Highlights, IPL 2018, KKR vs KXIP at Kolkata, Full Cricket Score: Gayle, Rahul propel Kings XI Punjab to 9-wicket win

KL Rahul: I don’t want to stop whatever I am doing. I am in good space want to go out and win matches for my team. The simpler you keep it, the better it is for the batsman. I don’t want to complicate my batting. I back a lot on cricketing shots. I want to get into good positions and hold my shape. I want to make sure to  make it big after getting starts.  Me and Chris have spoken. If Chris is going it doesn’t mean I slow down. If he feels he can target a bowler, then I let him strike. If he fancies a bowler, I take a single and he can hit five sixes. We are not thinking too much.

KL Rahul is the Man of the Match

Ravichandran Ashwin, Kings XI Punjab captain: Lot more happier than win before. We were little under the pump when we were bowling. KL played like million dollars. Chris, you never ask for it. Very important to have a perspective when we were bowling. I think one side of the ground was a bit shorter so AJ had a lot of experience so we gave him the 20th over. You don’t really plan anything for Chris (Gayle). We are a team who are winning the powerplay with the bat. In IPL, you have to be realistic. Traveling is hard.

“I am accustomed to it,” says Chris Gayle after been awarded the orange cap. Always an entertainer.

Huge victory for Punjab. Both Rahul and Gayle have thrashed the KKR bowling to all corners of Eden Gardens and the fielding captain had absolutely no clue of how to stop them. Feel, Karthik missed a trick by not bowling spinners against Gayle early. However, Mavi’s bowling is the only positive for the home side in the second half of the match.

Following this game, there is a six-day break for the Knights. Their next match is an away fixture against Delhi on 27th.

That’s it… another Gayle six helps Punjab soar further… Gill tried to catch that but slipper because of wet outfield and it sailed away over the boundary… sums up the evening for Kolkata… rain didn’t help but it never also seemed that 190 was going to be enough. Third successive win for Punjab and they are climbing up the table… this seems to be a refreshing season for Kings XI Punjab.

Dinesh Karthik, Kolkata Knight Riders captain:

I think they took us in powerplay. We did not bowl as per the plan. We are putting pressure on the opposition bowling. We planned a certain amount of things on their batting but we did not execute the plans. We did not handle pressure well. Crowds have always been great. Proud to be playing in front of a crowd like this.

Huge victory for Punjab. Both Rahul and Gayle have thrashed the KKR bowling to all corners of Eden Gardens and the fielding captain had absolutely no clue of how to stop them. Feel, Karthik missed a trick by not bowling spinners against Gayle early. However, Mavi’s bowling is the only positive for the home side in the second half of the match.

Following this game, there is a six-day break for the Knights. Their next match is an away fixture against Delhi on 27th.

KXIP Punjab win by 9 wickets as Chris Gayle finishes off the things in style.

Tom Curran comes on to bowl his first ball and Gayle goes big, was premeditatted, as the ball goes high and straight up in the air as it falls right on the boundary cushions. Long on fielder was interested for a bit, he even did put the dive but couldn’t hold on to the catch. Dominant display of cricket from Punjab to collect their fourth win to go on the top of the table.

After 11 overs,Kings XI Punjab 120/1 ( Chris Gayle 56 , Mayank Agarwal 2)

Gayle almost chopping back on his stumps, Mavi knows KXIP are looking to finish it with a flourish and he is trying his best to delay the inevitable. Lot of slower balls to not give Gayle the advantage of the pace. Fires it wide on the offside for the fifth ball and Gayle who was backing away on the leg side went to tonk it over covers. Tries the yorker off the last ball that has been tapped to long on for a single. Three runs off the over. 5 needed off 12 balls.

Shivam Mavi to bowl the 11 over. KXIP need 8 off 18 balls. Will it be the last one of the match?

After 10 overs,Kings XI Punjab 117/1 ( Chris Gayle 55 , Mayank Agarwal 1)

Rahul won’t be there to celebrate the win as he walks back to the pavilion after an amazing batting effort. Mayank Agarwal comes in at number 3.

OUT! Rahul was in a hurry, wasn’t he? Mistimes a pull and is caught by Curran at deep mid wicket.

KL Rahul c Tom Curran b Narine 60(27)

FIFTY! Rahul gets to his fifty and he too celebrates it with a maximum. Short delivery from Narine and it has been smacked away.

