as well and it is called a wide.

16.5

Avesh Khan to Sikandar Raza, Tries to be cheeky but doesn't come off. Fullish length around off and angling in, Sikandar Raza shuffles across and sits down looking for the scoop but falls over and misses out.

16.4

Avesh Khan to Shahrukh Khan, On a hard length outside off, this is eased away through the point region for one more.

16.3

Avesh Khan to Sikandar Raza, A full toss now on off and middle, Sikandar Raza goes for the heave but hits it flat and towards deep mid-wicket for just a single.

16.2

Avesh Khan to Sikandar Raza, Excellent delivery! Nails the yorker outside off, Sikandar Raza fails to get under it as he looks to loft it over cover and is beaten.

16.1

Avesh Khan to Sikandar Raza, Too close for comfort! Back of a length and around off, Sikandar Raza hangs back and dabs it just behind point. They set off for the single as the bowler Avesh Khan goes chasing after the ball. The batters push for the second and the fielder fires in a good throw at the keeper's end. Nicholas Pooran whips off the bails but the replays show that the dive just about saved Raza here.

Appeal for a run out. It looks touch and go but Ayush Badoni's reaction at square leg suggests that the batter is home. The replays also find the same.

Avesh Khan is back to bowl at the death. 0 for 15 from his 2 overs so far.

over

16 | 13 Runs | HH: 128/6

15.6

Mark Wood to Shahrukh Khan, SIX! BANG! Shahrukh Khan shows no respect to the pace of Mark Wood and thumps him for a maximum. This is on a good length around off, Khan simply frees his arms and clobbers it over the long-on fence for a biggie.

Strategic break. 'Catches win matches' and Lucknow will like to believe that the last catch from their skipper will snatch the momentum in their favour and rub on everyone. With 38 needed off 25 balls, this match is tightly poised. Sikandar Raza is the key to Punjab's chances but he will need support from the other end. The big-hitter Shahrukh Khan is the new batter.

15.5

Mark Wood to Jitesh Sharma, OUT! TAKEN! Oh, what a catch! Skipper KL Rahul with a stunning catch and Jitesh Sharma simply cannot believe it. Mark Wood goes full and bowls it outside off, Sharma clears the front leg and thumps it a bit uppishly but wide of mid off. Rahul there springs to his left at full stretch and grabs it with both hands. This could be a big moment in the game.

15.4

Mark Wood to Sikandar Raza, Another quick short ball right around the batter's helmet. Sikandar Raza takes his eyes off the ball a bit but manages to pull it to deep square leg for one. That will also be FIFTY for Raza! A fine knock thus far from him but he will be hoping to stay on till the end.

15.4

Mark Wood to Sikandar Raza, A quick bumper this at 148 clicks and Sikandar Raza is hurried on for pace. Raza though thinks it has flown above his head and takes the review for a wide call. The third umpire checks and the batter is crouching a bit but it is still a bit too high and it is changed to a wide. Good review!

15.3

Mark Wood to Sikandar Raza, FOUR! Stylishly put away! Short and on the hips, Sikandar Raza whips it away aerially in front of the man at deep backward square leg for a boundary.

15.2

Mark Wood to Jitesh Sharma, Back of a length around off, this is pulled away well in front of mid-wicket for a single.

15.1

Mark Wood to Jitesh Sharma, Length ball on middle and at clicks. Jitesh Sharma blocks it out.

over

15 | 7 Runs | HH: 115/5

14.6

Ravi Bishnoi to Sikandar Raza, Tossed up around off, turning in, Raza goes down and swings his bat strongly. It takes the inner half and runs in front of square on the leg side. They get two runs.

14.5

Ravi Bishnoi to Sikandar Raza, Floated and full, around off, Raza lunges and pushes it defensively to covers.

14.4

Ravi Bishnoi to Jitesh Sharma, A bit short and on middle, Sharma goes back and hits it to deep mid-wicket for a run.

Jitesh Sharma walks out to bat now.

14.3

Ravi Bishnoi to Sam Curran, OUT! Curran holes out! Bishnoi strikes. Short and outside off, turning away, Sam rocks back to pummel yet another delivery over covers but fails to get the desired connection. He mistimes it aerially towards long off where Krunal Pandya does the rest. We are heading towards yet another tight finish - 48 needed off 33 balls.

14.2

Ravi Bishnoi to Sam Curran, FOUR! Connects and connects well this time. Googly outside off, short in length, Sam throws his hands at it and smashes it over covers for a boundary.

14.1

Ravi Bishnoi to Sam Curran, Beaten! Shortish and outside off, Curran goes back to punch but misses.

Ravi Bishnoi is finally into the attack in the 15th over.

over

14 | 9 Runs | HH: 108/4

13.6

Krishnappa Gowtham to Sam Curran, Flatter and shorter outside off, Curran goes hard at it and flat-bats it down the ground. It's a mishit and the ball goes tamely to long off. They cross. 9 from the over, 52 needed off 36 balls.

13.5

Krishnappa Gowtham to Sikandar Raza, Turning in from around off, Raza moves back and punches it through mid-wicket for a run.

13.4

Krishnappa Gowtham to Sam Curran, Fuller and on middle, Sam knocks it down to long on for a single.

13.3

Krishnappa Gowtham to Sikandar Raza, Shortish and on off, Raza goes back and nurdles it towards mid-wicket for one.

13.3

Krishnappa Gowtham to Sikandar Raza, Wide! Fires a quicker one down the leg side, Raza leaves it.

13.2

Krishnappa Gowtham to Sikandar Raza, Walks forward to a full ball and flicks it to short mid-wicket.

13.1

Krishnappa Gowtham to Sikandar Raza, FOUR! Smart batting! Skidding down the leg side, Raza picks it off his pads and lobs it behind short fine leg for a boundary.

over

13 | 17 Runs | HH: 99/4

12.6

Krunal Pandya to Sam Curran, Flighted on middle, defended back. 17 from the over, 61 needed off 42 balls.

12.5

Krunal Pandya to Sikandar Raza, Quicker and shorter, around off, stopping a bit off the surface, Raza mistimes it aerially but wide of the bowler. It goes down to long off and they cross.

12.4

Krunal Pandya to Sikandar Raza, FOUR! Raza is on fire. Gets another short ball around off, the Zimbabwean goes deep inside the crease and thwacks it towards the cow corner. Yudhvir Singh is in action again, this time he sprints across to his left and dives but it falls away from him and then goes to the fence.

12.3

Krunal Pandya to Sikandar Raza, SIX! This time it sails over. Short and on off, Sikandar Raza plays a powerful pull shot again. He packs it with enough elevation to clear a jumping Yudhvir Singh near the fence at mid-wicket.

12.2

Krunal Pandya to Sikandar Raza, SIX! A good effort in the deep though. Short and on off, Sikandar Raza pulls it with power over mid-wicket. Yudhvir Singh near the fence puts in a jump and tries to catch it. He does get hold of the ball but fails to pull it back inside.

