The chase is set to begin. Lucknow players spread out to their fielding positions. Followed by Mayank Agarwal and Shikhar Dhawan who walk out to open for Punjab. 

... The Run Chase ...

The target is not a big one but the wicket is slightly tricky. They will need to apply themselves well and a lot will depend on the start the openers give. Lucknow on the other hand, will need to take wickets regularly and they do have a good bowling attack. Can they defend this?

Punjab were brilliant with the ball at the start! However, they let things slip away in the middle overs but pulled things back brilliantly towards the end. Kagiso Rabada was the star for them with a four-fer. Sharma and Chahar gave him really good support. The two overs from Livingstone was not the best but the others covered up for that.

Lucknow though will be disappointed with how they have ended! They were in pole position to get to 160 after de Kock and Hooda managed to steady things after the fall of Rahul. Once de Kock fell though, it was a procession. They went from 98 for 2 to 126 for 7. The tail though wagged for them, they managed to hit a few crucial hits towards the end which has got Lucknow to a score which can be considered a competitive one.

Lucknow have crawled their way to over 150 but we are pretty sure Punjab would have taken 153 at the toss had they been offered. They will be pretty pleased with their effort heading into the break.

Kagiso Rabada is in for a chat. He says there was some movement upfront and is happy about the collective effort. Mentions, the wickets they took in the middle overs really helped them to put the opposition under pressure. Further says, the deck is a little sticky and hence they aimed to bowl the hard length. Says it isn’t tricky for the batters, they only need to apply themselves.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Rahul Chahar to Dushmantha Chameera, Full, on off, blocked out.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Ayush Badoni comes out at number 6.

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

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

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

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

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

Marcus Stoinis comes out at number 5.

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

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

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

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

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

Krunal Pandya is the new man in.

Sandeep Sharma to Krunal Pandya, Extra bounce evident yet again! Outside off and shorter. Pandya slashes but misses.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Rahul Chahar to Deepak Hooda, Flatter and on middle, this is worked through mid-wicket for one.

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

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

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

Liam Livingstone to Quinton de Kock, Fuller and on middle, this is hit down to long on for one.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Liam Livingstone to Quinton de Kock, A single as this is worked to long off.

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

Liam Livingstone to Deepak Hooda, Outside off. Hooda chops it to deep point for a single.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Kagiso Rabada to Quinton de Kock, Now takes one, good sensible batting! On middle, this is pushed down to mid on for one.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sandeep Sharma to Quinton de Kock, Slashes but misses! This is wide outside off, room on offer. De Kock goes after it but misses.

Deepak Hooda walks out at number 3.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

TOSS - Punjab win the toss and ELECT TO FIELD!

... MATCH DAY ...

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

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

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

The chase is set to begin. Lucknow players spread out to their fielding positions. Followed by Mayank Agarwal and Shikhar Dhawan who walk out to open for Punjab. 

... The Run Chase ...

The target is not a big one but the wicket is slightly tricky. They will need to apply themselves well and a lot will depend on the start the openers give. Lucknow on the other hand, will need to take wickets regularly and they do have a good bowling attack. Can they defend this?

Punjab were brilliant with the ball at the start! However, they let things slip away in the middle overs but pulled things back brilliantly towards the end. Kagiso Rabada was the star for them with a four-fer. Sharma and Chahar gave him really good support. The two overs from Livingstone was not the best but the others covered up for that.

Lucknow though will be disappointed with how they have ended! They were in pole position to get to 160 after de Kock and Hooda managed to steady things after the fall of Rahul. Once de Kock fell though, it was a procession. They went from 98 for 2 to 126 for 7. The tail though wagged for them, they managed to hit a few crucial hits towards the end which has got Lucknow to a score which can be considered a competitive one.

Lucknow have crawled their way to over 150 but we are pretty sure Punjab would have taken 153 at the toss had they been offered. They will be pretty pleased with their effort heading into the break.

Kagiso Rabada is in for a chat. He says there was some movement upfront and is happy about the collective effort. Mentions, the wickets they took in the middle overs really helped them to put the opposition under pressure. Further says, the deck is a little sticky and hence they aimed to bowl the hard length. Says it isn’t tricky for the batters, they only need to apply themselves.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Rahul Chahar to Dushmantha Chameera, Full, on off, blocked out.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Ayush Badoni comes out at number 6.

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

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

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

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

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

Marcus Stoinis comes out at number 5.

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

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

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

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

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

Krunal Pandya is the new man in.

Sandeep Sharma to Krunal Pandya, Extra bounce evident yet again! Outside off and shorter. Pandya slashes but misses.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Rahul Chahar to Deepak Hooda, Flatter and on middle, this is worked through mid-wicket for one.

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

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

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

Liam Livingstone to Quinton de Kock, Fuller and on middle, this is hit down to long on for one.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Liam Livingstone to Quinton de Kock, A single as this is worked to long off.

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

Liam Livingstone to Deepak Hooda, Outside off. Hooda chops it to deep point for a single.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Kagiso Rabada to Quinton de Kock, Now takes one, good sensible batting! On middle, this is pushed down to mid on for one.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sandeep Sharma to Quinton de Kock, Slashes but misses! This is wide outside off, room on offer. De Kock goes after it but misses.

Deepak Hooda walks out at number 3.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

TOSS - Punjab win the toss and ELECT TO FIELD!

... MATCH DAY ...

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

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

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