After 9 overs,Kings XI Punjab 102/0 ( Lokesh Rahul (W) 46 , Chris Gayle 55)

Gayle blasts to his fifty with a six as Kings XI go past 100. KXIP are moving quickly towards the target. Chawla finishes with 3 dots.

FIFTY! Rain no rain, Gaylestrom continues. Slams a six to get to his third consecutive 50

Players are out and the game is getting underway

There it is then. 125 for KXIP to win. Match reduced to 13 overs. That is 29 runs needed off 28 balls. Chris Gayle will have a chance to come out and complete his half-century. Play to get underway at 201:15 that is 5 minutes from now.

UPDATE: We will have an 8:15PM start. It will be a 13-over game. Target for KXIP -125 #VIVOIPL #KKRvKXIP pic.twitter.com/SMpdMyNvwT

— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) April 21, 2018

The match officials are having a close look at the playing conditions. More updates to follow soon.

It has stopped raining and the covers have come off. The umpires on the field for inspection. We will have an update soon on the match conditions #VIVOIPL #KKRvKXIP

— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) April 21, 2018

Alright then! The players are out and are warming up hoping we are close to the start of the match

The last layer of cover is off the field now. The players are warming up, and we should have some action soon. No official word on the exact time of resumption yet. Stay tuned! 👍#KKRvKXIP #IPL2018 #KKRHaiTaiyaar

— KolkataKnightRiders (@KKRiders) April 21, 2018

Just a reminder to how things were when the game was halted due to rain Kings XI Punjab 96/0 after 8.2 overs, need more 96 runs with 70 balls left to bowl, not sure if we will get the remaining deliveries, but will have to wait for the official word on the revised target. KXIP are 31 runs ahead of the par score according to DLS method and they will be handed a win if the match is called off.

The covers are coming off at the Eden Gardens. The square is also getting cleared up, we might have some action soon. Stay tuned for more updates.

Good news this! Hopefully the umpires deem the conditions fit to play

First sight of green after some great work from the groundsmen at Eden Gardens. Loud cheer from the crowd with the centre covers coming off. Umpires in the middle inspecting the conditions. #KKRvKXIP #IPL2018 #KKRHaiTaiyaar

— KolkataKnightRiders (@KKRiders) April 21, 2018

The rain has stopped and groundsmen are currently doing their best to get the ground ready before the cut-off time. If we are lucky then we might see a few more overs of play tonight.

Meanwhile reports coming in that the rain has stopped and we might have some cricket at Eden Gardens.

In case you are wondering what is the situation with the game in Bangalore it is absolutely fine there as Royal Challengers Bangalore gears up to host Delhi Dardevils for the night game. We are less than 5 minutes away from the toss and You can follow it here .

Less than an hour left before we run out of extended time. Possibility that we might not have any further play, but we are certain to lose overs and a there will be a revised target. If you are KKR fan keep your fingers cross and hope for the rain to stop and ground to dry up.

The cut off time for the match is 8:10 PM IST

If we have no further play then KXIP will win by 31 runs by DLS method.

Bad news from Eden Gardens

From my knowledge about the local weather, I expect no further play in this match. The rain is getting heavier and don’t think it will stop soon. The entire ground has been covered right now.

Another Chawla ball… Another Gayle six… Rain and covers… Normal routine at Eden Gardens… Except Punjab are winning this on DLS. But let us just wait…

Play interuppted due to rain.

The umpires have called the covers on as the rain gets heavier, hopefully it is just a passing shower and nothing else. Gayle is batting on 49 and he will be eager to slam his third consecutive 50+ score, while KKR will get time to regroup and time to think how they can break this partnership.

SIX! Higggghhhh into the night sky and the ball just sails over the long fielder. 81 meters is certainly not Gayle’s standard. He moves to 49. Didn’t get it from the center of the bat with long on fielder interested for a long while.

After 8 overs,Kings XI Punjab 89/0 ( Lokesh Rahul (W) 45 , Chris Gayle 43)

Finally a subdued over for KKR. First over without the ball going/ flying past fence. There seems to be a drizzle around the ground nothing too threatening to stop the play as of now.

Ok, it has started to drizzle The groundsmen are getting ready with the covers. Expect a break soon. KXIP are well ahead in the D/L equation.