12.1

Krunal Pandya to Sikandar Raza, Play and a miss! Quicker one, around leg, Raza steps back and tries to hit it but misses.

Krunal Pandya to continue...

over

12 | 7 Runs | HH: 82/4

11.6

Krishnappa Gowtham to Sikandar Raza, Drags his length short around off, Sikandar Raza uses the spin and pulls it to deep mid-wicket for one.

11.5

Krishnappa Gowtham to Sikandar Raza, Turning in from around off, Raza goes back to work it on the leg side but gets an inside edge onto the pads.

11.4

Krishnappa Gowtham to Sikandar Raza, Shortish and outside off, Raza goes back to cut but misses.

11.3

Krishnappa Gowtham to Sikandar Raza, SIX! High and long enough. Tossed up outside off, fuller in length, Sikandar Raza wears his skates again and rifles it over long off for a biggie.

11.2

Krishnappa Gowtham to Sikandar Raza, Loopy and full, around off, Raza jumps down the track and pushes it back to the bowler again.

11.1

Krishnappa Gowtham to Sikandar Raza, Flatter and on middle, punched back to the bowler.

over

11 | 7 Runs | HH: 75/4

10.6

Krunal Pandya to Harpreet Singh, OUT! CAUGHT! A slow and unconvincing knock from Harpreet Singh is over. Flighted delivery, full and around middle, Singh skips down the track but gets his feet into a tangle. He flicks it aerially after that but without much conviction. The ball flies to deep backward square leg where Prerak Mankad (sub) takes a fine catch. 85 needed off 54 balls and skipper Sam Curran has walked in next.

10.5

Krunal Pandya to Sikandar Raza, Outside off, played towards point for a run.

10.4

Krunal Pandya to Harpreet Singh, Shout for an lbw! Nothing from the umpire. Quicker and fuller, around off and skidding away, Singh mistimes his reverse sweep towards point. They cross. It had come off the gloves.

10.3

Krunal Pandya to Harpreet Singh, Floated and full, around middle, Singh walks forward and flicks it to mid-wicket.

10.2

Krunal Pandya to Harpreet Singh, FOUR! Shot! Short in length, around middle, Harpreet steps back to make room and blazes it over covers for a boundary.

10.1

Krunal Pandya to Sikandar Raza, Very full and on middle, Raza clears his front leg and forces it down to long off for a single.

over

10 | 7 Runs | HH: 68/3

9.6

Krishnappa Gowtham to Harpreet Singh, Nicely bowled! On a length and around off, this one grips and turns away sharply. Harpreet Singh has a poke at it but is beaten.

9.5

Krishnappa Gowtham to Sikandar Raza, Short and on leg stump, punched off the back foot down to long on for one.

9.4

Krishnappa Gowtham to Sikandar Raza, Shorter one around leg stump, Sikandar Raza nudges it away toward fine leg and picks up a couple of runs.

9.3

Krishnappa Gowtham to Harpreet Singh, Floated up outside off, Harpreet Singh steps out and lofts it wide of long off for a single.

9.2

Krishnappa Gowtham to Sikandar Raza, This is floated up on middle and leg, Sikandar Raza works it away in front of mid-wicket and the batters push hard for two. The fielder there fumbles the ball and the batters get back for the third.

9.1

Krishnappa Gowtham to Sikandar Raza, A huge mix-up in the middle but Punjab survive! This is tossed up on middle, Sikandar Raza nudges it to the right of the bowler and Harpreet Singh sets off for the single. He is sent back immediately as Krishnappa Gowtham runs towards it. Gowtham gets to the ball but fires in a throw wide of the stumps at the bowler's end from a few feet away. A huge let-off, this!

Strategic break. It's been a good start from Lucknow so far. Picking 3 wickets inside the Powerplay has handed them the advantage but they need to keep bowling well to stay in the hunt. Punjab are currently on the back foot but a good stand can put their chase in the ascendency. A crucial middle phase coming up. Krishnappa Gowtham is back on.

over

9 | 8 Runs | HH: 61/3

8.6

Krunal Pandya to Harpreet Singh, On middle and leg, this is worked away into the vacant region in front of mid-wicket for a couple of runs.

8.5

Krunal Pandya to Harpreet Singh, Almost carried! Tosses this one up and bowls it outside off. Harpreet Singh tries to use his feet but ends up pushing at it uppishly. Krunal Pandya dives to his right but the ball just falls short.

8.4

Krunal Pandya to Harpreet Singh, FOUR! A touch of finesse from Harpreet Singh! Quicker and flatter around off, Harpreet waits for it and opens the face of the bat at the last moment to guide it fine of short third man for a boundary.

8.3

Krunal Pandya to Sikandar Raza, Floated up on middle and leg, Sikandar Raza drills this one from deep inside the crease down to long on and collects another one.

8.2

Krunal Pandya to Sikandar Raza, Fired in at 100.6 clicks on middle and leg, Sikandar Raza blocks it out.

8.1

Krunal Pandya to Harpreet Singh, Starts off with a fuller delivery and angles it across the left-hander. Harpreet Singh drives it gently through mid off and jogs across for the single.

Krunal Pandya is into the attack now.

over

8 | 5 Runs | HH: 53/3

7.6

Mark Wood to Sikandar Raza, Follows the batter now! Mark Wood steams in and clocks over 147 KPH. This is angled in on a good length over leg stump. Sikandar Raza looks to work it leg side but only manages to push it in front of square leg.

7.5

Mark Wood to Sikandar Raza, Goes full now and keeps it on middle, Sikandar Raza stays deep in his crease and defends it out.

7.4

Mark Wood to Sikandar Raza, Banged in a bit over middle at 144.5 clicks. Sikandar Raza stays back and plays a tennis forehand down to long on for a couple of runs.

7.3

Mark Wood to Harpreet Singh, Back of a length and outside off, Harpreet Singh with a sweetly timed punch off the back foot to sweeper cover for one more.

7.2

Mark Wood to Sikandar Raza, On a hard length and angled into the batter at 146 clicks. Sikandar Raza hops back and pushes it out through cover-point for one.

7.1

Mark Wood to Harpreet Singh, Short of a length at 142.6 clicks and angled in from around the wicket. Harpreet Singh crouches a bit and ramps it wide of third man for another single.

Mark Wood comes back into the attack.

over

7 | 3 Runs | HH: 48/3

6.6

Avesh Khan to Harpreet Singh, Banged in short and around off, Harpreet Singh drags the pull shot in front of square leg and picks up a single.

6.5

Avesh Khan to Sikandar Raza, Slightly shorter on the stumps, this is worked off the back foot through square leg for a run.

6.4

Avesh Khan to Sikandar Raza, Length again around off, Sikandar Raza looks to shuffle across and flick but ends up blocking it on the off side.

6.3

Avesh Khan to Sikandar Raza, On a good length outside off, Sikandar Raza watches the ball go past and into the keeper's mitts.

6.2

Avesh Khan to Harpreet Singh, Bangs it in a bit and around off, Harpreet Singh bends his back and ramps it on the bounce to the man at third man for a run.

