Cricket Scorecard

... THE RUN CHASE ...

Punjab made an impressive start to their bowling effort, as Arshdeep Singh struck early to dismiss the formidable opener KL Rahul, curtailing his innings to a modest score. Sam Curran complemented Singh's breakthrough by sending Devdutt Padikkal back to the pavilion, levelling the playing field after Lucknow's strong start. The strategic introduction of spin from both ends proved beneficial for Shikhar Dhawan's side, with Rahul Chahar accounting for the dangerous Marcus Stoinis shortly afte

Krunal Pandya, the man of the moment for Lucknow is down for a chat. Starts by saying that he has always prepared for this flexible batting role and he just wants to contribute to the team. Adds that he likes to prepare well and he likes to take it like an exam. Reckons 199 is a good total on board and with one side being bigger and the other side being smaller, you can be smart with the ball. Mentions that the surface looks better than the last season.

Lucknow's innings commenced cautiously, with both KL Rahul and Quinton de Kock laying a solid foundation by dispatching boundaries with ease. However, Lucknow suffered an early setback with KL Rahul's departure after a promising start. Devdutt Padikkal seamlessly filled the void, joining Quinton de Kock in unleashing a flurry of boundaries before falling prey to the opposition's bowling just before the powerplay concluded. Despite the loss of two wickets, Lucknow managed to amass a respectab

Despite Punjab's efforts to contain the run rate a bit, Krunal Pandya's unbeaten innings of 43 runs propelled Lucknow to a commanding total of 199 runs. This formidable target poses a significant challenge for Punjab in their chase, as they will need a strong batting performance to secure victory in this crucial encounter.

Harshal Patel to Krunal Pandya, A couple of runs to end and Lucknow fall agonizingly short of the 200-run mark!

Harshal Patel to Krunal Pandya, Just short? Yes, Jonny Bairstow takes it on the half-volley and doesn't appeal either.

Naveen-ul-Haq the impact substitute replacing KL Rahul walks out to bat at number 10 for Lucknow.

Harshal Patel to Krunal Pandya, ! RUN OUT! A bit lazy from Mohsin Khan but good presence of mind from Harshal Patel. Goes for the yorker again and misses it ever so slightly, Krunal Pandya can't get under this one and ends up slashing it into the stumps at the other end. The batters set off for the run but realized the ball didn't go far away on the off side. Patel gathers the ball and sprints back before uprooting one stump as the bails were already broken and Mohsin is well short of

Harshal Patel to Krunal Pandya, ! Up and over! Another low full toss but this time outside off stump, Krunal Pandya hangs deep and powers it over the leaping man at extra cover for a boundary.

Harshal Patel to Krunal Pandya, Falls in no man's land! Misses the yorker and serves a low full toss instead on middle, Krunal Pandya doesn't quite get under it and slices it high over mid off for a couple of runs.

Harshal Patel to Krunal Pandya, No run.

Harshal Patel will continue and bowl the final over.

Sam Curran to Mohsin Khan, Full and straight, Mohsin Khan hangs deep in the crease and swats it hard to the right of long on before racing back for the second run.

Mohsin Khan walks out to bat next for Lucknow and will face the hattrick ball from Sam Curran.

Sam Curran to Ravi Bishnoi, ! CAUGHT! Two in two for Sam Curran and he is on a hat-trick! Takes pace off the delivery yet again and bowls this one into the pitch over leg stump. Ravi Bishnoi gets cramped for room and tries to pull it over deep square leg but gets it high and down to deep backward square leg where the substitute fielder Tanay Thyagarajann takes a good catch.

Ravi Bishnoi walks out to bat next for Lucknow.

Sam Curran to Ayush Badoni, ! CAUGHT! Sam Curran completely deceives Ayush Badoni here.

Sam Curran to Ayush Badoni, On a good length and angled across the right-hander and it is slower too, Ayush Badoni slogs it away in between deep square leg and deep mid-wicket for a couple of runs.

Sam Curran to Krunal Pandya, Back of a length and at the body, tucked away neatly past mid-wicket for a single.

Sam Curran to Krunal Pandya, ! Krunal Pandya is relentless at the moment but that is poor from Sam Curran.

Harshal Patel to Krunal Pandya, That was hit hard! A bumper now around the helmet, Krunal Pandya pulls it firmly to deep backward square leg for just one but 20 runs come off it.

Harshal Patel to Krunal Pandya, ! Oh, wow!

Harshal Patel to Krunal Pandya, WIDE! Another extra and this is hurting Punjab quite a bit. Looks for the wide yorker now but misses his line yet again and pushes it beyond the tramline.

Harshal Patel to Krunal Pandya, WIDE! Goes for the yorker at the toes but spills it down leg for a wide.

Harshal Patel to Krunal Pandya, ! Beautifully struck and Krunal Pandya is playing a handy cameo here. Full and outside off stump, a bit too full though and Pandya creams the drive through cover-point for a boundary. 11 already off the over with 2 balls to go.

Harshal Patel to Krunal Pandya, WIDE! Banged in well short and over the stumps, a bit too wide as well for the umpire's liking.

Harshal Patel to Krunal Pandya, Good fielding! Full and on the stumps, Krunal Pandya stays deep in the crease and hammers it to the left of mid off where Jonny Bairstow dives in and deflects the ball to mid on and the batters get two runs.

Harshal Patel to Krunal Pandya, ! Streaky but Krunal Pandya will take it! Keeps it full and angles it across the off stump, Pandya looks to go after it but gets an under edge that goes past the off stump and runs away into the fine leg fence.

Harshal Patel to Krunal Pandya, Pitched up full on off stump, Krunal Pandya drives it sweetly but straight to the man at mid off.

Sam Curran to Krunal Pandya, Full and straight, finds the blockhole and Krunal Pandya hits it down to long on for one more.

Sam Curran to Ayush Badoni, Nicely bowled! Slower ball, on a shorter length and angled across the right-hander. Ayush Badoni is late to pick it up and somehow manages to scoop it towards the vacant short mid-wicket region for a run.

Sam Curran to Ayush Badoni, Goes full and bowls it around off stump, Ayush Badoni looks to smack it straight back past the bowler but miscues it back to the bowler.

Sam Curran to Krunal Pandya, Drops the length short, over middle, Krunal Pandya pulls it off the outer half of the bat towards deep square leg for a single.

