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CSK beat KXIP by 22 runs | Chennai Super Kings vs Kings XI Punjab, Highlights And Cricket Score 18th T20 Match - Commentary
Indian Premier League, 2019
Date: Apr 06, 2019 Start Time: 16:00 IST | 10:30 GMT | 16:00 LocalVenue: MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai
RCB
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Chennai Super Kings vs Kings XI Punjab Highlights And Cricket Score 18th Match - T20 Commentary
What do Punjab have other than Gayle and Agarwal? Will it be the Killer Miller show tonight?
The pitch seems to be on the slower side but dew could be a factor later on. Also, Chennai have gone in with three spinners, so that could also be a key.
So, 161 to win. One would have to say advantage Chennai but the visitors do have the firepower to chase this down. The spinners will matter a lot in the second innings and how Punjab play them will have to be seen. Back for the chase in a bit...
Faf du Plessis says he is happy to be playing again and at the home ground. Reckons it is nice to play after staying out few games. Feels that it is a par score and hopes that their spinners can do the job. Informs us that it is a two-paced wicket and they have an extra spinner which might help them in the second innings.
Coming to the bowling, one look at the figures and it does not take a genius to tell us that the track suited the spinners more. The standout performer was Ravichandran Ashwin as he picked up 3 wickets while conceding at less than run-a-ball. He was well supported by Murugan Ashwin as well. The pacers took stick as they missed their lines and lengths. Thus, in the end, Chennai would be pretty happy to have reached here after where they were at one stage, struggling to find quick runs. Punjab, on the other hand, will know that they could have restricted the hosts to under 150 but now will have to quickly forget that and plan their chase. An interview with Faf du Plessis who is on the sidelines...
After opting to bat first, Chennai got off to a flying start as they added 54 in the first 6 overs at a run rate of 9. The next nine overs though saw them just add 54 at the run rate of 6. That gives us a fair idea of how the pitch has slowed down. Post that, Punjab wrested control even further as the duo of Faf du Plessis and Suresh Raina perished while going to attack, though the former not before getting to a half ton. The runs were hard to come by for the new batting duo of Ambati Rayudu and MS Dhoni but they somehow found their mojo in the end and powered Chennai to 160.
What a terrific finish this has been from Chennai! At the end of the 17th over, it looked like they would end up with a below par score but the fireworks off the bat of MS Dhoni and Ambati Rayudu has ensured a total that now looks pretty formidable on this wicket. The former especially got into the mood and ended up with 37 runs off just 23 balls! Sam Curran bore the brunt of this brutal attack as did Andrew Tye and Mohammed Shami in the final overs.
Mohammed Shami to MS Dhoni. Ends with a full ball on the pads, Dhoni flicks it to mid-wicket and takes a run. 14 runs from the last over and 44 runs from the last three. This could prove vital for Chennai in the end. CHENNAI FINISH WITH 160/3.
The umpire is having a word with MS Dhoni in the middle of the pitch. Not sure for what exactly... Reckon it was about Rayudu backing up too far!
Mohammed Shami to Ambati Rayudu. Rayudu goes for the reverse sweep but Shami sees him early so bowls a full toss on middle. Rayudu could not connect properly and the balls goes towards backward point for a single.
Mohammed Shami to MS Dhoni. Another short ball, Dhoni pulls it to the on side for a single.
Mohammed Shami to MS Dhoni. FOUR! Dhoni is hitting them everywhere. This time it's a short ball so Dhoni rocks back and pulls it behind square for a boundary.
Mohammed Shami to Ambati Rayudu. Full ball on off, Rayudu drives it through covers for a quick run.
Mohammed Shami to Ambati Rayudu. SIX! Rayudu into the act now. It's also the 50 partnership between the two. Shami bowls a length ball on middle, Rayudu clears his front leg and muscles it over long on for a maximum.
Mohammed Shami to bowl the final over of the innings.
Sam Curran to MS Dhoni. Low full toss outside off, Dhoni opens the face of the bat and drives it wide of point for a couple of runs. 19 runs taken off this over! A huge one for Chennai. Sam Curran ends with figures of 4-0-35-0.
Sam Curran to MS Dhoni. FOUR! Two in two! Pressure on young Curran! The veteran Dhoni just beautifully lofts this one on a length outside off over covers for a boundary. These are vital runs on a track which is slowing down with every passing moment.
Sam Curran to MS Dhoni. FOUR! Curran errs in length again. Delivers a half-volley on middle and MSD again gets under the ball and goes through mid-wicket. The ball goes to the rope on a few bounces. Shami at deep mid-wicket does not pick that up and reacts late, allowing the boundary.
Sam Curran to Ambati Rayudu. Shot! But only one run. A length ball outside off, Rayudu carves this one aerially towards the deep cover fielder. Single taken.
Sam Curran to MS Dhoni. On a length outside off, cut away to deep cover for a single by Dhoni.
Sam Curran to MS Dhoni. SIX! That has brought the crowd alive! An attempted yorker on the pads goes wrong. It ends up being a full length ball and Dhoni gets under it, deposits it deep into the empty stands at deep mid-wicket. Huge!
Review time... wait what??? Ashwin seems to have taken this upstairs because he reckons there is a nick on that one going down leg from Dhoni. Only replays can tell us!
Sam Curran to MS Dhoni. Wide! Too full and down the leg side. Dhoni tried to run it fine on the leg side as fine leg was up in the circle but fails to put bat on ball. Ashwin seems to have heard something there and takes the review. The replays show us that there is nothing, no contact. The Snickometer shows a blank line. The wide remains.
Andrew Tye to MS Dhoni. Short ball on middle, Dhoni pulls it to the leg side for a run.
Andrew Tye to MS Dhoni. FOUR! That's powered straight down the ground. Tye bowls a full ball on off, Dhoni powers it straight back towards the bowler and the ball reaches the fence in a jiffy.
Andrew Tye to Ambati Rayudu. Another length ball, Rayudu goes on the back foot and pulls it but couldn't connect well as the ball goes off the inside half of the bat towards mid-wicket for a run.
Andrew Tye to MS Dhoni. Back of a length ball on middle, Dhoni pulls it to mid-wicket and takes a run.
Andrew Tye to MS Dhoni. Wide! Wide outside off stump, the batsman leaves it alone. Wide signalled by the umpire.
Andrew Tye to MS Dhoni. Excellent fielding! The youngster, Sam Curran, certainly saves two runs for his side. Tye bowls a length ball on middle, Dhoni flicks it to mid-wicket. Sam Curran in the deep runs to his right and saves it form going into the fence. Two runs taken.
Andrew Tye to Ambati Rayudu. Length ball outside off, Rayudu cuts it to point and takes a run.
