SRH vs PBKS, IPL 2023 Highlights: Sunrisers Hyderabad beat Punjab Kings by 8 wickets

That is it from this game and another weekend in the 2023 Indian T20 League has flown by. The last unbeaten team, Punjab have also succumbed to a loss and the league is starting to get really exciting. The action continues on Monday, the 10th of April as Bangalore take on Lucknow at the M.Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. That game will begin at 7.30 pm IST (2 pm GMT) but the build-up will begin much sooner. Cheers!

Shikhar Dhawan (99* off 66 balls) has been adjudged as the PLAYER OF THE MATCH and very rarely does something like this happen that a player from a losing team gets the award and this just goes on to show how special his knock was. Starts by saying he was just trying to play good shots. Adds that they are capable enough of putting a huge total on the board, but will take a lot of learning from this game. Informs that staying calm is really important. Ends by saying he is very grateful for his knock of 99 runs and adds that he never thought he would reach there.

The captain of Hyderabad, Aiden Markram says that it is a special thing to win in front of the home fans who have been amazing. Adds that he wants to try and back the guys and give them the freedom to express themselves. Mentions that he is super happy for Mayank Markande and says that he took his chance really well. Tells that everyone knows Rahul Tripathi's ability and he has got all the shots in the book and it was a great knock from him. On his own knock, Aiden replies that it clicked well in this game and he enjoyed batting with Rahul. Also says that he will want to take it one game at a time.

The presentation ceremony...

Mayank Markande is down for a quick chat. He starts by saying that he is happy the support staff backed him. Mentions that his game plan is to take wickets in the middle overs and that is what he aimed to do. Adds that working alongside Adil Rashid has helped him a lot. Shares that he has worked a lot on his leg spin as well, during the domestic season. States that the only aim is to make the team win and is glad that he could contribute.

Shikhar Dhawan, the captain of Punjab starts by saying that he is happy with his knock. Mentions as a batting unit, they lost wickets at regular intervals, and they could not post a huge total. Goes on to say that's the main reason they fell short. Adds that they will take a lot of learning from this game. Informs that he is really happy to lead the side, and states that he has a really great group of players at his disposal. Shares that being a captain does not change the way he approaches the game with the blade.

Earlier in the game, Aiden Markram won the toss and put Punjab into bat on a wicket that seemed to offer help to the bowlers. This decision was duly rewarded by the bowlers as Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Marco Jansen picked up three early wickets. From then on, Hyderabad controlled the game and the likes of Umran Malik and Mayank Markande were able to get regular wickets in the middle phase as well. Markande in particular was sensational but they did let go of the grip a bit. Shikhar Dhawan played an unbelievable knock as he put on a 50-plus stand with the last batter and smashed the ball to all parts of the ground, ending unbeaten on 99. Coming to the chase, the runs on the board by Punjab were never enough and a stellar 74* off 48 balls from Rahul Tripathi along with a 21-ball-37 unbeaten cameo from Aiden Markram saw Hyderabad over the line.

Punjab will be a bit disappointed in the end as, after a stellar display by their skipper with the bat, their bowlers too put them in a position of real promise. The spinners bowled decently in the middle phase and also Sam Curran and Arshdeep Singh stemmed the flow of runs but Rahul Chahar couldn't capitalize on a bright start the way his team would have liked to. When they got rid of both the openers for 45 runs, they had the opening but weren't able to maintain their lines and lengths. In the end, Punjab were defeated convincingly.

The target for Hyderabad wasn't a big one but having lost all momentum during the backend of their bowling, they needed a good start. Harry Brook and Mayank Agarwal did start off with a flurry of boundaries but once Brook got out, things became a bit sluggish. Agarwal too fell trying to up the ante and after an edgy start by Rahul Tripathi, he was able to get the boundaries away. Skipper Aiden Markram came in and provided the level-headed support that was required and soon Tripathi was all over the Punjab bowlers. The pair added on exactly 100 runs and sealed the victory for their side.

Hyderabad end the winless streak and open their account in the 2023 Indian T20 League! After an early hiccup in the chase, Rahul Tripathi managed to break the back of the chase with a sublime display and ensured that the home side picked up a crucial win.

17.1: Harpreet Brar to Rahul Tripathi, FOUR! Top placement. Here are the winning runs. Flatter, outside off. Rahul Tripathi guides it through the gap past point and gets a boundary. Hyderabad win the match by 8 wickets.

16.6: Nathan Ellis to Aiden Markram, FOUR! Three boundaries in a row to end the over. Hyderabad within touching distance of their first win of this season. It is a full ball, on off. Aiden Markram lofts it over the bowler's head for a fine boundary towards long off. 

16.5: Nathan Ellis to Aiden Markram, Four! Consecutive boundary. Aiden Markram seems to be in a hurry. Good length, wide of off. Aiden Markram crunches it through cover-point for a cracking boundary. 

16.4: Nathan Ellis to Aiden Markram, FOUR! SLAPPED! It is full, wide outside off. Aiden Markram reaches out and slashes it through point for four runs. 

16.3: Nathan Ellis to Aiden Markram, Length and on off. Markram defends it back to the bowler.

16.2: Nathan Ellis to Aiden Markram, FOUR! Gets lucky this time. On a length, on the fourth stump line. Aiden Markram gets an inside edge on it. The ball runs down to the fine leg fence for four runs. 

16.1: Nathan Ellis to Rahul Tripathi, Back of a length, on off. Rahul Tripathi whips it to wide of long on for a single.

Strategic break! Right then, just 20 runs are needed off 24 balls and with 8 wickets in hand, Hyderabad should get there with balls to spare. The only thing Punjab can feed upon is the desperation of Hyderabad to get their first win and a couple of quick wickets could still make things interesting. Will Hyderabad keep their cool and finish off the job at hand? Let's find out.

15.6: Sam Curran to Rahul Tripathi, Rahul Tripathi stands tall and slaps this length ball through covers for a single. He retains the strike here.

15.5: Sam Curran to Rahul Tripathi, It is very full, on leg stump. Rahul Tripathi flicks it into mid-wicket for a brace.

15.4: Sam Curran to Aiden Markram, Good-length ball, angled across. Aiden Markram stands tall and punches it through the gap at covers for a single.

15.3: Sam Curran to Aiden Markram, Short, on middle. Markram miscues his pull to mid-wicket.

15.2: Sam Curran to Rahul Tripathi, A length ball, around off. Rahul Tripathi dabs it down to third man for a single.

15.1: Sam Curran to Aiden Markram, Overpitched, on off. Aiden Markram jams it out to mid off and crosses.

14.6: Mohit Rathee to Rahul Tripathi, FOUR! Thumped away and 21 runs come off that over. Overpitched outside off and Rahul Tripathi crunches the cover drive and the ball simply rockets into the fence. 26 needed now off 30 balls.

