Right then, Punjab pick up a crucial away victory and leapfrog their opponents Gujarat on the points table thanks to a superiorĀ net run rate and now, things are starting to get interesting with a lot of teams on similar points. Next up is another big clash between Hyderabad and Chennai in Hyderabad and that will be played on Friday, 5 April at 7.30 pm IST (2 pm GMT). You can join us a lot sooner for the build-up as usual. Until then, take care and cheers!
Shashank SinghĀ is the Player of the Match for his match-winning knock.Ā Singh says that his heart is still pounding and you only dream of these things and reality is very different. Adds that he just wanted to see the ball and hit the ball on its merit and goes on to say that the pitch has even bounce and good carry as both teams did well. Mentions that the opposition did have great bowlers but when he goes out to bat, he has to think of himself as the best and back himself. Adds that he has waited for this opportunity and is happy to have done well.
Shikhar Dhawan, the captain of Punjab says it was an amazing game and was too close. He says he is delighted with the way the two youngsters finished off the game. He adds that they had a decent Powerplay but then certainly lost the momentum by losing quick wickets in the middle overs. But appreciates Shashank Singh with the way he played and hit those sixes effortlessly. Says it is not too easy to time the ball coming down the order, and further adds that he timed the ball so nicely and at the same time he kept his cool, especially playing after a long wait. He says that he has earned his spot. Also lauds Ashutosh Sharma and says that he played a brilliant cameo along with Shashank.
The Presentation ceremony...
Earlier in the game, Shikhar DhawanĀ won the toss and put Gujarat into bat first. It was a decision that was the right one in the end but Gujarat did get off to a solid start even after losing Wriddhiman SahaĀ inside 3 overs. Shubman GillĀ was fluent and played an anchoring role as the likes of Kane WilliamsonĀ and Sai SudharsanĀ came in and garnered a few crucial runs and the latter was pretty quick to get those runs as well. Gill carried on till the end and remained unbeaten on 89 big runs as Rahul TewatiaĀ played a blinder yet again against Punjab and got his side to 199 runs. With the ball, Punjab were mostly erratic with the likes of Kagiso RabadaĀ and Harshal PatelĀ going for runs but Rabada did pick up wickets. Arshdeep SinghĀ and Harpreet BrarĀ were economical which helped a bit. In reply, Punjab went on to record the highest successful chase of the season thanks to a couple of sensational knocks down the order from two young batters.
Ashutosh Sharma, one of the stars of the run chase is down for a chat now.Ā Ashutosh says that he would like to thank the Punjab side for believing in him and is ecstatic with his performance in the first game and says that the most important thing is that the team won. Adds that Shikhar DhawanĀ made him believe in himself and he backed himself to do it and he has done the same in the domestic circuit as well and also goes on to appreciate the work of Sanjay Bangar who gave him the confidence to do well on the big stage. Mentions that back home, he had a word with his former coach and is very happy to have made an impact here.
Shubman Gill, the Gujarat skipper is down for a quick chat. On being asked about where the game changed, he says that a couple of catches dropped made the difference. Reckons that the bowlers did a good job but that's the nature of the Indian T20 League, and it keeps throwing such crunch games. He adds the ball was doing well initially and thinks that they had enough on the board. On being asked about giving the final over to Darshan Nalkande, he states that the way he bowled in the previous game, it was a no-brainer to hand over the ball to him. Adds that there will be cricketers who will come and play blinders. Ends up by saying they will come back stronger in the next game.
Gujarat will feel they have let one go here and a couple of dropped catches and a few difficult chances here and there were the difference between victory and defeat. The pacers didn't start off well with the ball but Umesh YadavĀ was able to get the wicket of Shikhar DhawanĀ pretty early on. However, it was the introduction of Noor AhmadĀ that turned the game on his head as he bowled brilliantly and the others were able to bowl around him. In the second half of the chase, Mohit SharmaĀ was the pick of the bowlers yet again for Gujarat but the likes of Rashid Khan, Umesh Yadav,Ā and Azmatullah OmarzaiĀ were all very expensive and Shubman GillĀ was forced to introduce a new bowler in the very final over. Darshan NalkandeĀ was given the task of keeping it down toĀ 6 or fewer runs which was always going to be very difficult and Gujarat went on to lose their second game.
200 needed for the win and their talismanic skipper Shikhar DhawanĀ fell early. Jonny BairstowĀ and Prabhsimran SinghĀ then took the attack to the opposition but neither could convert it into a big score. Punjab were in all sorts of trouble at 70/4 inside 9 overs and went on to lose another wicket inside 13 overs. Shashank SinghĀ then started to fire and had Jitesh SharmaĀ for company but the latter and the more experienced batter got out just when he started to fire. Then came in the Impact Player in the form of Ashutosh SharmaĀ and to hold this substitution for such a long while turned out to be the telling factor. Singh launched an onslaught and went on to score his maiden Fifty and with the game almost in the bag, Ashutosh got out off the first delivery of the final over after a stunning cameo, testing the nerves of the team. With 5 needed, Singh got that deserved slice of luck as the ball went flying off the outside edge and they were able to seal the deal on the next delivery.
ONE FOR THE HISTORY BOOKS!Ā What a game and what a win here for Punjab! A couple of newbies to the biggest stage have pulled them out of the abyss and have taken them to a crucial win. Ashutosh SharmaĀ was brilliant but it was Shashank SinghĀ who was the real hero of this unlikely run chase.Ā Punjab now become the team with the most 200 or more scores chased down in the tournament's history as well.
19.5
over
19.5 | 7 Runs | HH: 200/7
19.5
1
Darshan Nalkande to Shashank Singh, PUNJABĀ WIN A FAMOUS GAME HERE AT AHMEDABAD, and it has been the two youngsters who have turned the tables for them absolutely out of nowhere! On a fuller length, sliding down the leg stump line, Shashank SinghĀ misses to flick it away and the ball brushes off his pads before trickling down to short fine. They take a leg bye and that will do it for Punjab. A review though, has been taken by Gujarat for LBW in their final resort. UltraEdge shows that the ball has clearly passed through the bat with no scratch, and the Ball Tracker confirms two greens as the ball misses to hit the stumps and also, the impact is outside leg. Punjab register their second win of the season and execute a huge upset against Gujarat in their backyard. Also, this has been the highest successful run chase in this edition of the Indian T20 League.
19.4
4
Darshan Nalkande to Shashank Singh, EDGED AND FOUR! SCORES LEVEL! Punjab will take it with open arms.Ā On a shade fuller length attacking the stumps, Shashank SinghĀ swings the bat wildly to flick it over the leg side, but it catches the leading edge that flies over short third for a boundary. What an absolute turnover this has been, courtesy of the two youngsters.
19.3
1
Darshan Nalkande to Harpreet Brar, Slower one, on the back of a length, Harpreet BrarĀ pulls it to deep square leg for a single. 5 off 3. Tighten your seatbelts, folks. This is going down to the wire.
19.2
0
Darshan Nalkande to Harpreet Brar, Oh, no! Another extra! Would you believe it? Wriddhiman SahaĀ thinks otherwise and challenges the Umpire's decision. Nalkande bowls it short in length, on the leg stump line, Harpreet BrarĀ arches back underneath the ball with his bat in the air. The ball carries to the keeper and the Umpire stretches it to signal it as a Wide. Replays come in from a couple of angles and the split-screen shows that it's not going over Brar's head. A fantastic review by Wriddhiman SahaĀ as the on-field decision has been overturned now.Ā But more importantly, a crucial dot delivery for Gujarat.
19.2
1
Darshan Nalkande to Harpreet Brar, WIDE! Oh, dear! Too short, over the top of the southpaw's head. Harpreet BrarĀ fails to ramp it away and the Umpire signals for a Wide. Just 6 needed off the 5 legal deliveries now.
Harpreet BrarĀ walks out to bat now.
19.1
W
Darshan Nalkande to Ashutosh Sharma, OUT! TAKEN! What a sea-saw of emotions here for the fans! Darshan NalkandeĀ bowls a slower one on the back of a length, Ashutosh SharmaĀ hits it uppishly with the bottom half of the hand and the ball dollies straight into the safe hands of Rashid KhanĀ who is patrolling the long on boundary. He doesn't move an inch and takes an absolute sitter of a catch. Another twist in the story here. But what a scintillating knock from Ashutosh Sharma as he has provided a glimmer of hope for his team out of nowhere.
7 needed off the final over. Umesh YadavĀ has one over remaining but he has been pretty expensive andĀ Shubman GillĀ has a couple of unused bowlers as well. Surely he goes for Umesh here, right? No, Darshan NalkandeĀ has been handed the ball and what a situation he finds himself in. Can he defend 6 runs and be the hero for his side?
19
over
19 | 18 Runs | HH: 193/6
18.6
6
Mohit Sharma to Shashank Singh, SIX! He clears the ropes and this just might be the game for Punjab! Short in length, and outside off, Shashank SinghĀ shuffles across off a bit and stands tall before dragging it into the stands behind deep mid-wicket for a biggie. Last over remaining now and Punjab are just 7 runs away from a thrilling win.
18.5
1
Mohit Sharma to Ashutosh Sharma, On the back of a length outside off, Ashutosh SharmaĀ lofts it over covers for just a single.
18.4
2
Mohit Sharma to Ashutosh Sharma, Fires in right on the pads in an attempt to york it, Ashutosh SharmaĀ shuffles way across off but fails to connect it and rolls it to deep square leg for two leg byes.
18.3
2
Mohit Sharma to Ashutosh Sharma, In the air...just short! Slower one again on the top of off, Ashutosh SharmaĀ pulls it aerially over mid-wicket for a couple of runs. 16 off 9 needed now.
18.2
6
Mohit Sharma to Ashutosh Sharma, SIX! Oh, what a cracking shot! Ashutosh SharmaĀ is playing an absolute blinder as an Impact sub here. Slower back-of-the-hand ball outside off on a length, Ashutosh SharmaĀ waits for it and drags it over deep mid-wicket for a maximum. He is making a real impact here.
18.1
1
Mohit Sharma to Shashank Singh, A low full toss to start with on the stumps, Shashank SinghĀ flicks it to widish long on where Vijay ShankarĀ swoops in and just allows them to taken a single.
