Cricket Scorecard

Now then chasing has not been easy here! The wicket did seem on the slower side and it was predicted to get slower. If that is the case, Punjab will have to bat really well. Kolkata will feel they can defend this but they will need to pick wickets at regular intervals. Stay tuned for what could be a very good second essay.

Arshdeep Singh says that they planned to bowl yorkers and it worked. Adds that the pitch is stopping a bit and some of them was just flying off the surface and they bowled hard lengths and it paid off. States that it is getting better and it is a good score to chase.

Once again the star names for Punjab disappointed with the ball! Mujeeb and jordan both went the distance. Shami did decently. It was Arshadeep and Bishnoi who were brilliant. Had it not been for the two, Punjab would have probably been chasing something above 180. However, with how things went initially, they will be very disappointed with how things have ended. Also, one of their stars with the ball is up for an interview.

A superb innings from Dinesh Karthik has taken his side to a total which is probably just above par on this wicket! He solely has to be responsible to get them to where they are right now because Kolkata were struggling. Yes, Shubman Gill also played a very good innings but his innings was more of one which stabilized the innings after they lost Rana and Tripathi early. It was Karthik though who provided the much-needed impetus. He scored everywhere and broguth up a brilliant half ton which sees

Chris Jordan to Dinesh Karthik, ! RUN OUT! Karthik gets run out of the last ball! Short ball on middle, Karthik pulls it to deep mid-wicket and wants the second. The fielder throws it to the keeper who whips the bails off. The third umpire is called for and the replays show that Karthik is well short. KOLKATA FINISH ON 164 FOR 6. 

A run out appeal taken upstairs! Karthik is well short and he has to go!

Chris Jordan to Dinesh Karthik, Excellent ball from Jordan! Yorker outside off, Karthik looks to drive but misses. Can he finish well?

Chris Jordan to Dinesh Karthik, WIDE! Short ball down the leg side, Karthik lets it go. Wide signalled.

Chris Jordan to Pat Cummins, Low full toss outside off, Cummins hammers it to cover where the fielder makes a stop. Only a single.

Chris Jordan to Dinesh Karthik, Good length ball on the pads, Karthik looks to heave it away but it goes off his pads towards the leg side for a leg bye. 

Chris Jordan to Dinesh Karthik, ! Well played! This is brilliant cricket from Dinesh Karthik! Back of a length ball outside off, Karthik cuts it over the point fielder for a boundary.

Chris Jordan to Pat Cummins, Good length ball outside off, Cummins punches it to wide of the mid off fielder and takes a single.

Chris Jordan will bowl the final over. 

Arshdeep Singh to Dinesh Karthik, Another dot to end! Really well bowled! He goes full and outside off again. Karthik looks to carve it but misses. Excellent penultimate over from Singh and a very good spell by him too.

Arshdeep Singh to Dinesh Karthik, A dot! Gold dust at this stage! Karthik again moves right across but AS bowls a yorker outside off. Karthik swings but misses.

Arshdeep Singh to Pat Cummins, A good slower one on middle, Cummins works it through mid-wicket for one.

Arshdeep Singh to Pat Cummins, Brilliant running! This is full and on off, Cummins jams it down to long off. They take one. Karthik wants a second and completes it.

Arshdeep Singh to Pat Cummins, Another wide! Once again it is well outside the wideline on the off side. Wided.

Arshdeep Singh to Pat Cummins, Cummins does move across but this was bowled well wide outside off. Almost outside the pitch. Cummins swings but misses. It is wided.

Pat Cummins is the next man in. 

Arshdeep Singh to Andre Russell, ! EDGED AND TAKEN! Arshdeep has his man and he is elated. Russell's poor form continues. This is brilliant. It is full and wide outside off. Russell swings again but it takes the outside edge and goes to the keeper who makes no mistake. Huge wicket, this could well make a difference of 10 runs to the final total.

Arshdeep Singh to Andre Russell, EDGY ! That is full marks to the bowler but runs to the batter! Arshdeep gets it right. Full and outside off. Perfect yorker almost. Russell reaches out for it but gets an outside edge, past the keeper and down to the third man fence. 150 up. 11 more balls to go.

Arshdeep Singh will bowl the 19th over. 

Mohammed Shami to Andre Russell, A nasty bumper and on middle to welcome Russell. He hops and defends it on the off side. One to get off the mark. 13 from the over and a wicket.

Andre Russell makes his way out to the middle.

Mohammed Shami to Shubman Gill, ! Gill is short! He though has done his job. A fine, fine, innings from him comes to an end. He was tired so this wicket could well be a blessing in disguise for Kolkata as it will bring out Russell. Coming to the ball now, it is another slower one on middle, Shubman swings, it goes off the inner half towards deep square leg. They take one and go for the second. Singh in the deep, picks the ball up and fires it to the keeper who whips the bails off. The u

Another run out appeal taken upstairs. This time it looks like Gill is out of the crease. Yes he is. 

Mohammed Shami to Dinesh Karthik, A bye now! Shorter and outside off, it is a slower one. Dinesh looks to pull but misses. The keeper fails to collect it cleanly and a run is taken.

Mohammed Shami to Dinesh Karthik, ! Brings up his fifty in style! The skipper comes to the fore when his team needed it. What an innings this is. He has provided his team the much-needed impetus and has probably played a match-winning knock. He gets there with a lovely shot. It is full and on off, Karthik makes room and slices it through the gap between point and short third man.

Mohammed Shami to Dinesh Karthik, ! In the gap! Karthik is one short of a half ton now. Once again it is a boundary early in the over. A full toss. Punjab has all the fielders back on the boundary on the leg side but Karthik whips it right in the gap in front of square and bags a boundary.

Mohammed Shami to Dinesh Karthik, Overthrow and two! Karthik looks to innovate. He tries to play the reverse sweep but it is very full. He mistimes it towards the point region. They go for one. The fielder has a shy at the bowler's end. Had he hit, Dinesh was a goner but he misses and Kolkata take another run.

Mohammed Shami is back on. 

A run out appeal has been taken upstairs! Gill is the man in question. He looks in and the replays show that he is. 

Chris Jordan to Shubman Gill, NOT ! A brilliant dive from Shubman saves him! Two to end a huge over for Kolkata! Now 170 looks possible. This is fuller and outside off, it is carved towards sweeper cover. They take one and now go for another one on the throw as it is the longer part. The keeper collects it and whips the bails off. An appeal. It is referred. Replays show Gill is in with ease. Superb running.

Chris Jordan to Dinesh Karthik, Floated ball on middle, Karthik sweeps it to deep square leg for a single.

