Punjab Kings vs Sunrisers Hyderabad IPL, 2024 Full Scorecard

SIX! SMASHED! But Hyderabad take the game marginally by 2 runs, but what a sensational chase this has been! Jaydev Unadkat offers a juicy half-volley on off, Shashank Singh clears his front foot and hoists it up and over long off for a mighty six. Shashank Singh and Ashutosh Sharma, nearly, just nearly did the job yet again for Punjab but they end up on the other side. What a superb game of cricket we have witnessed!

THIRD CATCH PUT DOWN IN THIS OVER! Jaydev Unadkat takes the pace off from the ball and bowls it on a length, Ashutosh Sharma heaves it strongly straight towards deep square leg where Rahul Tripathi settles underneath the ball, but puts an easy catch down. Allows two runs. Jaydev Unadkat just need to ball a legal ball here to wrap up things.

WIDE! 10 off 2 now! Wide of off on a length, Ashutosh Sharma leaves it and the Umpire calls it a Wide. Tensions running high across the ground.

A slower delivery dug into the pitch outside off, Ashutosh Sharma pulls it in front of square. Rahul Tripathi from deep square leg runs to his left and stops it. He throws it to Klaasen who whips the bails but Ashutosh is just home in time. 11 needed off the last couple of balls.

A short delivery into the pitch on off, Ashutosh drags it towards deep square leg and scampers back for the second. 13 needed off the last 3 now.

SIX! Oh, dear! This is a sheer mockery! Another one put down and the result is the same, A SIX! On a length on off, Ashutosh Sharma makes some room for himself before slapping it flatly towards long off where the fielder miscalculates the jump and results in a six as the ball bursts through his hands and goes into the fence.

WIDE! Another extra! The pressure is speaking after that six! Slower short-pitched ball outside off, Ashutosh Sharma aborts to play at it and the Umpire gives it a Wide.

WIDE! Wide of off on a fuller length, this is given as a Wide.

DROPPED AND SIX! Oh, Nitish Kumar Reddy what have you done? Short in length and on off, Ashutosh Sharma short-arm jabs flatly towards deep mid-wicket where Nitish Kumar Reddy parries the ball over the fence before dropping a crucial catch.

Who will bowl the last over? It will be Jaydev Unadkat. He has to defend 28 runs here.

Brilliant bowling again! Nails a perfect yorker on off, Shashank Singh is a bit late to bring his bat down in time and the ball zips past through to the keeper. Punjab need 29 off the last 6 legal deliveries.

FOUR! Clever batting display from Shashank Singh! Way outside off and a low full toss, Shashank Singh reaches to it by shuffling across off and ramps it over short fine for a boundary.

Nicely bowled again. Yorker outside off, Ashutosh Sharma guides it to deep backward point for a single.

Brilliant comeback from Natarajan. Bowls a yorker on the stumps and Ashutosh can only dig it out straight back to the bowler. Crucial dot.

FOUR! Oh, that is some shot from Ashutosh! T Natarajan slants it across off and bowls a low full toss, Ashutosh Sharma detects the line early and shuffles across off, and sits down on his knee before dragging the slog-sweep through the gap between deep mid-wicket and long on.

Wide of off, and a wide yorker, Shashank Singh bends low and digs it out to deep backward point for a single.

T Natarajan (3-0-23-1) to bowl the penultimate over.

Full, around off, Ashutosh Sharma clears his front leg and smashes it hard but finds the mid off fielder to end the over. A superb spell from the Hyderabad skipper comes to an end. Punjab still in the hunt of 39 of the last two overs.

In the air...but safe! Short in length, wide of off, Shashank Singh shuffles across off and mistimes it over mid on for a single, as the ball lands just ahead of the long on fielder.

Slows the pace on off, on a length, Ashutosh Sharma drills it to deep mid-wicket for a run.

FOUR! Literally toying around the field at the moment these two! Short and on off, Ashutosh Sharma watches it closely before guiding it over the keeper's head for a boundary. These two are putting on a serious show yet again.

FOUR! Ashutosh Sharma joins the party now! Possibly the shot of the evening! On the back of a length around off, Ashutosh Sharma ferociously drives it through covers for a boundary.

Cummins lands it on the top of off on a length, Shashank Singh shuffles to his right and drags it to deep mid-wicket for a single.

Almost a yorker outside off, Shashank Singh manages to squeeze it toward deep point for a single to end the 17th over. 17 runs from it and this game is far from over.

WIDE! Another extra delivery! A close call though! Bhuvneshwar Kumar bowls it right on the tramline on a fuller length, Shashank Singh leaves it. Heinrich Klaasen believes that it is a fair delivery and Hyderabad go upstairs to review it. The split-screen clearly shows that the ball has passed beyond the tramline. So a review burnt here by Hyderabad and the onfield decision stands.

WIDE! Way outside off and beyond the tramline, this is given as a Wide.

FOUR! There's no stopping to Shashank as he keeps finding boundaries with ease! Almost a half-tracker outside off, Shashank Singh uses the width, gets on the top of the ball, and slaps it over covers for a boundary on a couple of bounces.

Outside off on a length, Ashutosh Sharma works it towards long off for an easy single.

Full in length, and in front of the stumps, Shashank Singh flicks it to deep mid-wicket for a single.

FOUR! Oh, what a shot! Offers a half-volley on off, Shashank Singh uses the bottom hand strongly and drives it through covers for a boundary. Back to back fours for Shashank.

EDGED AND FOUR! Outside off on a length, Shashank Singh throws his bat at it and it slices off his outside edge for a boundary over short third.

Good end to the over from Nitish Kumar Reddy! He nails the slower bouncer here, on middle, Ashutosh Sharma tries to ramp it away but misses.

Another short delivery, on middle and leg, Shashank Singh swipes it towards deep square leg for one.

Short and on middle, Ashutosh Sharma pulls it towards deep square leg for a single.

Ashutosh Sharma comes out to the middle now.

OUT! TAKEN! Punjab slide further into the drain and another disappointing outing for Jitesh Sharma but a brilliant catch by Abhishek Sharma in the deep! Bangs it short again on the stump line, Jitesh Sharma mistimes his pull shot over the mid-wicket region. Abhishek Sharma covers a good amount of ground as he runs to his front from the deep, and puts in a timely dive before taking a stunning catch.