14.5: Mohit Rathee to Rahul Tripathi, FOUR! Innovative from Rahul Tripathi and Hyderabad now require less than run a ball to win. On the stumps, Triptahi plays the reverse sweep and nails it over the point region for a boundary.

14.4: Mohit Rathee to Rahul Tripathi, SIX! Wow, that has disappeared in the night sky! Tossed up on middle and leg, Tripathi gets under it and lofts it effortlessly over the long on fence for a 94-meter maximum.

14.3: Mohit Rathee to Aiden Markram, Flatter one, forced off the back foot to the right of the bowler. Mohit Rathee dives and gets a hand to it but the ball travels toward long on and it will be a single.

14.2: Mohit Rathee to Aiden Markram, FOUR! Tossed up right in the slot around off, Aiden Markram creams this one over extra cover and picks up a boundary.

14.1: Mohit Rathee to Aiden Markram, Sloppy work in the field by Punjab! Nagging length around off, Aiden Markram plays it off the back foot toward cover-point and sets off for the single. Sam Curran there picks up the ball and fires in a wide throw at the keeper's end and this allows the batters to pick up an extra run.

13.6: Arshdeep Singh to Rahul Tripathi, Ends with a dot and only 3 runs come off it. Back of a length around off, Rahul Tripathi crunches it off the back foot but Matthew Short short makes a sharp stop down to his right at point. Saved a certain boundary there.

13.5: Arshdeep Singh to Aiden Markram, Slower one, bowled into the pitch and around middle, Aiden Markram rolls his wrists and pulls it through mid-wicket for one more.

13.4: Arshdeep Singh to Rahul Tripathi, Good length around the top of off, Rahul Tripathi guides it down nicely to third man and picks up a single.

13.3: Arshdeep Singh to Rahul Tripathi, Switches to over the wicket and serves it on a length around off. Rahul Tripathi looks to hang back and cut but goes hard at it and gets an under edge down to the keeper.

13.2: Arshdeep Singh to Rahul Tripathi, A bumper now, over middle and angling in, Rahul Tripathi ducks under it well.

13.1: Arshdeep Singh to Aiden Markram, Good length, on the fifth stump line and angling in. Aiden Markram taps this one through the cover region and picks up a single. The 50-run stand is also up between these two.

12.6: Mohit Rathee to Rahul Tripathi, Gives it more air and throws it wide of the off stump. Rahul Tripathi is invited into driving at it and looks to loft it over cover but is beaten.

12.5: Mohit Rathee to Rahul Tripathi, SIX! BOOM! FIFTY up for Rahul Tripathi and Hyderabad are in command now. Tossed up full and on middle and leg, Tripathi swings through the line of the ball and whacks it over the long on fence for a biggie. Tripathi will now look to stay on and take his side over the line.

12.4: Mohit Rathee to Rahul Tripathi, Slightly flighted, on a length and around off, this is driven off the toe end toward extra cover.

12.3: Mohit Rathee to Rahul Tripathi, Misses out! Short and wide again, Rahul Tripathi goes hard at the cut and mistimes it toward extra cover.

12.2: Mohit Rathee to Aiden Markram, Short again outside off, Aiden Markram backs away and cuts it to deep point for another single.

12.1: Mohit Rathee to Rahul Tripathi, Mohit Rathee comes into the attack now and starts off with a drag-down on leg stump. Rahul Tripathi pulls it off the back foot to deep mid-wicket for one.

11.6: Nathan Ellis to Aiden Markram, Hard length around off, punched away from inside the crease and straight to the bowler. 58 needed now off 48 balls.

11.5: Nathan Ellis to Rahul Tripathi, Slower one, on a length and following the batter down leg. Rahul Tripathi manages to push it out on the off side and scampers across for a quick run.

11.4: Nathan Ellis to Aiden Markram, Back of a length around off, punched off the back foot to sweeper cover for one.

11.3: Nathan Ellis to Aiden Markram, FOUR! A touch short and wide, Aiden Markram latches onto the width and slaps it away in front of point for a crunching boundary.

11.2: Nathan Ellis to Rahul Tripathi, Good length on the pads, worked away 'round the corner for a single.

11.1: Nathan Ellis to Aiden Markram, Slower one on a shorter length and around off, Aiden Markram hangs on the back foot and keeps it down toward cover-point for one.

10.6: Rahul Chahar to Rahul Tripathi, FOUR! Rahul Tripathi is blowing Punjab away here. Tossed up on middle and leg, Tripathi goes down on one knee and sweeps it firmly in front of square on the leg side for a boundary.

10.5: Rahul Chahar to Rahul Tripathi, Overthrows! On middle, Rahul Tripathi paddles it 'round the corner for one. The throw is fired in from Arshdeep Singh and at the bowler's end but Rahul Chahar fails to collect it and the batters get an extra run.

10.4: Rahul Chahar to Rahul Tripathi, Flatter one on off stump and this one stays a touch low. Rahul Tripathi looks to go back and guide it away but is beaten on the outside edge. Jitesh Sharma, the keeper feels there's a faint edge on it but the umpire turns down the appeal. Shikhar Dhawan does take the review. UltraEdge shows a flat line as the ball passes the bat and the on-field decision of Not Out stands.

10.3: Rahul Chahar to Rahul Tripathi, FOUR! Floats it up full and around off, Rahul Tripathi creams it away with the turn and through the cover region for a boundary. Hyderabad have turned things around quickly here.

10.2: Rahul Chahar to Rahul Tripathi, Quicker one on off stump and this one skids on. Rahul Tripathi plays it late down to short third man and looks for the quick single but is sent back.

10.1: Rahul Chahar to Aiden Markram, Tossed up full and around off, Aiden Markram knocks it down to long off and rotates the strike.

9.6: Harpreet Brar to Rahul Tripathi, Floated and full, on off. Rahul Tripathi defends it out watchfully.

9.5: Harpreet Brar to Rahul Tripathi, FOUR! Rahul Tripathi is scoring runs for fun here. It is a bit short, on off. Rahul Tripathi smacks it through covers and the result is the same.

9.4: Harpreet Brar to Rahul Tripathi, FOUR! And again! Rahul Tripathi is on a roll. It is tossed up, full and on off. Rahul Tripathi uses his feet and lofts it over extra cover and gets a boundary.

9.3: Harpreet Brar to Rahul Tripathi, FOUR! Here he goes again. It is full, sliding down leg. Rahul Tripathi gets low and sweeps it down to fine leg for a fine boundary.

9.2: Harpreet Brar to Rahul Tripathi, Full and on off, Tripathi defends it out solidly.

9.1: Harpreet Brar to Aiden Markram, Short and on off. Markram pushes it into covers for a single.

8.6: Rahul Chahar to Rahul Tripathi, FOUR! Consecutive boundaries. This should settle some nerves for Hyderabad. Short and wide of off. Rahul Tripathi stays back and cuts it hard to deep point for a cracking boundary.

