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KKR beat RCB by 4 wickets | Royal Challengers Bangalore vs Kolkata Knight Riders, Highlights And Cricket Score 3rd T20 Match - Commentary
Indian Premier League, 2018
Date: Apr 08, 2018 Start Time: 20:00 IST | 14:30 GMT | 20:00 LocalVenue: Eden Gardens, Kolkata
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Royal Challengers Bangalore vs Kolkata Knight Riders Highlights And Cricket Score 3rd Match - T20 Commentary
Also after that, the boundaries started to dry up and Bangalore at once looked like they would finish with something around 160. But Mandeep Singh's entertaining knock, in the end, saw them get to a total which looks challenging. Kolkata have a lot of firepower in their batting line up and they will fancy themselves to chase this down. Who will come out victorious? We will have to wait to find out in the second half. Join us in a while.
Earlier, Bangalore were put into bat and they lost de Kock early. However, Kohli and McCullum did manage to steady the ship, the introduction of Narine saw him removing the Kiwi batsman. But then came out AB de Villiers and he was in the mood to punish today. He started dispatching the deliveries to all parts of the ground and when he was batting with Kohli, 200 looked achievable. However, a moment of brilliance from skipper Karthik as he introduced Rana for an over where he picked both de Villiers and Kohli off consecutive balls turned the tide a bit towards Kolkata.
A cameo in the end from Mandeep Singh has ensured Bangalore finish strongly. They have a good total on the board but the wicket is a beauty to bat on and one might feel it is not enough.
Vinay Kumar to Chris Woakes. OUT! In the air... taken! So a very good comeback by Vinay Kumar after going for 16 off the first three. He finishes with a dot and two wickets off the last three. He bowls this one on off. Woakes tries to go big but only hits it up in the air towards extra cover. Russell turns behind, keeps his eyes on the ball and takes a very good catch. The ball was swirling and he still manages to hang on running backwards. BANGALORE END ON 176/7!
Washington Sundar walks in next to bat.
Vinay Kumar to Mandeep Singh. OUT! Vinay Kumar has the last laugh but an excellent cameo by Mandeep Singh comes to an end. Kumar from around the wicket bowls it wide outside off. Mandeep slices it over covers but straight to Kuldeep Yadav in the deep who judges it well and takes it.
Vinay Kumar to Mandeep Singh. A dot! Full and outside off, a good delivery. Mandeep gets it off the inner half back to the bowler who shows some aggression by having a shy at the striker's end.
Vinay Kumar to Mandeep Singh. SIX! Make that 16! This is very average death bowling but a lot of credit has to be given to Mandeep also. Kumar bangs it short on middle. Singh rocks back and pulls it over the fence for a biggie. He changed the angle on this one by coming over the wicket but that did not work for him.
Vinay Kumar to Mandeep Singh. FOUR! Another gift, they still have to be put away though. A full toss on middle, Mandeep goes down on one knee and sweeps it through square leg for another boundary. 10 from the first two.
Vinay Kumar to Mandeep Singh. SIX! A maximum off the first ball! Pressure on the bowler. Right in the slot by Kumar. Fuller on middle, Mandeep clears his front leg, gives it the full whack of his bat and it goes sailing over the long on fence for a biggie.
Vinay Kumar to bowl the last over.
Mitchell Johnson to Mandeep Singh. In the air... but short! Still, just 6 off the penultimate over. A short ball on middle, Mandeep goes for the pull but gets a top edge which goes on the bounce to the fielder at fine leg. A run taken.
Mitchell Johnson to Chris Woakes. Played to the point region by the batsman. The batsmen have run through for a single.
Mitchell Johnson to Chris Woakes. Cut into half! That is the length he should be bowling. Whenever he has bowled full he has been smashed. He lands it on a length outside off, it comes in with the angle. Woakes tries to drive it on the up but is beaten on the inside.
Mitchell Johnson to Chris Woakes. FOUR! Crisp from Chris! Full and outside off, Woakes opens the face of the bat and drives it through cover-point for a boundary.
Mitchell Johnson to Chris Woakes. A dot to follow up the wicket. On a length around off, Woakes tries to guide it down to third man but gets beaten.
Chris Woakes comes out to bat.
Mitchell Johnson to Sarfaraz Khan. OUT! Sarfaraz holes out! His struggle in the middle comes to an end and Bangalore have lost their way completely. A full ball, an off pace one on middle. Khan tries to clear long on but does not get the desired elevation. It goes straight to Rinku Singh who takes it easily near the rope. Half the side back in the hut for Bangalore.
Sunil Narine to Sarfaraz Khan. Tries to be funky with a reverse sweep but misses. The ball hits Sarfaraz high on the pads. It rolls towards square leg and the batsmen run a leg bye. Karthik was appealing but he was the only one doing so.
Sunil Narine to Mandeep Singh. On off, driven through covers for a run.
Sunil Narine to Mandeep Singh. FOUR! Second of the over! This is poor by Narine, Bangalore won't mind though. Down the leg side, Singh tickles it very fine and the ball races away. 150 up for Bangalore.
Sunil Narine to Sarfaraz Khan. Sweeps it to mid-wicket to change strike.
Sunil Narine to Mandeep Singh. The batsman rocks onto the back foot and punches the ball. The fielder goes for a direct hit at the non-striker's end but misses the stumps. One run added to the total.
Sunil Narine to Mandeep Singh. FOUR! Poor start! A much-needed one for Bangalore and it has come off the first ball. A hit me ball, Narine does not bowl many but you have to make him pay when he does. Mandeep does exactly that. Short and on the pads, Singh pulls it through backward square leg for a boundary.
Sunil Narine comes back for his last over.
Mitchell Johnson to Mandeep Singh. Short and on middle, Singh pulls it down towards long on for a run. Just 5 from the 17th also. So the boundaries have suddenly dried up. A perfect example this of how wickets can stop the run-flow.
Mitchell Johnson to Sarfaraz Khan. The batsman shows the full face of the bat and defends the ball off the backfoot. One run added to the total.
Mitchell Johnson to Sarfaraz Khan. WOW! What an effort, what an effort. Top class this is from Kolkata! Johnson bangs it short. Sarfaraz pulls it in the gap between long on and deep mid-wicket. Rinku Singh runs to his right, slides, stretches his hand out and pulls the ball back in. He keeps it down to two, actually he saves two for his side.
