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CSK beat SRH by 8 wickets | Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Chennai Super Kings, Highlights And Cricket Score Final T20 Match - Commentary
Indian Premier League, 2018
Date: May 27, 2018 Start Time: 19:00 IST | 13:30 GMT | 19:00 LocalVenue: Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai
RCB
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Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Chennai Super Kings Highlights And Cricket Score Final Match - T20 Commentary
Shakib Al Hasan is caught on the sidelines by Graeme Smith. The Hyderabad all-rounder feels that it is a good total. Asserts about score on the board in the final being advantageous. States that they knew that wickets in hand in the final 10 overs being crucial for them to get more runs. Talks about making right use of the slower deliveries and changes in pace in the second innings, sounding confident of the defense of the total. Concedes to having butterflies in his stomach as it is the final game.
The target of 179 along with the pressure of final! Chennai although have the resources, they would have to be wary of Hyderabad's potent bowling unit. The pitch has played on the slower side and Rashid Khan once again will be the biggest threat to them. Promises to be a riveting last innings of this year's Indian T20 League. Do join us for that, meanwhile here is what Shakib Al Hasan has to say...
Once again it was the case of blowing hot and cold with the ball for Chennai. They were near perfect in the first 10 overs but then faltered in the next 10. Their bowlers were pretty mediocre in the middle overs where plenty of boundaries came and towards the death, their main weapon, Dwayne Bravo disappointed once more. Credit should be given to Lungi Ngidi though, who was the best bowler on show for them, both up front and towards the end, while Deepak Chahar was smartly utilized by MS Dhoni in the first 10 overs and ended with a good looking bowling figures.
18 off the last 2 overs in the context of the game was a very good effort by Lungi Ngidi and Shardul Thakur. Still, Hyderabad managed 52/3 in last five overs which has taken their total past the 175-run mark. Their innings was meandering at one stage as the partnership between Dhawan and Williamson failed to provide them with the right kind of kick. It was Yusuf Pathan's knock which handed them the impetus as their innings finished on a bright note. Not to forget Carlos Brathwaite's contribution as well who batted his natural way and entertained the crowd with his big hitting.
Shardul Thakur to Carlos Brathwaite. OUT! A wicket off the final ball. Thakur takes the pace off this length ball outside off, Brathwaite latches onto it with the intention to clear long on but fails to get enough meat behind his shot. Rayudu moves across to his right from long on and takes an easy catch. Hyderabad end on 178/6!
Shardul Thakur to Carlos Brathwaite. SIX! That's all power! Thakur digs in a short ball around off, Brathwaite ain't in very good position to play at it but still manages to power it over long on. He hit a similar kind of tennis-forehand shot in the previous game at the Wankhede which sailed over long off. This time he chose the same shot but went cross court, I mean over long on.
Shardul Thakur to Carlos Brathwaite. Knuckle delivery, on a length and outside off at 115.8 kph, Brathwaite is foxed by the variation and ends up swinging and missing.
Shardul Thakur to Yusuf Pathan. A low full toss on off, pushed down to long off for a run.
Shardul Thakur to Yusuf Pathan. Chance of a run out but the bowler decides not to have a shy! A short delivery wide outside off, Pathan mistimes his attempted pull shot on the leg side and Carlos comes running down the track. Thakur immediately gets to the ball, turns but doesn't fire it. Maybe, the West Indian was in the way.
Shardul Thakur to Yusuf Pathan. Wide! Gets away with one Thakur. With fine leg up, he bowls a short one down the leg side, Pathan tries to pull but misses.
Shardul Thakur to Yusuf Pathan. A low full toss on the pads, Pathan tries to flick it behind but it takes the bottom edge and rolls towards mid-wicket. They take a couple of runs, good running between the wickets by Pathan, something you don't associate with him.
Shardul Thakur to bowl the last over.
Lungi Ngidi to Carlos Brathwaite. SIX! Spoils a good over. Gets one in the slot outside off, he clears his front leg and launches it over long on for a biggie. Still, only 8 from the over.
Lungi Ngidi to Carlos Brathwaite. This is brilliant bowling. The South African takes the pace off this one, on a length and outside off, Brathwaite is way too early into the shot and hence misses.
Lungi Ngidi to Carlos Brathwaite. Angling on middle and leg, Brathwaite walks across the stumps with a big swing of his bat but fails to connect.
Mid off drops back.
Lungi Ngidi to Yusuf Pathan. Slower one deceives the batsman. On a shorter length outside off, Pathan is early into the shot and checks his shot at the last moment. It goes towards covers, a bit aerially but safely and they cross.
Lungi Ngidi to Carlos Brathwaite. Another miscued shot by Brathwaite but he is riding his luck at the moment. It falls safely behind the bowler. The West Indian was targeting to heave it over mid-wicket but a bottom edge meant it went straight down the ground. Fell well short of the onrushing long on fielder.
Lungi Ngidi to Carlos Brathwaite. Sharp delivery, bowled at 138.2 kph. Following the batsman down the leg side, Brathwaite swings and misses.
Dwayne Bravo to Yusuf Pathan. FOUR! Big bottom hand of Pathan comes into play this time as he has completely dismissed a shortish delivery down to long on. No chance for the fielder in the deep. 16 from this one.
Dwayne Bravo to Carlos Brathwaite. A mistimed shot on this occasion by Carlos Brathwaite. Tries swinging the short ball across the line but it takes the higher part of his bat. Balloons in the air but falls in no man's land as the deep mid-wicket and long on fielders charge towards it. A single added to the total.
Dwayne Bravo to Yusuf Pathan. Played to the point region by the batsman. They pick up a single.
Dwayne Bravo to Carlos Brathwaite. Very full and outside off, Carlos squeezes it out straight towards backward point. Ngidi moves across to his left to make a half stop and they cross for a run.
Dwayne Bravo to Carlos Brathwaite. SIX! That's clean and long, screams Manjrekar on air. Bravo resorts to the slower one and bowls it on a length outside off. Brathwaite stays back inside the crease and muscles it over long off. Deep into the stands.
Dwayne Bravo to Carlos Brathwaite. Wide! Bravo goes full again but it's down the leg side, Brathwaite tries whipping it off his pads but misses.
Dwayne Bravo to Yusuf Pathan. Full and outside off, driven down to long off for a single.
Dwayne Bravo to Yusuf Pathan. Wide! Slips one down the leg side, Pathan tries to flick but misses.
Carlos Brathwaite arrives. He played a handy cameo the other night at the Wankhede and his team would be hoping for the same from the big fella.
Lungi Ngidi to Deepak Hooda. OUT! As I mentioned earlier, runs are coming but so are the wickets. Ngidi with a slow off cutter outside off, on a fuller length, Hooda reaches out and tries to swing it over mid-wicket. But it flies off the inner half of the bat and the fielder at deep backward square leg makes no mistake. Dhruv Shorey is the sub who took that catch.
Lungi Ngidi to Yusuf Pathan. The batsman works it down the leg side. They pick up a single.
Lungi Ngidi to Yusuf Pathan. SIX! Pathan has cleared the straighter boundary with ease. Rocks back to a shortish ball outside off and clubs it over long on. His presence is very important for Hyderabad as he is well-capable of lifting their score to 175-plus.
Lungi Ngidi to Deepak Hooda. Back of a length delivery outside off, Hooda tries hitting square of the wicket on the off side but ends up edging it down. Another single at third man.
Lungi Ngidi to Yusuf Pathan. Full and wide outside off, Pathan throws his bat at it but edges it down to third man. Only a run again.
