Priyansh Arya and Prabhsimran Singh displayed impressive batting performances, helping Punjab Kings reach 201 for 4 against Kolkata Knight Riders at Eden Gardens. The pitch was described by many as “very, very slow,” yet the openers coped well, focusing on timing instead of power. Together, Arya and Prabhsimran forged a 120-run opening stand, marking PBKS’ only century partnership in the current IPL season. Arya crafted a fine 69 runs off 35 balls, while Prabhsimran contributed 83 off 49. Despite a slower finish, scoring only 42 in the last six overs, Punjab felt content with their total.
The surface provided grip for bowlers, particularly in spin, as PBKS accumulated 74 runs from the eight overs bowled by spinners Varun Chakravarthy and Sunil Narine. Kolkata’s pace bowler Harshit Rana conceded 27 runs in just two overs, highlighting the challenge for bowlers on the night.
Arya strategically used his innings, scoring heavily off the pace bowlers with 50 runs from 20 deliveries and opting for a more cautious approach against spin, with 19 runs from 15 balls. Meanwhile, Prabhsimran aggressively targeted the spinners, taking 41 from their 22 deliveries. Early on, he struggled for fluency, reaching just 34 runs from 32 balls. However, an audacious switch-hit six off Narine signalled a change in tempo. That shot led to Narine’s most expensive over in T20 cricket, conceding 22 runs. Prabhsimran’s late surge brought him 49 runs from his last 17 deliveries, though his partner Shreyas Iyer added just five in their 40-run stand.
In the final overs, conditions proved challenging for big hitting. Andre Russell extracted reverse swing, and spinners Narine and Varun were economical at the death, with both giving away just 13 runs each in their closing overs. Vaibhav Arora also caused trouble with his slower deliveries. KKR were left hoping for dew to aid their batting attempt under the lights.
Tags: Priyansh Arya, Prabhsimran Singh, Punjab Kings, Kolkata Knight Riders, PBKS vs KKR, Indian Premier League