Mitchell Johnson to Sarfaraz Khan. Short and outside off, Khan tries to cut but misses. Not easy when you are playing someone of the pace of Mitchell. You just can't whack him around. Two dots in a row.
Mitchell Johnson to Sarfaraz Khan. Slower ball on off, Khan square drives it but straight to point.
Mitchell Johnson to Mandeep Singh. He comes around the wicket and bowls it on a length around off, Mandeep guides it down to third man for a run.
So only one over for the man with the golden arm today as Mitchell Johnson is back on, replacing Rana.
The last of the strategic breaks in the first innings has been taken. Bangalore were going well but lost two wickets to a part-time bowler. Now they don't even look like they will get to the 170 mark. But anything can happen in cricket. Let's see how Bangalore will end.
Andre Russell to Mandeep Singh. Full and on the pads, Mandeep flicks to fine leg for a run. Just 5 from the over. Another tight one from Russell.
Andre Russell to Sarfaraz Khan. A short delivery which has been pulled away. One run added to the total.
Andre Russell to Mandeep Singh. Another short ball outside off, Singh guides it towards third man for a run.
Andre Russell to Sarfaraz Khan. Fuller on middle, Khan drives it back towards the bowler for a run.
Andre Russell to Mandeep Singh. Driven through mid on by the batsman. One run added to the total.
Andre Russell to Mandeep Singh. CHANCE! Short and outside off, Singh cuts it to the man at point who fumbles. The batsmen hesitate whether to go for a run or not and they both are eventually stranded half way down. The fielder has a shy but luckily for Mandeep he misses. He turns and makes his way back into the crease.
Andre Russell comes into the attack now.
Nitish Rana to Sarfaraz Khan. Floats this one up on middle, driven back to the bowler.
Nitish Rana to Mandeep Singh. The batsman flicks it away with a wristy shot. The batsmen have run through for a single.
Nitish Rana to Mandeep Singh. FOUR! A boundary off the hat-trick ball! Smart batting by Mandeep. He goes down on one knee and paddles it fine through the leg side for a boundary.
Mandeep Singh walks out to the middle. He will face the hat-trick ball.
Nitish Rana to Virat Kohli. OUT! TWO-IN-TWO for Rana! What looked like a bad move by Karthik on the first ball has turned out to be a masterstroke. He has got both, ABD and Kohli in consecutive balls. He bowls a seam up delivery and very full, almost a yorker. Kohli tries to jam it out but gets a bottom edge and the ball hits the stumps. The Kolkata players are pumped up and the crowd here is going crazy. What an over this is turning out to be! Kohli who never looked like himself is walking back now and Rana is on a hat-trick.
Sarfaraz Khan comes out to bat.
Nitish Rana to AB de Villiers. OUT! Did I just write why was he brought into the attack? Please scratch that as he has got the breakthrough, he gets the huge, huge wicket of AB de Villiers. It is another short delivery on middle. AB de Villiers goes back and tries to pull it out of the ground again. This time though he only gets a top edge which goes high in the air. Johnson at deep mid-wicket settles himself under it and takes a skier. A good catch by the Aussie. End of a quickfire partnership.
Nitish Rana to AB de Villiers. SIX! Welcome to the bowling crease, Rana! Why was he brought in? He starts off with a half tracker on middle. Too easy for ABD, he rocks back and sends it sailing into the mid-wicket stands.
Nitish Rana, the part-timer, is brought into the attack.
Andre Russell to AB de Villiers. Excellent finish by Russell, just five from the over. A single to end it. Another off pace ball on middle, de Villiers goes for the heave but is a touch early into the shot. It goes off the toe end towards long on for a run.
Andre Russell to AB de Villiers. A dot! 5 balls 4 runs! Can he finish it well? Short and outside off, AB de Villiers tries to drag his pull but misses.
Andre Russell to Virat Kohli. Make that 4 from 4. A slower ball on middle, Kohli gets it off the middle but straight to the fielder at deep mid-wicket for a run.
Andre Russell to AB de Villiers. AB de Villiers positions himself to go big but Russell bowls a very good full ball on middle. ABD flicks it towards deep mid-wicket for a run. Just three from the first three balls.
Andre Russell to Virat Kohli. Goes for the yorker outside off, Kohli jams it out towards covers for a quick run.
Andre Russell to AB de Villiers. Short and outside off, ABD mistimes his cut to covers for a run.
Andre Russell is into the attack.
Piyush Chawla to AB de Villiers. Flatter on middle, AB de Villiers works it through square leg for a run.
Piyush Chawla to Virat Kohli. Eases this down to long on for a run.
Piyush Chawla to Virat Kohli. SIX! Uses his feet to this flighted ball. Gets to the pitch of it and then sends it sailing over the mid-wicket fence for a biggie. This is carnage out here. There is a boundary being hit in almost every over, since the time ABD has come out. This also brings up the 50-run stand between the two.
Piyush Chawla to Virat Kohli. Kohli mistimes his heave to mid-wicket.
Piyush Chawla to AB de Villiers. Nudges it to short fine leg for a quick run.
Piyush Chawla to Virat Kohli. The batsman gives this a full swing of the bat, and connects. One run added to the total.
Piyush Chawla to bowl out.
Mitchell Johnson to AB de Villiers. What was that! De Villiers walks right across and tries to paddle it. Johnson sees him moving across and bangs it short. De Villiers still goes for the ramp but misses. A good comeback by the bowler, three dots to finish but still 10 from the over.
Mitchell Johnson to AB de Villiers. Back of a length on off, kept out.
Mitchell Johnson to AB de Villiers. Slower ball again on middle, de Villiers tries to flick but closes the face of the bat early. He gets a soft leading edge to covers.
Mitchell Johnson to AB de Villiers. SIX! 10 from the last two! This is HUGEEEE! Johnson goes fuller this time on off, de Villiers picks his spot and lofts it over the extra cover fence for a maximum. He moves onto 33 now.
Mitchell Johnson to AB de Villiers. FOUR! Short and put away! On the body, ABD helps it on its way through square leg for a boundary. He is dealing in boundaries here.