Lungi Ngidi to Deepak Hooda. Swings his bat across the line to a length ball and hits it over mid-wicket for a run.
Lungi Ngidi is back on.
Dwayne Bravo to Deepak Hooda. Good length ball on middle and leg, Hooda works it in the gap at mid-wicket for a run.
Strategic time-out! Runs are coming for Hyderabad but they are also losing wickets in the process. The pitch has looked to be on the slower side and they will hope that their power-hitters take them close to 170. Chennai would like to limit the damage towards the end. Meanwhile, Deepak Hooda has joined Pathan in the deep.
Dwayne Bravo to Shakib Al Hasan. OUT! Straight to the fielder! It is a low full toss around off, Shakib unwinds to blast it over covers. All he does is smash it straight into the safe hands of Suresh Raina on the ring. He takes it and falls, writhing in pain. Shows the power behind that shot, futile though. Another promising stand ends at an inopportune moment for Hyderabad.
Dwayne Bravo to Yusuf Pathan. A length ball on off, Pathan punches it right back and Bravo tries to stop it to his left. Makes only a half stop and they switch ends.
Dwayne Bravo to Shakib Al Hasan. Played to the mid-wicket region by the batsman. The batsmen have run through for a single.
Dwayne Bravo to Yusuf Pathan. Helps it on the leg side, finds the gap and takes a single.
Dwayne Bravo to Yusuf Pathan. FOUR! Excellent start to the over for Hyderabad! Bravo bowls it short and wide outside off, Pathan camps back and whacks it through extra cover. Once it goes past the fielder inside the circle, the sweeper had a very little chance to cut it off. He rushes to his right but to no avail. Add four more to Bravo's tally, he already has got an unwanted record of conceding the most number of runs in a season.
Dwayne Bravo is back into the attack.
Karn Sharma to Shakib Al Hasan. Walks forward to push it towards covers and slips in the process as well. No run taken as it has gone straight to the fielder inside the ring. Another 9-run over for Hyderabad.
Karn Sharma to Shakib Al Hasan. Reaches out for a short delivery outside off and cuts it behind point for a couple of runs.
Karn Sharma to Shakib Al Hasan. Swing and a miss! Bowls a leg spinner just outside leg as Shakib is backing up. The Bangladeshi then tries to power it over the leg side but misses. Dhoni quickly takes the bails off but the batsman had never left the crease.
Karn Sharma to Yusuf Pathan. Quicker and flatter on middle, forced down to long on for one.
Karn Sharma to Yusuf Pathan. FOUR! Boooommmm.... Pathan attacks this full ball wide outside off and smacks it with the spin. Takes the aerial route and sends it sailing over covers and into the crowd.
Karn Sharma to Yusuf Pathan. Flighted full delivery landing outside off and then spinning away, Pathan leaves it thinking it to be a wide. Nothing from the umpire. It pitched inside the tramline and then spun past it.
Shardul Thakur to Yusuf Pathan. Digs in a short ball on off, Pathan pulls it in front of square leg and the fielder in the deep makes an easy stop by jogging across to his left. Another single added to the total. 9 from this over.
Shardul Thakur to Shakib Al Hasan. Good length ball on off, Shakib cuts it at the last moment towards third man and takes one.
Shardul Thakur to Yusuf Pathan. Now knocks a full ball down to long on and rotates the strike. Smart batting!
Shardul Thakur to Yusuf Pathan. FOUR! Brutal! A little bit on the shorter side outside off, Pathan rocks back and slaps it through cover-point. The sweeper in the deep moves across to his left but can't do anything. Went like a tracer bullet. That's Pathan power for you.
Shardul Thakur to Shakib Al Hasan. A touch short and around off, not much room but Shakib still manages to chop his square cut past backward point. The scoreboard ticks by one run.
Shardul Thakur to Yusuf Pathan. A length ball angling into the batsman, Pathan chips it over mid on and the fielder in the deep collects it on one bounce. A single taken.
Shardul Thakur returns into the attack.
Karn Sharma to Yusuf Pathan. Slows it up just a bit but the length remains a bit on the shorter side. Around off and Pathan plays it down in front of square on the off side for a single. 7 runs and a wicket from the over, just what Chennai needed after a plenty of boundaries in the previous two overs.
Karn Sharma to Yusuf Pathan. Quicker leg break bowled on the shorter side outside off, Pathan tries to cut but misses.
Karn Sharma to Yusuf Pathan. Eases this one in the gap at mid-wicket. Good enough for a couple of runs.
Karn Sharma to Yusuf Pathan. FOUR! Well played! Extra room on this occasion, wide outside off, Pathan delays his shot a bit and then runs it down past first slip. The fielder from point gives it the chase but fails to pull it back. Pathan is off the mark!
Karn Sharma to Yusuf Pathan. Short and outside off, Pathan gets back to punch it through the line but finds the fielder square on the off side.
Yusuf Pathan is in next. Big responsibility on the experienced campaigner.
Karn Sharma to Kane Williamson. OUT! Stumped! Karn strikes gold, removes Hyderabad's best batsman. Probably sensed the charge from the batsman and hence smartly serves a full ball wide outside off. Williamson scoots down the track, swings his bat at it but the ball spins away further to beat him. Dhoni is quick to dislodge the bails and it's a big blow to the Orange team. Kane falls three short of a fifty!
After going for 17 in his last over. Jadeja has been removed from the attack. It's Karn Sharma to operate again.
Dwayne Bravo to Kane Williamson. The batsman works it down the leg side. One run added to the total. 11 from this over, 28 in last two. Hyderabad picking pace.
Dwayne Bravo to Shakib Al Hasan. Full toss in line of the stumps, forced down to long on for one.
Dwayne Bravo to Kane Williamson. The batsman drives this through the covers. They pick up a single.
Dwayne Bravo to Kane Williamson. FOUR! The boundaries are coming thick and fast for Hyderabad now. Poor length this time by Bravo. Drops it short and around leg, Williamson pulls it and finds the gap at mid-wicket. The fielder in the deep runs across to his left but fails to cut it off.
Dwayne Bravo to Kane Williamson. FOUR! Goes full and outside off, Williamson drills it through the line, beats extra cover inside the ring and it speeds away to the fence.
Dwayne Bravo to Kane Williamson. Good length ball on off, shaping back into the batsman, Williamson defends it off his back foot.
Dwayne Bravo is back on.
Ravindra Jadeja to Shakib Al Hasan. FOUR! The Bangladeshi star has decided to take on Jadeja. Quicker and fuller around middle and leg, Shakib attacks it with all his might and whips it through mid-wicket. No chance for the fielders in the deep. 17 from the over, the best of the final so far.
Ravindra Jadeja to Shakib Al Hasan. SIX! This is what Dhawan wanted to do but got bowled. Shakib has pulled off his slog sweep with aplomb. Jadeja continues to dart it in and puts it around middle. Shakib kneels and nails it over mid-wicket for a maximum.
Ravindra Jadeja to Kane Williamson. Whoa! Jadeja fires this one in, around middle and leg, skidding in at 101.7 kph, Williamson fails to pick it and gets hit on the pads. It ricochets to the off side and they cross for a leg bye.
Ravindra Jadeja to Kane Williamson. FOUR! In the air... just short of short third man! Jadeja gives this one flight and serves it full around off, Williamson tries going inside out over covers but it spins away to take the outside edge. It flies towards Ngidi who rushes across to his right and puts in a little slide but fails to reach it. It races past him and reaches the fence.