After 7 overs,Kings XI Punjab 86/0 ( KL Rahul (W) 43 , Chris Gayle 42)

There seems to be a race to 50 between the Punjab openers. Both the players like to attack and now they are well set to launch a brutal assualt. The fielding restrictions don’t matter a lot to these two. Kuldeep’s first over is taken for 13 runs.

SIX! Gayle swings across the line and the ball sails over long on fielder. Easy as you like. He is also the leading run-scorer in this IPL.

FOUR! Though the powerplay is over and the boundary riders present but Kuldeep bowls short he will be hammered and no fielders in the deep will be able to stop that. Rahul rocks back and pumps the pull to deep mid wicket boundary.

Kuldeep Yadav comes into the attack

Punjab flying through the power play overs. There is an assuredness about Rahul when he is in such form… Early time out for KKR. They look in panic mofe every time Gayle marks his guard. They need to regroup.

If Russell cannot bowl any further in this game then KKR’s death bowling plans will take a huge blow. However, the way both Rahul and Gayle are batting right now, this match can be done and dusted within the 17th or 18th over. Feel, it is time for Kuldeep to roll his arm over.

After 6 overs,Kings XI Punjab 73/0 ( Lokesh Rahul (W) 37 , Chris Gayle 35)

As KXIP openers have batted in the last few games, KL Rahul and Gayle have slammed 73 runs off the powerplay. 23 more than KKR did, that too without losing a wicket. Punjab are cruising at this stage. DK has some thinking to do.

FOUR! This time Rahul paddles it fine for a boundary. Rahul had the time to change his grip and just lap it fine to beat the fielder at short fine.

FOUR! Rahul swats the ball bowled in the middle of the pitch to long leg boundary. No chance for the fielder in the deep.

Piyush Chawla into the attack

After 5 overs,Kings XI Punjab 62/0 ( Lokesh Rahul (W) 27 , Chris Gayle 34)

A boundary off the last ball might have spoiled the over, where Narine only gave away a single off the first five balls.

FOUR! Boundary off the last ball can be frustrating. On the pads by Narine and Gayle bends down and his knee to strike it to long leg fence.

Sunil Narine is introduced into the attack.

After 4 overs,Kings XI Punjab 57/0 ( KL Rahul (W) 26 , Chris Gayle 30)

KXIP openers gallop past 50 in the fourth over. Expensive five balls by Russell with Rana finishing the over, bowling the last ball, that swings late into the left hander, who brings the bat down just in time. We will surely see the part-timer bowl more today.

Nitish Rana will bowl the final ball after Russell has decided to leave the field. Some trouble with the knee or perhaps the calf. He struggling and he hobbles off the ground. Big setback for KKR.

Another huge over as Gayle looks to carry on his stunning form… matched step in step by Rahul… Double blow for KKR in that Russell seems to have bowled his last in this game. A bowler short, rampaging Gayle… tall target… this is intriguingly set up.

SIX! Russell tumbles after bowling that one, gayle again moves to the leg side and slices it over third man boundary.

FOUR! Backed away on the leg side and Gayle has tapped the ball on its head and placed in the gap behind point.

SIX! Cannot bowl there! Gayle would hit that out of the park all day long. Full and and Gayle swings through to deposit over wide long on.

After 3 overs,Kings XI Punjab 39/0 ( Lokesh Rahul (W) 25 , Chris Gayle 13)

Another expensive over from Mavi. These two are on the attack, couple of fours from Gayle weren’t the most good looking strokes, but if they were short on aesthetics, Rahul’s shot was at it elegant best.

Two slips and a gully for Mavi against Gayle. That is some field setting. And credit to the youngster, who have bowled excellently so far, without any luck. 

However, KXIP have got a start. It is surprising, that Karthik has not introduced a spinner yet, especially against Gayle.

SIX! This is as good a pull shot you will get to see. Mavi digged it short and Rahul was into the position in a flash. Beautifully executed pull for half a dozen.

FOUR! Mavi has been unlucky so far, Gayle tried to muscle it across the line and again from the inside half of the bat, the ball races from the right of square leg fielder.

FOUR! Not entirely convincing from Gayle, but he gets four runs, all he had to do was clear the infield on the offside, comes from higher part of the bat but has enough on it.

Flurry of boundaries from Rahul to get off to a flyer… Gayle watching and playing… yes you read that right… but he is away as well with a sweetly timed boundary off Russell. Punjab need a platform here.

