Kolkata Knight Riders vs Punjab Kings IPL, 2024, Full Score Card

That's it! Punjab have pulled off an absolute heist and created history! Ramandeep Singh bowls a full toss on off with no pace on it, Shashank Singh drives it to mid off and steals a quick single to wrap this game with 8 wickets and 8 balls to spare.

Another back-of-a-length delivery, outside off, Jonny Bairstow cuts it with an angled bat towards deep point for a single.

Drops the length short and hits the deck hard outside off, Shashank Singh gets across and pulls it to deep mid-wicket for a single.

SIX! There goes another one! Ramandeep Singh comes from over the wicket and bowls this fuller and outside off with pace off, Shashank Singh clubs it straight over the bowler's end for a six.

SIX! Jonny Bairstow you beauty! Rana bowls this full and outside off with pace off, Jonny Bairstow reads it right and just lofts it over long off for a maximum. Punjab just need 9 more runs to make history!

Lands this on a length, outside off, Shashank Singh cuts it to deep point for a single.

FOUR! They are now in a hurry! Rana overpitches this outside off, Shashank Singh gets across and slashes it past deep cover for a boundary.

SIX! And again! Brings up the FIFTY for Shashank Singh and Punjab are well and truly ahead in the game now! Rana drops the length short again on off, Shashank Singh pulls it neatly over deep mid-wicket for a maximum.

SIX! Stand and deliver stuff! Pitched on a back of a length, outside off, Shashank Singh waits deep in the crease and pulls it over mid-wicket for a maximum.

WIDE! Digs this one short and outside off with no pace at all, Shashank Singh looks to ramp it but the ball is just too high and is called a wide.

Looks for the yorker and lands a low full toss outside off, Jonny Bairstow drives it to sweeper cover for a single.

SIX! That sounded sweet off the bat and Punjab have racked 18 off the over. Chameera bowls this right in the arc on a length just around off, Shashank Singh whips it over deep mid-wicket for half a dozen. Punjab now just need 34 runs off last 3 overs.

Takes pace off and bowls it at 115.4kph, on a fuller length and into the stumps, Shashank Singh looks to flick but is way too early on the shot. He gets a soft outside edge back to the keeper.

SIX! Wow, that's presence of mind! Chameera looks for the wide yorker and bowls a full toss outside off, Shashank Singh gets across the line and scoops it over short fine leg for a maximum. The umpire calls it a no-ball for above waist height and Kolkata review it. The replays confirm that the the ball was dipping in on the batter and the onfield call is asked to be overturned to a fair delivery.

Nails the wide yorker right this time, Shashank Singh gets across and looks to jam it through point but gets beaten.

SIX! BANG! Pitches this one fuller in the slot outside off, Shashank Singh takes a step closer to the line and lofts it over cover for a maximum.

Digs this short and outside off at 103.9kph, Shashank Singh cuts it straight to cover.

Dushmantha Chameera comes back into the attack now. He has conceded 30 runs in his two overs.

HUNDRED FOR BAIRSTOW! A great effort in the deep but that was struck with power. Rana bowls this wider on off and on a fuller length, Jonny Bairstow slaps it straight in front of deep point where the fielder charges in and throws a dive ahead to get a hand to it. The batters scamper across for a couple of runs to end the over.

Drops the length shorter and outside off at 107.5 kph, Shashank Singh cuts it to deep cover for just a single.

Takes pace off again and bowls it outside off, on a length, Jonny Bairstow steers it to deep backward point region for a single.

Takes pace off and bowls it at just 113.6 kph, outside off and gets the ball to turn back in, Jonny Bairstow looks to heave it through the line but gets beaten by the off pace. The ball whizzes past the off stump to the keeper.

Bowls this closer to that fourth stump line and on a good length, Shashank Singh clips it to deep mid-wicket for a single.

FOUR! Boundary on the first ball again and that will add pressure on the bowler. Rana bowls this wider on off and on a length, Shashank Singh gets closer to the line and cuts it past point for four runs.

Strategic break! The game hangs delicately in the balance, with Punjab emerging as clear favourites, propelled by the stellar performance of Jonny Bairstow thus far. With just 61 runs required off the final five overs, Bairstow's continued presence at the crease holds the key to Punjab's fortunes. Kolkata must strike swiftly and quickly to disrupt Punjab's momentum and claw their way back into contention.

Quicker, full and on middle, Jonny Bairstow tucks it with soft hands through mid-wicket and comes back for the second run, the fielder fires in a good throw at the keeper's end where Phil Salt breaks the stumps but Bairstow makes his ground. 200 up for Punjab as well. They need 61 runs in the last five overs now!

Flighted, full and on off, Shashank Singh pushes it towards covers for one.

Slower through the air, shortish and on off, keeps low, Shashank Singh backs away to loft it over extra covers but misses, Phil Salt collects and breaks the stumps. The replay shows that Shahsank has dragged his foot inside the crease.

Is that out? The leg umpire sends it upstairs for a stumping check. The replays show that Shashank Singh's foot was grounded in time and it will be NOT OUT.

Flatter, full and on off, straightens a bit, Shashank Singh looks to play but gets beaten on the outside edge.

Floated, full and on middle, Jonny Bairstow lofts it towards long on for a run.

Tossed up, full and on middle, Shashank Singh chips it towards deep mid-wicket for a single.

Fires this one full and on middle, Shashank Singh tries to flick it away but gets a leading edge that just goes over Varun Chakaravarthy. They cross. 17 runs off the over!

Short and outside off, Jonny Bairstow toe-ends it to long off for one.

Quicker, full and on middle, Shashank Singh works it through mid-wicket for a single.

Flatter, full and on middle, Shashank Singh clips it wide of deep square leg for a brace.

SIX! Here he goes again! Varun Chakaravarthy drags his length back and around off, Shashank Singh rocks back and hammers it over the deep mid-wicket fence for another maximum. No time wasting from Shashank Singh!

