KKR vs PBKS Highlights Of VIVO IPL 2021: Punjab Kings Keep Playoff Hopes Alive With Crucial Win

Punjab Kings got themselves right back into the playoff race as they defeated Kolkata Knight Riders by five wickets in match 45 of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 in Dubai. KL Rahul was once again the star as PBKS climb to 10 points on the table.

Caught! Yet another cheap throw of the wicket by a Punjab batsman as Deepak Hooda this time goes for a big hit only to find a fielder on the fence. Hooda c Tripathi b Shivam Mavi 3(4).

Wicket! Sunil Narine gets s timely wicket as Punjab Kings were starting to pull away. Aiden Markram was looking for another maximum in the over but could only find Shubman Gill on the ropes. Markram c Shubman Gill b Narine 18(16).

After the dismissal of Nicholas Pooran, Aiden Markram and skipper KL Rahul are looking to rebuild the PBKS innings. The duo needs a good partnership to take their team closer to the target given Punjab's lower-order disappointments this season.

Wicket! Varun Chakravarthy gets his second wicket of the game as he dismisses Nicholas Pooran, whose lean patch with the bat continues. Pooran c Shivam Mavi b Chakaravarthy 12(7).

Wicket! Varun Chakravarthy breaks the partnership between KL Rahul and Mayank Agarwal as he dismisses the latter. After dropping him on a duck, Eoin Morgan this time holds on to the ball. Mayank c Morgan b Chakaravarthy 40(27).

End of Powerplay! KL Rahul and Mayank Agarwal have done well to preserve their wicket during the powerplay while also scoring at a decent rate. The latter has been the aggressor between the two and has shown great form after return from his injury.

Once again the duo of KL Rahul and Mayank Agarwal have started well in the powerplays. Bith form a great partnership and their contributions will be key if Punjab Kings are to get over the line.

KL Rahul and Mayank Agarwal begin the chase as Punjab Kings aim to get all two points from the game. PBKS can move level on points with KKR with a  win while a defeat sees them fall behind in the race for playoff qualification.

Kolkata Knight Riders lost their way in the final stages but led by Venkatesh Iyer, the Eoin Morgan-captained side have managed to put a competitive score on the board. Punjab Kings bat deep in this game and need to get all two points to avoid complicating things in the final stretch of the game.

Venkatesh Iyer has set a great platform for KKR batters to press on the pedal in the final overs of the game and both Nitish Rana and Dinesh Karthik are capable of doing that. With just four specialist bowlers in the line-up, Kolkata need a huge score given Punjab Kings' batting depth for this game.

Venkatesh Iyer scored his second IPL fifty in just his fifth game in the competition, registering his best individual score in the process. However, the KKR batter was then dismissed by young Ravi Bishnoi, who gets his second wicket of the game. Venkatesh Iyer c Hooda b Ravi Bishnoi 67(49).

Venkatesh Iyer scored his second IPL fifty in just his fifth game in the competition, registering his best individual score in the process. However, the KKR batter was then dismissed by young Ravi Bishnoi, who gets his second wicket of the game. Venkatesh Iyer c Hooda b Ravi Bishnoi 67(49).

Wicket! Ravi Bishnoi breaks the partnership as he dismisses Rahul Tripathi. The KKR batter tried to clear the outfield but got more air than distance and handed an easy catch to Deepak Hooda. Tripathi c Hooda b Ravi Bishnoi 34(26).

Venkatesh Iyer and Rahul Tripathi have stitched up a 50-run partnership together as the duo have displayed all their quality. PBKS bowlers haven't had any answers to the two as they keep trying to make a breakthrough.

Venkatesh Iyer and Rahul Tripathi have been brilliant in the opening stages of the game as they have played sensible cricket and have scored runs at a good rate without taking any unnecessary risks. Iyer looks to be in great form and set for another big score.

End of Powerplay! After the early dismissal of Shubman Gill, both Venkatesh Iyer and Rahul Tripathi have done well to steady the KKR innings, while taking advantage of some lose deliveries. Now the duo will be aiming to build on their partnership.

Wicket! Arshdeep provides the early breakthrough for Punjab Kings in this important encounter. A brilliant inswinger pierces through Shubman Gill's defence, clattering into the stumps. Shubman Gill b Arshdeep Singh 7(7).

Shubman Gill and Venkatesh Iyer begin proceedings as Kolkata Knight Riders aim to widen the gap between them and the chasing pack for the playoff spots. Meanwhile, Punjab will hope to restrict KKR to a modest total and get themselves back in the race for the top four.

Punjab Kings have won the toss and KL Rahul has elected to bowl first. Fabian Allen and Mayank Agarwal return for PBKS after the departure of Chris Gayle. Tim Seifert will be making his debut for Kolkata Knight Riders as he replaces Lockie Ferguson.