18
over
18 | 16 Runs | HH: 175/6
17.6
4
Azmatullah Omarzai to Ashutosh Sharma, FOUR! Crucial four this! Short and on off, Ashutosh SharmaĀ swivels hard and top edges it over short fine for a boundary. 25 needed off the last couple of overs.
17.5
2
Azmatullah Omarzai to Ashutosh Sharma, Another attempt for the catch but puts it down. A good effort though by Sai Sudharsan. Length ball outside off, Ashutosh SharmaĀ launches it high down the ground with no real timing on it. Sai SudharsanĀ runs forward from long off and puts in a dive ahead but fails to hold onto the ball as he falls. Two taken.
17.4
1
Azmatullah Omarzai to Shashank Singh, Fifty for Shashank Singh! An innings of absolute nerves of steel from him. A low full toss on the off stump line, Shashank SinghĀ squeezes it to the off side and gets a single.
17.3
1
Azmatullah Omarzai to Ashutosh Sharma, On the off stump line on a length, Ashutosh SharmaĀ swings hard at it but gets it off the toe-end toward long on for a single. 32 off 15 required now.
17.2
4
Azmatullah Omarzai to Ashutosh Sharma, FOUR! Clever and innovative! Poor short delivery on the top of the middle, Ashutosh SharmaĀ climbs on the bounce and ramps it over the keeper's head for a boundary on a couple of bounces.
17.1
4
Azmatullah Omarzai to Ashutosh Sharma, FOUR! Oh, hello! Outside off on a shade fuller length, Ashutosh SharmaĀ detects the line and shuffles outside off before ramping it over square leg for a boundary.
17
over
17 | 6 Runs | HH: 159/6
16.6
1
Mohit Sharma to Ashutosh Sharma, Another good variation from Mohit as he bowls a slower one on a length, just around off, Ashutosh SharmaĀ mistimes his pull uppishly but it lands safe in the no man's land somewhere in the front of deep mid-wicket. Just a single taken. 41 needed off the last 3 overs now. What a superb over from Mohit SharmaĀ as he concedes just 6 off it.
16.5
1
Mohit Sharma to Shashank Singh, Slower one this time on a length outside off, Shashank SinghĀ punches it to deep point for one.
16.4
1
Mohit Sharma to Ashutosh Sharma, On a hard length, outside off, Ashutosh SharmaĀ chops it to point for a quick single.
16.3
2
Mohit Sharma to Ashutosh Sharma, DROPPED! Oh, dear! Umesh YadavĀ is having a really hard time in the field tonight, first with the ball and now with this drop! Mohit bowls on the back of a length on off, Ashutosh SharmaĀ swipes across uppishly with no real foot movement. The ball swirls up in the air towards deep mid-wicket where Umesh YadavĀ runs to his left and dives to take the catch but he fails to hang on it on the momentum. Two were taken in the meantime.
16.2
0
Mohit Sharma to Ashutosh Sharma, Short and on the stump line, Ashutosh SharmaĀ looks to ramp it over but fails to connect.
16.1
1
Mohit Sharma to Ashutosh Sharma, Begins with a quicker one on the length around off, Ashutosh SharmaĀ pulls it with no real timing on it towards deep mid-wicket for a couple of runs. Oh, wait, the UmpireĀ has called for a short run here. So just a single then.
16
over
16 | 15 Runs | HH: 153/6
15.6
1
Rashid Khan to Ashutosh Sharma, On a flatter trajectory on off, Ashutosh SharmaĀ nudges it to deep square leg for just one. End of a successful over for Gujarat. Punjab need 47 off the last 24 deliveries.
15.5
1
Rashid Khan to Shashank Singh, A googly on offer this time on a length, Shashank SinghĀ looks to tuck it away off the back foot but it takes a brush off his pad instead toward short fine. They cross for a leg bye.
15.4
1
Rashid Khan to Ashutosh Sharma, Full in length on off, Ashutosh SharmaĀ leans ahead and looks to drive but slices the ball off the thickish outside edge to short third for a single.
Strategic break! Well, well, what a partnership this was turning out to be for Punjab but somehow Rashid KhanĀ has picked up a wicket and Punjab are once again put on the back foot. However, Shashank SinghĀ is still out there and is seeing the ball like a football. Punjab will in all likelihood use the Impact Player option and bring on an extra batter now but Gujarat do have a couple of overs of Mohit SharmaĀ up their sleeve. This looks to be heading write down to the wire. And with that said, Ashutosh SharmaĀ does come in as the Impact Player for Punjab, replacing Arshdeep Singh.
15.3
W
Rashid Khan to Jitesh Sharma, OUT! TAKEN! Rashid KhanĀ gets his man this time and Jitesh SharmaĀ is in disarray after striking two consecutive sixes. A poor delivery again on offer, there to be hit. On a fuller length, right into the arc of the batter. Jitesh SharmaĀ shuffles across a bit, and again goes for a slog hit over the deep mid-wicket region but he tries to hit it a bit too hard and ends up losing his shape totally in this process, which results in the mistiming of the shot straight towards Darshan NalkandeĀ in the deep. Rashid Khan, the mystery man does the trick and finally gets a wicket here. Another twist in the tale in this contest.
15.2
6
Rashid Khan to Jitesh Sharma, SIX! What a run chase this has been so far! Two in two for Jitesh! On the fuller length on the stumps, Jitesh SharmaĀ slogs it over deep mid-wicket for half a dozen. This game is far from being over.
15.1
6
Rashid Khan to Jitesh Sharma, SIX! Jitesh joins the party now! Rashid lands it on off and on a length, Jitesh SharmaĀ stands tall and slaps it over the bowler's head for a maximum.
15
over
15 | 7 Runs | HH: 138/5
14.6
0
Mohit Sharma to Shashank Singh, Cleverly bowled! Shashank SinghĀ pre-meditates a bit and comes down the pitch, Mohit SharmaĀ sees this and takes pace off, bowling it wide of the off stump as well. Singh goes through with the shot and gets an inside edge that goes just past the stumps and to the keeper.
14.5
2
Mohit Sharma to Shashank Singh, Good length angled into middle, Shashank SinghĀ shimmies across to the off side and whips it away in between long on and deep mid-wicket for a couple of more runs. Moves on to 48 from 21 balls.
14.4
4
Mohit Sharma to Shashank Singh, FOUR! Up and over! Hard length around off stump, Shashank SinghĀ holds his shape brilliantly and lifts it with a high elbow over the mid off fielder for a boundary.
14.3
0
Mohit Sharma to Shashank Singh, Well disguised by Mohit SharmaĀ and just one run so far in this over. Dug in halfway down the track, around off and it is the slower one. Shashank SinghĀ attempts the ramp but is well beaten.
14.2
1
Mohit Sharma to Jitesh Sharma, Pitches this one up at the stumps, Jitesh SharmaĀ goes for the heave but ends up mistiming it much squarer to deep mid-wicket for a single.
14.1
0
Mohit Sharma to Jitesh Sharma, A quick bumper this outside off and around head height, Jitesh SharmaĀ watches it well and decides to let it go.
14
over
14 | 12 Runs | HH: 131/5
13.6
6
Rashid Khan to Shashank Singh, SIX! Shashank SinghĀ is playing a blinder here! Too full and on the pads, Singh gets down on one knee and slog-sweeps it away over deep square leg for a biggie.
13.5
1
Rashid Khan to Jitesh Sharma, On a dragged length over middle, Jitesh SharmaĀ looks to pull off the back foot but gets it high on the bat and towards wide long on for just a single.
13.4
1
Rashid Khan to Shashank Singh, Floats it up a bit, full and outside off, Shashank SinghĀ goes for the slog-sweep and gets a top edge that lobs well in front of short third for a single.
13.3
2
Rashid Khan to Shashank Singh, Another brilliant effort in the deep and it is Azmatullah OmarzaiĀ this time who saves two runs for his side. Slightly shorter and around off, Shashank SinghĀ gets deep in the crease and muscles the ball away between deep square leg and deep mid-wicket for a brace.
13.2
1
Rashid Khan to Jitesh Sharma, Very full and outside off stump, Jitesh SharmaĀ drives it on the full and gets it through extra cover for a single.
13.1
1
Rashid Khan to Shashank Singh, Leg bye! Brings out the googly and bowls it on a good length on middle and leg, Shashank SinghĀ misses the flick and the ball goes off the thigh pad behind square on the leg side. They get a leg bye.
Rashid KhanĀ (2-0-15-0) is back into the attack.
13
over
13 | 9 Runs | HH: 119/5
12.6
1
Mohit Sharma to Shashank Singh, Pitches it up on the fifth stump line, Shashank SinghĀ drives it on the up and square through cover-point for a single. 81 needed now off 42 balls.
12.5
4
Mohit Sharma to Shashank Singh, FOUR! Cheeky and skillful from Shashank Singh! Another bumper, this time around off, Singh watches it closely and just leans a bit to ramp it over the keeper for a boundary.
12.4
2
Mohit Sharma to Shashank Singh, Fractionally short and on the hips, Shashank SinghĀ flicks it off the legs and well wide of fine leg but Noor AhmadĀ covers good ground to his left and manages to pull the back in, saving a couple of runs for his side as well.
12.3
1
Mohit Sharma to Jitesh Sharma, Effort delivery as Mohit SharmaĀ grunts and bangs in a surprise bumper right around the helmet. Jitesh SharmaĀ is taken aback and doesn't control the pull but gets it down to fine leg for a single.
Jitesh SharmaĀ is in at number 7 as half of the Punjab side is back to the sheds.
12.2
W
Mohit Sharma to Sikandar Raza, OUT! CAUGHT BEHIND! An instant impact from Gujarat's talisman with the ball and Sikandar RazaĀ is sent packing. That classic back-of-the-hand slower ball, bowled on a hard length and outside off. Raza charges down the track and looks to swing across the line but only gets an outside edge through to the keeper and Wriddhiman SahaĀ makes no mistake with the gloves on.Ā Punjab are now 5 down.
12.1
1
Mohit Sharma to Shashank Singh, Back of a length to start with and bowledĀ outside off, Shashank SinghĀ stays back and dabs it down to short third for a quick single.