SIX! BOOM! On the hard length around off. Jitesh charges down and tonks it over the long-off for a six. Much, much needed for Punjab.

WIDE! Short of a length at the leg stump, Jitesh clips it to deep mid-wicket for a couple.

IN THE AIR...AND DROPPED! Bangs it short on the stumps, Jitesh Sharma mistimes his pull shot that slices off his bat over the keeper's head. It travels in the air for a long time. T Natarajan from deep fine leg runs to his left to catch but he overruns a bit and puts it down. They cross for a brace. How costly will this drop prove to be for Hyderabad? Only time will tell.

Short of a length and on off, Jitesh Sharma miscues his pull through mid-wicket for one. Punjab needs 78 runs in the last five overs!

T Natarajan bangs in a bouncer now, on off, Jitesh Sharma leaves it alone. He is asking his partner if that was a wide, but decides against the review.

FOUR! Up and over! T Natarajan goes fuller this time, outside off, Jitesh Sharma steps across, reaches for it and smacks it over extra covers for a boundary. Punjab needs a few more of these!

Short of a length and outside off, Shashank Singh slices it hard but finds deep point again. Just another run.

Back of a length and around off, Jitesh Sharma cuts it towards deep point for a run.

Fuller and outside off, Shashank Singh tries to drive it away but gets it from the toe-end towards third man for a single.

T Natarajan (2-0-15-1) is back into the attack.

BEATEN! Jaydev Unadkat bowls this on a good length and just around off, Jitesh Sharma tries to guide it away but fails to connect.

Another slower delivery, short and around middle, Jitesh Sharma tries to pull again but gets a top edge wide of fine leg for a brace.

Goes short this time, on off, slower too, Jitesh Sharma mistimes his pull wide of long on and comes back for the second run.

Back of a length and on off, Shashank Singh pats it down to the off side for a run.

On a length and on middle, Jitesh Sharma clips it through square leg for a single.

Jitesh Sharma is in at number 7.

OUT! CAUGHT BEHIND! Jaydev Unadkat gets a wicket now! The break in play works in favour of the fielding side once again. This is a slower one, full and around off, Sikandar Raza moves across and tries to scoop but fails to generate power on the shot, the ball lobs up off the upper half of the bat in the air wide of the keeper, Heinrich Klaasen runs to his left and takes a comfortable catch. The dangerous-looking Raza goes back now and Punjab slips further! Hyderabad, overall have been absolutely fabulous in the fielding department, unlike their rivals.

Strategic Break! Despite of stumbling initially, Punjab's innings have found stability as Sikandar Raza and Shashank Singh have put on a strong resilient stand of 33 runs. Although they still require 92 off the last 42 deliveries, we have witnessed these asking rates barely matter when any one of the batters puts on a show. With Shashank Singh out in the middle and a couple of hitters yet to bat, Punjab will be surely fancying their chances here by taking calculated risks of being aggressive. Whereas Hyderabad will be aiming to get a couple of wickets to call it a game.

FOUR! That spoils the over a bit! Pat Cummins hits the length hard and on off, Shashank Singh uses his feet and slashes it away towards the deep point fence, the fielder runs to his left and dives, gets a hand to it but the ball still rolls away to the fence for a boundary.

Short of a length and outside off, Sikandar Raza punches it towards sweeper covers for one.

Pulls his length back and around off, Sikandar Raza backs away and tries to cut it but only manages to bunt it back to the bowler. Two dots in a row!

Touch fuller and on off, Sikandar Raza mistimes his drive back towards the bowler.

Back of a length and on off, Shashank Singh guides it towards third man for a run.

On a length and on off, Sikandar Raza runs it down to third man for a single.

Pat Cummins (2-0-4-1) replaces Jaydev Unadkat.

Fligthed, full and on off, Sikandar Raza drives it through covers for one.

Shorter in length and outside off, Sikandar Raza chops it down to the off side.

SIX! That sounded so sweet! Six from the moment he hit it! Shahbaz Ahmed tosses it up, full and around middle, Sikandar Raza goes down on one knee and absolutely nails his slog-sweep way over the deep square leg fence for a huge maximum.

Fires this one full, on leg, Shashank Singh tucks it through mid-wicket for another run.

Quicker, short and on leg, Sikandar Raza stays back and works it towards long on for a run.

Shahbaz Ahmed starts with a floated delivery, full and on leg, Shashank Singh chips it towards deep mid-wicket for a single.

Time for some spin as Shahbaz Ahmed is called into the attack now. He replaces T Natarajan.

Slower one, short of a length and on middle, Shashank Singh steps across and tries to hook it but gets a top edge, the ball lands well wide of fine leg. They cross.

Pulls his length back a bit, on off, Shashank Singh punches it straight to short covers.

Touch fuller and on off, Sikandar Raza knocks it towards mid off for a single.

Length again and on middle, Sikandar Raza gets cramped up for room and only manages to block it down the pitch.

On a length and on middle, angling in, Sikandar Raza looks to work it away but misses and gets hit on the pads, he loses his balance as well.

SIX! BOOM! Sikandar Raza finally connects from the middle! Jaydev Unadkat serves this full and around off, slower too, Sikandar Raza has enough time to wind up and heaves it over the deep square leg fence for a biggie.

Short of a length at the leg stump, Shashank Singh clips it to deep mid-wicket for a couple.

Good length at the middle stump, Shashank Singh tucks it to short mid-wicket.

FOUR! Clever, absolutely clever from Shashank! Short in length again from Natarajan on the top of the middle and off, Shashank Singh arches a bit away from the ball's line, and guides the ball uppishly with the pace over the keeper's head for a boundary.

Short of a length outside the off-stump. Sikandar Raza fails to get on the top of the bounce while looking for a cut, chopping it to the right of backward point for a risky run.

Back of a length at the leg stump. Shashank tucks it to deep forward square leg for a run to get off the mark.

The hero of the last game, Shashank Singh walks out to bat now.

OUT! TAKEN! Pat Cummins takes an absolute screamer at mid off to send Sam Curran packing! Such a phenomenal display of athleticism from the Hyderabad skipper! T Natarajan bowls it short and around off, Sam Curran tries to pull it away to the leg side but he plays it too close to his body to execute that shot and slices it uppishly before Pat Cummins, stationed at mid off, holds onto an absolute stunner of a catch, grabs it over his head by reverse-cupping it. He keeps running with the momentum but keeps the ball stuck to his hand. Punjab are 4 down now and are reeling.

