Electing to field first after winning the toss turned beneficial for Team Punjab. The star bowlers Glenn Maxwell, Mohammed Shami and Arshdeep Singh were seen doing the magic they are known for. Maxwell flagged of today's campaign for the unit. Taking no time, Australian player attacked Kolkata opener and easily removed Nitish Rana with just the second delivery of the game.
Shami too spelt beautiful deliveries dismissing Tripathi 7(4) and Kartik 0(2) one after the other within the second over of the game. Though the Team in Red did loose its grip facing in-form Captain Morgana and Gill, the death over flipped the game restricting Kokata Unit at 149.
Later when put to batting, the team entered field with a commendable boundary, giving all the reasons for Kolkata to be under stress. Though Captain KL Rahul could not continue for long, his contribution of 28 runs off 25 deliveries surely strengthened the team.
But the fans were taken away by the Gayle and Mandeep's partnership. The duo stitched a 100 run partnership of 60 balls, with Gayle returning the pavilion only after hitting his half-century. Mandeep on the other hand stood not out, contributing 66 (56) including two 6s and eight 4s.
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Speaking of the Kolkata brigade, the team evidently struggled with its batting as well as its bowling order. Though Shubhman Gill contributed more than 50 runs, his half century turned waste as the bowlers in the second of the game leakes several lengths to the opponents.