Sam Curran to Ayush Badoni, And again, takes pace off and bowls it fuller and just down leg, Ayush Badoni waits for it and tucks it to short fine leg for just one.

Sam Curran to Krunal Pandya, Takes pace off and bowls it fuller and into the pads, Krunal Pandya clips it to deep square leg for a single.

Kagiso Rabada to Krunal Pandya, Leg bye.

Kagiso Rabada to Krunal Pandya, ! BANG! 

Kagiso Rabada to Krunal Pandya, Half a shout for a catch but that's gone straight off the thigh pad! Hits the deck hard and angles it into the body, Krunal Pandya tries to get it away but misses and the ball goes straight into the hands of the man at point.

Kagiso Rabada to Krunal Pandya, Slightly back of a length and outside off, Krunal Pandya stands tall and gets across a bit before playing it away through point for another brace.

Kagiso Rabada to Krunal Pandya, Good length on off stump and angling back in, Krunal Pandya stays on the front foot and strokes it away past the diving man at cover for a couple of runs.

Krunal Pandya walks out to bat next for Lucknow.

Kagiso Rabada to Nicholas Pooran, ! DRAGGED ON! Kagiso Rabada comes back in and gets the big wicket fro Punjab!

Harpreet Brar to Ayush Badoni, Flights this fuller and on middle and off, Ayush Badoni prods ahead and taps it to covers.

Harpreet Brar to Nicholas Pooran, 1 run.

Harpreet Brar to Ayush Badoni, Drifts this fuller and into the pads, Ayush Badoni flicks it to square leg region for a single.

Harpreet Brar to Nicholas Pooran, Six!

Harpreet Brar to Nicholas Pooran, An appeal for LBW, but turned down! Brar drops the length on middle and leg, Nicholas Pooran looks for the heave but gets a slight inside edge onto his pads. The ball rolls away behind the keeper and they get a single.

Harpreet Brar to Ayush Badoni, Can you call that a dropped catch? Harpreet Brar bowls it fuller just outside off and gets the ball to skid through, Ayush Badoni looks for the cut on off but gets an outside edge that wears on the keeper's pads and rolls to te off side for a single. 

Arshdeep Singh to Ayush Badoni, Drops the length short over middle and leg, Ayush Badoni lifts his front leg up and pulls it along the ground to deep backward square leg for a single.

Arshdeep Singh to Nicholas Pooran, ! Fortune favours the brave here! Arshdeep Singh drops the length short and hits the deck hard over off, Nicholas Pooran throws everything at it looking to pull it over leg but gets a top edge over the keeper for a boundary. 

Arshdeep Singh to Nicholas Pooran, 1 run.

Arshdeep Singh to Nicholas Pooran, ! Nicholas Pooran continues his onslaught! A fuller delivery outside off, Nicholas Pooran cracks it through covers for a boundary.

Arshdeep Singh to Ayush Badoni, 1 run.

Ayush Badoni is the new batter in.

Arshdeep Singh to Quinton de Kock, ! c Jitesh Sharma b Arshdeep Singh.

Strategic break! Well, Lucknow have got back on top in the last few overs and the pair of Quinton de Kock and Nicholas Pooran is upping the ante here. They will be eyeing up 200 runs from here and would want one of these two to stay on till the end. Punjab on the other hand need wickets as their bowlers haven't been able to do much in the last few overs but the likes of Harpreet Brar and Sam Curran who have bowled well, have a few overs up their sleeves. Let's see how the next 7 overs play o

Harshal Patel to Quinton de Kock, Bowls this shorter and just outside off, Quinton de Kock rides on the bounce and cuts it to deep backward point for another one to end the over.

Harshal Patel to Nicholas Pooran, Bye.

Harshal Patel to Quinton de Kock, Nails the yorker right in the blockhole around middle and off, Quinton de Kock digs it towards cover for one.

Harshal Patel to Nicholas Pooran, Goes fuller again outside off, Nicholas Pooran slashes it to deep cover for one more.

Harshal Patel to Quinton de Kock, 1 run.

Harshal Patel to Quinton de Kock, Wide!

Harshal Patel to Quinton de Kock, ! Cheeky on that one to bring up his Fifty! Harshal Patel bowls it fuller and outside off, Quinton de Kock gets across the line and looks to paddle it past short fine but gets it off the inner half of the bat into the pads racing away to fine leg fence for a boundary.

Rahul Chahar to Quinton de Kock, Slower through the air and on a fuller length, on middle and leg, Quinton de Kock rocks back and nudges it in front of mid on for one more. A great over this for Lucknow as they rack up 20 runs off it.

Rahul Chahar to Nicholas Pooran, A tad shorter in length again, on off, Nicholas Pooran pulls it to long on for one.

Rahul Chahar to Nicholas Pooran, 2 runs.

Rahul Chahar to Nicholas Pooran, ! Nicholas Pooran is turning the heat on here! Fuller delivery, just around off, Nicholas Pooran clobbers it straight over the bowler's head for another maximum. 

Rahul Chahar to Nicholas Pooran, ! Nicholas Pooran makes it look incredibly easy! A tad shorter on off, Nicholas Pooran slaps it past mid off for a boundary.

Rahul Chahar to Nicholas Pooran, Six!

Kagiso Rabada to Nicholas Pooran, Goes fuller and just outside off, Nicholas Pooran with bottom hand coming into play, opens the bat face to guide the ball past point for a single.

Kagiso Rabada to Nicholas Pooran, No run.

Kagiso Rabada to Quinton de Kock, Angles it in, on a good length, around middle and off, Quinton de Kock tucks it to square leg region and gets to the other end. 

Kagiso Rabada to Quinton de Kock, A tad shorter in length, outside off, Quinton de Kock slices it beautifully but straight to the fielder at point. 

Kagiso Rabada to Quinton de Kock, ! Streaky but serves well for Lucknow! Rabada bowls it fuller and just outside off, Quinton de Kock looks for the big heave on leg but gets a thick outside edge over the keeper for four runs. 

Kagiso Rabada to Nicholas Pooran, Hits the deck on a good length, outside off, Nicholas Pooran waits for it and cuts it to backward point for one.

Kagiso Rabada (2-0-21-0) comes back into the attack.

Harshal Patel to Quinton de Kock, ! Finds the gap! Back of a length but a bit more wide of the off stump, Quinton de Kock stands tall and hammers the ball away between mid off and covers for a boundary.

