Punjab Kings

PBKS rode on the fifties from captain Shikhar Dhawan (86 not out) and Prabhsimran Singh (60) to post a huge total of 197/4 in 20 overs. Later, pacer Nathan Ellis picked up four wickets for just 30 runs to help his side restrict RR to 192/7 in their allotted overs.Prabhsimran along with Dhawan slammed the Royals' bowlers to all parts of the ground to bring the team's fifty in just 4.2 overs.

Chasing a huge 198-run target, the Royals had managed 57 in the powerplay, although they lost three wickets while doing so. Sanju stood tall and took the attack to the opposition in his style and played a crucial 42-run knock off 25 balls. "Yes I think it's very important in games like this, where the momentum shifts away from you. We started off really well, we finished the powerplay really well. I think in the middle (overs) we were expecting us to get those boundaries here and there.

RR started the chase with a strange batting line-up as Ravichandran Ashwin came in to open with Yashasvi Jaiswal as Buttler went off the field immediately after taking the catch in the last over. Jaiswal started with an impressive six over square leg. In the next over, Arshdeep Singh struck to dismiss the in-form Jaiswal for 11 and Buttler came in to bat.

With his unbeaten 85 off 56 balls, Shikhar Dhawan completed his 50th 50-plus score in his IPL career. He now has 48 half-centuries and two tons, while Jason Holder was the pick of the bowlers for PBKS, picking up two wickets after conceding 29 runs in his four-over quota.

Both teams will take the field with no changes in their line-ups. After winning the toss, RR captain Sanju Samson said that some dew is expected and will look to use the opportunity to bowl first. "The players have gotten used to the conditions. We are going in with the same side," Samson said.

Bawa, who played two games for PBKS last season, has been ruled out due to a left shoulder injury. His replacement Gurnoor, a left-handed batting all-rounder, made his first-class debut for Punjab in December 2022. He has featured in 5 first class matches and scored 107 runs at a S/R of 120.22 and picked up 7 wickets at an economy of 3.80.

On a flat pitch and fast outfield, Punjab were threatening to score upwards of 200, reaching 100 runs in the first ten overs. But Kolkata, whose bowlers majorly struggled, picked four wickets in the second half as Punjab could make only 91 runs to end up at a score nine short of 200.

On a flat pitch and fast outfield, Punjab were threatening to score upwards of 200, as they reached 100 runs in the first ten overs. But Kolkata, whose bowlers majorly struggled, picked four wickets in the second half as PBKS could make only 91 runs to end up at a score nine short of 200.

The Shikhar Dhawan-led side will open their campaign by taking on Kolkata Knight Riders at home on April 1. However, Livingstone won't be able to reach Mohali in time for that game. According to a Cricbuzz report, an England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) official has confirmed that the 29-year old cricketer, who was on an off-season tour to Dubai, will reach India next week, likely before their second game against Rajasthan Royals in Jaipur on April 5.

The Punjab based franchise have named uncapped Australian batter Matthew Short as Bairstow's replacement for the 2023 season. It will be Short's maiden IPL experience. "We regret to inform you that Jonny Bairstow will not be a part of the IPL this season because of his injury. We wish him the best and look forward to seeing him next season," the PBKS said in a tweet.