IPL 2024 Match 37, PBKS VS GT: Live Ball by Ball Commentary

We are back for Gujarat's reply. The two umpires make their way out to the middle followed by Sam Curran and his men. It will be Shubman Gill and Wriddhiman Saha to open the innings for Gujarat. Kagiso Rabada has the new ball in hand and he is raring to go. Let's play…

… THE RUN CHASE …

Right then, given that Shubman Gill said at the toss that he would be happy to restrict Punjab anywhere between 160-170, Gujarat will be the happier of the two sides at the halfway mark. Although their batting has struggled, the visitors will be confident enough to gun down this total. The 40-run stand between Harpreet Brar and Harpreet Singh has given Punjab something to bowl at. However, the issue for them is that they have only one frontline spinner in the form of Brar on a surface assisting spinners. Join us in a bit to see how the chase unfolds.

Sai Kishore is up for a quick chat. He says that he enjoyed bowling and he tried to give his 120 per cent. He reckons the pitch slowed down as the game progressed and he grabbed on the opportunity following his instincts. Also says that he bowled according to the conditions and requirements and is happy to contribute to the team.

As for Punjab, after opting to bat first, Prabhsimran Singh did what was asked of him by providing a brisk start. Although Sam Curran struggled for timing, Prabhsimran kept the boundaries coming and ensured a favourable Powerplay for Punjab before departing. However, it was yet another short stay at the crease for Rilee Rossouw, and Sam Curran fell in the very next over. From there, it all fell apart for Punjab as the Gujarat spinners spun a web around them. The Punjab batters compounded their troubles with poor shot selection, leaving themselves to blame for the collapse. The Impact Player, Harpreet Singh along with his namesake, Harpreet Brar breathed some life into the Punjab innings. Brar stuck a few lusty blows during his stay to help his side forge a recovery of sorts from 99/7. He could not bat through, leaving his partner with the task of providing the finishing kick. Harpreet Singh could not clear the fence even once in the final over despite him farming the strike which meant that Punjab had to settle for 142.

Punjab get bowled out for 142 on the last ball and this has been a job well done by Gujarat. Despite the venue historically favouring pacers with only 9 wickets taken by spinners in the earlier 4 games, it was Gujarat's spin trio that wreaked havoc, accounting for 7 of the 10 wickets. At the start, Azmatullah Omarzai, on his return to the side, bowled a quiet first over, conceding just 2 runs. However, Sandeep Warrier struggled with his lines and lengths in his first over, allowing the Punjab openers to capitalize. Gujarat found themselves under pressure before Mohit Sharma managed to break the opening stand. With the ease in field restrictions, Shubman Gill introduced spin from both ends. It was only a matter of time before the Afghan duo of Rashid Khan and Noor Ahmad made their presence felt. Sai Kishore brought into the side as the third spinner, ruled the roost by slowing it up nicely to pile more misery on Punjab. Kishore returned for his final over and sent Brar packing before he could inflict any damage. Mohit Sharma was able to execute his plans in the final over, allowing Gujarat to keep Punjab under 150. Sai Kishore finished with his best-ever Indian T20 League figures of 4 for 33 from his four overs.

Mohit Sharma to Harpreet Singh, OUT! RUN OUT! That's a wrap for the first innings. Full, slow and outside off, Harpreet Singh sits low and sweeps it across the line towards deep square leg and scampers back for the second run. A good throw from the deep to the keeper's end and Wriddhiman Saha picks it on a single bounce and flashes the bails in a blink. The replays roll in from several angles and the TV Umpire confirms that no part of the bat is inside the popping crease and OUT pops up on the giant screen. Punjab end their innings on a below-par score of 142 by being bowled out.

Mohit Sharma to Harpreet Singh, Around off on a length, Harpreet Singh drags it towards deep mid-wicket and denies the single yet again!

Mohit Sharma to Harpreet Singh, Full and slower outside off. Bhatia throws his bat and mistimes it to point but denies the single.

Mohit Sharma to Kagiso Rabada, Slow, outside off, on a length, Kagiso Rabada inside edges to the keeper and quickly sets off for a single. Harpreet Singh hurries to get to the other end and gets home safely with a dive. Wriddhiman Saha however has a shy at the stumps.  Just a single.

Kagiso Rabada is the last man in.

Mohit Sharma to Harshal Patel, OUT! TAKEN! Shahrukh takes another catch and it's a lot easier than the previous one! Mohit Sharma slows the pace of the ball, lands it outside off, Harshal Patel drags it flat and uppishly towards long on straight into the hands of Shahrukh Khan who takes a good catch at the edge of the boundary ropes.

Mohit Sharma to Harpreet Singh, Over the wicket, aims the stumps on hard length, Harpreet Singh skips down the track and drills it down to long on for one.

Harshal Patel walks out to bat in his 100th Indian T20 League game. It will be Mohit Sharma to bowl the final over. Gujarat use their Impact Sub, bringing Sai Sudharsan in for Sandeep Warrier.