6.1

Avesh Khan to Harpreet Singh, On a hard length around off and angled across, Harpreet Singh tries to guide it down to third man but is well beaten.

Three wickets inside the Powerplay and the last one was a big blow to Punjab as Matthew Short was looking in sublime touch. Sikandar Raza is the new batter and Avesh Khan returns to bowl his second over.

over

6 | 8 Runs | HH: 45/3

5.6

Krishnappa Gowtham to Matthew Short, OUT! CAUGHT! Straight to the man! Krishnappa Gowtham comes from around the wicket and floats it around middle. Matthew Short backs away a bit and tries to open up the off side. Short tries to loft it away but doesn't get under it and ends up stroking it straight to mid off. Marcus Stoinis there takes it around his chest and Punjab lose their third wicket now.

5.5

Krishnappa Gowtham to Matthew Short, Flighted delivery around middle, Matthew Short blocks it out.

5.4

Krishnappa Gowtham to Matthew Short, SIX! Matthew Short uses those long levers and puts it away. Flatter again on middle, Short stays back and hits through the line, thumping it over the long on fence for a biggie.

5.3

Krishnappa Gowtham to Harpreet Singh, Floats it on middle and leg, Harpreet Singh works it in front of mid-wicket for a quick single.

5.2

Krishnappa Gowtham to Matthew Short, A tad shorter and on middle and leg, this is punched down to long on for a single.

5.1

Krishnappa Gowtham to Matthew Short, Krishnappa Gowtham comes into the attack and starts off with a flatter one on leg stump. Matthew Short stays back and looks to work it leg side but gets a leading edge to extra cover.

over

5 | 9 Runs | HH: 37/2

4.6

Yudhvir Singh to Harpreet Singh, Full and on off, at 140.2 kph, Harpreet stays back and pushes it with an angled bat to cover-point. Three dots to end the over.

4.5

Yudhvir Singh to Harpreet Singh, Shortish and wide outside off, at 138.6 kph, Singh leans back and cuts but finds the fielder at cover-point.

4.4

Yudhvir Singh to Harpreet Singh, Fractionally short and outside off, at 140.4 kph, Singh goes on the back foot and taps it down on the off side.

4.3

Yudhvir Singh to Matthew Short, Shortish and on off, at 139.4 clicks, Short this time drags it off the inner half. The ball speeds away to deep mid-wicket and they cross for a run.

4.2

Yudhvir Singh to Matthew Short, FOUR! That's smashed! Another shortish delivery, outside off at 137.1 clicks, Short gets the chance to free his arms and packs a punch through cover-point for a boundary.

4.1

Yudhvir Singh to Matthew Short, FOUR! Put away easily! Back of a length, around off and angling in at 140.4 kph, Short stays back-footed and muscles it over mid-wicket for a boundary.

Yudhvir Singh to continue. He has bowled 2 overs for 10 runs so far. Can he find another breakthrough here?

over

4 | 5 Runs | HH: 28/2

3.6

Mark Wood to Harpreet Singh, Wood switches to 'round the wicket and serves a length ball on middle, Singh uses the angle and helps it to mid-wicket.

3.5

Mark Wood to Matthew Short, Length ball on middle, at 147.1 kph, Short tries to flick but misses. It goes off his pads to mid-wicket and they cross for a leg bye.

3.4

Mark Wood to Matthew Short, Around off, on a length, at 148.2 kph, Short strokes off the back foot to covers.

3.3

Mark Wood to Matthew Short, Wood loads a full ball on middle, at 147.1 kph, Short tries to flick but it takes a soft leading edge and trickles towards point.

3.2

Mark Wood to Matthew Short, A bit short and on off, 148 kph, Short goes back and pulls it in front of square on the leg side. Collects another couple.

Lucknow have made a quick start here. Let's see how Punjab respond. Watch out for the speed gun with Wood into the attack.

3.1

Mark Wood to Matthew Short, Clocks 146.3 kph straight away. Delivers it on a length, around middle, Short tucks it behind square leg for a couple.

over

3 | 10 Runs | HH: 23/2

2.6

Yudhvir Singh to Harpreet Singh, FOUR! Easily put away. Full in length, around middle and angling in, Harpreet leans across and flicks it with good timing over wide mid on for a boundary.

2.5

Yudhvir Singh to Matthew Short, Serves it on a length, around off, Short works it off the inner half to square leg. They cross.

2.4

Yudhvir Singh to Matthew Short, Slants in a length ball, around off, it's punched off the back foot to mid off.

2.3

Yudhvir Singh to Harpreet Singh, Delivers it on middle, angling down, Harpreet Singh uses the angle and tickles it down to fine leg for a single.

Harpreet Singh is in at number 4.

2.2

Yudhvir Singh to Prabhsimran Singh, OUT! STUMPS SHATTERED! Yudhvir Singh is on fire and jumps in delight. He corrects his length and delivers it on a good length, around off and shaping in at 139.9 clicks. Prabhsimran Singh plays all around it and leaves a big gap between his bat and pad. The ball sneaks through and crashes onto the stumps. Punjab have lost both their openers and are in some early trouble. 143 needed off 106 balls.

2.1

Yudhvir Singh to Prabhsimran Singh, FOUR! Not connected well but it's still a boundary. Yudhvir digs it in short, around off at 139.8 kph, Prabhsimran Singh goes for the pull shot but it takes the top part. The ball lands safely in the deep and then trickles past the fence.

over

2 | 12 Runs | HH: 13/1

1.6

Avesh Khan to Matthew Short, Lands it on a length and close to off, Short stays back to defend but gets an inside edge onto the pads. It deflects to point.

1.5

Avesh Khan to Matthew Short, Angling in around off, full in length, Short tries to flick but gets beaten on the inside edge. It takes his thigh pad and goes to the keeper.

1.4

Avesh Khan to Matthew Short, FOUR! Bang! One of the leading run-scorers of the recently concluded BBL is showing his class here. Back of a length and outside off, Short hangs on the back foot and whacks it through point. This is brilliant batting.

1.3

Avesh Khan to Matthew Short, FOUR! What a shot! A touch short in length, around middle and leg, Short tucks it across the line and finds the gap behind square leg for a boundary. Excellent wristwork.

1.2

Avesh Khan to Matthew Short, Fullish and around off, Short pushes it with firm hands to covers.

1.1

Avesh Khan to Matthew Short, FOUR! Short loves the short deliveries. It's around off, Matthew Short eases himself on the back foot and powers it over mid-wicket for a boundary.

Avesh Khan to operate from the other end.

over

1 | 1 Runs | HH: 1/1

0.6

Yudhvir Singh to Prabhsimran Singh, Pitches it up and outside off, at 140.8 kph, Prabhsimran Singh plays a mistimed off drive to mid off. End of the first over, a good one by Yudhvir Singh!

0.5

Yudhvir Singh to Prabhsimran Singh, Slightly short in length, around off at 144.4 clicks, Prabhsimran Singh goes on the back foot and taps it down to backward point.

