Kolkata Knight Riders vs Delhi Capitals Highlights And Cricket Score 26th Match - T20 Commentary
1st Inn
2nd Inn
End of Over : 20.0KKR: 178/7
179 to win then. Dew present. Do Kolkata have enough? On the flip side, can Delhi's misfiring batting fire? And also, with this unit, a collapse is never far. Stay tuned...
Ishant Sharma is having a chat with Ian Bishop. The Indian fast bowler says he did not expect a wicket maiden to begin with but feels great. Mentions the Test series has given him confidence and he is also working hard which has helped him bowl well here. He advices his batters to take their time and also with the dew and Narine not playing, he feels Delhi have the advantage.
Delhi bowled well and even in the period where they were not getting wickets, they kept Kolkata reasonably quiet. They leaked some runs towards the latter half of the innings but that is expected. Ishant bowled a wonderful spell of 4-1-21-1 while Axar kept things quiet in the middle. Morris, Rabada and Paul picked up 2 wickets apiece but were on the expensive side.
5 overs left. Andre Russell at the crease. What do you expect? Fireworks. And we got plenty of them. The big Jamaican blazed his way through to a 20-ball 45 but then a smart piece of bowling got him out in the 19th over. A good 11 balls missed. Would those have propelled the home side to 200? Well, if a team can chase down 70-plus in 4 overs, they can do anything, can't they? Nothing much from the other batsmen.
Remember the first ball dismissal of Unmukt Chand by Brett Lee? That Kolkata-Delhi clash of 2013. Today it was Ishant Sharma doing a repeat, taking out Joe Denly. The hosts' top order woes continued and even though Uthappa and Gill added 63 for the second wicket, it came at a slow pace. Gill held one end up and tried to counter-attack but then, was dismissed in the 15th over.
Hmmm... what are Delhi thinking... what are Delhi thinking...179... chaseable... dew setting in. Not too much damage done by Russell in the end. The visitors will take this.
19.62
Keemo Paul to Kuldeep Yadav. A top edge to end the innings. Another slower ball, around middle, Kuldeep looks to pull but gets a top edge which balloons over the keeper. Short fine leg gets across and keeps the batsmen down to a couple. KOLKATA FINISH ON 178/7!
19.50
Keemo Paul to Kuldeep Yadav. Dot ball. Outside off, Kuldeep looks to swing hard but misses.
19.41
Keemo Paul to Piyush Chawla. Down the leg side, flicked through mid-wicket for a single.
19.34
Keemo Paul to Piyush Chawla. FOUR! Excellent batting! A yorker outside off, Chawla squeezes it behind point and the ball races away!
Kuldeep Yadav time. With the bat.
19.2W
Keemo Paul to Carlos Brathwaite. OUT! Another catching practice. Slower ball again, on a length, Brathwaite pulls it but without much timing. Straight to Rahul Tewatia at deep mid-wicket.
19.13
Keemo Paul to Piyush Chawla. Who wants it? Who wants it? Me! Me! Catch put down. What should have been a catch, turns out to be three runs. A length ball, outside off, Chawla looks to swing hard but is done in by the slower one. Gets a top edge which goes straight up in the air. Rahul Tewatia comes in from long on, Kagiso Rabada charges in from long off and the former puts it down. It goes past Rabada and the batsmen, who had already crossed once, jog across for two more.
Keemo Paul to bowl the final over. 3-0-36-1 so far.
End of Over : 198 RunsKKR: 168/6
18.61
Chris Morris to Piyush Chawla. Another slower ball to end his over, this was pitched outside off on a fuller length, Chawla drives it uppishly over covers for a single. He will keep the strike for the last over. Morris finishes with 2 wickets in his quota.
18.51
Chris Morris to Carlos Brathwaite. Fuller and straighter in line of the off stump, Carlos drives it to mid off for a run.
18.41
Chris Morris to Piyush Chawla. Bowls a yorker to Chawla, who manages to get bat on ball and the ball rolls to the off side for a single.
18.34
Chris Morris to Piyush Chawla. FOUR! Lucy there for Chawla. Morris changes the pace of the ball here and bowls a off cutter. Chawla goes for the drive as the ball takes the inside edge and rolls fine behind for a boundary. The ball was too close to the leg stump.
Piyush Chawla walks in at number 8, replacing Russell.
18.2W
Chris Morris to Andre Russell. OUT! Caught in the deep! Russell departs. Read that again. DRE RUSS OUT. But another good innings. And let us praise the field placement and the execution of the plan. The strategy was to bowl full and wide outside off and force Russell to go on the off side. It was a low full toss outside off and Andre squeezed it out. Gave it direction but it went straight to Kagiso Rabada at deep backward point who simply did not have to move an inch. Russell goes down on his haunches but he has been well trapped here.
18.11
Chris Morris to Carlos Brathwaite. A length ball, around middle and off, Brathwaite goes across and works it through mid-wicket for a single.
A bit of a delay again as the physio comes out.
End of Over : 1816 RunsKKR: 160/5
17.60
Kagiso Rabada to Andre Russell. Ouch! That would hurt. Morris ends the over with a full toss near the waist on middle, Russell goes for the big heave but the ball takes an inside edge and hits him onto the box. He looks in some pain here.
17.51
Kagiso Rabada to Carlos Brathwaite. Fuller on off, Carlos drives it to mid off and completes a quick run.
17.41
Kagiso Rabada to Andre Russell. Excellent change of line here. He almost bowls an absolute peach of a yorker. Russell could do nothing but keep it out and the ball rolls towards mid on for a single.
17.36
Kagiso Rabada to Andre Russell. SIX! Another mistimed stroke goes the distance! Short and on middle, following the batsman again, Russell looks to pull but the ball takes the top edge and sails over mid-wicket this time!
17.22
Kagiso Rabada to Andre Russell. A low full toss, on the legs, Dre Russ backs away and hits it over the bowler for a couple.
17.16
Kagiso Rabada to Andre Russell. SIX! What. A. Shot. Rabada can just stand over there and admire the hit. He has followed Russell with a short ball but what has the Jamaican done? He has gone through with the pull shot, with his eyes closed. It sails the distance over square leg!
End of Over : 1710 RunsKKR: 144/5
16.61
Chris Morris to Andre Russell. Full on off, Russell pushes it to mid off and changes strike.
16.56
Chris Morris to Andre Russell. SIX! Colossal! Well you don't bowl those to any batsman. Morris bowls a waist height full toss to Russell, he just clobbers it over deep mid-wicket and for a maximum. Russell asks for a no-ball and that looked close but the leg umpire denies to it so it will be a legal delivery.
16.40
Chris Morris to Andre Russell. OUT OF MY WAY! Oh dear... poor Brathwaite. He is smiling and thank God for the abdomen guard. This was hammered. Absolutely nailed. Short and outside off, Russell backs away and slaps it straight back. Unfortunately for him and more unluckily for his partner, it is straight at his box. Brathwaite tries to duck but is hit on the box. Ouch. But he shows no pain. Instead, he shows a thumbs up and smiles! Strong man...
A bit of sawdust being sprayed around the bowler's landing area. Apparently, Morris was slipping, so he called for the same.
16.31
Chris Morris to Carlos Brathwaite. Bowls a back of a length ball outside off, Brathwaite punches it with soft hands and the ball rolls towards cover as they pickup a quick single.
16.21
Chris Morris to Andre Russell. Length ball outside off, Russell pushes it to mid off and takes a run.
16.11
Chris Morris to Carlos Brathwaite. Fuller length ball on off, Carlos pushes it to point and takes a run.
Chris Morris time. 2-0-20-1 so far.
End of Over : 1612 RunsKKR: 134/5
15.61
Kagiso Rabada to Carlos Brathwaite. Another freebie on the pads, flicked towards fine leg for a run. 12 from the over, 39 off the last 3!
15.51
Kagiso Rabada to Andre Russell. Down the leg side, flicked away for a single.
15.46
Kagiso Rabada to Andre Russell. SIX! CRASH! The first of the night! Full and outside off, Russell gets down and slogs it over deep mid-wicket. Flat hit!
15.30
Kagiso Rabada to Andre Russell. Banged in short, outside off, Andre bails out of the shot.
15.24
Kagiso Rabada to Andre Russell. FOUR! Brilliant batting. Not for the first time this season, have we seen placement and timing apart from power, from Russell. Outside off, on a length, Dre Russ backs away and delicately opens the face of the bat to guide it past short third man.
STRATEGIC BREAK. Kolkata are losing the plot here, they were cruising after the fall of the first wicket when Uthappa and Gill made a comeback and build a 63-run partnership. But once Uthappa departed, the hosts have been a little on the back foot as the run-scoring has been slow and some poor shots have also resulted in the fall of a few more wickets. With 5 overs remaining and another West Indian coming out to bat in the name of Carlos Brathwaite, will Kolkata be able to continue their big-hitting in the death as they have done throughout the season or will Delhi pickup the two batsmen and dent Kolkata's run scoring. Let's find out. Carlos Brathwaite is the new man in.
15.1W
Kagiso Rabada to Dinesh Karthik. OUT! Catching practice. Karthik comes and Karthik goes. Not the best of balls from Rabada and one can sense by the smile on his face. This is like going to a shop to purchase a gift but then realizing that your wallet is not there. However, you get a return gift for free. Full and down the leg side, Karthik flicks it with excellent timing. However, there is a man waiting for the catch. Shikhar Dhawan it is and he takes it calmly at deep backward square leg. Once again, Kolkata relying too much on Russell.
Kagiso Rabada returns. 2-0-14-1 so far.
End of Over : 1511 RunsKKR: 122/4
14.61
Keemo Paul to Dinesh Karthik. Full and outside off, driven through the covers for a single. 11 from the over and a wicket from it. Paul's figures read 3-0-36-1.
14.51
Keemo Paul to Andre Russell. Flicks this through mid-wicket for a run.
14.44
Keemo Paul to Andre Russell. FOUR! Too short and too far down the leg side. Russell helps it past the diving keeper to the fine leg fence.
14.31
Keemo Paul to Dinesh Karthik. Full and around middle, flicked through mid-wicket for a single.
Skipper Dinesh Karthik is in.
14.2W
Keemo Paul to Shubman Gill. OUT! CAUGHT! Gill has to depart after a really fine innings. He was looking in excellent touch here but a poor shot does him in the end. Coming to the ball, it was a poor delivery from Paul who bowls it on a length on middle which was going down with the angle. Gill goes for the flick and connects well but the fielding placement by Iyer is excellent as he placed a short fine leg. Axar Patel there makes no mistake and takes an easy catch.
14.14
Keemo Paul to Shubman Gill. FOUR! Excellent placement by Gill. Paul starts with a slower ball outside off stump line, Gill reads it early. Backs away and then just cuts it behind point for an excellent boundary.
Keemo Paul is back on. 2-0-25-0 so far.
End of Over : 1416 RunsKKR: 111/3
13.61
Axar Patel to Shubman Gill. Full and outside off, Shubman looks to go over the top but mistimes it towards mid off. The man is at long off, so the ball does not carry. A run taken. 16 from the over!
13.54
Axar Patel to Shubman Gill. FOUR! More runs. This is turning out to be a bonus over for Kolkata. Iyer wants the spinner to be done and dusted with quickly, before the death overs but this last over of his has taken a pounding. Short and fired down the leg side, 99.1 kph, Gill paddles it past short fine leg where the fielder dives but the ball goes through!
13.46
Axar Patel to Shubman Gill. SIX! Gill freeing up now! Full and outside off, plenty of flight, Gill gets down and mows a slog sweep over mid-wicket!
13.31
Axar Patel to Andre Russell. Punches this off the back foot for a single.
13.24
Axar Patel to Andre Russell. FOUR! CRACK! Short and wide outside off, Russell rocks back and slaps it through point for a boundary!
13.10
Axar Patel to Andre Russell. Landed in line of the stumps, watchfully defended.
End of Over : 139 RunsKKR: 95/3
12.61
Chris Morris to Andre Russell. Ends the over with another excellent yorker. Russell does well to get bat on it as he plays it towards cover for a single and keeping the strike for the next over.
12.50
Chris Morris to Andre Russell. Excellent change of lengths here. He bowls a tailing yorker to Russell, he toe ends it straight to mid off.
12.5wd
Chris Morris to Andre Russell. Morris strightaway bowls a short ball to Russell, it was pitching outside leg and going down so Russell ducks under it and lets it go. Wided.