Sai Kishore to Harpreet Brar, OUT! IN THE AIR…TAKEN! Bowls it around off on a fuller length, Harpreet Brar clears his front foot to create some room. He lofts it off the bottom end of the bat. The ball flies flat towards long on where Shahrukh Khan jumps in time and plucks it out of thin air over his head. A good cameo from Brar comes to an end.

Sai Kishore to Harpreet Brar, SIX! Go fetch that says Brar! Loops it on the stumps, on a fuller length, Harpreet Brar skips down the track and hoists it straight behind the bowler for a maximum.

Sai Kishore to Harpreet Brar, FOUR! He's playing a good crucial cameo here! Lands it full and flat on the off stump, Harpreet Brar sits and slogs it over the mid-wicket for a boundary.

Sai Kishore to Harpreet Brar, Low full toss on off, Brar smashes it back to the bowler.

Sai Kishore to Harpreet Brar, In the air…and DROPPED!  Sai Kishore uses the crease and bowls from the wide of the stumps, angles it across off on a fuller length. Harpreet Brar slaps it with a flat-bat straight towards long off. David Miller covers a good ground quickly for the catch, gets his hands to the ball as well but shells it in the end. Two taken.

Sai Kishore to Harpreet Brar, WIDE! Way outside off on a length. Harpreet Brar shoulders arms. Wide given.

Sai Kishore to Harpreet Singh, Slants it flat, and across off on a fuller length, Harpreet Singh lofts it over covers for a single.

Mohit Sharma to Harpreet Singh, Slows the pace and lands it on off, on a length at 112.5 clicks, Harpreet Singh waits for it and drags the pull shot towards deep square leg. David Miller is quick to get on the ball and limits them to just a single to end the over. 11 runs from it.

Mohit Sharma to Harpreet Singh, Attacks the off stump on a hard length, Harpreet Singh pushes it through cover-point off the back foot for a single.

Mohit Sharma to Harpreet Brar, Short in length, on off, Harpreet Brar pulls it over mid-wicket. The ball lands ahead of David Miller who charges in from mid-wicket and picks it on a single bounce. They cross for a single.

Mohit Sharma to Harpreet Brar, FOUR! Two in two from Brar! Slower in pace this time, back-of-a-hand delivery on a fuller length, it keeps low as well, Harpreet Brar waits for it and drags it through deep square leg for a boundary.

Mohit Sharma to Harpreet Brar, FOUR! Much-needed boundary! Almost a half-tracker on the off stump line, Harpreet Brar swings across the line and pulls uppishly and gets it through the deep backward square leg region for a boundary on one bounce.

A halt in play as the physio is out to attend to Harpreet Singh for a blow to his midriff. The treatment is complete and we are all good to go now.

Mohit Sharma to Harpreet Singh, Over the wicket, on a length, on the top of the middle, it nips a bit into the batter as well. Harpreet Singh goes for a pull shot across the line but misses to connect and wears on the rib cage. The ball rolls to the off side and they rotate the strike for a leg bye.

Mohit Sharma (2-0-19-1) returns to the attack.

Shahrukh Khan to Harpreet Singh, Flighted around off, Harpreet Singh walks down the track and drives it to long off for another single to end the over.

Shahrukh Khan to Harpreet Singh, Tossed up at the stumps, Harpreet Singh flicks it through mid-wicket and hurries for the second.

Shahrukh Khan to Harpreet Brar, Full, outside off, Brar drives it to long on for one.

Shahrukh Khan to Harpreet Brar, In the air…lands safe! Around the wicket, angling on the leg stump line, Harpreet Brar clears his front leg but mistimes the shot uppishly towards deep mid-wicket. The ball lands safely ahead of the chasing fielder and they cross for the double.

Shahrukh Khan to Harpreet Singh, Flighted-delivery on the stumps, Harpreet Singh shimmies down the track and drills it to long on for one.

Shahrukh Khan to Harpreet Singh, Given LBW but Harpreet Singh succeeds in overturning the decision! A huge adamant appeal and the Umpire raises his finger! Harpreet Singh straightaway sends it upstairs. Shahrukh Khan bowls from around the wicket. On a shade fuller length, right in front of the stumps, Harpreet Singh sits down to sweep it away but misses the line completely and gets beaten as the ball pings his front pad. UltraEdge shows no bat involved but the Ball Tracking shows that it is missing the stumps. This is the third time that the Umpire's decision has been overturned. Harpreet Singh survives.

Time for more spin as Shahrukh Khan comes on to bowl now.

Sai Kishore to Harpreet Brar, FOUR! Swept away! A much-needed boundary. On a dragged length, on the middle and off, Harpreet Brar pre-meditates the length and sweeps it fine through square leg for a boundary.

Sai Kishore to Harpreet Singh, Drops the ball a tad short outside the off-stump. Harpreet Singh rocks back and cuts it to deep point for a single.

Sai Kishore to Harpreet Singh, Drags the length back on the stumps. Harpreet tucks across to deep mid-wicket and returns for the second run.

Sai Kishore to Harpreet Brar, Over the wicket, full and on off, Harpreet Brar pushes it through point for one.

Harpreet Brar joins his namesake out in the middle.