After 2 overs,Kings XI Punjab 22/0 ( KL Rahul (W) 18 , Chris Gayle 4)

Three boundaries off the over and a single helps Punjab take 13 runs off the over. Rahul has played some beautiful strokes and Gayle is just warming up. KKR need to strike early.

FOUR! Too full from Gayle and he has carved it past point for a boundary.

FOUR! Smart from Rahul, back of the lengtrh delivery and he opens the face to play it fine the third man boundary.

FOUR! Lovely from KL Rahul! Leans into the cover drive off the first ball of the new over. Length from Russell and all Rahul had to do was time.

Andre Russell will bowl the second over off the innings.

After 1 overs,Kings XI Punjab 9/0 ( Lokesh Rahul (W) 9 , Chris Gayle 0)

Good start from Shivam Mavi, while the scorecard might show for a different reading but he got one through Rahul’s inside edge, beat Gayle’s outside edge couple of times with the ball slanting away and he has bowled at a sharp pace as well.

FOUR! Rahul was entirely in control of this one. Mavi provides some width and he has driven behind four for a boundary.

FOUR! Mavi begins with an incoming delivery and KL Rahul looks for the drive through covers, instead the ball takes the thick inside edge to fine leg boundary.

Chris Gayle and KL Rahul have made their way to the batting crease. Shivam Mavi will be up against two in-form batsmen as they look to chase 192.

Not the ideal finish for the home side in the final few overs. Still, 191 is more than a decent score against the versatile KKR bowling. I feel, Karthik will bowl a lot of spin on this pitch, especially the against the power-hitters of Punjab. For me, more than Gayle, players like Rahul and Finch will be the key factors for the visitors in the second half.

Meanwhile, there is a sudden build-up of cloud, which is very natural in this part of the world.

KKR looked set for 200 at one stage, so in that sense Punjab have done well to pull things back. But make no mistake 192 is a tall order. Punjab will be confident though having breached that mark twice in the last two matches, albeit they were heavily reliant on their top order and not chasing. These could be the factors in outcome of this match.

After 20 overs,Kolkata Knight Riders 191/7 ( Shubman Gill 14 , Piyush Chawla 2)

Curran’s wide slog can only get the waft of the air with the slower ball arriving after the swing is completed, great start by Tye. The bowler has executed a fantastic last over, giving away barely anything for the batsman. Punjab does brilliantly to pull things back in the favour but KKR must be extremely pleased with the score of 191, though they could have ended better. Overall 192 as a target will be more than challenging for KXIP, obviously no target is big enough if Gayle gets going.

The experimentation with Ankit Rajpoot has not worked. A bit inexplicable that in-form Mohit Sharma was left out. Could have made a difference at the start as well as at the end… Punjab have got a few late wickets but 190 looks par here.

OUT! Curran has to depart as he  attempts to squeeze the wide yorker to short third man. KKR are losing some momentum towards the end.  Tom Curran c Rajpoot b Andrew Tye 1(3)

After 19 overs,Kolkata Knight Riders 186/6 ( Shubman Gill 12 , Tom Curran 1)

Sran starts the penutimate extremely well. Bowled three different slower delivers. First one was an off-cutter to which Karthik had to adjust his shot. The KKR skipper was looking for the big hit down the ground but realised there was no pace on it. Outthinks him with a knuckle ball as well with Karthik not getting the timing right and flat-batted pull down the ground. Sran gets his man off the fifth ball. Tom Curran gets off the mark, but a splendid over by Sran, giving away just six runs and a wicket.

OUT! As a result of some smart bowling from Sran, he has got the key wicket of Dinesh Karthik. Another slower ball and Kathik flicks it straight to backward square leg. End of a fantastic innings.

D Karthik c Andrew Tye b Barinder 43(28)

After 18 overs,Kolkata Knight Riders 180/5 ( Dinesh Karthik (C) (W) 41 , Shubman Gill 10)

Shubham Gill ends thew over with another supreme boundary. Didn’t try to over hit the square drive, which had pristine timing on it. 17 runs off the over.

Huge wicket for Punjab in the context of the game. Russell could have hurt them severely in these final overs. Meanwhile, DK is presenting an exhibition of touch play. KKR can still reach 200.

FOUR! Action replay off the previous delivery. Rajpoot rolls his fingers on the ball and Karthik angles the bat to play it fine past short third man.

FOUR! Back of a length delivery and Karthik simply waits on it to guide it past short third man to collect another boundary. Loves playing the late cut and plays it to perfection.