Sam Curran to Ambati Rayudu. Full and pacy on middle this time, all Ambati can do is to push it to long on and keep strike for the next over by running to the other end. Just 6 runs off this one, brilliant from Curran.
Sam Curran to Ambati Rayudu. Cross seam delivery full and wide outside off, Rayudu looks to take it from there and slog it through mid-wicket but fails to put bat on ball. Excellent bowling this!
Sam Curran to MS Dhoni. Bouncer on middle, Dhoni pulls it away to deep mid-wicket for a single.
Sam Curran to MS Dhoni. Slower ball landing on off and spinning way away from the right-hander. The ball takes ages to come and Dhoni who was lining up the ball ends up playing it past the bowler. Two runs taken, excellent running.
Sam Curran to Ambati Rayudu. Played with soft hands towards point for a single by Rayudu. Good running.
Sam Curran to MS Dhoni. Fuller one outside off, almost a low full toss. Dhoni hits it hard towards long on for a single.
Sam Curran is back on now.
Andrew Tye to MS Dhoni. Yes, he can. Keeps it down to one. Full ball on middle, Dhoni punches it off the back foot to the off side and takes a run. After going for 25 runs from his first two, that's a good comeback by Tye as he just concedes 2 runs in this over.
Andrew Tye to MS Dhoni. Bouncer! Tye bowls a bouncer on middle, Dhoni picks it up early and lets it go. Four consecutive dots. Can he end it well?
Andrew Tye to MS Dhoni. Back of a length ball, Dhoni pulls it but straight to mid-wicket.
Andrew Tye to MS Dhoni. Full ball outside off, Dhoni goes for the drive but misses the line completely.
Andrew Tye to MS Dhoni. There is a mix up between the two but luckily no trouble there. Dhoni pushes this length ball towards mid-wicket and goes off for a run. Rayudu responds to it but then stops mid way and shouts no. Dhoni hears the call clearly and hence no trouble there.
Andrew Tye to Ambati Rayudu. Length ball on the pads, Rayudu flicks it to square leg for a single.
Strategic break! Chennai were coasting along with just one wicket lost and looked like they got the perfect platform for the final flourish. The local lad, Ravi Ashwin though has picked a couple of wickets in the same over and that too of both the set batsmen. The current duo of MS Dhoni and Ambati Rayudu which is out in the middle will have to get their eyes in quickly and also go for quick runs in the last five overs. Punjab meanwhile will hope to bowl dot balls and also pick wickets to restrict Chennai to as low as possible. Andrew Tye to bowl after the break.
Mohammed Shami to Ambati Rayudu. Full and on the pads, Ambati flicks it to the leg side for a single.
Mohammed Shami to Ambati Rayudu. FOUR! First boundary for Rayudu. Shami bowls it full outside off, Rayudu goes on the back foot and drives it on the up over covers. Miller runs across to stop the ball but the ball beats him to the fence. Boundary signaled.
Mohammed Shami to MS Dhoni. Again bowls it fuller outside off, Dhoni drives it straight back. Miller from mid off runs to his right and saves a certain boundary. One run taken.
Mohammed Shami to MS Dhoni. Bowls a back of a length ball on middle, Dhoni keeps it out.
Mohammed Shami to MS Dhoni. Another full ball outside off, Dhoni punches it straight to covers.
Mohammed Shami to Ambati Rayudu. Starts with a full ball outside off, Rayudu drives it through covers for a single.
Mohammed Shami is back into the attack.
Ravichandran Ashwin to Ambati Rayudu. Flighted outside off, driven to deep cover for a single. Rayudu off the mark and will face the first ball of the next over. What a brilliant one this though, 3 runs and 2 wickets off it in the end. Ashwin ends with figures of 4-0-23-3.
Ravichandran Ashwin to Ambati Rayudu. Oooh... almost! A carrom ball on off, Rayudu did not look like he picked that one. The ball goes off the leading edge as he tried to push it down the ground. It rolls towards cover.
Ambati Rayudu is the new man in. He will be facing the hat-trick ball.
Ravichandran Ashwin to Suresh Raina. OUT! Two in two! Cleans Raina all ends up! A flatter one on middle, lands and straightens slightly. Raina goes for a swipe across the line coming on his knee but fails to put bat on ball. It goes on to disturb the timber! Raina's struggling innings in the middle comes to an end. He never looked in peace out there. Ashwin is pumped up and the crowd is silent here! Hat-trick ball coming up!
MS Dhoni walks out at number 4 to a huge roar from the crowd.
Ravichandran Ashwin to Faf du Plessis. OUT! Faf holes out! The second wicket for Ashwin and his 50th in Chennai. A carrom ball landing on off, du Plessis looks to get under it and lift it over long on. He does not get enough power and ends up giving a simple catch into the hands of David Miller at long on. Huge relief for Punjab!
Ravichandran Ashwin to Suresh Raina. In the air... and lands in no man's land. A flighted ball wide outside off, Raina looks to hit it over cover but fails to time the ball well. It goes high but luckily for him lands in the region between extra cover and deep cover in between 2 fielders. A single is taken. The 100 comes up for the hosts.
Ravichandran Ashwin to Faf du Plessis. Flatter one outside off, turned away to deep mid-wicket for a single by du Plessis.
Murugan Ashwin to Faf du Plessis. Ends his spell with a full ball outside off, du Plessis plays it to mid-wicket for a run. Murugan Ashwin ends with figures of 4-0-23-0.
Murugan Ashwin to Suresh Raina. The batsman has driven it through mid-off. They pick up a single.
Murugan Ashwin to Faf du Plessis. Flighted on the pads, Faf flicks it to mid-wicket for a run.
Murugan Ashwin to Faf du Plessis. Bowls it way outside off. The umpire signals a wide.
Murugan Ashwin to Faf du Plessis. Tossed up on off, driven straight to covers.
Murugan Ashwin to Faf du Plessis. SIX! 10th fifty for Faf du Plessis and he gets there in some style. Murugan Ashwin bowls it on his pads, Faf du Plessis gets on his knee and slops sweeps it flat over the square leg fence.
Murugan Ashwin to Suresh Raina. Flighted ball on middle, Raina drives it straight over the bowler. Long on runs in and keeps it to one.
Ravichandran Ashwin to Faf du Plessis. Shortens the length seeing Faf come down the track again. The batsman smartly pats it back to the bowler.
Ravichandran Ashwin to Suresh Raina. This flatter one on middle is punched back by Raina off the back foot for a single. Another single is taken.
Ravichandran Ashwin to Faf du Plessis. FdP has driven it through mid on. The batsmen have run through for a single.
Ravichandran Ashwin to Faf du Plessis. Another one to which du Plessis comes down the track but Ashwin smartly bowls this one wide outside off. Faf gets a bat on it or else he would have been stumped there.