Sai Kishore to Shashank Singh, OUT! CAUGHT AND BOWLED! Both the in-form finishers for Punjab are back in the hut now! This is the sixth wicket for spinners in this game! Sai Kishore lands it flat and on the off and middle, not allowing any room for the batter, it straightens after pitching. Shashank Singh skips down the track and anticipates the ball to turn a bit, and gets deceived as it keeps straight and he plays it too close to the body. He is early in his shot and offers a dolly of a catch to the bowler. A soft-dismissal and Shashank Singh departs without any damage this time.

Sai Kishore to Shashank Singh, Around the wicket, slower and on the short length on off, Shashank Singh tucks it to deep mid-wicket and scampers back for the second.

Rashid Khan to Shashank Singh, Tosses it up again does Rashid, around off, Shashank Singh drives it aerially but in the vacant backward point region for a single. Rashid is done for the night as he finishes with figures of 4-0-15-1.

Rashid Khan to Harpreet Singh, Fuller at 87.4 kph, on off, Harpreet Singh drives it through covers for a single.

Rashid Khan to Shashank Singh, Another deceptive googly, turning in from the off stump line, Shashank Singh alertly tucks it off the back foot toward widish mid on for a single.

Rashid Khan to Harpreet Singh, Fuller and slower, on off, Harpreet Brar plays at it away from his body and gets an outside edge that rolls down, wide of first slip for a single.

Rashid Khan to Harpreet Singh, A wrong'un, flat and outside off, Harpreet Singh prods forward and fends it in the off-side

Rashid Khan to Harpreet Singh, Googly, short and on off, Harpreet Singh pokes at it and gets beaten on the outside edge.

Sai Kishore to Harpreet Singh, Full from over the wicket to the left-hander, on off, Harpreet Singh gets on the front foot and dabs it wide of cover for a single.

The dramatic collapse compels Punjab to use their Impact Sub in the first inning itself. Harpreet Singh is in at number 8. Prabhsimran Singh has been subbed out.

Sai Kishore to Ashutosh Sharma, OUT! IN THE AIR AND GONE THIS TIME! Ashutosh Sharma isn't as lucky as Shashank Singh it seems! Sai Kishore gets his reward for varying the pace as another Punjab falls prey while going for the big shot. Loops it up nicely does Kishore, full and around off, Ashutosh Sharma shimmies down the track and opens himself up to go inside out over extra cover. One hand comes off the bat as he gets beaten in the flight and lobs it only as far as deep cover where Mohit Sharma does the rest. Punjab in more trouble.

Sai Kishore to Shashank Singh, In the air…but it lands safely! Is this the luck Punjab need? Slows it up again does Kishore and loops it up, full and at the stumps, Shashank Singh premeditates and goes down the track to go back over the bowler's head. He fails to get to the pitch of the ball but still goes through with the shot. It comes off the toe-end of the bat but luckily for him, the ball drops way short of the rushing David Miller at long off. They cross.

Sai Kishore to Shashank Singh, Slanting in with the arm, short and on middle, Shashank Singh dabs it down the deck from the crease.

Sai Kishore to Ashutosh Sharma, Sliding in, full and at the stumps, Ashutosh Sharma clips it to wide long on for a single.

Sai Kishore to Ashutosh Sharma, A big, big shout for LBW but the umpire shakes his head! Was it sliding down leg with the angle? Seems so. Kishore angles it into the right-hander, full and on middle, Ashutosh Sharma fails to get a good stride in to keep it out. The ball sneaks past the inside edge and brushes the front pad before going to hit the back leg. There is no bat involved but as expected, the ball is sliding down leg on Ball Tracking. Gujarat lose a review but they had to go for it since it was Ashutosh.

Strategic Break! Another match, and the same story for Punjab continues. A dramatic collapse again in the mid-over phase has led to all sorts of trouble for them as half of the side is into the sheds and it's not even 100 on the board. The two men in-form Ashutosh Sharma and Shashank Singh are out in the middle and they would be aiming to provide a stronger finish for Punjab. Shubman Gill has used his spin trio to perfection which has caused the most damage to Punjab. They will be aiming to get a couple of more scalps here and restrict the opposition to a below-par score. Sai Kishore (1-0-6-1) to continue after the break.

Noor Ahmad to Ashutosh Sharma, On the pads, fuller in length, Ashutosh Sharma works it wide of long on and retains the strike with a single.

Noor Ahmad to Shashank Singh, Gives the ball air nicely and dishes out a googly, Shashank Singh is happy to see Noor off as he calmly pushes it to long off for a run.

Noor Ahmad to Ashutosh Sharma, Another googly served up by Noor, full and on leg, Ashutosh Sharma picks it and drives it to long on for a single.

Noor Ahmad to Ashutosh Sharma, Turning in, short and on middle, Ashutosh Sharma plays it back to the bowler off the back foot.

Noor Ahmad to Shashank Singh, Full and it is a googly, on the pads, Shashank Singh sweeps it wide of short fine leg for a single.

Noor Ahmad to Shashank Singh, Flat and short, on off, Shashank Singh punches it straight to cover.

Sai Kishore to Ashutosh Sharma, Flatter this time, on a nagging length, on off and middle, Ashutosh Sharma waits on it and blocks it out with a straight bat. End of a superb first over by Kishore.