Mitchell Johnson to AB de Villiers. NOT OUT! AB de Villiers survives to fight another day. The Bangalore dugout will breathe a huge sigh of relief. Johnson comes from around the wicket and angles it into the batsman. ABD tries to guide it down to third man but the ball seems to go off something into the keeper's mitts. He takes it and appeals. The umpire raises his finger but de Villiers reviews. Replays roll in and it first shows daylight between bat and ball. Also Ultra Edge shows a spike as it passes the pads. Now they check for the LBW and the impact is outside off. The on-field call has to be overturned.
Have Kolkata got the big wicket? The umpire has given AB de Villiers out caught behind but he reviews it. Karthik feels he has got him but ABD is pretty sure he has not edged it.
Mitchell Johnson is back on.
Sunil Narine to Virat Kohli. Quicker on the pads, Kohli tucks it around the corner and some good running gives them two. 14 from the over.
Sunil Narine to Virat Kohli. FOUR! Kohli gets into the act now! He goes inside out and connects well. Goes over covers and the ball races away. This is turning out to be an expensive over.
Sunil Narine to AB de Villiers. One again makes room but Narine does the smart thing and fires it full outside off. AB de Villiers reaches out for it and gets it off the toe end towards point for a quick run.
Sunil Narine to AB de Villiers. SIX! This guy looks to be in the mood today. His third biggie in the last four balls he has faced. Narine floats this one up on leg stump. AB de Villiers makes room and sweeps it over the fence for a biggie.
Sunil Narine to AB de Villiers. Fires it on middle, it turns back in. ABD tries to whip it away but misses to get hit on the pads.
Sunil Narine to Virat Kohli. Flatter on off, Kohli does the smart thing as he taps it towards short third man for a quick run.
Kuldeep Yadav to AB de Villiers. SIX! This time even better! Tossed up ball around off, de Villiers charges down the track and smokes this over the bowler's head for back-to back biggies!
Kuldeep Yadav to AB de Villiers. SIX! Leg spinner on middle and off, de Villiers slices this and goes through with the shot. The ball sails over into the stands towards the deep point region.
Kuldeep Yadav to Virat Kohli. Flatter on off, Kohli rocks back and pushes this through covers for one more.
Kuldeep Yadav to AB de Villiers. Played through mid-wicket by the batsman. One run added to the total.
Kuldeep Yadav to Virat Kohli. Virat guides it to third man. One run added to the total.
Kuldeep Yadav to AB de Villiers. AB milks this through mid-wicket for a run.
Kuldeep Yadav is brought back on.
Sunil Narine to AB de Villiers. Another easy single through mid off. A wonderful over from Narine comes to an end. His figure read 2-0-5-1.
Sunil Narine to Virat Kohli. Kohli rocks onto the back foot and punches the ball. They pick up a single.
Sunil Narine to Virat Kohli. Kohli misses his flick and gets hit on the pads.
Sunil Narine to AB de Villiers. Off the mark straightaway. Punches this ball through the off side for one.
And with the wicket, comes the first strategic break. Bangalore are going well and they will hope their skipper bats through. With one big hitter gone, AB de Villiers comes in the middle to join his captain.
Sunil Narine to Brendon McCullum. OUT! Bowled 'em! No fifty for McCullum. He looks to go big and falls into the trap of Sunil. Narine delivers this flatter on off. It spins into Brendon who tries to swing this away over mid-wicket. He fails to connect with it and the ball goes through the gate. The LED bails flash and Bangalore lose a big wicket.
Sunil Narine to Brendon McCullum. The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery.
Mitchell Johnson to Virat Kohli. Bangs this one short down the leg, Kohli looks to hook at this but fails to connect. The keeper asks the question but the umpire stays put.
Mitchell Johnson to Brendon McCullum. Brendon plays the Square-Cut. One run added to the total.
Mitchell Johnson to Brendon McCullum. FOUR! Second boundary of the over! Length ball outside off, Johnson had rolled his fingers on it. Brendon gives room, gets low and slaps this over mid off, one bounce to the fence. Moves to 42 with this.
Mitchell Johnson to Brendon McCullum. Length ball in line of the stumps, McCullum blocks it with a straight bat.
Mitchell Johnson to Brendon McCullum. FOUR! Crunched away! Very full on off, McCullum gets low and cracks that away to the sweeper cover region for a boundary.
Mitchell Johnson to Brendon McCullum. Back of a length ball around off, Brendon taps it to the fielder at point.
Mitchell Johnson to bowl his first over.
Sunil Narine to Virat Kohli. Yes, he can! Just two from this one. Excellent first over by Narine. Another loopy ball on off, it swings away a touch. Kohli jams it back to the bowler.
Sunil Narine to Virat Kohli. Slower through the air on off, Kohli guides it to cover. Just two from this over so far, can he finish it well?
Sunil Narine to Brendon McCullum. Floats it up on off, driven down to long off for a run.
Sunil Narine to Virat Kohli. Shorter in length on middle, it skids off the surface. Kohli goes for the pull but mistimes it to deep mid-wicket for a run.
Sunil Narine to Virat Kohli. Fires it on the stumps, Kohli keeps it out off the front foot.
Sunil Narine to Virat Kohli. Starts off with a short and wide delivery outside off, Kohli cuts it hard but straight to point. The skipper will be a tad disappointed there as had he hit it a little to the right or the left of the fielder it would have been a boundary.
Sunil Narine is into the attack.
Piyush Chawla to Brendon McCullum. SIX! Just two off the over before Brendon deposits this one over the fence. Charges down the track and lofts this ball over mid on for half a dozen. 52/1 in the Powerplay!
Piyush Chawla to Virat Kohli. Played to the point region by the batsman. They pick up a single.
Piyush Chawla to Virat Kohli. Short and flat again, Kohli is beaten as he tries to cut it.
Piyush Chawla to Brendon McCullum. Short and wide, McCullum plays the square cut. They pick up a single.
Piyush Chawla to Brendon McCullum. Leg spinner in line of the stumps, Brendon played that off the front foot and into the ground.
Piyush Chawla to Brendon McCullum. Tossed up ball around off, McCullum gets an inside edge onto his pads as he tries to drive this one.
Kuldeep Yadav to Virat Kohli. Three dots and a good finish to the over. Straighter one in line of the stumps, Kohli gives it back to the bowler.