Dinesh Karthik or Andre Russell? It is Dre Russ...
12.4W
Chris Morris to Nitish Rana. OUT! A perfect yorker and Rana is out of here! Superb bowling from Morris. Missed the yorker on the previous ball but this time got it right. Right under the bat as Rana looked to go hard through the off side. The LED bails illuminate. Replays show a bit of an inside edge...
12.36
Chris Morris to Nitish Rana. SIX! Just over! A length ball, in line of the stumps, Rana flicks it casually over mid-wicket. Dhawan at the ropes leaps but the ball just eludes him.
12.20
Chris Morris to Nitish Rana. A short ball, outside off, Rana mistimes his heave towards mid on.
12.11
Chris Morris to Shubman Gill. Fifty for Gill. His 2nd in the Indian T20 League. Morris bowls a length ball outside off, Gill cuts it behind point and straight to third man for a single.
Chris Morris returns. 1-0-11-0 so far.
End of Over : 129 RunsKKR: 86/2
11.60
Axar Patel to Nitish Rana. Full and outside off, now Rana looks to play the slog sweep but misses again.
11.50
Axar Patel to Nitish Rana. Too wide outside off, Rana looks to play the reverse sweep but misses.
11.41
Axar Patel to Shubman Gill. Full and outside off, pushed through mid off for one.
11.36
Axar Patel to Shubman Gill. SIX! Finally Gill dances! Very few shots in this innings have been aerial from him and eventually Gill decides it is time. Steps out, gets to the pitch of the ball and swings it cleanly over long on!
11.21
Axar Patel to Nitish Rana. Short again, too wide outside off, slapped through point for a run.
11.11
Axar Patel to Shubman Gill. Short and outside off, pulled straight to deep mid-wicket for a single.
Axar Patel time. 2-0-5-0 so far.
End of Over : 115 RunsKKR: 77/2
10.60
Ishant Sharma to Nitish Rana. This one was a ripper. Ishant bowls it outside off, but on a back of a length. Rana goes for a cut again but misses as the ball just goes past his outside edge. Ishant Sharma finishes with excellent figures of 4-1-21-1.
10.6wd
Ishant Sharma to Nitish Rana. Wide! Don't know what is his thinking behind bowling so wide to Rana. He again bowls a wide delivery outside off, it is so wide that it is also outside the tramline. Rana goes for the cut but misses. Wided by the umpire.
10.50
Ishant Sharma to Nitish Rana. Continues bowling outside off to the southpaw, who goes for the cut but under edges it to the keeper.
10.41
Ishant Sharma to Shubman Gill. Fuller on off, Gill drives it mid on and takes a run.
10.31
Ishant Sharma to Nitish Rana. Sharma bowls this one way outside off to Rana. It would have been a wide had he left it but Rana drives it uppishly through covers for another single.
10.21
Ishant Sharma to Shubman Gill. Continues bowling the same line but this time he bowls a low full toss on the pads to Gill. He flicks it through mid-wicket for a run.
10.2wd
Ishant Sharma to Shubman Gill. Wide! This time it misses his pads as Sharma bowls the same line. The umpire signals this one as a wide.
10.10
Ishant Sharma to Shubman Gill. Strays on the pads to Gill. He foes for the flick but misses, the ball hits his pads and goes through to the keeper.
Ishant Sharma is back on.
Ricky Ponting who is up for an interview says he is happy with the start as it looks a very good wicket. Further adds there is also dew around so he would be happy if they keep them down to 170. Mentions the bowlers have to bowl a good length here and Gill is playing a good innings but they have good pacers to pull things back. States they will look to not bowl Rabada anymore and hold him for the back end for Russell. Credits the way Iyer has been doing as a captain and says he is a terrific young guy. He hopes to win the game here, they won the toss and they would hope to chase whatever they post. Ends by saying he is enjoying the role of a coach so far, loves the atmosphere and he is relishing the opportunity in coaching in the best League in the world.
End of Over : 108 RunsKKR: 72/2
9.61
Keemo Paul to Shubman Gill. Bowls it on a length on off, Gill pushes it to mid off and takes a run.
9.52
Keemo Paul to Shubman Gill. Excellent running between the wickets by the two young batsmen. Paul bowls it full on the pads, Gill drives it straight to long on and completes an easy brace.
9.41
Keemo Paul to Nitish Rana. Continues bowling on a length outside off to Rana, who again guides it down to third man for a run.
9.31
Keemo Paul to Shubman Gill. Fuller on off, Shubman punches it through point for a single.
9.22
Keemo Paul to Shubman Gill. This one is bowled in full and outside off, Gill drives it straight through covers and picks up a brace.
9.11
Keemo Paul to Nitish Rana. Starts off with a length ball outside off, Rana guides it down to third man for a single.
Keemo Paul is back on. 1-0-17-0 so far.
End of Over : 92 RunsKKR: 64/2
8.60
Kagiso Rabada to Shubman Gill. Defended off the back foot by the batsman. 2 runs and a wicket from the over, Rabada's figures read 2-0-14-1.
8.51
Kagiso Rabada to Nitish Rana. Outside off, steered towards third man for a single.
STRATEGIC BREAK. Nitish Rana walks in at number 4, replacing Uthappa. Kolkata not quite running away with the game and Delhi will be happy. The bowling has been decent apart from a few loose balls and do not forget - the hosts are a bit light in batting tonight. Of course, that the batters other than Dre Russ have not fired is another food for thought...
8.4W
Kagiso Rabada to Robin Uthappa. OUT! That is a stunner from Rishabh Pant and Uthappa has to go! The short ball does the trick. A couple were punished earlier but this time, it has resulted in a wicket. Also, the pace. 146.2 kph. No child's play. Robbie looks to pull but clearly is done in by the pace. Too much for him. The ball takes the glove and then lobs behind. Now, about the man doing the glovework. Rishabh Pant. The ball flies after making contact with the glove but Pant takes off too. Leaps full stretch to his left and takes a magnificent diving catch. Rabada starts to appeal but gamesman Uthappa walks. The 63-run stand is broken and it might be a blessing in disguise for Kolkata. 30 balls for Uthappa's 28...
8.30
Kagiso Rabada to Robin Uthappa. Excellent bowling this from Rabada. Bowls a slower ball on a yorker length, Uthappa could do nothing but keep it out.
8.20
Kagiso Rabada to Robin Uthappa. Full and outside off, driven straight back. Rabada does well to stick out his right leg and stop the ball.
8.11
Kagiso Rabada to Shubman Gill. Outside off, punched off the back foot for a single.
Kagiso Rabada returns. 1-0-12-0 so far.
End of Over : 84 RunsKKR: 62/1
7.60
Axar Patel to Robin Uthappa. Ends with a flatter ball darted in on off, Uthappa drives it straight to covers.
7.51
Axar Patel to Shubman Gill. Fuller on the pads, Gill flicks it to mid-wicket for a run.
7.41
Axar Patel to Robin Uthappa. Changes line and bowls it short, Uthappa rocks back and pulls it hard to deep backward square leg but just for a single.
7.31
Axar Patel to Shubman Gill. Bowls it slower and outside off, Gill drives it to mid off and takes a single.
7.21
Axar Patel to Robin Uthappa. Full and outside off, pushed towards long off for a single.
7.10
Axar Patel to Robin Uthappa. Full and outside off, pushed towards cover.
End of Over : 717 RunsKKR: 58/1
6.61
Keemo Paul to Robin Uthappa. Strays on the pads, Uthappa flicks it to mid-wicket and takes a run.
6.51
Keemo Paul to Shubman Gill. Full on off, Gill drives it to mid on and changes strike.
6.44
Keemo Paul to Shubman Gill. FOUR! Take that says Gill. Uthappa hits a six and Gill follows with a four. Paul bowls it outside off on a fuller length, Gill punches it through point for an easy boundary.
6.31
Keemo Paul to Robin Uthappa. Fuller outside off, Uthappa drives it to covers and takes a run.
6.26
Keemo Paul to Robin Uthappa. SIX! Maximum use of the Free Hit! Poor bowling. Slower ball and that too, short in length. Uthappa waits and pulls it over long on! 50-RUN STAND IS UP!
FREE HIT time! Time for the first six of the game?
6.22
Keemo Paul to Shubman Gill. No ball! Bowls it outside off on a length, Gill drives it mid on and takes a quick run.
6.12
Keemo Paul to Shubman Gill. Starts with a length ball outside off, Gill drives it uppishly just above Ingram at covers. The deep fielder keeps it down to two.
Keemo Paul time.
End of Over : 61 RunsKKR: 41/1
5.60
Axar Patel to Robin Uthappa. Outside off, pushed straight to point. 41/1 in the Powerplay for Kolkata.
5.50
Axar Patel to Robin Uthappa. Full and down the leg side, Uthappa looks to flick but misses and is hit on the pads.
5.40
Axar Patel to Robin Uthappa. Down the leg side, played to square leg.
5.31
Axar Patel to Shubman Gill. Bowls it a little wider and outside off, Gill drives it to mid off and takes a run.
5.20
Axar Patel to Shubman Gill. Similar ball, Gill does the same and punches it back to the bowler.
5.10
Axar Patel to Shubman Gill. Starts off with a slower delivery on off, Gill pushes it back to the bowler.
Axar Patel to bowl now.
End of Over : 511 RunsKKR: 40/1
4.61
Ishant Sharma to Shubman Gill. Poor bowling, but there is insurance. Full and straight, Gill flicks it away but straight to deep mid-wicket. A run taken.
4.51
Ishant Sharma to Robin Uthappa. Starys on the pads to Robin, who flicks it on the leg side for a single.
4.41
Ishant Sharma to Shubman Gill. Bowls it on a length outside leg and going down with the angle, Gill moves across and pushes it towards point for a single.
4.34
Ishant Sharma to Shubman Gill. FOUR! Gill is in some fine form here. Fourth boundary for him. Sharma bowls it on a length on the pads, Gill flicks it uppishly behind square for another boundary.
4.20
Ishant Sharma to Shubman Gill. Full and on the pads, Gill flicks it straight to square leg.
4.14
Ishant Sharma to Shubman Gill. FOUR! Another short ball and another four. Ishant bowls a leg cutter, short and on off, Gill pulls it with ease for a boundary.
End of Over : 412 RunsKKR: 29/1
3.64
Kagiso Rabada to Robin Uthappa. FOUR! Third boundary of the over! Outside off, Uthappa waits for the ball to come to him and dabs it late past short third man! 12 from the over...
3.50
Kagiso Rabada to Robin Uthappa. Outside off, punched straight to point.
3.44
Kagiso Rabada to Robin Uthappa. FOUR! Too easy. On the pads, flicked through square leg for the second boundary of this over.
3.30
Kagiso Rabada to Robin Uthappa. The batsman works it down the leg side.
3.24
Kagiso Rabada to Robin Uthappa. FOUR! Skewed, but safe! On a length outside off, Uthappa looks to go inside out but the bat turns in his hands. Gets a thickish outside edge which flies over point.
3.10
Kagiso Rabada to Robin Uthappa. On a good length outside off, watchfully defended.
Kagiso Rabada into the attack now.
End of Over : 36 RunsKKR: 17/1
2.64
Ishant Sharma to Shubman Gill. FOUR! Ishant changes length and gets punished. He was bowling full throughout the over and goes for the short one this time. Gill is ready for it as he goes on the back foot and pulls it handsomely through mid-wicket for a four.
2.51
Ishant Sharma to Robin Uthappa. Leg bye! Bowls it on a length, pitching on leg, Uthappa goes for the flick but misses and the ball rolls towards point for a leg bye.
2.40
Ishant Sharma to Robin Uthappa. Full on off, Robin plays it back to the bowler.
2.31
Ishant Sharma to Shubman Gill. That's lucky for Gill. It would have been touch and go. Gill taps this length ball to mid on and goes for a quick run. Iyer at mid on, collects the ball quickly and has a shy at the non-striker's end. Luckily for Gill, Iyer did not hit or else he was a goner.
2.20
Ishant Sharma to Shubman Gill. An outswinger this time, pitching outside off on a fuller length, Gill drives it to covers.
2.10
Ishant Sharma to Shubman Gill. Bowls a length ball outside off, Gill just keeps it out.
End of Over : 211 RunsKKR: 11/1
1.61
Chris Morris to Shubman Gill. Excellent yorker to end the over, dug out for a run. What a contrasting couple of overs - Wicket maiden followed by a 11-run one.