And there he is, Mohit SharmaĀ is finally given the ball.
12
over
12 | 10 Runs | HH: 110/4
11.6
2
Noor Ahmad to Sikandar Raza, Nicely played and good running too! Pulls the length back and bowls it around leg stump, Sikandar RazaĀ stays back and nudges it through the gap at mid-wicket for a brace.
11.5
1
Noor Ahmad to Shashank Singh, Leg bye! Flatter and fuller on the legs, Shashank SinghĀ misses the sweep and the ball goes off the pads to short fine leg for a leg bye.
11.4
4
Noor Ahmad to Shashank Singh, FOUR! Shashank SinghĀ is turning the tide here! Fractionally short and outside off, Singh stays deep in the crease and muscles the pull well in front of mid-wicket for a boundary.
11.3
0
Noor Ahmad to Shashank Singh, On a dragged length around off and going away, Shashank SinghĀ watchfully taps it to point.
11.2
1
Noor Ahmad to Sikandar Raza, Short on middle and leg, pulled away off the back foot to deep mid-wicket for just a single as Darshan NalkandeĀ is quick to get to the ball in the deep.
11.1
2
Noor Ahmad to Sikandar Raza, Slightly shorter on middle, Sikandar RazaĀ plays it away through the mid-wicket region and picks up a couple of runs.
Still no introduction of Mohit Sharma.Ā Noor AhmadĀ to bowl his final over.
11
over
11 | 17 Runs | HH: 100/4
10.6
4
Umesh Yadav to Shashank Singh, FOUR! Steaky this time but will do nicely! Banged in short and outside off, Shashank SinghĀ goes hard at it and gets a thick outside edge that runs down to third man for a boundary.
10.5
6
Umesh Yadav to Shashank Singh, SIX! This is aggressive from Shashank Singh! Umesh YadavĀ bangs in a short ball over middle and leg, Singh gets inside the line and manages to angle the pull over deep fine leg for a maximum.
10.4
4
Umesh Yadav to Shashank Singh, FOUR! Shot! Short and outside off, Shashank SinghĀ gets on top of the bounce and slaps it away hard to the left of deep point for a boundary.
10.3
1
Umesh Yadav to Sikandar Raza, DROPPED! Azmatullah OmarzaiĀ hesitated for a split second and that cost him dearly. Back of a length and outside off, Sikandar RazaĀ tries to loft it away and ends up slicing it over the point region. Omarzai comes charging in but breaks his stride and has to dive it but can't hang on it. Just the single taken.
10.2
2
Umesh Yadav to Sikandar Raza, Nearly one of the catches of the tournament but it doesn't stick! Hard length around off, Sikandar RazaĀ gets across the off stump and whips it away flat to the right of short fine leg where Noor AhmadĀ flies to his right and sticks out a weaker right hand but the ball bursts through and Darshan NalkandeĀ dives in at the fence to keep it down to two.
10.1
0
Umesh Yadav to Sikandar Raza, Play and a miss! Umesh YadavĀ steams in and digs it in short outside the line of off stump. Sikandar RazaĀ looks to uppercut it away but there's too much heat on the ball.
10
over
10 | 10 Runs | HH: 83/4
9.6
0
Noor Ahmad to Shashank Singh, Flatter and quicker on the middle, Shashank SinghĀ punches it back to the bowler to end the over. Halfway through and Punjab still need 117 to win off the last 60 deliveries.
9.5
6
Noor Ahmad to Shashank Singh, SIX! What a cracking shot! Full in the line of the woods, Shashank SinghĀ skips down to the pitch of the ball and slaps it over the bowler's head for a biggie.
9.4
0
Noor Ahmad to Shashank Singh, An appeal for LBW but the umpire remains unmoved. Shubman GillĀ chats briefly with Noor and challenges the decision to go upstairs. Noor AhmadĀ again continues to ball the googly in the line of the stumps on a shade fuller length, Shashank SinghĀ gets ahead to block it off but he plays over the line of the ball and it pings his front pad sneaking past his inside edge. UltraEdge shows no bat is involved when the ball passes through the bat. Ball Tracker shows that the ball is pitching in the line of the stumps but misses the off stump by an inch. The on-field decision stays and Gujarat lose a review here.
9.4
1
Noor Ahmad to Shashank Singh, WIDE! Down the leg side on a fuller length, Shashank SinghĀ fails to connect. Wide given.
9.3
1
Noor Ahmad to Sikandar Raza, Full, on the pads, Sikandar RazaĀ sweeps it to deep square leg for one.
9.2
0
Noor Ahmad to Sikandar Raza, WHISKER! How has that missed the stumps? Deceives the batter with a beautiful wrong'un on off, Sikandar RazaĀ plays it inside the line of the ball and gets beaten on the outside edge. Also, the ball misses the off stump by just a few centimeters.
9.1
2
Noor Ahmad to Sikandar Raza, Slides it on the middle stump on a fuller length, Sikandar RazaĀ sweeps it through square leg for a couple of runs. Azmatullah OmarzaiĀ does well in the deep to chase it down.
9
over
9 | 5 Runs | HH: 73/4
8.6
1
Azmatullah Omarzai to Sikandar Raza, Hits the deck hard at 139.1 clicks, outside off, Sikandar RazaĀ punches it solidly through covers for a single to end the over.
8.6
1
Azmatullah Omarzai to Sikandar Raza, WIDE! Way to short and angling down leg. Wide given as Sikandar RazaĀ ducks underneath it.
8.5
1
Azmatullah Omarzai to Shashank Singh, Length ball outside off, Shashank SinghĀ punches it to long on for one.
Shashank SinghĀ is the new man in.
8.4
W
Azmatullah Omarzai to Sam Curran, OUT! TAKEN! He couldn't have timed it better but the placement was not good. Sam CurranĀ is absolutely dejected and understandably so. Azmatullah OmarzaiĀ bangs it into the pitch on the off stump line, Sam CurranĀ is quick to detect the length and pulls it hard but straight into the hands of Kane WilliamsonĀ at mid-wicket. Sam Curran walks back to the sheds on 5 and Punjab are really in a big trouble here, and Gujarat are in the control now.
8.3
1
Azmatullah Omarzai to Sikandar Raza, Cannons it on the pads, on the back of a length, Sikandar RazaĀ misses to flick and gets it off the pads to the square leg region. They take a leg bye.
8.2
0
Azmatullah Omarzai to Sikandar Raza, Short in length, on the pads, Sikandar RazaĀ hops back and tucks it to mid-wicket.
8.1
1
Azmatullah Omarzai to Sam Curran, Slants it on the back of a length, outside off, Sam CurranĀ cuts it hard but Vijay ShankarĀ at point dives to perfection to his right and stops the ball saving a certain boundary. A single taken.
8
over
8 | 7 Runs | HH: 68/3
7.6
0
Noor Ahmad to Sikandar Raza, Slower through the air on the middle stump line, and fuller in length, Sikandar RazaĀ gets ahead to block it off and inside edges it to the square leg region to end the over. Another successful over from Noor AhmadĀ comes to an end.
7.5
1
Noor Ahmad to Sam Curran, A slider on the off stump line, Sam CurranĀ rocks back quickly and punches it to long on along the ground for a single.
7.4
1
Noor Ahmad to Sikandar Raza, Length ball on the pads, Sikandar RazaĀ sweeps again to deep fine leg and gets a single this time.
7.3
2
Noor Ahmad to Sikandar Raza, Full, and in front of the woods, Sikandar RazaĀ sits down on his knee and sweeps it fine towards deep fine leg for a couple of runs.
Strategic break! Punjab have tried to be aggressive but have now lost their top three batters and will have to rebuild in the middle phase. Noor AhmadĀ has been brilliant so far and has picked up a couple of crucial wickets to put Gujarat in command of the game. Let's see which side will have a better middle phase. With that said, Sikandar RazaĀ walks out to bat.
7.2
W
Noor Ahmad to Prabhsimran Singh, OUT! TAKEN! Noor AhmadĀ provides another crucial wicket off a beauty of a delivery! Punjab are 3 down now and in a bit of trouble. Noor takes the pace off from the ball and provides the air to slide the googly on the off and middle stump line, keeps the length full. Prabhsimran SinghĀ gets a bit greedy seeing the ball in the arc, and tries to hit it over the leg side, but he is way too early on the shot and gets a top edge that flies straight to the throat of Mohit SharmaĀ stationed at point, and takes a simple catch. Prabhsimran SinghĀ departs on 35 and Noor AhmadĀ has sent back both the well-set batters into the sheds just in the span of two overs now. Gujarat strike a comeback in the contest.
7.1
1
Noor Ahmad to Sam Curran, Short and outside off, Curran punches it to covers for a single.
7.1
2
Noor Ahmad to Prabhsimran Singh, Two Wides! Wriddhiman SahaĀ misses to stop but Kane WilliamsonĀ dives in and saves runs. Spills it down leg, Prabhsimran SinghĀ misses to flick and Saha too, fails to grab. They cross for a single.
7
over
7 | 7 Runs | HH: 61/2
6.6
1
Rashid Khan to Prabhsimran Singh, A shade full in length from Rashid on the middle, Prabhsimran SinghĀ steers it to deep mid-wicket for a single to end the over.
6.5
1
Rashid Khan to Sam Curran, Quicker at 93 clicks on the stumps, Sam CurranĀ looks to drive but only gets an inside edge that rolls to short fine. They cross for one.
6.4
0
Rashid Khan to Sam Curran, A wrong'un sliding outside off on a length, Sam CurranĀ backs away and punches it to the off side.
6.3
1
Rashid Khan to Prabhsimran Singh, On a flatter trajectory on off, Prabhsimran SinghĀ swivels and pulls to deep mid-wicket for one.
6.2
4
Rashid Khan to Prabhsimran Singh, FOUR! Slogged away! Rashid lands it right in the arc on a fuller length, Prabhsimran SinghĀ anticipates the length early and slogs it over mid on for a boundary.
6.1
0
Rashid Khan to Prabhsimran Singh, Quicker on a length, Prabhsimran SinghĀ plays and misses on the outside edge.