Sai Kishore to Ashutosh Sharma, Full and sliding in, on middle, Ashutosh Sharma gets on the front foot and defends it out.

Ashutosh Sharma walks in at number 7. Will this pair rescue the struggling ship of Punjab again? Let's find out.

Sai Kishore to Jitesh Sharma, OUT! CLEANED HIM UP! Excellent piece of bowling and Sai Kishore is delighted like anything! Sai Kishore stays around the wicket and slows it up nicely, enticing the batter into the big shot, full and on middle and leg, Jitesh Sharma falls for the trap and goes down the track to go downtown. He gets beaten in the flight and connects with thin air. The ball goes through to crash into the stumps. Another brief stay for Jitesh Sharma and his struggles continue in this season. Punjab is in all sorts of trouble as they have now lost half their side.

Sai Kishore to Jitesh Sharma, Drags the length back and bowls it at the stumps, Jitesh Sharma stays back and punches it back to the bowler.

Sai Kishore to Jitesh Sharma, Coming in with the arm, full and on off, Jitesh Sharma presses forward and blocks it out on the off side.

Sai Kishore to Jitesh Sharma, SIX! BOOM! Jitesh Sharma greets Sai Kishore with a maximum! Comes from around the wicket and tosses it up, around off, a bit full, Jitesh Sharma uses his feet and swings through the line to tonk it back over the bowler's head for a maximum.

Gujarat using their third spin option. Sai Kishore replaces Rashid Khan.

Noor Ahmad to Shashank Singh, Loopy delivery, sliding on the off and middle, on a fuller length, Shashank Singh drives it straight to covers to end the over. Another economical over from Noor.

Noor Ahmad to Jitesh Sharma, Floats it up again, on a fullish length, on middle, Jitesh Sharma gets a good stride in and drives it to the right of the bowler for a single.

Noor Ahmad to Shashank Singh, On a nagging length, on off, Shashank Singh punches it in front of square on the off side and gets off the mark with a single.

Noor Ahmad to Shashank Singh, Tosses it up, full and on off, Shashank Singh presses forward and pushes it down the deck.

Shashank Singh, the man in form, walks in at number 6.

Noor Ahmad to Liam Livingstone, OUT! EDGED AND GONE! Noor Ahmad has worked out Liam Livingstone perfectly here! Livingstone was struggling to pick it out of the hand and that leads to his downfall. Serves a googly and pulls his length back as compared to the previous delivery. Livingstone shapes for the ball turning into him and looks to work it across the line. The ball bounces a bit extra and catches the outside edge and balloons towards first slip where Rahul Tewatia takes an easy catch to his left. And again, a flurry of wickets in quick succession for Punjab and they are now in a spot of bother.

Noor Ahmad to Liam Livingstone, FOUR! Nicely done! Loopy delivery, on a fullish length, Liam Livingstone reaches out in front and gets inside the line of the delivery to paddle it over the keeper for a boundary.

Rashid Khan to Jitesh Sharma, On a nagging length, around off, Jitesh Sharma hangs on the back foot and stabs it down the deck with a straight bat. At the halfway mark, Punjab are 74/3.

Rashid Khan to Liam Livingstone, Flatter and fuller, on middle, Liam Livingstone knocks it down to long on for a single.

Rashid Khan to Liam Livingstone, A googly on a length, spinning away from the batter, Liam Livingstone gets an inside edge to the pads. He is clearly struggling to read the spin here.

Rashid Khan to Jitesh Sharma, Full, at the middle, Jitesh Sharma stays leg side of the ball and drives it to long off for one.

Rashid Khan to Jitesh Sharma, Leg break, short and outside off, Jitesh Sharma rocks back and cuts it to backward point where the fielder misfields and parries the ball to the deep. Allows the batters to cross for the double.

Rashid Khan to Jitesh Sharma, Over the wicket, on full and at off, Jitesh Sharma gets ahead and blocks it.

Noor Ahmad to Liam Livingstone, Struggling to pick variations here Liam Livingstone. Another deceptive googly from Noor, full and on off, Liam Livingstone strides ahead and plays inside the line of the ball and gets beaten.

Noor Ahmad to Liam Livingstone, Full, pitching outside off, Liam Livingstone misses out on the back foot punch.

Noor Ahmad to Liam Livingstone, Another appeal for LBW but there's no interest as this is pitched around the leg stump line on a fuller length. Liam Livingstone sits down to sweep but misses and gets a ping on the front pad. The only reason not to go upstairs could be that it might have pitched outside the leg stump line. And yes, the replays confirm the same.

Noor Ahmad to Jitesh Sharma, A fuller googly at the middle stump, Jitesh Sharma opens the face of the bat striding forward and pushes it through covers for a single.

Noor Ahmad to Liam Livingstone, Short and quicker on the stumps, Liam Livingstone stays back and flicks it to deep mid-wicket for one.

Noor Ahmad to Jitesh Sharma, Slider at the middle and leg, on a length, Jitesh Sharma tucks it off the back foot towards mid-wicket for a single.

Rashid Khan to Liam Livingstone, Full, googly around off, Liam Livingstone presses ahead and blocks it out solidly to end the over. Another good over for Gujarat and both spinners have done the trick for them.