Harshal Patel to Nicholas Pooran, Goes even fuller now and bowls it on middle and leg, Nicholas Pooran flicks it past a diving Shikhar Dhawan at mid-wicket and turns the strike over.

Harshal Patel to Nicholas Pooran, Pitches this one right up around middle stump and Nicholas Pooran punches straight back to the bowler.

Harshal Patel to Quinton de Kock, Back of a length outside off and slower too, Quinton de Kock gets his hands out and plays it on the up to deep cover for just one more.

Harshal Patel to Nicholas Pooran, 1 run.

Harshal Patel to Quinton de Kock, Starts from around the stumps and angles it back in from around off stump on a hard length, Quinton de Kock stays put and taps it square past point for a single.

Harshal Patel comes into the attack now.

Strategic break! Punjab has staged a remarkable comeback after Lucknow's promising start. The strategic decision to promote Marcus Stoinis up the batting order seemed to be paying dividends, however, his dismissal has left the team unsettled at this juncture. Quinton de Kock has displayed a positive intent at the crease and will be crucial for Lucknow to put up a good total. Punjab will be eyeing to chip a couple more wickets to get ahead in the game. With that, the skipper of Lucknow, Nicho

Rahul Chahar to Quinton de Kock, Nicely tossed up, full and on off and middle, Quinton de Kock hits this one hard and along the turf down to wide long on for another single.

Rahul Chahar to Nicholas Pooran, This is floated very full and on middle, Nicholas Pooran leans on and drives the ball down to long off for a single.

Rahul Chahar to Marcus Stoinis, ! BOWLED'EM! Rahul Chahar has the last laugh here as Marcus Stoinis gets greedy and throws his wicket away.

Rahul Chahar to Marcus Stoinis, ! Overcompensation from Rahul Chahar and Marcus Stoinis helps himself to another maximum. A bit too short over middle, Stoinis rocks back and drags the pull over deep square leg for back-to-back sixes.

Rahul Chahar to Marcus Stoinis, ! Easy power from Marcus Stoinis.

Rahul Chahar to Quinton de Kock, Floated fuller on the legs, clipped around the corner for a quick single.

Harpreet Brar to Quinton de Kock, A bit fuller now and angled across the left-hander, Quinton de Kock stays low and cuts it away to deep point for just one more.

Harpreet Brar to Marcus Stoinis, Drags the length back a bit more and bowls it on middle and leg, Marcus Stoinis forces it off the back foot down to long on and picks up a single.

Harpreet Brar to Marcus Stoinis, A tad short again and wide of the off stump, Marcus Stoinis plays it to the left of covers and picks up a couple of runs in the deep.

Harpreet Brar to Marcus Stoinis, Quick and flat outside off, played back to the bowler.

Harpreet Brar to Marcus Stoinis, Top fielding but Marcus Stoinis will be disappointed to not have put that away. Short and wide, begging to be hit, Stoinis hangs back and slaps it to the right of extra cover where Shikhar Dhawan makes a stellar diving stop.

Harpreet Brar to Marcus Stoinis, No run.

Rahul Chahar to Quinton de Kock, The call is for two and they do eventually get it. Fuller one on middle and leg, Quinton de Kock flicks it through the gap at mid-wicket and races back for the second run.

Harpreet Brar is introduced into the attack.

Rahul Chahar to Marcus Stoinis, One more! Flatter one pushed into the legs, Marcus Stoinis stays on the back foot and nudges it past square leg.

Rahul Chahar to Quinton de Kock, Floated up around the pads, Quinton de Kock leans ahead and pushes it to mid on for yet another single. Just 4 off this over so far.

Rahul Chahar to Marcus Stoinis, Pushed through outside off and turning away a touch, Marcus Stoinis hangs back and punches it away to deep cover-point for one more.

Rahul Chahar to Quinton de Kock, Floated a bit further up on the stumps, Quinton de Kock prods halfway forward and tucks it towards mid-wicket for one.

Rahul Chahar to Marcus Stoinis, Drops it short first up over off stump, Marcus Stoinis stands tall and punches it square through covers for a single.

Rahul Chahar comes into the attack replacing Kagiso Rabada.

Sam Curran to Quinton de Kock, ! Quinton de Kock finishes the Powerplay in style! A fraction shorter over middle, de Kock stays deep in the crease and makes some room before flat-batting it over deep square leg for a maximum. Lucknow are 54/2 at the end of the Powerplay!

Sam Curran to Quinton de Kock, Excellent change-up from Sam Curran. This is bowled from the back of the hand and slower, full and outside off, Quinton de Kock goes for the booming cover drive but is well beaten.

Sam Curran to Quinton de Kock, Gets enough on it! Banged in a bit over the stumps, Quinton de Kock tries to hang back and clobber it over mid on but miscues it and manages to clear the fielder there. Two runs are taken.

Sam Curran to Quinton de Kock, Hard length over off stump and slanting it back in, Quinton de Kock hangs back and tries to run it down to third man but ends up chopping it to the fielder at short third.

Sam Curran to Marcus Stoinis, Bowled back of a length and over leg stump, Marcus Stoinis hops back and nudges it down wide of short fine leg for a single.

Marcus Stoinis walks out to bat at number 4 for Lucknow.

Sam Curran to Devdutt Padikkal, ! CAUGHT! Straight to the man!

Sam Curran is back on.

Kagiso Rabada to Quinton de Kock, Beauty to finish the over again! Hits the deck on a good length around that corridor on off, Quinton de Kock looks to poke at it but gets beaten on the outside edge. 

Kagiso Rabada to Devdutt Padikkal, 1 run.

Kagiso Rabada to Devdutt Padikkal, Hurls this on a hard length and into the pads, Devdutt Padikkal looks for the flick but gets clipped high on the pads.

Kagiso Rabada to Devdutt Padikkal, ! Delicately done! Kagiso Rabada hits the deck hard on a length and angles it into the left-hander on off, Devdutt Padikkal with soft hands opens the bat face steering the ball through third man region for another boundary. 

Kagiso Rabada to Devdutt Padikkal, ! That's some way to get off the mark! Rabada bowls this fuller and well outside off, Devdutt Padikkal drives it up and over covers for a boundary.

Kagiso Rabada to Quinton de Kock, Goes fuller and just outside off, Quinton de Kock slashes it uppishly to deep point for a single.