1.51
Chris Morris to Robin Uthappa. Outside off, Robin opens the face of his bat at the last moment and guides it behind point for a single.
1.40
Chris Morris to Robin Uthappa. Full and outside off, driven straight to mid off.
1.34
Chris Morris to Robin Uthappa. FOUR! Leg side again from Morris and he pays the price for it. Full and straight, Uthappa walks across and flicks it with ease through mid-wicket for a boundary!
1.21
Chris Morris to Shubman Gill. Full and outside off, pushed through the covers for a single.
1.14
Chris Morris to Shubman Gill. FOUR! Gill and Kolkata are underway. Starts off with a full ball on the pads, Gill just flicks it with ease through mid-wicket and gets a boundary.
Chris Morris to bowl from the other end.
End of Over : 10 RunsKKR: 0/1
0.60
Ishant Sharma to Robin Uthappa. Superb bowling. After bringing the previous one in, he gets this one to move away. Uthappa looks to play at that but misses. A sensational WICKET MAIDEN from Ishant.
0.50
Ishant Sharma to Robin Uthappa. Good pace from Ishant. In the 140s. This one nips back in a long way from outside off, Uthappa fails to counter the movement and is hit on the thighs as he looks to flick.
0.40
Ishant Sharma to Robin Uthappa. Play and a miss. Ishant is making the ball talk. On a length, just outside off, Uthappa looked to defend but the ball just moved off the surface a bit and beat the outside edge. Did not carry through to the keeper.
0.30
Ishant Sharma to Robin Uthappa. Landed outside off, watchfully pushed towards point again.
0.20
Ishant Sharma to Robin Uthappa. Full and outside off, watchfully pushed towards point.
Robin Uthappa is the new batsman in.
0.1W
Ishant Sharma to Joe Denly. OUT! KABOOM! What a start that is to the game. A wicket off the very first ball. Joe Denly bags a golden duck on his Kolkata debut. A top, top nut to get first up. That swung in like a banana from way outside off. It is also on a fuller length. Denly ends up playing against the swing as he tries to drive it through the off side. He misses and his off stump goes for a walk. Replays show that the ball has flicked the pads before hitting the stumps. Delhi are pumped up here.
Simon Katich rings the bell and we are all set for the action to begin now! The Delhi players make their way out to the middle. They are followed by a new opening pair for Kolkata, Joe Denly and Shubman Gill. The former will take strike and he will be facing Ishant Sharma. Here we go...
Lisa Sthalekar is having a chat with Sourav Ganguly. Dada is not too perturbed with the fact that he was playing for Kolkata for so long but is in Delhi's think-tank now. Feels that the wicket will be good and run-supportive and adds that people come to see only run fests. Is impressed with the young talent in Delhi and hopes that their career paths are defined in the right way.
Kolkata (Playing XI) - Joe Denly (IN), Robin Uthappa, Nitish Rana, Dinesh Karthik(WK/C), Shubman Gill, Andre Russell, Carlos Brathwaite (IN), Piyush Chawla, Kuldeep Yadav, Lockie Ferguson (IN), Prasidh Krishna.
Delhi (Playing XI) - Prithvi Shaw, Shikhar Dhawan, Shreyas Iyer(C), Rishabh Pant(WK), Colin Ingram, Chris Morris, Axar Patel, Rahul Tewatia, Keemo Paul (IN), Kagiso Rabada, Ishant Sharma.
Dinesh Karthik says the last game was an aberration, they did not expect the wicket to play like that and they are now looking forward to this one. Informs they have three forced changes, Joe Denly, Lockie Ferguson and Carlos Brathwaite come in for Harry Gurney, Sunil Narine and Chris Lynn. The forced changes are because one is down with flu while one has an injury scare.
Shreyas Iyer says they want to bowl first, the wicket looks like a belter and he wants to see how it plays. Mentions they have done well chasing and hence, they want to chase. Informs Keemo Paul comes in for Sandeep Lamichhane.
TOSS - Delhi win the toss and they elect to bowl first.
Pitch Report - Ian Bishop says that the seamers can bowl the short ball as it could be a good tactic but that can also travel if not bowled properly. Informs that it is a well-grassed surface and the ball won't turn a lot but it will skid and slide on. Ends by saying that dew might be a factor so chasing should be better.
Hello and welcome to game no. 26 of this year's Indian T20 League and it is a clash between Kolkata and Delhi in the former's den. The hosts will be delighted to get back to familiar conditions after they were blown away by Chennai in unfamiliar conditions. They though are still nicely placed on the table and they will be eager to get back to winning ways. A win here will see them remain second on the table, however, a win for their opponents will see them break into the top 4. They have momentum on their side and they would want to continue that. The last time these two sides faced, we witnessed a Super Over. Let us hope this game is another humdinger. Stay tuned for the toss and teams.
End of Over : 18.5DC: 180/3
That ends Friday's adventure. Over to Super Saturday now, where Mumbai host Rajasthan at the Wankhede at 4 pm local (1030 GMT), followed by the Punjab-Bangalore clash in Mohali at 8 pm local (1430 GMT). Do join us then for the weekend bash. ADIOS! TAKE CARE!
SHIKHAR DHAWAN HAS BEEN NAMED THE MAN OF THE MATCH FOR HIS UNBEATEN 97. Admits that the 100 was on the back of his mind but a victory is more important and hence, he did not look to go big. Adds that he was happy to work it around and stay till the end. On the pitch, Shikhar says that the track here is very different than the one in Delhi and it is a lovely wicket which supports both, the bowler and the batsman. Further says that the wicket is Delhi is more challenging and you need to adapt quickly. Says that he is enjoying his game. Also says that after the fall of two quick wickets, they were looking to build a partnership and they did so. Says that Rishabh Pant is very well capable of hitting it out of the park and he too was hitting boundaries on regular basis, which made things easier.
Victorious Delhi captain, Shreyas Iyer, says it is an amazing feeling, winning 4 out of 7 games, which is very rare since the time he has been playing. Adds that it was difficult to select the team but then Ricky Ponting and Sourav Ganguly sat down together and decided to leave Sandeep Lamichhane out for Paul and it turned out to be a good move. Mentions that Dhawan loves to bat on such tracks and credits the way he played, appreciating him for batting till the end. Ends by saying someone from the top order needed to take the reponsibility and Dhawan did it.
Rishabh Pant comes over for a chat now. Says he tries to keep his head clear and play on the merit of the ball. Mentions he wanted to stay there till the end and complete the game as quickly as possible. States pacing the innings is very important while chasing something above 180. Further adds he does not focus on what the bowler is thinking and concentrates more on his strength. Ends by saying they were looking to take it deep and take their team over the line.
Kolkata skipper, Dinesh Karthik, says they were 15 runs short. Admits they did not bat as well as they should have. Adds that he expected his bowlers to put up a better fight. States Lynn and Narine were missed as they are an integral part of the team, but praises Gill for doing a very good job. Mentions it is hard on Joe Denly to get a game after a long time and get dismissed on the very first ball but expects him to come back stronger. Ends by saying they will try and come back stronger in the next game.
Just three bowlers took wickets. Prasidh Krishna, Andre Russell and the last, by Nitish Rana. No wickets for Ferguson, Kuldeep, Chawla or Brathwaite. Their spin department is struggling while the pace department has not been at its best either. This win takes Delhi to 4th spot in the points table, while Kolkata stay on second. Please stay tuned for the presentation...
Not the greatest outing for Kolkata with the ball. The focus has been so much on Andre Russell that all the other factors have been ignored. Ian Bishop on air mentioned that the home side have taken the least number of wickets this season. What about their batting? Where has it fired? Even in this game, it was more of Andre Russell's blitz that took them close to 180. Shubman Gill played a lone innings at the top.
Focussing away from the individual landmark, let us now move to the team performance. Delhi entered the Eden with 1 win in 8 outings against Kolkata. Finally they have doubled their wins. Well orchestrated, with Shikhar Dhawan batting till the end, with good support from Rishabh Pant. Delhi might have felt that they were in trouble having lost 2 inside the Powerplay but with Gabbar around, they were always comfortable. The 105-run stand for the third wicket sealed the game for the visitors.
Wow. Did not think this would happen. Everyone was waiting for a Dhawan century. But poor guy has been stranded on 97. 97 - would you believe that? But kudos to the team. Chased down 179 with 7 balls to spare. 7th successive run chase in this tournament.
18.56
Piyush Chawla to Colin Ingram. SIX! INGRAM FINISHES IT OFF IN STYLE! No hundred for Dhawan. Ingram clears the front leg and then tonks the ball over the long on fence. All smiles though in the Delhi camp as THEY HAVE WON BY 7 WICKETS!
18.41
Piyush Chawla to Shikhar Dhawan. On the pads, this is worked around the corner for a run. Dhawan moves onto 97 and Delhi need 5.
18.31
Piyush Chawla to Colin Ingram. Now looks to go for the slog sweep but sees the line is not quite there for that shot. He sensibly hits it through covers for a single.
18.24
Piyush Chawla to Colin Ingram. FOUR! Edgy, that would do for Delhi! Runs needed in single digits now. This is slower and it is tossed up outside off. Ingram throws the kitchen sink at it but only manages an outside edge to the third man fence.
18.11
Piyush Chawla to Shikhar Dhawan. Needed a direct hit! The googly from Chawla, it pitches around off. Dhawan picks it and then guides it towards short third man. They go for a run. The fielder throws it to the keeper who fails to collect it.
Piyush Chawla to bowl. 2-0-22-0 so far.
End of Over : 185 RunsDC: 167/3
17.62
Nitish Rana to Colin Ingram. A couple to finish! 12 in 12! Ingram dances down the track and hits it hard towards long off. The fielder there makes a good diving stop, can't stop two though. A good over though by Rana, he has given Kolkata some hope.
17.51
Nitish Rana to Shikhar Dhawan. Good running! Dhawan taps it to the right of the bowler and sets off for a single. They complete it.
Mind games... Dhawan lines up for a big hit but then Rana does not deliver at all.
17.41
Nitish Rana to Colin Ingram. A risky run but they complete it in the end! Ingram first looks to paddle but then seeing the line is outside off, he guides it towards point. The batsmen go for a single and complete it as the throw from the fielder is a week one.
17.30
Nitish Rana to Colin Ingram. Fires this on the stumps, Ingram punches it back to the bowler.
17.21
Nitish Rana to Shikhar Dhawan. Just a single as this is slapped through covers.
Colin Ingram walks in at number 5, replacing Pant. Surely can hang around with Dhawan to seal this through...
17.1W
Nitish Rana to Rishabh Pant. OUT! PANT HOLES OUT! He has thrown it away! This was just needless. This though has been his problem throughout this edition, plays an excellent innings but does not finish off the game for his team. He walks down the track and looks to go for another one-handed biggie. This time he does not time it and it goes straight into the hands of the fielder at long on. Kuldeep Yadav makes no mistake. 17 needed in 17. Delhi can't surely lose it from here right or can they? We will have to wait and watch.
Nitish Rana is back on! Also, Russell is seen walking off the field.
End of Over : 1714 RunsDC: 162/2
16.62
Andre Russell to Shikhar Dhawan. A couple to edn! So 17 needed in the last 3 overs. Slightly short and outside off, Dhawan drives it square on the off side and takes two.
16.50
Andre Russell to Shikhar Dhawan. A good short ball outside off, Dhawan looks to upper cut it but misses.
16.41
Andre Russell to Rishabh Pant. Short and on the body, Pant pulls it to deep square leg for a single. Singles will do it now!
16.36
Andre Russell to Rishabh Pant. SIX! That is probably the blow which seals it for Delhi. The runs needed is below the balls to be bowled. The slower one and it has been picked. Pant lofts it over long on and it goes all the way. The 100-run stand is also up, they have taken Delhi to the brink of victory, they now need to take them to victory.
16.24
Andre Russell to Rishabh Pant. FOUR! Smashed! A half volley and it has been put away! Very full and outside off, Pant hits it through covers. Long off had no chance.
16.11
Andre Russell to Shikhar Dhawan. Slower one to begin with! Dhawan pushes it down to long off for a single.
Andre Russell returns. 2-0-15-1 so far.
End of Over : 1610 RunsDC: 148/2
15.62
Kuldeep Yadav to Rishabh Pant. A couple to end! Pant uses his feet again and with soft hands works it towards mid on for a brace. 10 from this over as well and now Delhi need 31 in 24.
15.51
Kuldeep Yadav to Shikhar Dhawan. Into the 90s now with this deft touch towards short third man for a single.
