PBKS vs. KKR in the 2023 IPL: In a game that was postponed due to rain, all-around Punjab defeated Kolkata and established an early lead.

Punjab Rulers thought of a complete all-over exhibition to start their IPL 2023 mission with a 7-run win (through Duckworth Lewis and Harsh strategy) over Kolkata Knight Riders in a downpour-hit match in Mohali on Saturday, April 1. Even though Shikhar Dhawan's and Trevor Bayliss's team was without three big international stars—Jonny Bairstow, Liam Livingstone, and Kagiso Rabada, who was on international duty—they scored early.

Kolkata Knight Riders were 146 for 7 toward the finish of 16 overs when the downpour began pouring down at the IS Bindra Arena in Mohali. The chase against Kolkata started 20 minutes late because the iconic venue's floodlights failed after Punjab Kings had scored 191 runs in 20 overs.

After the big partnership between Andre Russell and Venkatesh Iyer ended, Kolkata had all-rounders Shardul Thakur and Sunil Narine in the strike. They fell 7 runs short of the DLS par score, though.

PBKS vs KKR, IPL 2023 Highlights 

Arshdeep Singh was the best bowler because he led the attack from the front and took three wickets for 19 runs in three overs. The left-arm pacer, who disapproved of over-stepping in the T20I season prior in 2023, concocted a trained bowling show. He destroyed Mandeep Singh and Anukul Roy in his first round, rocking the chase by the Kolkata Knight Riders.

Rahmanullah Gurbaz, who signed with KKR from Gujarat Titans ahead of the IPL 2023, went after the Punjab bowlers, but he was bowled by Nathan Ellis in the powerplay, leaving the two-time champions at 27 for 3 in a funk.

CAPTAIN NITISH LEADS THE FIGHT 

All eyes were on Nitish Rana, the newly appointed stand-in captain. The Delhi left-hander came out swinging, scoring six runs and three boundaries in his 17-ball 24.

As KKR attempted to get back on track in their steep chase, Captain Nitish and Impact Player Venkatesh Iyer put together a 46-run stand in 30 balls. Notwithstanding, the KKR captain discarded his wicket, hitting a widish conveyance from Zimbabwe all-rounder Sikandar Raza.

When Andre Russell joined Iyer, the asking rate skyrocketed. The West Indies all-rounder went after the Punjab bowlers in a counter-attacking display between the two batters. Russell hit two sixes and three boundaries for a 19-ball 35, but he was unable to carry the game and win.

When Russell received a lifeline while batting on 20, he was run out by Sam Curran in the 15th over. After a good start, Russell let out his frustration and was disappointed with himself.

After taking advantage of Nathan Ellis's no-balls in the 14th over, Iyer hit a couple of lusty shots, but he was eventually run out for 34 off 28 balls, and Arshdeep took his third wicket.

Shardul Thakur displayed his aim right toward the beginning and seemed to be brightening up the pursuit yet the downpour divine beings had different thoughts.

SOLID BATTING PLAN EXECUTION 

Earlier in the day, big hitters batted around Punjab Kings captain Shikhar Dhawan, who hit 40 off 29 balls, and they executed their batting plans flawlessly.

It was exciting to watch Prabhsimran Singh accurately time the ball as he smashed Tim Southee and Umesh Yadav in his 12-ball 23rd innings.

Bhanuka Rajapaksa, who entered from Number 3, in his 32-ball fifty, hit 2 sixes and 5 boundaries. He brought down Sunil Narine, who was welcomed on in the powerplay to have an effect. After the 14-run over against Narine, the Sri Lankan left-handed batter assisted PBKS in concluding the powerplay on a strong note.

Punjab had already passed the 100-run mark when Rajapaksa gave out to Umesh Yadav in the eleventh over.

After the bowlers left, the young wicketkeeper Jitesh Sharma came and went, hitting two sixes for his 11-ball 22. However, PBKS lost a little momentum as it went from 135 for 2 to 168 for 5 in less than four overs.

In any case, Sam Curran (26-ball 17) and Shahrukh Khan (7-ball 11) assisted PBKS with posting a triumphant all-out of 191.