Arshdeep Singh to Devdutt Padikkal, Bowls this on a length, and into the stumps, Devdutt Padikkal blocks it to mid off.

Devdutt Padikkal walks in at number 3.

Arshdeep Singh to KL Rahul, ! c Jonny Bairstow b Arshdeep Singh.

Oh, no! Liam Livingstone is hobbling near the boundary ropes and that looks pretty serious as well. What a shame for Liam and Punjab and that is a big blow. The physio helps him to the dug out.

Arshdeep Singh to KL Rahul, Liam Livingstone looks to have hurt himself there.

Arshdeep Singh to KL Rahul, ! That's some shot. Goes fuller and just in the arc on middle and off, KL Rahul clears his front leg and lofts it straight over the bowler's head for another boundary.

Arshdeep Singh to KL Rahul, On a length, just outside off, KL Rahul mistimes his pull to mid on for no run.

Arshdeep Singh to KL Rahul, ! Wow, that's pure elegance! Served on a fuller length, on middle and off, KL Rahul just clears his front leg and times his shot to perfection over the bowler's head for a maximum.

Kagiso Rabada to Quinton de Kock, That's an absolute peach! Bowls it on a good length, on off and gets the ball to seam back sharply cutting Quinton de Kock into half.

Kagiso Rabada to Quinton de Kock, On a length, and on middle and leg, Quinton de Kock tucks it to the on side.

Kagiso Rabada to Quinton de Kock, ! That's a top, top shot! 

Kagiso Rabada to Quinton de Kock, Four!

Kagiso Rabada to Quinton de Kock, No run.

Kagiso Rabada to KL Rahul, Dropped! Harshal Patel did everything to get to it but spills it out. Kagiso Rabada hits the deck hard over middle and gets the ball to shape away a bit, KL Rahul pulls it off the upper half of the bat towards deep backward square leg. Harshal Patel from deep gets to the ball and throws a dive to his front but fails to poach the ball as the batters cross.

Kagiso Rabada comes in as the first change now.

Arshdeep Singh to Quinton de Kock, Good effort in the deep from Liam Livingstone! Another fuller delivery, outside off, with some away movement, Quinton de Kock slashes it to the right of deep backward point. Liam Livingstone gets to the ball and cuts it down to just two.

Arshdeep Singh to KL Rahul, Straighter and on a length, into middle and leg, KL Rahul flicks it to fine leg for a single.

Arshdeep Singh to Quinton de Kock, On a good length, just outside off, Quinton de Kock waits for it and cuts it square of the wicket on off for a single.

Arshdeep Singh to Quinton de Kock, Goes fuller again and on off, Quinton de Kock drives it straight to mid off.

Arshdeep Singh to KL Rahul, Pitches this on a good length and gets the ball to nip back in a bit, on off, KL Rahul gets a thick inside edge to deep square leg for a single.

Arshdeep Singh to KL Rahul, Wide!

Arshdeep Singh to Quinton de Kock, Briefly in the air, but safe! Arshdeep Singh starts from over the wicket and bowls this fuller and outside off with some away movement, Quinton de Kock extends his arms and cuts it through the right of point fielder for a single.

Arshdeep Singh to steam in from the other end.

Sam Curran to KL Rahul, A steady start for both the teams! Sam Curran bowls this fuller and just outside off, KL Rahul tucks it to the right of short third. 5 runs come off the first over.

Sam Curran to Quinton de Kock, Drops the length a bit, over off, Quinton de Kock clips it to the right of deep square leg and gets to the other end. 

Sam Curran to Quinton de Kock, Four!

Sam Curran to Quinton de Kock, Hits the deck on a good length, on off, Quinton de Kock stabs it back onto the pitch. 

Sam Curran to Quinton de Kock, Bowls this fuller and outside off with some away movement, Quinton de Kock watches the ball closely and leaves it alone.

Sam Curran to Quinton de Kock, No run.

All in readiness for the game to begin! The two umpires make their way out to the middle as Shikhar Dhawan is seen leading the Punjab players in a huddle before they take their places on the field. It will be KL Rahul to open the innings for Lucknow alongside Quinton de Kock as usual and not Devdutt Padikkal as a few of us were expecting. Sam Curran has been handed the new ball and is raring to go. Let's play...

Marcus Stoinis is down for a chat. He says that they are here at their home ground and he has just been training in the last few days. Adds that the home teams have done well and it is important for them to start well and the wickets are also different this year which hopefully is positive for them. Mentions that they played a couple of practice games on the red soil pitch and the black soil pitch and reckons that the former track had a bit of early nip for the pacers. Informs that Justin Lange

Shikhar Dhawan the captain of Punjab says that they would have bowled first anyway as they want to take advantage of the dew that might set in later. Adds that they will look to improve on small things like bowling tight lines and building partnerships which they have spoken about in the dressing room. Mentions that they will look to capitalize on the powerplay and with Jonny Bairstow at the top they will look to go hard. Concludes that they go unchanged into this game

Nicholas Pooran, the captain of Lucknow says that they will bat first as it looks like a good track and want to be aggressive and put runs on the board. Adds that the surface looks different from last season and let's see how it plays. Informs that Rahul is nursing an injury and hopefully, he can get more involved as the tournament goes on but will be there in the Impact Players. Adds that it is a new season and they will look to improve and ends by saying that there are a lot of changes in the

Impact players nominated by Punjab - Prabhsimran Singh, Rilee Rossouw, Tanay Thyagarajann, Vidwath Kaverappa, Harpreet Singh.

Punjab (Playing XI) - Shikhar Dhawan (C), Jonny Bairstow, Sam Curran, Liam Livingstone, Jitesh Sharma (WK), Shashank Singh, Harpreet Brar, Harshal Patel, Kagiso Rabada, Rahul Chahar, Arshdeep Singh.

Impact players nominated by Lucknow -  Ashton Turner, Naveen-ul-Haq, Amit Mishra, Deepak Hooda, Krishnappa Gowtham.

Lucknow (Playing XI) - Quinton de Kock, Devdutt Padikkal, KL Rahul, Marcus Stoinis, Nicholas Pooran (C)(WK), Ayush Badoni, Krunal Pandya, Ravi Bishnoi, Mohsin Khan, Mayank Yadav, M. Siddharth.

TOSS - Lucknow have won the coin flip and have elected to BAT first.