Ravichandran Ashwin to Faf du Plessis. SIX! Down the track and the full flow of the bat! Boom! The secret was to try not to over hit the ball there. A flighted ball on middle, du Plessis runs down the track and lifts it over the bowler's head. It goes over the rope.
Ravichandran Ashwin to Suresh Raina. Flighted one on middle, tucked away to deep mid-wicket for a single by Raina.
Ravichandran Ashwin is back on.
Murugan Ashwin to Faf du Plessis. Driven! Faf drives this tossed up ball through the covers almost finds the fence but Tye, at long on, runs to his left and covers good ground to save two runs for his side.
Murugan Ashwin to Suresh Raina. Slower ball outside off, Raina pushes it to covers and runs hard for the first one. He thinks of a second but the fielder collects the ball quickly and keeps them down to one.
Murugan Ashwin to Faf du Plessis. Full toss outside off, Faf drives it but straight to deep cover. One run added to the total.
Murugan Ashwin to Suresh Raina. Tossed up outside off, Raina drives it to long off for a run.
Murugan Ashwin to Faf du Plessis. Another half-tracker this time, du Plessis pulls it to mid-wicket for a run.
Murugan Ashwin to Suresh Raina. Bowls a googly on middle and going away, Raina flicks it off his back foot to the on side. A run taken.
Andrew Tye to Suresh Raina. Worked off the pads to deep square leg for a run. Raina keeps strike for the next over. Chennai are 71/1 at the halfway mark.
Andrew Tye to Suresh Raina. FOUR! Excellent placement! A length ball wide outside off, Raina just reaches out and puts the ball in the gap past the short third man fielder to his left. No chance stopping that once it beat that man.
Andrew Tye to Suresh Raina. Slower bouncer outside off, Raina lets the ball go.
Andrew Tye to Suresh Raina. On a length outside off, Raina looks to place it between backward point and short third man but fails to find the gap.
Andrew Tye to Faf du Plessis. Short of a length, du Plessis waits for the ball and pulls it away for a single to deep square leg.
Andrew Tye to Suresh Raina. On the hips, tucked away to mid-wicket for a single by Raina.
Andrew Tye is back on.
Murugan Ashwin to Suresh Raina. Ends with a half-tracker turning in, Raina goes on the back foot and pulls it to mid-wicket for a single. Just 4 runs from the over.
Murugan Ashwin to Faf du Plessis. Full and on the pads, du Plessis flicks it to the leg side and changes strike.
Murugan Ashwin to Suresh Raina. Floated outside off, Raina lofts it over mid off and takes a run.
Murugan Ashwin to Suresh Raina. Full on off, Raina guides it straight to short third man.
Murugan Ashwin to Suresh Raina. Tossed up on middle to Raina, he plays a forward defense and keeps it out.
Murugan Ashwin to Faf du Plessis. Short ball on middle, Faf pulls it to mid-wicket for a run.
Ravichandran Ashwin to Suresh Raina. Raina has punched the ball off the back foot. The ball goes to cover and no run can be taken.
Ravichandran Ashwin to Suresh Raina. Wide! Another delivery bowled with a different action. This time the ball is too wide outside off and the umpire wides it.
Ravichandran Ashwin to Faf du Plessis. Seam up delivery! Bowled short outside off, du Plessis hits it to deep cover for a single.
Ravichandran Ashwin to Suresh Raina. Raina off the mark straightaway! A flatter one on off, Suresh goes back and punches it wide of the bowler to long off for a run.
Ravichandran Ashwin to Faf du Plessis. Round arm from Ashwin, flatter outside off. Du Plessis pushes this ball to deep cover off the back foot and gets to the other end.
Suresh Raina walks out at number 3.
Ravichandran Ashwin to Shane Watson. OUT! CAUGHT! The local lad strikes and Watson has to depart. This was a slower ball on middle, Watson goes on his knee and slog sweeps it over square leg. Sam Curran at deep mid-wicket, runs to his right and takes a good catch. Watson goes for 26. That's the opening that Punjab needed. Can they make the most of it and stop the run flow?
Ravichandran Ashwin to Faf du Plessis. Tossed up ball on middle, Faf flicks it to mid-wicket for a single.
Ravichandran Ashwin is back on.
Murugan Ashwin to Shane Watson. Another play and a miss! This time from Watson. A flatter one outside off, Shane looks to cut it away but fails to put bat on ball. Just a single run off the over, remarkable stuff.
Murugan Ashwin to Faf du Plessis. Short and wide outside off, cut away by Faf du Plessis to deep cover for a single. Finally a run off the over.
Murugan Ashwin to Faf du Plessis. Top nut! A flighted ball on middle, du Plessis goes for the sweep but the ball turns away from him and beats the bat. 4 dots in a row!
Murugan Ashwin to Faf du Plessis. Very full on this occasion, du Plessis looks to hit it back hard towards long on but fails to time his shot.
Murugan Ashwin to Faf du Plessis. Slightly fuller but flat on middle and off. A little turn away from the right-hander but Faf adjusts and defends it towards the left of cover. No run though.
Murugan Ashwin to Faf du Plessis. Flatter one on off stump, du Plessis pushes it towards cover from the crease.
Strategic break! After a sedate start in the first couple of overs, the two Chennai openers have pressed the gas pedal. They have picked up boundaries at will in the last few overs and added 50-plus at the end of the Powerplay. Chennai will look to accelerate even further from here on whereas Punjab will desperately look for a breakthrough to slow down things. If they don't get one soon, they could on a leather hunt today! Meanwhile, it is Murugan Ashwin to bowl after the break.
Sam Curran to Shane Watson. FOUR! A good end to the powerplay for Chennai. This boundary spoils a good over from Curran. He bowls it pitching full and on the pads, Watson goes on his knees and sweeps it behind square leg for a boundary.
Sam Curran to Shane Watson. Full ball, driven straight to mid off.
Sam Curran to Shane Watson. DROPPED! Sam Curran drops a catch in his followthrough. It was hit back hard by Watson. Bowls a back of the hand slower ball, Watson drives it straight back to Curran who gets his fingers to it and the ball hits back on his chest. He is in some pain there but looks fine.
Looks like the Ashes has already begun! Curran looks in some pain as he hurt himself near the right shoulder trying to take that return catch. The magic spray is out though and he should be okay to continue...
Sam Curran to Faf du Plessis. 50 up for Chennai. Short ball this time, du Plessis looks to pull but gets it off the inner half to mid-wicket for a run.
Sam Curran to Shane Watson. Bowls a length ball outside off and coming in with the angle, Watson plays it to point for a single.
Sam Curran to Faf du Plessis. Starts with a full ball outside off, Faf drives it straight to long off for a run.