Kuldeep Yadav to Virat Kohli. Another ball which the mid off fielder has to collect.
Kuldeep Yadav to Virat Kohli. Kohli drives this to the mid off region.
Kuldeep Yadav to Brendon McCullum. The batsman has played it towards mid-wicket. They pick up a single.
Kuldeep Yadav to Brendon McCullum. No he isn't! Brendon is safe! McCullum manages to get his foot back in time. Yadav gives this air on middle and off, McCullum fails to connect with his sweep and Karthik takes the bails off in a flash. He appeals and the umpire takes it upstairs. Replay shows us that Brendon just manages to get his back foot inside the line in time.
A stumping appeal has been referred upstairs. Some smart glove work from Karthik and he thinks he has got McCullum. Let's see if he is right!
Kuldeep Yadav to Brendon McCullum. FOUR! Up and over! Floated ball around off, Brendon charges down the track and lofts it over the mid off circle for a boundary.
Kuldeep Yadav to Brendon McCullum. Five wides! Sprayed down the leg by Kuldeep. McCullum tries to swipe at this one but misses. Karthik, behind the stumps moves with the direction of the ball and so fails to collect it as he is blindsighted by it. The ball races away to the fine leg fence.
Piyush Chawla to Brendon McCullum. Brendon has worked it off his pads behind square. They pick up a single.
Piyush Chawla to Brendon McCullum. FOUR! Cuts and cuts hard. Another flat ball on off, McCullum stays back and cuts it behind point for a boundary.
Piyush Chawla to Brendon McCullum. Flatter one on off, Brendon cuts it to the point fielder.
Piyush Chawla to Brendon McCullum. Gives this one air, Virat blocks it with a straight bat.
Piyush Chawla to Virat Kohli. Floated ball on middle, Kohli hits it towards mid on and gives his partner the strike.
Piyush Chawla to Virat Kohli. Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat.
Kuldeep Yadav to Virat Kohli. Now Kohli taps it towards mid on and jogs to the other end.
Kuldeep Yadav to Virat Kohli. Full on leg, Kohli whips it away through mid-wicket. Nitish Rana the fielder runs across to his right from long on, dives to his right and saves two certain runs for his side.
Kuldeep Yadav to Brendon McCullum. In the air...but safe. Yadav bowls this slower through the air on middle and off. Brendon closes his bat face early and gets a leading edge towards short cover. It falls safely in front of the diving fielder and they cross.
Kuldeep Yadav to Virat Kohli. The batsman has driven it through mid on. They pick up a single.
Kuldeep Yadav to Brendon McCullum. Now McCullum helps it on the leg side to rotate strike.
Kuldeep Yadav to Virat Kohli. Works this ball around the corner for a run.
Kuldeep Yadav to roll his arm now.
Piyush Chawla to Virat Kohli. The batsman flicks it away with a wristy shot. They pick up a single.
Piyush Chawla to Virat Kohli. Kohli is up and running. Flicks it to the deep square region for a brace.
Virat Kohli is the next man in.
Piyush Chawla to Quinton de Kock. OUT! What a waste of a wicket! It is a good pitch to bat on and the ball is coming onto the bat nicely but Quinton attempts to be fancy and gives away his wicket. Chawla bowls slower on middle and off, de Kock gets in position and tries to reverse sweep this over the short third man fielder. Gets a top edge to it and the ball goes straight in the hands of Vinay Kumar waiting for it inside the ring. Chawla kisses him goodbye as a send off. An early wicket for Kolkata and the dangerous de Kock departs.
Piyush Chawla to Quinton de Kock. Sweeps this to the fielder at square leg.
Piyush Chawla to Quinton de Kock. Quicker outside off, skids and beats the outside edge of de Kock's bat.
Piyush Chawla to Quinton de Kock. FOUR! Tossed up ball on off, de Kock drives it superbly through covers for another boundary.
Piyush Chawla will bowl from the other end.
Vinay Kumar to Brendon McCullum. FOUR! Signs of a very quick outfield here. Full ball on leg, McCullum flicks it away through square leg for a boundary to end the over. 14 from the first over. Bangalore could not have asked for a better start.
Vinay Kumar to Brendon McCullum. Back of a length ball on middle, Brendon gives room and also steps down but fails to connect.
Vinay Kumar to Brendon McCullum. SIX! Top edge... but carries all the way to the fence. Goes for the pull shot but gets a top edge to this. The ball balloons towards the fine leg region and well over the fence. With this maximum, McCullum now crosses 9000 T20 runs.
Vinay Kumar to Brendon McCullum. Length ball around off, Brendon gets forward and drives it to the fielder at covers.
Vinay Kumar to Brendon McCullum. Better from Kumar, bowls this in line of the stumps on a good length. McCullum stands tall and blocks it.
Vinay Kumar to Brendon McCullum. FOUR! Starts by straying one full onto the pads of Brendon who flicks it away towards deep square leg for the first boundary.
The players and the umpires are making their way out in the middle to take centre stage. AB de Villiers rings the iconic bell of the Eden Gardens to begin the proceedings. The Kolkata players take their positions as Quinton de Kock and Brendon McCullum will open for the team in red and black. Vinay Kumar has the new white ball to ball the first over.
Virat Kohli, the Bangalore skipper states that even he would have bowled first on this pitch. He opines that the pitch looks good and he will look to put runs on the board. Continues saying that this is the most balanced Bangalore side he has ever had and is looking forward to the competition. Ends by saying that his four overseas players are Brendon McCullum, Quinton de Kock, AB de Villiers and Chris Woakes.
Dinesh Karthik, the Kolkata skipper, reckons that it is a good wicket and they will look to chase down the total on the board. He adds by saying that the contest is between two good teams and he is looking forward to it. Informs his four overseas players are Chris Lynn, Andre Russell, Sunil Narine and Mitchell Johnson.
Toss - Kolkata win the toss and will field first.
Game 2 of Super Sunday and we have Kolkata and Bangalore facing each other in Match 3 of this Indian T20 league at the Eden Gardens. The two sides have always provided nail-biting encounters and one will hope that this one too, is more of the same. The hosts have gone with a revamped squad and it will be interesting to see how they go up with the game with a new captain in their ranks. The tourists, on the other hand, have big names in their armory and they will look to start this season on a positive note. With most of the fan favorites in their backyard they always have the crowd behind them. Like you even we can't wait for this fixture to get underway! The toss is just moments away.