Chris Jordan to Dinesh Karthik, EDGY ! 15 from the over now! All going Kolkata's way! It is full and wide outside off. Karthik swings. It flies off the outside edge and races to the third man fence. Jordan under huge, huge pressure.

Chris Jordan to Dinesh Karthik, ! That is big! 11 from the first three balls and Karthik is in his elements here. It is fuller and on off, Karthik stays deep in his crease and lofts it over the long off fence for a biggie.

Chris Jordan to Dinesh Karthik, ! Up and over! That is a superb shot! He loves playing in that region and he does so very effectively. Fuller and outside off, Karthik lofts it nicely over covers and it races away to the fence. Boundary early in the over, just what Kolkata wanted.

Chris Jordan to Shubman Gill, Full and wide outside off, Gill jams it out towards cover for a single.

Arshdeep Singh to Dinesh Karthik, ! 50-run stand comes up between Karthik and Gill! They need this to continue. Short ball on middle, Karthik pulls it in front of square on the leg side for a boundary.

Arshdeep Singh to Dinesh Karthik, PLAY AND A MISS! Very full outside off, Karthik looks to play the ramp but misses. Karthik is not happy as he does not signal it a wide.

Arshdeep Singh to Dinesh Karthik, ! Karthik is looking solid out there in the middle! Full ball on off, Karthik lifts it over extra cover for a boundary. 

Arshdeep Singh to Dinesh Karthik, Very full ball outside off, Karthik looks to dig it out but misses. There is an appeal for caught behind but nothing from the umpire. 

A direct hit but Gill seems to be in! They have referred it.

Arshdeep Singh to Dinesh Karthik, ! Not a great delivery from Arshdeep and it has been punished! Short ball on middle, Karthik pulls it to the deep square leg region for a boundary.

Arshdeep Singh to Dinesh Karthik, Short ball around middle, Karthik pulls it to fine leg for a couple. 

Ravi Bishnoi to Dinesh Karthik, Loopy ball on middle, Karthik flicks it to deep square leg for a single.

Ravi Bishnoi to Shubman Gill, Outside off, Gill plays it to deep cover for a single.

Ravi Bishnoi to Shubman Gill, NOT ! Gill is comfortably in! Floated ball on off, Gill drives it wide of long off. They want the second and take off. The fielder has a shy at the keeper's end and hits. The third umpire is called for and the replays show that Gill was in. 

Ravi Bishnoi to Shubman Gill, ! Fifty for Shubman Gill! Another important one for his side. He is a classy player and he has played another top knock. His job is not done yet and needs to continue and help Kolkata reach a good score! Short ball on middle, Gill pulls it to the deep mid-wicket region for a boundary.

Ravi Bishnoi to Shubman Gill, Flatter outside off, Gill cuts it but straight to point.

Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Dinesh Karthik, ! Powered! Floated on middle, Karthik thrashes it over the long on fielder for a maximum. 16 from the over.

Ravi Bishnoi to Shubman Gill, Tossed up outside off, Gill drives it through the cover region for a couple.

DRINKS! Punjab continue to remain on top! They have got Morgan out and their spinners are squeezing the runs. They would be looking to keep Kolkata under 150. The batting side on the other hand, know this is not an easy wicket to bat on so 150 or above is what they will be aiming for. An interesting passage of play awaits ahead.

Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Dinesh Karthik, IN THE AIR BUT SAFE! Quicker outside off, Karthik looks to play at it but it goes uppishly towards long on. Maxwell runs across and dives to make a good stop. Two taken. 

Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Shubman Gill, Flatter on off, Gill punches it to long off for a single.

Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Shubman Gill, Flighted ball outside off, Gill lunges forward and drives it through the covers for a couple.

Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Shubman Gill, EDGY ! Gill and Kolkata won't mind! Flighted ball outside off, Gill looks to heave it away but it goes off the top edge and goes past the short third man fielder for a boundary. 

Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Dinesh Karthik, Tossed up on off, Karthik flicks it to deep square leg for a single.

Ravi Bishnoi to Shubman Gill, Short on middle, Gill powers it past the bowler and towards long on. Gill picks up a couple before the fielder cuts it off.

Ravi Bishnoi to Dinesh Karthik, Loopy ball on off, Karthik plays it uppishly towards long off for a run. 

Ravi Bishnoi to Dinesh Karthik, A couple now! A quicker ball outside off, Karthik punches it through extra cover and picks up a couple.

Ravi Bishnoi to Dinesh Karthik, Flatter ball outside off, Karthik plays it to point. 

Ravi Bishnoi to Shubman Gill, Short on middle, Gill pulls it wide of the long on fielder for another single.

Ravi Bishnoi to Dinesh Karthik, Full on off, Karthik prods forward and drives it to long off for a single.

Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Shubman Gill, Good over from Mujeeb! Flatter outside off, Gill pushes it to point. Just 4 from the over. 

Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Shubman Gill, Tossed up on middle, Gill sweeps but finds the mid-wicket fielder.

Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Shubman Gill, Quicker ball outside off, Gill punches it to point. 

Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Shubman Gill, On off, played to cover off the back foot. 

Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Shubman Gill, ! What timing from Gill! Kolkata need much more of these! Flatter outside off, Gill punches it through extra cover and beats the diving fielder for a boundary.

Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Shubman Gill, Full on off, Gill drives it to cover.

Ravi Bishnoi to Dinesh Karthik, Tossed up on off, Karthik defends it back to the bowler. 

Ravi Bishnoi to Shubman Gill, Short ball on middle, Gill pulls it to deep square leg for a single.

Dinesh Karthik walks out to bat!

Ravi Bishnoi to Eoin Morgan, ! CAUGHT! Bishnoi gets into the wickets column! A vital partnership is broken for Kolkata and Eoin Morgan who was looking good out in the middle has to go. This is a big wicket. Googly on off, Morgan looks to go big over the on side but he does not time it well. It goes way up in the air towards long on where Maxwell takes a simple catch. 

Ravi Bishnoi to Shubman Gill, Short and outside off, Gill cuts it through cover-point for a single.

Ravi Bishnoi to Eoin Morgan, Short ball on middle, Morgan plays it to long on and takes another single.

Ravi Bishnoi to Shubman Gill, Flatter ball outside off, Gill drives it through cover for a run.

Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Shubman Gill, This flat ball on middle is pushed down to long on for a single.

Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Eoin Morgan, Flat delivery outside off, Morgan cuts it to deep point and crosses over for a single.

Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Shubman Gill, Outside off, Gill punches it through point for a single.

Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Eoin Morgan, Quicker on the pads, Eoin tucks it to deep square leg for a single.

Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Eoin Morgan, ! Powered! Morgan is targetting Mujeeb! Floated on middle, Morgan powers it over deep mid-wicket for a maximum. 