SIX! Up, up and over! Tossed up, full and around leg, Shashank Singh picks it up nicely and smashes it it over the deep square leg fence for a biggie.

Slower through the air, short and on middle, turns in, Shashank Singh steps across and clips it through mid-wicket for one. Just 6 runs and a wicket off the over!

Pushed through quicker, full and around off, Shashank Singh plays all over it and misses.

Flatter, short and on off, Shashank Singh pats it down back to the bowler.

Shashank Singh walks out to bat at number 4 for Punjab.

OUT! IN THE AIR AND GONE! It is that man Sunil Narine who gets the breakthrough! Tosses it up, full and on off, turns away, Rilee Rossouw goes down and tries to slog it but fails to reach it, the ball goes up off the toe-end of the bat, Shreyas Iyer at extra covers runs to his left and takes a good catch. Finally the partnership has been broken and we have a game on our hands.

Short again and around off, Jonny Bairstow punches it to sweeper covers for a single.

FOUR! Finds the gap! Sunil Narine lands this short and outside off, Jonny Bairstow rocks back and cuts it away nicely past point for a boundary. He moves into the 90s now!

Sunil Narine (2-0-13-0) comes back into the attack.

On a length and on middle, Jonny Bairstow swipes it towards deep mid-wicket for one. 23 runs off the over and Punjab are ahead in the chase now.

Overpitched and around off, Jonny Bairstow drills it wide of sweeper covers for a brace.

SIX! MASSIVE HIT! Andre Russell takes pace off, back of a length again, on middle, Jonny Bairstow waits for it and slaps it into the second tier over the deep square leg fence for six more runs. 105 METERS!

SIX MORE! This is some hitting from Punjab! Back of a length and on middle, Jonny Bairstow swivels and pulls it over the deep square leg fence for another biggie.

A good yorker now, on middle, tailing in a bit, Rilee Rossouw jams it out towards long on for a single.

Tries the slower one again, but bowls it well outside off, Rilee Rossouw lets it go. Wided again.

SIX! Clean as a whistle! Andre Russell goes a touch fuller, on middle, Rilee Rossouw stays back and heaves it away over the deep square leg fence for a maximum.

Goes for the slower bouncer, on middle, but this one is too high for the batter, Rilee Rossouw leaves it alone. Wided.

SIX! Into the stands! Varun Chakaravarthy drags his length back around off, Jonny Bairstow does well to fetch it and swats it over the deep mid-wicket fence for another maximum. 17 runs off the over!

FOUR! Fine shot! Varun Chakaravarthy bowls this quicker, full and on middle, Jonny Bairstow stays deep in his crease and lifts it over the bowler's head for a boundary now.

SIX! Connects this time! Gives this one some more air, full and on off, Jonny Bairstow goes for the big shot, mistimes it a bit, but generates enough power for it to sail over long off for a biggie.

Swing and a miss! Flighted, full and around off, turns away again, Jonny Bairstow goes down to slog it away but fails to connect.

Flatter, delivery, short and on off, turns away, Jonny Bairstow gets surprised by it and leaves it alone.

Tossed up, full and on off, Rilee Rossouw drills it down to long off for a single.

On a back of a length with pace off, outside off, Jonny Bairstow is early on the pull and gets a toe end towards short third.

Bowls this on a length, outside off, Rilee Rossouw punches it to long on for a single.

SIX! Rilee Rossouw joins the act now! Russels drops the length over off, Rilee Rossouw gets right over the bounce and nails his pull over deep mid-wicket for a maximum.

On a fuller length outside off, Jonny Bairstow gets an inside edge towards short third for a single.

FOUR! Makes it look easy! Shorter in length over off, the ball keeps low off the deck, Jonny Bairstow opens up his stance and waits for the ball before pulling it behind square on leg for four more runs.

Comes from over the wicket and hurls this on a hard length into the stumps, Jonny Bairstow stays leg side of the ball and steers it to backward point.

Andre Russell replaces Harshit Rana.

Drags the length down and bowls it on the pads, Jonny Bairstow clips it to mid-wicket region for a single.

SIX! A valiant effort in the deep but the ball has enough to get over the fence as Jonny Bairstow gets his half-century! Tossed up outside off, Jonny Bairstow slashes it up and just over long off who jumps over the ropes to his left and gets both hands to it but fails to keep it back in for a maximum.

Shorter in length and outside off, Rilee Rossouw slaps it to long off for a single.

In the air, but falls short! Chakaravarthy darts this one into the stumps on a fuller length, Jonny Bairstow gets on a knee and pulls it to deep square leg for a single.

A tad fuller and outside off, Rilee Rossouw pulls it to long on for a single.

Starts from around the wicket and bowls this fuller into that off stump line, Rilee Rossouw gets across and slips on one knee to sweep it to deep square leg for a couple of runs.

Varun Chakaravarthy has been introduced into the attack now.

Takes pace off and bowls this fuller and just outside off, Rilee Rossouw gets closer to the line of the ball and works it to deep square leg for a single to end the over.

Goes fuller and on off, Rilee Rossouw miscues his whip to deep mid-wicket for a brace.

FOUR! Didn't get all off it but gets enough! Rana digs this short over off, Rilee Rossouw rides on the bounce and pulls it off the upper half of the bat to deep mid-wicket for a boundary.

Looks for the yorker outside off and gets it fractionally short, Jonny Bairstow drills it to long off for a single.

SIX! Up, up and over! Rana takes pace off and attacks the stumps on a fuller length, Jonny Bairstow stays deep in the crease and flicks it beautifully over long on for a maximum.

Hurls this wider on off and on a fuller length, Jonny Bairstow looks to cut but gets an outside edge to short third,

Harshit Rana replaces Anukul Roy.

A top over this! Just 1 run coming off it! Goes fuller and on off, Rilee Rossouw punches it to cover.