0.4

Yudhvir Singh to Matthew Short, Punjab are away. Full in length, around leg and angling down, Short helps it behind square leg for a single.

Matthew Short is the new man in.

0.3

Yudhvir Singh to Atharva Taide, OUT! CAUGHT! Yudhvir draws first blood. Hurls across a shortish ball on middle and off, at 140.3 kph, Atharva Taide hangs back to possibly heave it over the leg side but gets a thick top edge. The ball flies down to third man where Avesh Khan takes a simple catch. Early blow to Punjab.

0.2

Yudhvir Singh to Atharva Taide, Yudhvir Singh offers room outside off, Atharva Taide stands back and throws his bat at it but fails to connect.

0.1

Yudhvir Singh to Atharva Taide, Strong start from the tall bowler. He serves it short and on off, angling in with extra bounce, Atharva Taide is on his toes as he gets cramped for room. Somehow defends it down on the surface.

st Innings Lucknow Super Giants

We are back for the chase! The umpires are back in the middle and so are the players of Lucknow. Punjab use their Impact Player as Prabhsimran Singh comes in for Rahul Chahar. It will be Atharva Taide to open the innings alongside him. Yudhvir Singh has the new ball in hand and is raring to go.

... The Run Chase ...

Right then, Lucknow have posted a fighting total, but they will have to bowl their skins out to defend it. Punjab will be confident of getting this one even though they are without Shikhar Dhawan. Let's see how the chase unfolds.

Punjab will be happy with their bowling effort as they have done really well against a top batting side. They were brilliant in the middle overs as they kept a check on the runs and picked up wickets at regular intervals. Sam Curran was the pick of the bowlers with three wickets while Kagiso Rabada also got two. Sikandar Raza, Arshdeep Singh and Harpreet Brar chipped in with one each.

Lucknow got off to a good start as Mayers and Rahul stitched up a 53-run opening stand and also they did not lose any wickets in the Powerplay for the first time this season. Kyle Mayers got out, and Hooda followed him too in his 100th League game. KL Rahul stuck around with Krunal Pandya and they steadied the ship, but they struggled to find boundaries which put more pressure on them and they once again lost two wickets in quick succession. Rahul played a good knock but ultimately holed out on 74 while trying to improve the scoring rate. In the end, they got to a respectable total.

A fine bowling display from Punjab! They were brilliant in the field and gave nothing really away and got their rewards. Rahul will be a bit disappointed as except for him no other batter could get going and they find themselves behind in this game at the moment.

over

20 | 7 Runs | HH: 159/8

19.6

Sam Curran to Ayush Badoni, A couple of runs to end the innings! Sam Curran lands this short and on middle, Ayush Badoni mistimes his pull shot as the ball falls wide of long off and they get a couple of runs. Lucknow end on 159/8!

19.5

Sam Curran to Ravi Bishnoi, Oh, misfield! This is full and outside off, Ravi Bishnoi drives it wide of extra cover and towards the deep. The fielder there comes in but over-runs the ball and the batters are able to get back for three runs.

Ravi Bishnoi comes out to the middle now to face the hat-trick ball.

19.4

Sam Curran to Yudhvir Singh, OUT! CAUGHT! Excellent composure in the deep from Shahrukh Khan and Sam Curran is on a hat-trick! Takes pace off and bowls it back of a length around off. Yudhvir Singh stays deep in the crease and looks to club it over the long on fence but once again the timing just isn't there. Shahrukh Khan there runs to his left and takes the catch. He is unable to hold his run and seems to be going over the ropes but manages to toss the ball back in the air and comes back inside to take the catch. The third umpire is called in and it is a fair catch.

Yudhvir Singh is the next man in.

19.3

Sam Curran to Krishnappa Gowtham, OUT! TAKEN! Sam Curran gets his second wicket of the game. Comes from around the wicket and angles it in on a length from outside off. Krishnappa Gowtham stays deep in his crease and thumps it down to long off. No timing on it and Sikandar Raza 'there takes a simple catch. The Impact Player goes cheaply.

19.2

Sam Curran to Ayush Badoni, Back of a length around middle, this is pulled away to deep mid-wicket for one.

19.1

Sam Curran to Ayush Badoni, Nails the wide yorker outside off, Ayush Badoni looks to drive but the ball sneaks under the willow.

19.1

Sam Curran to Ayush Badoni, WIDE! Looks to go full and wide but misses his mark and spills it beyond the tramline outside off. Wide called.

over

19 | 9 Runs | HH: 152/6

18.6

Arshdeep Singh to Ayush Badoni, Leg bye! On a hard length and angling in from around off. Ayush Badoni looks to whip it leg side but misses. The ball goes off his thigh pads and toward short third man. They get a leg bye.

18.5

Arshdeep Singh to Krishnappa Gowtham, Shorter one onto the body, Krishnappa Gowtham flicks it aerially and down to deep backward square leg for a run.

18.4

Arshdeep Singh to KL Rahul, OUT! CAUGHT! KL Rahul departs as he looks to up the ante but holes out. Arshdeep Singh bowls it back of a length and takes pace off as well. KL Rahul backs away and lofts it down toward long on. Rahul gets the elevation but not the distance. The substitute fielder Nathan Ellis comes forward and settles under it before taking it reverse cup. End of a fine inning from Rahul. Also, Lucknow use their Impact Player as Krishnappa Gowtham comes in for Kyle Mayers.

18.3

Arshdeep Singh to KL Rahul, Very full and on middle, KL Rahul clears the front leg and heaves it in front of deep mid-wicket for a couple of runs.

18.2

Arshdeep Singh to KL Rahul, FOUR! What a shot! Banged in short and over off stump, KL Rahul waits for it on the back foot and ramps it high over short third man for a boundary.

18.1

Arshdeep Singh to Ayush Badoni, Short of a length around off, hit back past the bowler for a single.

over

18 | 5 Runs | HH: 143/5

17.6

Sam Curran to Ayush Badoni, Short and on middle, Ayush Badoni pulls it towards deep square leg for a single.

Ayush Badoni is the next man in.

17.5

Sam Curran to Marcus Stoinis, OUT! CAUGHT BEHIND! Sam Curran strikes! He bowls this on a hard length and around leg, Marcus Stoinis looks to flick it away, but misses as Jitesh Sharma pouches it behind the stumps. Curran appeals, but it is turned down. He asks Jitesh Sharma and he says that he did not hear anything, but UltraEdge confirms that the ball kisses the gloves before going to the keeper and Sam Curran takes an excellent review here.

Is that out? Sam Curran looks confident and takes the review for a caught behind appeal for Marcus Stoinis. UltraEdge shows that there is a spike when the ball is close to the gloves and the on-field call will be changed.

17.4

Sam Curran to KL Rahul, A slower delivery, on a length and outside off, KL Rahul chops it towards backward point for one.