6
over
6 | 6 Runs | HH: 54/2
5.6
0
Noor Ahmad to Sam Curran, Oh, a brutal wrong'un, spinning back into the southpaw. Sam CurranĀ negotiates it well by backing away and blocking it off the back foot. End of the Powerplay and Punjab are 54/2.
5.5
1
Noor Ahmad to Prabhsimran Singh, On the dragged length aiming the pads, Prabhsimran SinghĀ tucks it to deep square leg for a single.
5.4
4
Noor Ahmad to Prabhsimran Singh, FOUR! Clever, clever from the youngster. Noor lands it a bit overpitched but down the leg stump line, Prabhsimran SinghĀ sits on his knee and guides the ball with a sweep shot through the short fine for a boundary.
5.3
0
Noor Ahmad to Prabhsimran Singh, Flat and quick outside off, Prabhsimran SinghĀ plays it to mid off.
5.2
1
Noor Ahmad to Sam Curran, Full in length, slow in the air, drifting on off, Sam CurranĀ flicks it to deep square leg for a single.
Sam CurranĀ is the new man in.
5.1
W
Noor Ahmad to Jonny Bairstow, OUT! BOWLED'EM! Noor AhmadĀ bowls an absolute ripper of a delivery and dismisses the dangerous-looking Jonny BairstowĀ on the very first ball! Noor AhmadĀ provides the air and lands this wrong'unĀ on the leg and middle channel that turns back sharply. Jonny BairstowĀ plants his front foot with a straight bat but plays all over the line and it creates a huge gap between the pad and the bat. The ball sneaks through and breaks into the stumps. Gujarat get their second wicket.
Spin from both ends as Noor AhmadĀ is into the attack.
5
over
5 | 9 Runs | HH: 48/1
4.6
0
Rashid Khan to Prabhsimran Singh, Quicker one, bowled full and on the pads, Prabhsimran SinghĀ gets hurried on and misses the sweep, getting hit on the pads.
4.5
0
Rashid Khan to Prabhsimran Singh, Shortens the length and bowls it around off, Prabhsimran SinghĀ gets it off the toe end of the bat to backward point.
4.4
4
Rashid Khan to Prabhsimran Singh, FOUR! Excellent shot! Flatter and quicker on middle and leg, Prabhsimran SinghĀ is quick to make room and he cuts this one away through the point region for a boundary.
4.3
2
Rashid Khan to Prabhsimran Singh, Keeps bowling it short and a bit too straight, Prabhsimran SinghĀ sweeps it away behind square leg and picks up a couple of runs.
4.2
1
Rashid Khan to Jonny Bairstow, Good running! On the shorter side and sliding quickly onto the pads, Jonny BairstowĀ fails to flick it away and the ball goes off the pads to backward square leg. They pick up a leg bye.
4.1
2
Rashid Khan to Jonny Bairstow, Begins with a wrong'un that slides on from middle stump, Jonny BairstowĀ presses back and works it away through the mid-wicket region for a couple of quick runs.
Time for some spinĀ as Rashid KhanĀ is given the ball now.
4
over
4 | 12 Runs | HH: 39/1
3.6
1
Umesh Yadav to Jonny Bairstow, Back of a length and close to the off stump, Jonny BairstowĀ looks to guide it away and almost gets chopped on as the ball goes off the inside edge and past the stumps towards short fine leg. They get a single.
3.5
1
Umesh Yadav to Prabhsimran Singh, Good effort in the deep from Darshan NalkandeĀ as the ball was really travelling there. Banged in well short and at the body, Prabhsimran SinghĀ whips the pull to the right of deep square leg for just a single.
3.4
0
Umesh Yadav to Prabhsimran Singh, Shortens the length even further and bowls it outside off, Prabhsimran SinghĀ hops and dabs it down to point.
3.3
4
Umesh Yadav to Prabhsimran Singh, FOUR! That was dismissive from Prabhsimran Singh! Back of a length and around off stump, Singh comes down the pitch and flat-bats the shot right back over the bowler's head for a boundary.
3.2
0
Umesh Yadav to Prabhsimran Singh, Short and a bit wide, Prabhsimran SinghĀ slaps it away firmly but picks out the man at cover perfectly.
3.1
6
Umesh Yadav to Prabhsimran Singh, SIX! Flicked all the way for a maximum!Ā Good length on the legs, Prabhsimran SinghĀ picks it well and shovels it over the square leg fence for a maximum.
3
over
3 | 8 Runs | HH: 27/1
2.6
1
Azmatullah Omarzai to Prabhsimran Singh, Had that hit, Prabhsimran SinghĀ would have been in trouble! Banged in short over the stumps, Singh tries to be aggressive by coming down the track and miscues the pull straight to mid on before setting off for the single. Mohit SharmaĀ has a shy at the bowler's end but misses and Singh survives.
2.5
1
Azmatullah Omarzai to Jonny Bairstow, Hard length around the top of off and middle, Jonny BairstowĀ stays put and tucks it away in front of square on the leg side for one more.
2.4
1
Azmatullah Omarzai to Prabhsimran Singh, Pitches this one up and angles it into the pads at 139 clicks, Prabhsimran SinghĀ whips it aerially down to deep square leg and turns the strike over.
2.3
0
Azmatullah Omarzai to Prabhsimran Singh, Bowled back of a length and around off, Prabhsimran SinghĀ stands tall and plays it back to the bowler.
2.2
1
Azmatullah Omarzai to Jonny Bairstow, Good comeback delivery as this is dug in a bit and around off, Jonny BairstowĀ almost ends up running past it and lobs it off the outside edge over backward point for a single.
2.1
4
Azmatullah Omarzai to Jonny Bairstow, FOUR! Hammered away! Full and outside off stump, Jonny BairstowĀ gets on the front foot and drives it through extra cover for a boundary.
2
over
2 | 6 Runs | HH: 19/1
1.6
4
Umesh Yadav to Prabhsimran Singh, FOUR! Bludgeoned to the fence! Short of a length and over off stump, Prabhsimran SinghĀ backs away a bit and forces the pull between mid on and mid-wicket for a boundary.
1.5
0
Umesh Yadav to Prabhsimran Singh, Hard length around off stump, just nipping away a touch, Prabhsimran SinghĀ looks to hang back and punch it away but one hand comes off the handle and the ball gets pushed straight to covers.
1.4
0
Umesh Yadav to Prabhsimran Singh, Drags the length back and gets it to straighten from middle stump, Prabhsimran SinghĀ gets behind the line and makes the block.
1.3
1
Umesh Yadav to Jonny Bairstow, Pitched up around middle, Jonny BairstowĀ with half a push at it and gets it just past the diving bowler to his right and sets off for the single. Prabhsimran SinghĀ is a bit slow to respond to the call but they make it across.
1.2
1
Umesh Yadav to Prabhsimran Singh, Length ball on leg stump, trying to swing it away, Prabhsimran SinghĀ flicks it away stylishly and wide of deep fine for a single.
Prabhsimran SinghĀ is in at number 3.
1.1
W
Umesh Yadav to Shikhar Dhawan, OUT! CHOPPED ON! Loose, too loose from Shikhar Dhawan,Ā and Umesh YadavĀ picks up a big wicket off his very first delivery. Starts with a short and wide one from over the wicket and it is there to be hit. Dhawan's eyes light up and he looks to cut it away but his feet don't go anywhere and he ends up getting a thick inside edge as the ball goes back into the stumps. Gujarat get the early wicket they wanted. The skipper, and the man in-form for Punjab walks back to the sheds on a cheap score.
Umesh YadavĀ to operate from the other end.
1
over
1 | 13 Runs | HH: 13/0
0.6
0
Azmatullah Omarzai to Jonny Bairstow, Angling down leg! Full again but much straighter and shaping back in, Jonny BairstowĀ plays all over it and gets hit on the pads.
0.5
4
Azmatullah Omarzai to Jonny Bairstow, FOUR! Not perfectly timed but timed well enough! Fuller in length and brighter on off stump, Jonny BairstowĀ forces the drive through covers and beats a chasing Rashid KhanĀ to pick up four more runs.
0.4
4
Azmatullah Omarzai to Jonny Bairstow, FOUR! Quality stroke from Jonny BairstowĀ this time. Just a tad full and wide, shaping away as well, Jonny stays on the front foot and gets his hands through the ball to cream it through covers for a boundary.
0.3
0
Azmatullah Omarzai to Jonny Bairstow, Oh, the inswinger now and this is quality bowling from Azmatullah Omarzai. Good length around off stump, Jonny BairstowĀ tentatively looks to cover drive but this one jags back in and goes through the gates but luckily for Bairstow, over the stumps as well. Also, at the moment there's no Shubman GillĀ on the field and Rashid KhanĀ is the stand-in captain.
0.2
4
Azmatullah Omarzai to Jonny Bairstow, FOUR! Oh, dear! Noor AhmadĀ has made a mess of that one. Top delivery, full and swinging sharply away from the right-hander from off stump. Jonny BairstowĀ is forced to play at it but gets a thick outside edge past first slip and towards third man where Omarzai's fellow Afghan teammate lets it through for a boundary.
0.1
1
Azmatullah Omarzai to Shikhar Dhawan, Nice and full to begin with around off stump, this one shapes into the left-hander as well. Shikhar DhawanĀ looks to drive on the up but gets an inside edge onto the pads and the ball rolls away past the off stump. They scamper through for one and Punjab are underway!
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01
st InningsGujarat Titans
We are back for the all-important chase to commence. The two Umpires walk out to the middle. Shikhar DhawanĀ and Jonny BairstowĀ are the two openers for Punjab who walk to the 22 yards. Gujarat players are seen in the last-minute huddle before dispersing out to the field. Rahul TewatiaĀ has been substituted and in walks Mohit Sharma as the Impact Sub for Gujarat. It will be Azmatullah OmarzaiĀ to open the bowling attack for Gujarat. Let's go...
... The Run Chase ...
Right then, Punjab have a daunting task up their sleeves and it would require crucial contributions from their batters to chase this giant target of 200 runs. They do have a formidable batting line up having the ability to go bonkers, but Gujarat bowlers won't make it an easier task for them at all. Stay tuned as the chase is up next in a few minutes.