8.5: Rahul Chahar to Rahul Tripathi, FOUR! Deft touch. It is flatter, on off. It grips and turns away. Rahul Tripathi opens the face of the bat late and steers it down to third man for a boundary. 

8.4: Rahul Chahar to Aiden Markram, Short and on middle. Aiden Markram chips it down to long on and takes a single.

Strategic break! Punjab have not let Hyderabad get away with a quick start and have done extremely well to remove both their openers. 99 runs are needed off 69 balls and Hyderabad need someone to step up here. The ball is gripping and it won't be an easy chase at all. A crucial make-or-break middle phase is coming up. Skipper, Aiden Markram walks out to bat now.

8.3: Rahul Chahar to Mayank Agarwal, OUT! CAUGHT! Mayank Agarwal tries to break the shackles, but holes out instead. Rahul Chahar finds the breakthrough. It is a googly, on a fuller length. Mayank Agarwal gets down on one knee and slogs it down to long on. He fails to get the desired distance on it. Sam Curran takes a solid catch in the deep.

8.2: Rahul Chahar to Rahul Tripathi, Gives it some air this time, on leg. Rahul Tripathi knocks it down to long on for a single.

8.1: Rahul Chahar to Mayank Agarwal, Floated, full and on off. Mayank Agarwal defends it back to the bowler.

7.6: Harpreet Brar to Mayank Agarwal, A bit short, on the body. Mayank Agarwal pulls it to deep square leg. It meets the fielder on a bounce. One taken.

7.5: Harpreet Brar to Rahul Tripathi, Fuller, on off. Rahul Tripathi works it to sweeper cover for one.

7.4: Harpreet Brar to Rahul Tripathi, Third dot on the trot! How has this missed the stumps? So close. It is a half-tracker, around off. Rahul Tripathi tries to cut it away but misses. The ball zips past the off pole.

7.3: Harpreet Brar to Rahul Tripathi, Flatter, on leg. Rahul Tripathi goes back and blocks it back to the bowler.

7.2: Harpreet Brar to Rahul Tripathi, Full and on off. Rahul Tripathi blocks it out.

7.1: Harpreet Brar to Mayank Agarwal, Full, angled into the pads. Mayank Agarwal nudges it into mid-wicket for a single.

Harpreet Brar (1-0-6-0) is back on.

6.6: Rahul Chahar to Rahul Tripathi, Play and a miss! Floated and full, outside off. Rahul Tripathi gets the broom out once again but gets beaten by the extra bounce here.

6.5: Rahul Chahar to Rahul Tripathi, Loops it up, outside off. The ball grips and turns away. Rahul Tripathi tries to have a poke at it but misses.

6.4: Rahul Chahar to Rahul Tripathi, SIX! BANG! It is tossed up, on off. Rahul Tripathi gets down on one knee and smokes it over the mid-wicket fence for a maximum.

6.3: Rahul Chahar to Rahul Tripathi, On off, blocked out solidly.

6.2: Rahul Chahar to Rahul Tripathi, Looped up, full and on off. Rahul Tripathi tries to sweep it away but misses.

6.1: Rahul Chahar to Rahul Tripathi, Pushed through quicker, on off. Rahul Tripathi taps it out to safety.

5.6: Sam Curran to Rahul Tripathi, Back of a length, on the body. Rahul Tripathi whips it to deep mid-wicket. Only 4 runs come off this over. Punjab have done well to put a lid over the run rate since getting rid of Harry Brook.

5.5: Sam Curran to Rahul Tripathi, Pitched up, on off. Rahul Tripathi pushes it to mid off.

5.4: Sam Curran to Mayank Agarwal, Back of a length, on off. Mayank Agarwal pulls it to deep mid-wicket for a single.

5.3: Sam Curran to Rahul Tripathi, A length ball, angling across. Rahul Tripathi dabs it down to point for a single.

5.2: Sam Curran to Mayank Agarwal, Good length, on middle. Mayank Agarwal goes back and cuts it to point for a single.

5.1: Sam Curran to Mayank Agarwal, A bit of a mix-up in the middle but no harm is done. Slower one on the stumps, Mayank Agarwal flicks it toward mid-wicket and Rahul Tripathi looks for the single. Agarwal says no and Tripathi sacmpers back. The fielder there doesn't hit the stumps and Tripathi puts in the dive to make his ground.

4.6: Nathan Ellis to Rahul Tripathi, Good length around the top of off, Rahul Tripathi plays it with an angled bat to the right of short third man and looks for one but is sent back by Mayank Agarwal and rightly so.

4.5: Nathan Ellis to Mayank Agarwal, A bit slower and pitched up on off stump, Mayank Agarwal pushes this one toward sweeper cover and rotates the strike.

4.4: Nathan Ellis to Rahul Tripathi, On a good length around off, punched away toward cover for a single.

4.3: Nathan Ellis to Mayank Agarwal, Did that carry? It looks like it did! Nathan Ellis serves a length ball in the channel around off and gets the ball to seam away off the deck. Mayank Agarwal looks to drive on the up but gets a thick outside edge to the right of the keeper. Jitesh Sharma dives and sticks out his right glove but ends up spilling it. The batters take a single as well.

4.2: Nathan Ellis to Mayank Agarwal, Good length around middle and leg, nudged away in front of mid-wicket.

4.1: Nathan Ellis to Mayank Agarwal, Nathan Ellis begins his spell with a length ball right on the money. Mayank Agarwal stays watchful and blocks it out.

3.6: Arshdeep Singh to Rahul Tripathi, On a fuller length and trying to angle it in from wide of the off stump. Rahul Tripathi gets a big stride forward and shoulders his arms.

Rahul Tripathi comes in at number 3.

3.5: Arshdeep Singh to Harry Brook, OUT! TIMBER! Arshdeep Singh has the last laugh here and a sedate start to Harry Brook's Indian T20 League career continues. Singh stays around the wicket and bowls a slower delivery, full and angling in from around off. Brook looks for the big heave across the line but is through his shot way too early. The ball beats the inside edge and goes on to knock over the leg stump. Punjab have their first wicket now.

3.4: Arshdeep Singh to Harry Brook, Switches to around the wicket and bowls it in the blockhole around off, Harry Brook backs away and drives it toward cover. The fielder there makes a sharp stop.

3.3: Arshdeep Singh to Harry Brook, Goes full again and pace on this time at 141 clicks. This is outside off and Harry Brook goes after it only to get it off the inside edge toward square leg.

3.2: Arshdeep Singh to Harry Brook, FOUR! Back-to-back boundaries! Pitched up around off, Harry Brook picks up the slower one and thumps it straight down the ground for a boundary.

3.1: Arshdeep Singh to Harry Brook, FOUR! Good length around off, Harry Brook opens up the off side a bit and plays it late in between backward point and short third man for a boundary.