17.4

Sam Curran to KL Rahul, Sam Curran bangs in a bouncer, but way over the head of the batter, KL Rahul leaves it alone. Wided.

17.3

Sam Curran to Marcus Stoinis, Full again and on middle, Marcus Stoinis clips it towards deep square leg for a run.

17.2

Sam Curran to KL Rahul, Full again and on off, KL Rahul drills it towards long off for a single.

17.1

Sam Curran to KL Rahul, Sam Curran serves this full and outside off, but inside the tramline, KL Rahul leaves it alone. A dot.

Sam Curran is back on. He conceded 19 runs in his first two overs.

over

17 | 12 Runs | HH: 138/4

16.6

Kagiso Rabada to Marcus Stoinis, A good dipping yorker now, on middle, Marcus Stoinis digs it out down the pitch.

16.5

Kagiso Rabada to KL Rahul, Fullish and on off, KL Rahul drills it uppishly back to the bowler where it hits Kagiso Rabada on his thigs and goes towards extra covers. They cross.

16.5

Kagiso Rabada to KL Rahul, Kagiso Rabada bangs in a slower bouncer now, on midde and leg, KL Rahul ducks under it thinking it will be a wide, but the umpire does not think so. Rahul goes for the review and the replays shows that it was going over the head. Wided.

16.4

Kagiso Rabada to KL Rahul, SIX! Up, up and away! Kagiso Rabada lands this short and outside off, KL Rahul hops up and carves it over the deep point fence for a biggie.

16.3

Kagiso Rabada to Marcus Stoinis, A slower one, back of a length and on off, Marcus Stoinis taps it through point for one.

16.2

Kagiso Rabada to KL Rahul, A low full toss, on middle, KL Rahul clips it towards deep square leg for single.

16.1

Kagiso Rabada to KL Rahul, Full and on middle, KL Rahul miscues his drive towards deep mid-wicket for a brace.

over

16 | 15 Runs | HH: 126/4

15.6

Rahul Chahar to KL Rahul, Just short! This is short and outside off, KL Rahul looks to cut, but gets an outside edge towards short third man where Kagiso Rabada dives forward, but fails to reach. They cross. A good effort from Rabada too!

15.5

Rahul Chahar to Marcus Stoinis, In the air...safe! This is tossed up, full and on off, Marcus Stoinis slices it just over point for a run.

15.4

Rahul Chahar to Marcus Stoinis, SIX! Two in a row! Rahul Chahar lands this short this time, on middle, Marcus Stoinis moves back pulls it over the deep mid-wicket fence for another maximum.

15.3

Rahul Chahar to Marcus Stoinis, SIX! BANG! This is tossed up, full and on middle, Marcus Stoinis plays with a straight bat now and lofts it over the bowler's hea for a bigge.

15.2

Rahul Chahar to Marcus Stoinis, Flighted, full and around off, turning away, Marcus Stoinis looks to slog it away, but misses.

15.1

Rahul Chahar to KL Rahul, Short and outside off, KL Rahul chops it towards point for a single.

Strategic-Break! Lucknow have lost their way a little bit here as they once again lost two wickets in quick succession. Punjab have done well to squeeze in the runs and they will be hoping to restrict their oppossition to a low score. An exciting last five overs awaits us.

over

15 | 3 Runs | HH: 111/4

14.6

Kagiso Rabada to Marcus Stoinis, This is on a hard length and on middle, nips back in, Marcus Stoinis gets hurried and misss as the ball goes off his thigh pads towards the keeper.

14.5

Kagiso Rabada to Marcus Stoinis, Full and on middle, Marcus Stoinis tucks it towards mid-wicket.

14.4

Kagiso Rabada to Marcus Stoinis, Back of a length and on middle, Marcus Stoinis keeps it on the pitch.

Marcus Stoinis is the next man in.

14.3

Kagiso Rabada to Nicholas Pooran, OUT! TAKEN! This time no need of a review! A huge wicket this as Nicholas Pooran goes back to the hut for a duck. Kagiso Rabada serves this full and on middle, Nicholas Pooran goes for the big slog, but fails to get under it and mistimes it high in the air and does not get th distance. Shahrukh Khan at deep mid-wicket settles under it and takes another fine catch. Lucknow four down now!

14.3

Kagiso Rabada to Nicholas Pooran, This is on a hard length and around leg, Nicholas Pooran looks to flick it away, but misses as Jitesh Sharma collects it behind the stumps. They appeal for the catch, but turned down. The umpire signals a wide. However, Punjab takes the review, but UltraEdge shows nothing and the on-field decision remains.

Nicholas Pooran comes out to the middle now.

14.2

Kagiso Rabada to Krunal Pandya, OUT! BRILLIANTLY TAKEN! Krunal Pandya tries to go big, but holes out instead. Kagiso Rabada bangs this onto the pitch again, on off, Krunal Pandya looks to pull again, but gets hurried a bit and mistimes it towards the deep mid-wicket fence where Shahrukh Khan takes the catch near the ropes, releases it in time as he goes outside and comes back in to complete it. The replays also confirms the same. Lucknow three down now!

14.1

Kagiso Rabada to Krunal Pandya, Short and outside off, Krunal Pandya looks to pull, but gets an outside edge on the bounce towards third man. Two runs taken!

over

14 | 7 Runs | HH: 108/2

13.6

Rahul Chahar to KL Rahul, Flatter, short and on off, KL Rahul miscues his late cut towards short third man.

13.5

Rahul Chahar to Krunal Pandya, Tossed up, full and on off, Krunal Pandya uses his feet and pushes it through covers for a run.

13.4

Rahul Chahar to KL Rahul, Short and middle, KL Rahul pulls it towards deep square leg for a single.

13.3

Rahul Chahar to KL Rahul, Oh..turn and bounce! This is floated, around middle, grips and turns away sharply, KL Rahul is not expecting that and misses it completely.

13.2

Rahul Chahar to KL Rahul, Floated, full and n off, KL Rahul guides it towards short third man and sets off for the run, but is sent back and rightly so.

13.1

Rahul Chahar to KL Rahul, FOUR! FIFTY FOR RAHUL! This has been a decent know from him, but he will need to change his gears now. Rahul Chahar flights this up, full and on off, KL Rahul thrashes it wide of long off for a boundary.

13.1

Rahul Chahar to KL Rahul, Rahul Chahar fires this one well outside off, Jitesh Sharma makes a half-stop as the ball rolls towards short third man, Krunal Pandya wants the run, but is sent back halfway through, and a wild throw from Kagiso Rabada saves him in the end.

over

13 | 7 Runs | HH: 101/2

12.6

Arshdeep Singh to KL Rahul, A slower one now, full and on off, KL Rahul drills it through cover-point for another run.

12.5

Arshdeep Singh to KL Rahul, Arshdeep Singh bangs in a bouncer, on middle, KL Rahul initially thinks about ramping it, but sways away in the end.

12.4

Arshdeep Singh to Krunal Pandya, A slower one now, full and on off, Krunal Pandya chips it towards mid-wicket for one more.

