Match Center

Right then, that’s it from this contest but the action continues in the Indian T20 League. The second contest of the day will feature Mumbai and Chennai at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai which will get underway in a short while from now. That game will begin at 7.30 pm IST (2.00 pm GMT). So do join us for the mega clash. Until then, goodbye and cheers!

Phil Salt wins the Player of the Match award for his match-winning knock. He starts by saying that he just kept going and batting alongside Shreyas Iyer helped him. Feels like before the lights came on it was a little bit slower, but after that, the ball sat up nicely for them. Mentions that he loves the wicket here. Informs that it has been a good journey for them so far, and he is enjoying it.

Shreyas Iyer, the skipper of Kolkata, says that it was a comprehensive win. Adds that they did well with the ball and the batting was just icing on the cake. Shares that it was important to bowl the slower ones and minimize the half volleys. States that wickets in between gave them the advantage to put in the attacking effort. Lauds the bowlers who showed great character and were exceptional. Ends by sharing that they need to stay in the present and not take things lightly.

Sunil Narine is in for a quick chat. He says that they started well in the Powerplay, and knew they had to keep it tight till the very end. States that once they are in control it is easier to play as a spinner. Hopes to continue the good performance, and informs that all the boys are in good form. Praises Salt for his brilliant batting.

KL Rahul, the skipper of Lucknow says that it was a proper hammering and sometimes games like these are tough to digest. Also, we know that every team in this league goes through such defeats. Hopes to come back stronger in the next contest. Mentions that the ball started to nip a little more under the lights. States that they could not execute the shots well and kept finding the fielders. Thinks that they missed and lost the game with the batting itself, as he feels they were some 30 runs short. On Shamar Joseph, he informs that he was excited and wanted to bowl fast. Although, there were plenty of positives, but he needs to work on his consistency and choice of the balls that he bowls. States that they need to figure out where they are going wrong as a team, and try to rectify them as soon as possible. Aims to get to that 180-200 run mark with the bat in future matches.

A thumping win for Kolkata who have beaten Lucknow by 8 wickets in a comprehensive manner. Chasing 162 for the win, Kolkata lost Sunil Narine and Angkrish Raghuvanshi inside the powerplay but Phil Salt and Shreyas Iyer added an unbeaten 120 runs from thereon to take their side past the winning line. Salt looked at his absolute best as he unleashed his beast mode and made a smashing 89 off just 47 balls. Shreyas Iyer took his time early on but provided great support to Salt and played his role to perfection. Kolkata have bagged two points from today's game and made it two wins out of two at their home ground.

FOUR! Here it is. Salt finishes things off in style. Short one, around the hips. Salt swivels and pulls it to deep square leg for a boundary. He remains unbeaten on 89. A sensational knock for the Englishman. Kolkata win the match by 8 wickets.

Quicker and fuller, on the stumps. Salt eases it back to the bowler.

LEG BYE! It is a slider, down the leg side. Iyer comes down the track and tries to tickle it away but it catches the pads instead. Leg bye taken.

Tossed up on off, Salt knocks it to long-off for one.

Mohsin Khan pitches it up this time, on off. Salt drives it down the park to long off for a single. Kolkata are just a big hit away now.

On a length, outside off. Iyer cuts it to deep point for a single.

Shorter, and slower, around off. Iyer mistimes the pull to short mid-wicket.

It is full, on middle and leg. Salt clips it to deep square leg but only for a single this time.

SIX! SMOKED! Short of a length, around off. Salt picks the length and hammers it over the deep mid-wicket boundary for a biggie.

FOUR! Helped away! Short of a length, down the leg. Salt pulls it to the fine leg region for four runs.