2.6: Harpreet Brar to Harry Brook, Quicker and flatter at the stumps, Harry Brook backs away and punches it down to long off for a single.

2.5: Harpreet Brar to Harry Brook, Flighted delivery around middle, Brook blocks it back to the bowler.

2.4: Harpreet Brar to Harry Brook, Almost chops it on! Harpreet Brar bowls the arm-ball around middle and this one hurries on. Harry Brook gets on the back foot and just about manages to chop it out on the off side.

2.3: Harpreet Brar to Mayank Agarwal, Tossed up around off, pushed out on the off side for one.

2.2: Harpreet Brar to Mayank Agarwal, FOUR! Drops it short and outside off, Mayank Agarwal is quick to get onto the back foot and eases it through the cover region for a boundary.

2.1: Harpreet Brar to Mayank Agarwal, Harpreet Brar comes into the attack now and starts off with a flighted delivery on the pads. Mayank Agarwal nudges it a bit uppishly toward short mid-wicket and looks for one but is sent back by Harry Brook.

1.6: Arshdeep Singh to Mayank Agarwal, Full and around off, angling in, Mayank Agarwal pushes it toward mid off for a quick single.

1.5: Arshdeep Singh to Mayank Agarwal, FOUR! Another short ball but this is angled into the body. Mayank Agarwal manages to get inside the line and pulls it away behind square leg for a boundary.

1.4: Arshdeep Singh to Mayank Agarwal, Comes from around the wicket now and angles in a length ball from outside off. Mayank Agarwal stays back and nudges it down to backward point.

1.3: Arshdeep Singh to Mayank Agarwal, Banged in short around off stump and at 141 clicks. Mayank Agarwal gets hurried on and ends up pulling it down to mid-wicket.

1.2: Arshdeep Singh to Mayank Agarwal, FOUR! Mayank Agarwal is underway with a boundary as well and the home crowd goes wild. Length ball outside off, Agarwal plants his front foot forward and caresses it past point for a boundary.

1.1: Arshdeep Singh to Mayank Agarwal, Starts off with a fuller delivery pushed well wide of the off stump. Mayank Agarwal watches the ball go past him and into the keeper's gloves.

Arshdeep Singh to share the new ball.

0.6: Sam Curran to Harry Brook, Nicely bowled, just 4 runs off the first over of the chase. Yet another slower delivery, on a good length and going across the right-hander. Harry Brook looks to play at it but ends up edging it down toward short third man.

0.5: Sam Curran to Harry Brook, A good comeback this by Sam Curran after being hit for a boundary off the very first delivery. Slower one around off, Harry Brook stays put and punches it toward cover.

0.4: Sam Curran to Harry Brook, Slower one, on a length and angling across off, Harry Brook waits for it and plays it down with soft hands toward short third man.

0.3: Sam Curran to Harry Brook, Driven firmly but straight to the man! Full and outside off, there to be hit and Harry Brook nails the cover drive to the fielder at extra cover.

0.2: Sam Curran to Harry Brook, Good length in that channel around off, Harry Brook drives it on the bounce again but straight to extra cover this time.

0.1: Sam Curran to Harry Brook, FOUR! Harry Brook and Hyderabad are underway with a crisp boundary! Sam Curran starts off with a fullish delivery outside off. Brook reaches out and taps it through the gap at covers and the ball runs away into the fence. An ideal start here for Hyderabad.

We are back for Hyderabad's reply. The Punjab players make their way out on the field. Following them are Mayank Agarwal and Harry Brook who walk out to open for Hyderabad. It will be Sam Curran to start with the new ball. 

... The Run Chase ...

Right then, Hyderabad have a solid batting unit and would be backing themselves to chase this target down. Having said that, Punjab also have some game-changing bowlers in their ranks. Who will come out top? To find out, do join us for the second essay shortly. 

Hyderabad were on top from the get-go. Bhuvneshwar Kumar got rid of Prabhsimran Singh on the very first ball. Then, Jansen continued to put the opposition on the back foot with his two quick wickets. Post that, it was all about Hyderabad. They were able to pick wickets at regular intervals and had the opposition teetering at 88/9 at one stage, but they will be gutted with their death bowling. Nevertheless, hats off to Mayank Markande who has done wonders with the ball on his debut for Hyderabad. He stood out with the ball with his four-wicket haul.

It was a one-man show for Punjab! If not for Shikhar Dhawan, things could've been worse for them. Out of 143 runs, 99 came out of the bat of 'Gabbar'. This single statement sums up the Punjab inning. He has certainly played a captain's knock here. Also, his experience helped him a lot, to soak the pressure, and ended up stitching a 55-run stand for the final wicket, and he has now provided the bowlers a fighting total.

What a knock from the Punjab skipper! Shikhar Dhawan walks out of the field with his head held high. His unbeaten knock of 99 runs has helped Punjab put a competitive total on the scoreboard. Hyderabad had the opposition by the scruff of the neck, but they will be disappointed with their backend effort.

19.6: T Natarajan to Shikhar Dhawan, SIX! BANG! Shikhar Dhawan finishes things off in style and remains unbeaten on 99! A bitter-sweet moment for the Punjab skipper but he has given his side ample hope here. T Natarajan misses the yorker and serves a full toss on middle. Dhawan gets under it and smokes it over the mid-wicket fence for a biggie. A sensational knock from Dhawan and Punjab finish with a fighting total of 143/9!

19.5: T Natarajan to Shikhar Dhawan, Three dots on the trot and Shikhar Dhawan seems out of steam at the moment. Very full on middle and leg, Dhawan plays the reverse sweep on the full and hits it straight to backward point.

19.4: T Natarajan to Shikhar Dhawan, Nicely bowled! Nails the yorker on off stump and Shikhar Dhawan jams it out to deep cover for no run.

19.3: T Natarajan to Shikhar Dhawan, Gets it full and straight, Shikhar Dhawan shuffles across and flicks it off the stumps toward fine leg. No run is taken and understandably so.

19.2: T Natarajan to Shikhar Dhawan, Another low full toss on middle, Shikhar Dhawan heaves it aerially toward wide long on and races back for the second. Good running.

19.1: T Natarajan to Shikhar Dhawan, Very full, ends up being a low full toss on leg stump. Shikhar Dhawan attempts the reverse paddle but finds the fielder at backward point.

18.6: Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Mohit Rathee, Full length, on the pads. Mohit Rathee flicks it to deep square leg but does not take the single and rightly so. Shikhar Dhawan to take the strike for the final over.

18.5: Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Shikhar Dhawan, Short and over middle, pulled away through square leg for a single.

18.4: Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Shikhar Dhawan, FOUR! Nicely done! Hard length outside off, Shikhar Dhawan sets up for the ramp but adjusts well at the last moment and opens the face of the bat to guide the ball over short third man for yet another boundary. Dhawan now moves into the 90s.