... THE RUN CHASE ...

Punjab made an impressive start to their bowling effort, as Arshdeep Singh struck early to dismiss the formidable opener KL Rahul, curtailing his innings to a modest score. Sam Curran complemented Singh's breakthrough by sending Devdutt Padikkal back to the pavilion, levelling the playing field after Lucknow's strong start. The strategic introduction of spin from both ends proved beneficial for Shikhar Dhawan's side, with Rahul Chahar accounting for the dangerous Marcus Stoinis shortly afte

Krunal Pandya, the man of the moment for Lucknow is down for a chat. Starts by saying that he has always prepared for this flexible batting role and he just wants to contribute to the team. Adds that he likes to prepare well and he likes to take it like an exam. Reckons 199 is a good total on board and with one side being bigger and the other side being smaller, you can be smart with the ball. Mentions that the surface looks better than the last season.

Lucknow's innings commenced cautiously, with both KL Rahul and Quinton de Kock laying a solid foundation by dispatching boundaries with ease. However, Lucknow suffered an early setback with KL Rahul's departure after a promising start. Devdutt Padikkal seamlessly filled the void, joining Quinton de Kock in unleashing a flurry of boundaries before falling prey to the opposition's bowling just before the powerplay concluded. Despite the loss of two wickets, Lucknow managed to amass a respectab

Despite Punjab's efforts to contain the run rate a bit, Krunal Pandya's unbeaten innings of 43 runs propelled Lucknow to a commanding total of 199 runs. This formidable target poses a significant challenge for Punjab in their chase, as they will need a strong batting performance to secure victory in this crucial encounter.

Harshal Patel to Krunal Pandya, A couple of runs to end and Lucknow fall agonizingly short of the 200-run mark!

Harshal Patel to Krunal Pandya, Just short? Yes, Jonny Bairstow takes it on the half-volley and doesn't appeal either.

Naveen-ul-Haq the impact substitute replacing KL Rahul walks out to bat at number 10 for Lucknow.

Harshal Patel to Krunal Pandya, ! RUN OUT! A bit lazy from Mohsin Khan but good presence of mind from Harshal Patel. Goes for the yorker again and misses it ever so slightly, Krunal Pandya can't get under this one and ends up slashing it into the stumps at the other end. The batters set off for the run but realized the ball didn't go far away on the off side. Patel gathers the ball and sprints back before uprooting one stump as the bails were already broken and Mohsin is well short of

Harshal Patel to Krunal Pandya, ! Up and over! Another low full toss but this time outside off stump, Krunal Pandya hangs deep and powers it over the leaping man at extra cover for a boundary.

Harshal Patel to Krunal Pandya, Falls in no man's land! Misses the yorker and serves a low full toss instead on middle, Krunal Pandya doesn't quite get under it and slices it high over mid off for a couple of runs.

Harshal Patel to Krunal Pandya, No run.

Harshal Patel will continue and bowl the final over.

Sam Curran to Mohsin Khan, Full and straight, Mohsin Khan hangs deep in the crease and swats it hard to the right of long on before racing back for the second run.

Mohsin Khan walks out to bat next for Lucknow and will face the hattrick ball from Sam Curran.

Sam Curran to Ravi Bishnoi, ! CAUGHT! Two in two for Sam Curran and he is on a hat-trick! Takes pace off the delivery yet again and bowls this one into the pitch over leg stump. Ravi Bishnoi gets cramped for room and tries to pull it over deep square leg but gets it high and down to deep backward square leg where the substitute fielder Tanay Thyagarajann takes a good catch.

Ravi Bishnoi walks out to bat next for Lucknow.

Sam Curran to Ayush Badoni, ! CAUGHT! Sam Curran completely deceives Ayush Badoni here.

Sam Curran to Ayush Badoni, On a good length and angled across the right-hander and it is slower too, Ayush Badoni slogs it away in between deep square leg and deep mid-wicket for a couple of runs.

Sam Curran to Krunal Pandya, Back of a length and at the body, tucked away neatly past mid-wicket for a single.

Sam Curran to Krunal Pandya, ! Krunal Pandya is relentless at the moment but that is poor from Sam Curran.

Harshal Patel to Krunal Pandya, That was hit hard! A bumper now around the helmet, Krunal Pandya pulls it firmly to deep backward square leg for just one but 20 runs come off it.

Harshal Patel to Krunal Pandya, ! Oh, wow!

Harshal Patel to Krunal Pandya, WIDE! Another extra and this is hurting Punjab quite a bit. Looks for the wide yorker now but misses his line yet again and pushes it beyond the tramline.

Harshal Patel to Krunal Pandya, WIDE! Goes for the yorker at the toes but spills it down leg for a wide.

Harshal Patel to Krunal Pandya, ! Beautifully struck and Krunal Pandya is playing a handy cameo here. Full and outside off stump, a bit too full though and Pandya creams the drive through cover-point for a boundary. 11 already off the over with 2 balls to go.

Harshal Patel to Krunal Pandya, WIDE! Banged in well short and over the stumps, a bit too wide as well for the umpire's liking.

Harshal Patel to Krunal Pandya, Good fielding! Full and on the stumps, Krunal Pandya stays deep in the crease and hammers it to the left of mid off where Jonny Bairstow dives in and deflects the ball to mid on and the batters get two runs.

Harshal Patel to Krunal Pandya, ! Streaky but Krunal Pandya will take it! Keeps it full and angles it across the off stump, Pandya looks to go after it but gets an under edge that goes past the off stump and runs away into the fine leg fence.

Harshal Patel to Krunal Pandya, Pitched up full on off stump, Krunal Pandya drives it sweetly but straight to the man at mid off.

Sam Curran to Krunal Pandya, Full and straight, finds the blockhole and Krunal Pandya hits it down to long on for one more.

Sam Curran to Ayush Badoni, Nicely bowled! Slower ball, on a shorter length and angled across the right-hander. Ayush Badoni is late to pick it up and somehow manages to scoop it towards the vacant short mid-wicket region for a run.

Sam Curran to Ayush Badoni, Goes full and bowls it around off stump, Ayush Badoni looks to smack it straight back past the bowler but miscues it back to the bowler.

Sam Curran to Krunal Pandya, Drops the length short, over middle, Krunal Pandya pulls it off the outer half of the bat towards deep square leg for a single.