Ravindra Jadeja to Shakib Al Hasan. Quicker through the air again, around middle and leg, Shakib turns it off his pads through square leg and picks up a single.
Ravindra Jadeja to Kane Williamson. Flatter and full around middle, Williamson opens the face of the bat and pushes it in front of square on the off side for a run.
Deepak Chahar to Kane Williamson. Fuller on middle and leg, whipped away towards wide long on. Jadeja gets to his right quickly and keeps it down to one. 4-0-25-0 are the figures in the night of the final for Deepak Chahar. Wonderful.
Deepak Chahar to Kane Williamson. Back of a length delivery outside off at 115.5 kph. Williamson attempts to cut it through point but is early into the shot. Gets beaten.
Deepak Chahar to Shakib Al Hasan. Fuller on the pads, worked away through square leg for three less than a boundary.
Deepak Chahar to Shakib Al Hasan. Guided straight to backward point from the crease.
Deepak Chahar to Kane Williamson. Fuller delivery on middle and leg, it's slower in pace as well. Williamson pushes it towards mid-wicket and rotates strike.
Deepak Chahar to Kane Williamson. Around off and middle, whipped away to short mid-wicket.
Deepak Chahar to bowl out now.
Ravindra Jadeja to Kane Williamson. Floated on the pads, worked away round the corner for one. Ends a successful over for Jadeja.
Ravindra Jadeja to Shakib Al Hasan. Cut away through point for a single.
Ravindra Jadeja to Shakib Al Hasan. FOUR! Fired on a shortish length outside off, Al Hasan camps back and cuts it fiercely through backward point for a boundary. Watson dived to stop it from short third man but failed to harm the ball. Nice way to get going.
Shakib Al Hasan walks in next.
Ravindra Jadeja to Shikhar Dhawan. OUT! Castled! Not a word that you use to describe a wicket by a spinner but a 101.3 kph delivery deserves that expression. Fired full around middle, Dhawan gets down to play the slog sweep. Misses the ball and the ball goes off his back leg and onto the stumps. Timely break for Chennai as the 51-run stand culminates.
Ravindra Jadeja to Kane Williamson. Tossed up around middle, Williamson gets inside the line and lofts it down to long off to get to the other end.
Ravindra Jadeja to Shikhar Dhawan. Floated around off, driven down to long on for one.
Time for Ravindra Jadeja to have a go with the ball now.
First strategic break time! Hyderabad have come back well after the first four overs belonged to Chennai. 45 runs have been plundered off the previous four. Thus the word 'momentum' rests with whom now, isn't needed to be specified. Will the Yellow Brigade pull things back or is the Dhawan-Williamson combo going to take it the Orange Army's way?
Dwayne Bravo to Kane Williamson. SIX! The last two deliveries spoil what could have been a decent over from Bravo. Williamson walks across to this low full toss and plays the paddle. Makes good connection as the ball goes the distance over fine leg.
Dwayne Bravo to Kane Williamson. FOUR! Fuller and slower one outside off, Williamson waits for the ball to come before bashing it over covers for a boundary. Seemed as if the sweeper would get to the ball but not to be.
No spike on the Ultra Edge on 7.3, as it is shown now. So a good call from the umpire.
Dwayne Bravo to Shikhar Dhawan. Slower one on a fuller length around middle and off. Dhawan pushes it towards covers for one.
Dwayne Bravo to Shikhar Dhawan. Huge appeal! Banged short around leg, Dhawan looks to pull it after getting inside the line. Missed and the keeper and bowler go up in unison for a caught behind appeal. Marais Erasmus, the umpire, stays unmoved. Signals one bouncer for the over post that.
Dwayne Bravo to Shikhar Dhawan. Yorker well outside off, Dhawan, in a bid to dig it out, hits the surface.
Dwayne Bravo to Shikhar Dhawan. Begins with a slower one around off, Dhawan comes down the track and pushes it to the off side.
Dwayne Bravo introduced into the attack in as soon as the 8th over.
Karn Sharma to Shikhar Dhawan. On the stumps, Dhawan lofts it towards long on to retain strike.
Karn Sharma to Shikhar Dhawan. FOUR! Good shot. Floated on the stumps, Dhawan kneels and executes the sweep shot. The ball races through square leg, leaving no chance for the fine leg fielder, who ran to his right.
Karn Sharma to Shikhar Dhawan. Dhawan blocks this one getting half-forward.
Karn Sharma to Shikhar Dhawan. WIDE! Dhawan shuffles in his crease and hence Karn serves it down the leg side. The sweep shot is missed and wide is signalled.
Karn Sharma to Kane Williamson. Ahh, misfield! Seldom do you find Suresh Raina being the culprit. Floated outside off, Williamson drives it to covers and shouts WAIT ON! But the fielder there dives lazily and concedes a run.
Karn Sharma to Shikhar Dhawan. Flatter outside off, Dhawan camps on the back foot and cuts it through point for one.
Karn Sharma to Kane Williamson. Slower through the air around middle and off, Williamson goes deep and flicks it through mid-wicket for one.
Karn Sharma to bowl now.
Shardul Thakur to Kane Williamson. This delivery is glided down to third man for one. 12 runs off this one, 25 off the past two. A good end to the Powerplay for Hyderabad, 42/1.
Shardul Thakur to Shikhar Dhawan. Defended off the back foot by the batsman. One run added to the total.
Shardul Thakur to Shikhar Dhawan. Shardul drags his length back a bit than the previous one and serves it on the pads. Dhawan whips it through square leg. The fielder in the deep, Karn, puts in a diving effort and saves two. Taken upstairs for verification, but all good.
Shardul Thakur to Shikhar Dhawan. SIX! GABBAR STRIKE! Full and around middle and leg, Dhawan gets his front leg out of the way and smokes it high and handsome over long on.
Shardul Thakur to Shikhar Dhawan. Crisp stroke for nothing. Full around off, Dhawan gets a stride forward and drives it on the up. The ball goes off the middle of the blade to Jadeja at covers.
Shardul Thakur to Kane Williamson. In line of the off stump, Williamson lets it come to him, before tapping it towards point for one.
Shardul Thakur to Kane Williamson. WIDE! Not a positive start from Thakur. Fires it full down the leg side, Williamson misses his attempted flick.
Shardul Thakur to bowl the final over of the Powerplay.
Deepak Chahar to Kane Williamson. Slower one around off, Kane dances down and pushes it towards covers for one. 13 runs off the over.
Deepak Chahar to Kane Williamson. Williamson looks to pull it but fails to execute the stroke. Ends up wearing it high on the thigh.
Deepak Chahar to Kane Williamson. WIDE! Bumper on the stumps, passes well over Williamson. Wide given.
Deepak Chahar to Kane Williamson. FOUR! Next gear from Kane! Another short length ball, he gets on top of the bounce and pulls it in front of square on the leg side for a boundary. The skipper crosses 700 runs in this edition.
Deepak Chahar to Kane Williamson. Around off, Kane steps down and blocks it to the off side.
Deepak Chahar to Kane Williamson. SIX! Relief for Williamson! Doesn't matter in this format how runs come. Short in length, he looks to pull it. Ends up getting a top edge taking the ball high in the evening sky. But the ground dimensions are pretty small and as a result, it clears the fine leg fence easily. 63 metre hit says the reading.
Deepak Chahar to Shikhar Dhawan. Landed in line of the stumps, Dhawan looks to heave it away to the on side. Ends up getting an inside edge onto his pads for one.