DRINKS! Punjab on top but Kolkata fighting back courtesy this Morgan-Gill stand! They are going along nicely but need to continue. Punjab, on the other hand, will know they need a wicket or two or with the batters to come and with Morgan out there, they can cover up quickly.

Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Shubman Gill, Flatter ball outside off, Gill punches it to deep point for a single.

Ravi Bishnoi to Shubman Gill, Flatter outside off, Gill punches it to deep cover for a single. 

Ravi Bishnoi to Shubman Gill, Flatter on the pads, Gill tickles it to fine leg for a couple.

Ravi Bishnoi to Eoin Morgan, Tossed up on off, Morgan reverse sweeps it to short third man for a single. 

Ravi Bishnoi to Eoin Morgan, Loopy on off, Morgan looks to defend but gets beaten.

Ravi Bishnoi to Eoin Morgan, Flatter ball outside off, Morgan cuts but finds the point fielder. 

Ravi Bishnoi to Eoin Morgan, PLAY AND A MISS! Flatter ball outside off, Morgan looks to play the reverse sweep but misses. 

Chris Jordan to Shubman Gill, Good piece of work! Fuller ball on the pads, Gill flicks it to short fine leg where the fielder dives to make a good stop. Two taken. 

Chris Jordan to Eoin Morgan, Back of a length ball on middle, Morgan flicks it to deep mid-wicket for a single.

Chris Jordan to Shubman Gill, Good length ball on the pads, Gill flicks it to deep square leg for a single. 

Chris Jordan to Eoin Morgan, On a length outside off, Morgan guides it to third man for a single.

Chris Jordan to Eoin Morgan, Length ball on the pads, Morgan dances down the track and then defends it back to the bowler.

Chris Jordan to Eoin Morgan, Lovely shot from Morgan! Good length ball outside off, Morgan drives it through extra cover for a couple.

Chris Jordan is back on!

Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Eoin Morgan, On middle, flicked to deep mid-wicket for a single. 

Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Eoin Morgan, ! Nicely played! Floated on off, Morgan goes on his knees and then reverse sweeps it over the point fielder for a boundary. 

Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Eoin Morgan, Loopy ball on off, Morgan looks to paddle but gets hit on the helmet and goes towards the leg side. 

Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Eoin Morgan, THREE WIDES! Down the leg side, Morgan looks to paddle but misses. The keeper fails to collect as the batters collect two runs. 

Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Shubman Gill,  Flatter ball on off, Gill punches it to long off for a single.

Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Shubman Gill, Another couple! Floated ball outside off, Gill punches it through the covers for a couple.

Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Shubman Gill, Flatter ball outside off, Gill punches it through the covers for a couple.

Mujeeb Ur Rahman is on now!

Mohammed Shami to Shubman Gill, Fullish ball on off, Gill pushes it to extra cover for a single. Kolkata are 25 for 2 at the end of the Powerplay.

Mohammed Shami to Eoin Morgan, Full ball on off, Morgan pushes it wide of mid off for a single.

Mohammed Shami to Eoin Morgan, On a length outside off, Morgan punches it to cover.

Mohammed Shami to Eoin Morgan, ! Hammered! First boundary for Eoin Morgan! Short ball around middle, Morgan rocks on his back foot and pulls it through the deep mid-wicket region for a boundary. 1000 runs for Morgan in the Indian T20 League.

Mohammed Shami to Eoin Morgan, Hits the pads! Good length ball on the pads, Morgan looks to flick but gets hit on the pads. The ball goes towards point and Morgan says no for the single.

Mohammed Shami to Eoin Morgan, Back of a length ball on middle, Morgan tucks it to mid-wicket.

Chris Jordan to Shubman Gill, Length ball down the leg side, Gill looks to flick but it brushes his pads and goes to the keeper. Just 4 from the over.

Chris Jordan to Shubman Gill, ! Finally, Gill breaks the shackles a little bit! Good length ball on the pads, Gill flicks it through square leg for a boundary.

Chris Jordan to Shubman Gill, Another dot! 4 in a row! Length ball on middle, Gill pushes it back to the bowler.

Chris Jordan to Shubman Gill, Length ball outside off, Gill punches it to cover. Three dots in a row.

Chris Jordan to Shubman Gill, Length ball on off, Gill prods forward and plays it to mid off.

Chris Jordan to Shubman Gill, Good length ball on off, Gill pushes it to mid off.

Chris Jordan is on now!

Arshdeep Singh to Eoin Morgan, On middle, tucked to the leg side for another dot. Kolkata are under pressure at the moment. 

Arshdeep Singh to Eoin Morgan, Length ball on middle, Morgan flicks it to mid-wicket. 

Eoin Morgan walks out to bat! He has come in with a lot of time left in the game. He will really want to play a long innings here. Also, it is a position where he generally bats.

Arshdeep Singh to Shubman Gill, Short ball on middle, Gill pulls it to deep square leg for a single.

Arshdeep Singh to Shubman Gill, ! RUN OUT! What is Kolkata doing? There was no run there! And Nitish Rana pays the price. Ideal start from Punjab. They needed this start and they have got a perfect start. Poor mixup from Gill and Rana! Back of a length ball on middle and leg, Gill flicks it to short fine leg. Rana takes off for a single but Gill seems disinterested. Shami collects the ball and then throws it at the wrong end as both the batters are at the keeper's end. Pooran collects it

Mohammed Shami to Nitish Rana, Short ball around middle, Rana looks to play it to the leg side but it takes his gloves and goes past first slip. A single to end what was a brilliant over from Mohammed Shami. 

Arshdeep Singh to Nitish Rana, Length ball on middle, Rana flicks it uppishly towards mid-wicket for a single.

Arshdeep Singh to Nitish Rana, Short ball around middle and leg, Rana ducks under it.

Mohammed Shami to Nitish Rana, BEATEN! Comes around the wicket and bowls a peach of a delivery to Nitish Rana! Back of a length ball outside off, Rana looks to defend but gets beaten. 

Nitish Rana walks out to bat! He has no significant score under his belt so far. Maybe today is the day.

Mohammed Shami to Rahul Tripathi, ! TIMBER! 50th wicket in the Indian T20 League for Mohammed Shami! Tripathi looked really uncomfortable at the crease today and he departs now! Excellent bowling from Mohammed Shami and he will be pleased with the sight of the leg stump getting uprooted! Good length ball on off, angling in sharply. Tripathi looks to heave it out of the park but does not move his feet and misses. But, Shami does not as the ball uproots the leg stump. Brilliant from

Mohammed Shami to Rahul Tripathi, ! Finally, he gets off the mark! This is a scintillating shot from Rahul! Shami bowls a short one around middle, it does not bounce as much this time. Tripathi rocks on his back foot and pulls it to deep square leg. It looks as if it has hit the ropes on the full but the replays show that it has gone off a bounce into the fence.