Kane WilliamsonĀ is up for a flash interview. He saysĀ it was nice to be out there and reckons it is a competitive total on the board. Adds that there was something there with the new ball and they knew once the movement wore off, they would be able to capitalize. Mentions that Shubman Gill has just started with the captaincy and has a good start and has a good cricketing brain and will continue to grow as a player and as a leader as well. Adds that there isn't any dew at the moment which is good news for their spinners and hopefully, the extra bounce also works in their favor and reckons it will be an exciting second half.
On the other hand, Punjab once again had a below-par Powerplay, conceding 51 runs. They utilized four bowlers in the initial six overs. Though Kagiso Rabada provided an early breakthrough, the others couldn't capitalize on the momentum. Harpreet Brar bowled decently and broke a crucial partnership by removing Williamson. However, in the mid overs, they struggled to maintain momentum, resulting in a quick flow of runs. Harshal Patel got a crucial wicket at a crucial juncture but again, they failed to capitalize and conceded quick runs in the mid overs. Sikandar Raza was a bit expensive while Rabada ended up with a couple but he too, was costly. Harshal Patel again proved to be below-par and conceded 20 off the penultimate over. Overall, Punjab just couldn't create a cluster of wickets that helped the opposition to build again, and hadĀ another lackluster outing in the bowling department.
Gujarat finish off their innings just one short of 200 and surely, they will be the happier of the two sides. Thanks to the pivotal cameo of Rahul TewatiaĀ in the backend, Gujarat managed to fetch 65 runs off the last five overs.Ā The Gujarat batters approached their innings cautiously, with Wriddhiman Saha departing early despite a promising start with a couple of boundaries. Shubman Gill and Kane Williamson then took charge, steadily accumulating runs while maintaining a balanced strike rotation strategy. Williamson's departure after scoring 26 runs after playing some eye-catching shots didn't deter the momentum, as Sai Sudharsan quickly picked up the pace, forming a crucial partnership with Gill, who reached his fifty. Sudharsan played a valuable innings, contributing 33 runs before his dismissal.Ā However, it was Gill who truly seized control, shifting to an aggressive play after reaching his half-century, guiding the team's innings with authority. He notched up a sensational 89 and remained unbeaten till the end. After a dismal batting by Vijay Shankar, in came Rahul Tewatia who loves this opposition, and again played a crucial cameo of 23 runs, manipulating the field, andĀ ensuring that Gujarat finished off well in the backend.
20
over
20 | 13 Runs |
HH: 199/4
19.6
4
Arshdeep Singh to Rahul Tewatia, FOUR! Rahul TewatiaĀ provides the big finish for Gujarat! Arshdeep SinghĀ looks to go full and wide but ends up serving a full toss and this time Tewatia gets down on one knee and swats it away crisply towards deep mid-wicket for yet another boundary. 13 off the final over and Gujarat finish with 199/4 on the board!
19.5
4
Arshdeep Singh to Rahul Tewatia, FOUR! One bounce and into the fence! Dragged short and outside off, Rahul TewatiaĀ gets across a bit and climbs on top of the bounce before pulling it well in front of deep mid-wicket for a boundary.
19.4
1
Arshdeep Singh to Shubman Gill, Top bowling from Arshdeep SinghĀ as he nails the wide yorker and all Shubman GillĀ can do is squeeze it away to deep point for another single.
19.3
1
Arshdeep Singh to Rahul Tewatia, Missed opportunity! Arshdeep SinghĀ comes from over the stumps and looks for a slower one but ends up serving a juicy full toss around off. Rahul TewatiaĀ doesn't get a hold of it and just pulls it to deep mid-wicket for a single.
19.2
1
Arshdeep Singh to Shubman Gill, Full and at the stumps this time, Shubman GillĀ charges down the pitch and swats it away to the left of long on for just a single as Jonny BairstowĀ is quick to cut it off.
19.1
2
Arshdeep Singh to Shubman Gill, A low full toss outside off, Shubman GillĀ gets under it but doesn't quite time it and gets it wide of long off for a couple of runs. Good work in the deep from Harpreet BrarĀ as well.
19
over
19 | 20 Runs |
HH: 186/4
18.6
3
Harshal Patel to Shubman Gill, Risky but Shubman GillĀ does make it! Full and wide again, Gill advances down the pitch and hammers it on the full towards wide long off. Sam CurranĀ runs across to his left from long off and puts in the dive before pushing the ball away. It is though pushed a bit too far and that allows the batters to sprint back or the third. The throw was at the bowler's end and the bails were taken off but the replays showed that the dive saved Gill.
Arshdeep SinghĀ to bowl the final over. Will he restrict Gujarat below 200? Let's find out.
18.5
1
Harshal Patel to Rahul Tewatia, Full and wide, angling across, Rahul TewatiaĀ gives the charge and has to really reach for it before hitting it towards deep cover for a run.
18.5
1
Harshal Patel to Rahul Tewatia, WIDE! A quick bumper this over middle and leg, Rahul TewatiaĀ looks to get inside the line and pull but misses. Tewatia right away takes the review for a wide as he thinks this has gone over his head. The third umpire checks the replays and does indeed deem it a wide. 16 already off the over!
18.4
4
Harshal Patel to Rahul Tewatia, FOUR! Rahul TewatiaĀ is inside Harshal Patel'sĀ head it seems. Full and wide, gets it right this time but Tewatia reads it well, moves early past the off stump and sweeps it on the full to deep backward square leg for four more runs.
18.4
1
Harshal Patel to Rahul Tewatia, WIDE! Full and wide outside off, just a bit too wide though.
18.3
2
Harshal Patel to Rahul Tewatia, Wow, what an effort by Shashank SinghĀ in the deep and he has saved a couple of crucial runs for his side. Slower one, bowled well into the deck and Rahul TewatiaĀ pulls it away behind deep square leg. Shashank races across to his left and puts in a dive and the replays show that he managed to let go off the ball before touching the ropes.
18.3
1
Harshal Patel to Rahul Tewatia, WIDE! Rahul TewatiaĀ pre-meditates and moves well past the off stump and Harshal PatelĀ tries to follow him but ends up serving a high full toss well beyond the tramline. The ball was well within Tewatia's reach but a wide is called and it isn't reviewed either.
18.2
6
Harshal Patel to Rahul Tewatia, SIX! Rahul TewatiaĀ just loves playing against Punjab! Another low full toss, this time on the stumps, Tewatia stays a bit low and wrists it nonchalantly over deep square leg for a maximum. That was timed to perfection.
18.1
1
Harshal Patel to Shubman Gill, Just misses the mark with the wide yorker but Shubman GillĀ ends up slashing it away square through covers for a single.
Harshal PatelĀ to continue and will bowl the penultimate over.
18
over
18 | 13 Runs |
HH: 166/4
17.6
1
Kagiso Rabada to Shubman Gill, Streaky from Shubman Gill! Pitched up outside off stump, Gill throws his hands at it and slices it off the outside edge to the left of deep backward point for just a single.
17.5
1
Kagiso Rabada to Rahul Tewatia, Takes pace off again and bowls it full around off, Rahul TewatiaĀ shimmies across a bit and punches it on the up to long off for a single.
Rahul TewatiaĀ is in at number 6.
17.4
W
Kagiso Rabada to Vijay Shankar, OUT! TAKEN! Top effort from Harpreet BrarĀ and Kagiso RabadaĀ picks up a wicket here. Smart from Rabada as he takes pace off and bowls it short but also pushes the ball wide of the off stump. Vijay ShankarĀ looks to slap it flat over long off but toe-ends it. Brar comes charging in from the deep and puts a big dive forward to grab it with both hands. Shankar departs after a sluggish knock and it might just turn out to be a positive thing for Gujarat here.
17.3
1
Kagiso Rabada to Shubman Gill, Full and outside off, gets the length correct this time, Shubman GillĀ shanks it down to long off and picks up a single this time. 11 already off the over with 3 balls remaining.
17.2
4
Kagiso Rabada to Shubman Gill, FOUR! A forehand smash from Shubman GillĀ now! Banged in short and around off stump, Gill cramped for room but manages to flat-bat it right back over the bowler's head for a boundary.
17.1
6
Kagiso Rabada to Shubman Gill, SIX! Shubman GillĀ is taking Kagiso RabadaĀ on and coming out on top consistently here. Pitched up right in the slot on off and middle at 134 clicks, Gill hangs back and knocks the cover off the ball as he whacks it a long way over deep mid-wicket for a biggie. That went 92 meters!
17
over
17 | 12 Runs |
HH: 153/3
16.6
1
Harshal Patel to Shubman Gill, Gets it perfectly into the blockhole on off stump, Shubman GillĀ stays deep in the crease and digs it out to covers for a single.
16.5
2
Harshal Patel to Shubman Gill, Excellent running! Goes full and wide now, Shubman GillĀ opens the face of the bat and squeezes it away to deep point for a couple of quick runs.
16.4
6
Harshal Patel to Shubman Gill, SIX! Gill gets a hold of one and the 150 comes up for Gujarat! Another slower short ball outside off and Gill picks this one, just holds his shape and flat-bats it over wide long on for a maximum.
16.3
1
Harshal Patel to Vijay Shankar, This is good variety from Harshal Patel. Patel grunts in and bowls it back of the hand, into the surface and outside off, Vijay ShankarĀ short-arm jabs it down to long on for a single.
16.2
1
Harshal Patel to Shubman Gill, Nails the yorker on the stumps, Shubman GillĀ is a bit surprised and jams his bat down to get it towards mid on for another run.
16.1
1
Harshal Patel to Vijay Shankar, Gets away with it! A short ball over the stumps, Vijay ShankarĀ gets inside the line but pulls it off the gloves to short fine leg for a single. That should have been put away.
A bit of a halt in the proceedings as Shubman GillĀ is on the ground due to a stiff back while the physio checks him up. He gets treated and looks good to continue.Ā Shikhar DhawanĀ has handed the ball to Harshal Patel (2-0-12-1)Ā again.
16
over
16 | 7 Runs |
HH: 141/3
15.6
1
Arshdeep Singh to Vijay Shankar, Finishes the over well does Arshdeep SinghĀ as this is bowled full and angled into the legs. Vijay ShankarĀ flicks it straight to deep mid-wicket and collects a single.