On the back of a length around off, Sam Curran drives it through covers for a single to end the over. Despite a six, only 9 of it. This also brings up 3000 T20 runs for Sam Curran.

SIX! What a sensational hit from Curran! Short again, outside off, Sam Curran uses the pace and the room with precision and slashes it aerially over the deep backward point boundary for a maximum.

Slows the pace, and bowls short and outside off, Sam Curran smacks it hard but finds the cover fielder in the way.

Aims the stumps on a fuller length, Sikandar Raza flicks it to widish long on for a single.

Just outside off on a length, Sam Curran covers his off stump and drives it through covers for an easy single. 50 up for Punjab!

Lands it on off, and angles it across on a length, Sam Curran drives it straight to mid off.

Strategic-Break! After a hurried start from Punjab losing three wickets, they have managed to calm things down as Sikandar Raza and Sam Curran are building up a partnership in the middle. However, they will also have to keep an eye on the asking rate. Hyderabad have been brilliant with the ball and they will just look to keep things simple as they know that the batters will need to take risks which will create opportunities for them. They just need to be alert and take them. An exciting phase of cricket awaits us.

Shade full and attacking the off stump, Sam Curran turns it toward the widish deep mid-wicket for a quick single to end the over.

Short and on the bodyline of the southpaw, Sam Curran ducks underneath and lets it go. First-bounce called by the Umpire.

Short and on the stumps, Sikandar Raza pulls it through mid-wicket where Abhishek Sharma parries the ball to the deep due to misfield which allows them to cross for a single.

Stays over the wicket and bowls it on the hard length on the top of the middle, Sikandar Raza tries to tuck it away off the back foot but closes the bat's face a bit too early, and the ball flirts past the edge of his willow to the keeper.

Slants it across the middle, on a length, Sam Curran works it through mid-wicket for a single.

SIX! No mercy whatsoever for the new bowler! Not too short from Unadkat in the middle stump line, Sam Curran effortlessly pulls it over the deep mid-wicket region and deposits it into the stands for half a dozen.

FOUR! Up and over for four more! Bowls almost a half-tracker on the off-stump line, Sikandar Raza anticipates the length early and simply lofts it over the covers for a boundary on a couple of bounces at deep extra cover.

FOUR! Gets off the mark, finally, but in a streaky manner! On the back of a length, just on off, Sikandar Raza opens the face of the bat and gets a thickish outside edge which races away to the fence at deep third.

Lands it on the hard length, angles it on the middle and leg channel, Sikandar Raza pushes it firmly back to the bowler.

Short, on the stumps, Sam Curran tucks it with soft hands to the deep mid-wicket region for an easy single.

Aims the off-pole on a length, Sam Curran eases it to the off side on the back foot.

FOUR! What a cracking shot this! Nitish Kumar Reddy bowls a predictable short-pitched delivery on off, Sam Curran gets on the top of it and heaves it through the mid-wicket region for a boundary.

Nitish Kumar Reddy has been introduced into the attack now.

Keeps the length and the line the same, Sam Curran this time gets it through the cover-point for a single to end the over. End of the mandatory Powerplay. Punjab are 27/3, and Hyderabad are right on the top of the game right now.

Lands it short and outside off, Sam Curran flashes hard but gets it off the bottom half of the bat, and finds the point fielder.

Back of a length on off, Sam Curran gets on the back foot and punches it to the covers.

In the air...but safe! T Natarajan bangs short on the top Sam Curran just couldn't get enough wood on it and mistimes it over the mid on fielder for a brace.

On the back of a length, and nips into the left-hander from off, Sam Curran punches it to mid on.

FOUR! Natarajan gets greeted with a cracking boundary. Full and on the stumps, Sam Curran clears his front foot and slaps the ball through the left of mid on for a boundary.

T Natarajan is into the attack, and he replaces Pat Cummins.

Fuller one and on middle, Sikandar Raza knocks it towards mid on.

Back of a length and around off, shaping away, Sikandar Raza leaves it alone.

Sikandar Raza is in at number 5.

OUT! STUMPED! Wow..that is some glovework from Heinrich Klaasen! Bhuvneshwar Kumar gets his second wicket now and gets rid of the opposition skipper. He serves this a touch fuller and on off, angling away, Shikhar Dhawan takes a chance and steps down the track with the keeper standing up to the stumps, he misses the ball and Heinrich Klaasen shows quick hands to collect and breaks the stumps in a flash. Punjab three down and in a spot of bother!

Slower one, on a length and on middle, Shikhar Dhawan blocks it on the pitch.

DROPPED AND FOUR! A big chance goes begging! Bhuvneshwar Kumar lands this on a good length and on off, angling away, Shikhar Dhawan looks to play at it but gets an outside edge towards first slip, Abdul Samad fails to react quickly and lets it through for a boundary. Dhawan gets a life here!

Fuller one and on off, Shikhar Dhawan uses his feet and drives it nicley wide of sweeper covers for a couple of runs.

Goes short again, on middle, Sam Curran mistimes his pull shot towards short mid-wicket.

Pat Cummins bangs in a sharp bouncer now, on middle, Sam Curran ducks under it.

Touch fuller and on off, Shikhar Dhawan looks to push it away but gets an outside edge towards third man for one.

Short of a length and on off, Sam Curran tries to punch it but gets an inside edge towards backward square leg for a run.

Back of a length and outside off, Shikhar Dhawan slashes hard at it and gets an outside edge that falls short of third man for a single.

Fuller one and on off, angling in, Shikhar Dhawan knocks it down the pitch.

Sam Curran is in at number 4 to rescue Punjab from an early collapse.

OUT! TAKEN! Bhuvneshwar Kumar has the last laugh here! He pulls his length back slightly here, on the middle, and nips away, Prabhsimran Singh once again comes down the track to flick it away but closes the face of the bat too early, the ball catches the outside half of the bat and goes high in the air behind point, Nitish Kumar Reddy can do nothing wrong as he runs backward, keeps his eyes on the ball and pouches it safely. Punjab two down and in a bit of trouble.

FOUR! Nice shot! Bhuvneshwar Kumar continues with his fuller length, on middle, Prabhsimran Singh skips down the track again lofts it, does not get it from the middle but enough to clear mid on for a boundary.