Beaten! Pitches this on a nagging length outside off, Rilee Rossouw yet again misses out on the cut through off.

Goes a touch fuller and on off, Rilee Rossouw rocks back and pushes it to cover.

Beats the bat again! Lands this on a fuller length with the angle outside off, Rilee Rossouw looks to cut it but gets beaten on the outside edge.

Bowls this wider on off and on a shorter length, Jonny Bairstow cuts it to deep point for a single.

Nicely bowled! Bowls this nicely on a fuller length outside off and gets the ball to turn back in, Jonny Bairstow looks to cut but is beaten by the bounce and turn.

Strategic-Break! Punjab have absolutely smashed it all around the park in the Powerplay. Losing Prabhsimran Singh on the last ball was a bit of a setback but they have set up a brilliant base for this chase. Kolkata got the breakthrough and will look to use that to pull things back in the middle overs to put the pressure on the visitors once again. Also, Rilee Rossouw walks out to bat at number 3.

OUT! RUN OUT! Oh dear, that's an incredible way to end the over! You just can't keep Sunil Narine out of action! Anukul Roy floats this one up and into the stumps, the ball grips and turns back in a bit, Jonny Bairstow looks for the hoick but gets an inside edge towards short fine leg. Prabhsimran Singh sets off for the run but Narine is quick on the ball and throws a direct hit at the stumps on the striker's end with Prabhsimran Singh well short of the crease.

SIX! HUGE! Bowls this nicely in the hitting arc around middle and leg, Jonny Bairstow tonks it over deep mid-wicket for a maximum.

FOUR! Jonny Bairstow unleashing his absolute best! Full and into the stumps, Jonny Bairstow whips it past mid-wicket for four more runs.

FOUR! Sheer power on that one! Another tossed-up delivery outside off, Jonny Bairstow drives it uppishly over cover for four more runs.

SIX! Needs no luck on that one because that one is smoked outta here! Tossed up into the stumps, Jonny Bairstow clears his front leg and clubs it high in the night sky over mid-wicket for a maximum.

FOUR! That's a great delivery and Jonny Bairstow gets lucky on this one. Roy bowls this nice and full into the stumps, Jonny Bairstow looks to play it across the line and gets a thick inside edge running past the keeper to the fine leg fence for four runs.

Flighted, full and on leg, Jonny Bairstow tries to sweep but gets an inside edge towards short fine leg for one.

Slows it up a bit, short and on middle, turns in, Jonny Bairstow gets cramped up and dabs it to cover-point.

Short again, on middle, Prabhsimran Singh stays back and nudges it through square leg for one.

Flatter, short and on off, Prabhsimran Singh cuts it towards point.

SIX! FIFTY FOR PRABHSIMRAN! Just what Punjab needed and he has got to his half-century in just 18 balls. This is tossed up, full and on middle, Prabhsimran Singh goes down again and nails his slog-sweep over the deep square leg fence for a biggie this time.

FOUR! Prabhsimran Singh greets Sunil Narine with a boundary! This is floated, full and on off, Prabhsimran Singh goes down across and swipes it through square leg for four runs.

Sunil Narine is introduced into the attack.

Quicker, short and on middle, Prabhsimran Singh stays back and clips it through mid-wicket for one.

Floated, full and on middle, Prabhsimran Singh goes for the reverse sweep and does so uppishly but safely wide of extra covers for a brace.

FOUR! A bit streaky! Anukul Roy bowls this flatter, full and around off, Prabhsimran Singh tries to loft it over covers but gets an outside edge over backward point for a boundary.

Tossed up, full and on off, Jonny Bairstow drills it towards short covers where a fumble allows the single. 50 up for Punjab!

FOUR! Gets it through this time! Shorter in length again, on middle, Jonny Bairstow gives himself some room and punches it sweetly through extra covers for a boundary.

Anukul Roy starts with a short delivery, outside off, Jonny Bairstow moves back and cuts it straight to extra covers.

Anukul Roy, the impact substitute replacing Venkatesh Iyer comes into the attack now.

FOUR! 23 runs of the over! Dushmantha Chameera continues with the off-pace deliveries, full and on middle, Prabhsimran Singh comes down the track and lofts it over the bowler's head for four more runs.

Takes pace off again, short and outside off, Prabhsimran Singh tries to cut it away but misses this time, It is called a wide.

Change of pace again, full and on middle, Prabhsimran Singh clips it towards deep square leg and comes back for the second run.

SIX MORE! Prabhsimran Singh is in the mood here! A slower one, full and on off, Prabhsimran Singh picks it up way early, waits for it and lifts it over the long off fence for a maximum.

FOUR! Up and over! This is pitched up and around off, Prabhsimran Singh frees his arms and smacks it over the extra covers for a boundary.

Back of a length and on off, Prabhsimran Singh punches it hard but straight to extra covers.

SIX! That is some shot! Dushmantha Chameera bowls this fuller at 149 clicks and around off, Prabhsimran Singh moves across nicely and nails the scoop, the ball goes flat and over the fine leg fence for a biggie.

Slower one now, short of a length and on middle, Prabhsimran Singh pats it to the leg side for a single. 14 runs off the over

SIX! BOOM! Harshit Rana bangs this short and just outside off, Prabhsimran Singh uses the pace of the ball and with the bottom hand ramps it over the third man fence for another maximum.

On a length and on off, Prabhsimran Singh pushes it towards short covers.

SIX! BANG! Prabhsimran Singh gets going now! This is pitched up, on middle, angling into the pads again, Prabhsimran Singh uses the flick of the wrists and whips it over the deep square leg fence for a biggie.

A slower one now, full and angling into leg, Jonny Bairstow tries to flick it away but misses as the ball goes off his pads towards point. A leg bye is taken.

Harshit Rana begins with a short-of-a-length delivery, outside off, Jonny Bairstow looks to cut it but gets a bottom edge on the bounce to the keeper.

Harshit Rana will share the new ball from the other end.

