Punjab Kings (PBKS) opened their IPL 2023 campaign with a seven-run victory (DLS method) over Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in a rain-marred affair in Mohali on Saturday (April 1).

After the win, PBKS skipper Shikhar Dhawan said he tried to use bowlers according to the situation and knew that all-rounder Sikandar Raza would be handy against left-handers.

"It is a great feeling to start the tournament with a win, we'll try to take the momentum in the next game and carry that confidence ahead. According to the situation I used those bowlers, good thing we have got plenty of bowlers in the side. I knew Raza was going to be handy against the left-handers, so he gave us three quality overs. Also have experienced bowlers like Sam Curran and Arshdeep in the side,” said Dhawan in a post-match presentation.

“I wanted to be aggressive and at the same time smart. Was trying to hold one end, and if I got out, someone else would do that. They are youngsters and they are learning. We all are living our dream and we should be happy about it. As a leader, I make sure the team stays relaxed and in a happy state of mind," he added.

Coming to the match, KKR won the toss and opted to bowl. Riding on Bhanuka Rajapaksa’s 32-ball 50 and Dhawan’s 29-ball 40, PBKS posted a massive 191/5 in their 20 overs. Sam Curran (26* in 16 balls) Prabhsimran Singh (23 in 12 balls) and Jitesh Sharma (21 in 10 balls) also chipped in with handy contributions.

Chasing the target, KKR lost wickets at regular intervals. They were reduced to 80/5 before Venkatesh Iyer (34 off 28) and Andre Russell (35 off 19 balls) guided the side to 130 runs, adding 50 runs for the sixth wicket. When KKR were at 146/7 in 16 overs and needed 46 in the final four overs, rain interrupted the play and PBKS were declared winner as per the DLS method.

(With ANI Inputs)