18.3: Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Shikhar Dhawan, FOUR! Shortish delivery pushed outside off, Shikhar Dhawan waits for it and then just slaps it over the point region for a boundary.

18.2: Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Shikhar Dhawan, Did that carry? Yes, it did and Bhuvneshwar Kumar has now dropped three difficult catches in the space of three overs. A low full toss on middle, Shikhar Dhawan backs away and drills it straight back toward the bowler. Kumar tries to get low on his followthrough but fails to hang on and the ball hits his shin as well.

18.1: Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Shikhar Dhawan, Short and following the batter down leg, Shikhar Dhawan pushes it toward cover.

17.6: Umran Malik to Shikhar Dhawan, Short and on the body, nudged away in front of mid-wicket for one.

17.5: Umran Malik to Shikhar Dhawan, SIX! All the way and Shikhar Dhawan has taken Umran Malik to the cleaners here. Another one that is banged in over the stumps. Dhawan goes after it and manages to get enough on it. The ball sails over the fine leg fence for a maximum.

17.4: Umran Malik to Shikhar Dhawan, On a hard length on the fifth stump line and angled in. Shikhar Dhawan looks to pull but misses.

17.3: Umran Malik to Shikhar Dhawan, FOUR! Pitched up right in the slot around off, Shikhar Dhawan pummels the ball over mid off for another boundary.

17.2: Umran Malik to Shikhar Dhawan, DROPPED AND SIX! Umran Malik bangs in a quick bumper over the stumps. Shikhar Dhawan gets hurried on as he tries to hook it away and gets a top edge. The ball goes high up in the air and around fine leg. The fielder there, Bhuvneshwar Kumar tries to settle under it but fails to set himself as the ball swirls around. Kumar ends up losing his balance and the ball goes off his hands over the ropes.

17.1: Umran Malik to Shikhar Dhawan, Short and wide outside off, Shikhar Dhawan reaches out and cuts it to deep cover but turns down the single.

16.6: Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Shikhar Dhawan, Leg bye! Good length around off and middle and Shikhar Dhawan gets caught on the crease. The ball raps him high on the pads and there's a loud appeal for LBW but it is turned down. The ball rolls toward backward point and they pick up a single. Aiden Markram wants to review but they just wasted their final review on the previous delivery. The replays show that it wouldn't have mattered as the ball is going over the stumps.

Shikhar Dhawan has done well to get his side over the 100-run mark. Can he see out all the 20 overs?

16.6: Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Shikhar Dhawan, WIDE! Tries to bang this one in around off stump but it is a bit too short for the umpire's liking. Aiden Markram though has reviewed it. The third umpire checks a replay and concludes that indeed the ball is over Dhawan's head and the wide call stands. Hyderabad lose a review as well.

16.5: Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Mohit Rathee, Good length around off, Mohit Rathee opens the bat face and guides it down to third man for a single.

16.4: Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Shikhar Dhawan, Full and around leg stump, worked away to mid-wicket for a single.

16.3: Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Shikhar Dhawan, PUT DOWN! Bhuvneshwar Kumar serves a juicy full toss on off stump and Shikhar Dhawan drills it straight back at the bowler. It is at a comfortable height but is travelling quickly and Kumar spills it on his followthrough. Dhawan and Punjab are still alive here!

16.2: Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Shikhar Dhawan, FOUR! Full again but on the pads, Shikhar Dhawan flicks it away well wide of the man at fine leg and picks up another crucial boundary for his side.

16.1: Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Shikhar Dhawan, This is a yorker-length delivery on middle and leg, Shikhar Dhawan makes a bit of room but ends up jamming it ut.

Strategic break! Punjab have only one wicket in hand and only one last hope at the crease, and that is their skipper. If he continues to manage the way he has batted so far, he can well give something for his bowlers to fight for. Meanwhile, Hyderabad have done all the hard work so far and it is all about putting the final nail in the coffin for them. To do that, Bhuvneshwar Kumar comes back into the attack for the hosts.

15.6: T Natarajan to Shikhar Dhawan, Fullish length around off, punched on the up to long off for a single.

15.5: T Natarajan to Shikhar Dhawan, SIX! Great game awareness from Shikhar Dhawan and the 100 does come up for Punjab now. T Natarajan misses the yorker and serves a full toss on middle, Dhawan shuffles across and ramps it over the fine leg fence for a maximum.

15.4: T Natarajan to Shikhar Dhawan, SIX! FIFTY for the Punjab skipper and he has played a real lone hand here. Length ball around off stump, Shikhar Dhawan picks it up and whacks it over the mid-wicket fence for a biggie. Can he now take Punjab to a fighting total?

15.3: T Natarajan to Shikhar Dhawan, A full toss now around off, Shikhar Dhawan slaps it toward long off and denies the single.

15.2: T Natarajan to Shikhar Dhawan, Shikhar Dhawan shuffles in his crease and T Natarajan bowls it outside off. Dhawan goes past the off stump and ends up dabbing it behind backward point. The fielder there makes a good stop to his right.

15.1: T Natarajan to Shikhar Dhawan, Gets in the yorker around off stump, Shikhar Dhawan jams it out to mid off.

14.6: Mayank Markande to Nathan Ellis, OUT! TIMBER! Mayank Markande ends his spell with another wicket and Punjab are just one wicket away from being bowled out. Markande tosses it up a bit fuller and around off stump. Nathan Ellis tries to be cheeky and attempts the reverse sweep but it is the googly again and the ball turns back in. The ball beats the bat and goes on to castle into the stumps. Markande ends with a four-fer and Punjab in real trouble here. Also, Mohit Rathee, on debut is the last man in for Punjab.

14.5: Mayank Markande to Shikhar Dhawan, Full and on leg stump, this is swept away to deep mid-wicket for one.

14.4: Mayank Markande to Shikhar Dhawan, FOUR! Good use of the feet! Tossed up around off stump, Shikhar Dhawan advances and forces the lofted shot over mid on for a boundary.

14.3: Mayank Markande to Shikhar Dhawan, A bit flatter and around off, kept out by Dhawan.

14.2: Mayank Markande to Shikhar Dhawan, Slower and shorter, turning in from around middle. Shikhar Dhawan rocks back to pull but misses and gets hit high on the pads.

14.1: Mayank Markande to Shikhar Dhawan, Flighted delivery around leg stump, Shikhar Dhawan nudges it away toward cover.

13.6: Umran Malik to Nathan Ellis, A good comeback by Malik after being taken for a boundary off his first ball. It is a length ball, outside off. Ellis punches it to deep point by Shikhar Dhawan denies the single.. 

13.5: Umran Malik to Nathan Ellis, A sharp bouncer on off. Ellis plays more of a forehand smash, but only gets it back to the bowler off the toe end.

13.4: Umran Malik to Nathan Ellis, Very full, angled into the pads. Ellis flicks it to mid-wicket.