Goes fuller and on middle, shaping in, Prabhsimran Singh knocks it back to the bowler.

Back of a length and around off, Jonny Bairstow dabs it through point for another run.

FOUR! Width on offer and Jonny Bairstow pounces on it with full authority! Chameera bowls this on a good length outside off, Jonny Bairstow waits back in the crease and crisply times the punch through covers for the first boundary of the innings.

Angles this back into the right-hander on a nagging length and into middle and leg, Prabhsimran Singh tucks it to deep square leg region for a single and gets off the mark.

Bowls this on a length just around that fourth stump line, Jonny Bairstow looks to cut it square but chops it towards point for a single.

LEG BYES! Stars well does Dushmantha Chameera! Steams from over the wicket and hits the length right and gets the ball ti nip back in from around off, Prabhsimran Singh looks to keep it out but misses and gets hit high on the abdomen. The ball rolls over to the off side and the batters cross.

OUT! RUN OUT! An anti-climatic end to the innings then! Harshal Patel takes pace off again, full and outside off, Venkatesh Iyer tries to reach it and slog it away but misses, he tries to steal another bye but his partner is not interested, Jitesh Sharma runs forward and breaks the stumps to force an easy run-out. The umpire calls it a wide but Punjab takes the review. The replay shows that the ball is within the guidelines and it is a fair delivery. Kolkata finishes on a mammoth 261/6!

Finally, the last ball of the innings is coming up, how many will Kolkata get? Let's find out.

Fuller one but way outside off, Venkatesh Iyer leaves it alone. Wided.

Another swing and a miss! Pitched up, on off, Ramandeep Singh tries to slog again but misses, the batters steal a bye here.

Swing and a miss! Harshal Patel goes slower again, full and outside off, Ramandeep Singh has a swipe across the line but misses. He takes the review but the replay shows that it is inside the tramline and not a wide.

SIX! BANG! Ramandeep Singh gets off the mark in style! Fuller one and around off, Ramandeep Singh steps across, crouches low and lofts it nicely over the long off fence for a biggie.

Ramandeep Singh walks out to bat next for Kolkata.

OUT! TAKEN! A fantastic catch! Harshal Patel rolls his fingers on the ball and takes the pace off, full and outside off, Rinku Singh tries to go real hard for the slog but loses his shape, the ball takes the outside edge and goes in the air behind short third man, Ashutosh Sharma runs backward, keeps his eyes on the ball and takes a fine catch. Kolkata five down now!

FOUR! Put away! Harshal Patel bowls a full toss, outside off, Rinku Singh only has to get some bat on that and slices it over short third man for a boundary. 250 up for Kolkata now!

Harshal Patel (2-0-37-0) will bowl the final over of the innings.

A full toss, on middle, Venkatesh Iyer lifts it wide of long on for a couple of runs.

Overpitched and on off, Rinku Singh drills it towards long off for one.

Oh..what was that? Arshdeep Singh pitches it up, outside off, Rinku Singh changes his stance to reverse scoop but is nowhere near the ball. Clever bowling!

Rinku Singh walks out to bat at number 6 for Kolkata.

OUT! STRAIGHT TO THE FIELDER! Arshdeep Singh goes full and wide outside off, Shreyas Iyer tries to repeat his shot from the last over, but fails to get the elevation this time and slices it flat and straight to Kagiso Rabada at deep point who takes a good catch. The skipper goes after a quick-fire cameo!

Full and on off, Venkatesh Iyer drills it towards long off for a single.

SIX! ANOTHER ONE! Venkatesh Iyer joins the party now! This is full and around off, Venkatesh Iyer presents the full face of the bat and lofts it clean as whistle over the wide long off fence for a biggie.

SIX MORE! Skipper on fire at his own den! Sam Curran continues with his fuller length, outside off this time, Shreyas Iyer fetches it, opens the face of the bat slightly in the end and thumps it over the deep point fence for the third maximum of the over. 24 runs coming off it!

SIX! Into the crowd! Best of the lot this one! Sam Curran pitches it up, on the pads, Shreyas Iyer uses the flick of the wrists brilliantly and whips it way over the deep square leg fence for another biggie.

FOUR! Glorious shot! Sam Curran serves this full and outside off, Shreyas Iyer holds his shape nicely and thrashes it wide of long off for a boundary now.

SIX! Got hold of that one! Sam Curran goes short and on middle, slower too, Shreyas Iyer picks up the length early, gets into a good position and hammers it over the deep mid-wicket fence for a biggie.

Fuller and on off, Venkatesh Iyer lofts it towards long off for a run.

In the blockhole, on middle, Shreyas Iyer digs it out towards mid off for a single.

Sam Curran (3-0-36-1) comes on to bowl his final over.

Slower bouncer again, on middle, Shreyas Iyer pulls it off the toe-end of his bat to deep square leg for one. Just 9 runs off the over!

In the air...safe! Kagiso Rabada bangs this into the pitch, on middle, Venkatesh Iyer gets hurried into his hook shot and mistimes it, the ball goes in the air but lands safely in front of deep square leg. They cross.

Overpitched and on off, Venkatesh Iyer drills it straight to mid off.

FOUR! Fine shot! Kagiso Rabada lands this back of a length, outside off, Venkatesh Iyer gets the chance to free hs arms and smashes it over extra covers for a boundary.

Good change of pace! This is short of a length and on middle, Venkatesh Iyer uses his feet but gets deceived by the lack of pace, mistimes his pull wide of deep mid-wicket for a brace.

On a length and around off, Shreyas Iyer slices it on the bounce to deep point for a single.

Arshdeep Singh nails the wide yorker this time, Venkatesh Iyer tries to squeeze it away but toe-ends it back to the bowler.

Short of a length and on middle, Shreyas Iyer pulls it through mid-wicket for one.

Back of a length and around off, Shreyas Iyer punches it wide of deep point for a couple of runs to get off the mark.