15.44
Kuldeep Yadav to Shikhar Dhawan. FOUR! The boundary that is needed in the over has come! Dhawan makes very good use of the feet and gets to the pitch of the ball. He smashes it to the long on fence.
15.31
Kuldeep Yadav to Rishabh Pant. Kuldeep changes the angle! Pant steps out. Kuldeep bowls it short and outside off, Pant can only slap it through cover for a run. Just three from the first three balls.
15.21
Kuldeep Yadav to Shikhar Dhawan. Well fielded! Dhawan plays the sweep towards short fine leg. Krishna there qui8ckly moves to his right, then slides and stops it. Can't stop the single.
15.11
Kuldeep Yadav to Rishabh Pant. Slower through the air on middle, Pant first looks to charge but then seeing the length, stays back and works it through mid-wicket for a single.
Kuldeep Yadav to bowl out. 3-0-18-0 so far.
End of Over : 158 RunsDC: 138/2
14.62
Prasidh Krishna to Shikhar Dhawan. A couple to end another producitve over for the visitors. Dhawan slashes at this one which is wide outside off. Ferguson at sweeper cover runs to his right, slides and keeps it to two.
14.50
Prasidh Krishna to Shikhar Dhawan. Good delivery that! Bends his back on this one and bangs it short outside off. Dhawan looks to cut but misses as that one had extra bounce.
Pant is taking a long time to recover, it seems. So the umpires have called for the STRATEGIC BREAK. Delhi are cruising. But we will keep our lips sealed. And our fingers as well. We have seen this in the past that Delhi have cruised through, only to fumble towards the end. What's in store tonight?
Pant is down at the non-striker's end. He seems to be in pain. The physio is out.
14.41
Prasidh Krishna to Rishabh Pant. Ouch! This is angled into the batsman. Pant looks to flick but misses. Gets hit near the box. It rolls towards the off side and a leg bye is taken.
14.31
Prasidh Krishna to Shikhar Dhawan. Now follows the boundary up with a single down to long off.
14.24
Prasidh Krishna to Shikhar Dhawan. FOUR! Too easy for Dhawan! You bowl him there, he would do that everytime. A half volley and on off, Dhawan strokes it past mid off. Russell there dives but in vain. A boundary.
14.10
Prasidh Krishna to Shikhar Dhawan. Starts off with a good delivery, on the body of the batsman. Dhawan is cramped for room so he pushes it back to the bowler.
Prasidh Krishna is back into the attack.
End of Over : 1412 RunsDC: 130/2
13.64
Piyush Chawla to Rishabh Pant. FOUR! Boundary to begin the over and boundary to end! Not off the middle though but Delhi will take it. Pant is down on one knee and goes for the sweep. It goes off the inner half and through mid-wicket for a boundary. 49 more needed in 36. Delhi's game to lose now.
13.51
Piyush Chawla to Shikhar Dhawan. A single now! Sensible batting by Dhawan. Knows there is not a lot of risk to be taken so he eases it down to long off for a single.
13.41
Piyush Chawla to Rishabh Pant. A straighter line this time, Pant hits it towards deep mid-wicket for a single.
13.30
Piyush Chawla to Rishabh Pant. Another googly, Pant punches it again but finds cover. A dot, they need a few more.
13.22
Piyush Chawla to Rishabh Pant. This time through the leg side, not a boundary but a couple! Shortish and on off, Pant whips it towards mid-wicket. Russell does well to keep it down to two.
13.14
Piyush Chawla to Rishabh Pant. FOUR! Another one which begins with a boundary! Short and it is the googly. Pant picks it and he slaps it through covers. It races to the fence.
Piyush Chawla is back on.
End of Over : 1313 RunsDC: 118/2
12.61
Lockie Ferguson to Rishabh Pant. Another full toss but another single as Pant flicks it to the same fielder Dhawan did to. 13 from the over and Delhi need 61 in 42. Run rate needed is below 9 now.
12.51
Lockie Ferguson to Shikhar Dhawan. Not getting it right here! Bowls a full toss now, Dhawan flicks it but straight to deep square leg for a single.
12.44
Lockie Ferguson to Shikhar Dhawan. FOUR! Brilliant from Dhawan! Second boundary in the over and it is once again in the cover region. Full and on off, Dhawan just puts bat to ball, pierces the gap in the region and a boundary results.
12.4wd
Lockie Ferguson to Shikhar Dhawan. Sprays down the leg side and it has been wided. Not good bowling this, can't give away free runs at the moment.
12.30
Lockie Ferguson to Shikhar Dhawan. Attacks the stumps, Dhawan works it to mid off.
12.22
Lockie Ferguson to Shikhar Dhawan. This time Dhawan cuts it to the right of the fielder at sweeper cover and the batters take two. 6 from the first two balls.
12.14
Lockie Ferguson to Shikhar Dhawan. FOUR! Welcome back into the attack, Ferguson! Ideal start to the over. Full and outside off, easy for Dhawan, he strokes it through covers and you need not run for those. Also, the 50-run stand is up. A very important one for Delhi, they are on top at the moment but the job is not done.
Lockie Ferguson is back on!
End of Over : 127 RunsDC: 105/2
11.61
Nitish Rana to Shikhar Dhawan. A short delivery by Rana, Dhawan pulls it to mid-wicket. Single taken. 74 runs needed from 48 deliveries.
11.51
Nitish Rana to Rishabh Pant. Flatter delivery on leg, Pant hits it to square leg for a run.
11.41
Nitish Rana to Shikhar Dhawan. A flighted delivery on off, Dhawan comes out of the crease and drives it to cover for a single.
11.32
Nitish Rana to Shikhar Dhawan. Rana drifts down leg, Dhawan flicks it to square leg for a double.
11.21
Nitish Rana to Rishabh Pant. A flighted delivery on middle and leg, Pant pushes it to long on. Single taken. This brings up 100-runs on the scoreboard for Delhi.
11.11
Nitish Rana to Shikhar Dhawan. Rana starts with a fuller length on off, Dhawan drives it to long off for a run.
Nitish Rana is on now. Karthik trying everything here.
End of Over : 1110 RunsDC: 98/2
10.61
Kuldeep Yadav to Shikhar Dhawan. A single to end! Dhawan sweeps it to deep square leg. So just the single from the last three balls. Kuldeep did well to pull it back.
10.50
Kuldeep Yadav to Shikhar Dhawan. Flatter and outside off, Dhawan looks to cut but due to the extra bounce, an outside edge is produced to short third man.
10.40
Kuldeep Yadav to Shikhar Dhawan. Dhawan looks to disturb the line of the bowler by moving around in the crease. Kuldeep sticks to bowling it on the stumps, Shikhar pushes it to covers.
10.31
Kuldeep Yadav to Rishabh Pant. On the shorter side, Pant goes back and punches it through covers for a run.
New ball please! The previous one has been lost.
10.26
Kuldeep Yadav to Rishabh Pant. SIX! A one-handed biggie! Dances down the track, gets to the pitch of it. Lofts it over the long off fence by taking a hand off the handle. Pin-drop silence here as Delhi are cruising at the moment.
10.2wd
Kuldeep Yadav to Rishabh Pant. Wide. Yadav goes down the leg side. Pant misses his sweep. Wided.
10.11
Kuldeep Yadav to Shikhar Dhawan. A flighted delivery on leg, Dhawan drives it to long on.
End of Over : 1013 RunsDC: 88/2
9.61
Carlos Brathwaite to Shikhar Dhawan. Dhawan flicks this one to square leg for a single. 91 runs needed in 60 balls.
9.54
Carlos Brathwaite to Shikhar Dhawan. FOUR! Poor bowling and put away! Consecutive boundaries! Short and down the leg side, easy pickings. Dhawan pulls it through backward square leg and into the fence.
9.44
Carlos Brathwaite to Shikhar Dhawan. FOUR! Brings up his 50 in style. His 34th in this format! He though needs to continue, only half the job is done! Dhawan makes room and it is the slower one outside off, Dhawan slaps it away from sweeper cover and a boundary results.
9.32
Carlos Brathwaite to Shikhar Dhawan. Change of length by Carlos, Dhawan dances down the track and takes a double towards the square leg region.
9.21
Carlos Brathwaite to Rishabh Pant. Same length by Brathwaite, Pant pulls it to square leg and adds a single.
9.11
Carlos Brathwaite to Shikhar Dhawan. A short one by Carlos, Dhawan pulls it to square leg for a single.
The Strategic break has been signaled! Delhi moving along nicely here. Both Dhawan and Pant are playing sensibly at the moment and the visitors would hope they can continue. Kolkata on the other hand, know they need to break this stand early and once they do so, they will be into the fragile middle order of the away team. Also, Carlos Brathwaite is on now! So just the single over for Chawla.
End of Over : 93 RunsDC: 75/2
8.61
Kuldeep Yadav to Shikhar Dhawan. Yadav flights this one, Dhawan drives it long on for a run. 3 runs from this over. A decent over by Kuldeep Yadav.
8.51
Kuldeep Yadav to Rishabh Pant. A half tracker on off, Pant punches it to long on. Single taken.
8.40
Kuldeep Yadav to Rishabh Pant. A short delivery to follow, Pant keeps it away.
8.30
Kuldeep Yadav to Rishabh Pant. A flighted delivery on off, Pant drives it straight to the cover fielder.
8.20
Kuldeep Yadav to Rishabh Pant. A quicker one from Kuldeep. Pant blocks it.
8.11
Kuldeep Yadav to Shikhar Dhawan. A short delivery on off, Dhawan pulls it to long on for an easy run.
End of Over : 810 RunsDC: 72/2
7.64
Piyush Chawla to Rishabh Pant. FOUR! In the gap! Pant takes the risk and it comes off! He goes for the slog sweep, it is not right off the middle. Also, he has to drag it from outside off. The ball is in the gap in the mid-wicket region and a boundary. Spoils the over, 10 from it.
7.51
Piyush Chawla to Shikhar Dhawan. A little too much of air on this ball, Dhawan taps it to backward point and runs for a single. Rana at the position scores a direct hit but Pant was well in.
7.41
Piyush Chawla to Rishabh Pant. A short delivery on off, Pants cuts it to point. Single taken.
7.31
Piyush Chawla to Shikhar Dhawan. Chawla applies flight to this, Shikhar taps it on the off side and runs for a single.
7.22
Piyush Chawla to Shikhar Dhawan. A short delivery on off, Dhawan cuts it through covers and runs a double this time.
7.11
Piyush Chawla to Rishabh Pant. Chawla starts with a wrong one on off, Pant cuts it down to sweeper cover for an easy single.
Piyush Chawla is on now! Spin from both ends.
End of Over : 75 RunsDC: 62/2
6.61
Kuldeep Yadav to Rishabh Pant. Pant dances down the track but does not get to the pitch of the ball. He adjusts and guides it through point for a single. A good start for Kuldeep.
6.51
Kuldeep Yadav to Shikhar Dhawan. On the shorter side, Dhawan pushes it to the left of the bowler. He fails to stop it and it is a single down to long on.
6.41
Kuldeep Yadav to Rishabh Pant. A little too straight, Pant works it through mid-wicket. They take the first one quickly but there is no chance for the second.
6.30
Kuldeep Yadav to Rishabh Pant. This is flatter and outside off, Pant goes back and guides it to point.
6.21
Kuldeep Yadav to Shikhar Dhawan. A flighted delivery on off, Dhawan easily drives it to covers for a single.
6.11
Kuldeep Yadav to Shikhar Dhawan. Kuldeep starts with a short delivery on off, Dhawan cuts it to sweeper cover for a double. The umpire though has give it as one short. Dhawan does not tap his bat inside the crease, he taps it on the line.
Kuldeep Yadav is on now!
End of Over : 62 RunsDC: 57/2
5.60
Andre Russell to Rishabh Pant. A dot to end! An excellent 6th. Kolkata needed an over like this. Just the 2 and a wicket from it. Length and on off, Pant blocks it out. Delhi are 57 for 2 after it. Their run rate is superb but they have lost two.
5.50
Andre Russell to Rishabh Pant. A nasty welcome and Russell's followthrough is right uptill the batsman. He has his tail up here. A good bumper on middle, Pant ducks under it.
Rishabh Pant is the new man in.