15.5
1
Arshdeep Singh to Shubman Gill, Goes full again and gets it spot-on on off stump, Shubman GillĀ can only manage to jam it down to wide long on for a single. 6 off the over with one over remaining.
15.4
2
Arshdeep Singh to Shubman Gill, Goes full and straight now, Shubman GillĀ watches it well and clips it away to the right of the man at deep mid-wicket for a couple of runs. Good stop in the deep from the substitute fielder.
15.3
1
Arshdeep Singh to Vijay Shankar, Dug into the deck, taking pace off the ball as well and bowling it around off, Vijay ShankarĀ swivels and pulls it dpown to fine leg for one more.
15.2
1
Arshdeep Singh to Shubman Gill, Floats this one up on the legs, Shubman GillĀ flicks it away in front of square leg for just another single.
15.1
1
Arshdeep Singh to Vijay Shankar, Comes from around the stumps and bowls it full outside off stump, Vijay ShankarĀ comes down the pitch and drives it away through covers for a single.
15
over
15 | 11 Runs |
HH: 134/3
14.6
1
Harpreet Brar to Vijay Shankar, Flighted delivery on off, Vijay ShankarĀ drives it to long off for a single to end the over.
14.5
3
Harpreet Brar to Shubman Gill, Excellent effort there by Arshdeep SinghĀ in the deep, saves a certain boundary. Short in length from Brar this time again on leg, Shubman GillĀ pulls it along the grass through square leg. Arshdeep SinghĀ from the deep sprints to his right and puts in a timely dive. The batters complete the third in the meantime. The TV Umpire checks whether he has cleanly flicked off the ball before the ropes, and confirms that he has done it nicely. Saves one for his team.
14.4
4
Harpreet Brar to Shubman Gill, FOUR! Gill gets to his Fifty and this has been a glorious inning. The first for him this year in the competition. Short in length, aiming the stumps, Shubman GillĀ rocks back quickly and pulls it with good timing for a boundary towards deep square leg.
14.3
2
Harpreet Brar to Shubman Gill, Slower through the air on full, outside off, Shubman GillĀ cuts it from the inside half of the bat towards deep covers for a brace.
14.2
1
Harpreet Brar to Vijay Shankar, Bowls it straight and short on off, Vijay ShankarĀ glances off the back foot toward deep backward square leg for a single.
14.1
0
Harpreet Brar to Vijay Shankar, Around the wicket, lands it short on off, Vijay ShankarĀ cuts it off the back foot and finds the point fielder.
Strategic break! Gujarat have done well to accelerate in the middle phase but have also lost a couple of set batters. Skipper, Shubman GillĀ is still out there and he will look to take his side beyond the 190-run mark from here. Punjab have bowled decently so far and will focus on picking up a couple of more wickets in order to keep Gujarat to about 180 runs. Let's see how the first innings pans out.
14
over
14 | 4 Runs |
HH: 123/3
13.6
1
Harshal Patel to Vijay Shankar, Length ball on the stumps, angling in, Vijay ShankarĀ works it to long on for a single and gets off the mark.
Vijay ShankarĀ is the new man in.
13.5
W
Harshal Patel to Sai Sudharsan, OUT! CAUGHT BEHIND! AdamantĀ appeal from the bowler and the keeperĀ but Sai SudharsanĀ walks by himself as he has edged it. Harshal PatelĀ bowls it short and across the off stump, and takes the pace off from the ball,Ā Sai SudharsanĀ waits as the ball comes very slow toward him, and pokes it getting an outside edge. Jitesh SharmaĀ takes a regulation grab behind the wickets on his waist height. A timely scalp for Punjab. But a sensational inning from Sai SudharsanĀ as he departs on 33 off just 19.
13.4
0
Harshal Patel to Sai Sudharsan, A cutter now to follow on a fullish length, outside off, Sai SudharsanĀ gets beaten by the lack of pace trying it go over covers.
13.3
1
Harshal Patel to Shubman Gill, Bangs it short but with no pace on it around off, Shubman GillĀ pulls it towards deep mid-wicket for one.
13.2
1
Harshal Patel to Sai Sudharsan, Keeps the short third a bit fine and bowls it on the length around off, Sai SudharsanĀ strides ahead and punches it through covers for a single.
13.1
1
Harshal Patel to Shubman Gill, Angles on the middle and off, on a hard length, Shubman GillĀ drives it to long on with the angle for a single.
13
over
13 | 14 Runs |
HH: 119/2
12.6
1
Kagiso Rabada to Shubman Gill, On a hard length outside off, Gill cuts it off the back foot to third man for a single. An expensive over for Punjab as these two fetch 14 from it.
12.5
1
Kagiso Rabada to Sai Sudharsan, A bumper on the leg stump line, Sai SudharsanĀ helps it to fine leg for a single.
12.4
4
Kagiso Rabada to Sai Sudharsan, FOUR! This time it's the southpaw and matching shot-for-shot! Just around off on a length, Sai SudharsanĀ covers his off-pole and gloriously lofts it over the bowler's head for a boundary downtown.
12.3
1
Kagiso Rabada to Shubman Gill, Quick and short on off, Gill taps it to covers for a single.
12.2
6
Kagiso Rabada to Shubman Gill, SIX! Gill is in acceleration mode now! Straight and on a length, on off, Shubman GillĀ lofts it with the straight bat over the bowler's head for a giant six. The sheer sound when it left from the willow. Phew, he strikes a pose as well.
12.1
1
Kagiso Rabada to Sai Sudharsan, On the back of a length outside off,Ā Sai SudharsanĀ punches it off the back foot to covers for a single.
12
over
12 | 14 Runs |
HH: 105/2
11.6
1
Sikandar Raza to Sai Sudharsan, On a length on leg, Sai SudharsanĀ nudges it to deep mid-wicket for a single.
11.5
4
Sikandar Raza to Sai Sudharsan, FOUR! He has got the gift of timing and he has done it with regularity! Short in length this time from Raza on the stumps, Sai SudharsanĀ is quick to rock back and pull it solidly through mid-wicket for a boundary.
11.4
4
Sikandar Raza to Sai Sudharsan, FOUR! Swept away neatly and Sai SudharsanĀ is looking in a really good nick. 100 comes up for Gujarat. Raza lands it on the middle and leg, on a fuller length, Sai SudharsanĀ sweeps it through backward square leg for a boundary.
11.3
1
Sikandar Raza to Shubman Gill, Quick and short on the leg stump, Shubman GillĀ pulls it to square leg for one.
11.2
4
Sikandar Raza to Shubman Gill, FOUR! What a cracking shot that! The regular leg spinner on the off, Shubman GillĀ anticipates the length early and skips the down the track before smashing it right straight down the ground for a boundary.
11.1
0
Sikandar Raza to Shubman Gill, Quicker and on the fullish length on off, Shubman GillĀ quickly prods ahead and eases it to Raza.
11
over
11 | 8 Runs |
HH: 91/2
10.6
1
Sam Curran to Shubman Gill, Slows the pace on off, Shubman GillĀ waits for it and drags it to long on for an easy single to end the over.
10.5
1
Sam Curran to Sai Sudharsan, Short in length on the leg stump line, Sai SudharsanĀ climbs on the bounce and pulls it towards deep square leg for a single.
10.4
4
Sam Curran to Sai Sudharsan, FOUR! Errs in line and gets punished! Slower one, floated up full but on the legs and angling down as well, Sai SudharsanĀ gets enough bat on it to tickle it down to fine leg for four runs.
10.3
0
Sam Curran to Sai Sudharsan, Dugs it in a bit short and at the body, Sai SudharsanĀ looks to rock back and pull but misses and gets hit on the body.
10.2
1
Sam Curran to Shubman Gill, Good length again, this time around the leg stump, flicked away past square leg for one more.
10.1
1
Sam Curran to Sai Sudharsan, On a good length and outside off, Sai SudharsanĀ reaches out and dabs it wide of third man looking for two but gets a single only.
Sam CurranĀ (1-0-10-0) is back into the attack. He replaces Harpreet Brar.
10
over
10 | 8 Runs |
HH: 83/2
9.6
1
Sikandar Raza to Sai Sudharsan, A single to end the over and at the halfway mark, Gujarat are 83/2! On the shorter side again a dn this is pulled away through mid-wicket for a single.
9.5
4
Sikandar Raza to Sai Sudharsan, FOUR! A shot of a man brimming with confidence! Bowled short and over middle stump, Sai SudharsanĀ is quick to rock back and is able to power the pull shot well in front of square on the leg side for a boundary.
9.4
0
Sikandar Raza to Sai Sudharsan, The regular off-spinner now, a bit full and around off, pushed back to the bowler.
9.3
1
Sikandar Raza to Shubman Gill, Slightly shorter on middle and this is whipped away nicely but straight to deep mid-wicket for one more.
9.2
1
Sikandar Raza to Sai Sudharsan, Comes around the wicket to the left-hander and bowls it on a nagging length on off stump, Sai SudharsanĀ nudges it to the vacant mid-wicket region looking for two but the bowler is quick to get to it and keeps it to one.
9.1
1
Sikandar Raza to Shubman Gill, Begins with a bit of a half-tracker on middle and leg, Shubman GillĀ stylishly pulls it towards deep square leg for a single. It was an attempted carrom ball actually.
Just one over for Harshal PatelĀ asĀ Sikandar RazaĀ is brought into the attack now.
9
over
9 | 10 Runs |
HH: 75/2
8.6
4
Harpreet Brar to Sai Sudharsan, FOUR! Deft touch from Sai Sudharsan! A bit flatter and angling across the left-hander, Sai plays it really late and just deflects it off the face of the bat down to third man for a boundary.
8.5
1
Harpreet Brar to Shubman Gill, Floated up around middle, Shubman GillĀ pushes this one through mid on for a single.
8.4
1
Harpreet Brar to Sai Sudharsan, Full and angled well across the left-hander, Sai SudharsanĀ creams the cover drive first up but Kagiso RabadaĀ at long off sprints quickly to his right and dives right in to keep it down to just a single. Top cricket all-around.
Sai SudharsanĀ is in at number 4 for Gujarat.