Liam Livingstone comes in at number 5.

Rashid Khan to Sam Curran, OUT! LBW! Another appeal for LBW but the Umpire denies it again! Rashid Khan is confident and he convinces Shubman Gill to challenge the decision and go upstairs. Leg break this time from Rashid, right in front of the stumps, Sam Curran strides ahead and misses out on the flick shot as he plays over the line of the ball. It clicks the front pad. No need to look at the UltraEdge as there's a clear gap between the bat and the ball. Ball Tracker confirms that it is pitching inside the line and hitting the wickets. And yet again, the on-field decision is overturned. Another brilliant review from Gujarat. Punjab lose another wicket in quick succession, and this time, it is Sam Curran who departs.

Rashid Khan to Sam Curran, Flatter and quicker just on the off stump line, Sam Curran punches it off the back foot through covers and scampers back for the second. The fielder throws at the batter's end and Wriddhiman Saha flicks the ball through his legs back onto the stumps but Sam Curran is well home in time.

Rashid Khan to Jitesh Sharma, Off the mark! On a good length, around off, Jitesh Sharma works it to long on for one.

Rashid Khan to Sam Curran, Drags his length a bit, but keeps the line on off, Sam Curran tucks it with soft hands along ground toward widish long on for a single.

Rashid Khan to Sam Curran, Flat, googly on off, Sam Curran pushes it to the right of the bowler.

Jitesh Sharma walks out to the middle.

Noor Ahmad to Rilee Rossouw, OUT! LBW! A confident appeal from the keeper for LBW and Shubman Gill sends it upstairs challenging the on-field Umpire's decision. Over the wicket, attacking the stumps with another googly on offer, on off and middle, Rilee Rossouw sits down to sweep but he plays all over the line of the ball and it pings on the front pad. UltraEdge shows no bat is involved as the flat line appears. Ball Tracker then confirms three reds as the impact is in line and the ball is breaking into the stump. The on-field decision is overturned and an excellent review from Gujarat to send Rilee Rossouw packing. Another disappointing outing for him. Punjab lose their second wicket and Noor gets his first.

Noor Ahmad to Rilee Rossouw, FOUR! Perfectly executed! Full, tossed up on the stumps, Rilee Rossouw employs the reverse sweep and gets it towards short third where Sandeep Warrier dives all over it and concedes a boundary.

Noor Ahmad to Rilee Rossouw, Another googly on the off stump line, Rilee Rossouw plays off the back foot and chops it to the keeper on a bounce.

Noor Ahmad to Sam Curran, This is a googly outside off on a fuller length, Sam Curran rocks back and cuts it toward widish point for a single.

Noor Ahmad to Rilee Rossouw, Flatter and just full around off, Rilee Rossouw presses forward and pushes it through covers for a single.

Noor Ahmad to Sam Curran, Begins from over the wicket and serves it flat and full around off, Sam Curran leans well ahead and drives it through cover-point for a single.

Strategic break! Punjab will be pleased with how the Powerplay went for them. Yes, they did lose Prabhsimran Singh but he did his job and losing only one wicket has been an improvement for a side that has had their Powerplay issues. The onus is now on Rilee Rossouw and Sam Curran to build on the created platform and aim for a big score. On the other hand, Gujarat will be relieved to see the back of Prabhsimran and will now look to pull things back in the middle phase. With the addition of Sai Kishore, they now have three spinners in the ranks and it will be interesting to see how they fare on this surface. Noor Ahmad has been brought into the attack now.

Mohit Sharma to Rilee Rossouw, On the back of a length around off, Rilee Rossouw pats it to covers off the back foot. End of the mandatory Powerplay and Punjab are cruising gently at 56/1.

Mohit Sharma to Rilee Rossouw, Short in length just around the batter's head, Rilee Rossouw ducks underneath it.

Mohit Sharma to Rilee Rossouw, FOUR! Off the mark in style! Yorker outside off from over the wicket, Rilee Rossouw bends low and squeezes the ball by opening the face of the bat through the backward point region for a boundary. It races away like a tracer bullet to the fence.

Rilee Rossouw is in at number 3.

Mohit Sharma to Prabhsimran Singh, OUT! CAUGHT BEHIND! A brilliant comeback by Mohit Sharma here! Keeps the line on the off stump but stretches his length a bit than the previous ball, it skids as well. Prabhsimran Singh charges down the ground to go downtown and maintain the tempo of the game but he tries to hit it too hard and certainly loses his shape in the process. The ball takes the thickish outside edge of the willow and Wriddhiman Saha behind the wickets makes no mistake with a simple grab to his right. Prabhsimran Singh departs on 35 and Gujarat get a much-needed wicket.

Mohit Sharma to Prabhsimran Singh, SIX! Exquisite! 50 up for Punjab! Mohit Sharma bangs it short into the pitch, on off, Prabhsimran Singh hops and upper cuts it over deep third for a maximum.

Mohit Sharma to Sam Curran, Over the wicket, on the hard length around off, Sam Curran swipes it across the line toward widish mid on for a single. A wayward throw at the bowler's end and Curran has to hurry to get home.