We are done for the day. The first doubleheader of the season saw a couple of rollicking batting knocks. KL Rahul and Sunil Narine thrilled the crowd with their brand of aggressive batting. The action now shifts to Hyderabad as the home team will face Rajasthan on Monday at 2000 IST. Do join us for all the action. Cheers!
Man of the Match, Sunil Narine smiles and says it's good to get the ball rolling. Thanks the team management and the support staff for giving him the chance to open the batting again. He is satisfied to play his role as a batsman. Admits that it was a good cricket pitch, although it was not too helpful for the bowlers.
Skipper Dinesh Karthik says it feels really good to start with a win. Adds that he took the risk to bowl the slower bowlers up front in order to take the pace off the ball as it was coming nicely onto the bat. Pleased with the performance of Narine as an opener. Thanks the crowd for supporting them.
Piyush Chawla is up for a chat. He is happy with the win. Reckons it's a tough wicket for the bowlers and praises the part-timer Rana for picking the prized wickets of Kohli and de Villiers. Feels that he should be bowling more in the nets. Adds that the team looks quite balanced and Sunil Narine opening gives the depth to their batting.
Bangalore's skipper, Virat Kohli gives a quick interview. Says they were 15 short with the bat and he himself didn't get the momentum going. Also says that he and AB getting out in two balls to a part-timer cost them. Still feels they made a good game out of it by dragging it to the 19th over. He is not happy with the bowling in the Powerplay. Credits the spinners for bowling well and feels it was a really good pitch for batting. Adds that they will take the positives from this game and move forward.
Skipper Dinesh Karthik built a handy stand with Rana and took their team close to the target. There was a little drama towards the end when Rana and Rinku fell in quick succession but Russell's cameo and Karthik's calm head ensured the home side ended up victorious.
Chasing 177, they needed a good start and Narine came out all guns blazing as he smashed 10 from the first two balls of the innings. They did lose Lynn in the next over to Woakes but Narine continued tearing the bowlers apart. He scored a 17-ball 50 and ensured Kolkata gain the upper hand with a strong batting show inside the Powerplay. However, Umesh Yadav did try his best with an inspiring spell where he removed both Narine and Uthappa but Nitish Rana shouldered the responsibility with a fine knock.
So a dominant performance by Kolkata in their den to start Dinesh Karthik's campaign as their captain with a win. Probably the only time they looked behind the eight ball was when de Villiers and Kohli were batting together or else they always had their noses ahead.
Kulwant Khejroliya to Vinay Kumar. FOUR! Vinay Kumar says let me finish it off with one hit. He flat-bats this one through mid on. Not off the middle but beats the fielder and it goes into the fence. KOLKATA WIN BY 4 WICKETS!
Kulwant Khejroliya to Dinesh Karthik. Slower ball on middle, Karthik pulls it to fine leg for ANOTHER SINGLE! One boundary away now.
Kulwant Khejroliya to Vinay Kumar. On the pads, worked around the corner. They want to do it in singles I feel.
Kulwant Khejroliya to Vinay Kumar. WIDE! A bumper on middle, Kumar ducks under it and the umpire signals it a wide.
Kulwant Khejroliya to Dinesh Karthik. Short in length on middle, Karthik pulls it through square and now Kolkata need 7 more.
Kulwant Khejroliya to Vinay Kumar. Caught? No, put down. Kumar could have bagged a first ball duck. Kulwant bowls it on a length around off, Kumar makes room and slaps it hard but straight to Sundar at sweeper cover. Sundar goes down on his knees and gets a hand to it but fails to hold on. A life for Vinay, not sure had he taken the catch it would have made much of a difference to this game. But this is cricket, you never know. Catches do win matches. A run taken by the batsmen.
Kulwant Khejroliya to bowl the 19th over.
Chris Woakes to Dinesh Karthik. Swing and a miss from DK. Wide outside off, Karthik tries to chip this over covers but misses it.
Chris Woakes to Dinesh Karthik. FOUR! Another ball dragged down and Karthik gets into the position to smack it in front of square leg for a boundary.
Vinay Kumar is the new man in.
Chris Woakes to Andre Russell. OUT! Another excellent catch by AB running from mid off towards the boundary line. Russell once again exposes his stumps and Woakes bowls this full outside off. He gets on one knee and skies this high over the bowler's head. De Villiers from mid off and McCullum from long on hare to attempt for the catch. The former keeps his eyes on the ball and clings onto it. He also does really well to avoid a collision with McCullum who was also eyeing the catch. The South African does really well to avoid the collision and hang on to the catch as he falls onto the ground. Brilliant by him, what can this guy not do? Russel departs after doing the damage.
Chris Woakes to Andre Russell. Russell backs away too early. Shows this stumps and Woakes bowls this outside off. Manages to get the toe end of the bat back to the bowler.
Chris Woakes to Andre Russell. Wide. Woakes bangs this short but too high to worry the batsman! The umpire has signalles a wide.
Chris Woakes to Andre Russell. Length outside off, Russell is too far to make any contact to this one.
Chris Woakes to Dinesh Karthik. Short ball, Karthik has stood up on his toes to play that one around the corner to get one.
Umesh Yadav to Andre Russell. SIX! Another pitched up ball and this time Andre murders it all the way. Full ball around off, Russell smites this over the wide long on fielder for a biggie. 15 needed from the last 3 overs now.
Umesh Yadav to Andre Russell. FOUR! Pitches this one up around off and Russell powers this over covers for a boundary. Just what Russell wanted and Umesh serves him a length ball.
Umesh Yadav to Andre Russell. Digs this one short too and cramps Russell for room. He tries to pull this but misses it.
Umesh Yadav to Andre Russell. Bouncer! The batsman ducks in time to let that one go over him. Great bowling from Umesh. Continues the short stuff and not allowing Russell to line up for a big swing of his bat.
Umesh Yadav to Andre Russell. Wide! Angles this down the leg of Russell and it is a clear wide.
Umesh Yadav to Andre Russell. Another short ball, Russell tries to hook this but misses.