Pitched up and around middle, Prabhsimran Singh uses his feet but only manages to drill it straight to mid on.

Full again and on off, shaping in, Prabhsimran Singh tries to drive on the up but gets an inside edge onto his pads.

Touch fuller and on leg, Shikhar Dhawan clips it through square leg for a single.

FOUR! First boundary of the chase! Bhuvneshwar Kumar lands this on a good length and on off, Shikhar Dhawan gives charge by coming down the track and crunches it through point for a boundary.

On a length and on off, Prabhsimran Singh pushes it to short covers. Just one run and a wicket from this over.

Short of a length and on off, Prabhsimran Singh dabs it down to point.

The Impact Sub for Punjab, Prabhsimran Singh is in at number 3. Arshdeep Singh has been subbed out.

OUT! BOWLED'EM! The skipper Pat Cummins draws first blood! In the battle of an Englishman and an Aussie, he gets the better of Jonny Bairstow and sends him back for a duck. This is back of a length and around middle, Jonny Bairstow stays back and has a swipe across the line but plays all over it and the ball goes through to rattle the stumps. Early blow for Punjab!

BEATEN! Pat Cummins hits the length hard this time, on the fifth stump line, nips away a bit, Jonny Bairstow tries to steer it away but gets beaten on the outside edge again.

First runs off the bat! This is on a good length and on off, Shikhar Dhawan tries to push it away but gets an inside edge onto his pads as the ball rolls to the off side. They cross.

Pat Cummins begins with a fuller delivery as well around off, Shikhar Dhawan drives it firmly but straight to covers.

Pat Cummins, the skipper to share the new ball.

BEAUTY! Bhuvneshwar Kumar lands this on a good length and around off, shaping away sharply Jonny Bairstow takes a couple of steps forward to push it away but gets beaten on the outside edge. A maiden over, and this is his 13th maiden over in the Indian T20 League.

Punjab are underway with extras! This one is overpitched and on leg, shaping in, Shikhar Dhawan fails to work it away as the ball goes off his pads towards square leg. A leg bye is taken.

Make that four! Bhuvneshwar Kumar pitches it up, on middle and leg, Shikhar Dhawan tries to flick it away but misses and gets hit on the pads as the ball goes nowhere.

Goes fuller again and on off, Shikhar Dhawan knocks it towards mid off. Three dots in a row!

This is on a good length and around off, shaping away, Shikhar Dhawan uses his feet and dabs it towards point.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar starts with full delivery, on off, Shikhar Dhawan taps it towards short covers.

DROPPED AND SIX! Oh..no!  Sam Curran bowls another slower one, on a length and on middle, Jaydev Unadkat backs away and lofts it towards the long on fence, Harshal Patel there moves to his left and tries to grab it but only manages to parry it over the ropes for a maximum. Hyderabad finishes on 182/9!

Jaydev Unadkat is the last man in for Hyderabad to face the final ball of the first innings.

OUT! TAKEN! Sam Curran gets his second now! He pitches it up, on off, Bhuvneshwar Kumar looks to slog it away but gets hit from the toe-end of the bat, the ball flies towards long off, Jonny Bairstow runs forward and takes a fine catch diving to his front. Can Punjab bowl Hyderabad out here?

Slower again, full and on middle, Bhuvneshwar Kumar heaves it away wide of deep mid-wicket for a couple of runs.

Excellent yorker, on off, Shahbaz Ahmed jams it out towards long off for another run.

Back of a length and on off, Bhuvneshwar Kumar pulls it towards deep mid-wicket for a run.

Slower one, full and around off, Shahbaz Ahmed drills it wide of long off for just a single.

Sam Curran (3-0-30-1) to bowl the final over of the first innings.

On a length and on off, Shahbaz Ahmed dabs it towards point for one. He will keep the strike for the ;last over.

SIX! BANG! Much needed for Hyderabad! Arshdeep Singh misses his yorker this time, serves this full and outside off, Shahbaz Ahmed crouches low, reaches out for it nicely and smacks it over extra covers for a biggie.

Arshdeep Singh goes for the slower bouncer, but this one is a bit too high, Shahbaz Ahmed leaves it alone. Wided.

FOUR! Gets it through this time! Arshdeep Singh pulls his length back a bit, outside off, slower too, Shahbaz Ahmed gets the chance to free his arms and crunches it through point for a boundary.

A full toss now, on off, Shahbaz Ahmed misses out there and drills it straight to extra covers.

In the blockhole, outside off, Bhuvneshwar Kumar squeezes it through point for a single.

Fuller and around off, Bhuvneshwar Kumar drives it nicely wide of long off, Kagiso Rabada runs to his left and dives to stop it well. A couple of runs taken.

Arshdeep Singh (3-0-14-4) to bowl the penultimate over.

Fuller one and angling into leg, Bhuvneshwar Kumar tries to work it away but misses as the ball deflects off the pads to the leg side. The batters take a leg bye.

Hard-length delivery, on middle, Bhuvneshwar Kumar misses again as the ball goes just over the stumps.

So close! Kagiso Rabada lands this on a good length and on off, Bhuvneshwar Kumar tries to play at it but gets beaten on the outside edge, not too far away from the stumps as well.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar is the next batter in at number 10.

OUT! CASTLED! Kagiso Rabada gets into the wicket-taking act now! He goes full and straight, Pat Cummins clears his from leg to heave it away over mid-wicket but plays all over it as the ball crashes onto the top of the middle stump as the bails go flying. Hyderabad eight down now!

A slower bouncer now, on middle, Pat Cummins sways away from it, the umpire deems that it is too high and calls it a wide.

In the air...safe! Kagiso Rabada lands this back of a length and on middle, Pat Cummins goes for the pull but gets a top edge, the ball lands safely in the vacant mid-wicket region. Two runs taken.

On a length and on off, Pat Cummins dabs it down to point.

Kagiso Rabada (3-0-29-0) is back into the attack.

Full and on off, Pat Cummins drills it through covers for one. Just six runs and wickets of two set batters form this over.

Hyderabad skipper, Pat Cummins is in at number 9.

OUT! TAKEN AGAIN! Arshdeep Singh with another double strike! He gets lucky this time as this is a juicy full toss, on off, Nitish Kumar Reddy stays back and tries to slog it across the line, but his bat turns in his hands when he connects, the ball goes high in the air towards long off where Kagiso Rabada runs forward and pouches it safely. Nitish Kumar Reddy is disappointed with himself but he has played a brilliant knock here.