12.3

Arshdeep Singh to KL Rahul, Arshdeep Singh nails the yorker this time, on off, KL Rahul digs it off the inner half to the leg side for a run.

12.2

Arshdeep Singh to KL Rahul, FOUR! Up and over! Arshdeep Singh lands this short and on midde, KL Rahul jabs it over mid on for a boundary.

12.1

Arshdeep Singh to KL Rahul, On a length and on off, KL Rahul steers it towards point.

Arshdeep Singh comes back into the attack now. He conceded seven runs in his first over.

over

12 | 6 Runs | HH: 94/2

11.6

Rahul Chahar to Krunal Pandya, Flatter, full and on middle, Krunal Pandya knocks it back to the bowler.

11.5

Rahul Chahar to KL Rahul, Floated, full and on off, KL Rahul drills it towards sweeper covers for one more.

11.4

Rahul Chahar to KL Rahul, Short and outside off, KL Rahul cuts it towards wide of deep point for a brace.

11.3

Rahul Chahar to Krunal Pandya, Tossed up, full and on middle, Krunal Pandya slog-sweeps it with the inner half through square leg for one.

11.2

Rahul Chahar to KL Rahul, Short and on middle, KL Rahul mistimes his pull towards deep mid-wicket for another run.

11.1

Rahul Chahar to Krunal Pandya, Rahul Chahar begins with a googly, short and outside off, Krunal Pandya pushes it towards covers for a single.

over

11 | 14 Runs | HH: 88/2

10.6

Sikandar Raza to Krunal Pandya, Slower through the air, on off, turning away, Krunal Pandya taps it to the off side for a run.

10.5

Sikandar Raza to Krunal Pandya, FOUR! Good shot! Sikandar Raza lands this short and outside off, Krunal Pandya reaches for it well and slices it over point for a boundary.

10.5

Sikandar Raza to Krunal Pandya, NO BALL AND FOUR LEG BYES! Sikandar Raza fires this one full and down the leg side, Krunal Pandya misses his flick and the ball goes off his back leg towards the fine leg fence for a boundary. It is called a No Ball for overstepping. Free Hit coming up...

10.4

Sikandar Raza to Krunal Pandya, Short again and outside off, Krunal Pandya looks to cut, but misses.

10.3

Sikandar Raza to KL Rahul, Short and on middle, KL Rahul works it through mid-wicket for a run.

10.2

Sikandar Raza to KL Rahul, Floated, full and on off, KL Rahul clips it wide of deep mid-wicket for a brace.

10.1

Sikandar Raza to Krunal Pandya, Quicker, full and on off, Krunal Pandya uses his feet and tucks it towards mid on for a single.

over

10 | 10 Runs | HH: 74/2

9.6

Sam Curran to Krunal Pandya, On a length and on off, Krunal Pandya forces it towards mid off for one.

9.5

Sam Curran to Krunal Pandya, Touch fuller and on middle, Krunal Pandya keeps it out to the off side.

9.4

Sam Curran to Krunal Pandya, FOUR! Krunal Pandya gets into the act now! Sam Curran lands this short and on off, Krunal Pandya gets on top of the bounce, pulls it wide of deep mid-wicket for a boundary.

9.3

Sam Curran to Krunal Pandya, This is on a good length and on off, Krunal Pandya looks to play at it, but gets beaten on the outside edge.

9.2

Sam Curran to KL Rahul, Short again and outside off, KL Rahul cuts hard again wide of cover-point where the fielder dives to his right to stop it. They cross.

9.1

Sam Curran to KL Rahul, FOUR! Fine shot! Sam Curran ladns this back of a length and around off, KL Rahul uses his wrists well to cut it past short third man for a boundary.

over

9 | 9 Runs | HH: 64/2

8.6

Sikandar Raza to KL Rahul, Short and on middle, KL Rahul moves back and punches it towards long on for a run.

8.5

Sikandar Raza to Krunal Pandya, Flighted, full and on middle, Krunal Pandya drives it towards long on for a single and gets off the mark.

Strategic Break! Lucknow got off to a good start, but have lost a couple of quick wickets now and they will need to rebuild again. Punjab have pulled things back nicely and will be hoping to continue this and put more pressure on the batters and restrict the run-flow as well.

8.4

Sikandar Raza to Deepak Hooda, OUT! PLUMB IN FRONT! Deepak Hooda goes back for a low score on his 100th game in the Indian T20 League! Raza bowls the leg break now, on middle, and it skids through as well, Deepak Hooda moves back and tries to pull it away, but misses it completely to get hit on the pads right in front of the stumps. The umpire has no hesitation in raising the finger and Lucknow lose their second wicket.

8.3

Sikandar Raza to KL Rahul, Short and on leg, KL Rahul pulls it towards short fine leg for a risky run.

8.2

Sikandar Raza to KL Rahul, FOUR! A streaky boundary! This is quicker, short and on off, KL Rahul makes room and tries to cut it, but gets an outside edge towards the third man fence for a boundary.

8.1

Sikandar Raza to KL Rahul, Sikandar Raza begins with a floated delivery, full and on middle, KL Rahul whips it wide of deep mid-wicket where two fielders work in tandem to stop it. Another couple of runs.

over

8 | 3 Runs | HH: 55/1

7.6

Harpreet Brar to Deepak Hooda, Looped up, full and on off, Deepak Hooda uses his feet and lofts it wide of long off where Sikandar Raza runs to his left and dives to stop it. Two runs taken!

7.5

Harpreet Brar to Deepak Hooda, Flighted, full and on off, Deepak Hooda drives it towards covers.

Deepak Hooda walks out to bat at number 3.

7.4

Harpreet Brar to Kyle Mayers, OUT! TAKEN! Harpreet Brar draws first blood! The opening partnership is finally broken and Punjab get a huge breakthrough. Brar lands this short again and on middle, Kyle Mayers moves back and tries to heave it away, but goes through it a bit early and hits it uppishly from the inner half of the bat towards deep square leg where Harpreet Singh runs forward and takes the catch. Lucknow lose their first wicket.

7.3

Harpreet Brar to Kyle Mayers, Short again and on middle, Kyle Mayers pushes it back to the bowler.

7.2

Harpreet Brar to Kyle Mayers, Quicker, short and on middle, Kyle Mayers looks to cut it away, but gets an inside edge onto his pads as the ball goes nowhere.

7.1

Harpreet Brar to KL Rahul, Tossed up, full and on off, KL Rahul drives it through covers for a single.

over

7 | 3 Runs | HH: 52/0

6.6

Matthew Short to KL Rahul, Fires this one full and on middle, KL Rahul digs it out towards long on for another run.

6.5

Matthew Short to Kyle Mayers, Short again and outside off, Kyle Mayers punches it through covers for a run.

6.4

Matthew Short to KL Rahul, Short and outside off, KL Rahul cuts it towards sweeper covers for a single.