Umesh Yadav to Andre Russell. FOUR! Short ball on middle, Andre pulls this in front of square leg, finds the gap and gets a boundary.
Umesh Yadav comes in for his last over.
The last and final strategic break has been taken.
Chris Woakes to Andre Russell. Driven through the covers by the batsman. The batsmen have run through for a single. 6 runs and a wicket from Woakes' over.
Chris Woakes to Andre Russell. Good length ball on middle, Russell plays this with a straight bat.
Chris Woakes to Rinku Singh. OUT! Virat Kohli was spot on at slip. There is a slightest of edges on that and Rinku falls trying to pull another short ball. Woakes bangs this one short outside off. Rinku makes room and then reaches out for it. The ball settles in the hands of the keeper. They appeal but nothing from the umpire. Kohli takes this one up as he was sure he heard something. Snicko shows us that Rinku has got a feather to it. Rinku walks after seeing the replay on the big screen. Andre Russell is the new batsman in.
Now a review for caught behind has been taken up. Kohli from first slip is confident he heard something and asks the umpire. Has Woakes got Rinku here?
Chris Woakes to Rinku Singh. Another pull shot which Rinku fails to connect. Dot ball.
Chris Woakes to Rinku Singh. Wide! Bangs this one short again outside off, Rinku chases it but it is too high. The umpire has signalled a wide. Welcome runs for Kolkata.
Chris Woakes to Rinku Singh. The batsman picked that bouncer early and let it through to the keeper.
Chris Woakes to Rinku Singh. FOUR! First boundary for Rinku! Woakes digs this short and Singh gets in the position and pulls this in front of square on the leg side to the fence.
Chris Woakes is brought back into the attack.
Washington Sundar to Rinku Singh. Full on leg, Rinku works it around the corner for one.
Washington Sundar to Dinesh Karthik. Back of a length ball, Karthik dabs this towards third man and goes to the other end.
Washington Sundar to Rinku Singh. Rinku flicks it away with a wristy shot. The batsmen have run through for a single.
Rinku Singh comes next to bat.
Washington Sundar to Nitish Rana. OUT! That was a waste of a review! Used it just because he had it in the bag. A slider from Sundar landing around off and skidding back in. Rana gets low and tries to sweep this. But he misses the ball completely and it hits him right in front of the wickets. The players appeal and the umpire raises the finger. Rana has a chat with his partner and then takes the review. Replays show us that there was no bat involved and the ball was going to clip the leg stump. Umpire's call it is and that's why the review stays with Kolkata. Rana has to take the long walk back. A handy knock comes to an end. The hosts now need 39 from 33 balls.
Rana has taken this LBW decision against him upstairs. Looks plumb from the first view. Only an inside edge can save him.
Washington Sundar to Nitish Rana. SIX! 'SHOTTTTT' all in one voice after Rana hits this over the bowler's head for a biggie! That was clean as a whistle.
Washington Sundar to Dinesh Karthik. Floats this one full in line of the stumps, Karthik sweeps this to the short fine leg fielder and moves to the other end.
Washington Sundar is back on.
Yuzvendra Chahal to Dinesh Karthik. The batsman has driven it through mid off. One run added to the total. 12 from the over a good one for the hosts. 46 needed from the last 6 overs now!
Yuzvendra Chahal to Dinesh Karthik. Finds the fielder on this ball. Dinesh squares cuts this to the man stationed there.
Yuzvendra Chahal to Dinesh Karthik. Good batting from Karthik! Taps it with soft hands to the leg side and hares back for the second.
Yuzvendra Chahal to Dinesh Karthik. FOUR! Pitches this one up on off, Karthik now leans forward and drives it superbly through covers this time to the fence.
Yuzvendra Chahal to Dinesh Karthik. FOUR! Short and wide outside off, Karthik hangs back and slaps it through point for a boundary. 53 off 40 balls now needed.
Yuzvendra Chahal to Nitish Rana. Driven through mid off by the batsman. They pick up a single.
Kulwant Khejroliya to Dinesh Karthik. Effort ball from the bowler down leg, Karthik tries to hook this one but fails.
Kulwant Khejroliya to Dinesh Karthik. Pitches this one up on leg, Dinesh works it into the gap through square leg. They come back for the second run. Umesh Yadav, the fielder there, has shy at the striker's end but misses. Had he hit, even a dive from Karthik wouldn't have saved him.
Kulwant Khejroliya to Dinesh Karthik. Wide! Another one! Short and down the leg, Kulwant is trying too hard. Easy decision for the umpire.
Kulwant Khejroliya to Dinesh Karthik. Wide! Digs this one short down leg, Karthik pulls but it is too wide for him.
Kulwant Khejroliya to Nitish Rana. Back of a length ball, Rana tries to hook this but gets hit high on his pads. The ball rolls towards short fine leg where they run through.
Kulwant Khejroliya to Nitish Rana. Straight in the blockhole from Kulwant. Rana has done well to keep that yorker at bay.
Kulwant Khejroliya to Dinesh Karthik. Back of a length ball on middle and leg, Karthik pulls this in front of square for a run. 63 more needed for Kolkata.
Kulwant Khejroliya to Nitish Rana. The batsman has flicked the ball off his pads. They pick up a single.
Kulwant Khejroliya is brought back on to bowl.
Yuzvendra Chahal to Dinesh Karthik. Slower through the air, Karthik goes after it but fails to put bat on ball.
Yuzvendra Chahal to Dinesh Karthik. Almost chops it on! Short ball around off, too close to cut. Karthik tries so and gets an inside edge onto his pads.
Yuzvendra Chahal to Dinesh Karthik. Gives this one air outside off, Karthik leaves it alone thinking it will be a wide. The ball though is just inside the tramline.
Yuzvendra Chahal to Nitish Rana. Flatter around off, Rana pushes this through covers for one.
Yuzvendra Chahal to Nitish Rana. Another half tracker and Rana pulls it in front of square. A good stop from the fielder saves a couple of runs for his team.
Yuzvendra Chahal to Nitish Rana. Wide! Tosses this one up and it spins away from the batsman. The ball is too wide on the off side for Rana to make any contact. Wide signalled by the umpire.
Yuzvendra Chahal to Dinesh Karthik. Short ball, Karthik pulls this through mid-wicket for a run.