Andrew Tye to Faf du Plessis. Short and wide outside off, du Plessis looks to cut it away but gets it off the inner half of the bat. Missed out there! A single is taken though. FdP will keep strike for the next over. 18 runs off Tye's first!
Andrew Tye to Faf du Plessis. SIX! That has just been lifted by du Plessis as he uses his blessed, magical wrists. A full length ball on middle and leg, Faf clears his front leg before putting this deep over the long on boundary. That is the second six of the over and Tye looks spellbound by this treatment meted out to him.
Andrew Tye to Faf du Plessis. Slower in pace outside off on a length, Faf du Plessis fails to time his attempted cut as the ball goes off the inner half and back towards the bowler.
Andrew Tye to Shane Watson. Short length slower ball outside off, SW pulls it away to deep mid-wicket for a single. Smart batting!
Andrew Tye to Shane Watson. SIX! Four first, now six! Watson has suddenly found his timing out of nowhere here. A fuller length ball outside off, a half-volley to be honest. Watson goes through the line and deposits it over long off for a biggie.
Andrew Tye to Shane Watson. FOUR! This is now the highest opening partnership for Chennai this year. Tye starts off with a full length ball on the pads, Watson flicks it over fine leg for a boundary.
Andrew Tye to bowl now.
Sam Curran to Shane Watson. In the air... safe! Curran bowls a length ball on middle, Watson pulls it over mid-wicket and the ball falls just short of the deep mid-wicket fielder who runs in to take it on a bounce. Three runs from Curran's first, a tidy first over to start his spell.
Sam Curran to Shane Watson. Bowls it slower than the previous one, Watson drives it uppishly but straight to covers.
Sam Curran to Faf du Plessis. Bowls the same length to Faf du Plessis, he flicks it to mid-wicket and changes strike.
Sam Curran to Shane Watson. Another full ball outside off, Watson drives it to mid on and takes a run.
Sam Curran to Shane Watson. Changes the length this time and bowls it short and angling in to Watson's body, Watson just ducks under it and lets it go.
Sam Curran to Shane Watson. Starts with a full ball outside off, Watson tries to cut but fails to connect.
Sam Curran is introduced into the attack.
Mohammed Shami to Faf du Plessis. SIX! That is such smart cricket! In these hot conditions, energy conservation is a must. Faf du Plessis is experienced enough to know that and does exactly the same. A length ball on off, Faf comes inside the line, scoops it over fine leg for a maximum. Just used the pace there. Brilliant batting! 16 runs off the over, expensive!
Mohammed Shami to Faf du Plessis. Good comeback from Shami! Yorker on middle, Faf does well to bring his bat down in time and dig the ball out towards the bowler.
Mohammed Shami to Faf du Plessis. FOUR! Two in two! This is even better timing! A short length ball outside off now, du Plessis was down the track and then adjusts in the end as he places it through the cover-point region. Finds the gap and picks up another boundary.
Mohammed Shami to Faf du Plessis. FOUR! Beautiful use of the feet by the South African! A length ball on middle, du Plessis preempts and runs down the track before lifting this over mid off for a boundary. Good timing!
Mohammed Shami to Shane Watson. Mistimed! But it is safe in the end. A length ball on middle, Watson looks to pull it over mid-wicket coming slightly ahead. The ball comes off the top of the blade and goes slightly in the air towards the left of mid-wicket where Sarfaraz makes a tumbling stop. Single taken.
Mohammed Shami to Faf du Plessis. On the money once more from Shami on top of middle, du Plessis tucks it away to square leg and picks up a single. Wanted the second there but it would have been suicidal.
Ravichandran Ashwin to Shane Watson. Shorter this time, Watson was ready for it as he rocks back and pulls it but straight to Sarfaraz at square leg who stops it well. There was a bit of mix up between the two but no harm done. Six runs from Ashwin's first.
Ravichandran Ashwin to Shane Watson. Beaten! Beautiful delivery. Bowls a carrom ball outside off, the ball pitches and goes away, Watson there looks to slog but plays down the wrong line and gets beaten.
Ravichandran Ashwin to Shane Watson. Flighted on off, driven straight to mid off.
Ravichandran Ashwin to Shane Watson. FOUR! First boundary for Chennai! Ashwin bowls a fuller ball on the pads, Watson goes on his knees and sweeps it behind square leg for a boundary.
Ravichandran Ashwin to Faf du Plessis. This one is tossed up on middle, du Plessis leans forward and flicks it on the leg side and takes a run.
Ravichandran Ashwin to Shane Watson. Starts with a full toss on the pads, Watson flicks it to mid-wicket for a single.
Ravichandran Ashwin to bowl from the other end.
Mohammed Shami to Shane Watson. A quick single as Watson plays this with soft hands towards mid on and runs to the other end. Keeps strike for the next over. Just 4 runs off the first over, a good start from Shami after conceding a wide on the very first delivery.
Mohammed Shami to Shane Watson. Nice, tight line from Shami. On top of middle stump, Watson has no room so just pushes it towards cover standing tall.
Mohammed Shami to Faf du Plessis. Faf is off the mark too! A length ball wide outside off, du Plessis runs it down to third man and calmly gets to the other end.
Mohammed Shami to Faf du Plessis. Solid! A length ball on top of off stump, Faf du Plessis presents the straight bat in defense from the crease.
Mohammed Shami to Shane Watson. Watto is off the mark! The plan is clear here. To tuck Watson up and not give him any room. A short length ball on middle and leg, coming into the batsman. Watson pats it to the leg side and gets du Plessis on strike for the first time this season.
Mohammed Shami to Shane Watson. On a length this time and at the middle and leg stump line, Watson misses his attempted flick. He gets rapped on the pads but there is no appeal as the ball was going down leg.
Mohammed Shami to Shane Watson. Wide! A wayward start. Shami starts off by spraying one way down the leg side. The umpire has wided it. Chennai are off the mark.
We are all set for the first ball of the game. Faf Du Plessis and Shane Watson are the opening batsmen for Chennai. The fielders are in position and the new ball is in the hands of Mohammed Shami. All set to go, let's play!!!
Punjab (Playing XI) - Lokesh Rahul (WK), Chris Gayle (in), Mayank Agarwal, Sarfaraz Khan, David Miller, Mandeep Singh, Sam Curran, Ravichandran Ashwin (C), Andrew Tye (in), Murugan Ashwin, Mohammed Shami.
Chennai (Playing XI) - Shane Watson, Faf du Plessis (in), Suresh Raina, Ambati Rayudu, Kedar Jadhav, MS Dhoni (WK/C), Ravindra Jadeja, Deepak Chahar, Scott Kuggeleijn (in), Harbhajan Singh (in), Imran Tahir.