Lungi Ngidi to Kane Williamson. A maiden over is an appreciated one, more so in a T20. Lungi Ngidi has bowled one here. This is full outside off, Williamson can only drive it on the bounce to Faf at covers. Good from the side in Yellow to keep the Orange guys quiet.
Lungi Ngidi to Kane Williamson. Width given but Kane fails to encash on that. He looks to slap it but the ball passes over the edge of his bat. He's faced 9 balls for his 3 so far.
Lungi Ngidi to Kane Williamson. Nicely bowled again. Fuller on off, a bit of curve inwards. Kane wants to push it to the off side but gets it off the inside half to mid on. He's struggling to get going.
Lungi Ngidi to Kane Williamson. In line of the off stump, Williamson bunts it towards covers.
Lungi Ngidi to Kane Williamson. Similar delivery again. This time Williamson ends up getting it off the outer half of his blade towards point. He perhaps wanted to push it towards mid off.
Lungi Ngidi to Kane Williamson. Well bowled and equally well played. Full around off, Kane gets across and pushes it to mid on for nothing.
Deepak Chahar to Shikhar Dhawan. In line of the stumps on a length, Shikhar defends it back to the bowler. Another decent over from young Chahar, just 3 off it.
Deepak Chahar to Kane Williamson. The batsman shows the full face of the bat and defends the ball off the back foot. The batsmen have run through for a single.
Deepak Chahar to Shikhar Dhawan. On the pads again, fuller in length. Dhawan whips it through backward square leg for one.
Deepak Chahar to Shikhar Dhawan. Fuller on the stumps, defended towards mid-wicket.
Deepak Chahar to Kane Williamson. Outside off on a length, slapped past point for one.
Deepak Chahar to Kane Williamson. Short in length, pulled away to mid-wicket.
Lungi Ngidi to Kane Williamson. Risky run to get off the mark. Williamson taps it towards mid on and sets off. Jadeja misses his shy at the non-striker's end and a run is taken.
Kane Williamson, the skipper, makes his way out to the middle. He is currently the leading run-getter of the competition, but is having a tame time for the past couple of games.
Lungi Ngidi to Shreevats Goswami. OUT! Reckless running and Hyderabad lose one early in the piece on the big night. Length ball on leg, Goswami tucks it away through backward square leg. He always wanted two and went for it, being unmindful of Karn getting to the ball from fine leg. The fielder fires a good flat throw to Dhoni who does the rest. Goswami's body language isn't promising. It is taken upstairs and one look is enough to find the southpaw well short.
Gone? There is a run out appeal against Goswami, which is taken upstairs. Looks to be the end of the night with the bat for him.
Lungi Ngidi to Shikhar Dhawan. Dhawan looks to flick this one but ends up getting an inside edge onto his pads. The ball rolls to the off side and a run is taken.
Lungi Ngidi to Shikhar Dhawan. Full and outside off, left alone.
Lungi Ngidi to Shikhar Dhawan. FOUR! Valiant effort in the deep but in vain. Dhawan flicks this delivery off his pads towards fine leg. Karn Sharma rushes to his left there and puts in a dive to stop it. The umpires aren't sure as the batters run two. Taken upstairs and it is then seen that at one point, Karn was in contact with the ball and the ropes simultaneously.
Lungi Ngidi to Shreevats Goswami. Begins from over the wicket and bowls a delivery just short of a length. Goswami hops to tuck it away but misses. Gets it off his elbow onto his back thigh. The ball rolls towards point and a leg bye is taken.
Lungi Ngidi to run in from the other end.
Deepak Chahar to Shikhar Dhawan. A hint of swing in around off. Dhawan stays back and ends up guiding it to backward point. Shouts NO after that. Good start from young Deepak after that not-so-good first ball, just 6 off the over.
Deepak Chahar to Shreevats Goswami. Angling across the southpaw on a length, Goswami guides it to third man for one.
Deepak Chahar to Shikhar Dhawan. Quick run. Dhawan taps this delivery towards point and sets off for a single. Completes it easily as well.
Deepak Chahar to Shikhar Dhawan. Around off on a length, defended towards point.
Deepak Chahar to Shreevats Goswami. Back to over the wicket, it lands on a length on the pads. Shreevats nudges it down to fine leg for one.
Deepak Chahar to Shikhar Dhawan. The Free Hit doesn't prove costly. Chahar comes in from round the wicket and bowls it full around off. Dhawan hits it aerially towards wide long on for one to get going.
Free Hit coming up...
Deepak Chahar to Shreevats Goswami. No ball to start! Chahar runs in from over the wicket and lets out a high full toss outside off. Immediately the umpire's arm is seen coming out. Goswami is caught by surprise and ends up directing it past backward point for one.
It's 5 hours before the end of the day. This signals time for the sport to take centrestage. Out walk the umpires for the night, clad in different shades of blue. The Chennai players follow them and jog to the field. Shikhar Dhawan and Shreevats Goswami make their way to the middle now, shadow-practicing their batting. Deepak Chahar is all ready to deliver the first ball of the finale. A wide slip in place.
Both the teams walk out on the red carpets laid down for both of them. When both sides walk out together, it means that it's time for the national anthem.
Kane Williamson says that although he is happy to bat first, they also would have liked to bowl first. Reckons that the surface looks good and they would want to defend whatever they put on board. Talks about the occasion being a good one and something that they are looking forward to. About team changes, he informs the couple of changes that they have made - Sandeep Sharma comes in for Khaleel Ahmed and since Wriddhiman Saha is injured, Shreevats Goswami takes his place as the gloveman.
MS Dhoni says they will bowl first and feels that their batsman have to take the extra pressure and responsibility. Reckons that runs on the board is always good in a final but looking at the conditions he has chosen to bowl. Further adds that the journey has been good for them but a challenging one. Also believes that they had the core group with a few new faces and it helped. Informs about the only change, Harbhajan Singh makes way for Karn Sharma.
TOSS - Dhoni flips the coin. It comes down, goes for a walk and finally lands as Heads. There is a slight confusion about who called what. After some laughs, it is clarified that Williamson called Tails. As a result, the Men in Yellow win the toss and CHENNAI WILL FIELD.
PITCH REPORT - The track, Michael Clarke observes, seems to be tacky on top but dry underneath. He expects assistance for the bowlers as well. The average score batting first is 171. The Aussie reckons that if he wins the toss as a captain on this surface, he would send the opposition in.
Both the sides are aptly led by two of the coolest captains in the tourney - MS Dhoni and Kane Williamson. The latter is also leading the run charts while the former has seemed to regain his Midas touch. Mind you, yet again the best batting line-up in this competition squares up against the best bowling attack. These ingredients make this an interesting summit clash from the outset. Hopeful of a battle fitting the bill, we'll get you more details soon.
The route from Mumbai to Mumbai was via Kolkata for Hyderabad. Losing the Qualifier 1 against the same opponents at this very place - the Wankhede stadium, the Orange-clad side is here after arresting its 4-game winless streak by eliminating Kolkata. By contrast, Dad's Army as they're called, Chennai have had a good rest of about 4 days before today. Rested or rusted? We'll know soon.
All things, good and bad, have to come to an end. Likewise, after 59 games and about 6 weeks, we're down to this. One final time for us to get high on the T20 fervor of the Indian T20 League. There isn't much of a surprise looking at the sides clashing for the title in this 11th edition. After all, both Hyderabad and Chennai finished 1 and 2 at the end of the league stage. We are glad to have you with us for company.