Yuzvendra Chahal comes for another spell.
Washington Sundar to Dinesh Karthik. Slower ball on leg, Karthik works this around the corner to retain strike.
Washington Sundar to Dinesh Karthik. FOUR! Floated ball on off, Karthik gets low and drives this powerfully through covers for a good looking boundary.
Washington Sundar to Nitish Rana. Dabs this ball late towards backward point for a single.
Washington Sundar to Nitish Rana. Tossed up again around off, Rana gets an inside edge onto his pads as he tries to drive it.
Washington Sundar to Nitish Rana. Full again on off, Rana lofts it towards the extra cover region for a brace. 100 up for Kolkata. They are doing it well.
Washington Sundar to Dinesh Karthik. Full on leg, Dinesh flicks it around the corner for one.
Washingon Sundar comes back into bowl.
Umesh Yadav to Nitish Rana. Shortish outside off, Rana tries to guide it through point but misses.
Umesh Yadav to Nitish Rana. Another bumper and Rana does exactly what he did on the last ball. Ducks under it.
Umesh Yadav to Nitish Rana. Short ball on middle, Rana does really well to evade it. Need not go for the risky shots.
Umesh Yadav to Dinesh Karthik. Once again it is on a length, Karthik opens the face of the bat and plays it to third man for a run.
Umesh Yadav to Nitish Rana. On a length around off, guided down to third man for a run.
Umesh Yadav to Nitish Rana. FOUR! Rana picked his spot brilliantly but what an effort by AB de Villiers. Umesh bowls it on a length around middle, Rana just lofts it with a straight bat over mid on. De Villiers from that position gives it a chase and he almost made it but the ball bounces and crosses the rope.
Kulwant Khejroliya to Dinesh Karthik. Comes down the track and flicks it towards backward square leg and runs two.
Kulwant Khejroliya to Dinesh Karthik. Overdoing it a little! Goes for another short ball. This time though he bangs it too short and the ball bounces over the batsman's head. Wide called.
Kulwant Khejroliya to Dinesh Karthik. A good bouncer! Dinesh ducks under it.
Kulwant Khejroliya to Nitish Rana. A full toss on middle, Rana is surprised by that one as he taps it towards covers for a run.
Kulwant Khejroliya to Dinesh Karthik. This one rushed onto Karthik. He goes for the pull but the ball skids on and hits him on the pads. It goes down to third man and the batsmen take a leg bye.
Kulwant Khejroliya to Nitish Rana. Rana is going after him here. Not sure this is needed. He makes room and tries to flat-bat this but it goes off the toe end towards long on for a run.
Kulwant Khejroliya to Dinesh Karthik. GOOD FIELDING! A short ball pulled towards mid on. Khan there dives to his right and saves a certain boundary. A run taken by the batsmen.
Umesh Yadav to Dinesh Karthik. On the stumps, worked across the line for a run.
Umesh Yadav to Dinesh Karthik. Outside off, left alone.
Umesh Yadav to Nitish Rana. On the pads, worked down to fine leg for a run.
Dinesh Karthik walks out to the middle.
Umesh Yadav to Robin Uthappa. OUT! In the air... and taken! McCullum has made this skier look really easy. Umesh Yadav gets another and he is ecstatic. A short ball by Umesh outside off, this one skids through. Robin tries to drag his pull but it goes off the top edge and straight up in the air towards point. It went so high that it had snow on it as it came down. Brendon settles himself under it, takes the catch and then falls to the ground. A timely wicket for Bangalore and they are trying to fight back into the game. 94 more needed.
Umesh Yadav to Nitish Rana. Back of a length outside off, guided down to third man for a run.
Umesh Yadav to Robin Uthappa. Shortish and angled into the batsman. Robin whips it through mid-wicket for a run.
Kulwant Khejroliya to Robin Uthappa. Fuller in length on middle, Robin does the smart thing by pushing it down towards long on for a run. 13 runs from this over. Another good one for Kolkata. They need 96 off 78.
Kulwant Khejroliya to Nitish Rana. Another slower ball on the shorter side from around the wicket. Rana chops it towards cover. The fielder there misfields and concedes a run.
Kulwant Khejroliya to Nitish Rana. FOUR! Poor ball! Full and wide outside off, width on offer. Rana cashes in. He slashes it over point and the ball goes into the fence.
Kulwant Khejroliya to Nitish Rana. SIX! He has got hold of that! That is right out of the screws. They both play for the same team and he must be knowing him really well. He gets a short ball on middle, Rana rocks back and pulls it over the square leg fence for a biggie.
Kulwant Khejroliya to Robin Uthappa. Short and pulled all along the ground towards fine leg for a run.
Kulwant Khejroliya to Robin Uthappa. A good start by the bowler. He lands it on a length around leg stump. It skids off the surface after pitching. Uthappa tries to flick but misses to get hit on the pads. The players appeal but the umpire shakes his head. Kohli really likes it and thinks about a review but then opts against it. Hawk Eye later on shows it would have been umpire's call.
Kulwant Khejroliya is into the attack.
Strategic break has been signaled! Kolkata are in the driver's seat at the moment. They have lost Narine but they have the game in their hands. Bangalore need wickets and also a few tight overs can help them.
Umesh Yadav to Robin Uthappa. Played to the point region by the batsman. They pick up a single.
Umesh Yadav to Robin Uthappa. Back of a length ball around off, Robin goes fishing outside off stump but gets beaten.
Umesh Yadav to Nitish Rana. Digs this one short too. Rana goes for the hook but gets hit on the helmet. The ball runs towards the third man region and they pick up a leg bye.
Umesh Yadav to Nitish Rana. Wide! Another attempted bouncer but this is way over the head height of Rana. Wide signalled by the umpire.
Umesh Yadav to Nitish Rana. Welcomes Rana with a good short ball, who does well to sway away from the line.
Nitish Rana walks out in the middle.
Umesh Yadav to Sunil Narine. OUT! Narine's heroics has come to an end. What an entertaining innings this has been. Yadav bowls a full toss wide outside off. After making room, Sunil chases this ball and looks to hit this to the off side. He gets an inside edge to this and the ball rattles the furniture. Narine has lit the Eden Gardens and has to depart now.
Umesh Yadav to Sunil Narine. Length outside off, Narine makes room and tries to drive this but fails.
