Punjab Kings vs Kolkata Knight Riders Highlights, IPL 2023: Shikhar Dhawan-Led Side Clinch Victory Via DLS Method

Punjab Kings have had a winning start to their IPL 2023 campaign as they beat Kolkata Knight Riders by seven runs via DLS method. The two-time champions needed 46 off 24 balls but it was when it started to rain hard and play had to be stopped. Earlier, the Knights lost wickets regularly in their pursuit of 192 runs. Andre Russell's 19-ball 35 did offer some hope but barring him and Venkatesh Iyer's 34 off 28, the Knight Riders did not have much to boast of, when it came to their batting. Arshdeep Singh was Punjab's best bowler, taking three wickets. Earlier, Bhanuka Rajapaksa scored a half-century and other batters chipped in with useful contributions as Punjab finished with 192/5 after being put to bat first. 

And its over. Punjab Kings have defeated Kolkata Knight Riders by seven runs via the DLS method. KKR were 146/7 when the heavens opened up and they needed 46 off 24 balls. 

Rain has stopped play at the PCA Stadium in Mohali. At the moment, KKR are behind on the DLS par score here and Punjab Kings wont complain. It is raining quite heavily and things are not looking good at the moment. 

OUT! Venkatesh Iyer is dismissed and Punjab Kings are slowly approaching victory! Arshdeep is the man once again and another short ball sees Iyer play an awkward-looking shot and Rahul Chahar ended up taking a good catch. Venkatesh Iyer c Rahul Chahar b Arshdeep Singh 34(28)

OUT! THE BIG WICKET! Sam Curran has dismissed Andre Russell and perhaps, it is the end of this game for KKR. The Caribbean star was hitting some fine shots and it seems the Knights were slowly raising hopes of a comeback but he has found Sikandar Raza in the deep. He is livid and why shouldn't he be? Andre Russell c Raza b Sam Curran 35(19)

KKR are getting some move on here with the last over by Nathan Ellis going for 18 runs. The over by Ellis saw Russell survived a dropped chance after he had skied one in the air. Venkatesh Iyer also played a gorgeous shot for a six off a free-hit. 

OUT! The wickets keep falling for KKR as this time, Rahul Chahar dismisses Rinku Singh. The left-hander went for a big shot but did not the distance, with Sikandar Raza taking a good catch. Rinku Singh c Sikandar Raza b Rahul Chahar 4(4)

OUT! A big wicket this as Sikandar Raza has dismissed the KKR captain here. Nitish Rana opted to play a cut shot but could hit the ball straight to Rahul Chahar. Punjab Kings have struck again and KKR are losing their way here. Nitish Rana c Rahul Chahar b Sikandar Raza 24(17)

Alright then, the Knight Riders are getting some sort of a move on here. Both Nitish Rana and Venkatesh Iyer have hit boundaries and these two will look to continue the same way before the likes of Andre Russell and Rinku Singh come out to bat. 

KKR have somewhat of a decent finish to their powerplay, with Venkatesh Iyer hitting two fours in the sixth over. The Knight Riders are three down and these two need to have a partnership if the two-time champs are to have a shot at this title. 

OUT! Nathan Ellis too has stuck in his first over and dismissed Rahmanullah Gurbaz, who was looking good for his 22 runs off 16 balls. Gurbaz came down the track but missed the delivery and the ball knocked his stumps down. KKR in trouble early on. Rahmanullah Gurbaz b Nathan Ellis 22(16) 

And KKR, too have named their impact player in the form of Venkatesh Iyer. The batter has replaced Varun Chakaravarthy. 

OUT! And another wicket for Arshdeep Singh! A good start this fro Punjab Kings with the left-arm yet another digging in a short delivery and Anukul Roy, cramped, could only hit it to the fielder.  Anukul Roy c Sikandar Raza b Arshdeep Singh 4(5) 

OUT! And Punjab Kings have a wicket with Arshdeep Singh delivering off his first delivery! A short ball and Mandeep Singh finds the fielder in the deep. Mandeep Singh c Sam Curran b Arshdeep Singh 2(4)

A good start for KKR with debutant Rahmanullah Gurbaz hitting two good shots to get things going. KKR fans would be very happy to see this type of a start. 

The second innings is a bit delayed here due to the floodlights not switching on properly at the PCA Stadium. It is taking some time with some of them flickering. Meanwhile, Shikhar Dhawan is having a chat with his players as the batters wait. 

And Punjab Kings finish with 191/5 on the board. The innings started off pretty decently for them, with Bhanuka Rajapaksa being the best batter, scoring 50 off 32 balls. All the other batters chipped in with useful contributions but KKR bowlers did well towards the end and stopped this total from being somewhat around 200 or more.  Sam Curran's 26 off 17 balls provided Punjab Kings the flourish they needed. Varun Chakaravarthy was KKR's best bowler, conceding only 26 runs off his four overs where he also took the wicket of Shikhar Dhawan. The KKR batters have their task cut out and although this pitch looks good, they will need a good start. 

OUT! Sikandar Raza has been dismissed with Sunil Narine finally getting into the wickets column. The right-hander went for a big shot but could not time it. The ball had height but no distance whatsoever as Nitish Rana ended up with a simple catch. KKR are slowly pulling things back. Sikandar Raza c Nitish Rana b Sunil Narine 16(13) 

OUT! A big wicket this and Varun Chakaravarthy has sent Shikhar Dhawan packing. The Punjab Kings' captain, who had batted well so far, has been bowled with the ball crashing into the middle and leg stump. Can KKR tighten the screws here? Shikhar Dhawan b Varun Chakaravarthy 40(29) 

OUT! Tim Southee has struck and dismissed Jitesh Sharma, who was looking so good. Southee came up with a short delivery and Sharma got a thick edge, with Umesh Yadav taking a good catch. Jitesh Sharma c Umesh Yadav b Tim Southee 21(11)