Sam Curran to Ayush Badoni, And again, takes pace off and bowls it fuller and just down leg, Ayush Badoni waits for it and tucks it to short fine leg for just one.

Sam Curran to Krunal Pandya, Takes pace off and bowls it fuller and into the pads, Krunal Pandya clips it to deep square leg for a single.

Kagiso Rabada to Krunal Pandya, Leg bye.

Kagiso Rabada to Krunal Pandya, ! BANG! 

Kagiso Rabada to Krunal Pandya, Half a shout for a catch but that's gone straight off the thigh pad! Hits the deck hard and angles it into the body, Krunal Pandya tries to get it away but misses and the ball goes straight into the hands of the man at point.

Kagiso Rabada to Krunal Pandya, Slightly back of a length and outside off, Krunal Pandya stands tall and gets across a bit before playing it away through point for another brace.

Kagiso Rabada to Krunal Pandya, Good length on off stump and angling back in, Krunal Pandya stays on the front foot and strokes it away past the diving man at cover for a couple of runs.

Krunal Pandya walks out to bat next for Lucknow.

Kagiso Rabada to Nicholas Pooran, ! DRAGGED ON! Kagiso Rabada comes back in and gets the big wicket fro Punjab!

Harpreet Brar to Ayush Badoni, Flights this fuller and on middle and off, Ayush Badoni prods ahead and taps it to covers.

Harpreet Brar to Nicholas Pooran, 1 run.

Harpreet Brar to Ayush Badoni, Drifts this fuller and into the pads, Ayush Badoni flicks it to square leg region for a single.

Harpreet Brar to Nicholas Pooran, Six!

Harpreet Brar to Nicholas Pooran, An appeal for LBW, but turned down! Brar drops the length on middle and leg, Nicholas Pooran looks for the heave but gets a slight inside edge onto his pads. The ball rolls away behind the keeper and they get a single.

Harpreet Brar to Ayush Badoni, Can you call that a dropped catch? Harpreet Brar bowls it fuller just outside off and gets the ball to skid through, Ayush Badoni looks for the cut on off but gets an outside edge that wears on the keeper's pads and rolls to te off side for a single. 

Arshdeep Singh to Ayush Badoni, Drops the length short over middle and leg, Ayush Badoni lifts his front leg up and pulls it along the ground to deep backward square leg for a single.

Arshdeep Singh to Nicholas Pooran, ! Fortune favours the brave here! Arshdeep Singh drops the length short and hits the deck hard over off, Nicholas Pooran throws everything at it looking to pull it over leg but gets a top edge over the keeper for a boundary. 

Arshdeep Singh to Nicholas Pooran, 1 run.

Arshdeep Singh to Nicholas Pooran, ! Nicholas Pooran continues his onslaught! A fuller delivery outside off, Nicholas Pooran cracks it through covers for a boundary.

Arshdeep Singh to Ayush Badoni, 1 run.

Ayush Badoni is the new batter in.

Arshdeep Singh to Quinton de Kock, ! c Jitesh Sharma b Arshdeep Singh.

Strategic break! Well, Lucknow have got back on top in the last few overs and the pair of Quinton de Kock and Nicholas Pooran is upping the ante here. They will be eyeing up 200 runs from here and would want one of these two to stay on till the end. Punjab on the other hand need wickets as their bowlers haven't been able to do much in the last few overs but the likes of Harpreet Brar and Sam Curran who have bowled well, have a few overs up their sleeves. Let's see how the next 7 overs play o

Harshal Patel to Quinton de Kock, Bowls this shorter and just outside off, Quinton de Kock rides on the bounce and cuts it to deep backward point for another one to end the over.

Harshal Patel to Nicholas Pooran, Bye.

Harshal Patel to Quinton de Kock, Nails the yorker right in the blockhole around middle and off, Quinton de Kock digs it towards cover for one.

Harshal Patel to Nicholas Pooran, Goes fuller again outside off, Nicholas Pooran slashes it to deep cover for one more.

Harshal Patel to Quinton de Kock, 1 run.

Harshal Patel to Quinton de Kock, Wide!

Harshal Patel to Quinton de Kock, ! Cheeky on that one to bring up his Fifty! Harshal Patel bowls it fuller and outside off, Quinton de Kock gets across the line and looks to paddle it past short fine but gets it off the inner half of the bat into the pads racing away to fine leg fence for a boundary.

Rahul Chahar to Quinton de Kock, Slower through the air and on a fuller length, on middle and leg, Quinton de Kock rocks back and nudges it in front of mid on for one more. A great over this for Lucknow as they rack up 20 runs off it.

Rahul Chahar to Nicholas Pooran, A tad shorter in length again, on off, Nicholas Pooran pulls it to long on for one.

Rahul Chahar to Nicholas Pooran, 2 runs.

Rahul Chahar to Nicholas Pooran, ! Nicholas Pooran is turning the heat on here! Fuller delivery, just around off, Nicholas Pooran clobbers it straight over the bowler's head for another maximum. 

Rahul Chahar to Nicholas Pooran, ! Nicholas Pooran makes it look incredibly easy! A tad shorter on off, Nicholas Pooran slaps it past mid off for a boundary.

Rahul Chahar to Nicholas Pooran, Six!

Kagiso Rabada to Nicholas Pooran, Goes fuller and just outside off, Nicholas Pooran with bottom hand coming into play, opens the bat face to guide the ball past point for a single.

Kagiso Rabada to Nicholas Pooran, No run.

Kagiso Rabada to Quinton de Kock, Angles it in, on a good length, around middle and off, Quinton de Kock tucks it to square leg region and gets to the other end. 

Kagiso Rabada to Quinton de Kock, A tad shorter in length, outside off, Quinton de Kock slices it beautifully but straight to the fielder at point. 

Kagiso Rabada to Quinton de Kock, ! Streaky but serves well for Lucknow! Rabada bowls it fuller and just outside off, Quinton de Kock looks for the big heave on leg but gets a thick outside edge over the keeper for four runs. 

Kagiso Rabada to Nicholas Pooran, Hits the deck on a good length, outside off, Nicholas Pooran waits for it and cuts it to backward point for one.

Kagiso Rabada (2-0-21-0) comes back into the attack.

Harshal Patel to Quinton de Kock, ! Finds the gap! Back of a length but a bit more wide of the off stump, Quinton de Kock stands tall and hammers the ball away between mid off and covers for a boundary.