Umesh Yadav is introduced into the attack.
Washington Sundar to Sunil Narine. Fifty for Narine, what an innings this has been! A full package of entertainment has been provided by him. He does not get there with a boundary but a single was all he needed. He mistimes his heave towards deep mid-wicket and runs through for a single. A half century off only 17 balls, a really quickfire one. Earlier in the day, KL Rahul stroked the fastest fifty of the League, off 14 balls. Turning out to be a fruitful day for the batsmen.
Washington Sundar to Sunil Narine. CAUGHT! No, he has touched the ropes! It's a SIX! All the excitement goes in despair! Another maximum for Narine, back-to-back for him. He comes down the track, gets to the pitch of the ball and lofts it towards long on. Mandeep Singh there, settles himself under it and takes the catch but then falls on the rope as he loses his balance.
Washington Sundar to Sunil Narine. SIX! Narine's love affair with Bangalore continues! He gets a full toss this time, a gift and he makes the bowler pay. Smokes it over long off for a biggie.
Washington Sundar to Sunil Narine. WIDE! Pressure getting to Sundar here! Down the leg side and the batsman lets it be. Wide signaled.
Washington Sundar to Sunil Narine. FOUR! Similar shot but away from the fielder this time! Another full ball, Narine comes down the track and bludgeons it through mid off for a boundary.
Washington Sundar to Sunil Narine. Fuller on middle, Narine creams it but straight to the man at mid off.
Washington Sundar to Robin Uthappa. Fuller on middle, Uthappa drives it to mid off for a run.
Chris Woakes to Sunil Narine. SIX! There are fielders out there but they are irrelevant at the moment! Outstanding hitting this by Narine! He gets a short ball and it is once again a slower one. Sunil picks it early and pulls it all the way over the mid-wicket. 20 from the over and Kolkata are off to a flying start.
Chris Woakes to Sunil Narine. Back of a length again on middle this time. This is what he should be bowling and not providing width. Narine tries to cut but misses.
Chris Woakes to Sunil Narine. FOUR! Lightning, absolutely lightning is this outfield. A fielder is wasting his time chasing the ball as he will always finish second. Full and on off, Narine opens up and strokes it through covers for back-to-back boundaries. 14 from this over so far, two balls to go. Can Woakes make a comeback?
Chris Woakes to Sunil Narine. FOUR! Just over! It is raining boundaries here in Kolkata! Short and outside off, Narine slaps it just over the in field and the ball races away.
Chris Woakes to Sunil Narine. SIX! Go fetch that says Narine! A slower one on a fuller length on middle, Narine reads it and deposits it over the long on fence. 145 more needed off 100.
Chris Woakes to Sunil Narine. Shortish and outside off, Narine tries to cut but is done in by the bounce.
Washington Sundar to Robin Uthappa. SIX! A maximum to spoil the over! A beautiful shot by Uthappa. Sundar tosses this one up and that is his mistake. Robin plants his front foot forward and sends it sailing over the long on fence for a biggie.
Washington Sundar to Sunil Narine. A low full toss on middle, Narine drives it towards mid off for a quick run. The fielder had a shy but missed. 4 from the first five balls.
Washington Sundar to Robin Uthappa. Fuller on off, Robin eases it down to long on for a run.
Washington Sundar to Sunil Narine. Goes for the big hoick but gets it off the inner half towards mid-wicket for a run.
Washington Sundar to Robin Uthappa. Very full on middle, whipped down to long on for a run.
Washington Sundar to Robin Uthappa. A low full toss on off, Uthappa drives it to mid off.
Washington Sundar is into the attack.
Chris Woakes to Sunil Narine. A full toss on middle, driven to mid on. End of an excellent over by Woakes. 4 and a wicket from it.
Robin Uthappa walks out to the middle.
Chris Woakes to Chris Lynn. OUT! Woakes gets his man. He draws first blood! But this is an outstanding catch by de Villiers. He is a terrific fielder and he makes no mistake. Woakes bangs this short and it is a slower one. It is also outside off. Lynn makes room and tries to slap but mistimes it high up in the air. De Villiers from mid off runs after it to his left and takes a tumbling catch. So no Lynn Show today and an early wicket for Bangalore. Just what they wanted.
Chris Woakes to Chris Lynn. FOUR! Fortune favors Lynn here! He gets a full ball and he throws the kitchen sink at it. The ball though takes the inside edge and goes agonizingly close and past the leg stump and down to fine leg for a boundary.
Chris Woakes to Chris Lynn. Another length ball outside off, Lynn once again goes after it but does not connect. Easy Lynn boy, you should first get your self in.
Chris Woakes to Chris Lynn. A little bit of swing and bowled outside off. Lynn slashes hard but misses.
Chris Woakes to Chris Lynn. A chance but a very tough one! Woakes bowls a full ball on middle, Lynn drives it uppishly but low towards the bowler who goes down and tries to catch but is not able to. It goes towards mid off.
Chris Woakes to bowl from the other end.
Yuzvendra Chahal to Chris Lynn. Down the leg side, Lynn fails to put it away as he flicks it to short fine leg for a run. 12 from the first over, good start.
Yuzvendra Chahal to Chris Lynn. Shorter in length on middle, Lynn blocks it out.
Yuzvendra Chahal to Chris Lynn. Tosses it up on off, Lynn does the smart thing by pushing it back to mid off.
Yuzvendra Chahal to Sunil Narine. He shows he is not only a basher but also has brains! Narine taps this one towards covers and runs a single.
Yuzvendra Chahal to Sunil Narine. SIX! Make that 10 from two balls! This is also in the slot for him. Loopy ball on middle, it is turning back in. Narine goes down on one knee and slog sweeps it over the mid-wicket fence for a biggie. What a start for Kolkata.
Yuzvendra Chahal to Sunil Narine. FOUR! Narine goes out and hits a boundary off the first ball. OKAY! Chahal tosses this one up outside off, Narine crashes it past the bowler and into the fence for a boundary.
We are back for the chase! 177 is what Kolkata need. They need 10 more than what Punjab needed in the afternoon game. Chris Lynn and Sunil Narine will open the batting for Kolkata. Yuzvendra Chahal will open the bowling for Bangalore. Here we go...