So, our journey in the Indian T20 League culminates after 60 games. We've had nail-biters, lopsided games, determined efforts, dejected faces, come-from-behind performances and what not. The sport didn't fail to enthrall us one bit. You name it, the tournament had it. Now, it's time for us to bid goodbye. Thanks for being lovely readers and keeping us company. Looking forward to having you the next time as well. Till the next time, take care! Adios, ta-ta!
That's it from the presentation! MS Dhoni now moves up to the podium and has been handed over the trophy. The entire team joins him on stage to signal the beginning of the celebrations. The chants of 'Dhoni, Dhoni..' reverberate around the Wankhede Stadium. The entire yellow outfit poses in front of the board stating CHAMPIONS. The young ones of Dhoni, Raina and Harbhajan among others join their dads, the doting dads our stars are! Not one smile at the venue can be missed, not worth missing either.
MS DHONI, the winning Chennai captain, says that by the time a side reaches the finals, the roles of players are more or less fixed and hence, there is less of talking then. Is thankful to the fact that they didn't lose many wickets, which made their task easier. Lavishes praise on the mystery bowler Rashid Khan saying facing him could be tricky. Lauds Bhuvneshwar Kumar as well by conceding that he is a disciplined bowler. Talks about he being comfortable with Ambati Rayudu batting in the middle when Faf du Plessis is in the side. Restrains from comparing victories across the seasons as each one is special. Mentions that tonight's date is 27th, this was their 7th final and his jersey no. is 7, so that could be a bit special for him. More than age, fitness matters to him. Hence, that most of the guys in the side were over 30 years of age didn't really matter to him. Stresses yet again that sometimes you have to accept that there are aspects like fielding, which needn't been given too much importance with the side they had. Cites an example of Shane Watson risking a hamstring injury in a bid to stop a single or two, which could have been detrimental in the larger cause of their side. Reckons that there aren't great plans to celebrate immediately but are going to Chennai the next day.
Stephen Flemming is up for a chat now. The winning team coach says that there's no secret to their success. States that each year has had its own challenges. Mentions that because of the experience and the consistency of his side, they came through well. About players aged more than 30, he says that they look after themselves well and with the fitness staff they have, they were confident enough. Reveals that he likes to take charge of the man management stuff out of the field while MS Dhoni takes charge of whatever happens on the field.
KANE WILLIAMSON, the Hyderabad skipper, says that they felt that it was a competitive total. Reasons that the ball was stopping a bit on the surface and hence they felt safe. Congratulates Chennai for their brand of cricket, before adding that it's tough to be on the other side. About leading a non-international side, he says that as there are a variety of nationalities invloved when leading a franchise, it has its own challenges but adds that there are a lot of positives in the bunch that he has got. Reckons that every side aims to get a balanced outfit. Praises Rashid Khan, who is ready to bowl at any time in the game. The commitment of the guys can't be doubted, he reckons. Talks about the small moments that cost them the game. Iterates about enjoying batting as well as captaining and feels no additional burden to play numerous roles. Ends saying that the entire team management contributed, which was good.
Tom Moody says that Shane Watson's innings was one that took the game away from them. Rounds off the season saying that they had a setback early on, missing certain players, but then did well to recover. Continues saying that it shows the character of his side as well as the quality of the tournament. Pours praises on Kane Williamson stating that he did well after replacing David Warner. Adds that the Kiwi does well with whatever side he is given and it's a joy to watch him. Now lauds Rashid Khan and his commitment, saying that he is a special bloke.
RISHABH PANT has been given the EMERGING PLAYER AWARD. He says that he enjoyed the whole tournament. Looks at the award and is happy but says that sadly it didn't go well for his side. Reckons that last year he was trying to belt the ball while this time he tried batting sensibly.
SHANE WATSON is adjudged the MAN OF THE MATCH for his scintillating unbeaten 117. He says that it has been a special season to play with Chennai and bat at the top of the order. It means so much to him knowing the history of the team he is playing with. Talks about the plan initially being seeing off the first 6 overs without losing a cluster of wickets and hence, he wasn't fazed about being on a 10-ball duck. States that once the ball stopped swinging, the task became easier. Reckons that he has plenty of time to recover and thanks his physio for keeping him fit and ready.
Deepak Chahar is over the moon and is happy with his performance. Thanks Dhoni for believing in him and adds that one of his dreams has come true tonight. Karn Sharma also gave a one-line interview where he mentioned that he was prepared and was waiting for his chance.
Harbhajan Singh says that it's brilliant the way they chased down the runs. Praises Watson for his outstanding batting and reckons with a set batsman anything is possible. On him not playing, he said that they had a lot of right-handed batsmen in the middle order and that was the main reason for his exclusion. Also justifies the move by telling that we have seen wrist spinners bowling more compared to finger spinners. Finishes by hoping that the picture will change next season. Lauds Karn Sharma's efforts and is thrilled to be on the winning side.
Lungi Ngidi says it's a great win and it has been a roller coaster of emotions. Is happy to experience such great moment. On bowling at the death, Ngidi replies that you need to take that responsibility on your shoulders and take it in your stride. Is delighted to have contributed in team's victory.
Shardul Thakur says that it feels great and reminds us that he was a part of the team last season which reached the final but didn't win the trophy. On his bowling, he replied that he wanted to bowl well at the death and felt that he was on top of his game.
Ravindra Jadeja says that it's good to be a part of a champion team. Credits the boys for sticking together and playing as a team despite of winning or losing. Is very happy that after two years they came and became champions.
Ambati Rayudu says that he is really fortunate to have a great season and feels privileged to hit the winning runs. Adds that initially he thought that the wicket was on the slower side but it got quicker later on.
Dwayne Bravo says that it's a special moment as the team didn't play for two years and played just one game at their real home ground this season. He feels that nothing is better than winning the trophy. Adds that they are all experienced and they put it all together and brought their best game in the final. Is very happy for the entire team. Praises Shane Watson for his brave batting (was struggling with hamstrings) and calls him a world class player.
Earlier, some useful contributions from Hyderabad's batters saw them post a decent-looking total on board. Kane Williamson and Yusuf Pathan got priceless 40s for them while Carlos Brathwaite used the long handle to great effect. The Chennai bowlers, in general, bore the brunt of this onslaught. Among this all, a certain Lungi Ngidi bowled a terrific spell, which was economical in its own right. Everyone who bowled for them picked up a wicket, apart from Deepak Chahar. Meanwhile, here's what some of the elated Chennai players have to say...
Let's have a glance at the runners-up's bowling. Actually there's hardly anything to write home about. Most of them took a beating. The initial phase in the run-chase only belonged to them. Even Rashid Khan's effect was negated with the way Watson-Raina went about with their job. 4-0-25-0 from the Afghani talisman is so unlike what he was about, post that heroic outing against Kolkata a day before. Once wickets didn't come by for the Orange Army, the writing was well on the wall.
It is said that once you hit the wall, nothing is possible. Be it your thoughts, career, life, whatever it may be. Shane Watson turned out to be that wall for Hyderabad. At the start, it seemed as if it was not to be his night. He played out 10 balls on 0 and got his first run of the 11th one that he faced. But post the end of the Powerplay, there was nothing stopping him. It shaped to be a chanceless knock which eventually proved to be match-winning.
The defense started well for Hyderabad. They managed to squeeze the flow of runs in the beginning, with both the Kumars - Bhuvneshwar and Sandeep - strangling the openers and eking out Faf du Plessis' wicket in the process. But then 'Chinna Thala' as he is known, Suresh Raina combined forces with Shane Watson in the middle. The duo kept the bowlers from the Orange team away for 117 runs. Even Raina's fall didn't give the other side the opening they would've liked.