On a length and on middle, Shahbaz Ahmed nudges it through mid-wicket for a single.

Shahbaz Ahmed is in at number 8.

OUT! TAKEN! Arshdeep Singh has three now! He serves this full and outside off again, angling away, Abdul Samad tries to squeeze it away but ends up slicing it in the air and straight into the hands of Harshal Patel at third man who makes no mistake. Samad goes back after a nice little cameo!

Arshdeep Singh nails the wide yorker again, Abdul Samad fails to dig it out this time. However, he takes the review for a wide. The replay shows that he is standing on the off-stump and it is a fair delivery.

FOUR! A bit streaky! Arshdeep Singh bowls a good wide yorker, outside off, Abdul Samad throws his bat at it and opens the face a slight bit, the ball flies off the outside edge past the diving keeper for a boundary.

Strategic Break! Well, the tables have turned as despite losing their in-form batters, Nitish Kumar Reddy came out of the syllabus for Punjab, and is playing an absolute blinder of an inning here. He has accelerated his inning perfectly and stands unbeaten on 64 off just 36 rocks. Abdul Samad has equally played a responsible hand in this partnership. Those couple of dropped catches from Punjab fielders just might prove costly as Hyderabad are eyeing a stronger finish here. Let's see how the slog overs pan out. Arshdeep Singh comes into the attack to bowl his final over.

Hits the hard length, on off, Abdul Samad punches it towards long off for one. 13 runs off the over!

FOUR! TWO IN TWO! Harshal Patel goes on-pace this time, full and on the pads, Abdul Samad uses his wrists brilliantly and whips it away towards the deep backward square leg fence for four more runs.

FOUR! Abdul Samad joins the party now! Harshal Patel takes pace off and lands this short of a length, outside off, Abdul Samad waits for it and slaps it towards the deep extra covers fence for a boundary.

Back of a length and on middle, Abdul Samad clips it away wide of deep mid-wicket for a brace.

On a length and on middle, Nitish Kumar Reddy tucks it towards mid-wicket for a run.

In the air...safe! This is full and on middle, Abdul Samad mistimes his slog high up in the air towards the mid off region, Shikhar Dhawan from covers runs towards it and dives but fails to reach it. A single is taken.

Excellent running by the two! Converts a single into a double. On a length outside off, Nitish Kumar Reddy cuts it through covers and quickly scampers back for the double. An extremely expensive over from Brar as he concedes 22 of it.

SIX! In the slot and punished! Tossed up outside off, Nitish Kumar Reddy gets underneath and hoists it over long off for a biggie. Brar is under immense pressure and will look to end up quickly now.

FOUR! Should've been a catch but gets a boundary instead. Short, on the stumps, Nitish Kumar Reddy rocks back and hits it flat and over the mid-wicket region. Shashank Singh in the deep runs to his left, he even gets to it but shells it eventually, and the ball runs to the fence for a boundary.

SIX! What a special Fifty from Nitish Kumar Reddy! Full toss from Brar on the pads, Nitish Kumar Reddy simply lifts it with sheer timing over long for a maximum. He has accelerated his inning beautifully here.

FOUR! Innovative and gets the result! Too full, and in front of the stumps, Nitish Kumar Reddy employs the reverse sweep over point for a boundary.

Brar drops it full, on off, Nitish Kumar Reddy plays it to the bowler.

End of a successful over for Harshal! On the back of a length, aiming the stumps, Abdul Samad eases it back to the bowler.

WIDE! Too short and high above the batter's head. Given as a Wide.

FOUR! Lovely shot and great timing! Angles it on the pads does Harshal as he bowls it full, Abdul Samad prods ahead and flicks it through mid-wicket for another boundary.

FOUR! Slashed away and it races to the fence. Full, on off, Abdul Samad slices it over the point fielder for a boundary.

On off, full, Nitish Kumar Reddy pushes it through covers for a single.

Sprays it on the pads, Abdul Samad flicks it to the left of fine leg for a single.

Abdul Samad is the next man in.

OUT! A BIG, BIG WICKET FOR PUNJAB AS HARSHAL GETS KLAASEN! Harshal bangs the deck hard, angling into the batter on the middle stump, Heinrich Klaasen backs away a bit to create room for himself and lofts it aerially trying to clear the fence. But this time, he doesn't quite get the timing correct and finds Sam Curran at long off who takes a sitter. Harshal Patel gets his second and Hyderabad now are in a deep, deep trouble as Heinrich Klaasen, the dangerman walks back to the sheds without causing much of a damage.

Bowls it outside off on a nagging length, Nitish Kumar Reddy shuffles across off and swings the bat but meets thin air as the ball flirts past his willow's edge to end the over. Hyderabad has scored around 10 an over in the last three thanks to the cameo from Nitish Kumar Reddy.

100 up for Hyderabad! Back of a length, on the top of off, Heinrich Klaasen stays on the back foot and cuts it nicely through point for a single.

Outside off on a fuller length, Heinrich Klaasen bends a bit low and drives it through covers for a couple of runs.

Attacks the stumps on a length, Heinrich Klaasen backs away a bit and punches it to cover-point.

On off, on a length, Nitish Kumar Reddy works it through covers for a single. Nice batting this from Reddy.

SIX! Fantastic shot that! Sam Curran takes the pace off from the ball as he rolls his fingers, and lands it on the leg stump line, Nitish Kumar Reddy waits for it as he anticipates the length early, creates a strong base for himself, and deposits it into the stands over deep square leg for another maximum.

On the back of a length again on off, Nitish Kumar Reddy taps it to the keeper's right and fetches a quick run to end the over.

SIX! Sit back and admire this shot! Rabada bangs it short and angles it on the leg stump line, Nitish Kumar Reddy uses the pace and the bounce before pulling it over the deep backward square leg fence for a maximum. He is trying to shift the gears now.

On a hard length on the pads, Heinrich Klaasen tucks it by hoping on the back foot toward deep square leg for a single.

On a length on the stumps, Heinrich Klaasen hops and defends it to Rabada's right.

Back of a length on leg, Nitish Kumar Reddy guides it to third man for one.

Back of a length, on leg, Nitish Kumar Reddy works it to mid-wicket.