5.4W
Andre Russell to Shreyas Iyer. OUT! 50th Indian T20 League wicket for Russell. Iyer has been caught down the leg side! Excellent sportsmanship from the Delhi skipper as he has walked. A very soft, soft dismissal and Iyer will be very frustrated with himself. Russell though is up and running in his celebration. A nothing delivery this, down the leg side. Iyer looks to flick but gets a feather to Karthik who takes it and appeals. Before the umpire gives it out, Iyer is walking back. Russell gets his first and it is a big wicket. Game right in the balance now.
5.31
Andre Russell to Shikhar Dhawan. A length delivery on off, Dhawan drives it to sweeper cover for a single.
5.20
Andre Russell to Shikhar Dhawan. Bowls it on a length and on middle, it straightens just a touch. Dhawan keeps it out.
5.11
Andre Russell to Shreyas Iyer. Well played in the end! This one jags back in from outside off. Iyer adjusts well and then guides it towards the off side for a quick run.
End of Over : 510 RunsDC: 55/1
4.64
Lockie Ferguson to Shikhar Dhawan. FOUR! Short and that sits up to be hit! Dhawan is quickly onto the back foot and dismisses it through mid-wicket. 10 from Lockie's second as well. 124 needed in 90.
4.51
Lockie Ferguson to Shreyas Iyer. Soft leading edge! Good running in the end! Slower ball again on middle, Iyer looks to play it with a closed face of the bat. He is early to do so and the ball goes off the leading edge towards mid off for a quick run.
4.44
Lockie Ferguson to Shreyas Iyer. FOUR! Delightful from Iyer this time! Slower ball and it is very full in length. Shreyas waits for it and then strokes it down to the long on fence. 50 up for the visitors and it has come up in very quick time.
4.30
Lockie Ferguson to Shreyas Iyer. On middle, Iyer pushes it to mid on.
4.20
Lockie Ferguson to Shreyas Iyer. Good delivery! Goes wide of the crease and angles it into the batsman. It is slightly shorter. Shreyas Iyer tries to defend it off the back foot but misses.
4.11
Lockie Ferguson to Shikhar Dhawan. The slower short ball to begin with! Dhawan defends it beside the pitch and sets off for a run. It is a race between the bowler and the non-striker. Ferguson tries to kick it onto the stumps but fails to do so.
Lockie Ferguson is back!
End of Over : 413 RunsDC: 45/1
3.61
Andre Russell to Shikhar Dhawan. A short ball this time by Russell, Dhawan pulls it to fine leg for a single. 13 runs from the first over of Russell. An unfortunate one for Russell, he could have had a wicket to his name but instead turns out to be an expensive over.
3.50
Andre Russell to Shikhar Dhawan. A back of a length outside off, Dhawan taps it to point.
3.44
Andre Russell to Shikhar Dhawan. FOUR! Nothing lucky about this one! Delightful from Dhawan. It is fuller in length on middle, Dhawan with a very straight bat strokes it past the mid on fielder. Three boundaries in the 4 balls bowled by Russell.
3.30
Andre Russell to Shikhar Dhawan. A short length delivery, Dhawan blocks it.
3.24
Andre Russell to Shikhar Dhawan. DROPPED AND FOUR! A tough chance though. Russell lands this one just outside off and it is on a length. Dhawan pokes at it and the ball takes the outside edge. The ball flies through first slip. Rana at flying slip dives to his right, gets a hand to it but can't hang on. The ball races to the third man fence. Consecutive boundaries and both lucky.
3.14
Andre Russell to Shikhar Dhawan. FOUR! Misfield costs another boundary. A back of a length delivey on off, Dhawan slices it to backward point and fumble by Krishna gets Dhawan a four.
Captain Shreyas Iyer walks in at number 3, replacing Shaw. Andre Russell to bowl.
End of Over : 317 RunsDC: 32/1
2.6W
Prasidh Krishna to Prithvi Shaw. OUT! EDGED AND TAKEN! No doubt this time and Krishna has provided the much-needed breakthrough. The high-flying opening stand has been cut short. A very good ball this. Krishna pitches it on a length and around off, gets it to straighten just a touch. Shaw ends up playing inside the line and due to the late away movement, gets an outside edge. Karthik behind does really well to dive to his right and take it brilliantly. Add to it that his first movement was to his left. Kolkata now have a chance to pull things back a little. End of an action-packed over, 17 runs and a wicket.
2.51
Prasidh Krishna to Shikhar Dhawan. A fuller length delivery on off, Dhawan drives it to sweeper cover for a single.
2.46
Prasidh Krishna to Shikhar Dhawan. SIX! Poor bowling again! Short and wide, Dhawan would hit that all day long. He cuts it uppishly and it carries all the way. Second maximum of the over.
2.30
Prasidh Krishna to Shikhar Dhawan. NOT OUT! There was not a lot of evidence to overturn the on-field call. A brave call in the end. Kolkata lose their only review very early. Krishna bowls this one on a length and outside off, this jags back in sharply. Dhawan tries to keep it out but the ball sneaks between pad and bat. Karthik appeals and it is a confident one. The umpire shakes his head. Kolkata take the review. Now Ultra Edge does detect something but from one angle it seems to be the glove and from the other it looks like the ball has passed the bat. After a lot of replays, the umpire decides to rule it in the favor of the batsman. Probably, the ball hit the pad.
Review time! Karthik feels he has got his man here. The umpire though feels different. Dinesh has taken a review for a caught behind.
2.24
Prasidh Krishna to Shikhar Dhawan. FOUR! Krishna is not learning here! He continues bowling to Dhawan's strength. Short and outside off, Dhawan says thank you very much and he slaps it over point for a boundary. 10 from the two balls bowled.
2.16
Prasidh Krishna to Shikhar Dhawan. SIX! Dealing in maximums are Delhi here. One to begin the third. It is short and outside off, Dhawan arches and then lofts it over the slip fielder for a biggie.
End of Over : 214 RunsDC: 15/0
1.66
Lockie Ferguson to Prithvi Shaw. SIX! Top edge and it goes all the way! A maximum to end a very expensive first by Ferguson. He goes short and on the body of Shaw. Prithvi swivels and tries to pull but the ball flies off the top edge, over the keeper's head and over the fence. 14 from the over, not what Kolkata wanted after a tight first.
1.50
Lockie Ferguson to Prithvi Shaw. A great comeback of Lockie, a slower dipping yorker and Shaw manages to keep it away.
1.46
Lockie Ferguson to Prithvi Shaw. SIX! A flat one! What a shot! Ferguson is guilty of offering a lot of width outside off. Shaw is down on one knee as he lofts it over covers. It is right off the middle and it carries all the way. First of the innings.
1.30
Lockie Ferguson to Prithvi Shaw. A back of a length on off, Shaw punches it to covers.
1.21
Lockie Ferguson to Shikhar Dhawan. Sticking on the leg stump line, Dhawan flicks it to fine leg for a single.
1.11
Lockie Ferguson to Prithvi Shaw. Ferguson starts with a short delivery on leg, Shaw taps it towards the mid-wicket region for a single.
Lockie Ferguson to bowl from the other end.
End of Over : 11 RunsDC: 1/0
0.60
Prasidh Krishna to Shikhar Dhawan. A dot to end! Just the single from the first over. However, he gets away with one here. This is short and outside off, Dhawan looks to cut but mistimes it towards cover.
0.50
Prasidh Krishna to Shikhar Dhawan. Good shot but for no runs! 4 dots in a row, this is turning out to be a good first over. Dhawan makes room and there is width on offer outside off. Shikhar slaps it but straight to point.
0.40
Prasidh Krishna to Shikhar Dhawan. A good short ball on the body of Dhawan. He may have been a little surprised by it as he defends it awkwardly.
0.30
Prasidh Krishna to Shikhar Dhawan. Just behind a driving length around off, Dhawan throws his bat at it but can't get past cover point.
0.20
Prasidh Krishna to Shikhar Dhawan. Good delivery! From around the wicket, Krishna comes running in and lands it around off. It comes back in. Dhawan looks to play at it with soft hands but ends up getting an inside edge to short fine leg.
0.11
Prasidh Krishna to Prithvi Shaw. Delhi are underway! Slightly short and on the body, Shaw works it through square leg. The fielder is in the deep and a single is taken.
We are back for the chase! The Delhi openers, Prithvi Shaw and Shikhar Dhawan walk out to the middle. The former scored a 99 in the previous fixture between the two. Something similar is what Delhi would love. Kolkata on the other hand, would like a few early wickets. Prasidh Krishna to start the proceedings for them. Here we go...
Kolkata Knight Riders vs Delhi Capitals Highlights And Cricket Score 26th Match - T20 Commentary
179 to win then. Dew present. Do Kolkata have enough? On the flip side, can Delhi's misfiring batting fire? And also, with this unit, a collapse is never far. Stay tuned...
Ishant Sharma is having a chat with Ian Bishop. The Indian fast bowler says he did not expect a wicket maiden to begin with but feels great. Mentions the Test series has given him confidence and he is also working hard which has helped him bowl well here. He advices his batters to take their time and also with the dew and Narine not playing, he feels Delhi have the advantage.
Delhi bowled well and even in the period where they were not getting wickets, they kept Kolkata reasonably quiet. They leaked some runs towards the latter half of the innings but that is expected. Ishant bowled a wonderful spell of 4-1-21-1 while Axar kept things quiet in the middle. Morris, Rabada and Paul picked up 2 wickets apiece but were on the expensive side.
5 overs left. Andre Russell at the crease. What do you expect? Fireworks. And we got plenty of them. The big Jamaican blazed his way through to a 20-ball 45 but then a smart piece of bowling got him out in the 19th over. A good 11 balls missed. Would those have propelled the home side to 200? Well, if a team can chase down 70-plus in 4 overs, they can do anything, can't they? Nothing much from the other batsmen.
Remember the first ball dismissal of Unmukt Chand by Brett Lee? That Kolkata-Delhi clash of 2013. Today it was Ishant Sharma doing a repeat, taking out Joe Denly. The hosts' top order woes continued and even though Uthappa and Gill added 63 for the second wicket, it came at a slow pace. Gill held one end up and tried to counter-attack but then, was dismissed in the 15th over.
Hmmm... what are Delhi thinking... what are Delhi thinking...179... chaseable... dew setting in. Not too much damage done by Russell in the end. The visitors will take this.
Keemo Paul to Kuldeep Yadav. A top edge to end the innings. Another slower ball, around middle, Kuldeep looks to pull but gets a top edge which balloons over the keeper. Short fine leg gets across and keeps the batsmen down to a couple. KOLKATA FINISH ON 178/7!
Keemo Paul to Kuldeep Yadav. Dot ball. Outside off, Kuldeep looks to swing hard but misses.
Keemo Paul to Piyush Chawla. Down the leg side, flicked through mid-wicket for a single.
Keemo Paul to Piyush Chawla. FOUR! Excellent batting! A yorker outside off, Chawla squeezes it behind point and the ball races away!
Kuldeep Yadav time. With the bat.
Keemo Paul to Carlos Brathwaite. OUT! Another catching practice. Slower ball again, on a length, Brathwaite pulls it but without much timing. Straight to Rahul Tewatia at deep mid-wicket.
Keemo Paul to Piyush Chawla. Who wants it? Who wants it? Me! Me! Catch put down. What should have been a catch, turns out to be three runs. A length ball, outside off, Chawla looks to swing hard but is done in by the slower one. Gets a top edge which goes straight up in the air. Rahul Tewatia comes in from long on, Kagiso Rabada charges in from long off and the former puts it down. It goes past Rabada and the batsmen, who had already crossed once, jog across for two more.
Keemo Paul to bowl the final over. 3-0-36-1 so far.
Chris Morris to Piyush Chawla. Another slower ball to end his over, this was pitched outside off on a fuller length, Chawla drives it uppishly over covers for a single. He will keep the strike for the last over. Morris finishes with 2 wickets in his quota.
Chris Morris to Carlos Brathwaite. Fuller and straighter in line of the off stump, Carlos drives it to mid off for a run.
Chris Morris to Piyush Chawla. Bowls a yorker to Chawla, who manages to get bat on ball and the ball rolls to the off side for a single.
Chris Morris to Piyush Chawla. FOUR! Lucy there for Chawla. Morris changes the pace of the ball here and bowls a off cutter. Chawla goes for the drive as the ball takes the inside edge and rolls fine behind for a boundary. The ball was too close to the leg stump.
Piyush Chawla walks in at number 8, replacing Russell.