6.3

Matthew Short to KL Rahul, Three dots in a row! This is short and around leg, KL Rahul helps it towards short third man,

6.2

Matthew Short to KL Rahul, Floaetd, full and on middle, KL Rahul tucks it towards short mid-wicket.

6.1

Matthew Short to KL Rahul, Flatter, short and on off, KL Rahul dabs it towards backward point.

Matthew Short comes back into the attack. He conceded seven runs in his first over.

over

6 | 7 Runs | HH: 49/0

5.6

Harpreet Brar to Kyle Mayers, Quicker, short and on off, Kyle Mayers pats it onto the pitch. Lucknow are 49 for no loss at the end of teh Powerplay!

5.5

Harpreet Brar to KL Rahul, Shorter in length and on off, KL Rahul forces it towards long off for one.

5.4

Harpreet Brar to KL Rahul, Floated, full and on off, KL Rahul drives it towards covers, Mayers wants the run, but is sent back just in time.

5.3

Harpreet Brar to Kyle Mayers, Flatter, short and on off, Kyle Mayers punches it wide of mid off for a run.

5.2

Harpreet Brar to KL Rahul, Tossed up, full and on middle, KL Rahul clips it towards mid on for a single.

5.1

Harpreet Brar to KL Rahul, FOUR! KL Rahul greets Harpreet Brar with a boundary! Brar starts with a short delivery, outside off, KL Rahul moves back and cuts it well wide of covers for a boundary.

Harpreet Brar comes into the attack now.

over

5 | 9 Runs | HH: 42/0

4.6

Kagiso Rabada to Kyle Mayers, Overpitched and on off, Kyle Mayers drills it towards mid on.

4.5

Kagiso Rabada to Kyle Mayers, SIX! Kyle Mayers connects this time alright! Kagiso Rabada bangs this short and on mdidle, Kyle Mayers swivels and hammers it over the deep square leg fence for a biggie.

4.4

Kagiso Rabada to Kyle Mayers, Fuller and on off, Kyle Mayers mistimes his lofted shot over mid off as Harpreet Singh chases it and slides to keep it inside. Two runs taken!

4.3

Kagiso Rabada to Kyle Mayers, Another good yorker, on off, Kyle Mayers jams it out towards mid on.

4.2

Kagiso Rabada to KL Rahul, Kagiso Rabada serves a yorker, on off, KL Rahul digs it out in front of covers for a single.

4.1

Kagiso Rabada to KL Rahul, Back of a length and on off, KL Rahul dabs it towards point.

over

4 | 9 Runs | HH: 33/0

3.6

Sam Curran to Kyle Mayers, SIX! BOOM! A maximum to finish the over! Sam Curran lands this short and outside off, Kyle Mayers transfers his weight on the back foot and cuts it over the deep point fence for a biggie.

3.5

Sam Curran to Kyle Mayers, This is pitched up, on middle, Kyle Mayers drives it straight to mid off.

3.4

Sam Curran to KL Rahul, Touch fuller and on off, KL Rahul taps it in front of covers and scampers across for another run.

3.3

Sam Curran to Kyle Mayers, An off-cutter now, back of a length and on off, Kyle Mayers dabs it wide of short third man where Shahrukh Khan dives to his left to stop it. They cross.

3.2

Sam Curran to Kyle Mayers, Goes fuller and on middle, Kyle Mayers keeps it out towards mid off.

3.1

Sam Curran to KL Rahul, Sam Curran starts with a slower delivery, on a length and on off, KL Rahul knocks it towards covers for a single.

over

3 | 10 Runs | HH: 24/0

2.6

Kagiso Rabada to KL Rahul, Full again and on middle, KL Rahul looks to work it away, but gets an outside edge towards third man for a run.

2.5

Kagiso Rabada to KL Rahul, FOUR! Elegant from Rahul! Kagiso Rabada serves this a but full and on off, KL Rahul shows the full face of the bat to loft it over extra covers for a boundary.

2.4

Kagiso Rabada to KL Rahul, Great bowling! This is back of a length and around off, jags back in with extra bounce, KL Rahul gets surprised by it as the ball hits him on the gloves.

2.3

Kagiso Rabada to Kyle Mayers, Touch fuller and outside off, Kyle Mayers slices it towards third man for a single.

2.2

Kagiso Rabada to Kyle Mayers, EDGED AND FOUR! Kagiso Rabada lands this on a good length and around off, Kyle Mayers looks to push it away, but gets a thick outside edge towards the thrid man fence for a boundary. Funny thing is that Punjab removed the short third man fielder on the previous delivery.

2.1

Kagiso Rabada to Kyle Mayers, Kagiso Rabada begins with a hard-length delivery, on middle, Kyle Mayers taps it towards short covers.

Just one over for Matthew Short as Kagiso Rabada replaces him now.

over

2 | 7 Runs | HH: 14/0

1.6

Arshdeep Singh to KL Rahul, Overpitched and on off, KL Rahul drives it firmly but straight to covers.

1.5

Arshdeep Singh to KL Rahul, Pulls his length back a bit, on off, KL Rahul lets it go to the keeper.

1.4

Arshdeep Singh to KL Rahul, FOUR! Easy pickings! Arshdeep Singh serves this full, but on the pads, KL Rahul just tickles it towards the fine leg fence for a boundary.

1.3

Arshdeep Singh to KL Rahul, Full and on off, angling away, KL Rahul looks to drive it away, but misses.

1.2

Arshdeep Singh to Kyle Mayers, On a length and around off, Kyle Mayers guides it towards point and scampers across for a run as the fielder makes a good stop diving to his left.

1.1

Arshdeep Singh to KL Rahul, Gets it right this time, and serves a full delivery, on middle, shaping in, KL Rahul knocks it towards mid on for a single.

1.1

Arshdeep Singh to KL Rahul, Arshdeep Singh loses his line and lands this short and way outside off, KL Rahul leaves it alone. Starts off with a wide!

Arshdeep Singh to share the attack.

over

1 | 7 Runs | HH: 7/0

0.6

Matthew Short to Kyle Mayers, Short again and outside off, Kyle Mayers punches it towards covers where the fielder dives to his right to stop it.

0.5

Matthew Short to Kyle Mayers, Short and around off, Kyle Mayers steers it towards point.

0.4

Matthew Short to Kyle Mayers, Slower through the air, on off, turning away sharply with bounce, Kyle Mayers gets surprised by it and gets beaten on the outiside edge as he tries to push it away.

0.3

Matthew Short to Kyle Mayers, SIX! BANG! Kyle Mayers gets off the mark in style! This is a bit short and down the leg side, Kyle Mayers goes down and slog-sweeps it over the deep square leg fence for a biggie.

0.2

Matthew Short to Kyle Mayers, Floated, full and on middle, Kyle Mayers knocks it down the pitch.

0.1

Matthew Short to KL Rahul, KL Rahul and Punjab are underway straightaway! Matthew Short starts with a tossed up delivery, full and on middle, KL Rahul drives it towards long on for a single.