FOUR! A valiant effort from Sam Curran but in vain, and Heinrich Klaasen gets his first boundary. Brar drops it right into the slot on the stumps, Heinrich Klaasen clears his front foot and slaps it over the bowler's head for a boundary. Sam Curran from long on runs to his left and puts in a dive to stop it but it has got enough wheels to evade him.

Quicker and flatter outside off, Heinrich Klaasen cuts it with no timing to the off side.

Flatter, outside off, Nitish Kumar Reddy punches it to covers for a single.

SIX! Poor and rightly punished! Brar bowls it on the pads on a length, Nitish Kumar Reddy quickly goes into the crease and pulls it over the deep backward square leg for a maximum. A sense of urgency here from Nitish Kumar Reddy.

FOUR! Now this is a good shot! Shade short and just on off, Nitish Kumar Reddy makes room by rocking back before cutting it crisply through backward point for a boundary.

Flatter, outside off, on a length, Nitish Kumar Reddy rocks back and cuts it straight to covers.

Harpreet Brar to continue.

Pitched up and on off, Nitish Kumar Reddy drives it through covers for one more.

This is on a good length and on off, Heinrich Klaasen guides it towards third man for one.

The dangerman, Heinrich Klaasen walks to the middle at number 6 for Hyderabad.

OUT! TAKEN! Punjab does not make the same mistake twice! An excellent review and they get another breakthrough. Harshal Patel bangs in a good bouncer, on middle, Rahul Tripathi tries to ramp it away but it seems he misses. However, Sam Curran thinks that he has heard a noise, and this time Shikhar Dhawan takes the review. UltraEdge clearly shows a spike when the ball passes the bat. Tripathi is already down the tunnel before the umpire reverses his decision. Hyderabad four down now!

On a length and on off, Nitish Kumar Reddy pushes it through covers for another run.

Slower one, back of a length and outside off, Rahul Tripathi cuts it towards deep point for a run.

Fuller and on off, Nitish Kumar Reddy steers it wide of point for a single.

Strategic Break! Punjab bowlers have looked on-song so far as their bowlers have managed to remove the top 3 of Hyderabad well inside the Powerplay. Kagiso Rabada initiated with excellent lines and lengths and was followed by Arshdeep Singh who picked two in the same over. Hyderabad had the worst Powerplay so far in this edition having lost three in-form batters quite early. Punjab would want to get a couple of more scalps to press more harder on Hyderabad whereas, the men in orange aim to stitch a crucial partnership with Rahul Tripathi and Nitish Kumar Reddy in the middle. Let's see how the mid-over phase pans out. Also, a bowling change as Harshal Patel (1-0-1-0) is back into the attack.

Quicker, short and on leg, Nitish Kumar Reddy clips it through mid-wicket for one more.

Short again and on off, Nitish Kumar Reddy punches it straight to short covers.

Flighted, full and on leg, Rahul Tripathi uses his feet and drills it towards long on ofr one.

Goes short and on middle, Nitish Kumar Reddy moves back and swats it down to long on for another run.

Floated, full and on midddle, Rahul Tripathi goes down and sweeps it towards deep mid-wicket for a run.

Tossed up, full and on middle, Nitish Kumar Reddy eases it towards long on for a single.

Pitched up and around off, Rahul Tripathi strides out and times his drive beautifully through covers, Arshdeep Singh in the deep runs to his left and dives to push it back inside excellently. Two more runs added to the totatl.

Hits the hard length outside off, Rahul Tripathi uses his feet and slaps it wide of sweeper covers for a brace.

Touch fuller and on off again, Nitish Kumar Reddy pushes it through covers for a single.

On a length and on off, Nitish Kumar Reddy blocks it back to the bowler.

Good stop! This is back of a length and outside off, Nitish Kumar Reddy cuts it away really hard wide of point, Harpreet Brar dives to his left to make a stunning stop.

FOUR! Wonderfull shot! Sam Curran bangs this short and on middle, sits up nicely for the batter, Nitish Kumar Reddy gets on top of it and pulls it away towards the deep mid-wicket fence for a boundary.

Sam Curran (1-0-11-1) is back into the attack.

Another short delivery, on middle, Nitish Kumar Reddy moves back and nudges it through mid-wicket for one.

Darts this one full and on leg, Rahul Tripathi misses his flick as the ball goes off his pads towards square leg. A leg bye is taken.

FOUR! Good shot! Harpreet Brar drags his length back and around off, Rahul Tripathi makes a bit of room for himself and cuts it away nicely past backward point for a boundary.

Pushed through quicker, fullish and on leg, skids through., Rahul Tripathi stays back to work it away but misses and gets hit on the pads.

Flatter, short again and outside off, Rahul Tripathi moves a long way across to paddle it away but misses it completely.

Harpreet Brar begins with a short delivery, on middle, Nitish Kumar Reddy moves back and punches it down to long on for a single.

This has been the worst Powerplays of all for Hyderabad as they have lost three dangerous batters on low scores.

Goes fuller again and on middle, angling into leg, Rahul Tripathi tries to swipe it away but misses, it looks like it deflects off the back leg behind to the keeper. However, the umpire calls it a wide. Jitesh Sharma is quick to tell his skipper to take the review. Ultraedge shows a spike and it is a fair delivery. Four dots in a row to end the over then. Just one from it!

Jitesh Sharma's throw has broken the stump at his end. It is being replaced with a new one. It has been replaced by one of the staff members and we are good to continue.

Play and a miss! Harshal Patel sees the batter advance down the track, lands this back of a length, outside off, Rahul Tripathi tries to reach it but fails to do so, Jitesh Sharma collects behind the stumps and hits the stumps at the batter's end, but Tripathi is safe.

On a length and on off, Rahul Tripathi pats it down to the off side.

BEATEN! This is pitched up and around off, shaping away a bit, Rahul Tripathi goes for the big booming drive but gets beaten on the outside edge.

Full again and on off, Nitish Kumar Reddy drives it firmly wide of short covers, Sikandar Raza gets a hand to it to make decent half-stop. They cross.

Harshal Patel starts with a full delivery, on of, Nitish Kumar Reddy taps it to short covers.

Rahul Tripathi is the next man in, He is the Impact Player for Hyderabad and replaces Travis Head. Also, Harshal Patel comes into the attack now.