Punjab skipper, Ravichandran Ashwin, says he wanted to bat first as well, thinks the pitch looks hard on the top. He hopes the pitch will remain the same throughout the game. He mentions that it is an emotional moment for him to return to this place after having been a former Chennai player. He hopes that the crowd supports them as well but immediately laughs and mentions that might not be the case. Informs us that they have two changes in the form of Chris Gayle and Andrew Tye who come in to replace the duo of Mujeeb Ur Rahman and Hardus Viljoen.
MS Dhoni, the Chennai skipper, says his decision is based on the fact that the wicket looks the best to bat on initially and hard on the top. He feels that a good start to the batting innings is really important in a T20 game. Reckons that they have played on a good batting pitch only once so far so he is watching the players carefully at the nets and reckons they are doing pretty well there. He informs us that there are three changes for them, Mohit Sharma, Shardul Thakur and Dwayne Bravo go out and are replaced by the trio of Scott Kuggeleijn, Faf du Plessis and Harbhajan Singh.
TOSS - Chennai win the toss and elect to bat first.
PITCH REPORT - Brett Lee with the pitch reports says that it is really hot out there. He informs us that the wicket looks like it will be one which is full of runs and that the spinners have to be at their best today.
Hello! Warm greetings to the first of the two games on Sizzling Saturday! 3rd takes on 4th in this clash which will also see an emotional return for the prodigal home son. Ravichandran Ashwin though will be walking out at Chepauk, leading the away team, Punjab against a side that helped him make his name in the first place. Chennai has given Ashwin everything in cricket but do not mistake that to be on his mind as he returns to the MA Chidambaram Stadium. He will plot against the MS Dhoni-led franchise and try to give the Men in Yellow a second straight loss. It will be easier said than done though at a place which is nothing short of a fortress for the hosts. This being an afternoon game, expect the dew factor to be a non-factor. Bat first, put the runs on the board and defend the total on a surface expected to slow down with team seems to be the mantra. Also, fielding under the sweltering sun will also surely be on the minds of both sides. We will find out in just a little time as the pitch report and the toss is not too far away...
HARBHAJAN SINGH has been named the Man Of The Match for his exceptional figures of 4-1-17-2. That is all for this game. Do hop over for the eagerly awaited Hyderabad-Mumbai contest.
Earlier in the day, Chennai huffed and puffed to 160 after looking close to reaching 200 at the halfway mark. Faf du Plessis anchored the innings but then when he and Raina fell, the hosts seemed to be losing their way before Dhoni and Rayudu ensured that they got a defendable score.
Were the tourists too careful? They looked to play out Tahir and even Harbhajan Singh. Waited and waited for the seamers to come back on but Dhoni played his trump cards to perfection. When Kuggeleijn came back on to bowl, Punjab needed 46 from the final 3 overs. He got the big wicket of Rahul and conceded just 7. That spoilt the plans and the chances of a Russell-Southee encore from the Bangalore-Kolkata match did not happen.
Punjab did make a fist of the chase though. After losing 2 pretty quickly, the 110-run stand for the third wicket between Rahul and Sarfaraz seemed to get Punjab back on track. In fact at the halfway stage, both teams had the same score. But the timing of the attack - never came from the visitors.
Not quite surprising, if you are tuning in right now, after watching Chennai bat. The pitch was slowing down, was expected to get even slower and eventually, that is what happened. Decent bowling by the home side with only Kuggeleijn and Chahar proving to be expensive.
Scott Kuggeleijn to Sam Curran. Swing and a miss to end the game. A length ball, outside off, Curran swings hard but misses. CHENNAI WIN BY 22 RUNS AND GO ATOP THE POINTS TABLE.
Scott Kuggeleijn to Mandeep Singh. Punches this off the back foot for a single.
Sam Curran walks in with 2 balls left. He will not be on strike though.
Scott Kuggeleijn to Sarfaraz Khan. OUT! Sarfaraz falls with 2 balls left in the game. A short ball, outside off, Sarfaraz looks to pull but plays this earlier than expected. That is primarily because of the ball coming on late. A top edge is induced, which is calmly taken by Faf du Plessis at long on. Though, he had to circle under it a bit. Useful knock by Khan, but one has to wonder - why did not the attack start during the 15th over? Left too much too late.
Scott Kuggeleijn to Sarfaraz Khan. Outside off, Sarfaraz backs away, looks to play the reverse scoop, but misses. Technically, Punjab cannot win the game now.
Scott Kuggeleijn to Sarfaraz Khan. Another short ball, outside off, Khan hops and looks to swat with a pull but misses.
Scott Kuggeleijn to Sarfaraz Khan. A short ball, outside off, Sarfaraz pulls it towards deep mid-wicket off the bottom half of the bat. Two runs taken.
Mandeep Singh walks in at number 6, replacing Miller. Scott Kuggeleijn to bowl the final over. 25 to defend.
Deepak Chahar to David Miller. OUT! BOWLED! Lock, stock and barrel. No Killer Miller show tonight. The virtue of keeping it full and straight. You miss, I hit. Full and in line of the stumps, Miller swings hard, only to miss. The stumps are a mess. The over which began so badly, has ended nicely for Chahar and Chennai.
Deepak Chahar to Sarfaraz Khan. The batsman has top edged that one. One run added to the total.
Deepak Chahar to David Miller. Outside off, another slower one, mistimed punch towards long off for one.
Deepak Chahar to Sarfaraz Khan. A short ball, outside off, barely comes off the deck, Sarfaraz is early into his pull and mistimes it towards deep mid-wicket. Just one.
Deepak Chahar to David Miller. Very full outside off, driven towards long off for a run.
Deepak Chahar to Sarfaraz Khan. A terrific yorker, on middle, SK digs it out, gets an inside edge onto his pads and sneaks in a single.
Deepak Chahar to Sarfaraz Khan. ANOTHER NO BALL! Will Chahar be taken off for successive beamers? Nope. Since this was not dangerous, the umpire allows Chahar to bowl. Dhoni is furious though. He asks the bowler what is he trying. Deepak says that he is trying leg cutters. Immediately MS asks him to stop trying those. A high full toss outside off, Khan leaps and looks to go over the top but mistimes it over backward point. Two runs taken. FREE HIT CONTINUES...
Deepak Chahar to Sarfaraz Khan. NO BALL! FOUR! Is this the point from where the momentum swings? The first ball of a new spell, Chahar looks for something different, trying a back of a hand slower ball. It turns out to be a high full toss and Sarfaraz just guides it over backward point for a boundary!
Deepak Chahar to bowl the 19th over.
Scott Kuggeleijn to David Miller. Misses this one! A length ball angling away from the lefty, Miller looks to smash it over deep mid-wicket but fails to put bat on ball. Huge roars from the crowd for the dot ball. 39 needed from 12 balls now!