The skipper, Shreyas Iyer walks out to bat next for Kolkata.

OUT! TAKEN! Arshdeep Singh gets a huge, huge wicket! He bangs in a quick and sharp bouncer, on middle, Andre Russell gets surprised by it and gets into two minds about whether to duck or play it, he leaves his bat hanging up as the ball catches the top edge and goes in the air, Harshal Patel at square leg pouches it safely. A huge scalp for Punjab as Dre Russ walks back now!

DROPPED AND FOUR! Sloppy again from Punjab! This is full and outside off once more, Andre Russell goes for the big slog but gets an outside edge behind, Jitesh Sharma dives to his right to grab it with his right hand but only parries it away to the third man fence for a boundary. It would have carried to Ashutosh Sharma at wide first slip if Jitesh left it. 200 up for  Kolkata!

Another full delivery, outside off, well outside off, Andre Russell leaves it again. Third wide of the over.

Pitches it up, way outside off, Andre Russell tries his best to reach it but misses. Another wide!

SIX! BOOM! Dre Russ connects this time alright! Arshdeep Singh tries the yorker but misses it and bowls this in the slot, on middle, Andre Russell clears his front leg and dispatches it over the bowler's head for a biggie.

Fuller one, outside off, angling further away, Andre Russell goes hard at it but fails to connect. Wided.

Arshdeep Singh has been brought back into the attack now. He has conceded 19 runs in his two overs.

SIX! A great over this for Kolkata and they will now look to press hard! Tossed up outside off, Venkatesh Iyer clears his front leg and tonks it over the bowler's head for half a dozen more.

Flights this one fuller and outside off, Andre Russell drives it to long off for a single.

Fuller and around that off stump line, Andre Russell hits it straight to the fielder at point.

SIX! That's smoked! Harpreet Brar drops the length short and over middle, Andre Russell rocks back and launches this one over deep square leg for a maximum.

Quicker through the air and on off, Andre Russell drives it to cover.

Full and into middle and leg, Venkatesh Iyer drives it to long on for one.

Harpreet Brar is back on.

What just happened there? Chahar bowls this full and on middle and off, Andre Russell drives it straight to Ashutosh Sharma at cover. The fielder collects the ball and throws it back wide of the keeper while the batters look to scamper for a single. The umpire calls the ball dead as he had called on for the completion of the over before the ball was thrown.

Bowls this fuller and on off and gets the ball to turn away, Venkatesh Iyer rocks back and toe ends it to deep mid-wicket for a single.

Digs this short and over off, Andre Russell covers the line and tucks it square of the wicket on leg for a single.

Drops the length a bit over off, Venkatesh Iyer cuts it through cover for a single,

FOUR! How well was that placed? Top shot! Chahar flights this one into the stumps on a fuller length, Venkatesh Iyer gets low on one knee and sweeps it past deep square leg for a boundary.

Tosses this full and on off, Venkatesh Iyer presses ahead and cuts it to point.

Strategic-Break! Punjab have managed to pull things back slightly by getting rid of both the set openers. They will look to maintain this and pick up a couple of wickets to slow things down more. Kolkata will hope that their batters can use this excellent start and post a mighty total on the board. An exciting phase of cricket awaits us.

Lands the yorker into the pads, Andre Russell jams it out to deep mid-wicket for a couple of runs.

FOUR! Just gets enough to get off the mark with a boundary. Sam Curran digs this one short with pace on it, over off, Andre Russell is caught off guard and looks to ramp and manages to get the top half of the willow on it sending the ball over the keeper's head for four runs.

Bowls this full and attacks the stumps, Andre Russell drives it straight back to the bowler.

A huge roar from the crowd as Dre Russ comes out to the middle now.

OUT! b Sam Curran.TIMBER! Sam Curran has the last laugh and Phil Salt has to walk back after a phenomenal knock of 75 runs. Curran steams from over the wicket and nails the yorker right in the blockhole around middle and off. Phil Salt looks to dig it out but is undone by the pace on it as the ball gets through to rattle the off stump off the ground.

SIX! Make in two in a row! Currans takes pace off and bowls this wider on off and on a fuller length, Phil Salt reaches out and launches this straight back over the bowler's head for another maximum.

SIX! Just past long off! Curran bowls this fuller and outside off, Phil Salt gets down on one knee and drills it straight past long off for a maximum.

Sam Curran comes back into the attack now.

Lands this nice and full into the stumps, Venkatesh Iyer digs it back to the bowler on a bounce.

Drags down the length outside off, Phil Salt drives it off the back foot to cover for a single.

Goes fuller and on off, Venkatesh Iyer whips it to long on for one.

In the air, but lands safe! Tosses this fuller and on off, Venkatesh Iyer gets his front leg ahead and looks to play it across the line but gets a leading edge over the bowler's head for a couple of runs.

Flatter and fuller into middle and off, Venkatesh Iyer shimmies down the track and tucks it in front of wide long on for a couple of runs.

Starts from around the wickets and flotas this on a fuller length and outside off, Phil Salt drives it to deep point for a single.

Harpreet Brar has been finally introduced into the attack.

Drops the length short and way wider on off, Phil Salt reaches out and cuts it to cover for a single to end the over.

LEG BYES! Bowls this fuller and into the pads, Venkatesh Iyer looks to flick but gets clipped on the pads as the ba; trickles down to short fine leg for a single.

FOUR! Gets off the mark with a boundary! Chahar bowls this nice and full outside off, Venkatesh Iyer reverse sweeps it fine to third man fence for four runs.

Beautifully bowled! Bowls this on a fuller length and outside off, the ball grips and turns back in as Venkatesh Iyer plants his front leg ahead and looks to block. The ball zips past the off stump.

Venkatesh Iyer gets a promotion and walks out to bat at number 3.