8.3
W
Harpreet Brar to Kane Williamson, OUT! CAUGHT! Straight to the fielder and Kane WilliamsonĀ will be disappointed with that shot! Bowled a bit short and wide, turning away and there to be hit. Kane makes room to cut but is undone by the extra bounce in the pitch and ends up getting it off the outer half of the bat and straight to backward point where Jonny BairstowĀ takes a comfortable catch around his waist and the partnership is broken.
8.2
4
Harpreet Brar to Kane Williamson, FOUR! Classy shot from a classy player! Keeps it a bit full and around off, Kane WilliamsonĀ makes some room and goes inside out through the cover region and finds the boundary.
8.1
0
Harpreet Brar to Kane Williamson, Nicely flighted on a fuller length and a bit quicker too around off, Kane WilliamsonĀ goes on the back foot and cuts it to point.
Strategic Break! Gujarat would be quite happy with the way they are cruising gently with no such damage on their part. Shubman GillĀ and Kane WilliamsonĀ have assessed the conditions pretty well and look well-settled. They have kept the scoreboard ticking by rotating the strike. Kane WilliamsonĀ played some glorious shots from the get-go and these two stitched a decent partnership already. Punjab bowlers haven't found much success apart from Kagiso RabadaĀ dismissing Wriddhiman Saha. Punjab would be desperate to get a couple of wickets from here and build some pressure from the mid overs.
8
over
8 | 8 Runs |
HH: 65/1
7.6
0
Harshal Patel to Shubman Gill, Slightly fuller and sliding back on from the fifth stump line, Shubman GillĀ gets on the front foot and punches it sweetly to covers.
7.5
1
Harshal Patel to Kane Williamson, Fractionally short and at the body, wristed away by Kane WilliamsonĀ to deep square leg for one more.
7.4
1
Harshal Patel to Shubman Gill, Good length on middle and angling in at 139 clicks, Shubman GillĀ pushes it out through mid-wicket and turns the strike over right after the boundary.
7.3
4
Harshal Patel to Shubman Gill, FOUR! Nicely played! Banged in short and quite wide of the off stump, Shubman GillĀ leaps up and slaps it aerially over backward point for a boundary.
7.2
1
Harshal Patel to Kane Williamson, Goes full now and tries to angle it into the stumps, Kane WilliamsonĀ charges down the track but can't quite get it wide enough of mid off and picks up just another single.
7.1
1
Harshal Patel to Shubman Gill, Starts with a short ball, bowled into the pitch and around off at just 121 clicks, Shubman GillĀ gets on top of the bounce and pulls it flatn down to deep mid-wicket for one run.
Harshal PatelĀ comes into the attack now.
7
over
7 | 5 Runs |
HH: 57/1
6.6
0
Harpreet Brar to Kane Williamson, Slightly quick and flat, targeting middle stump, Kane WilliamsonĀ rocks back a touch and punches it straight to covers. Tidy from Harpreet Brar, just 5 runs off it.
6.5
0
Harpreet Brar to Kane Williamson, Pushed through a bit quicker and around off, Kane WilliamsonĀ pushes it out on the off side.
6.4
2
Harpreet Brar to Kane Williamson, Excellent running! Fuller and outside off, Kane WilliamsonĀ leans ahead and chips it deliberately over covers and wide of long off for a couple of quick runs. A better throw from Sam CurranĀ and Shubman GillĀ might have been in trouble.
6.3
2
Harpreet Brar to Kane Williamson, Sloppy from Prabhsimran Singh. Flatter one angled into the legs, Kane WilliamsonĀ flicks it around the corner to short fine leg where Singh gets undone by the spin on the ball and the batters get a brace.
6.2
1
Harpreet Brar to Shubman Gill, On the shorter side on off stump and turning away a bit, Shubman GillĀ stays back and tucks it away past square leg for a single.
6.1
0
Harpreet Brar to Shubman Gill, Floats it up full and around off, Shubman GillĀ drives it off the front foot and straight to extra cover.
Harpreet BrarĀ (1-0-7-0) comes back into the attack. He replaces Kagiso Rabada.
6
over
6 | 11 Runs |
HH: 52/1
5.6
0
Sam Curran to Kane Williamson, Bowls it into the pitch and outside off, Kane WilliamsonĀ looks to come forward and slap it away but mistimes it towards cover. At the end of the Powerplay, Gujarat are 52/1!
5.5
0
Sam Curran to Kane Williamson, The off-cutter now, on a good length and angled well into the stumps, Kane WilliamsonĀ watchfully defends it out.
5.4
4
Sam Curran to Kane Williamson, FOUR!Ā Pleasing to the eye! Slower once again but a lot more full and outside off, Kane WilliamsonĀ just prods forward and pushes it through extra cover for a boundary. the 50 comes up for Gujarat as well.
5.3
2
Sam Curran to Kane Williamson, Drags the length back and bowls it slower again around off, Kane WilliamsonĀ is early into the shot and ends up lifting it off the leading edge over covers for am couple of more runs.
5.2
4
Sam Curran to Kane Williamson, FOUR! Edged away! Switches to around the wicket for the new batterĀ and bowls it a bit slower and fuller outside off, Kane WilliamsonĀ looks to cover drive but gets an outside edge past the keeper and into the third man fence.
5.1
1
Sam Curran to Shubman Gill, Leg bye! Starts from over the stumps and bowls it on a dragged length, getting it to swing in from leg stump. Shubman GillĀ gets rapped on the thigh pads and scampers through for a leg bye as the ball rolls towards backward point.
Sam CurranĀ replaces Arshdeep Singh to bowl the last over of the mandatory Powerplay.
5
over
5 | 6 Runs |
HH: 41/1
4.6
0
Kagiso Rabada to Kane Williamson, Kagiso RabadaĀ keeps hitting the deck hard, and keeps the channel around off, Kane WilliamsonĀ watches the ball closely and lets it come to him before he defends it solidly on the back foot underneath his eyes.
4.5
0
Kagiso Rabada to Kane Williamson, Short in length, and around off, Kane WilliamsonĀ stands tall on the bounce and defends it to the bowler.
4.4
1
Kagiso Rabada to Shubman Gill, On the back of a length on the stumps again, Shubman GillĀ taps it in front of mid and shoots off for a quick single.
4.3
1
Kagiso Rabada to Kane Williamson, Aims the stumps with an inward movement, Kane WilliamsonĀ defends it off the inside edge to short fine and takes a single.
4.2
4
Kagiso Rabada to Kane Williamson, FOUR! Glorious shot that from Kane WilliamsonĀ and he gets his first boundary! Shade on the length around off, Kane WilliamsonĀ gives himself a touch of room by shuffling and skipping down the track a bit before punching it through cover-point for a boundary. What a sheer timer of the cricket ball he is!
4.1
0
Kagiso Rabada to Kane Williamson, Good length around off, Kane WilliamsonĀ prods forward and defends it to the off side.
4
over
4 | 6 Runs |
HH: 35/1
3.6
4
Arshdeep Singh to Shubman Gill, EDGED AND FOUR! Shubman will take it but a good delivery from Arshdeep Singh! Keeps it on the length around off, with an extra bit of bounce on it,Ā Shubman Gill's eyes get lit up with the bounce and it takes his outside edge and flies through the slip cordon for a boundary.
3.5
1
Arshdeep Singh to Kane Williamson, Gets off the mark with a single. On the back of a length around off, Kane WilliamsonĀ stays inside the crease and caresses it to third man for a single.
3.4
0
Arshdeep Singh to Kane Williamson, A nice channel there! Test match line and length! Bowls right in the corridor of uncertainty on off and on a length, Kane WilliamsonĀ draws his front foot ahead and tries to poke but gets beaten on the outside edge as he plays it inside the line of the ball. A good carry to the keeper as well.
3.3
0
Arshdeep Singh to Kane Williamson, Keeps the line tight on the off stump and the length almost on the halfway, Kane WilliamsonĀ stays on the back foot looking to dab it with soft hands but he inside edges onto the pads to the off side.
3.2
1
Arshdeep Singh to Shubman Gill, A bit more wide outside off, but keeps the length the same, Shubman GillĀ stays on the back foot and cuts it towards deep extra cover for a single.
3.1
0
Arshdeep Singh to Shubman Gill, Slants it across off on a length at 131 clicks, Shubman Gill gets ahead andĀ defends it on the up to the off side.
Kane WilliamsonĀ walks in at number 3.
3
over
3 | 11 Runs |
HH: 29/1
2.6
W
Kagiso Rabada to Wriddhiman Saha, OUT! CAUGHT! Kagiso RabadaĀ gets the first wicket and Wriddhiman SahaĀ departs early! Rabada bowls it right on the stump line on a fullish length, it again skids off the deck and comes to the bat quickly, Wriddhiman SahaĀ closes the bat's face a bit too early for the flick anticipating it to come quickly, and plays it with the bottom hand. It takes the leading edge and flies up in the night sky over the mid off region where Shikhar DhawanĀ calls for his catch and settles under it and completes a simple catch.
2.5
4
Kagiso Rabada to Wriddhiman Saha, FOUR! Nicely done by Saha! Pitched up with a bit of a bounce on off, Wriddhiman SahaĀ plays it on the up and drives it over the covers for a boundary.
2.4
0
Kagiso Rabada to Wriddhiman Saha, Length ball on the stumps, it skids a bit as well, Wriddhiman SahaĀ blocks it back to the bowler.
2.3
1
Kagiso Rabada to Shubman Gill, A good follow-up delivery! Short in length on the stumps, Shubman GillĀ gets it off the thickish outside edge to point for a single.
2.2
4
Kagiso Rabada to Shubman Gill, FOUR! Gloriously flicked away! Goes a bit fuller and attacks the stumps, Shubman GillĀ plays it with the angle and flicks it nicely past the right of short fine for a boundary. The margin of error while bowling to him is too less.
2.1
1
Kagiso Rabada to Wriddhiman Saha, Hits the deck hard on off, at 138 clicks, Wriddhiman SahaĀ dabs it with soft hands off the back foot towards point and steals a quick single.
2.1
1
Kagiso Rabada to Wriddhiman Saha, WIDE! A wild lateral movement on a length, angling on the pads. Wriddhiman SahaĀ misses to nudge it away and Jitesh SharmaĀ dives to his left to stop it. Wide given.