Mohammed Shami to Rahul Tripathi, Brilliant short ball from Shami! He bowls it around middle, Tripathi ducks under it. He is yet to get off the mark.

Mohammed Shami to Shubman Gill, Back of a length ball outside off, Gill punches it towards point for a single.

Arshdeep Singh to bowl from the other end! He has been given the new ball today.

Arshdeep Singh to Rahul Tripathi, What an excellent first over from Arshdeep Singh! A maiden! Good length ball on off, Tripathi defends it to the off side for another dot. Kolkata are 7 for 0 at the end of 2 overs. 

Arshdeep Singh to Rahul Tripathi, Short ball around middle and leg, Tripathi looks to play the pull but he misses and it goes to the keeper.

Arshdeep Singh to Rahul Tripathi, PLAY AND A MISS! Good length ball outside off, Tripathi looks to drive but fails to make any connection. 

Arshdeep Singh to Rahul Tripathi, Falls short again! This is excellent bowling from Arshdeep Singh! He gets the ball to come back in after pitching it on off, Tripathi looks to flick but takes a leading edge towards cover. The fielder dives forward but cannot reach it as it falls short. 

Arshdeep Singh to Rahul Tripathi, Just short of the keeper! Back of a length ball outside off, Tripathi looks to cut but gets an edge back towards the keeper. Prabhsimran Singh dives forward but it falls short. Luck early on for Tripathi. 

Arshdeep Singh to Rahul Tripathi, BEATEN! Beautiful ball to start from Arshdeep Singh! Good length ball outside off, little bit of shape on that ball! Tripathi looks to drive but fails to get any bat on it.

Mohammed Shami to Shubman Gill, A dot to end the over! Shami finishes the over by bowling a good length ball outside off, Gill lets it go to the keeper.

Mohammed Shami to Shubman Gill, Good length ball outside off, Gill leaves it alone. 

Mohammed Shami to Shubman Gill, ! This is poor bowling from Mohammed Shami! Good length ball on the pads, Gill lets the ball come onto him and then flicks it past the short fine leg region for a boundary. 

Mohammed Shami to Shubman Gill, Nicely flicked away for a couple! Good length delivery on middle and leg, Shubman works it through square leg and picks up a couple before Mujeeb comes across and cleans it up.

Mohammed Shami to Shubman Gill, Shami dishes a good length ball outside off, angling away. Gill watches it and then shoulders arms to let the ball go to the keeper. 

Mohammed Shami to Rahul Tripathi, Kolkata are underway with a leg bye! Shami starts with a good length ball on the pads, Tripathi looks to flick but it takes his pads and goes to square leg for a leg bye.

We are all set to begin! The Punjab players are in a huddle before they take their respective positions in the field. They are followed by Rahul Tripathi and Shubman Gill. Mohammed Shami will start with the ball for Punjab. 

It is Punjab's bowling which has been under the pump. They made a good comeback in the last game though, as young Bishnoi and Arshdeep pulled things back superbly towards the end overs. However, others struggled. Mujeeb, playing his first game in this season, too was taken for plenty. They would want the other bowlers to step up and put on a good performance together. So, will Kolkata continue their winning run or will we see Rahul's Wakhra Squad manage to bag two important points?

So still no Chris Gayle for Punjab! With their batting struggling a little, this was probably the right time to get in him.

Anil Kumble is in for a chat. He says that they have played some good cricket and some poor cricket as well. Adds that the mood is really good in the camp and they have had some good contributions from some players and they have done really well. Goes onto say that the approach changes a little bit during the day game and they will not have to worry about the dew. Says that it is important to manage the players. 

Punjab (Playing XI) - KL Rahul (C), Mayank Agarwal, Mandeep Singh, Nicholas Pooran, Prabhsimran Singh (WK), Glenn Maxwell, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Chris Jordan (IN FOR SHELDON COTTRELL), Ravi Bishnoi, Mohammed Shami, Arshdeep Singh.

Kolkata (Playing XI) - Rahul Tripathi, Shubman Gill, Nitish Rana, Sunil Narine, Eoin Morgan, Andre Russell, Dinesh Karthik (WK/C), Pat Cummins, Kamlesh Nagarkoti, Prasidh Krishna (IN FOR SHIVAM MAVI), Varun Chakravarthy.

Dinesh Karthik says the wicket looks dry and they won batting first so they will stick to that. States as the tournament progresses they will find out their perfect XI. Informs they have one change as Prasidh Krishna comes in for Shivam Mavi.

KL Rahul, Punjab skipper, says they have a lot of experienced players in the group and that helps in staying positive. He feels they have done a lot of right things but have not cashed at the right moments. Informs Cottrell is injured and he is replaced by Jordan.

TOSS - It is time for the spin of the coin. It lands in favour of Kolkata and they elect to BAT! 

Pitch Report - Danny Morrison and Ian Bishop doing the pitch report. The former says it is hot but there is a breeze blowing. Bishop then says there is a weird reaction from the ball when bowled cross seam. States there is less grass on the surface from the previous game and hence, you need to be smart with the ball and the pacers have to ensure the batters hit towards the longer side. Ends by saying the slower bowlers may have more of a say in this game.

Kolkata are looking to be on a roll after struggling a bit. They managed to choke Chennai in their previous game and manufactured a fantastic win in a game that once looked to be slipping away. However, their batters struggled towards the end and failed to provide a flourish after a fine knock from their new opener, Rahul Tripathi. They would want their batsmen to put up a collective show and put runs on the board.

The bowlers are doing the job well for Kolkata though. Both pacers and the spinners were superb against Chennai in the last game and will be eager to continue doing the same. 

Punjab, on the other hand, are on the floor. 4 defeats in a row! Their batting is doing a fine job! Well, can't really say that to be honest. Surely not after their sorry show against Hyderabad in their previous encounter where they were rolled down for a paltry 132 and that could've been a lot less, if not for the fastest half ton of the season by Pooran.

Super Saturday is here and with that comes a double-header! The first match sees Punjab go up against Kolkata which will be followed by Chennai and Bangalore. As far as this game goes, Kolkata are going into this game with confidence after defeating Chennai while Punjab are lying at the bottom of the table with just 1 win on the board from 6 games. Will we finally see Chris Gayle in action today? It is building up to be an exciting encounter. 

Punjab's openers, skipper Rahul and Agarwal have been doing the bulk of the scoring. Rahul's approach in the Powerplay has been questioned. They might want to address that issue in this game. And, they will also hope to see runs from the other batters.

