IPL 2023: PBKS vs KKR Review – Rajapaksa, Arshdeep shine for Punjab in a rain-curtailed game
The second game of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023 saw the Shikhar Dhawan-led Punjab Kings take on Kolkata Knight Riders in Mohali on Saturday, April 2. Kolkata won the toss and elected to field first in Mohali.
Batting first, Punjab started off their innings as they meant to go on. Prabhsimran Singh got off to a decent start as he scored 23 runs but was dismissed soon after. Skipper Shikhar Dhawan played an exceptional knock, scoring 49 runs in 29 deliveries.
However, it was Bhanuka Rajapaksa who was phenomenal for Punjab, scoring 50 runs in 32 deliveries. After the first innings, Punjab Kings managed to notch up 191 runs on the board. In the absence of Shreyas Iyer, the target of 192 runs was a mountain to climb for the Nitish Rana-led Kolkata Knight Riders.
As the visitors came to bat, Arshdeep Singh struck early and sent Mandeep Singh back to the pavilion with just two runs. Rahmanullah Gurbaz played a decent knock, but he too was dismissed for 22 runs. Skipper Nitish Rana also only managed to score 24 runs before he was dismissed.
Venkatesh Iyer and Andre Russell gave some hope to the side, but all went south after Russell, who looked to be in good form, was dismissed after scoring 35 runs in 19 deliveries.
However, after resilient performances from both sides, rain played spoilsport in Mohali, and the match was called off. Punjab Kings won the game by seven runs through the DLS method.
Top Performers from the match:
Bhanuka Rajapaksa
Rajapaksa played a sensational knock for Punjab Kings, which was integral to their victory. Batting first, Rajapaksa steadied the innings with a resilient performance with the bat. The 31-year-old scored a brilliant 50 off 32 deliveries and propelled Punjab to an excellent score of 191.
Arshdeep Singh
After a fabulous performance with the bat, Punjab Kings followed it up with a fabulous performance with the ball as well. Star India pacer Arshdeep Singh was key for his side in the second innings. He picked up three wickets in the three overs he bowled and continued to put pressure on Kolkata.
What’s next for both teams?
Punjab Kings will next take on Rajasthan Royals in the eighth match of the tournament in Jaipur on April 5. Kolkata Knight Riders will be going up against Faf du Plessis’ Royal Challengers Bangalore in Kolkata on April 6.