The yellow-clad players rush to the middle to hug two of their mates in the middle. Joyous scenes. Hush! Just Chennai things, isn't it? Or well, Dhoni things? This guy's love for chases is no secret and here is one, a memorable one. A rate of close to 9 an over isn't always easy. These days nothing is regarded safe enough to be defended. Yet, having a score in front of you in the finals is something. With the kind of end that Hyderabad had got with the bat, the momentum and all those talks rested with them at the halfway mark. Also, their bowling had done all the defending et al on numerous occasions. But not tonight.
Carlos Brathwaite to Ambati Rayudu. FOUR! There it is! Those are the winning runs. CHENNAI ARE THE INDIAN T20 LEAGUE CHAMPIONS FOR 2018! And aptly, Ambati Rayudu hits the winning boundary. He gets some room outside off and smashes it through covers for a boundary. He has been the leading run-scorer for Chennai and has done the job most times in this season and hence, it's a sweet way to clinch the title. Out come the Chennai players, they charge to the middle and are jumping up and down in celebration. What great scenes! Emotions pouring. A thrilling moment for the Yellow army, not so for the Orange one.
Carlos Brathwaite to Ambati Rayudu. Another dot! Full outside off, smashed straight to mid off. Ooof... These anticlimaxes!
Carlos Brathwaite to Ambati Rayudu. Full on off, Rayudu moves across and flicks it straight to mid-wicket.
Carlos Brathwaite to bowl. Players in Chennai's dug out are waiting eagerly for the celebrations to begin.
Siddarth Kaul to Shane Watson. Anticlimax! Watson defends this one from the crease to the off side. Expected a big one but he decides to let it be.
Siddarth Kaul to Shane Watson. FOUR! Back-to-back boundaries! This is the highest individual score in the final of this league. Another overpitched delivery on the stumps, Shane smashes it back down the ground. The ball wastes minimum time in racing to the fence.
Siddarth Kaul to Shane Watson. FOUR! Almost takes Kaul with it! Full in line of the stumps, Watson just makes room and blasts it right back. Thankfully, Kaul moved away in time for the ball to go to the fence.
Siddarth Kaul to Ambati Rayudu. This one is punched through covers to rotate strike. Just 10 needed now.
Siddarth Kaul to Shane Watson. Full outside off, driven nicely to long on for one.
Siddarth Kaul to Ambati Rayudu. Short in length, pulled away through backward square leg for one.
Kaul is back for another spell.
Rashid Khan to Shane Watson. FOUR! Just short of the fielder at deep square leg. Watson uses his might to swipe this one to the on side. Hooda gets quickly to his right but fails to get a hand to it.
Rashid Khan to Shane Watson. FOUR! Clever. Watson gets inside the line and paddles it fine down the leg side for a boundary.
Rashid Khan to Ambati Rayudu. Driven through mid on by the batsman. The batsmen have run through for a single.
Rashid Khan to Shane Watson. WATSON GETS IT! His second ton this season and 4th in the Indian T20 League! He lets the loopy delivery come on before tapping it in front of point for one. He removes his helmet and soaks in all the adulation. He deserves it, the veteran. On the night of the finals, he has decided to not leave it out to anybody else - the job of finishing it. Figure this, he is batting with a strike rate close to 200, after he took 11 balls to get his first run on the board. Colossal stuff. Also, this is the fourth ton in this season by a player AGAINST Hyderabad. Talk about this being the best bowling line up...
Watson on 99. Will he get to the triple figure mark?
Rashid Khan to Ambati Rayudu. Loopy delivery outside off, driven through mid off for one.
Rashid Khan to Shane Watson. Floated full around middle and off, driven down to long on for one. The score against Watson's name reads 99.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Shane Watson. Watson moves to 98 now with a delicate glide to third man. He retains strike though.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Ambati Rayudu. The crowd gets louder. Reason? Rayudu smashes it to sweeper cover to let Watson have strike.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Ambati Rayudu. This one is hit straight to the man at covers.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Ambati Rayudu. SIX! Whatta strike! On a length outside off, Rayudu charges down the track and smokes it well over wide long off for six runs less than a dozen.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Ambati Rayudu. This ball is punched off the back foot towards covers.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Ambati Rayudu. On a length around off, Rayudu stays deep in the crease and defends it.
Bhuvi is back.
Final strategic break of the season. Chennai are just 33 runs away from what could be their third league title. Watson is just three short of his second ton this season. Does this game still have a final twist?
Rashid Khan to Ambati Rayudu. Flatter on the pads, Rayudu misses the flick. The ball goes off his pads towards fine leg. A leg bye taken.
Rashid Khan to Ambati Rayudu. SAFE! Impact is well outside off. Rayudu goes across to this one and attempts to defend it. But since it's a googly, the ball missed the bat and made contact with the front pad. This made Hyderabad go up in appeal, only for it to be turned down. Now, Williamson, after having a chat with his bowler and keeper, takes it upstairs. Hawk Eye says, impact WELL OUTSIDE off. Matter over, review lost.
Review time now! Not much confidence exuberated by Hyderabad, though. It's for an LBW decision against Rayudu. Seems to be well outside off.
Rashid Khan to Ambati Rayudu. Served in line of the stumps, defended with a straight bat.
Rashid Khan to Ambati Rayudu. The batsman delicately works it fine down the leg side.
Rashid Khan to Ambati Rayudu. Ambati goes back and defends this one nicely.
Rashid Khan to Ambati Rayudu. Floated on the pads, Rayudu works it around the corner for nothing.
Rashid Khan is brought back into the attack. Can he change the tide in his side's favour?
Carlos Brathwaite to Shane Watson. SIX! Watto goes big again! Length delivery on the stumps, Watson thumps it over deep mid-wicket.
Carlos Brathwaite to Shane Watson. WIDE! Hurled down the leg side, Watson misses the flick.
Carlos Brathwaite to Shane Watson. FOUR! Sloppy. Watson guides this one towards short third man. But the fielder there, Sandeep, dives over the ball and lets it through.
Carlos Brathwaite to Ambati Rayudu. Rayudu gets off the mark with a guide towards third man.
Ambati Rayudu is in next.
Carlos Brathwaite to Suresh Raina. OUT! That's the end of this rollicking 117-run stand. Brathwaite comes from round the wicket and bangs it short. Raina gets into a tangle as he moves inside the line and looks to work it away. Seemed to have missed the ball as the keeper and the bowler go up in unison. The umpire stays unmoved. But there's a signal for the TV umpire to have a look. Meanwhile, Raina is seen walking back. The Snicko shows why. There's a spike as the ball passes the glove. Is this the break that Hyderabad need?
A slight confusion. Seems as if Raina has gloved a delivery behind. The umpire isn't sure and has hence, signaled for the third umpire. Not sure if it is a review or a referral.
Carlos Brathwaite to Shane Watson. Length ball around middle, heaved to deep mid-wicket for one.
Carlos Brathwaite to Suresh Raina. The batsman has flicked the ball off his pads. One run added to the total.
Sandeep Sharma to Shane Watson. FOUR! Previous three boundaries were about power, this one is about timing and placement. Watson guides the length delivery just past short third man for a boundary. There ends the 27-run over.
Sandeep Sharma to Shane Watson. WIDE! Expected. To bowl it away from Watson's range, Sandeep bowls it well wide outside off. Wided as it was outside the tramline.