Scott Kuggeleijn to David Miller. FOUR! That is an incredible strike! A fuller length ball outside off, Miller sees the ball and tonks it right back past the bowler. No chance for long off to reach that one. That is the first boundary in six overs by Punjab.
Scott Kuggeleijn to Sarfaraz Khan. A short ball, around middle, Sarfaraz swivels and pulls it towards fine leg for a single.
David Miller walks out next to the middle.
Scott Kuggeleijn to Lokesh Rahul. OUT! Something had to give in and it has! Rahul holes out at deep mid-wicket! This is a huge blow for Punjab and the Chennai crowd has gotten even louder. A short ball dug in hard almost halfway down the track, Rahul fails to middle his pull. It goes off the top half of his bat and flies high towards deep mid-wicket. Jadeja there comes in a bit and takes a really safe catch. Brilliant result for Chennai, they're tightening the noose on the visitors now.
Scott Kuggeleijn to Sarfaraz Khan. Slower delivery by Scott. Short pitch delivery on off, Sarfaraz waits for it and pulls it to mid off for a single.
Scott Kuggeleijn to Lokesh Rahul. Short delivery on off, Rahul pulls it towards the mid-wicket region. Single taken.
Scott Kuggeleijn comes back on now.
Imran Tahir to Lokesh Rahul. Another tossed up ball on off, Rahul drives it to mid on for a single. Tahir finishes with exceptional and economical figures of 4-0-20-0.
Imran Tahir to Sarfaraz Khan. Leg spinner on the pads, Sarfaraz flicks it towards mid-wicket and picks up a single.
Imran Tahir to Sarfaraz Khan. Sharp turn on this one. Bowls it on off and turning away, Khan looks for the slog but fails to connect.
Imran Tahir to Lokesh Rahul. Another full ball on the pads, Rahul flicks it to mid-wicket and takes a run.
Imran Tahir to Sarfaraz Khan. Tossed up on middle, Khan flicks it to mid-wicket for a single.
Imran Tahir to Lokesh Rahul. Leg spinner outside off, Rahul cuts it through point and takes a run.
Harbhajan Singh to Sarfaraz Khan. A quicker one by Singh. Khan defends it back to the bowler. Harbhajan ends with 4-1-17-2. Brilliant spell by Bhajji.
Harbhajan Singh to Lokesh Rahul. Flighted delivery on off, Rahul reverse sweeps it to point for a run.
Harbhajan Singh to Sarfaraz Khan. Floated delivery on off, Khan drives it to covers for a single.
Harbhajan Singh to Lokesh Rahul. A tossed up delivery dealt nicely by Rahul, who drives this to the mid on region for a run. This single brings up 50 for Rahul. His 12th in the Indian T20 League.
Harbhajan Singh to Lokesh Rahul. Short length delivery on off, Rahul flicks it towards the sqaure leg region and calls for a double straightaway. Completes it with ease.
Harbhajan Singh to Lokesh Rahul. A great delivery this. Pitching short on off, offering good sharp turn. Rahul keeps it away.
Imran Tahir to Lokesh Rahul. Short again, Rahul punches it to the off side and keeps the strike. Another very good over from Tahir, just 5 off this one.
Imran Tahir to Sarfaraz Khan. Shorter outside off, Sarfaraz cuts it to point and gets a single.
Imran Tahir to Lokesh Rahul. On off, Rahul milks it to long off for a run.
Imran Tahir to Lokesh Rahul. Flighted on off, Rahul pushes it to the fielder at cover.
Imran Tahir to Sarfaraz Khan. 50 for Sarfaraz. His maiden in the Indian T20 League. This has been a good innings from the youngster but the job is not done yet he needs to see his side home. He gets to this landmark by nudging it to long off for a single.
Imran Tahir to Lokesh Rahul. Floated around off, Rahul comes down the track and plays it with soft hands towards mid-wicket. They run the first one hard and look for two but seeing Jadeja is after it. Sarfaraz says no for it.
Strategic Break! KL Rahul and Sarfaraz Khan have continued the good work. They have got Punjab into a position where they can dictate terms in the game. They though need to ensure that wickets are not lost and one of them has to stay here till the end. 61 runs needed off the last 6 overs should not be difficult as long as a set batsman is out in the middle. Meanwhile, Chennai would desperately want a few quick wickets which will put massive pressure on the away side. Imran Tahir to bowl after the break...
Harbhajan Singh to Lokesh Rahul. End of another great over from Harbhajan. Just 4 off his third. The last ball is on the pads, Rahul glances it to deep square leg for a single. 100 is also up for Punjab with that single.
Harbhajan Singh to Sarfaraz Khan. On middle, Sarfaraz milks it to long on for a run.
Harbhajan Singh to Sarfaraz Khan. Tossed up on middle, Sarfaraz comes down the track and uppishly flicks it to mid-wicket. Luckily it falls short of the man there.
Harbhajan Singh to Sarfaraz Khan. Floated on middle, Sarfaraz flicks it but finds the man at mid-wicket.
Harbhajan Singh to Lokesh Rahul. Full and quick on the pads, Rahul flicks it to deep square leg for a single.
Harbhajan Singh to Sarfaraz Khan. Off spinner, shorter in length. Sarfaraz cuts it to deep point and gets to the other end.
Harbhajan Singh is back into the attack.
Ravindra Jadeja to Lokesh Rahul. Full on off, Rahul keeps it away. Jadeja finishes with economical figures of 4-0-24-0.
Ravindra Jadeja to Sarfaraz Khan. Jadeja bowls this one quick, Khan nudges this towards the cover region for a single.
Ravindra Jadeja to Lokesh Rahul. Not out! Rahul was short but the bails have not come off so he is safe here. Rahul has to be lucky here. But that's what Dhoni has done through out his life and he shows us his exceptional skills here. Rahul just tickles this tossed up ball on his pads to the on side. Dhoni behind goes to his left, collects the ball and throws it on the stumps without even looking. The ball hits the stumps but the bails are not dislodged. Replays show that Rahul was well short. The ball ricochets off the stumps and goes fine. The batsman pick up a run on the overthrow.
Hold on! Lots of confusion here! Rahul was looking for a quick single and is sent back late. Dhoni flicks the ball onto the stumps but the bails have not come off. The third umpire has taken it upstairs though...
Ravindra Jadeja to Lokesh Rahul. A short of a length on off, Rahul flicks it from his back foot towards the mid-wicket region. Jadeja runs behind it and gathers it. Double taken.
Ravindra Jadeja to Sarfaraz Khan. Khan corrects his shot and punches this towards the cover region for a single.
Ravindra Jadeja to Sarfaraz Khan. Short delivery outside off, Sarfaraz cuts it to point.