OUT! CAUGHT! Rahul Chahar finally breaks this partnership and Punjab breathes a sigh of relief! Chahar digs this short into the deck and bowls it wider on off away from the hitting arc, Sunil Narine stays rooted and extends his arms to hit it over long on but ends up toe ending it straight into the hands of Jonny Bairstow at long on.

Goes fuller and just around that off stump line, Phil Salt drives it on the full to long off for a single.

A good slower one this time, full and on off, Phil Salt steps across for the slog but mistimes it in the air towards long on for just one. 19 runs off the over!

NO BALL! Harshal Patel loses his grip completely and tries to go for the wide yorker, but the ball lands outside the pitch and rolls to the keeper. Phil Salt is nowhere near playing that. Free Hit coming up...

SIX! Phil Salt's turn now! Harshal Patel takes pace off again but bowls this right in the slot, Phil Salt clears his front leg away and launches it high and handsomely over the long on fence for another maximum.

Pitched up, outside off, Sunil Narine moves across and mistimes his lofted shot towards long on for a single.

SIX! Down the ground! Harshal Patel tries the slower one, full and on middle, in the slot as well, Sunil Narine picks it up early, gets under it well and smokes it over the long on fence for a biggie.

A good wide yorker, outside off, Sunil Narine moves across but fails to dig it out this time.

FOUR! A bit streaky! Harshal Patel serves this full and outside off, Sunil Narine swings hard at it, gets another outside edge as the ball goes well over short third man for a boundary.

Harshal Patel (1-0-18-0) comes back into the attack.

Flighted, full and on middle, Phil Salt tries to heave across the line but gets an inside edge onto his thigh pads as the ball goes nowhere.

Short again and outside off, Phil Salt cuts it wide of sweeper covers for a brace.

FOUR! FIFTY FOR SALT! He has been sensational for Kolkata at the top and continues his good run of form here. Rahul Chahar drags his length back, on off, Phil Salt rocks back and slaps it wide of long off for a boundary to register a 25-ball fifty.

Short and on off, Sunil Narine punches it down to long off for a single.

A huge shout for LBW, and up goes the finger! However, Sunil Narine takes the review straight away. This one is floated, full and on middle, turns in a bit, Sunil Narine goes to slog across the line but misses and gets hit on the pads. UltraEdge confirms no bat involved but Ball Tracking shows that it is going over the wickets. The extra bounce saves Narine here. A good review from Kolkata!

SIX! Fine use of the feet! This is tossed up and around middle, Sunil Narine skips down the track, gets to the pitch of the ball and tonks it over the bowler's head for a maximum.

SIX! BANG! Absolute Carnage in Kolkata! Kagiso Rabada bowls this slower, back of a length and on middle, Phil Salt waits for it this time and pulls it over the vacant deep backward square leg fence for a biggie. That also brings up the 100-run partnership between the openers.

FOUR! Nicely played! Pitched up and angling into the pads, Phil Salt goes down and swipes it away wide of short fine leg for four more more runs.

Change of pace, full but down the leg side, Phil Salt misses his flick. Wided once more.

Fullish and on off, Sunil Narine moves across and heaves it through mid-wicket for a single.

FOUR! FIFTY FOR NARINE! Yet another half-century for him and a quick-fire one as well. This is short of a length and outside off, Sunil Narine tries to cut it away, gets a top edge that flies over short third man for a boundary. Narine celebrates by pointing the bat towards his team's hut.

FOUR! Just wide! Kagiso Rabada goes touch fuller, outside off once again, Sunil Narine goes after it and slices it in the air, Rilee Rossouw at deep point dives to his right but fails to reach it as the ball goes for a boundary.

This is on a good length and outside off, angling away, Sunil Narine throws his bat at it but fails to connect.

A bouncer now but this one is too high for the batter, Sunil Narine lets it go again. It is called a wide.

Goes for the slower one, full but this is way outside off, Sunil Narine leaves it alone. Wided.

A bit short and on off, Sunil Narine stays back and steers it to short third man for one.

DROPPED AGAIN! Butterfingers for Punjab players! Rahul Chahar tosses it up nicely, full and outside off, Phil Salt looks to cut it but does so uppishly wide of cover-point, Kagiso Rabada dives to his right, gets both hands on it but fails to hold on. Salt gets another life here as he crosses for a run as well.

Flighted, full and on middle, Sunil Narine goes down and swipes it towards square leg for a single.

Pushed through quicker, short and around middle, Sunil Narine goes for the switch hit again but gets an inside edge onto his pads.

FOUR! Never knew Sunil Narine had that in his locker! Rahul Chahar bowls this flatter, full and on middle, Sunil Narine changes his stance completely and nails the switch hit over point  for a boundary.

Rahul Chahar starts with a shorter delivery, on off, Sunil Narine steps across and dabs it towards point.

Strategic break! Yet again, Kolkata have started strongly, with both Sunil Narine and Phil Salt firing all cylinders on. This break might offer a crucial respite for Punjab, who have faltered and faced consequences with their ordinary bowling effort and their display in the field. Punjab will need wickets and need them quickly to claw their way back into this game. With that, Rahul Chahar is now introduced into the attack.

Yet another full toss, on middle, Sunil Narine clips it towards deep mid-wicket for just one. Just 6 runs off the over then! Kolkata finish the Powerplay with 76 for no loss.

DROPPED! Phil Salt gets a life now! Pitched up and around off, Phil Salt lofts it hard and aerially towards mid off, Sam Curran gets into an awkward position and spills it out. They cross. Punjab have given a second chance to both the openers now. How costly will that prove? We will see.

Another full toss but Arshdeep Singh gets lucky again! Phil Salt drives it straight to extra covers once more.

Got away with that one! A low full toss, outside off, Phil Salt drills it straight to extra covers.

Right in the blockhole, outside off, angling away, Phil Salt fails to squeeze it away this time.

FOUR! Up and over! Arshdeep Singh takes pace off and bowls this on a good length, outside off, Phil Salt slashes hard at it and slices it over point for a boundary.