After 17 overs,Kolkata Knight Riders 163/5 ( Dinesh Karthik (C) (W) 32 , Shubman Gill 4)

Expensive over by Sran but he got the big fish in Andre Russell that might reduce at least 15 to 20 runs to the final score. KKR would be still hoping to get as close to 200.

Three of the last four overs are likely to be bowled by the likes of Rajpoot and Sran. A perfect scenario for a Russell cameo. Eden crowd waits in anticipation.

FOUR! Cut away! What a shot by Gill to get off the mark! First ball some width to play with and he has flashed hard.

OUT! Russell is send back on his way. He will be disappointed to not get under the ball and didn’t get the elevation that he would have liked that would help him tonk it over the boundary as he holes out to Nair at long off. Rarely does he not get power behind the ball. It was a full ball by Sran and Russell has slammed it straight to the fielder. Lucky break for Punjab. Good catch by Nair in the deep.

A Russell c Nair b Sran 10 (7)

FOUR! Back-to-back boundaries. Sran drops it short onto Russell’s body, but it is the change up so Russell has the time to pull it to long leg boundary for four.

Chris Lynn was superb all around the wicket but especially, in hi favourite hitting area – the mid-wicket. 

FOUR! Searching for the yorker there, Barinder Sran ends up bowling the full toss and Russell simply times that with a gentle push straight past the bowler for his first boundary.

Four of the last three overs are likely to be bowled by the likes of Rajpoot and Sran. A perfect scenario for a Russell cameo. Eden crowd waits in anticipation.

After 16 overs,Kolkata Knight Riders 148/4 ( Dinesh Karthik (C) (W) 31 , Andre Russell 1)

Some respite from the Punjab side as they picked up the wicket of Lynn, they won’t be too happy seeing Russell, but Tye has bowled a fabulous over, mixing it with well-disguised slower deliveries. Just the two runs and a wicket of the over

Finally… the wicket Punjab wanted. Lynn looked to slog that one and was caught behind. Still scoring at almost 10 an over and with Russell now at the crease things could get very entertaining at the Eden Gardens… hold on to your hats. Punjab need to pull this back further. Anything over 180 and they will be dependent on Gayle-Rahul.

Andre Russell comes out to bat

OUT! Andrew Tye gets the important wicket just at the time Lynn was looking to unleash himself. Moved across and tried to clobber it to long on boundary. He attempted it from the wide tram line on the offside, got a bottom edge to the wicket-keeper.

Chris Lynn c Rahul b Andrew Tye 74(41)

After 15 overs,Kolkata Knight Riders 146/3 ( Chris Lynn 74 , Dinesh Karthik (C) (W) 30)

Nine runs off Ashwin’s final over as he finishes with 33 runs off his quota. KKR are now in great position to go for the kill with big-hitting Andre Russell ready to come in next.

FOUR! The fielder just comes in contact with the ropes while trying to pull the back in. Sran the fielder. Good shot by Karthik as he makes room to play the cut.

Uthappa and DK’s knocks this evening have once again established the importance of manouvering the field for a batsman even in the T20 format. You don’t always need power-hitting all the time. By placing the balls at the gaps can also fetch you runs with a healthy strike-rate.

After 14 overs,Kolkata Knight Riders 136/3 ( Chris Lynn 67 , Dinesh Karthik (C) (W) 28)

These two have also complete another 50-run stand, Lynn and Karthik looking very comfortable in the middle and would be aiming to get to 200 today. Mujeeb has finished his four overs with 32 runs from it and a wicket against his name.

FOUR! Karthik gets into the position really quickly here! Mujeeb did miss his line here but Karthik inital movement helps him play it fine to long leg.

Fifty for Chris Lynn and he is continuing the carnage thereafter… we have a term for this… Lynnsanity anyone? We had been waiting for this quite a while. DK is having fun with Punjab bowling as well… some mind games going on with the bowlers. Punjab look ruffled at the moment. They need to get back in the game or it will be a tall chase for them.

After 13 overs,Kolkata Knight Riders 127/3 ( Chris Lynn 64 , Dinesh Karthik (C) (W) 22)

Lynn is looking for the launch after his 50 and as he looks to attack every ball, throwing his bat at it. 15 runs off the over. KKR are right on top here.