Rashid Khan to Prabhsimran Singh, Gets away with it! Drops it short and gets the ball to turn away from the right-hander, outside off, Prabhsimran Singh rocks back and drags the pull towards mid-wicket where Shubman Gill dives to his left and saves a certain boundary. A couple of inches more to the left or right would have been a boundary for Prabhsimran.

Rashid Khan to Sam Curran, Turning into the pads, a bit short, Sam Curran works it with the turn in front of square on the leg side for another run.

Rashid Khan to Sam Curran, Dishes out a googly, short and on off and middle, Sam Curran gets on the back foot and punches it to extra cover.

Rashid Khan to Prabhsimran Singh, Quicker through the air, at 101.4 kph, on a nagging length, on off, Prabhsimran Singh pushes it with a straight bat in front of cover for a single.

Rashid Khan to Prabhsimran Singh, Sees the batter back away to the leg side does Rashid and bowls it short and outside off, Prabhsimran Singh reaches out and dabs it to point.

Rashid Khan to Sam Curran, Begins from over the wicket and serves it flat and short, on middle, Sam Curran whips it off the back foot through mid-wicket for a single.

Time for some spin as Rashid Khan is into the attack now.

Mohit Sharma to Sam Curran, Goes wide of the crease from the around-the-wicket angle and slants it into the left-hander, on a good length, on middle, Sam Curran glances it away to deep backward square leg for a single. Good comeback from Mohit after being hit for a boundary on the first ball.

Mohit Sharma to Prabhsimran Singh, Full and straight, at the stumps, at 131.4 kph, Prabhsimran Singh covers the line of the ball and pats it in front of cover for a single.

Mohit Sharma to Sam Curran, Comes from around the wicket and hits the deck hard, on off, Sam Curran does not time it well and knocks it towards mid on.

Mohit Sharma to Sam Curran, WIDE! Takes pace off and goes short, over middle, Sam Curran ducks and lets it go for a wide as the ball sails over his head.

Mohit Sharma to Sam Curran, Hurls it on a hard length, on off, Sam Curran gets on his toes and looks to punch it through covers but gets an inside edge that rolls to the left of the bowler.

Mohit Sharma to Sam Curran, Sharp bumper! Bends his back and bangs it near the shoulder of the batter, Sam Curran shapes up to fetch the pull from over his head but misses.

Mohit Sharma to Sam Curran, EDGED AND FOUR! No slip and it races away for a boundary. Mohit bowls it with an upright seam, on a hard length, just outside off, Sam Curran throws his hands at it and flies through the vacant first slip region for a boundary. It was not that far from the keeper, Wriddhiman Saha. Wonder why he did not leap to his left in an attempt to take the catch.

A change in bowling as Mohit Sharma replaces Sandeep Warrier.

Azmatullah Omarzai to Prabhsimran Singh, Takes pace off a bit and bowls it full and around off, Prabhsimran Singh gives the bowler the charge again but can only push this one to cover for a dot.

Azmatullah Omarzai to Prabhsimran Singh, Fuller in length, on off, Prabhsimran Singh dabs it off the front foot towards cover.

Azmatullah Omarzai to Prabhsimran Singh, SIX! Picked up beautifully! Shaping into the pads, on a good length, Prabhsimran Singh holds his shape and allows the ball to slide nicely onto his pads. Flicks it effortlessly over fine leg for a biggie.

Azmatullah Omarzai to Prabhsimran Singh, This is on a good length, at the stumps, not much movement in the air now for Omarzai, Prabhsimran Singh uses his feet and swings to go big on the off side. Toe-ends the shot back to the bowler.

Azmatullah Omarzai to Sam Curran, Hurls it on a back of a length, on off, Sam Curran waits on the back foot and glides it down to deep third for a run.

Azmatullah Omarzai to Sam Curran, FOUR! Sam Curran joins in on the fun now! On the off-stump line, on a good length, Sam Curran lets the ball come to him and punches it between cover and point for his first boundary.

Sandeep Warrier to Prabhsimran Singh, FOUR! Prabhsimran Singh makes the Free Hit count! A far-from-ideal first over from Warrier, 21 runs off it. Width on offer on off, short of a good length, Prabhsimran Singh gives himself room and flays it over the in-field on the off side for yet another boundary. Just the over Punjab needed after just 2 runs off the first over.

Sandeep Warrier to Prabhsimran Singh, NO BALL AND SIX! Uh oh, Sandeep Warrier gets it wrong! Warrier loses the grip and it comes out as a beamer, at the batter, Prabhsimran Singh moves leg side of the ball early and opens the bat face to ramp it over short third. Uses the pace and clears the fence for a maximum. Free Hit coming up.

Sandeep Warrier to Prabhsimran Singh, FOUR! Up and over! Warrier stays over the wicket and lands it on a hard length, on off, Prabhsimran Singh makes room and gets on top of the bounce. Slaps it over mid off and picks up another boundary.

Sandeep Warrier to Prabhsimran Singh, Full and angling into the right-hander, Prabhsimran Singh flicks it aerially in front of square on the leg side, to the left of deep square leg for a couple of runs.