2
over
2 | 11 Runs |
HH: 18/0
1.6
2
Arshdeep Singh to Shubman Gill, Short, on the off and middle channel, Shubman GillĀ swivels quickly and pulls it through square leg for a brace. A brilliant effort in the deep by Shashank SinghĀ saves two as he sprints and dives to his left. End of an eventful over. 11 runs from it.
1.5
1
Arshdeep Singh to Wriddhiman Saha, On the back of a length around off, Wriddhiman SahaĀ hops on the back foot and guides it toward deep third for one.
1.4
4
Arshdeep Singh to Wriddhiman Saha, FOUR! Superb shot that from Saha! A good use of the wrists. Inward movement on a fuller length, angling on the pads. Wriddhiman SahaĀ flicks it neatly with his wrists uppishly over mid-wicket for a boundary on a couple of bounces in the deep.
1.3
0
Arshdeep Singh to Wriddhiman Saha, Shaping in again on the stumps, on a length, Wriddhiman SahaĀ pushes it to mid on.
1.2
4
Arshdeep Singh to Wriddhiman Saha, FOUR LEG BYES! How often we have seen this! A boundary just after the review. Swings back in on a length, around the middle stump line, Wriddhiman SahaĀ misses to flick and the ball brushes off the pads before racing away to the fence towards deep fine leg fence.
1.1
0
Arshdeep Singh to Wriddhiman Saha, A huge shout for LBW and up goes the finger. Wriddhiman SahaĀ takes a review after a brief chat with his partner Gill. Arshdeep SinghĀ starts off from over the wicket and lands it right on the money, on a hard length with a bit of a movement into the batter from the middle. UltraEdge comes up and shows that no bat is involved. Ball Tracker confirms that the ball has pitched in the line of the stumps but misses the stumps due to height. Wriddhiman SahaĀ survives and gets an early sigh of relief. A good review.
Arshdeep SinghĀ to bowl from the other end.
1
over
1 | 7 Runs |
HH: 7/0
0.6
6
Harpreet Brar to Shubman Gill, SIX! What a shot! Also, this is the 300th maximum of this Indian T20 League! Brar tosses it up again on off, Shubman GillĀ dances down the pitch of the ball and lifts it over the bowler's head for a biggie. The ball lands right on the boundary cushions and the TV Umpire confirms that it is a six.
0.5
0
Harpreet Brar to Shubman Gill, Tossed up outside off, Shubman GillĀ presses forward and pushes it to covers.
0.4
1
Harpreet Brar to Wriddhiman Saha, Off the mark with a single. Drifting it on the pads, Wriddhiman SahaĀ nudges it with soft hands to square leg for a single.
0.3
0
Harpreet Brar to Wriddhiman Saha, Slightly around off, Wriddhiman SahaĀ goes back and pushes it to covers.
0.2
0
Harpreet Brar to Wriddhiman Saha, On a dragged length again, and outside off, Wriddhiman SahaĀ strides ahead and drives it to covers.
0.1
0
Harpreet Brar to Wriddhiman Saha, Brar starts off by landing on the length just around off, it keeps straight, Wriddhiman SahaĀ punches it off the back foot to the off side.
We are all set for the game to begin! The two umpires make their way out to the middle and they are followed by Gujarat's opening pair of skipper Shubman GillĀ and Wriddhiman Saha. The players of Punjab also stride out to the middle and take their places on the field. Surprisingly, Shikhar DhawanĀ has tossed the ball to the left-arm spinner Harpreet BrarĀ and he will get proceedings underway here.
Punjab's ace pacer, Kagiso RabadaĀ is down for a quick chat.Ā Rabada says that as long as he is getting wickets, he is doing his job but it is about the team's result and hopefully they are on the right side in this match. Adds that it is identifying key moments and that will swing more games in their favor. Mentions that he doesn't mind in which phase he bowls and whenever he gets told to bowl, he is happy to do it. On Gujarat, he says that they are a phenomenal side and they have been playing some great cricket as a team and they have to play better cricket than their counterparts. Adds that Arshdeep Singh, Jitesh Sharma, Harpreet BrarĀ and Prabhsimran SinghĀ are a few players who have matured well in the last three seasons he has been with the franchise.
Gujarat skipper, Shubman GillĀ says that they would have bowled as well but it seems like an even wicket and there won't be much dew either. Adds that it is surprising that this is the first match between these two teams at this ground. Mentions that they have started well and wins on the road are crucial and they have been able to get those wins in the past seasons. Ends by informing that David MillerĀ is out due to a niggle and Kane WilliamsonĀ comes in for him.
Shikhar Dhawan, the captain of Punjab says that they will bowl first.Ā He says it looks like a good wicket and reckons it will remain the same throughout the match. Adds a couple of games haven't gone their way but it won't be the same all the time. He mentions that they are playing decent cricket but just need to correct a few errors. Informs one change as Liam LivingstoneĀ misses out due to injury and Sikandar Raza comes in place of him.
GujaratĀ (Playing XI) - Wriddhiman Saha (WK), Shubman Gill (C), Sai Sudharsan, Kane Williamson (In for David Miller), Vijay Shankar, Azmatullah Omarzai, Rahul Tewatia, Rashid Khan, Noor Ahmad, Umesh Yadav, Darshan Nalkande.
TOSS - Shikhar Dhawan, the captain of Punjab calls the coin toss correctly and opts to BOWL first.
On the other hand, Punjab began the tournament with a promising victory but has faced setbacks with two consecutive defeats lately. In their recent match against Lucknow, they fell short by 21 runs while chasing a challenging target of 200. Barring Shikhar Dhawan'sĀ 70 and Jonny Bairstow'sĀ 43, no other batter showed any fight. Notably, Punjab has struggled with losing wickets in clusters and their bowling unit, especiallyĀ Harshal Patel, has been expensive. However, all-rounder Sam CurranĀ has proven to be a valuable asset, and Shikhar Dhawan's contributions at the top have been instrumental. Yet, the rest of the batting lineup needs to step up to support them. Inconsistencies in the spin department have also been apparent. Looking ahead in this contest, Punjab aims to rectify these shortcomings and elevate their performance to secure crucial points in the standings by getting back to the winning ways. Will they pose a stern challenge against Gujarat in their home ground? Only time will tell.Ā Stay tuned for the Toss and team updates.
Gujarat, currently fifth on the points table, has showcased resilience with just one loss and two wins, comprehensively defeating the dangerous Hyderabad side recently. Despite missing Mohammed Shami, their bowling unit, led by the vastly experiencedĀ Mohit SharmaĀ and bolstered by Rashid Khan'sĀ return, has been effective. Their batting lineup, anchored by Shubman GillĀ and Wriddhiman Saha, appears strong with Sai Sudharsan'sĀ consistent performance at number 3 and David Miller'sĀ in-form presence. Their middle order hasn't faced much of a challenge so far, but it will be intriguing to see how they fare when tested. While Shubman Gill's leadership qualities have shown promise, he aims to bolster his run tally. As they gear up for this challenge, Gujarat will be eager to maintain their impressive track record at home and hover aroundĀ the top 4 places in the points table.
Greetings, everyone, and a warm welcome! Match number 17 is just around the corner, and the iconic Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad is set to host an electrifying encounter between Gujarat and Punjab. In the two games played here this season, we've seen an average first-inningĀ score of around 160. Interestingly, one match saw the target chased down successfully, while in the other, it was defended. This indicates a balanced contest between bat and ball, making this match a thrilling prospect for all staunch cricket enthusiasts.
... MATCH DAY ...
The Indian T20 League is in full swing, delivering nail-biting contests at every turn. Brace yourself for another thrilling match as the iconic Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad gears up for Match 17 between Gujarat and Punjab. Gujarat has shown promise with two wins and just one loss, while Punjab's journey has been rocky with two consecutive defeats following their initial triumph. In their recent showdown, Gujarat displayed dominance by clinching a convincing 7-wicket victory against Hyderabad. Despite missing the services of fiery pacer Mohammed Shami for this year, Gujarat's bowling unit has held its ground, with new recruit Spencer Johnson catching the eye. Rashid Khan, recovering from injury, is gradually regaining his form and remains a formidable force on the field. Umesh Yadav and Azmatullah Omarzai have been diligently carrying out their responsibilities, while Mohit Sharma's wealth of experience has proven invaluable in spearheading Gujarat's bowling attack with finesse. He picked a superb three-wicket haul and contained the opposition batters. In their previous outing, Gujarat restricted Hyderabad to a modest total of 162 runs. The opening duo of Wriddhiman Saha and Shubman Gill has been rock-solid, fortifying Gujarat's batting lineup. Sai Sudharsan's consistent performances have earned him the coveted number three spot, contributing a composed innings of 45 runs. Additionally, David Miller's quickfire 44 ensured Gujarat's smooth sail to victory. Meanwhile, Punjab is reeling from two consecutive defeats, prompting a deep introspection into various aspects of their performance. In their recent encounter against Lucknow, despite a commendable effort from their bowlers, they struggled to contain the opposition after being set a daunting target of 200 runs. Sam Curran, who has regained his form with both bat and ball and continued to be a pivotal figure, claiming three crucial wickets. Arshdeep Singh maintained his consistency with a couple of wickets as well. The focus now shifts to Harshal Patel, who faces the challenge of bouncing back after a lackluster performance in the previous game. Although skipper Shikhar Dhawan along with Jonny Bairstow provided a solid start with a 102-run opening partnership, Punjab faltered as their middle order failed to capitalize on the platform laid by the openers. Despite a fighting effort from Liam Livingstone, Punjab succumbed to a disappointing 21-run defeat. As they prepare to face Gujarat, Punjab will be looking for stronger contributions from their middle order and a more impactful performance from their spinners to turn the tide in their favor. Prepare for yet another exhilarating clash as Gujarat seeks to maintain its winning momentum, while Punjab aims for redemption after consecutive losses. Anticipation mounts as Punjab seeks to stage a comeback in their upcoming challenge against Gujarat, particularly with Gujarat's formidable record on their home turf. While the clash is pretty fresh among the two, Gujarat's dominance over Punjab in their head-to-head record adds an extra layer of intrigue to this contest. Whose side are you on?