New Delhi:
Russell, Rana and Robbie – the ‘RRR’ troika, played sensationally well in the game to hand over the Knights with a 28-run victory at the iconic Eden Gardens. Kings XI Punjab toiled hard to get as close as possible to the target. Mayank, Mandeep, David - the ‘MMM’ troika tried, but try was just not enough.
That's it from us. Hope you enjoyed our coverage! We'll be back for tomorrow's game which is scheduled to happen between Mumbai Indians and Royal Challengers Bangalore. Tada!
RESULT: Kolkata Knight Riders beat Kings XI Punjab by 28 runs
Chawla will bowl the final over! 42 needed off the last 6!
For Kings XI Punjab, it will be said - 'they tried, but try was just not enough'.
Looks close to impossible now! Required run-rate nearing 25!
Was Mandeep always there at the crease or what? What a delightful shot that was! SIX to start the 17th over! However, the required rate is just over 20 now!
Good call by Miller there. Saves his wicket and KXIP's hopes!
WICKET: Misses it by a mile there. Piyush Chawla tossed the ball up, and Mayank was taken in flight! Out for 58.
Another catch put down! It's all changing here at Eden Gardens!
This is one of many reasons why 'moments' win matches in cricket! It wouldn't be wrong to say that KXIP is very much in the game now! after 14 overs, it's 124/3.
Back to back boundaries for KILLER THRILLER MILLER! Can he do it for KXIP - That's the question!
Finally some smiles in KXIP camp. First SIX after a long..long..time!
So, Miller has done it for KXIP in past, but the question is will he be able to this time? Narine is bowling beautifully, Russell ain't giving anything to the batsmen, and run-rate is above 14. Just can't leave it for the end now. The time is now or NEVER! After 10 overs, it's 77/3.
WICKET: Yet another start for Sarfaraz, yet another disappointment. Russell is proving to be the difference between two sides. Third one down!
Well, the way things have been going for Kings XI, they need something special and fast if they wish to stay in this game. the required run rate has already reached 13.
KKR are right on top. KL Rahul and Chris Gayle have done it in past for them, but not today! After 5 overs, it's 43/2.
WICKET: Russell in the show again! Dres Russ sends Universe Boss!
Kings XI Punjab lost KL Rahul early in the innings!
WICKET: Finally some ecstasy in KXIP camp. Dre Russ departs for 48!
20th over has started in Punjab's favour! Just three runs off the first three deliveries.
The partnership is now 54 off 26 deliveries. 200 up for Kolkata Knight Riders!
Robin doing the good thing here, giving the strike to Dre RUSS! How many more can we expect here?
Russell not looking that effective today! Punjab has made a sensational comeback here. Not giving anything to KKR batsman!
Excellent execution. Bowling with clear plans. Shami at his best! Just one boundary of the 17th over! It's 163/3.
Mohammad Shami comes back into the attack to bowl his third over!
WICKET: Just wow innings from Nitish Rana. He did what he could! First wicket for Varun in IPL.
Going by the cricketing mind, KKR may well promote Andre Russell up the order. We may see him next here.
Pressure looming on Kings XI Punjab! They are desperately in need of a wicket here! After 14 overs, it's 146/2.
ALERT: 100 run partnership between Rana and Uthappa!
Ravichandran Ashwin giving full tosses to Rana! What else can you ask for except for depositing it into the stands! After 11 overs, it's 108/2.
Rana and Robbie looking solid here. Punjab in need of a wicket or the duo will take the game away from them! After 10 overs, it's 89/2.
Tye is mixing up quite well here. Just not giving anything to the batsman. Superlative stuff!
The repair work started for KKR, lost two wickets early and now the onus is on Rana and Uthappa to do the job. After 8 overs, it's 73/2.
Ashwin comes to bowl the final over of powerplay! If you're standing at Non-striker's end, Just don't leave your crease!
Andrew Tye comes into the attack! A lot of changes in the first six overs itself!
Just two things happening at the moment - it's either boundary or a wicket! Game getting pace early in the innings! After 4 overs, it's 42/2.
WICKET: Quick-fire innings comes to an end for Narine. He was looking deadly dangerous! Narine departs for 24.
Viljoen replaces Varun! Will it bring any difference?
WICKET: Lynn was trying to continue the momentum but just couldn't! This is Miller's wicket more than the bowler himself. What a catch!
Misfield blunder! Just don't expect at the International level! Debutant under pressure!
Brilliant seam position for Shami. Absolutely sensational start by Kings XI Punjab!
Players are out in the middle and we are ready for the first ball. Andre Russell rings the bell! Universe Boss checks the pitch. Sunil Narine back to his favourite position!
Kings XI Punjab (Playing XI): Lokesh Rahul(w), Chris Gayle, Mayank Agarwal, Sarfaraz Khan, David Miller, Mandeep Singh, Hardus Viljoen, Ravichandran Ashwin(c), Varun Chakravarthy, Mohammed Shami, Andrew Tye
Kolkata Knight Riders (Playing XI): Chris Lynn, Nitish Rana, Robin Uthappa, Dinesh Karthik(w/c), Shubman Gill, Andre Russell, Sunil Narine, Piyush Chawla, Kuldeep Yadav, Lockie Ferguson, Prasidh Krishna
TOSS: Kings XI Punjab opt to bowl vs Kolkata Knight Riders
NEWS: David Miller and Tye are both available for selection today.
We are now just 10 minutes away for the all-important TOSS! Who will win?
Kolkata wicket is expected to be a batting-friendly wicket and team winning the toss will look to put some runs on the board as the Eden Gardens wicket slows down as the game progresses.
Ravichandran Ashwin and Dinesh Karthik, captains of their respective sides have been in news for different reasons. The latter would still be happy, even when both are not for 'good' reasons!
Hello and a warm welcome! We are all set to witness another cracker of a game as Kolkata take on Punjab in yet another home game. Two teams have won their first game, and this remains to be seen which team will make it 2 in 2! We're just 60 minutes away from the first ball.