Sandeep Warrier to Prabhsimran Singh, Play and a miss! In the channel on off, on a good length, Prabhsimran Singh stays leg side of the ball and looks to punch it through the off side but gets beaten on the outside edge.

Sandeep Warrier to Prabhsimran Singh, That could have gone anywhere! Back of a length, on off, Prabhsimran Singh hangs back and tries to pull it away. Gets a top edge that luckily for him, hits him on the body and does not go in the air.

Sandeep Warrier to Prabhsimran Singh, FOUR! A loosener first up by Warrier and Prabhsimran Singh does not miss out. Full and sliding onto the pads, Prabhsimran Singh lets the ball come to him and flicks it away off his pads, beating deep backward square leg to his right for a boundary.

Sandeep Warrier to bowl the second over.

Azmatullah Omarzai to Prabhsimran Singh, On the off-stump line, fuller in length this time, Prabhsimran Singh drives it with a straight bat to the left of Shubman Gill at mid off for a quick run. A quiet first over by Azmatullah Omarzai.

Azmatullah Omarzai to Prabhsimran Singh, Half a shout for LBW but turned down and rightly so, as that was sliding down leg. Length delivery, swinging into the pads, Prabhsimran Singh gets caught on his heels as he shapes up to clip it away off his pads. The ball sneaks past the inside edge and pings him on the front pad.

Azmatullah Omarzai to Prabhsimran Singh, Gets the ball to come back into the right-hander does Omarzai, on a good length, on middle and leg, Prabhsimran Singh gives the bowler the charge and hacks it off the inner half of the bat to mid-wicket.

Azmatullah Omarzai to Prabhsimran Singh, Drags his length back but continues to get the away shape, around off, Prabhsimran Singh waits on the back foot and punches it in front of cover.

Azmatullah Omarzai to Sam Curran, Shaping in again, at the stumps, full in length, Sam Curran taps it to the left of mid on and gets across for a quick single. Sam Curran and Punjab are underway!

Azmatullah Omarzai to Sam Curran, It almost sneaks through first up! Starts from over the wicket and pitches it right up to the batter, swinging in, on off, Sam Curran is late to get his bat down and the ball creeps under the bat on its way to the keeper.

We are all set for Match 37 to begin! The two Umpires walk out to the middle. Gujarat players are in the huddle near the ropes before spreading out to the field. The two openers for Punjab are Sam Curran and Prabhsimran Singh. It will be Azmatullah Omarzai to commence the proceedings with the ball. Let's play…

Rilee Rossouw is up for a flash interview. He says playing in the Indian T20 League is a great experience and he has met different people and has learnt a lot from them. Adds that it's nice to play and get an experience of different conditions with a packed crowd. Further says the game has grown so much over the years. On being asked about handling the pressure, he says he just wants to enter the field, see the ball and hit it. Adds they have got some world-class players and it's about making the most of the opportunities and he is hopeful to win this game against Gujarat.

The captain of Gujarat, Shubman Gill says that they wanted to bowl first so losing the toss does not make much difference. Feels that being halfway through the season, each game becomes very important. Adds that they need to pull up their socks and play their best cricket. States that they have had some injuries and informs that Azmatullah Omarzai comes back into the side, replacing Spencer Johnson. Ends by saying that restricting Punjab between 160-170 will be good for them.

The skipper of Punjab, Sam Curran says that they will bat first and want to put some runs on the board. On being asked about the surface, he says it's the third time that this pitch is being used. Adds they will try to put pressure on Gujarat's bowling attack. Also says that's the nature of the Indian T20 League, it's a big tournament and on a given day anyone can win against any side. Informs that Shikhar Dhawan is still not playing and says they are going with the same side.

Impact players nominated by Gujarat – BR Sharath, Sai Sudharsan, Manav Suthar, Darshan Nalkande and Vijay Shankar.

Gujarat (Playing XI) – Wriddhiman Saha (WK), Shubman Gill (C), David Miller, Azmatullah Omarzai (In for Spencer Johnson), Shahrukh Khan, Rahul Tewatia, Sai Kishore (In for Abhinav Manohar), Rashid Khan, Noor Ahmad, Sandeep Warrier, Mohit Sharma.

Impact players nominated by Punjab – Rahul Chahar, Vidwath Kaverappa, Atharva Taide, Harpreet Singh and Shivam Singh.

Punjab (Unchanged Playing XI) – Sam Curran (C), Prabhsimran Singh, Rilee Rossouw, Liam Livingstone, Jitesh Sharma (WK), Shashank Singh, Ashutosh Sharma, Harpreet Brar, Harshal Patel, Kagiso Rabada, Arshdeep Singh.

TOSS – Punjab have won the flip of the coin and they have elected to BAT first.

While we wait for the Toss for this clash, you can switch the tabs and follow Match 36 between Kolkata and Bengaluru. The contest has been nothing short of nail-biting so far as Bengaluru is in the hunt of chasing a mammoth total of 223.