Scott Kuggeleijn to Sarfaraz Khan. Good length ball on off, Sarfaraz milks it to long off for a single. 16 off this Kuggeleijn over. He has had a nightmare of a debut so far. 27 off his first two.
Scott Kuggeleijn to Sarfaraz Khan. SIX! Beautiful shot! Full length delivery on off, Sarfaraz gets on his front foot and handsomely lofts it over long off for a maximum. He has decided to go after Kuggeleijn.
Scott Kuggeleijn to Lokesh Rahul. Back of a length delivery on off, Rahul taps it down to point and takes a single.
Scott Kuggeleijn to Sarfaraz Khan. On the pads, Sarfaraz flicks it away to the on side for a single.
Scott Kuggeleijn to Sarfaraz Khan. Wide! Seems like the previous shot has disturbed Kuggeleijn's line and length. He bowls it on a length outside leg, Sarfaraz looks to flicks it but misses. Wide signalled.
Scott Kuggeleijn to Sarfaraz Khan. FOUR! Cheeky from Sarfaraz! Fuller delivery outside off, Khan gets on one knee and scoops it over Dhoni's head for a boundary.
Scott Kuggeleijn to Sarfaraz Khan. Good ball and an excellent running. Slower delivery, very full, on middle. Almost a yorker, Sarfaraz glances it fine of fine leg and runs the first one hard. He is quick to complete the first and completes the second with ease.
Scott Kuggeleijn is back on.
Ravindra Jadeja to Sarfaraz Khan. Sarfaraz plays this tossed up ball off his back foot towards the point region. Single added. Just 4 singles from this over. A good comeback by Jadeja after going for 12 runs in his previous over.
Ravindra Jadeja to Sarfaraz Khan. Floated delivery on off, Khan defends it with ease.
Ravindra Jadeja to Sarfaraz Khan. A quicker one outside off, Sarfaraz lets it go.
Ravindra Jadeja to Lokesh Rahul. A flatter delivery by Jadeja, Rahul drives it to mid on. Single taken.
Ravindra Jadeja to Sarfaraz Khan. A short of a good length delivery on off, Sarfaraz waits for it on his back foot and wrists it towards the mid-wicket region for another single.
Ravindra Jadeja to Lokesh Rahul. Jadeja starts this over with a shorter delivery on leg, Rahul flicks it towards the mid-wicket region for a single.
Imran Tahir to Lokesh Rahul. Floated on middle, Rahul whips it to mid-wicket to keep the strike. Good over from Tahir. Just 4 off it.
Imran Tahir to Sarfaraz Khan. Tossed up on off and middle, Sarfaraz brings out the reverse sweep and connects it to backward point. Only a single though.
Imran Tahir to Lokesh Rahul. On middle, Rahul glances it to deep mid-wicket for a run.
Imran Tahir to Lokesh Rahul. Tossed up on off and middle, Rahul blocks it.
Imran Tahir to Sarfaraz Khan. Googly now, it is on middle, Sarfaraz flicks it away to the on side for a single.
Imran Tahir to Sarfaraz Khan. Beauty! Absolute beauty. The ball every leg spinner loves. Flighted on off, the ball spins away after pitching. Sarfaraz gets beaten trying to defend it. Dhoni takes the bails off in a flash. Tahir goes up asking for a catch out but the umpire turns it down.
Strategic break! Punjab have rebuilt well after the two early strikes. The current duo has added a fifty-run stand but the job is not yet done. The pitch is one where new batsmen will find it difficult and it is imperative for Rahul and Sarfaraz to continue if the away side needs to get on top here. Meanwhile, Chennai will know one wicket could see another few follow.
Ravindra Jadeja to Sarfaraz Khan. Tossed up on the pads, Khan sweeps it to square leg for a run.
Ravindra Jadeja to Lokesh Rahul. Rahul charges down to this fuller ball and plays it to the on side for a run.
Ravindra Jadeja to Lokesh Rahul. FOUR! Jadeja bowls it quick to Rahul, who punches it off the back foot through the point region for a boundary. The fielder in the deep tries to save it from going to the fence and also gets his hand to it but could not stop it from going over.
Ravindra Jadeja to Sarfaraz Khan. Quicker and flatter this time as Sarfaraz guides it to short third man for a single.
Ravindra Jadeja to Sarfaraz Khan. FOUR! Thats classy from Sarfaraz. Jadeja fires this one around off, Sarfaraz gets cheeky and just plays a late cut which goes between Dhoni's legs for a boundary towards the third man region. This brings up the 50-run stand between the pair. Can we see Punjab's resurrection?
Ravindra Jadeja to Lokesh Rahul. Flatter delivery on off, easily flicked towards the deep mid-wicket region for another single.
Imran Tahir to Sarfaraz Khan. FOUR! Excellent shot and boundary to end the over. Shorter around off, Sarfaraz cuts it through point. Harbhajan Singh in the deep gives it a chase by running to his left and putting in a dive but the ball beats him to the fence.
Imran Tahir to Sarfaraz Khan. Floated on middle and off, Sarfaraz blocks it off his front foot.
Imran Tahir to Lokesh Rahul. On middle and leg, Rahul tucks it to deep mid-wicket and gets a single.
Imran Tahir to Sarfaraz Khan. Floated on middle, Sarfaraz lofts it over mid-wicket but there is a man in the deep for protection so just a single.
Imran Tahir to Sarfaraz Khan. Excellent googly. Sarfaraz completely misreads it. It is on middle and leg, Sarfaraz gets on his front foot and looks to drive it to the off side. He misses and the ball hits him on the pads. Tahir asks the question but the umpire turns it down. They think about the review but they don't take it. Hawk-Eye later on shows it was a bad decision not to take it upstairs as the ball was going to hit the middle and leg pole.
Imran Tahir to Sarfaraz Khan. Flighted delivery on off, Sarfaraz taps it back to the bowler.
Imran Tahir replaces Scott Kuggeleijn.
Ravindra Jadeja to Lokesh Rahul. Flatter delivery by Ravindra Jadeja. KL keeps it away. Just 3 runs from this over. Good start for Jadeja.
Ravindra Jadeja to Lokesh Rahul. A short and quicker delivery this time. Rahul defends it back to the bowler.
Ravindra Jadeja to Sarfaraz Khan. Sarfaraz waits for this short ball and flicks it towards the mid-wicket region for a single.
Ravindra Jadeja to Lokesh Rahul. Jadeja bowls the same length as Rahul flicks it down the leg side for another run.
Ravindra Jadeja to Sarfaraz Khan. A short delivery on middle, Khan flicks it towards the mid-wicket region for a single.
Ravindra Jadeja to Sarfaraz Khan. A flatter delivery outside off, skids on. Sarfaraz looks for a late cut but misses.
Ravindra Jadeja is introduced into the attack.