Sandeep Sharma to Shane Watson. SIX! Troika of biggies! Watto wants to get done with it soon! This is full outside off, Watson smites it high and long over long on. Such is his batting that even the spectator couldn't get a hand to it after he tried stretching two rows in front of him.
Sandeep Sharma to Shane Watson. SIX! Sensational Shane! Gets a low full toss in his arc, removes his front leg and smashes it over deep mid-wicket for half a dozen.
Sandeep Sharma to Shane Watson. SIX! Don't tell me it's going the distance, exclaims my colleague here! The disbelief in his eyes after that is just inexplicable. It's a knuckle ball on a length outside off. Watson seemed to have mistimed the drag to the on side. The contact was such that long on was cleared easily.
Sandeep Sharma to Shane Watson. FOUR! Yorker gone wrong! Sandeep attempts that delivery again but ends up giving a low full toss outside off. Watson waits for it, reaches out and smashes it through wide long off for a boundary.
Sandeep Sharma to Shane Watson. Very full and wide outside off, a wide yorker in fact. Watson fails to reach that and misses.
Sandeep Sharma is back for another burst.
Carlos Brathwaite to Shane Watson. Watson now mistimes his punch back down the ground aerially. It goes towards long off for one.
Carlos Brathwaite to Shane Watson. FOUR! Now runs are coming quite quickly for Watson and Chennai. Brathwaite tries a slower delivery and lands it on a length. This gives Watson enough time to play the pull. Executes it well enough in front of square on the leg side, to beat the man rushing to his left in the deep. Brings up the 100 for the Dad's Army!
Carlos Brathwaite to Suresh Raina. Length ball around middle and leg, Raina moves away to the leg side and guides it to short third man for a single.
Carlos Brathwaite to Shane Watson. Another overthrow! Watson guides this one towards short third man. He teasingly leaves the crease, for Bhuvi to have a shy at the striker's end and miss. The ball now rolls to long on and a run is taken.
Carlos Brathwaite to Suresh Raina. Raina works it around the corner for a single.
Carlos Brathwaite to Shane Watson. On a length in line of the stumps, turned away through mid-wicket for one.
Carlos Brathwaite is brought into the attack.
Shakib Al Hasan to Suresh Raina. SIX! What a hit! Floated full around off and middle, Raina clears his front leg and lifts it over the bowler's head. It has enough to clear the fence behind. Expensive beginning for Shakib, 15 off it.
Shakib Al Hasan to Shane Watson. Flatter outside off, cut away square on the off side for one.
Shakib Al Hasan to Suresh Raina. Al Hasan drops it on a short length, Raina goes back and pulls it to deep square leg for one.
Shakib Al Hasan to Suresh Raina. Flatter on off, punched to the off side for nothing.
Shakib Al Hasan to Shane Watson. The batsman rocks onto the back foot and punches the ball. The batsmen have run through for a single.
Shakib Al Hasan to Shane Watson. SIX! 17th fifty in the Indian T20 League for Shane Watson! He welcomes Shakib into the attack with a massive strike. The bowler begins from over the wicket and drops it short in length. Watto hangs deep in his crease and hammers the pull deep into the backward square leg stand.
Shakib Al Hasan to have a go now.
Rashid Khan to Suresh Raina. FOUR! A flatter full ball around leg, Raina goes down on one knee for the sweep shot but it takes just a tickle of his bat and races away very fine down the leg side for a boundary. We have reached the halfway mark, Chennai need 99 more for a win with 9 wickets in hand.
Rashid Khan to Shane Watson. A wrong 'un on the shorter side on middle, Watson goes deep inside the crease and pulls it to deep mid-wicket for a run.
Rashid Khan to Suresh Raina. Shortish and on middle, punched down the ground to long on for a run.
Rashid Khan to Suresh Raina. Played to the mid-wicket region by the batsman. No run.
Rashid Khan to Shane Watson. Flighted and full on off, it's driven down to long off for a run.
Rashid Khan to Suresh Raina. Fullish and on the pads, flicked through mid-wicket for a single.
Siddarth Kaul to Shane Watson. In the air... is it long, nooooo! For a moment, we thought that he has nailed this one into the stands. Fuller and slower outside off, Watson latches onto it and powers it over covers. Looked liked he timed that well but the ball drops safely in the deep. Williamson from the ring and Rashid from sweeper cover charge towards it and the latter picks it up from the ground. Two taken.
Siddarth Kaul to Shane Watson. FOUR! Huge pressure on Kaul! Delivers a slower one but it's on the shorter side outside off, Watson gets enough time to pick the variation and he slaps it over mid off. The fielder is inside the ring and hence a boundary results.
Siddarth Kaul to Shane Watson. Just short of the fielder! A full toss on off, Watson lifts it over covers and Rashid rushes forward from sweeper cover. He puts in a dive but it falls just short of him. A couple taken. Superb effort by the Afghan, did well to have his body behind so that the ball didn't race away. 50-run stand comes up!
Siddarth Kaul to Shane Watson. SIX! High and handsome! Seems Kaul is a marked man. They are going after him. His slower one is easily picked by Watson who has smoked this one over long on. The crowd is going Chennai, Chennai!
Siddarth Kaul to Suresh Raina. On the pads, it's flicked to deep square leg for a run.
Siddarth Kaul to Shane Watson. Full and angling into the batsman, Watson just chips it down the ground and the long on fielder runs across to his left to stop the ball. A run taken.
Strategic break! Just 8 overs into the chase and we have seen most of the things. Great spell of swing bowling, misfields, cracking shots and a wicket. Chennai would like to feel that they are off to a good start and the current pair is looking quite settled. 123 needed off 72 balls, out of which 18 balls will be bowled by Rashid Khan. How much impact they will have on this final will probably decide the future of this game...
Rashid Khan to Shane Watson. Turning back into the batsman from around off, Watson pushes it towards covers and takes a single. 5 from Rashid's first over.
Rashid Khan to Suresh Raina. Played to the mid-wicket region by the batsman. They pick up a single.
Rashid Khan to Shane Watson. A wrong 'un probably, full and on middle, Watson walks forward but fails to flick. They appeal as the batsmen cross. Nothing from the umpire, he just signals for the leg bye. Would have missed the leg stump, I feel.
Rashid Khan to Suresh Raina. Quicker and fuller on the pads, Raina tickles it behind square leg and pinches a single. Watson was really pushed there as the throw came in quickly to the keeper.
Rashid Khan to Shane Watson. Gets on the front foot to a full ball outside off and strokes it to long off for a single.
Rashid Khan to Shane Watson. Flatter and shorter outside off, hit back to the bowler.
Here comes the Afghan, Rashid Khan! A slip is in place.
Siddarth Kaul to Suresh Raina. FOUR! Sliding down the leg side, on a good length, Raina picks it up and pulls it fine down the leg side for a boundary. 16 off the over, they have suddenly upped the ante straight after the field restriction was relaxed.
Siddarth Kaul to Suresh Raina. Straighter in line, played on the leg side but straight to the fielder at mid-wicket.
Siddarth Kaul to Suresh Raina. FOUR! Nicely done! Short and angling down the leg side, Raina stands back and deflects it neatly down to fine leg for a boundary. That was a real gift by Kaul.
Siddarth Kaul to Shane Watson. Aerial but safe! Fortune favours the brave, they say. Watson throws his bat at a length ball wide outside off and gets a top edge. It flies over the infield at cover-point and falls safely as the sweeper fielder charges in. A run taken.