Now then chasing has not been easy here! The wicket did seem on the slower side and it was predicted to get slower. If that is the case, Punjab will have to bat really well. Kolkata will feel they can defend this but they will need to pick wickets at regular intervals. Stay tuned for what could be a very good second essay.

Arshdeep Singh says that they planned to bowl yorkers and it worked. Adds that the pitch is stopping a bit and some of them was just flying off the surface and they bowled hard lengths and it paid off. States that it is getting better and it is a good score to chase.

Once again the star names for Punjab disappointed with the ball! Mujeeb and jordan both went the distance. Shami did decently. It was Arshadeep and Bishnoi who were brilliant. Had it not been for the two, Punjab would have probably been chasing something above 180. However, with how things went initially, they will be very disappointed with how things have ended. Also, one of their stars with the ball is up for an interview.

A superb innings from Dinesh Karthik has taken his side to a total which is probably just above par on this wicket! He solely has to be responsible to get them to where they are right now because Kolkata were struggling. Yes, Shubman Gill also played a very good innings but his innings was more of one which stabilized the innings after they lost Rana and Tripathi early. It was Karthik though who provided the much-needed impetus. He scored everywhere and broguth up a brilliant half ton which sees

Chris Jordan to Dinesh Karthik, ! RUN OUT! Karthik gets run out of the last ball! Short ball on middle, Karthik pulls it to deep mid-wicket and wants the second. The fielder throws it to the keeper who whips the bails off. The third umpire is called for and the replays show that Karthik is well short. KOLKATA FINISH ON 164 FOR 6. 

A run out appeal taken upstairs! Karthik is well short and he has to go!

Chris Jordan to Dinesh Karthik, Excellent ball from Jordan! Yorker outside off, Karthik looks to drive but misses. Can he finish well?

Chris Jordan to Dinesh Karthik, WIDE! Short ball down the leg side, Karthik lets it go. Wide signalled.

Chris Jordan to Pat Cummins, Low full toss outside off, Cummins hammers it to cover where the fielder makes a stop. Only a single.

Chris Jordan to Dinesh Karthik, Good length ball on the pads, Karthik looks to heave it away but it goes off his pads towards the leg side for a leg bye. 

Chris Jordan to Dinesh Karthik, ! Well played! This is brilliant cricket from Dinesh Karthik! Back of a length ball outside off, Karthik cuts it over the point fielder for a boundary.

Chris Jordan to Pat Cummins, Good length ball outside off, Cummins punches it to wide of the mid off fielder and takes a single.

Chris Jordan will bowl the final over. 

Arshdeep Singh to Dinesh Karthik, Another dot to end! Really well bowled! He goes full and outside off again. Karthik looks to carve it but misses. Excellent penultimate over from Singh and a very good spell by him too.

Arshdeep Singh to Dinesh Karthik, A dot! Gold dust at this stage! Karthik again moves right across but AS bowls a yorker outside off. Karthik swings but misses.

Arshdeep Singh to Pat Cummins, A good slower one on middle, Cummins works it through mid-wicket for one.

Arshdeep Singh to Pat Cummins, Brilliant running! This is full and on off, Cummins jams it down to long off. They take one. Karthik wants a second and completes it.

Arshdeep Singh to Pat Cummins, Another wide! Once again it is well outside the wideline on the off side. Wided.

Arshdeep Singh to Pat Cummins, Cummins does move across but this was bowled well wide outside off. Almost outside the pitch. Cummins swings but misses. It is wided.

Pat Cummins is the next man in. 

Arshdeep Singh to Andre Russell, ! EDGED AND TAKEN! Arshdeep has his man and he is elated. Russell's poor form continues. This is brilliant. It is full and wide outside off. Russell swings again but it takes the outside edge and goes to the keeper who makes no mistake. Huge wicket, this could well make a difference of 10 runs to the final total.

Arshdeep Singh to Andre Russell, EDGY ! That is full marks to the bowler but runs to the batter! Arshdeep gets it right. Full and outside off. Perfect yorker almost. Russell reaches out for it but gets an outside edge, past the keeper and down to the third man fence. 150 up. 11 more balls to go.

Arshdeep Singh will bowl the 19th over. 

Mohammed Shami to Andre Russell, A nasty bumper and on middle to welcome Russell. He hops and defends it on the off side. One to get off the mark. 13 from the over and a wicket.

Andre Russell makes his way out to the middle.

Mohammed Shami to Shubman Gill, ! Gill is short! He though has done his job. A fine, fine, innings from him comes to an end. He was tired so this wicket could well be a blessing in disguise for Kolkata as it will bring out Russell. Coming to the ball now, it is another slower one on middle, Shubman swings, it goes off the inner half towards deep square leg. They take one and go for the second. Singh in the deep, picks the ball up and fires it to the keeper who whips the bails off. The u

Another run out appeal taken upstairs. This time it looks like Gill is out of the crease. Yes he is. 

Mohammed Shami to Dinesh Karthik, A bye now! Shorter and outside off, it is a slower one. Dinesh looks to pull but misses. The keeper fails to collect it cleanly and a run is taken.

Mohammed Shami to Dinesh Karthik, ! Brings up his fifty in style! The skipper comes to the fore when his team needed it. What an innings this is. He has provided his team the much-needed impetus and has probably played a match-winning knock. He gets there with a lovely shot. It is full and on off, Karthik makes room and slices it through the gap between point and short third man.

Mohammed Shami to Dinesh Karthik, ! In the gap! Karthik is one short of a half ton now. Once again it is a boundary early in the over. A full toss. Punjab has all the fielders back on the boundary on the leg side but Karthik whips it right in the gap in front of square and bags a boundary.

Mohammed Shami to Dinesh Karthik, Overthrow and two! Karthik looks to innovate. He tries to play the reverse sweep but it is very full. He mistimes it towards the point region. They go for one. The fielder has a shy at the bowler's end. Had he hit, Dinesh was a goner but he misses and Kolkata take another run.

Mohammed Shami is back on. 

A run out appeal has been taken upstairs! Gill is the man in question. He looks in and the replays show that he is. 

Chris Jordan to Shubman Gill, NOT ! A brilliant dive from Shubman saves him! Two to end a huge over for Kolkata! Now 170 looks possible. This is fuller and outside off, it is carved towards sweeper cover. They take one and now go for another one on the throw as it is the longer part. The keeper collects it and whips the bails off. An appeal. It is referred. Replays show Gill is in with ease. Superb running.

Chris Jordan to Dinesh Karthik, Floated ball on middle, Karthik sweeps it to deep square leg for a single.