Chris Morris to Andre Russell. OUT! Caught in the deep! Russell departs. Read that again. DRE RUSS OUT. But another good innings. And let us praise the field placement and the execution of the plan. The strategy was to bowl full and wide outside off and force Russell to go on the off side. It was a low full toss outside off and Andre squeezed it out. Gave it direction but it went straight to Kagiso Rabada at deep backward point who simply did not have to move an inch. Russell goes down on his haunches but he has been well trapped here.
Chris Morris to Carlos Brathwaite. A length ball, around middle and off, Brathwaite goes across and works it through mid-wicket for a single.
A bit of a delay again as the physio comes out.
Kagiso Rabada to Andre Russell. Ouch! That would hurt. Morris ends the over with a full toss near the waist on middle, Russell goes for the big heave but the ball takes an inside edge and hits him onto the box. He looks in some pain here.
Kagiso Rabada to Carlos Brathwaite. Fuller on off, Carlos drives it to mid off and completes a quick run.
Kagiso Rabada to Andre Russell. Excellent change of line here. He almost bowls an absolute peach of a yorker. Russell could do nothing but keep it out and the ball rolls towards mid on for a single.
Kagiso Rabada to Andre Russell. SIX! Another mistimed stroke goes the distance! Short and on middle, following the batsman again, Russell looks to pull but the ball takes the top edge and sails over mid-wicket this time!
Kagiso Rabada to Andre Russell. A low full toss, on the legs, Dre Russ backs away and hits it over the bowler for a couple.
Kagiso Rabada to Andre Russell. SIX! What. A. Shot. Rabada can just stand over there and admire the hit. He has followed Russell with a short ball but what has the Jamaican done? He has gone through with the pull shot, with his eyes closed. It sails the distance over square leg!
Chris Morris to Andre Russell. Full on off, Russell pushes it to mid off and changes strike.
Chris Morris to Andre Russell. SIX! Colossal! Well you don't bowl those to any batsman. Morris bowls a waist height full toss to Russell, he just clobbers it over deep mid-wicket and for a maximum. Russell asks for a no-ball and that looked close but the leg umpire denies to it so it will be a legal delivery.
Chris Morris to Andre Russell. OUT OF MY WAY! Oh dear... poor Brathwaite. He is smiling and thank God for the abdomen guard. This was hammered. Absolutely nailed. Short and outside off, Russell backs away and slaps it straight back. Unfortunately for him and more unluckily for his partner, it is straight at his box. Brathwaite tries to duck but is hit on the box. Ouch. But he shows no pain. Instead, he shows a thumbs up and smiles! Strong man...
A bit of sawdust being sprayed around the bowler's landing area. Apparently, Morris was slipping, so he called for the same.
Chris Morris to Carlos Brathwaite. Bowls a back of a length ball outside off, Brathwaite punches it with soft hands and the ball rolls towards cover as they pickup a quick single.
Chris Morris to Andre Russell. Length ball outside off, Russell pushes it to mid off and takes a run.
Chris Morris to Carlos Brathwaite. Fuller length ball on off, Carlos pushes it to point and takes a run.
Chris Morris time. 2-0-20-1 so far.
Kagiso Rabada to Carlos Brathwaite. Another freebie on the pads, flicked towards fine leg for a run. 12 from the over, 39 off the last 3!
Kagiso Rabada to Andre Russell. Down the leg side, flicked away for a single.
Kagiso Rabada to Andre Russell. SIX! CRASH! The first of the night! Full and outside off, Russell gets down and slogs it over deep mid-wicket. Flat hit!
Kagiso Rabada to Andre Russell. Banged in short, outside off, Andre bails out of the shot.
Kagiso Rabada to Andre Russell. FOUR! Brilliant batting. Not for the first time this season, have we seen placement and timing apart from power, from Russell. Outside off, on a length, Dre Russ backs away and delicately opens the face of the bat to guide it past short third man.
STRATEGIC BREAK. Kolkata are losing the plot here, they were cruising after the fall of the first wicket when Uthappa and Gill made a comeback and build a 63-run partnership. But once Uthappa departed, the hosts have been a little on the back foot as the run-scoring has been slow and some poor shots have also resulted in the fall of a few more wickets. With 5 overs remaining and another West Indian coming out to bat in the name of Carlos Brathwaite, will Kolkata be able to continue their big-hitting in the death as they have done throughout the season or will Delhi pickup the two batsmen and dent Kolkata's run scoring. Let's find out. Carlos Brathwaite is the new man in.
Kagiso Rabada to Dinesh Karthik. OUT! Catching practice. Karthik comes and Karthik goes. Not the best of balls from Rabada and one can sense by the smile on his face. This is like going to a shop to purchase a gift but then realizing that your wallet is not there. However, you get a return gift for free. Full and down the leg side, Karthik flicks it with excellent timing. However, there is a man waiting for the catch. Shikhar Dhawan it is and he takes it calmly at deep backward square leg. Once again, Kolkata relying too much on Russell.
Kagiso Rabada returns. 2-0-14-1 so far.
Keemo Paul to Dinesh Karthik. Full and outside off, driven through the covers for a single. 11 from the over and a wicket from it. Paul's figures read 3-0-36-1.
Keemo Paul to Andre Russell. Flicks this through mid-wicket for a run.
Keemo Paul to Andre Russell. FOUR! Too short and too far down the leg side. Russell helps it past the diving keeper to the fine leg fence.
Keemo Paul to Dinesh Karthik. Full and around middle, flicked through mid-wicket for a single.
Skipper Dinesh Karthik is in.
Keemo Paul to Shubman Gill. OUT! CAUGHT! Gill has to depart after a really fine innings. He was looking in excellent touch here but a poor shot does him in the end. Coming to the ball, it was a poor delivery from Paul who bowls it on a length on middle which was going down with the angle. Gill goes for the flick and connects well but the fielding placement by Iyer is excellent as he placed a short fine leg. Axar Patel there makes no mistake and takes an easy catch.
Keemo Paul to Shubman Gill. FOUR! Excellent placement by Gill. Paul starts with a slower ball outside off stump line, Gill reads it early. Backs away and then just cuts it behind point for an excellent boundary.
Keemo Paul is back on. 2-0-25-0 so far.
Axar Patel to Shubman Gill. Full and outside off, Shubman looks to go over the top but mistimes it towards mid off. The man is at long off, so the ball does not carry. A run taken. 16 from the over!
Axar Patel to Shubman Gill. FOUR! More runs. This is turning out to be a bonus over for Kolkata. Iyer wants the spinner to be done and dusted with quickly, before the death overs but this last over of his has taken a pounding. Short and fired down the leg side, 99.1 kph, Gill paddles it past short fine leg where the fielder dives but the ball goes through!
Axar Patel to Shubman Gill. SIX! Gill freeing up now! Full and outside off, plenty of flight, Gill gets down and mows a slog sweep over mid-wicket!
Axar Patel to Andre Russell. Punches this off the back foot for a single.
Axar Patel to Andre Russell. FOUR! CRACK! Short and wide outside off, Russell rocks back and slaps it through point for a boundary!
Axar Patel to Andre Russell. Landed in line of the stumps, watchfully defended.
Chris Morris to Andre Russell. Ends the over with another excellent yorker. Russell does well to get bat on it as he plays it towards cover for a single and keeping the strike for the next over.
Chris Morris to Andre Russell. Excellent change of lengths here. He bowls a tailing yorker to Russell, he toe ends it straight to mid off.
Chris Morris to Andre Russell. Morris strightaway bowls a short ball to Russell, it was pitching outside leg and going down so Russell ducks under it and lets it go. Wided.
Dinesh Karthik or Andre Russell? It is Dre Russ...
Chris Morris to Nitish Rana. OUT! A perfect yorker and Rana is out of here! Superb bowling from Morris. Missed the yorker on the previous ball but this time got it right. Right under the bat as Rana looked to go hard through the off side. The LED bails illuminate. Replays show a bit of an inside edge...
Chris Morris to Nitish Rana. SIX! Just over! A length ball, in line of the stumps, Rana flicks it casually over mid-wicket. Dhawan at the ropes leaps but the ball just eludes him.
Chris Morris to Nitish Rana. A short ball, outside off, Rana mistimes his heave towards mid on.
Chris Morris to Shubman Gill. Fifty for Gill. His 2nd in the Indian T20 League. Morris bowls a length ball outside off, Gill cuts it behind point and straight to third man for a single.
Chris Morris returns. 1-0-11-0 so far.
Axar Patel to Nitish Rana. Full and outside off, now Rana looks to play the slog sweep but misses again.
Axar Patel to Nitish Rana. Too wide outside off, Rana looks to play the reverse sweep but misses.
Axar Patel to Shubman Gill. Full and outside off, pushed through mid off for one.
Axar Patel to Shubman Gill. SIX! Finally Gill dances! Very few shots in this innings have been aerial from him and eventually Gill decides it is time. Steps out, gets to the pitch of the ball and swings it cleanly over long on!
Axar Patel to Nitish Rana. Short again, too wide outside off, slapped through point for a run.
Axar Patel to Shubman Gill. Short and outside off, pulled straight to deep mid-wicket for a single.
Axar Patel time. 2-0-5-0 so far.
Ishant Sharma to Nitish Rana. This one was a ripper. Ishant bowls it outside off, but on a back of a length. Rana goes for a cut again but misses as the ball just goes past his outside edge. Ishant Sharma finishes with excellent figures of 4-1-21-1.
Ishant Sharma to Nitish Rana. Wide! Don't know what is his thinking behind bowling so wide to Rana. He again bowls a wide delivery outside off, it is so wide that it is also outside the tramline. Rana goes for the cut but misses. Wided by the umpire.
Ishant Sharma to Nitish Rana. Continues bowling outside off to the southpaw, who goes for the cut but under edges it to the keeper.
Ishant Sharma to Shubman Gill. Fuller on off, Gill drives it mid on and takes a run.
Ishant Sharma to Nitish Rana. Sharma bowls this one way outside off to Rana. It would have been a wide had he left it but Rana drives it uppishly through covers for another single.
Ishant Sharma to Shubman Gill. Continues bowling the same line but this time he bowls a low full toss on the pads to Gill. He flicks it through mid-wicket for a run.
Ishant Sharma to Shubman Gill. Wide! This time it misses his pads as Sharma bowls the same line. The umpire signals this one as a wide.
Ishant Sharma to Shubman Gill. Strays on the pads to Gill. He foes for the flick but misses, the ball hits his pads and goes through to the keeper.
Ishant Sharma is back on.
Ricky Ponting who is up for an interview says he is happy with the start as it looks a very good wicket. Further adds there is also dew around so he would be happy if they keep them down to 170. Mentions the bowlers have to bowl a good length here and Gill is playing a good innings but they have good pacers to pull things back. States they will look to not bowl Rabada anymore and hold him for the back end for Russell. Credits the way Iyer has been doing as a captain and says he is a terrific young guy. He hopes to win the game here, they won the toss and they would hope to chase whatever they post. Ends by saying he is enjoying the role of a coach so far, loves the atmosphere and he is relishing the opportunity in coaching in the best League in the world.
Keemo Paul to Shubman Gill. Bowls it on a length on off, Gill pushes it to mid off and takes a run.
Keemo Paul to Shubman Gill. Excellent running between the wickets by the two young batsmen. Paul bowls it full on the pads, Gill drives it straight to long on and completes an easy brace.
Keemo Paul to Nitish Rana. Continues bowling on a length outside off to Rana, who again guides it down to third man for a run.
Keemo Paul to Shubman Gill. Fuller on off, Shubman punches it through point for a single.
Keemo Paul to Shubman Gill. This one is bowled in full and outside off, Gill drives it straight through covers and picks up a brace.
Keemo Paul to Nitish Rana. Starts off with a length ball outside off, Rana guides it down to third man for a single.
Keemo Paul is back on. 1-0-17-0 so far.
Kagiso Rabada to Shubman Gill. Defended off the back foot by the batsman. 2 runs and a wicket from the over, Rabada's figures read 2-0-14-1.
Kagiso Rabada to Nitish Rana. Outside off, steered towards third man for a single.
STRATEGIC BREAK. Nitish Rana walks in at number 4, replacing Uthappa. Kolkata not quite running away with the game and Delhi will be happy. The bowling has been decent apart from a few loose balls and do not forget - the hosts are a bit light in batting tonight. Of course, that the batters other than Dre Russ have not fired is another food for thought...
