So that is it from this game! Indian T20 League action though continues as Rajasthan take on Kolkata on 24th April 2021. That game begins at 1930 local (1400 GMT). Till then, take care and goodbye!
KL Rahul, the Punjab skipper and the MAN OF THE MATCH, he says that they are still a young team and it is important to be patient. Adds that they are trying to give opportunities to many players. About the toss, says that he had a long chat with the coach about batting second and he wanted his bowlers to bowl early on this wicket. Adds that they also thought that dew would ease the pitch in the second half but it didn't happen. Says that Gayle brings in a lot of experience and it was nice to see him bat. Praises Bishnoi for the way he bowled and says that he is very brave. Finishes by saying that he is happy with the way he is batting and it gets slightly easier while chasing when he knows the target.
Rohit Sharma, the Mumbai skipper, says that they did not have enough runs on the board. Adds that it isn't a bad wicket to bat on but the application is lacking from their side and if they get 150-160 on this pitch then it is good enough. Tells that the Punjab bowlers bowled really well in the Powerplay. Says that he and Kishan looked to hit the balls but weren't able to. Tells that Kishan coming over Suryakumar Yadav was a tactical decision as they needed someone to bat in the middle overs against spinners.
Mayank Agarwal is down for a chat, he says that it is nice to get 2 points on the board. Adds that discussion with KL Rahul was to keep things simple and play proper cricketing strokes. Says that they wanted to get a good Powerplay and they are glad that they did. Adds that he has taken up the onus of keeping the energy while fielding.
Earlier in the day, after being inserted, Mumbai were restricted to only 131 despite Rohit scoring a half-ton. Punjab bowlers were exceptional especially Shami and Bishnoi. In reply, their skipper led the way with a fine half-ton and took them over the line.
The Mumbai bowling did not begin in the best of manners, they bowled way too many boundary balls and the first six overs cost them the game. Chahar did brilliantly once again to get his side back but he did not receive a lot of support from the rest.
It was all about the start though, the openers got Punjab off to a flier. Agarwal did fall and then there were a few tight overs in between that kept the run rate kept on the rise. However, some really clever batting from Gayle and Rahul took their side over the line.
That is a superb run chase from Punjab! Really good from Rahul who was there from start to end for his side. Took the responsibility on himself and has finished the game off.
PUNJAB KINGS
132/1 (17.4)
60* (52)
43* (35)
1/19 (4)
0/11 (1)
Over 18
6
1
6
4
KL Rahul*
60 (52)
Chris Gayle
43 (35)
Trent Boult
0/30 (2.4)
PBKS
132/1
4
17.4
Trent Boult to KL Rahul ,FOUR! There it is! Full ball, outside off. KL Rahul squeezes this down to the third man fence. The fielder runs across but there is no stopping this one. PUNJAB WIN BY 9 WICKETS!!
6
17.3
Trent Boult to KL Rahul ,SIX! Dispatched! Full toss, on the off stump. The set KL Rahul just smokes it over the long on fence. Just 4 needed now.
1
17.2
Trent Boult to Chris Gayle ,Fuller ball, on the stumps. Gayle gets the inner half of the bat to deep square leg for one.
6
17.1
Trent Boult to Chris Gayle ,SIX! Welcome back to the attack says Gayle! Length ball, outside off. Gayle waits for it and then pulls it handsomely over the mid-wicket fence.
Trent Boult is in the attack now.
Over 17
0
1
1
0
4
1
Chris Gayle*
36 (33)
KL Rahul
50 (50)
Jasprit Bumrah
0/21 (3)
PBKS
115/1
1
16.6
Jasprit Bumrah to Chris Gayle ,17 needed then in 3! On off, Gayle pushes it through covers for one.
4
16.5
Jasprit Bumrah to Chris Gayle ,FOUR! Brilliant batting by Gayle! He shuffles across and this is bowled shorter in length, Gayle pulls it, just uses the pace and hits it through square leg. The fielder in the deep runs to his right, slides but once again another fielder pushes it onto the ropes. Welcome boundary.
0
16.4
Jasprit Bumrah to Chris Gayle ,That has spit off the surface. Length and on middle, it takes off and also turns away. Gayle looks to defend but is hit on the body.
1
16.3
Jasprit Bumrah to KL Rahul ,Safe! Fifty for Rahul! Fortunate way to bring it up. On middle, another slowe one. Rahul looks to whip it but it goes off the top edge and lands safe in the square leg region. One taken. Rahul needs to stay there till the end. He has to take his side home.