Chris Jordan to Dinesh Karthik, EDGY ! 15 from the over now! All going Kolkata's way! It is full and wide outside off. Karthik swings. It flies off the outside edge and races to the third man fence. Jordan under huge, huge pressure.

Chris Jordan to Dinesh Karthik, ! That is big! 11 from the first three balls and Karthik is in his elements here. It is fuller and on off, Karthik stays deep in his crease and lofts it over the long off fence for a biggie.

Chris Jordan to Dinesh Karthik, ! Up and over! That is a superb shot! He loves playing in that region and he does so very effectively. Fuller and outside off, Karthik lofts it nicely over covers and it races away to the fence. Boundary early in the over, just what Kolkata wanted.

Chris Jordan to Shubman Gill, Full and wide outside off, Gill jams it out towards cover for a single.

Arshdeep Singh to Dinesh Karthik, ! 50-run stand comes up between Karthik and Gill! They need this to continue. Short ball on middle, Karthik pulls it in front of square on the leg side for a boundary.

Arshdeep Singh to Dinesh Karthik, PLAY AND A MISS! Very full outside off, Karthik looks to play the ramp but misses. Karthik is not happy as he does not signal it a wide.

Arshdeep Singh to Dinesh Karthik, ! Karthik is looking solid out there in the middle! Full ball on off, Karthik lifts it over extra cover for a boundary. 

Arshdeep Singh to Dinesh Karthik, Very full ball outside off, Karthik looks to dig it out but misses. There is an appeal for caught behind but nothing from the umpire. 

A direct hit but Gill seems to be in! They have referred it.

Arshdeep Singh to Dinesh Karthik, ! Not a great delivery from Arshdeep and it has been punished! Short ball on middle, Karthik pulls it to the deep square leg region for a boundary.

Arshdeep Singh to Dinesh Karthik, Short ball around middle, Karthik pulls it to fine leg for a couple. 

Ravi Bishnoi to Dinesh Karthik, Loopy ball on middle, Karthik flicks it to deep square leg for a single.

Ravi Bishnoi to Shubman Gill, Outside off, Gill plays it to deep cover for a single.

Ravi Bishnoi to Shubman Gill, NOT ! Gill is comfortably in! Floated ball on off, Gill drives it wide of long off. They want the second and take off. The fielder has a shy at the keeper's end and hits. The third umpire is called for and the replays show that Gill was in. 

Ravi Bishnoi to Shubman Gill, ! Fifty for Shubman Gill! Another important one for his side. He is a classy player and he has played another top knock. His job is not done yet and needs to continue and help Kolkata reach a good score! Short ball on middle, Gill pulls it to the deep mid-wicket region for a boundary.

Ravi Bishnoi to Shubman Gill, Flatter outside off, Gill cuts it but straight to point.

Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Dinesh Karthik, ! Powered! Floated on middle, Karthik thrashes it over the long on fielder for a maximum. 16 from the over.

Ravi Bishnoi to Shubman Gill, Tossed up outside off, Gill drives it through the cover region for a couple.

DRINKS! Punjab continue to remain on top! They have got Morgan out and their spinners are squeezing the runs. They would be looking to keep Kolkata under 150. The batting side on the other hand, know this is not an easy wicket to bat on so 150 or above is what they will be aiming for. An interesting passage of play awaits ahead.

Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Dinesh Karthik, IN THE AIR BUT SAFE! Quicker outside off, Karthik looks to play at it but it goes uppishly towards long on. Maxwell runs across and dives to make a good stop. Two taken. 

Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Shubman Gill, Flatter on off, Gill punches it to long off for a single.

Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Shubman Gill, Flighted ball outside off, Gill lunges forward and drives it through the covers for a couple.

Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Shubman Gill, EDGY ! Gill and Kolkata won't mind! Flighted ball outside off, Gill looks to heave it away but it goes off the top edge and goes past the short third man fielder for a boundary. 

Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Dinesh Karthik, Tossed up on off, Karthik flicks it to deep square leg for a single.

Ravi Bishnoi to Shubman Gill, Short on middle, Gill powers it past the bowler and towards long on. Gill picks up a couple before the fielder cuts it off.

Ravi Bishnoi to Dinesh Karthik, Loopy ball on off, Karthik plays it uppishly towards long off for a run. 

Ravi Bishnoi to Dinesh Karthik, A couple now! A quicker ball outside off, Karthik punches it through extra cover and picks up a couple.

Ravi Bishnoi to Dinesh Karthik, Flatter ball outside off, Karthik plays it to point. 

Ravi Bishnoi to Shubman Gill, Short on middle, Gill pulls it wide of the long on fielder for another single.

Ravi Bishnoi to Dinesh Karthik, Full on off, Karthik prods forward and drives it to long off for a single.

Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Shubman Gill, Good over from Mujeeb! Flatter outside off, Gill pushes it to point. Just 4 from the over. 

Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Shubman Gill, Tossed up on middle, Gill sweeps but finds the mid-wicket fielder.

Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Shubman Gill, Quicker ball outside off, Gill punches it to point. 

Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Shubman Gill, On off, played to cover off the back foot. 

Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Shubman Gill, ! What timing from Gill! Kolkata need much more of these! Flatter outside off, Gill punches it through extra cover and beats the diving fielder for a boundary.

Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Shubman Gill, Full on off, Gill drives it to cover.

Ravi Bishnoi to Dinesh Karthik, Tossed up on off, Karthik defends it back to the bowler. 

Ravi Bishnoi to Shubman Gill, Short ball on middle, Gill pulls it to deep square leg for a single.

Dinesh Karthik walks out to bat!

Ravi Bishnoi to Eoin Morgan, ! CAUGHT! Bishnoi gets into the wickets column! A vital partnership is broken for Kolkata and Eoin Morgan who was looking good out in the middle has to go. This is a big wicket. Googly on off, Morgan looks to go big over the on side but he does not time it well. It goes way up in the air towards long on where Maxwell takes a simple catch. 

Ravi Bishnoi to Shubman Gill, Short and outside off, Gill cuts it through cover-point for a single.

Ravi Bishnoi to Eoin Morgan, Short ball on middle, Morgan plays it to long on and takes another single.

Ravi Bishnoi to Shubman Gill, Flatter ball outside off, Gill drives it through cover for a run.

Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Shubman Gill, This flat ball on middle is pushed down to long on for a single.

Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Eoin Morgan, Flat delivery outside off, Morgan cuts it to deep point and crosses over for a single.

Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Shubman Gill, Outside off, Gill punches it through point for a single.

Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Eoin Morgan, Quicker on the pads, Eoin tucks it to deep square leg for a single.

Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Eoin Morgan, ! Powered! Morgan is targetting Mujeeb! Floated on middle, Morgan powers it over deep mid-wicket for a maximum. 