Harshal Patel to Nicholas Pooran, Goes even fuller now and bowls it on middle and leg, Nicholas Pooran flicks it past a diving Shikhar Dhawan at mid-wicket and turns the strike over.

Harshal Patel to Nicholas Pooran, Pitches this one right up around middle stump and Nicholas Pooran punches straight back to the bowler.

Harshal Patel to Quinton de Kock, Back of a length outside off and slower too, Quinton de Kock gets his hands out and plays it on the up to deep cover for just one more.

Harshal Patel to Nicholas Pooran, 1 run.

Harshal Patel to Quinton de Kock, Starts from around the stumps and angles it back in from around off stump on a hard length, Quinton de Kock stays put and taps it square past point for a single.

Harshal Patel comes into the attack now.

Strategic break! Punjab has staged a remarkable comeback after Lucknow's promising start. The strategic decision to promote Marcus Stoinis up the batting order seemed to be paying dividends, however, his dismissal has left the team unsettled at this juncture. Quinton de Kock has displayed a positive intent at the crease and will be crucial for Lucknow to put up a good total. Punjab will be eyeing to chip a couple more wickets to get ahead in the game. With that, the skipper of Lucknow, Nicho

Rahul Chahar to Quinton de Kock, Nicely tossed up, full and on off and middle, Quinton de Kock hits this one hard and along the turf down to wide long on for another single.

Rahul Chahar to Nicholas Pooran, This is floated very full and on middle, Nicholas Pooran leans on and drives the ball down to long off for a single.

Rahul Chahar to Marcus Stoinis, ! BOWLED'EM! Rahul Chahar has the last laugh here as Marcus Stoinis gets greedy and throws his wicket away.

Rahul Chahar to Marcus Stoinis, ! Overcompensation from Rahul Chahar and Marcus Stoinis helps himself to another maximum. A bit too short over middle, Stoinis rocks back and drags the pull over deep square leg for back-to-back sixes.

Rahul Chahar to Marcus Stoinis, ! Easy power from Marcus Stoinis.

Rahul Chahar to Quinton de Kock, Floated fuller on the legs, clipped around the corner for a quick single.

Harpreet Brar to Quinton de Kock, A bit fuller now and angled across the left-hander, Quinton de Kock stays low and cuts it away to deep point for just one more.

Harpreet Brar to Marcus Stoinis, Drags the length back a bit more and bowls it on middle and leg, Marcus Stoinis forces it off the back foot down to long on and picks up a single.

Harpreet Brar to Marcus Stoinis, A tad short again and wide of the off stump, Marcus Stoinis plays it to the left of covers and picks up a couple of runs in the deep.

Harpreet Brar to Marcus Stoinis, Quick and flat outside off, played back to the bowler.

Harpreet Brar to Marcus Stoinis, Top fielding but Marcus Stoinis will be disappointed to not have put that away. Short and wide, begging to be hit, Stoinis hangs back and slaps it to the right of extra cover where Shikhar Dhawan makes a stellar diving stop.

Harpreet Brar to Marcus Stoinis, No run.

Rahul Chahar to Quinton de Kock, The call is for two and they do eventually get it. Fuller one on middle and leg, Quinton de Kock flicks it through the gap at mid-wicket and races back for the second run.

Harpreet Brar is introduced into the attack.

Rahul Chahar to Marcus Stoinis, One more! Flatter one pushed into the legs, Marcus Stoinis stays on the back foot and nudges it past square leg.

Rahul Chahar to Quinton de Kock, Floated up around the pads, Quinton de Kock leans ahead and pushes it to mid on for yet another single. Just 4 off this over so far.

Rahul Chahar to Marcus Stoinis, Pushed through outside off and turning away a touch, Marcus Stoinis hangs back and punches it away to deep cover-point for one more.

Rahul Chahar to Quinton de Kock, Floated a bit further up on the stumps, Quinton de Kock prods halfway forward and tucks it towards mid-wicket for one.

Rahul Chahar to Marcus Stoinis, Drops it short first up over off stump, Marcus Stoinis stands tall and punches it square through covers for a single.

Rahul Chahar comes into the attack replacing Kagiso Rabada.

Sam Curran to Quinton de Kock, ! Quinton de Kock finishes the Powerplay in style! A fraction shorter over middle, de Kock stays deep in the crease and makes some room before flat-batting it over deep square leg for a maximum. Lucknow are 54/2 at the end of the Powerplay!

Sam Curran to Quinton de Kock, Excellent change-up from Sam Curran. This is bowled from the back of the hand and slower, full and outside off, Quinton de Kock goes for the booming cover drive but is well beaten.

Sam Curran to Quinton de Kock, Gets enough on it! Banged in a bit over the stumps, Quinton de Kock tries to hang back and clobber it over mid on but miscues it and manages to clear the fielder there. Two runs are taken.

Sam Curran to Quinton de Kock, Hard length over off stump and slanting it back in, Quinton de Kock hangs back and tries to run it down to third man but ends up chopping it to the fielder at short third.

Sam Curran to Marcus Stoinis, Bowled back of a length and over leg stump, Marcus Stoinis hops back and nudges it down wide of short fine leg for a single.

Marcus Stoinis walks out to bat at number 4 for Lucknow.

Sam Curran to Devdutt Padikkal, ! CAUGHT! Straight to the man!

Sam Curran is back on.

Kagiso Rabada to Quinton de Kock, Beauty to finish the over again! Hits the deck on a good length around that corridor on off, Quinton de Kock looks to poke at it but gets beaten on the outside edge. 

Kagiso Rabada to Devdutt Padikkal, 1 run.

Kagiso Rabada to Devdutt Padikkal, Hurls this on a hard length and into the pads, Devdutt Padikkal looks for the flick but gets clipped high on the pads.

Kagiso Rabada to Devdutt Padikkal, ! Delicately done! Kagiso Rabada hits the deck hard on a length and angles it into the left-hander on off, Devdutt Padikkal with soft hands opens the bat face steering the ball through third man region for another boundary. 

Kagiso Rabada to Devdutt Padikkal, ! That's some way to get off the mark! Rabada bowls this fuller and well outside off, Devdutt Padikkal drives it up and over covers for a boundary.

Kagiso Rabada to Quinton de Kock, Goes fuller and just outside off, Quinton de Kock slashes it uppishly to deep point for a single.

