IPL 2024 Match 42, KKR VS PBKS: Live Ball by Ball Commentary

We are back for the chase! The two umpires make their way to the middle followed by the Kolkata team who are taking the field. It will be Jonny Bairstow along with Prabhsimran Singh who replaces Arshdeep Singh as the impact substitute to open for Punjab. The debutant, Dushmantha Chameera has the new ball in hand and is raring to go. Let's play..

… THE RUN CHASE …

Following a promising start in the first over, Punjab's bowling attack struggled to contain the rampant Kolkata openers, who capitalized on loose deliveries and exploited fielding lapses to build a commanding foundation from the outset. Despite early opportunities with three dropped catches, Kolkata's openers relentlessly piled on the pressure, setting the stage for a daunting total. Punjab eventually found respite with a breakthrough courtesy of Rahul Chahar's bowling, which momentarily stemmed the onslaught. Captain Sam Curran redeemed himself after conceding consecutive sixes by dismantling Phil Salt's stumps, offering a glimmer of hope for Punjab. Arshdeep Singh continued his impressive spell in the middle overs, snaring the crucial wicket of Andre Russell before he could inflict further damage. However, just as Punjab appeared to regain control and rein in the run flow, their death bowling woes resurfaced, conceding 71 runs in the final five overs. Despite a valiant effort, highlighted by Rahul Chahar's economical bowling and a couple of crucial wickets for Arshadeep, Punjab's bowlers were unable to contain Kolkata's onslaught, allowing them to set a target of 262 runs which will need something extraordinary from the batters of Punjab to chase down. Can Punjab break their four-match losing streak and put up a brilliant batting performance to chase down this imposing total? Or will Kolkata compound their woes and secure another victory? We shall soon find out as the chase comes to you in a bit.

Phil Salt is up for a chat. He says that we know how good Narine has been and it was good to get the partnership. Adds that both of them kept it simple, sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't. Tells that he do not want to elaborate much on that as there is still plenty of the game left. Mentions that it is a good wicket with pace on and their bowlers will look to use the change-ups which they have done at this ground and then they also have Varun and Sunil in the middle overs. Ends by saying that there is a lot of humidity and he is dripping wet like being in a swimming pool or something.

Yet again, Kolkata have showcased their prowess with the bat, delivering another high-quality batting masterclass to amass a formidable total of 261 runs at the conclusion of their innings. Kolkata's opening partnership proved to be the catalyst for their innings, with both Sunil Narine and Phil Salt launching a relentless assault on the opposition from the outset. Their blistering onslaught saw the side to a formidable 76 runs by the conclusion of the Powerplay, setting the tone for an explosive finish. Narine, in particular, showcased his ability with the bat, crafting a gritty 71-run knock before his departure, while Salt continued to exhibit aggressive intent, compiling a well-earned 75 runs before falling victim to an exceptional yorker. The promotion of Andre Russell up the order further intensified Kolkata's offensive, as the explosive all-rounder wasted no time in unleashing a flurry of boundaries before his dismissal. However, the momentum remained firmly in Kolkata's favour, courtesy of a dynamic 43-run partnership between the Iyer duo, Shreyas and Venkatesh who blazed their way in just 18 balls. Their quickfire contribution propelled Kolkata to their second-highest total, culminating in a daunting target of 262 runs for Punjab to chase.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Ramandeep Singh walks out to bat next for Kolkata.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Harpreet Brar is back on.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sam Curran comes back into the attack now.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Harpreet Brar has been finally introduced into the attack.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Kagiso Rabada to Phil Salt, WIDE! Digs this a touch shorter in length but down leg for a wide.

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

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

Kagiso Rabada comes into the attack now.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Harshal Patel replaces Sam Curran.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Arshdeep Singh to share the attack.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

… MATCH DAY …

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