Kagiso Rabada to Robin Uthappa. OUT! That is a stunner from Rishabh Pant and Uthappa has to go! The short ball does the trick. A couple were punished earlier but this time, it has resulted in a wicket. Also, the pace. 146.2 kph. No child's play. Robbie looks to pull but clearly is done in by the pace. Too much for him. The ball takes the glove and then lobs behind. Now, about the man doing the glovework. Rishabh Pant. The ball flies after making contact with the glove but Pant takes off too. Leaps full stretch to his left and takes a magnificent diving catch. Rabada starts to appeal but gamesman Uthappa walks. The 63-run stand is broken and it might be a blessing in disguise for Kolkata. 30 balls for Uthappa's 28...
Kagiso Rabada to Robin Uthappa. Excellent bowling this from Rabada. Bowls a slower ball on a yorker length, Uthappa could do nothing but keep it out.
Kagiso Rabada to Robin Uthappa. Full and outside off, driven straight back. Rabada does well to stick out his right leg and stop the ball.
Kagiso Rabada to Shubman Gill. Outside off, punched off the back foot for a single.
Kagiso Rabada returns. 1-0-12-0 so far.
Axar Patel to Robin Uthappa. Ends with a flatter ball darted in on off, Uthappa drives it straight to covers.
Axar Patel to Shubman Gill. Fuller on the pads, Gill flicks it to mid-wicket for a run.
Axar Patel to Robin Uthappa. Changes line and bowls it short, Uthappa rocks back and pulls it hard to deep backward square leg but just for a single.
Axar Patel to Shubman Gill. Bowls it slower and outside off, Gill drives it to mid off and takes a single.
Axar Patel to Robin Uthappa. Full and outside off, pushed towards long off for a single.
Axar Patel to Robin Uthappa. Full and outside off, pushed towards cover.
Keemo Paul to Robin Uthappa. Strays on the pads, Uthappa flicks it to mid-wicket and takes a run.
Keemo Paul to Shubman Gill. Full on off, Gill drives it to mid on and changes strike.
Keemo Paul to Shubman Gill. FOUR! Take that says Gill. Uthappa hits a six and Gill follows with a four. Paul bowls it outside off on a fuller length, Gill punches it through point for an easy boundary.
Keemo Paul to Robin Uthappa. Fuller outside off, Uthappa drives it to covers and takes a run.
Keemo Paul to Robin Uthappa. SIX! Maximum use of the Free Hit! Poor bowling. Slower ball and that too, short in length. Uthappa waits and pulls it over long on! 50-RUN STAND IS UP!
FREE HIT time! Time for the first six of the game?
Keemo Paul to Shubman Gill. No ball! Bowls it outside off on a length, Gill drives it mid on and takes a quick run.
Keemo Paul to Shubman Gill. Starts with a length ball outside off, Gill drives it uppishly just above Ingram at covers. The deep fielder keeps it down to two.
Keemo Paul time.
Axar Patel to Robin Uthappa. Outside off, pushed straight to point. 41/1 in the Powerplay for Kolkata.
Axar Patel to Robin Uthappa. Full and down the leg side, Uthappa looks to flick but misses and is hit on the pads.
Axar Patel to Robin Uthappa. Down the leg side, played to square leg.
Axar Patel to Shubman Gill. Bowls it a little wider and outside off, Gill drives it to mid off and takes a run.
Axar Patel to Shubman Gill. Similar ball, Gill does the same and punches it back to the bowler.
Axar Patel to Shubman Gill. Starts off with a slower delivery on off, Gill pushes it back to the bowler.
Axar Patel to bowl now.
Ishant Sharma to Shubman Gill. Poor bowling, but there is insurance. Full and straight, Gill flicks it away but straight to deep mid-wicket. A run taken.
Ishant Sharma to Robin Uthappa. Starys on the pads to Robin, who flicks it on the leg side for a single.
Ishant Sharma to Shubman Gill. Bowls it on a length outside leg and going down with the angle, Gill moves across and pushes it towards point for a single.
Ishant Sharma to Shubman Gill. FOUR! Gill is in some fine form here. Fourth boundary for him. Sharma bowls it on a length on the pads, Gill flicks it uppishly behind square for another boundary.
Ishant Sharma to Shubman Gill. Full and on the pads, Gill flicks it straight to square leg.
Ishant Sharma to Shubman Gill. FOUR! Another short ball and another four. Ishant bowls a leg cutter, short and on off, Gill pulls it with ease for a boundary.
Kagiso Rabada to Robin Uthappa. FOUR! Third boundary of the over! Outside off, Uthappa waits for the ball to come to him and dabs it late past short third man! 12 from the over...
Kagiso Rabada to Robin Uthappa. Outside off, punched straight to point.
Kagiso Rabada to Robin Uthappa. FOUR! Too easy. On the pads, flicked through square leg for the second boundary of this over.
Kagiso Rabada to Robin Uthappa. The batsman works it down the leg side.
Kagiso Rabada to Robin Uthappa. FOUR! Skewed, but safe! On a length outside off, Uthappa looks to go inside out but the bat turns in his hands. Gets a thickish outside edge which flies over point.
Kagiso Rabada to Robin Uthappa. On a good length outside off, watchfully defended.
Kagiso Rabada into the attack now.
Ishant Sharma to Shubman Gill. FOUR! Ishant changes length and gets punished. He was bowling full throughout the over and goes for the short one this time. Gill is ready for it as he goes on the back foot and pulls it handsomely through mid-wicket for a four.
Ishant Sharma to Robin Uthappa. Leg bye! Bowls it on a length, pitching on leg, Uthappa goes for the flick but misses and the ball rolls towards point for a leg bye.
Ishant Sharma to Robin Uthappa. Full on off, Robin plays it back to the bowler.
Ishant Sharma to Shubman Gill. That's lucky for Gill. It would have been touch and go. Gill taps this length ball to mid on and goes for a quick run. Iyer at mid on, collects the ball quickly and has a shy at the non-striker's end. Luckily for Gill, Iyer did not hit or else he was a goner.
Ishant Sharma to Shubman Gill. An outswinger this time, pitching outside off on a fuller length, Gill drives it to covers.
Ishant Sharma to Shubman Gill. Bowls a length ball outside off, Gill just keeps it out.
Chris Morris to Shubman Gill. Excellent yorker to end the over, dug out for a run. What a contrasting couple of overs - Wicket maiden followed by a 11-run one.
Chris Morris to Robin Uthappa. Outside off, Robin opens the face of his bat at the last moment and guides it behind point for a single.
Chris Morris to Robin Uthappa. Full and outside off, driven straight to mid off.
Chris Morris to Robin Uthappa. FOUR! Leg side again from Morris and he pays the price for it. Full and straight, Uthappa walks across and flicks it with ease through mid-wicket for a boundary!
Chris Morris to Shubman Gill. Full and outside off, pushed through the covers for a single.
Chris Morris to Shubman Gill. FOUR! Gill and Kolkata are underway. Starts off with a full ball on the pads, Gill just flicks it with ease through mid-wicket and gets a boundary.
Chris Morris to bowl from the other end.
Ishant Sharma to Robin Uthappa. Superb bowling. After bringing the previous one in, he gets this one to move away. Uthappa looks to play at that but misses. A sensational WICKET MAIDEN from Ishant.
Ishant Sharma to Robin Uthappa. Good pace from Ishant. In the 140s. This one nips back in a long way from outside off, Uthappa fails to counter the movement and is hit on the thighs as he looks to flick.
Ishant Sharma to Robin Uthappa. Play and a miss. Ishant is making the ball talk. On a length, just outside off, Uthappa looked to defend but the ball just moved off the surface a bit and beat the outside edge. Did not carry through to the keeper.
Ishant Sharma to Robin Uthappa. Landed outside off, watchfully pushed towards point again.
Ishant Sharma to Robin Uthappa. Full and outside off, watchfully pushed towards point.
Robin Uthappa is the new batsman in.
Ishant Sharma to Joe Denly. OUT! KABOOM! What a start that is to the game. A wicket off the very first ball. Joe Denly bags a golden duck on his Kolkata debut. A top, top nut to get first up. That swung in like a banana from way outside off. It is also on a fuller length. Denly ends up playing against the swing as he tries to drive it through the off side. He misses and his off stump goes for a walk. Replays show that the ball has flicked the pads before hitting the stumps. Delhi are pumped up here.
Simon Katich rings the bell and we are all set for the action to begin now! The Delhi players make their way out to the middle. They are followed by a new opening pair for Kolkata, Joe Denly and Shubman Gill. The former will take strike and he will be facing Ishant Sharma. Here we go...
Lisa Sthalekar is having a chat with Sourav Ganguly. Dada is not too perturbed with the fact that he was playing for Kolkata for so long but is in Delhi's think-tank now. Feels that the wicket will be good and run-supportive and adds that people come to see only run fests. Is impressed with the young talent in Delhi and hopes that their career paths are defined in the right way.
Kolkata (Playing XI) - Joe Denly (IN), Robin Uthappa, Nitish Rana, Dinesh Karthik(WK/C), Shubman Gill, Andre Russell, Carlos Brathwaite (IN), Piyush Chawla, Kuldeep Yadav, Lockie Ferguson (IN), Prasidh Krishna.
Delhi (Playing XI) - Prithvi Shaw, Shikhar Dhawan, Shreyas Iyer(C), Rishabh Pant(WK), Colin Ingram, Chris Morris, Axar Patel, Rahul Tewatia, Keemo Paul (IN), Kagiso Rabada, Ishant Sharma.
Dinesh Karthik says the last game was an aberration, they did not expect the wicket to play like that and they are now looking forward to this one. Informs they have three forced changes, Joe Denly, Lockie Ferguson and Carlos Brathwaite come in for Harry Gurney, Sunil Narine and Chris Lynn. The forced changes are because one is down with flu while one has an injury scare.
Shreyas Iyer says they want to bowl first, the wicket looks like a belter and he wants to see how it plays. Mentions they have done well chasing and hence, they want to chase. Informs Keemo Paul comes in for Sandeep Lamichhane.
TOSS - Delhi win the toss and they elect to bowl first.
Pitch Report - Ian Bishop says that the seamers can bowl the short ball as it could be a good tactic but that can also travel if not bowled properly. Informs that it is a well-grassed surface and the ball won't turn a lot but it will skid and slide on. Ends by saying that dew might be a factor so chasing should be better.
Hello and welcome to game no. 26 of this year's Indian T20 League and it is a clash between Kolkata and Delhi in the former's den. The hosts will be delighted to get back to familiar conditions after they were blown away by Chennai in unfamiliar conditions. They though are still nicely placed on the table and they will be eager to get back to winning ways. A win here will see them remain second on the table, however, a win for their opponents will see them break into the top 4. They have momentum on their side and they would want to continue that. The last time these two sides faced, we witnessed a Super Over. Let us hope this game is another humdinger. Stay tuned for the toss and teams.
That ends Friday's adventure. Over to Super Saturday now, where Mumbai host Rajasthan at the Wankhede at 4 pm local (1030 GMT), followed by the Punjab-Bangalore clash in Mohali at 8 pm local (1430 GMT). Do join us then for the weekend bash. ADIOS! TAKE CARE!
SHIKHAR DHAWAN HAS BEEN NAMED THE MAN OF THE MATCH FOR HIS UNBEATEN 97. Admits that the 100 was on the back of his mind but a victory is more important and hence, he did not look to go big. Adds that he was happy to work it around and stay till the end. On the pitch, Shikhar says that the track here is very different than the one in Delhi and it is a lovely wicket which supports both, the bowler and the batsman. Further says that the wicket is Delhi is more challenging and you need to adapt quickly. Says that he is enjoying his game. Also says that after the fall of two quick wickets, they were looking to build a partnership and they did so. Says that Rishabh Pant is very well capable of hitting it out of the park and he too was hitting boundaries on regular basis, which made things easier.
Victorious Delhi captain, Shreyas Iyer, says it is an amazing feeling, winning 4 out of 7 games, which is very rare since the time he has been playing. Adds that it was difficult to select the team but then Ricky Ponting and Sourav Ganguly sat down together and decided to leave Sandeep Lamichhane out for Paul and it turned out to be a good move. Mentions that Dhawan loves to bat on such tracks and credits the way he played, appreciating him for batting till the end. Ends by saying someone from the top order needed to take the reponsibility and Dhawan did it.
Rishabh Pant comes over for a chat now. Says he tries to keep his head clear and play on the merit of the ball. Mentions he wanted to stay there till the end and complete the game as quickly as possible. States pacing the innings is very important while chasing something above 180. Further adds he does not focus on what the bowler is thinking and concentrates more on his strength. Ends by saying they were looking to take it deep and take their team over the line.