OUT! TAKEN! After getting struck for a couple of boundaries, Curran gets a wicket and a big one! Sam Curran bowls it away from the southpaw on a length, Abhishek Sharma has to really reach out to it as he dances down the track to get it through the cover-point. He mistimes the shot and plays it flat through the air with the bottom half of the blade. Shashank Singh at covers takes a sharp catch by judging it properly and taking it diving to the front to dismiss Abhishek Sharma who was looking to have found his groove. Hyderabad three down now.

FOUR! Sheer display of wristwork there! Full and angling in on the stumps, Abhishek Sharma flicks a bit aerially over mid on for a boundary.

SIX! Oh, what a gracious shot this is! Curran gets it to swing it in a bit from outside off, he keeps the length full, Abhishek Sharma goes the aerial route this time as he prods ahead and lifts the ball over the covers for half a dozen.

Gets a bit of an away movement again outside off, on a length, Abhishek Sharma offers no shot at it. A sedate start from the southpaw this.

WIDE! Swings away from outside off on a short length, Abhishek Sharma skips down the track, and flashes hard but only manages to meet thin air. Wide given anyways.

Outside off on a length, inviting Abhishek to poke at it. Abhishek Sharma covers his off stump and opts to leave it alone.

Curran comes into the attack and bowls it right on the money, getting a hint of an away movement, just on the fourth stump line, Abhishek Sharma swings hard but misses to connect. The ball flirts past his outside edge to the keeper.

Absolute peach of a delivery from Arshdeep Singh! On the back of a length, and on the top of the stumps, Nitish Kumar Reddy gets beaten on the outside edge to end the over. This is the first time that Hyderabad has lost a couple of wickets right inside the Powerplay. Top start for the home team.

WIDE! A bit too wide on the back of a length, Nitish Kumar Reddy pokes at it but gets beaten and the umpire calls it as a Wide.

Touch full and away from off, Nitish Kumar Reddy decides to leave it alone.

Nitish Kumar Reddy comes out to the middle now.

OUT! CAUGHT BEHIND! Double strike by Arshdeep Singh and he has just dismissed the two absolutely dangerous batters! He steams in from over the wicket and lands it on the off stump line, slanting it across the stumps, on the back of a length, Aiden Markram looks to punch it to the off side but it keeps a bit low on the bounce, and catches the thickish outside edge of his willow. Jitesh Sharma does the rest behind the wickets with that regulation grab.

Full length, shaping away from outside off, Aiden Markram leans and drives to the covers.

Aiden Markram walks out to bat at number 3.

OUT! TAKEN! Arshdeep strikes and Punjab get a crucial scalp here! Arshdeep Singh bowls it attacking the stumps on a fuller length with a shade away movement, Travis Head tries to go for another big shot but this time it catches the leading edge that flies over the mid off region. Shikhar Dhawan runs backward keeping his eyes on the ball and calmly collects it by stretching his hands ahead. A stupendous catch from the Punjab skipper.

Oh, that could've been close! Swings it away from the off stump line on a fuller length, Abhishek Sharma pushes it to cover-point and shoots off for a single. The fielder inside the circle is quick to collect the ball but has a shy at the bowler's end. Abhishek Sharma was a goner had it hit the stumps.

Pulls his length a bit now, on the stumps, Travis Head gets cramped up for room but does well to drag it to the deep square leg region for a brace.

In the air...but safe. On a fuller length at the stumps, Travis Head looks to lift it away over the leg side but gets a thickish outside edge that spoons over the infield. Three fielders chase the ball from the 30-yard circle, and the batters cross for the double in the meantime.

Short, outside off at 139 clicks, Travis Head backs away and tries to guide the ball over the slips bit gets beaten.

FOUR! What a shot! Right into the slot on the stumps, Travis Head lofts it over the mid on fielder for a boundary. Hat-trick of fours and he is up and running.

FOUR! That's beautifully played! On the back of a length, just around off, Travis Head stays inside the crease and slaps it through the cover-point for a boundary.

FOUR! He's bowling beautifully but the batter, yet again gets the reward! Bowls it on the fuller length which moves into the batter from the middle, Travis Head swings hard at it getting an inside edge which bullets to the deep fine leg for a boundary.

Almost a half-tracker outside off with an away movement, Abhishek Sharma shoulders arms at it to end the over. End of the second over, just 6 from it.

FOUR! This time he uses the width to perfection! Swings away again, on a shortish length outside off, Abhishek Sharma cuts it a bit uppishly through the right of the leaping point fielder for a boundary.

An away swinger this time on a length outside off, Abhishek Sharma watches it closely and lets it go.

A hint of an inward movement on it from off, on a length, Travis Head stays inside the crease and slaps it towards Shikhar Dhawan at mid off who fumbles and the ball trickles to the deep which allows them to cross for a single.

On the back of a length shaping away from the southpaw, Travis Head hangs back and punches off the bottom half of the bat to mid off.

Almost chopped on! Over the wicket, and outside off, on a length with a bit of a movement away from the batter as well, Abhishek Sharma gets squared up and inside edges over the stumps to the fine leg region for a single.

Arshdeep Singh to share the attack.

On the back of a length on the stumps, Travis Head opens the face of the bat and taps it to point to end the over.

On the hard length again, angling away from outside off, Travis Head gets beaten again.

Follows up with another beauty! On the length and shade outside off, nips away a bit as well. Travis Head looks to defend but gets beaten.

FOUR! Streaky but will do! Bowls it away outside off on a fuller length, Travis Head throws his bat at it and it takes off from the leading edge to the boundary over the slips.

On the back of a length outside off with a wild away movement, Travis Head looks to punch it off the back foot but misses.

What a stunner from Rabada to start with! He Steams in and bowls it on a length on the top of off, Travis Head gets squared up and plays inside the line of the ball. The ball flirts with the outside edge and goes through to the keeper. Kagiso Rabada thinks that he nicked it but they eventually deny to review it. Oh..wow! The UltraEdge after the over shows a spike and confirms the edge. Will this cost Punjab? Let's see.

We are all set to begin! The two umpires walk out to the middle followed by the Punjab players. Travis Head and Abhishek Sharma are the two openers for Hyderabad. Kagiso Rabada has the new ball in hand and is raring to go. Let's play...