DROPPED! Another flat-batted hit by Lynn. Didn’t get enough on it, the fielder at deep cover comes under the ball dives across but couldn’t hold on it.

FOUR! Tye is been handed out some sevre treatment as Lynn is looking to take him on. Has been smashed over cover-point.

SIX! Gee! What A Strike! Lynn has bludgeoned over the long off boundary. Can’t bowl length to him as Tye pays the price.

A high-class half-century by Lynn, first in the competition this year. Most importantly, he has dealt with the spinners with authority. Now he can really cut loose. At the other end, DK too has played some crispy shots against the spinners. The ball is coming onto the bat nicely and I don’t think KXIP bowlers have hit the right length.

With Russell to come, I feel KKR can reach 200 – 2010 from here.

Chris Lynn is heading towards what could be IPL 2018’s third successive hundred. 

After 12 overs,Kolkata Knight Riders 112/3 ( Chris Lynn 51 , Dinesh Karthik (C) (W) 20)

Lynn has been very good today, striking from time to time but how well has Karthik started here. Gamble on Yuvraj doesn’t pay off from Punjab. Go past the 100-run mark.

FIFTY! That is half-century for Chris Lynn! His 4th fifty of the IPL and he has brought it up in good time, just 30 balls.

FOUR! Hit powerfully down the ground by Chris Lynn, Yuvi tried to put his hand but the ball conrinues its path to long off boundary.

FOUR! Top shot from Karthik. Uses the pace off Yuvraj’s bowling. Dabs it through slips and the ball races away to third man boundary.

Yuvraj Singh into the attack.

After 11 overs,Kolkata Knight Riders 99/3 ( Chris Lynn 44 , Dinesh Karthik (C) (W) 14)

Dinesh Karthik has begun so well here! Just playing with the field. Nudging it softly on the onside and setting off for twos and those two fours in the over helps KKR pick 13 runs off the over.

FOUR! Beautifully picked up by Karthik. Ashwin bowled it fuller this time and Karthik has wiped it off the middle stump bisecting the two fileders at deep mid wicket and long on. Superb batting this!

FOUR! Karthik takes it from outside the off stump and sweeps it to cow corner. Wasn’t that bad a delivery but a magnificient shot.

After 10 overs,Kolkata Knight Riders 86/3 ( Chris Lynn 44 , Dinesh Karthik (C) (W) 1)

KKR have lost two quick wickets in last couple of overs and this will trouble them. Captain Karthik has come out to join the opener in the middle. Punjab has been superb in the ball and the field. Ashwin’s bowling changes have been sharp as well.

One wicket results in two… suicidal from KKR and a gift for Punjab. Both Rana and Lynn were watching the ball and there wasn’t much communication. Rana is gone now. Another wicket and KKR will lose momentum in the middle.

OUT! Bizzare from Nitish Rana! He cut the ball back and sets off for a run, which was never on, perhaps he thought the ball would pass the short third man fielder, but Ankit Rajpoot did brilliantly in the field to run to his left, collect the ball and release a quick throw back to the keeper, who removed the bails with ease. Rana was stranded in the middle of the pitch.

Nitish Rana run out (Rajpoot/Rahul) 3(5)

Ashwin with the breakthrough immediately after the strategic break… Uthappa finds Karun Nair at deep midwicket. Nice little knock from him, KKR would have liked him to carry on. More welcome wicket for Punjab though, with the skipper providing some inspiration.

After 9 overs,Kolkata Knight Riders 83/2 ( Chris Lynn 43 , Nitish Rana 2)

After losing Uthappa off the first ball, Ashwin goes round the stumps to left-handed Rana. The batsman is brimming with confidence with his performances in the previous game as he charges down the wicket and pushes it to long off to open his account. Another good over for Ashwin, conceding just four runs.

Robin Uthappa was looking solid today as well like he has been throughout this tournament. Many scores in 30s and 90s but failing to convert them into big ones

Nitish Rana walks in at number 4. He is in great nick.

OUT! Gone! First ball after the time out break and Uthappa sees a delivery that is just a fraction shot and goes back to pull it over mid wicket boundary instead holes out in the deep. It was the offspiner by Ashwin that gives him the wicket and the bowler enjoyed it.

Uthappa c Nair b Ashwin 34(23)

After 8 overs,Kolkata Knight Riders 78/1 ( Chris Lynn 40 , Robin Uthappa 34)

The big over was around the corner with Punjab bowling three rather quiet overs, these two had to go for it, they went past the 50-run stand and KKR take a 21 runs off the over.