13.3: Umran Malik to Shikhar Dhawan, A length ball, sliding down leg. Dhawan tickles it down to fine leg for a single.

13.2: Umran Malik to Shikhar Dhawan, Short and on off. Dhawan fails to pull it to the leg side.

13.1: Umran Malik to Shikhar Dhawan, FOUR! Shikhar Dhawan adding some valuable runs here. It is a short ball, outside off. Shikhar Dhawan stays back and cuts it past backward point for four runs. Just the start Punjab were after.

12.6: Mayank Markande to Nathan Ellis, Tossed up, full and outside off. Ellis leans in and taps it to mid off. Yet another successful over for Mayank Markande. 3 out of 3, so far.

Nathan Ellis walks out to bat now.

12.5: Mayank Markande to Rahul Chahar, OUT! LBW! Mayank Markande picks up his third wicket now, as the umpire raises his finger. Rahul Chahar though has a chat with the skipper and goes for the review. Mayank Markande serves it full and on fourth stump. It is a googly, that spins back into the right hander. Rahul Chahar gets down on one knee and tries to sweep it away but misses. He gets pinged on his pads. The Ball Tracking shows that it is umpire's call on impact and the ball goes on to hit the wickets. Rahul Chahar is gutted and he trudges back to the pavilion. Another review does not go Punjab's way but they haven't lost this review either. 

12.4: Mayank Markande to Rahul Chahar, On off, punched into covers.

12.3: Mayank Markande to Rahul Chahar, Slower ball, short and outside off. Chahar dabs it to the right of the slip fielder.

12.2: Mayank Markande to Rahul Chahar, Flighted and full, on leg. Chahar defends it out on his front foot.

12.1: Mayank Markande to Shikhar Dhawan, Flatter and short, outside off. Dhawan chops it to point and gets to the other end.

11.6: Umran Malik to Rahul Chahar, Umran Malik serves a length ball, sliding down the leg side. Rahul Chahar tries to heave it across the line but misses. The umpire does not signal a wide here. Rahul Chahar is not happy about it and Dhawan challenges the umpire's decision and Hyderabad have also gone up for a caught behind check. The UltraEdge confirms that there is no spike as the ball passes the bat. Later, the umpire confirms that it is not a wide as the batter moves from his initial position. 

11.5: Umran Malik to Rahul Chahar, Rahul Chahar now gets behind the line of this length ball and remains solid in his defense.

11.4: Umran Malik to Rahul Chahar, Length and on off, defended out solidly. 

11.3: Umran Malik to Rahul Chahar, Is that dropped? Umran Malik fires it down the leg side. Rahul Chahar tickles it to the left of the keeper. Heinrich Klaasen dives to his left but is unable to hold on to it. It could've been out though. 

Rahul Chahar is the new man in.

11.2: Umran Malik to Harpreet Brar, OUT! CLEANED UP! Umran Malik is elated. He gets rid of Harpreet Brar cheaply as the batter gets beaten for pace this time. Malik once again uses the angle by coming 'round the wicket. Bowls a length ball, coming into the batter. Harpreet Brar tries to get behind it sans any footwork. The ball sneaks past the inside edge and goes through to disturb the stumps. 77/7 the score now.

11.1: Umran Malik to Shikhar Dhawan, Umran Malik comes 'round the wicket and serves it short, wide of off. Dhawan stands tall and cuts it to deep point for a single.

10.6: Mayank Markande to Shikhar Dhawan, Shikhar Dhawan prods to this full ball and drives it to mid off for a single. Another wicket-taking over from Mayank Markande comes to an end.

10.5: Mayank Markande to Harpreet Brar, A single now as Brar pushes this full ball to mid off.

Harpreet Brar is the new man in.

10.4: Mayank Markande to Shahrukh Khan, OUT! LBW! Mayank Markande is on fire. Although, he needs to pause his celebration as Shahrukh Khan takes it upstairs for a review. Coming to the delivery, it is a googly, on off. Shahrukh Khan tries to defend it on his front foot but gets pinged on his pads. Mayank Markande appeals and up goes the finger. The Ball Tracking confirms that it is the umpire's call on the ball hitting the wickets. So, the on-field decision stands and so does the review for Punjab. Although, the batter has to trudge back. 

10.3: Mayank Markande to Shahrukh Khan, NOT OUT! Tossed up, outside off. The ball grips and turns away. Khan tries to hit it through the line but misses. Heinrich Klaasen gathers the ball and dislodges the bails in no time. The square-leg umpire takes it upstairs, but the replays confirm that Shahrukh Khan had his back leg grounded inside the crease and before that it had also confirmed that there was no bat.

Is that stumped? Heinrich Klaasen is quick to whip off the bails and the umpire does go upstairs this time around. Clear gap between bat and ball and the replays show that Shahrukh Khan has his back leg grounded firmly inside the crease. The decision of NOT OUT comes up on the screen.

10.2: Mayank Markande to Shikhar Dhawan, Flatter, outside off. Dhawan cuts it to sweeper cover for a single.

10.1: Mayank Markande to Shikhar Dhawan, It is a googly, on a fuller length, wide of off. Shikhar Dhawan tries to chase it but misses. Mayank Markande starts his second over with a beauty. 

9.6: Umran Malik to Shahrukh Khan, FOUR! Muscled! Good length around the top of off and at over 150 clicks. Shahrukh Khan half-pulls it right back past the bowler and the ball runs away into the long off fence for a boundary.

Shahrukh Khan is the new man in.

9.5: Umran Malik to Sikandar Raza, OUT! TAKEN! Time and again we have seen batters ramping Umran Malik for a six over third man but the fielder there is placed to perfection. This is banged in over the stumps and at 142.6 clicks. Sikandar Raza stays deep in his crease and bends his back before ramping it down to third man. Mayank Agarwal there is stationed pretty fine and he takes a well-judged catch just inside the ropes. Umran strikes in his first over and Punjab have now lost half their side inside the first 10 overs.

9.4: Umran Malik to Sikandar Raza, Just over! Banged in a bit at 147.7 clicks, Sikandar Raza backs away and tries to take it on. The ball comes up off the toe end and clears mid on. The batters come back for two with ease.

9.3: Umran Malik to Sikandar Raza, Hard length again over off stump, Sikandar Raza sets up for the pull but gets an inside edge back onto the pads.

9.2: Umran Malik to Sikandar Raza, Back of a length over off stump, Sikandar Raza hangs back and slaps this one in front of the square on the off side for a couple of runs.

9.1: Umran Malik to Sikandar Raza, Hits the length hard and bowls it at 140 clicks around off. Sikandar Raza punches it straight to extra cover.

9.1: Umran Malik to Sikandar Raza, WIDE! Umran Malik starts with a real loosener as he angles this one down leg. Sikandar Raza misses the flick and a wide is called.

8.6: Mayank Markande to Sikandar Raza, Full and around leg stump, Sikandar Raza sweeps it through short fine leg for a single.