DRINKS! Punjab on top but Kolkata fighting back courtesy this Morgan-Gill stand! They are going along nicely but need to continue. Punjab, on the other hand, will know they need a wicket or two or with the batters to come and with Morgan out there, they can cover up quickly.

Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Shubman Gill, Flatter ball outside off, Gill punches it to deep point for a single.

Ravi Bishnoi to Shubman Gill, Flatter outside off, Gill punches it to deep cover for a single. 

Ravi Bishnoi to Shubman Gill, Flatter on the pads, Gill tickles it to fine leg for a couple.

Ravi Bishnoi to Eoin Morgan, Tossed up on off, Morgan reverse sweeps it to short third man for a single. 

Ravi Bishnoi to Eoin Morgan, Loopy on off, Morgan looks to defend but gets beaten.

Ravi Bishnoi to Eoin Morgan, Flatter ball outside off, Morgan cuts but finds the point fielder. 

Ravi Bishnoi to Eoin Morgan, PLAY AND A MISS! Flatter ball outside off, Morgan looks to play the reverse sweep but misses. 

Chris Jordan to Shubman Gill, Good piece of work! Fuller ball on the pads, Gill flicks it to short fine leg where the fielder dives to make a good stop. Two taken. 

Chris Jordan to Eoin Morgan, Back of a length ball on middle, Morgan flicks it to deep mid-wicket for a single.

Chris Jordan to Shubman Gill, Good length ball on the pads, Gill flicks it to deep square leg for a single. 

Chris Jordan to Eoin Morgan, On a length outside off, Morgan guides it to third man for a single.

Chris Jordan to Eoin Morgan, Length ball on the pads, Morgan dances down the track and then defends it back to the bowler.

Chris Jordan to Eoin Morgan, Lovely shot from Morgan! Good length ball outside off, Morgan drives it through extra cover for a couple.

Chris Jordan is back on!

Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Eoin Morgan, On middle, flicked to deep mid-wicket for a single. 

Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Eoin Morgan, ! Nicely played! Floated on off, Morgan goes on his knees and then reverse sweeps it over the point fielder for a boundary. 

Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Eoin Morgan, Loopy ball on off, Morgan looks to paddle but gets hit on the helmet and goes towards the leg side. 

Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Eoin Morgan, THREE WIDES! Down the leg side, Morgan looks to paddle but misses. The keeper fails to collect as the batters collect two runs. 

Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Shubman Gill,  Flatter ball on off, Gill punches it to long off for a single.

Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Shubman Gill, Another couple! Floated ball outside off, Gill punches it through the covers for a couple.

Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Shubman Gill, Flatter ball outside off, Gill punches it through the covers for a couple.

Mujeeb Ur Rahman is on now!

Mohammed Shami to Shubman Gill, Fullish ball on off, Gill pushes it to extra cover for a single. Kolkata are 25 for 2 at the end of the Powerplay.

Mohammed Shami to Eoin Morgan, Full ball on off, Morgan pushes it wide of mid off for a single.

Mohammed Shami to Eoin Morgan, On a length outside off, Morgan punches it to cover.

Mohammed Shami to Eoin Morgan, ! Hammered! First boundary for Eoin Morgan! Short ball around middle, Morgan rocks on his back foot and pulls it through the deep mid-wicket region for a boundary. 1000 runs for Morgan in the Indian T20 League.

Mohammed Shami to Eoin Morgan, Hits the pads! Good length ball on the pads, Morgan looks to flick but gets hit on the pads. The ball goes towards point and Morgan says no for the single.

Mohammed Shami to Eoin Morgan, Back of a length ball on middle, Morgan tucks it to mid-wicket.

Chris Jordan to Shubman Gill, Length ball down the leg side, Gill looks to flick but it brushes his pads and goes to the keeper. Just 4 from the over.

Chris Jordan to Shubman Gill, ! Finally, Gill breaks the shackles a little bit! Good length ball on the pads, Gill flicks it through square leg for a boundary.

Chris Jordan to Shubman Gill, Another dot! 4 in a row! Length ball on middle, Gill pushes it back to the bowler.

Chris Jordan to Shubman Gill, Length ball outside off, Gill punches it to cover. Three dots in a row.

Chris Jordan to Shubman Gill, Length ball on off, Gill prods forward and plays it to mid off.

Chris Jordan to Shubman Gill, Good length ball on off, Gill pushes it to mid off.

Chris Jordan is on now!

Arshdeep Singh to Eoin Morgan, On middle, tucked to the leg side for another dot. Kolkata are under pressure at the moment. 

Arshdeep Singh to Eoin Morgan, Length ball on middle, Morgan flicks it to mid-wicket. 

Eoin Morgan walks out to bat! He has come in with a lot of time left in the game. He will really want to play a long innings here. Also, it is a position where he generally bats.

Arshdeep Singh to Shubman Gill, Short ball on middle, Gill pulls it to deep square leg for a single.

Arshdeep Singh to Shubman Gill, ! RUN OUT! What is Kolkata doing? There was no run there! And Nitish Rana pays the price. Ideal start from Punjab. They needed this start and they have got a perfect start. Poor mixup from Gill and Rana! Back of a length ball on middle and leg, Gill flicks it to short fine leg. Rana takes off for a single but Gill seems disinterested. Shami collects the ball and then throws it at the wrong end as both the batters are at the keeper's end. Pooran collects it

Mohammed Shami to Nitish Rana, Short ball around middle, Rana looks to play it to the leg side but it takes his gloves and goes past first slip. A single to end what was a brilliant over from Mohammed Shami. 

Arshdeep Singh to Nitish Rana, Length ball on middle, Rana flicks it uppishly towards mid-wicket for a single.

Arshdeep Singh to Nitish Rana, Short ball around middle and leg, Rana ducks under it.

Mohammed Shami to Nitish Rana, BEATEN! Comes around the wicket and bowls a peach of a delivery to Nitish Rana! Back of a length ball outside off, Rana looks to defend but gets beaten. 

Nitish Rana walks out to bat! He has no significant score under his belt so far. Maybe today is the day.

Mohammed Shami to Rahul Tripathi, ! TIMBER! 50th wicket in the Indian T20 League for Mohammed Shami! Tripathi looked really uncomfortable at the crease today and he departs now! Excellent bowling from Mohammed Shami and he will be pleased with the sight of the leg stump getting uprooted! Good length ball on off, angling in sharply. Tripathi looks to heave it out of the park but does not move his feet and misses. But, Shami does not as the ball uproots the leg stump. Brilliant from

Mohammed Shami to Rahul Tripathi, ! Finally, he gets off the mark! This is a scintillating shot from Rahul! Shami bowls a short one around middle, it does not bounce as much this time. Tripathi rocks on his back foot and pulls it to deep square leg. It looks as if it has hit the ropes on the full but the replays show that it has gone off a bounce into the fence.