SIX! Back of the hand slower delivery from Sran gets dispatch over backward square leg fence. Lynn bends low and smacks it into the crowds.

Boundaries galore… Ashwin was unable to apply the brakes and now Sran being taken apart. This is clean hitting. Not much slogging in there. The bowlers are giving them chances and KKR batsmen are simply taking them with both hands… and from both ends.

SIX! Wow! BANG! Big strike over the leg side for a 97m maximum. That is slog off the front foot.

FOUR! Lynn looked to back away on the leg side, Sran bowled it wide of the off stump and Lynn cuts it in front of point, almost through covers to get the boundary.

SIX! Seems like Uthappa knew where the ball was going to be bowled! He was ready on the swivel and pulls the short ball over mid wicket for a huge six.

After 7 overs,Kolkata Knight Riders 55/1 ( Chris Lynn 24 , Robin Uthappa 27)

Ashwin is right on the money in his first over, bowling the offies and giving away five singles off the over. There was leading edge of the fifth ball from Uthappa, but didn’t quiet go to the bowler.

After 7 overs,Kolkata Knight Riders 55/1 ( Chris Lynn 24 , Robin Uthappa 27)

Ashwin is right on the money in his first over, bowling the offies and giving away five singles off the over. There was leading edge of the fifth ball from Uthappa, but didn’t quiet go to the bowler.

R Ashwin has brought himself into the attack

How well has Uthappa timed the ball in IPL 2018! A treat to watch. Lynn too looking in good touch. 50 in quick time for the home side. I am eager to watch the battle between Ashwin and Uthappa.

After 6 overs,Kolkata Knight Riders 50/1 ( Chris Lynn 22 , Robin Uthappa 24)

Another six-run over to finish the powerplay. Andrew Tye have kept it tight. 50 up for KKR.

FOUR! Super shot by Uthappa! Waited on the ball as it turns out to be the knuckle ball from Andrew Tye. He got into position and placed it well over fine leg for another boundary.

After 5 overs,Kolkata Knight Riders 44/1 ( Chris Lynn 21 , Robin Uthappa 19)

Good first over from Sran giving away only six runs off the over. KKR would be looking to go big in the final over of the Powerplay left.

KKR got off to a bad start when the lost Sunil Narine early but Uthappa and Lynn have been able to get rebuild fast. 

FOUR! In the air but under control past deep backward square leg for 4 runs. Lynn has to hold his shot a fraction longer before picking the gap.

Barinder Sran is introduced in the attack.

Contrary to expectations, Mujeeb did bowl an extra over. And Robin Uthappa cashed in. Punjab have been pushed on to the backfoot with a flurry of boundaries… Barinder Sran called up to change angle but countered by Lynn as well… this is a flying start for KKR.

After 4 overs,Kolkata Knight Riders 36/1 ( Chris Lynn 15 , Robin Uthappa 18)

Uthappa is ready to attack Mujeeb and has struck three boundaries from the over helping KKR take 15 runs

FOUR! Uthappa gets one more boundary! That’s the third in a row. Not convincing as he gets an inside edge with the ball running away past the fielder.

FOUR! Conventional sweep, didn’t middle but the tickle past the keeper will beat short fine leg as KKR pick back-to-back boundaries.

FOUR! Out comes the reverse sweep, and this has been played smartly from Uthappa, past third man for 4 runs.

After 3 overs,Kolkata Knight Riders 21/1 ( Chris Lynn 14 , Robin Uthappa 5)

A boundary and a six will help the KKR get a move on and they look to maintain the momentum going forward.

SIX!  Back of a length, and Lynn is on the back foot pulling, well timed over deep backward square leg for 6 runs. Angled into the body but the line started off too straight. Lynn can easily swivel on the back foot and help the ball on its way.

FOUR! Streaky start for Robin Uthappa! Rajpoot get it to bounce and Uthappa gets the shoulder of the bat and the ball goes past the 38-year old Gayle at wide first slip. He extended his arms but he was never the agile fielder and the reflexes in the field is also showing.

After 2 overs,Kolkata Knight Riders 10/1 ( Chris Lynn 8 , Robin Uthappa 0)

Mujeeb striking in his first over and giving the Punjab side an early advantage. How good has this young Afghan been! Narine misses out today and it might affect the home side’s scoring in the powerplay.