FOUR! Not a bad ball from Curran but Sunil Narine gets enough on it to send it away for a boundary. Curran nails the yorker into the leg stump line, Sunil Narine looks to dig it out and gets a thick outside edge past short fine leg for four more runs.

Drops the length short and bowls it on middle and off, the ball stays low off the deck and Phil Salt pulls it all along the ground to deep mid-wicket for a single.

Attacks the stumps on a fuller length, Sunil Narine flicks it off the cue end of the bat to square leg for a single.

Takes pace off and hits the length outside off, Phil Salt chops it to backward point off the inner half of the bat for one.

FOUR! Width on offer and Phil Salt poaches on this one! Sam Curran bowls this wider on off and on a length, Phil Salt drives it beautifully over cover for a boundary.

Angles across the slower one on a good length, outside off, Phil Salt looks to cut it away on off but misses out on connection.

FOUR! This is some show! Rabada looks for the wide yorker and lands a full toss outside off, Sunil Narine just waits back and drives it through covers for four more runs to end the over.

SIX! Brings up the 50 runs for Kolkata in real quick time! Kagiso Rabada drops the length short and over middle and leg, the ball doesn't bounce too much and sits perfectly for Sunil Narine as he pulls it over deep square leg for a maximum.

FOUR! That's poor bowling and rightly punished! Kagiso Rabada bowls a full toss over middle and off, Sunil Narine swings this wide of long on for a boundary.

Goes fuller and into the pads, Phil Salt flicks it to deep mid-wicket for a single.

WIDE! Digs this a touch shorter in length but down leg for a wide.

FOUR! That was a beautiful hit with great balance! Rabada overpitches this outside off and looks for some swing, Phil Salt leans on it and drives it over cover for a boundary.

Starts from over the wicket and lands this on a good length but into the pads, Sunil Narine flicks it uppishly to deep square leg for a single.

Kagiso Rabada comes into the attack now.

Good comeback delivery to end the over. Takes pace off and bowls this outside off on a fuller length, Phil Salt looks to squeeze it through off but gets beaten.

SIX! Absolutely smoked outta here! Harshal Patel drops the length short and bowls it over middle ad leg, Phil Salt opens up his stance and launches this over deep square leg fence for a maximum.

FOUR! That's what pressure does! Harshal Patel bowls a full toss with pace off into the stumps, Phil Salt picks this right and pulls it over mid-wicket for four more runs.

SIX! BANG! That's huge! Fuller into the stumps, Phil Salt just clears his front leg and clobbers it over mid-wicket for a maximum.

DROPPED by Harpreet Brar! This could prove really costly for Punjab! Harshal Patel takes pace off and bowls this wider on off and on a length, Sunil Narine just looks to guide it past point but chops it to the right of point where Harpreet Brar stretches to his right and gets both hands to it but the ball just gets through for a single.

Starts from over the wicket and angles this into the right-hander on a fuller length at 123.3 kph, Phil Salt looks to flick but gets a leading edge over the bowler's head for a single.

Harshal Patel replaces Sam Curran.

Gets it right this time! Hits the perfect length around off and gets the ball to swing away off the deck, Sunil Narine looks for the expansive drive but gets beaten.

FOUR! Easy pickings this for Sunil Narine! Arshdeep Singh serves a juicy full toss outside off, Sunil Narine gets down the deck and whacks this over mid on for four more runs.

WIDE! And again! Tries to swing the ball away on a fuller length and lands it wayward on off for another wide.

WIDE! Takes pace off and bowls this one fuller and well outside that guideline on off, Sunil Narine leaves it alone for a wide.

SIX! Picked up to perfection! Arshdeep Singh digs this one short and over middle, Sunil Narine gets his weight back and nails the pull over mid-wicket for the first maximum of the game.

Fractionally fuller and outside off, Phil Salt drives it neatly to wide of mid off for a single.

Bowls this wider on off, on a shorter length, Phil Salt takes a couple of steps ahead and looks to pull it across the line but mistimes it to the leg side.

Great delivery to start off! Comes from over the wicket and bangs the deck on a hard length, outside off, Phil Salt looks to whack it across the line but gets beaten.

Arshdeep Singh to share the attack.

Goes a touch fuller on off stump line, Sunil Narine slices it over to deep backward point for a couple of runs to end the first over.

And again! Takes pace off and lands this on a good nagging length outside off getting the ball to nip back a bit. Sunil Narine makes some room and looks for the big slice but misses out as the ball whizzes past the off stump.

Beaten! Sam Curran hurls this nicely on a good length over the stumps, Sunil Narine makes some room and looks to hit it over the infield on off but misses out on connection!

FOUR! Wow, that's some way to get off the mark! Curran overpitches this outside off and on a fuller length looking for some away movement, Sunil Narine stands rooted and crisps it over cover for a boundary.

Kolkata and Phil Salt are underway! Curran bowls this fuller and angling it away outside off, Phil Salt reaches out and slashes it over to deep backward point for a single.

Starts well does Sam Curran! Steams from over the wicket and bangs this on a fuller length and into that leg stump line, Phil Salt tucks it to mid-wicket off his pads.

The bell has been rung and we are all set to begin now! The two umpires walk out to the middle followed by the Punjab players who spread out to take their respective field positions. Phil Salt and Sunil Narine are the two openers for Kolkata. Sam Curran, the skipper has the new ball in hand and is raring to go. Let's play...

Shreyas Iyer, the captain of Kolkata says that they the thing that has pleased him the most is that different player have stepped up at different times. Tells that they hope to get to a good start and post a good total on the board. Informs Mitchell Starc got a cut on his finger in the last game and Dushmantha Chameera replaces him.

Sam Curran, the captain of Punjab opts to bowl first and says it is nice to be away from home after 4 games and the boys are excited to play at a ground like this. Mentions that they have tried a few different things but now is the crunch time and they will need to win some games. Concludes that Liam Livingstone misses out and Jonny Bairstow comes back and hopes for a few of them to put up their hand and perform well.