Strategic break! Just when Punjab were looking to get things under control, Mayank Markande has broken this gritty 4th wicket stand, that too, on his debut. A dream first over for the spinner. Hyderabad clearly have their noses in front here. They will look to put pressure on the new batter walking out on the crease. For Punjab, it is their skipper who remains to be the key for them. He seems batting really well, using his feet against the seamers to put them off their lengths and it is working until now. An important passage of game awaits. Okay then, Sikandar Raza is the new man at the crease. He is the IMPACT PLAYER for Punjab. Prabhsimran Singh has been taken out here.

8.5: Mayank Markande to Sam Curran, OUT! CAUGHT! Mayank Markande breaks the partnership and Hyderabad are back on top of proceedings here. Gives it a lot more air and bowls it just around 75 clicks. This is tossed up around off and it is the wrong'un as well. Sam Curran skips down the track looking to go downtown but gets beaten in the flight and ends up slicing it. The ball goes up around the point region where Bhuvneshwar Kumar takes a simple catch and Punjab lose their fourth wicket.

8.4: Mayank Markande to Sam Curran, Nagging length pushed through around off, Sam Curran leaves it alone.

8.3: Mayank Markande to Sam Curran, FOUR! Short and wide again and this time Sam Curran doesn't miss out. Curran waits on the back foot and cuts it late behind point for a boundary.

8.2: Mayank Markande to Sam Curran, Short and pushed well across the left-hander, Sam Curran cuts it on the bounce to cover-point.

8.1: Mayank Markande to Shikhar Dhawan, Starts off with a fuller one around off stump, Shikhar Dhawan drives it off the front foot down to long off and rotates the strike.

7.6: T Natarajan to Shikhar Dhawan, Slower one, a touch fuller and on off, driven uppishly down to long on for a single.

7.5: T Natarajan to Shikhar Dhawan, FOUR! Nicely done! Just a fraction shorter around off, Shikhar Dhawan is quick to latch on to it as he cuts it past the point fielder for another boundary.

7.4: T Natarajan to Shikhar Dhawan, Nicely timed for no run! Short of a length around off, Shikhar Dhawan taps it on the bounce to the man at point.

7.3: T Natarajan to Sam Curran, Slower one, on a length and around off. Sam Curran looks to slap it over cover but ends up heaving it off the inner half of the bat to deep mid-wicket for a run.

7.2: T Natarajan to Shikhar Dhawan, On a good length around off, eased away through cover for a single.

7.1: T Natarajan to Shikhar Dhawan, FOUR! Thumped! Full and straight but right in the slot. Shikhar Dhawan crunches it right back over the bowler's head and picks up a boundary. The 50 is now up for Punjab.

6.6: Washington Sundar to Sam Curran, Nagging length around off, Sam Curran pushes it off the back foot and to the right of the bowler.

6.5: Washington Sundar to Shikhar Dhawan, Shorter again and this is worked away through mid-wicket for one.

6.4: Washington Sundar to Shikhar Dhawan, Drops it short at around 100 clicks and Shikhar Dhawan fails to pull it away as he gets an inside edge back onto the pads.

6.3: Washington Sundar to Shikhar Dhawan, Flatter again and pushed through quicker on off stump, Shikhar Dhawan goes on the back foot to defend.

6.2: Washington Sundar to Sam Curran, Quicker and flatter around middle, knocked down to long on for a single.

6.1: Washington Sundar to Sam Curran, FOUR! Washington Sundar comes into the attack and starts off with a loosener. This is dragged down outside off, Sam Curran rocks back and punches it past extra cover for a boundary.

5.6: Marco Jansen to Shikhar Dhawan, Ends with a dot and at the end of the Powerplay, Punjab are 41/3! This is bowled back of a length and around middle, Shikhar Dhawan hangs back and bunts it out in front of covers looking for the single but Sam Curran rightly sends him back.

5.5: Marco Jansen to Shikhar Dhawan, Takes pace off a bit and serves a length ball on middle, Shikhar Dhawan defends it off the front foot.

5.4: Marco Jansen to Sam Curran, Risky single but they make it! Short of a length angling into the body. Sam Curran gets cramped for room but manages to dab it toward backward point for a quick single.

5.3: Marco Jansen to Sam Curran, Goes full and angles it into the off pole, Sam Curran blocks it out.

5.2: Marco Jansen to Sam Curran, FOUR! Width offered and put away! Marco Jansen bowls it a tad short and wide, Sam Curran reaches out and thumps it over the cover region for a boundary. Just injecting a bit of momentum in the final over of the Powerplay is Curran.

5.1: Marco Jansen to Sam Curran, SIX! BANG! On a good length over the top of the stumps, Sam Curran stands his ground and smokes this one high and handsome over the long on fence for a maximum.

4.6: T Natarajan to Shikhar Dhawan, Shikhar Dhawan charges down the wicket and blocks this length ball back to the bowler. T Natarajan goes for 8 runs in his first over. 

4.5: T Natarajan to Shikhar Dhawan, Full length, on the pads. Dhawan clips it through mid-wicket for a couple of runs here.

4.4: T Natarajan to Shikhar Dhawan, MISFIELD AND FOUR! Rub of the green for Dhawan. It is a length ball, outside off. Dhawan gets it to backward point off the outside edge. The ball bounces in front of the fielder and eventually runs away to the fence. 

4.3: T Natarajan to Sam Curran, Sam Curran pushes this length ball into covers and scampers across for a quick single. Could well have been a risky run, but no damage done.

4.2: T Natarajan to Sam Curran, A length ball, tailing into the batter. Curran stays back and eases it towards point.

4.1: T Natarajan to Shikhar Dhawan, Shikhar Dhawan uses his feet against the pacer and taps this length ball to covers for a single. 

T Natarajan comes into the attack now.

3.6: Marco Jansen to Sam Curran, Wicket-maiden! Very full, on middle and leg. Curran leans forward and defends it out solidly.

Sam Curran walks in with Punjab in a spot of early bother.

3.5: Marco Jansen to Jitesh Sharma, OUT! CAUGHT! Marco Jansen is doing nothing wrong so far. He picks up his second wicket in his second over. Jitesh Sharma succumbs under the dot ball pressure. Jansen serves it full, on off. Sharma ends up chipping it straight to mid off. Aiden Markram stationed there makes no mistake. Punjab have lost their third with hardly any runs on the board. 

3.4: Marco Jansen to Jitesh Sharma, Much fuller, angled across, on off. Sharma knocks it to mid off.

3.3: Marco Jansen to Jitesh Sharma, A sharp bumper, on middle. Jitesh Sharma sways away from the line of the delivery. 

3.2: Marco Jansen to Jitesh Sharma, Jitesh Sharma stays back and defends this length ball solidly. 

3.1: Marco Jansen to Jitesh Sharma, A length ball, outside off. Jitesh Sharma check drives it to mid off. 