Gujarat suffered a heavy loss against Delhi in their last match, being bowled out for just 89 in what was a forgettable outing for the 2022 champions. They are currently one spot above Punjab in 8th position, with 3 wins from 7 matches. Shubman Gill has been leading the batting charge, but he hasn't received much support from the rest. To turn their campaign around, Wriddhiman Saha, Sai Sudharsan, and David Miller must step up and deliver effectively. The absence of Mohammed Shami has been keenly felt by Gujarat, and unfortunately, Mohit Sharma, their second-highest wicket-taker from last season, hasn't been able to fill that void. Additionally, consistent performances from Spencer Johnson and Rashid Khan are essential for Gujarat to string together wins. Who will take home two crucial points from this clash? Join us for the ride to find out.

Punjab's story this season can be summed up as 'so close yet so far', as they have consistently come close to victory but haven't quite crossed the finish line. With 2 wins from 7 games, they are currently second-from-bottom in the standings. Ashutosh Sharma and Shashank Singh have been standout performers, but the rest of the batting unit just hasn't clicked. The possible return of captain Shikhar Dhawan would provide a much-needed boost, but if he remains unavailable, players like Sam Curran, Prabhsimran Singh, and Liam Livingstone will need to step up and take on the responsibility. The pace quartet of Sam Curran, Kagiso Rabada, Arshdeep Singh, and Harshal Patel have done a decent job, yet a collective effort remains key to their success.

Hello and a warm welcome, folks from Mullanpur, for one final time in this season of the Indian T20 League. In a clash of two teams languishing in the bottom half of the table and seeking a mid-season resurgence, Punjab take on Gujarat in match number 37 at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium. In its debut season, Mullanpur has witnessed some truly nail-biting encounters, and this has all the makings of another thriller.

… MATCH DAY …

The halfway mark of the Indian T20 League 2024 has been crossed, and truth be told, it has been nothing short of nail-biting encounters throughout along with record-shattering feats so far, instead, it's getting more and more intense. And as Match number 37 is upon us, the Maharaja Yadvindra Singh International Cricket Stadium of Mullanpur is all in readiness to host the reverse fixture clash between the home side Punjab, who will be playing their final game at this venue for this edition, before they take charge at Dharamsala. It will be Gujarat who will be locking horns with them in this clash and is itching for payback and determined to even the odds after its heart-stopping loss to Punjab earlier this season. For Punjab, this season has been marked by disappointments despite their potential. They've suffered losses in close encounters that they should have won. The top order's performance has been underwhelming, but the middle order, particularly the dynamic duo of Shahrukh Khan and Ashutosh Sharma, has been exceptional. Regardless of the team's results, these two players have demonstrated why they are reckoned to be vital assets for Punjab's future from the diverse cricketing experts. Also, the strike rates at which these two blokes are batting have been the talking point, and truth be told, they have been the emerging players of the season. Dreaming of hitting a sweep shot against the best bowler of this format, Jasprit Bumrah, speaks volumes about a person's bold and aggressive approach to batting. In the match against Mumbai, Ashutosh Sharma yet again grabbed everyone's attention with his fearless batting display. Despite the team facing a tough situation, he showed remarkable courage by smashing 61 runs off just 28 deliveries. What initially seemed like a one-sided game turned into a thrilling contest as both Shashank Singh and Ashutosh Sharma once again stepped up when the team needed them the most, offering a glimpse of hope for a potential victory. Unfortunately, despite their valiant efforts, it was a case of coming close but falling short by 9 runs. Punjab's top order indeed needs to step up and take on more responsibility to ensure the team's success. Additionally, the uncertainty surrounding Shikhar Dhawan's injury continues to be a concern for the team and his absence is being highly felt in the top order. The underwhelming performances from Prabhsimran Singh and Jitesh Sharma despite the team's trust in them are indeed a cause for concern as well. Punjab has done pretty decent in the bowling and fielding department. Harpreet Brar has impressed everyone with his fielding skills and all-round performances. Whereas, Arshdeep Singh will aim to take wickets with more consistency. Gujarat's recent crushing defeat against Delhi, where they were bundled out for a paltry 89 runs, has certainly raised alarm bells within the team. They now face serious concerns that need to be addressed promptly to bounce back from this setback. Aside from Shubman Gill and Sai Sudharsan, Gujarat's batting lineup has indeed been underwhelming. Wriddhiman Saha's failure to perform consistently at the top of the order, combined with inconsistencies in the middle order, has raised concerns. Despite seven games into the tournament, Gujarat has yet to effectively address this issue. Interestingly, it's Rashid Khan who has scored crucial runs coming down the order and has saved Gujarat from humiliation at times. On the bowling front, Gujarat has shown promise by taking timely wickets. Rashid Khan and Noor Ahmad have been particularly impressive with their bowling performances, supported well by Mohit Sharma. The recent addition of Sandeep Warrier has also proven fruitful, as he showcased his skill by taking a couple of crucial wickets. Coming into this clash, Gujarat will be keen to get back to winning ways, addressing a few lingering questions. Whereas, Punjab too, would be aiming to break the shackles and get those two crucial points. Mullanpur has indeed been a high-scoring ground, and we can expect another thrilling contest in this match. Currently, Punjab sits at the 9th position, while Gujarat is stacked in the 8th with two more points than Punjab. Who do you think will take those two crucial points from this clash?