Siddarth Kaul to Shane Watson. SIX! What a shot! Great pick up by the Aussie. It's on his pads and he just flicks it nonchalantly over backward square leg for a biggie. Effortless. Minimum effort, maximum result.
Siddarth Kaul to Suresh Raina. Full and on middle, forced down to long on for a run.
Siddarth Kaul is into the attack now.
Sandeep Sharma to Suresh Raina. Rocks back to a short ball and punches it towards backward point for a run. 35/1 in the Powerplay!
Sandeep Sharma to Shane Watson. Not out! The dive has saved Raina. A slower one by Sharma which deceives the batsman this time. Watson tries the slog sweep but fails to connect. It hits him on the pads and rolls near the surface as Raina calls him through for a quick run. The bowler also rushes to the ball and kicks it onto the stumps at the striker's end as Suresh dives in. It's referred upstairs and the replays find Raina safe much to the delight of Chennai's fans.
Appeal for a run out! It's referred upstairs...
Sandeep Sharma to Shane Watson. FOUR! Shot! That went like a tracer bullet. Fuller in length around off, Shane rockets his off drive straight down the ground for a powerful boundary.
Sandeep Sharma to Shane Watson. SIX! Thumped! Sandeep is too straight in line this time, the length is on the shorter side which allows the Aussie the room to swing his arms. He does so with great power and dispatches it over square leg for a biggie.
Sandeep Sharma to Suresh Raina. A cracking shot square of the wicket on the off side and Hooda makes a nice diving stop at point. Cannot prevent the single.
Sandeep Sharma to Shane Watson. It's short and around off and Watson powers it to deep mid-wicket. First look of Rashid Khan in the field and it was a brilliant view. The Afghan just plucked the ball out of the thin air to stop a racing ball on the bounce. A single added to the total as the crowd roars.
Sandeep Sharma to Shane Watson. Wide! Watson gives the charge, probably trying to negate the movement and sensing that Sandeep hurls this one down the leg side.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Shane Watson. A little too straight again by Kumar, Watson works it in front of square leg and jogs across to the other end. 4 from this over, Kumar's figures read - 3-1-9-0!
Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Suresh Raina. Full and on the pads, Raina flicks it to deep mid-wicket and takes a single.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Suresh Raina. Gets behind the line of the delivery and pushes it back to the bowler. Tidy stuff by Bhuvi.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Suresh Raina. Length ball on middle and off, Raina defends it from the crease. It takes the inside half of his bat and hits him on the pads.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Shane Watson. On the pads and it's eased away to long leg for one.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Suresh Raina. Turns it off his pads behind square leg for a run.
Suresh Raina is the number 3 batsman. 163 needed off 96 balls.
Sandeep Sharma to Faf du Plessis. OUT! Sandeep strikes and draws first blood! Change in pace has done the trick and it's the famous knuckle delivery which wasn't picked by Faf. The bowler smartly follows the batsman down the leg side, du Plessis walks down the track, aiming for a lofted shot over the bowler's head probably but ends up miscuing it badly in the air. Sharma calls for it and takes the catch safely by moving across to his left. The hero of the last game is gone and it's a big blow to Chennai.
Sandeep Sharma to Shane Watson. Slower delivery, on a length and angling into the batsman, Watson swings at it and gets it away from the inner half of the bat. A single taken.
Sandeep Sharma to Shane Watson. Defended off the back foot by the batsman.
Sandeep Sharma to Shane Watson. FOUR! Gets off the mark with a brutal shot down the ground. Fuller and on off, Watson drills it straight back past the bowler at mid off for a boundary.
Sandeep Sharma to Shane Watson. Another shout for an lbw, this time against Watson. Closer than the last one but not close enough to be given out. Angling down, slower in pace, Watson tries to sweep but misses. He is rapped on the pads, the bowler appeals but nothing from the umpire. Meanwhile, the ball has rolled to Hooda at point who this time doesn't have a shy.
Sandeep Sharma to Faf du Plessis. A very ambitious appeal for an lbw, not given. A length ball landing on middle, angling down, du Plessis fails to flick and is hit on the pads. It ricochets in the gap on the leg side and they steal a leg bye. Missing leg, shows the replay.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Shane Watson. On point again, on a length outside off, Watson plays it down to point.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Faf du Plessis. Five runs! Oh dear, bonus runs. Faf taps a length ball wide of the first slip fielder and crosses for a run. The backward point fielder quickly gets to the ball but has an unnecessary shy at the striker's end. Misses and there is no one backing it up. The ball races away to the fence. Kumar is furious with the bowler and Williamson isn't too impressed. Deepak Hooda, the culprit. These things hand the momentum to the opposing side.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Faf du Plessis. Width on offer this time, outside off, du Plessis hits it through the line but finds the fielder at cover-point. 10 dot balls so far by Bhuvi. Can he bowl back-to-back maidens?
Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Faf du Plessis. Quality bowling by Kumar. Not providing any width to the batsman to play with. Targets the off stump with a length ball, Faf defends it from the back foot.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Faf du Plessis. On the middle stump line this time, fuller in length, du Plessis pushes it right back to the bowler.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Faf du Plessis. Kumar is on the money once again! Angles in a length ball on off and gets it to straighten just a bit, du Plessis sticks back inside the crease and keeps it out with an angled bat.
Sandeep Sharma to Shane Watson. Keeps it full again and just around off, Watson pushes it out on the leg side. A decent start for Sharma as well.
Sandeep Sharma to Shane Watson. Returns to a fuller length around off, gets the ball to move back into the right-hander, Watson defends it by leaning forward. 7 balls for nothing from the Aussie so far.
Sandeep Sharma to Faf du Plessis. Driven towards the mid off region. The batsmen have run through for a single.
Sandeep Sharma to Faf du Plessis. On a good length and outside off, du Plessis punches it through the line but finds the cover fielder.
Sandeep Sharma to Faf du Plessis. FOUR! Just before this delivery Sunil Gavaskar (on air) mentioned that Chennai didn't get enough swing going as the lengths of their bowlers were quite on the shorter side. And... Sandeep serves one just behind length outside off, du Plessis cracks it through covers and gets a boundary.
Sandeep Sharma to Faf du Plessis. Swing straightaway for Sandeep as well. Moving back in appreciably from a length around off, Faf offers a straight bat in defense.
Plenty of swing we saw in the first over. It's Sandeep Sharma to share the attack from the other end. He too is a similar kind of bowler. Let's see how much swing he gets...
Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Shane Watson. BEAUT OF A DELIVERY! Watson would be considering himself fortunate to have not nicked that. Kumar lets it out again around off, just around the full length area. Watson is forced to play at it yet again, only for the ball to wink and teasingly move away past the outside edge. A terrific maiden over from Bhuvneshwar to start.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Shane Watson. Another one outside off, cut away straight to backward point.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Shane Watson. Outside off on a length, the Aussie goes back and cuts it. The man at point dives to his left and stops it.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Shane Watson. On a length around off, Watto stays in his crease and presents a straight bat in defense.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Shane Watson. This is full and outside off, Watson lets it pass unhindered.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Shane Watson. Jaffa! Almost a repeat of Watson's dismissal against Hyderabad in Qualifier 1. Kumar lands it on a length outside off, Shane is forced to play at that due to the line. The ball leaves him ever so slightly to beat the outside edge.
We are back for the chase! Faf du Plessis and Shane Watson are out to open the innings for Chennai. Remember, it might be a stiff run chase. The latter will face Bhuvneshwar Kumar first up. Here we go...