Arshdeep Singh to Devdutt Padikkal, Bowls this on a length, and into the stumps, Devdutt Padikkal blocks it to mid off.

Devdutt Padikkal walks in at number 3.

Arshdeep Singh to KL Rahul, ! c Jonny Bairstow b Arshdeep Singh.

Oh, no! Liam Livingstone is hobbling near the boundary ropes and that looks pretty serious as well. What a shame for Liam and Punjab and that is a big blow. The physio helps him to the dug out.

Arshdeep Singh to KL Rahul, Liam Livingstone looks to have hurt himself there.

Arshdeep Singh to KL Rahul, ! That's some shot. Goes fuller and just in the arc on middle and off, KL Rahul clears his front leg and lofts it straight over the bowler's head for another boundary.

Arshdeep Singh to KL Rahul, On a length, just outside off, KL Rahul mistimes his pull to mid on for no run.

Arshdeep Singh to KL Rahul, ! Wow, that's pure elegance! Served on a fuller length, on middle and off, KL Rahul just clears his front leg and times his shot to perfection over the bowler's head for a maximum.

Kagiso Rabada to Quinton de Kock, That's an absolute peach! Bowls it on a good length, on off and gets the ball to seam back sharply cutting Quinton de Kock into half.

Kagiso Rabada to Quinton de Kock, On a length, and on middle and leg, Quinton de Kock tucks it to the on side.

Kagiso Rabada to Quinton de Kock, ! That's a top, top shot! 

Kagiso Rabada to Quinton de Kock, Four!

Kagiso Rabada to Quinton de Kock, No run.

Kagiso Rabada to KL Rahul, Dropped! Harshal Patel did everything to get to it but spills it out. Kagiso Rabada hits the deck hard over middle and gets the ball to shape away a bit, KL Rahul pulls it off the upper half of the bat towards deep backward square leg. Harshal Patel from deep gets to the ball and throws a dive to his front but fails to poach the ball as the batters cross.

Kagiso Rabada comes in as the first change now.

Arshdeep Singh to Quinton de Kock, Good effort in the deep from Liam Livingstone! Another fuller delivery, outside off, with some away movement, Quinton de Kock slashes it to the right of deep backward point. Liam Livingstone gets to the ball and cuts it down to just two.

Arshdeep Singh to KL Rahul, Straighter and on a length, into middle and leg, KL Rahul flicks it to fine leg for a single.

Arshdeep Singh to Quinton de Kock, On a good length, just outside off, Quinton de Kock waits for it and cuts it square of the wicket on off for a single.

Arshdeep Singh to Quinton de Kock, Goes fuller again and on off, Quinton de Kock drives it straight to mid off.

Arshdeep Singh to KL Rahul, Pitches this on a good length and gets the ball to nip back in a bit, on off, KL Rahul gets a thick inside edge to deep square leg for a single.

Arshdeep Singh to KL Rahul, Wide!

Arshdeep Singh to Quinton de Kock, Briefly in the air, but safe! Arshdeep Singh starts from over the wicket and bowls this fuller and outside off with some away movement, Quinton de Kock extends his arms and cuts it through the right of point fielder for a single.

Arshdeep Singh to steam in from the other end.

Sam Curran to KL Rahul, A steady start for both the teams! Sam Curran bowls this fuller and just outside off, KL Rahul tucks it to the right of short third. 5 runs come off the first over.

Sam Curran to Quinton de Kock, Drops the length a bit, over off, Quinton de Kock clips it to the right of deep square leg and gets to the other end. 

Sam Curran to Quinton de Kock, Four!

Sam Curran to Quinton de Kock, Hits the deck on a good length, on off, Quinton de Kock stabs it back onto the pitch. 

Sam Curran to Quinton de Kock, Bowls this fuller and outside off with some away movement, Quinton de Kock watches the ball closely and leaves it alone.

Sam Curran to Quinton de Kock, No run.

All in readiness for the game to begin! The two umpires make their way out to the middle as Shikhar Dhawan is seen leading the Punjab players in a huddle before they take their places on the field. It will be KL Rahul to open the innings for Lucknow alongside Quinton de Kock as usual and not Devdutt Padikkal as a few of us were expecting. Sam Curran has been handed the new ball and is raring to go. Let's play...

Marcus Stoinis is down for a chat. He says that they are here at their home ground and he has just been training in the last few days. Adds that the home teams have done well and it is important for them to start well and the wickets are also different this year which hopefully is positive for them. Mentions that they played a couple of practice games on the red soil pitch and the black soil pitch and reckons that the former track had a bit of early nip for the pacers. Informs that Justin Lange

Shikhar Dhawan the captain of Punjab says that they would have bowled first anyway as they want to take advantage of the dew that might set in later. Adds that they will look to improve on small things like bowling tight lines and building partnerships which they have spoken about in the dressing room. Mentions that they will look to capitalize on the powerplay and with Jonny Bairstow at the top they will look to go hard. Concludes that they go unchanged into this game

Nicholas Pooran, the captain of Lucknow says that they will bat first as it looks like a good track and want to be aggressive and put runs on the board. Adds that the surface looks different from last season and let's see how it plays. Informs that Rahul is nursing an injury and hopefully, he can get more involved as the tournament goes on but will be there in the Impact Players. Adds that it is a new season and they will look to improve and ends by saying that there are a lot of changes in the

Impact players nominated by Punjab - Prabhsimran Singh, Rilee Rossouw, Tanay Thyagarajann, Vidwath Kaverappa, Harpreet Singh.

Punjab (Playing XI) - Shikhar Dhawan (C), Jonny Bairstow, Sam Curran, Liam Livingstone, Jitesh Sharma (WK), Shashank Singh, Harpreet Brar, Harshal Patel, Kagiso Rabada, Rahul Chahar, Arshdeep Singh.

Impact players nominated by Lucknow -  Ashton Turner, Naveen-ul-Haq, Amit Mishra, Deepak Hooda, Krishnappa Gowtham.

Lucknow (Playing XI) - Quinton de Kock, Devdutt Padikkal, KL Rahul, Marcus Stoinis, Nicholas Pooran (C)(WK), Ayush Badoni, Krunal Pandya, Ravi Bishnoi, Mohsin Khan, Mayank Yadav, M. Siddharth.

TOSS - Lucknow have won the coin flip and have elected to BAT first.