Aiden Markram is up for a flash interview. He says that the previous win was an important one. Adds that that there's good vibe overall in the team. States that a lot of success has come from the opening stand and the top order has carried the load so far which has been massive for them. On being asked about his role, he mentions that it is easy to float around and do whatever is needed. Adds that they have got few days between games and it allows them to refresh and get back positively into the game.

Pat Cummins, the captain of Hyderabad says that they would have bowled as well but are not too upset. Adds that overall they have been pretty happy with their performance and the atmosphere around the team is very positive. Mentions that they have a good new ball bowler in Bhuvi and a couple of nice death bowlers, so he just tries to fill in when needed. Informs they are unchanged.

Shikhar Dhawan, the skipper of Punjab elects to bowl first. He says that the wicket is going to stay the same throughout. Says that they are pretty happy with how things have gone for them so far, and adds they are lucky to have won a couple of crunch games. Adds they have won two games with good margins too, and look forward to winning here as well. On being asked about the injury status of Liam Livingstone, he mentions that he is still recovering and informs that they are going with the same playing XI.

Impact Players for Hyderabad - Umran Malik, Washington Sundar, Mayank Markande, Glenn Phillips, Rahul Tripathi.

Hyderabad (Unchanged Playing XI) - Travis Head, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Abhishek Sharma, Aiden Markram, Heinrich Klaasen (WK), Abdul Samad, Shahbaz Ahmed, Pat Cummins (C), Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Jaydev Unadkat, T Natarajan.

Impact Players for Punjab - Prabhsimran Singh, Nathan Ellis, Tanay Thyagarajann, Rahul Chahar, Rishi Dhawan.

Punjab (Unchanged Playing XI) - Shikhar Dhawan (C), Jonny Bairstow, Sam Curran, Sikandar Raza, Shashank Singh, Jitesh Sharma (WK), Ashutosh Sharma, Harpreet Brar, Harshal Patel, Kagiso Rabada, Arshdeep Singh.

TOSS - The coin lands in favour of Shikhar Dhawan and Punjab have elected to BOWL first.

Hyderabad has shown they can dominate any bowling attack, while Punjab holds the record for successfully chasing down the most 200+ scores in the competition. Get ready for an exciting contest, as the toss and team updates are about to be revealed. Stay tuned!

Meanwhile, Hyderabad, renowned for its explosive overseas contingent, is brimming with confidence after defeating the defending champions Chennai convincingly. With T Natarajan back in the eleven, their bowling lineup featuring Pat Cummins, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, and Jaydev Unadkat appears formidable. In batting, Abhishek Sharma and Travis Head have been consistent at the top, providing a strong foundation that is reflected in their Powerplay run rate numbers so far. Especially Abhishek, who scored runs with ease against Chennai and the reason Hyderabad flies off at 10s an over. Aiden Markram has displayed solidity, and Heinrich Klaasen offers stability in challenging situations with his thunderous striking ability. Pat Cummins has been absolutely spot-on with his captaincy as well. Overall, Hyderabad looks well-drilled and possesses the ability to attack fiercely.

In a nail-biting contest, Punjab orchestrated an extraordinary comeback against Gujarat. When the seasoned campaigners stumbled, it was the emerging talents who seized the spotlight, propelling them to an improbable victory. Shashank Singh and Ashutosh Sharma's electrifying displays in the dying moments engineered a sensational chase of the daunting 200-run target, securing victory in a spellbinding fashion. Coming into this contest, they do have the home advantage but would want their bowlers to contain the opposition batters as this season, Punjab has conceded around 200 runs twice while bowling first, and their economy rate in the slog overs is one of the worst in this competition. Harshal Patel is yet to perform to his best. Kagiso Rabada has been slightly expensive but he has ensured to pick wickets at intervals. While Sam Curran has delivered on all fronts, Punjab would want to secure a win at their home ground and gain those two crucial points as well.

Hello and a very warm welcome to our coverage of Match number 23 between Punjab and Hyderabad. Punjab are back to their new home venue at Mullanpur and this clash promises nothing less than pure entertainment. Both sides are coming off victories in their recent clashes and are currently stacked at the center of the points table with equal wins and defeats.

... MATCH DAY ...

Match 23 of the 2024 Indian T20 League is upon us and it is Punjab taking on Hyderabad in Mullanpur, Punjab's new home where they played their opening fixture of the campaign and ended up winning it as well against Delhi. Punjab and Hyderabad are two sides that come into this match on the back of a win and that too against quality opponents. Punjab picked up a sensational win against Gujarat in their previous game and chased down a target of 200 runs in dramatic fashion in the final over. They also had a couple of unlikely heroes that night in the form of Shashank Singh and Ashutosh Sharma who played a couple of stellar knocks in the final overs and took their side to victory and the former was almost not even picked up in the 2024 auction. Apart from these two, Prabhsimran Singh showed some fight but the likes of Jonny Bairstow and Jitesh Sharma need to contribute more if Punjab are to have regular success. On the bowling front, Harpreet Brar has taken up the role of the lead spinner and has been pretty solid thus far and so has Arshdeep Singh with his left-arm pace. Kagiso Rabada has been a touch expensive just like in recent times but the positive thing is that he is picking up wickets. However, that isn't the case for marquee buy Harshal Patel who has been hit and miss and has gone for plenty of runs as well. Punjab do have the talent in their ranks but require a bit more consistency and they still don't quite have a settled XI. On the other hand, Hyderabad also picked up a stellar win against reigning champions Chennai, an opponent against whom they have suffered more often than not and hence, that victory was even sweeter. Abhishek Sharma has been a class act thus far and whether he opens the innings or bats at number 3, he just seems to be hitting the ball so cleanly. Aiden Markram also returned to form with a classy half-century in the last game and then the likes of Travis Head and Heinrich Klaasen are there to provide the big hits. They do need more from their Indian batting contingent but do look like a fairly solid side. Also, a big positive in the last game was Bhuvneshwar Kumar getting back into the wickets and he was well-supported by skipper Pat Cummins. They do however need to do a lot of work in the spin department as Mayank Markande hasn't been able to replicate the season he had last time around and Shahbaz Ahmed has been used more as a pinch-hitter than a regular spinner. Both teams have 2 wins from 4 games and with a few teams steering ahead of others, these two teams in the middle of the table will look to keep pace with the likes of Rajasthan and Lucknow with a win but only one will be able to do that. Who are you backing to get the win?