Impact Players for Kolkata - Suyash Sharma, Anukul Roy, Manish Pandey, Vaibhav Arora, Rahmanullah Gurbaz.

Kolkata (Playing XI) - Phil Salt (WK), Sunil Narine, Venkatesh Iyer, Shreyas Iyer (C), Angkrish Raghuvanshi, Rinku Singh, Andre Russell, Ramandeep Singh, Dushmantha Chameera (In place of Mitchell Starc), Varun Chakaravarthy, Harshit Rana.

Impact Players for Punjab - Prabhsimran Singh, Rishi Dhawan, Vidwath Kaverappa, Shivam Singh, Prince Choudhary.

Punjab (Playing XI) - Sam Curran (C), Jonny Bairstow (In place of Liam Livingstone), Rilee Rossouw, Jitesh Sharma (WK), Shashank Singh, Ashutosh Sharma, Harpreet Brar, Harshal Patel, Kagiso Rabada, Rahul Chahar, Arshdeep Singh.

TOSS - Sam Curran calls it right and Punjab have elected to BOWL first.

On the flip side, Punjab find themselves mired in a slew of challenges, languishing at the penultimate position on the table after enduring defeats in six out of their eight encounters thus far. Despite showcasing glimpses of brilliance and mounting remarkable comebacks, Punjab has faltered at crucial junctures, succumbing to narrow defeats that loom ominously over their campaign. The absence of Shikhar Dhawan due to injury has dealt a severe blow to the team's batting strength, leaving the unit floundering on many occasions. Amidst the tumult, it has been the valiant efforts of Shashank Singh and Ashutosh Sharma that have provided fleeting moments of hope. However, the erratic performances of the bowling unit have only exacerbated Punjab's woes, with inconsistency plaguing their efforts thus far. This glaring vulnerability poses a pressing concern that must be promptly addressed if Punjab harbours any hopes of clawing their way back into contention for the playoffs. With the stage being set for yet another crucial showdown, Punjab will be steadfast in their resolve to deliver a standout performance and catalyze a much-needed turnaround in their fortunes while Kolkata will look to dominate and solidify their spot at the top two. Who are you backing to get over the line here? We shall soon find out as Toss and team updates come to you in a bit.

Kolkata have undoubtedly been a force to reckon with this season, currently holding strong in the coveted second position on the points table, with just two setbacks in their 7 encounters. The batting lineup has been the backbone of their success, firing on all cylinders with the opening duo of Sunil Narine and Phil Salt consistently setting the stage ablaze, providing solid starts that lay the foundation for the dynamic middle order to flourish. However, amidst the euphoria of their batting prowess, the bowling department has struggled to hit its stride, narrowly escaping tight situations with performances that have fallen short of expectations. All eyes will now be fixated on the resurgence of Mitchell Starc, whose return to top form could prove monumental in the team's journey forward in the tournament. While the spinners have displayed consistency, there's an urgent call for the rest of the bowling unit to collectively step up and provide robust support to a batting order that has shouldered the lion's share of responsibilities thus far.

Hello and a warm welcome, to the exhilarating showdown of match number 42 in the Indian T20 League, unfolding right here at the historic Eden Gardens in Kolkata! Amidst the pulsating atmosphere, the home team, Kolkata, will spar with Punjab in what promises to be yet another riveting encounter as we inch closer to the business end of this tournament.

... MATCH DAY ...

As the Indian T20 League 2024 enters its crucial phase, teams are vying for position, with most having completed around 8 matches. While the frontrunners surge ahead, the middle of the table is tightly packed, with three teams tied at ten points each and another three at 8 points, setting the stage for an intense battle for playoff spots. Match number 42 promises to be a captivating encounter as Kolkata, currently holding the second position, hosts Punjab, who are struggling near the bottom of the table. The iconic Eden Gardens provides the backdrop for this showdown. Kolkata's campaign has been fueled by thrilling victories, powered by their formidable batting lineup. The decision to promote Sunil Narine alongside Phil Salt has proven fruitful, with the duo consistently providing explosive starts. Narine's aggressive approach has significantly boosted the team's run rate in the Powerplay, alleviating pressure on the middle order. Angkrish Raghuvanshi's emergence at number 3 further bolsters their batting. Skipper Shreyas Iyer's leadership and consistent performances have been pivotal, while finishers Rinku Singh and Andre Russell have provided crucial contributions in the middle order. However, the form of Mitchell Starc has been a major cause of concern for them as he has not only been pretty expensive but also hasn't provided breakthroughs. Furthermore, Kolkata would be looking for their spinners to step up and assert control during the crucial mid-overs phase. In their recent clash against Bengaluru, although they posted an imposing total of 222 runs, their narrow victory by just a solitary run underscores the urgent need for improvement. In contrast, Punjab finds themselves in a precarious position, losing four games on the trot. Despite stellar performances from Shashank Singh and Ashutosh Sharma with the bat, Punjab has struggled to convert individual brilliance into team victories. The absence of Shikhar Dhawan has left a huge void at the top of the order, with Sam Curran and Prabhsimran Singh striving to establish a stable partnership up top. They do pose a strong middle order but Jitesh Sharma will aim to get off the blocks. While Kagiso Rabada and Arshdeep Singh have been able to take crucial wickets for Punjab, their bowling performances have been marred by inconsistency, leading to expensive spells as they often find themselves leaking runs during crucial stages of the match. On the brighter side, Harpreet Brar has showcased his all-round abilities impressively, contributing effectively with both bat and ball. Additionally, Harshal Patel has begun to find his rhythm in the last couple of games, providing hope for improvement. With Kolkata boasting a formidable record at Eden Gardens, Punjab will be eager to defy the odds and turn their fortunes around. Which team will you be rooting for in this high-stakes encounter?