Scott Kuggeleijn to Sarfaraz Khan. Single to end the over. Good length ball outside off, Sarfaraz runs it down to third man to keep the strike. 11 off the over. 35 off the last 3.
Scott Kuggeleijn to Sarfaraz Khan. Powerful shot but straight to the fielder. Good length delivery outside off, Sarfaraz drives it straight to Raina at cover.
Scott Kuggeleijn to Lokesh Rahul. Bowls this outside off, Rahul slaps it hard but there is a man at deep cover so only a single.
Scott Kuggeleijn to Lokesh Rahul. Good length delivery outside off, Rahul taps it down to backward point, Jadeja there dives to his left but cannot stop it. Couple taken.
Scott Kuggeleijn to Sarfaraz Khan. Now a single. Smart batting this. Back of a length delivery outside off, Sarfaraz guides it to third man for a maximum.
Scott Kuggeleijn to Sarfaraz Khan. SIX! Not the start Kuggeleijn wanted. Sarfarz has welcomed him into the league with a maximum. Fuller delivery outside off, Sarfaraz lofts it over the vacant deep cover region. The ball just about touches the ropes. Six signalled.
Scott Kuggeleijn is into the attack.
Deepak Chahar to Lokesh Rahul. FOUR! Another boundary to end the over. A poor delivery as Chahar drifts this down the leg side. All KL has to do is to just put some bat on it. He flicks it towards the fine leg region for another boundary. 16 runs from this over.
Deepak Chahar to Lokesh Rahul. SIX! First maximum of the innings. This is a brilliant strike. A short pitch delivery on middle, Chahar slowers his speed considering the slowness of the wicket. Rahul was already waiting for it on his back foot and pulls it over the mid-wicket boundary for a maximum.
Deepak Chahar to Sarfaraz Khan. Khan flicks this fuller length delivery towards the mid-wicket region for a single.
Deepak Chahar to Sarfaraz Khan. A back of a length delivery on off, Sarafarz pushes it to covers.
Deepak Chahar to Lokesh Rahul. Deepak bowls this short and KL just cuts it towards point. Jadeja, there, makes a good diving save. One run taken.
Deepak Chahar to Lokesh Rahul. FOUR! Beautiful shot! A fuller delivery by Chahar and Rahul applies full face of the bat and drives it past the bowler towards the long on region for a boundary.
Harbhajan Singh to Lokesh Rahul. Flighted on middle, Rahul comes down the track and strokes it to long on to keep the strike. 8 off the over.
Harbhajan Singh to Lokesh Rahul. Floated on middle, Rahul tucks it wide of deep square leg for a couple.
Harbhajan Singh to Lokesh Rahul. On middle and leg, Rahul flicks it wide of mid-wicket. Suresh Raina dives to his left but cannot stop it. The man at deep square leg runs to his left and collects it but the batsmen take an easy two.
Harbhajan Singh to Sarfaraz Khan. Another single. On middle, Sarfaraz tucks it to mid-wicket and gets to the other end.
Harbhajan Singh to Lokesh Rahul. Short again around off this time, Rahul nudges it to long on and rotates the strike.
Harbhajan Singh to Sarfaraz Khan. Shorter delivery on middle and leg, Sarfaraz flicks it towards backward square leg and gets a single. First run off Harbhajan's bowling.
Deepak Chahar to Sarfaraz Khan. Length ball on off, Sarfaraz guides it to third man for a run.
Deepak Chahar to Sarfaraz Khan. Full ball outside off, Khan keeps it out.
Deepak Chahar to Sarfaraz Khan. Back of a length ball outside off, Sarfaraz guides it to point and takes off. Jadeja from point runs in and scores a direct hit at the non-striker's end but the batsman looks well in. They take another run on the overthrow.
Deepak Chahar to Lokesh Rahul. Length ball outside off, Rahul punches it to covers for a run.
Deepak Chahar to Lokesh Rahul. Back of a length ball outside off, Rahul plays it back to the bowler.
Deepak Chahar to Lokesh Rahul. Full ball on the pads, Rahul flicks it to mid-wicket.
Sarfaraz Khan walks out next.
Harbhajan Singh to Mayank Agarwal. OUT! That is the second wicket in the over! Harbhajan is pumped up and so is the Chennai crowd! A flighted ball on middle, Mayank Agarwal looks to come down the track and hit it over long on but fails to reach the pitch of the ball. Agarwal though goes through with the shot and fails to hit it long. The ball goes high and Faf du Plessis at long on settles under the ball and completes a good catch. A double-wicket maiden! The hosts are right on top here.
Harbhajan Singh to Mayank Agarwal. A short delivery on off, Mayank keeps it away from his back foot.
Harbhajan Singh to Chris Gayle. OUT! Harbhajan strikes in his very first over and the dangerous Chris Gayle is back in the hut. Just the kind of start Chennai wanted. The fans here are going bonkers. The ploy to give the new ball to Harbhajan has worked. Flighted delivery outside off, the ball spins slightly away after pitching. Gayle swings his bat and gets a feather on it. Dhoni behind the stumps, makes no mistake and takes the catch. He goes up in celebration. Gayle thinks about the review but does not take it. It was a good decision as the Snickometer later on shows there was a big spike as the ball went past the blade.
Harbhajan Singh to Chris Gayle. A brilliant delivery, pitching around off and turning well. Gayle tries to defend it but fails to get any connection.
Harbhajan Singh to Chris Gayle. Length delivery on off, Gayle plays it towards short third man.
Harbhajan Singh to Chris Gayle. Harbhajan starts with a fuller delivery on off, Gayle defends it
Spinner to bowl from the other end. Harbhajan Singh introduced into the attack.
Deepak Chahar to Lokesh Rahul. Another full ball, Rahul defends it off the front foot.
Deepak Chahar to Chris Gayle. Full on the pads, Gayle flicks it to mid-wicket for a run.
Deepak Chahar to Chris Gayle. Length ball outside off, Gayle goes to cut but misses the line of the delivery.
Deepak Chahar to Chris Gayle. FOUR! Gayle is off the mark. Length ball outside off, Gayle tries to cut but gets an outside edge over point for a boundary.
Deepak Chahar to Chris Gayle. Bowls it full outside off with a hint of away swing, but the ball pitches outside the tramline and it's wided.
Deepak Chahar to Lokesh Rahul. Full ball this time, Rahul drives it past the bowler and through to mid on for a run.
Deepak Chahar to Lokesh Rahul. Starts with a length ball on off swinging away, Rahul plays it to the off side.
We are back for the chase. KL Rahul and Chris Gayle walk out to open for Punjab. The new ball meanwhile is in the hands of Deepak Chahar. 161 to win for the away side, 'Let's play' says the umpire. Here we go!!!