2.6: Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Shikhar Dhawan, FOUR! Shikhar Dhawan ends the over with a boundary. Good-looking shot. Once again, Dhawan uses his feet and plays a lofted drive over covers. A couple of bounces and into the ropes.

2.5: Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Shikhar Dhawan, Back to the dots! It is on a length, on off. Dhawan gets it to covers off the outer half. 

2.4: Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Shikhar Dhawan, FOUR! Lovely shot. Kumar pitches it up, on off. Shikhar Dhawan caresses it down the park for a boundary at long off. 

2.3: Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Shikhar Dhawan, Three dots in a row. It is much fuller, outside off. Shikhar Dhawan dances down the track and helps it to point.

2.2: Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Shikhar Dhawan, Length and on off. Dhawan defends it out watchfully.

2.1: Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Shikhar Dhawan, BEATEN! Kumar hurls in a length ball, in the channel, leaving the left-hander. Shikhar Dhawan tries to have a poke at it but misses.

1.6: Marco Jansen to Jitesh Sharma, On a length, around off. Sharma defends it back to the bowler with a straight bat. 

1.5: Marco Jansen to Jitesh Sharma, Marco Jansen serves it full and on off. Sharma digs it out back to the bowler.

1.4: Marco Jansen to Jitesh Sharma, FOUR! Phew! Some relief for the batter. It is a length ball, angling across. Sharma hangs his blade away from his body. The ball runs down to third man for a boundary. Jitesh Sharma gets off the mark against the run of play. 

1.3: Marco Jansen to Jitesh Sharma, Given lbw! Jitesh Sharma though takes the review, he thinks this is going down leg. Coming to the delivery. It is full, around middle and leg. The ball nips into the batter. Jitesh Sharma gets beaten on his inside edge and takes a blow on his pads. The Ball Tracking though confirms the ball is missing the wicket. The umpire is forced to overturn his decision. The final decision is NOT OUT.

Jitesh Sharma is the new man in.

1.2: Marco Jansen to Matthew Short, OUT! LBW! This time though Marco Jansen gets his name. Matthew Short has a long chat with his skipper, but Dhawan does not agree for the review and he starts walking away. Jansen hurls a length ball, around off, it comes back into the batter. Short tries to play at it but without moving his feet. Matthew Short gets pinged on his pads. Jansen appeals and the finger goes up. A bright start for Jansen, in his first start for Hyderabad this season. 

1.1: Marco Jansen to Matthew Short, A dot now! Much better from Jansen. It is a length ball, angled across, on off. Short takes a blow on his pads, as he tries to whip it across the line. Jansen makes a stifled appeal but the umpire shows no interest. 

1.1: Marco Jansen to Matthew Short, WIDE! Marco Jansen starts with a loosener. Full, shaping down leg. Short tries to clip it away but misses. Wide called.

Marco Jansen to operate from the other end.

0.6: Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Shikhar Dhawan, Good length, wide of off. Shikhar Dhawan is happy with a sighter to end the opening over. 

0.5: Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Shikhar Dhawan, FOUR! Top placement. Incredible from Dhawan. Despite losing the wicket off the very first ball, Dhawan is making sure to keep Kumar unsettled here. It is a full-length ball, angling across. Dhawan charges down the wicket and pushes it through the gap at covers. The ball has enough legs to reach the fence.

0.4: Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Shikhar Dhawan, This is a bit fuller, on middle. The ball comes into the batter this time. Shikhar Dhawan uses his feet and clips it behind square on the leg side for a brace. 

0.3: Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Shikhar Dhawan, A length ball, angling across the left-hander. Dhawan leaves it alone for the keeper.

0.3: Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Shikhar Dhawan, WIDE! It is very full, spilled outside the tramline outside off. The umpire signals a wide.

0.2: Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Matthew Short, Length ball, outside off. Short gets it down to third man off the outside edge. One taken.

0.2: Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Matthew Short, WIDE! Ohh some movement. Bhuvneshwar Kumar though spills it way down the leg side and the umpire extends his arms. 

Matthew Short, the debutant is in at number 3.

0.1: Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Prabhsimran Singh, OUT! LBW! This looks plumb and the umpire raises his finger straightaway. A dream start for Hyderabad. Earlier in the chat, Bhuvneshwar Kumar mentioned that he never checks out the pitch before the game and focuses on nailing the first ball. Well, he has certainly done that here. It is a length ball, that lands outside off and nips back in. Prabhsimran Singh is caught inside the crease, he tries to defend but takes a blow on his pads. Kumar appeals and the finger goes up. He walks back without taking the review.

We are all set for the match to begin but just as a side note, we would like to point out the fact with Kolkata needing 29 runs to win off the final 5 deliveries, Rinku Singh hit Yash Dayal for five-consecutive maximums to seal an unbelievable win. Back to this game now as the two umpires make their way out to the middle. Skipper Shikhar Dhawan will open the innings alongside Prabhsimran Singh for Punjab. Bhuvneshwar Kumar has the new ball in hand and is raring to go. Let's play...

The skipper of Punjab, Shikhar Dhawan is in for a chat. He starts by saying that they wanted to bat first anyway. Mentions when they practised here yesterday there was no dew. Adds that Hyderabad have lost their last two matches while chasing and would hope to capitalize on it. Jokingly says that he wasn't aware that there is red soil here in Hyderabad. On his team's form, he states that they just try to keep a good environment. Mentions that there is just a single change, a forced one, as the injured Bhanuka Rajapaksa makes way for Matthew Short.

Aiden Markram, the captain of Hyderabad says that they will bowl first as it looks like a good wicket and hopefully they can do the damage with the ball early on. Adds that it has been pretty calm and nothing can be fixed in a night and hopefully they can put on a good performance this game. Ends by saying that Klassen is set to make his debut and Mayank Markande also comes into the team.

Impact Players for Punjab - Kagiso Rabada, Sikandar Raza, Harpreet Singh, Atharva Taide, Rishi Dhawan. 

Punjab (Playing XI) - Shikhar Dhawan (C), Prabhsimran Singh, Matthew Short (In for Bhanuka Rajapaksa), Jitesh Sharma (WK), Sam Curran, Sikandar Raza, Shahrukh Khan, Harpreet Brar, Rahul Chahar, Nathan Ellis, and Arshdeep Singh.

Impact Players for Hyderabad - Abdul Samad, Mayank Dagar, Upendra Yadav, Glenn Phillips, Akeal Hosein.

Hyderabad (Playing XI) - Mayank Agarwal, Harry Brook, Rahul Tripathi, Aiden Markram (C), Washington Sundar, Heinrich Klaasen (WK) (In for Abdul Samad), Marco Jansen (In for Adil Rashid), Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Mayank Markande (In for Anmolpreet Singh), T Natarajan, Umran Malik. 

TOSS - The coin goes up and lands in favour of Hyderabad. They will BOWL first.