FOUR! Lynn will never miss out on an opportunity whenever there is width offered he will go for it, cuts behind point for the first boundary.

OUT! Mujeeb has provided the first breakthrough with his second ball of his first over. Narine charged down the target and went for the big hoick, the bat turns slightly in his hands and the ball goes towards the fielder positioned for the catch at deep mid-wicket. Karun Nair takes a brilliant catch.

S Narine c K Nair b Mujeeb 1 (4)

Mujeeb Ur Rahman to bowl from the other end.

After 1 overs,Kolkata Knight Riders 5/0 ( Chris Lynn 3 , Sunil Narine 1)

KKR openers start their innings with  nudges around the ground for singles off the first four balls, with Rajpoot decides to go round the wicket to the left-hander, trying to cramp him for room. Seeing some width Lynn looked to slam it down the ground, but misses with the away movement leaving his outside edge. Rajpoot finishes the over with bowling one into him, which he taps on the onside for a single.

As expected, Narine and Lynn have come out to open the innings. Punjab have a relatively inexperienced seam attack. So, I expect this pair to put pressure on the new ball bowlers early. However, for me, Punjab have included Ankit Rajpoot in place of Mohit Sharma keeping the Narine-factor in mind. He is sharp and much quicker than Mohit.

After the universe boss Chris Gayle rang the bell at Eden Gardens, the umpires followed by Kolkata Knight Riders openers walk out to the middle.KKR have experimented with their opening combinations in the tournament but they have returned to Sunil Narine and Chris Lynn Playing his first game of this season, Ankit Rajpoot will start for Punjab.

No surprises at toss time from Ashwin, wins the coin call and opts to bowl first… but don’t get too ahead of yourself… Mohit Sharma – who has been bowling very well in the death overs and mixing things up nicely with the new ball – is out. Ankit Rajpoot is in. Wonder what prompted that chance? Or is he now just chopping and changing to keep the opposition guessing. 

KKR are unchanged… unsurprisingly at least.

Two away games in four days for the Kings XI Punjab… a tough prospect… 

After beating table toppers Sunrisers Hyderabad, they now take on another high flying team… Kolkata Knight Riders… who are unbeaten in their last two games and second in the league.

KKR and KXIP have had a decent start to their campaigns with both the sides having registered three wins so far. They will be looking to make a bid to go on the top of the table.

Here is how the two key spinners from both the sides have performed. Both players have been match-winners for their side and have the ability to turn the game around. Narine and Ashwin both conceded over 50 runs in their respective matches, will they make a strong comeback today?

An important game between these two in-form teams. KKR have a very good record against Punjab at Eden but this season this Ashiwn-led new-look KXIP have played an exciting brand of cricket. And today, Karthik has lost another toss, which means KKR have to defend against Gayle and Co. However, being a 4 PM game, dew is not going to have much of impact at Eden Gardens today.

Good to see Karthik has opted for an unchanged XI. Let’s hope they can carry their form from the last game here.

Kolkata Knight Riders eleven: Sunil Narine, Chris Lynn, Robin Uthappa, Nitish Rana, Dinesh Karthik(w/c), Andre Russell, Shubman Gill, Tom Curran, Piyush Chawla, Shivam Mavi, Kuldeep Yadav

Kings XI Punjab eleven: KL Rahul(w), Chris Gayle, Mayank Agarwal, Karun Nair, Aaron Finch, Yuvraj Singh, Ravichandran Ashwin(c), Andrew Tye, Barinder Sran, Ankit Rajpoot, Mujeeb Ur Rahman

TOSS NEWS: 

Ashwin wins the toss and Kings XI Punjab are bowling first.

Dinesh Karthik says he will go in with the same team, while KXIP have one change from the previous game Ankit Rajpoot comes in for Mohit Sharma.

Pitch report: The surface looks hard and nice, pitch is on slower side, says Deep Das Gupta

We are just 10 minutes way from the toss. Stay tuned…

Hello and welcome to Firstpost’s live blog of the IPL clash between Kolkata Knight Riders and Kings XI Punjab. While KKR are currently second in the standings, with KXIP two spots below. However, victory today will help Punjab leapfrog Kolkata into second spot. Both teams have six points each even though Punjab have played one match less.

Given Chris Gayle’s firecrackers in the last match, this one promises to be a cracker. Keep following the live coverage of the match right here.