Mohammed Shami to Rahul Tripathi, Brilliant short ball from Shami! He bowls it around middle, Tripathi ducks under it. He is yet to get off the mark.

Mohammed Shami to Shubman Gill, Back of a length ball outside off, Gill punches it towards point for a single.

Arshdeep Singh to bowl from the other end! He has been given the new ball today.

Arshdeep Singh to Rahul Tripathi, What an excellent first over from Arshdeep Singh! A maiden! Good length ball on off, Tripathi defends it to the off side for another dot. Kolkata are 7 for 0 at the end of 2 overs. 

Arshdeep Singh to Rahul Tripathi, Short ball around middle and leg, Tripathi looks to play the pull but he misses and it goes to the keeper.

Arshdeep Singh to Rahul Tripathi, PLAY AND A MISS! Good length ball outside off, Tripathi looks to drive but fails to make any connection. 

Arshdeep Singh to Rahul Tripathi, Falls short again! This is excellent bowling from Arshdeep Singh! He gets the ball to come back in after pitching it on off, Tripathi looks to flick but takes a leading edge towards cover. The fielder dives forward but cannot reach it as it falls short. 

Arshdeep Singh to Rahul Tripathi, Just short of the keeper! Back of a length ball outside off, Tripathi looks to cut but gets an edge back towards the keeper. Prabhsimran Singh dives forward but it falls short. Luck early on for Tripathi. 

Arshdeep Singh to Rahul Tripathi, BEATEN! Beautiful ball to start from Arshdeep Singh! Good length ball outside off, little bit of shape on that ball! Tripathi looks to drive but fails to get any bat on it.

Mohammed Shami to Shubman Gill, A dot to end the over! Shami finishes the over by bowling a good length ball outside off, Gill lets it go to the keeper.

Mohammed Shami to Shubman Gill, Good length ball outside off, Gill leaves it alone. 

Mohammed Shami to Shubman Gill, ! This is poor bowling from Mohammed Shami! Good length ball on the pads, Gill lets the ball come onto him and then flicks it past the short fine leg region for a boundary. 

Mohammed Shami to Shubman Gill, Nicely flicked away for a couple! Good length delivery on middle and leg, Shubman works it through square leg and picks up a couple before Mujeeb comes across and cleans it up.

Mohammed Shami to Shubman Gill, Shami dishes a good length ball outside off, angling away. Gill watches it and then shoulders arms to let the ball go to the keeper. 

Mohammed Shami to Rahul Tripathi, Kolkata are underway with a leg bye! Shami starts with a good length ball on the pads, Tripathi looks to flick but it takes his pads and goes to square leg for a leg bye.

We are all set to begin! The Punjab players are in a huddle before they take their respective positions in the field. They are followed by Rahul Tripathi and Shubman Gill. Mohammed Shami will start with the ball for Punjab. 

It is Punjab's bowling which has been under the pump. They made a good comeback in the last game though, as young Bishnoi and Arshdeep pulled things back superbly towards the end overs. However, others struggled. Mujeeb, playing his first game in this season, too was taken for plenty. They would want the other bowlers to step up and put on a good performance together. So, will Kolkata continue their winning run or will we see Rahul's Wakhra Squad manage to bag two important points?

So still no Chris Gayle for Punjab! With their batting struggling a little, this was probably the right time to get in him.

Anil Kumble is in for a chat. He says that they have played some good cricket and some poor cricket as well. Adds that the mood is really good in the camp and they have had some good contributions from some players and they have done really well. Goes onto say that the approach changes a little bit during the day game and they will not have to worry about the dew. Says that it is important to manage the players. 

Punjab (Playing XI) - KL Rahul (C), Mayank Agarwal, Mandeep Singh, Nicholas Pooran, Prabhsimran Singh (WK), Glenn Maxwell, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Chris Jordan (IN FOR SHELDON COTTRELL), Ravi Bishnoi, Mohammed Shami, Arshdeep Singh.

Kolkata (Playing XI) - Rahul Tripathi, Shubman Gill, Nitish Rana, Sunil Narine, Eoin Morgan, Andre Russell, Dinesh Karthik (WK/C), Pat Cummins, Kamlesh Nagarkoti, Prasidh Krishna (IN FOR SHIVAM MAVI), Varun Chakravarthy.

Dinesh Karthik says the wicket looks dry and they won batting first so they will stick to that. States as the tournament progresses they will find out their perfect XI. Informs they have one change as Prasidh Krishna comes in for Shivam Mavi.

KL Rahul, Punjab skipper, says they have a lot of experienced players in the group and that helps in staying positive. He feels they have done a lot of right things but have not cashed at the right moments. Informs Cottrell is injured and he is replaced by Jordan.

TOSS - It is time for the spin of the coin. It lands in favour of Kolkata and they elect to BAT! 

Pitch Report - Danny Morrison and Ian Bishop doing the pitch report. The former says it is hot but there is a breeze blowing. Bishop then says there is a weird reaction from the ball when bowled cross seam. States there is less grass on the surface from the previous game and hence, you need to be smart with the ball and the pacers have to ensure the batters hit towards the longer side. Ends by saying the slower bowlers may have more of a say in this game.

Kolkata are looking to be on a roll after struggling a bit. They managed to choke Chennai in their previous game and manufactured a fantastic win in a game that once looked to be slipping away. However, their batters struggled towards the end and failed to provide a flourish after a fine knock from their new opener, Rahul Tripathi. They would want their batsmen to put up a collective show and put runs on the board.

The bowlers are doing the job well for Kolkata though. Both pacers and the spinners were superb against Chennai in the last game and will be eager to continue doing the same. 

Punjab, on the other hand, are on the floor. 4 defeats in a row! Their batting is doing a fine job! Well, can't really say that to be honest. Surely not after their sorry show against Hyderabad in their previous encounter where they were rolled down for a paltry 132 and that could've been a lot less, if not for the fastest half ton of the season by Pooran.

Super Saturday is here and with that comes a double-header! The first match sees Punjab go up against Kolkata which will be followed by Chennai and Bangalore. As far as this game goes, Kolkata are going into this game with confidence after defeating Chennai while Punjab are lying at the bottom of the table with just 1 win on the board from 6 games. Will we finally see Chris Gayle in action today? It is building up to be an exciting encounter. 

Punjab's openers, skipper Rahul and Agarwal have been doing the bulk of the scoring. Rahul's approach in the Powerplay has been questioned. They might want to address that issue in this game. And, they will also hope to see runs from the other batters.