We are all set to start! The two umpires walk out to the middle followed by the Punjab players. They spread and take their respective field postions. KL Rahul and Kyle Mayers are the two openers for Lucknow. Punjab are going with spin straightaway as Matthew Short is ready to bowl now.

Matthew Short is up for a quick chat. He says that it was good to get some runs, but they needed someone else to bat deep as well. Adds that he hopes to get a start like that again to make it count. Mentions that the last few months have been amazing for him and he is confident to show his skills on the field and he is backing himself and says that the environment around the team is good.

KL Rahul, the captain of Lucknow says that they were not sure of what to do, so this does not affect them. Adds that this is the first season they are playing on this ground and they will need a few games to assess the wicket. Tells that they make 2-3 changes in each game and they have done well to overcome challenges. Ends by saying that everyone is enjoying it and the vibe is really good and acknowledges the support as well.

Sam Curran, the stand-in skipper for Punjab says that they will bowl first. Adds that they thought of changing things up for this game and this is also the first toss that they have won. Mentions that Shikhar Dhawan picked up an injury in the last game and he is hopeful that it is not serious and admits that Dhawan is a huge miss. Informs that Sikandar Raza comes back in the team and they have included Atharva Taide and Harpreet Singh as well.

Impact Players for Lucknow - Amit Mishra, Krishnappa Gowtham, Jaydev Unadkat, Prerak Mankad, Daniel Sams.

Lucknow (Playing XI) - KL Rahul (C), Kyle Mayers, Deepak Hooda, Marcus Stoinis, Krunal Pandya, Nicholas Pooran (WK), Ayush Badoni, Avesh Khan, Yudhvir Singh, Mark Wood, Ravi Bishnoi.

Impact Players for Punjab - Prabhsimran Singh, Nathan Ellis, Mohit Rathee, Rishi Dhawan.

Punjab (Playing XI) - Atharva Taide (In for Prabhsimran Singh), Matthew Short, Harpreet Singh (In for Shikhar Dhawan), Sikandar Raza (In for Bhanuka Rajapaksa), Sam Curran (C), Jitesh Sharma (WK), Shahrukh Khan, Harpreet Brar, Kagiso Rabada, Rahul Chahar, Arshdeep Singh.

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

Punjab on the other hand are coming into this game on the back of a couple of defeats and will be looking to get back on track. Skipper Shikhar Dhawan has been in fine form and he will be hoping that the rest of the batters back him up. A fascinating contest on the hands. Can Punjab upset Lucknow in their own backyard? Let's find out. Toss and team news up next.

Lucknow are coming off a stunning win against Bangalore in their previous game and are flying high up the table. The middle order is firing for them and the bowling has been pretty decent as well. They will be looking for their fourth win of the tournament now. It will also be interesting to see if they get in Quinton de Kock and how the team shapes up if that happens. Mark Wood will be looking to add to his tally of wickets to challenge for the Purple Cap as well. They have a pretty balanced side and if they play to their strengths they should get over the line here.

Hello and a warm welcome to match number 21 of the Indian T20 League. Lucknow take on Punjab at the Ekana Stadium in Lucknow and it is set to be a fascinating encounter. The home team are in a good position with three wins out of four while the away side have been a bit inconsistent with two wins and two defeats. This is an important game for both sides and we surely in for some more exciting cricket.

... MATCH DAY ...

The cricket fever is on, and the Indian T20 League is providing one exciting match after another, keeping fans fully entertained. We shift our focus to Ekana Sports City Stadium, where Lucknow will host Punjab in a mouth-watering clash. Both teams are coming here after featuring in very close games but with contrasting results. Lucknow won a thriller against Bangalore on the last ball, while Punjab almost successfully defended a par total against Gujarat, but credit must be given to them for making a game out of it. Lucknow has three wins in its four games and has looked solid so far this season. The form of their skipper, KL Rahul, is a worry for them, but Kyle Mayers has been excellent, and he has kept Quinton de Kock out of the team, which says a lot. Marcus Stoinis got back his form in the last game, while Nicholas Pooran has been consistently smashing runs in the middle order, and it was his heroic knock of 62 off just 19 balls that was crucial in their win against Bangalore. They also have talented Indian players like Deepak Hooda and Ayush Badoni in their ranks. In their bowling department, Mark Wood has been fiery with his pace to trouble the batters, and the spin trio of Krunal Pandya, Ravi Bishnoi, and the veteran, Amit Mishra has done well too, but the only thing is that except for Wood, no one has really stepped up in the pace department. They will need to look into that, and if they find someone reliable, they could be unstoppable this season. Punjab, on the other hand, have a 50 per cent record as they have won two and lost two matches. They have shown glimpses of what could be, but haven't been able to build on that. Their captain, Shikhar Dhawan, is in good form, and Prabhsimran Singh has also given them some good starts, however, the latter has flopped in the last two games. Matthew Short and Bhanuka Rajapaksa have chipped in with the runs, while Jitesh Sharma plays the role of a power-hitter for them. However, their problem is that they lose wickets in clumps, which stops their momentum, and they fall short in the end. They will need to improve that, and the batters need to step up their game, and this could be resolved as Liam Livingstone has finally joined the squad and can play in this game. Their bowling attack is a strong one with Kagiso Rabada and Arshdeep Singh, and they also have Nathan Ellis and Sam Curran, so they have plenty of options in the pace department, but the spin attack looks a bit bleak. They do have a decent squad, and if they play to their strengths, they can beat any team, and they will be looking to do just that in this game. Will they be able to do it? Or will Lucknow register a home victory? We will find out soon.

Lucknow Super Giants

KL Rahul

CAP/Bat/Bow

Kyle Mayers

Bat/Bow

Deepak Hooda

Bat/Bow

Marcus Stoinis

Bat/Bow

Krunal Pandya

Bat/Bow

Nicholas Pooran

KEEPER/Bat/Bow

Ayush Badoni

Bat/Bow

Avesh Khan

Bat/Bow

Yudhvir Singh

Bat/Bow

Mark Wood

Bat/Bow

Ravi Bishnoi

Bat/Bow

Amit Mishra

Bat/Bow

Krishnappa Gowtham

Bat/Bow

Jaydev Unadkat

Bat/Bow

Prerak Mankad

Bat/Bow

Daniel Sams

Bat/Bow

Punjab Kings

Atharva Taide

Bat/Bow

Matthew Short

Bat/Bow

Harpreet Singh

Bat/Bow

Sikandar Raza

Bat/Bow

Sam Curran

CAP/Bat/Bow

Jitesh Sharma

KEEPER/Bat/Bow

Shahrukh Khan

Bat/Bow

Harpreet Brar

Bat/Bow

Kagiso Rabada

Bat/Bow

Rahul Chahar

Bat/Bow

Arshdeep Singh

Bat/Bow

Prabhsimran Singh

Bat/Bow

Nathan Ellis

Bat/Bow

Mohit Rathee

Bat/Bow

Rishi Dhawan

Bat/Bow

Lucknow Super Giants vs Punjab Kings, Indian Premier League 2023, Match 21 - Full Squad