Kolkata skipper, Dinesh Karthik, says they were 15 runs short. Admits they did not bat as well as they should have. Adds that he expected his bowlers to put up a better fight. States Lynn and Narine were missed as they are an integral part of the team, but praises Gill for doing a very good job. Mentions it is hard on Joe Denly to get a game after a long time and get dismissed on the very first ball but expects him to come back stronger. Ends by saying they will try and come back stronger in the next game.
Just three bowlers took wickets. Prasidh Krishna, Andre Russell and the last, by Nitish Rana. No wickets for Ferguson, Kuldeep, Chawla or Brathwaite. Their spin department is struggling while the pace department has not been at its best either. This win takes Delhi to 4th spot in the points table, while Kolkata stay on second. Please stay tuned for the presentation...
Not the greatest outing for Kolkata with the ball. The focus has been so much on Andre Russell that all the other factors have been ignored. Ian Bishop on air mentioned that the home side have taken the least number of wickets this season. What about their batting? Where has it fired? Even in this game, it was more of Andre Russell's blitz that took them close to 180. Shubman Gill played a lone innings at the top.
Focussing away from the individual landmark, let us now move to the team performance. Delhi entered the Eden with 1 win in 8 outings against Kolkata. Finally they have doubled their wins. Well orchestrated, with Shikhar Dhawan batting till the end, with good support from Rishabh Pant. Delhi might have felt that they were in trouble having lost 2 inside the Powerplay but with Gabbar around, they were always comfortable. The 105-run stand for the third wicket sealed the game for the visitors.
Wow. Did not think this would happen. Everyone was waiting for a Dhawan century. But poor guy has been stranded on 97. 97 - would you believe that? But kudos to the team. Chased down 179 with 7 balls to spare. 7th successive run chase in this tournament.
Piyush Chawla to Colin Ingram. SIX! INGRAM FINISHES IT OFF IN STYLE! No hundred for Dhawan. Ingram clears the front leg and then tonks the ball over the long on fence. All smiles though in the Delhi camp as THEY HAVE WON BY 7 WICKETS!
Piyush Chawla to Shikhar Dhawan. On the pads, this is worked around the corner for a run. Dhawan moves onto 97 and Delhi need 5.
Piyush Chawla to Colin Ingram. Now looks to go for the slog sweep but sees the line is not quite there for that shot. He sensibly hits it through covers for a single.
Piyush Chawla to Colin Ingram. FOUR! Edgy, that would do for Delhi! Runs needed in single digits now. This is slower and it is tossed up outside off. Ingram throws the kitchen sink at it but only manages an outside edge to the third man fence.
Piyush Chawla to Shikhar Dhawan. Needed a direct hit! The googly from Chawla, it pitches around off. Dhawan picks it and then guides it towards short third man. They go for a run. The fielder throws it to the keeper who fails to collect it.
Piyush Chawla to bowl. 2-0-22-0 so far.
Nitish Rana to Colin Ingram. A couple to finish! 12 in 12! Ingram dances down the track and hits it hard towards long off. The fielder there makes a good diving stop, can't stop two though. A good over though by Rana, he has given Kolkata some hope.
Nitish Rana to Shikhar Dhawan. Good running! Dhawan taps it to the right of the bowler and sets off for a single. They complete it.
Mind games... Dhawan lines up for a big hit but then Rana does not deliver at all.
Nitish Rana to Colin Ingram. A risky run but they complete it in the end! Ingram first looks to paddle but then seeing the line is outside off, he guides it towards point. The batsmen go for a single and complete it as the throw from the fielder is a week one.
Nitish Rana to Colin Ingram. Fires this on the stumps, Ingram punches it back to the bowler.
Nitish Rana to Shikhar Dhawan. Just a single as this is slapped through covers.
Colin Ingram walks in at number 5, replacing Pant. Surely can hang around with Dhawan to seal this through...
Nitish Rana to Rishabh Pant. OUT! PANT HOLES OUT! He has thrown it away! This was just needless. This though has been his problem throughout this edition, plays an excellent innings but does not finish off the game for his team. He walks down the track and looks to go for another one-handed biggie. This time he does not time it and it goes straight into the hands of the fielder at long on. Kuldeep Yadav makes no mistake. 17 needed in 17. Delhi can't surely lose it from here right or can they? We will have to wait and watch.
Nitish Rana is back on! Also, Russell is seen walking off the field.
Andre Russell to Shikhar Dhawan. A couple to edn! So 17 needed in the last 3 overs. Slightly short and outside off, Dhawan drives it square on the off side and takes two.
Andre Russell to Shikhar Dhawan. A good short ball outside off, Dhawan looks to upper cut it but misses.
Andre Russell to Rishabh Pant. Short and on the body, Pant pulls it to deep square leg for a single. Singles will do it now!
Andre Russell to Rishabh Pant. SIX! That is probably the blow which seals it for Delhi. The runs needed is below the balls to be bowled. The slower one and it has been picked. Pant lofts it over long on and it goes all the way. The 100-run stand is also up, they have taken Delhi to the brink of victory, they now need to take them to victory.
Andre Russell to Rishabh Pant. FOUR! Smashed! A half volley and it has been put away! Very full and outside off, Pant hits it through covers. Long off had no chance.
Andre Russell to Shikhar Dhawan. Slower one to begin with! Dhawan pushes it down to long off for a single.
Andre Russell returns. 2-0-15-1 so far.
Kuldeep Yadav to Rishabh Pant. A couple to end! Pant uses his feet again and with soft hands works it towards mid on for a brace. 10 from this over as well and now Delhi need 31 in 24.
Kuldeep Yadav to Shikhar Dhawan. Into the 90s now with this deft touch towards short third man for a single.
Kuldeep Yadav to Shikhar Dhawan. FOUR! The boundary that is needed in the over has come! Dhawan makes very good use of the feet and gets to the pitch of the ball. He smashes it to the long on fence.
Kuldeep Yadav to Rishabh Pant. Kuldeep changes the angle! Pant steps out. Kuldeep bowls it short and outside off, Pant can only slap it through cover for a run. Just three from the first three balls.
Kuldeep Yadav to Shikhar Dhawan. Well fielded! Dhawan plays the sweep towards short fine leg. Krishna there qui8ckly moves to his right, then slides and stops it. Can't stop the single.
Kuldeep Yadav to Rishabh Pant. Slower through the air on middle, Pant first looks to charge but then seeing the length, stays back and works it through mid-wicket for a single.
Kuldeep Yadav to bowl out. 3-0-18-0 so far.
Prasidh Krishna to Shikhar Dhawan. A couple to end another producitve over for the visitors. Dhawan slashes at this one which is wide outside off. Ferguson at sweeper cover runs to his right, slides and keeps it to two.
Prasidh Krishna to Shikhar Dhawan. Good delivery that! Bends his back on this one and bangs it short outside off. Dhawan looks to cut but misses as that one had extra bounce.
Pant is taking a long time to recover, it seems. So the umpires have called for the STRATEGIC BREAK. Delhi are cruising. But we will keep our lips sealed. And our fingers as well. We have seen this in the past that Delhi have cruised through, only to fumble towards the end. What's in store tonight?
Pant is down at the non-striker's end. He seems to be in pain. The physio is out.
Prasidh Krishna to Rishabh Pant. Ouch! This is angled into the batsman. Pant looks to flick but misses. Gets hit near the box. It rolls towards the off side and a leg bye is taken.
Prasidh Krishna to Shikhar Dhawan. Now follows the boundary up with a single down to long off.
Prasidh Krishna to Shikhar Dhawan. FOUR! Too easy for Dhawan! You bowl him there, he would do that everytime. A half volley and on off, Dhawan strokes it past mid off. Russell there dives but in vain. A boundary.
Prasidh Krishna to Shikhar Dhawan. Starts off with a good delivery, on the body of the batsman. Dhawan is cramped for room so he pushes it back to the bowler.
Prasidh Krishna is back into the attack.
Piyush Chawla to Rishabh Pant. FOUR! Boundary to begin the over and boundary to end! Not off the middle though but Delhi will take it. Pant is down on one knee and goes for the sweep. It goes off the inner half and through mid-wicket for a boundary. 49 more needed in 36. Delhi's game to lose now.
Piyush Chawla to Shikhar Dhawan. A single now! Sensible batting by Dhawan. Knows there is not a lot of risk to be taken so he eases it down to long off for a single.
Piyush Chawla to Rishabh Pant. A straighter line this time, Pant hits it towards deep mid-wicket for a single.
Piyush Chawla to Rishabh Pant. Another googly, Pant punches it again but finds cover. A dot, they need a few more.
Piyush Chawla to Rishabh Pant. This time through the leg side, not a boundary but a couple! Shortish and on off, Pant whips it towards mid-wicket. Russell does well to keep it down to two.
Piyush Chawla to Rishabh Pant. FOUR! Another one which begins with a boundary! Short and it is the googly. Pant picks it and he slaps it through covers. It races to the fence.
Piyush Chawla is back on.
Lockie Ferguson to Rishabh Pant. Another full toss but another single as Pant flicks it to the same fielder Dhawan did to. 13 from the over and Delhi need 61 in 42. Run rate needed is below 9 now.
Lockie Ferguson to Shikhar Dhawan. Not getting it right here! Bowls a full toss now, Dhawan flicks it but straight to deep square leg for a single.
Lockie Ferguson to Shikhar Dhawan. FOUR! Brilliant from Dhawan! Second boundary in the over and it is once again in the cover region. Full and on off, Dhawan just puts bat to ball, pierces the gap in the region and a boundary results.
Lockie Ferguson to Shikhar Dhawan. Sprays down the leg side and it has been wided. Not good bowling this, can't give away free runs at the moment.
Lockie Ferguson to Shikhar Dhawan. Attacks the stumps, Dhawan works it to mid off.
Lockie Ferguson to Shikhar Dhawan. This time Dhawan cuts it to the right of the fielder at sweeper cover and the batters take two. 6 from the first two balls.
Lockie Ferguson to Shikhar Dhawan. FOUR! Welcome back into the attack, Ferguson! Ideal start to the over. Full and outside off, easy for Dhawan, he strokes it through covers and you need not run for those. Also, the 50-run stand is up. A very important one for Delhi, they are on top at the moment but the job is not done.
Lockie Ferguson is back on!
Nitish Rana to Shikhar Dhawan. A short delivery by Rana, Dhawan pulls it to mid-wicket. Single taken. 74 runs needed from 48 deliveries.
Nitish Rana to Rishabh Pant. Flatter delivery on leg, Pant hits it to square leg for a run.
Nitish Rana to Shikhar Dhawan. A flighted delivery on off, Dhawan comes out of the crease and drives it to cover for a single.
Nitish Rana to Shikhar Dhawan. Rana drifts down leg, Dhawan flicks it to square leg for a double.
Nitish Rana to Rishabh Pant. A flighted delivery on middle and leg, Pant pushes it to long on. Single taken. This brings up 100-runs on the scoreboard for Delhi.
Nitish Rana to Shikhar Dhawan. Rana starts with a fuller length on off, Dhawan drives it to long off for a run.
Nitish Rana is on now. Karthik trying everything here.
Kuldeep Yadav to Shikhar Dhawan. A single to end! Dhawan sweeps it to deep square leg. So just the single from the last three balls. Kuldeep did well to pull it back.
Kuldeep Yadav to Shikhar Dhawan. Flatter and outside off, Dhawan looks to cut but due to the extra bounce, an outside edge is produced to short third man.
Kuldeep Yadav to Shikhar Dhawan. Dhawan looks to disturb the line of the bowler by moving around in the crease. Kuldeep sticks to bowling it on the stumps, Shikhar pushes it to covers.
Kuldeep Yadav to Rishabh Pant. On the shorter side, Pant goes back and punches it through covers for a run.
New ball please! The previous one has been lost.
Kuldeep Yadav to Rishabh Pant. SIX! A one-handed biggie! Dances down the track, gets to the pitch of it. Lofts it over the long off fence by taking a hand off the handle. Pin-drop silence here as Delhi are cruising at the moment.
Kuldeep Yadav to Rishabh Pant. Wide. Yadav goes down the leg side. Pant misses his sweep. Wided.
Kuldeep Yadav to Shikhar Dhawan. A flighted delivery on leg, Dhawan drives it to long on.
Carlos Brathwaite to Shikhar Dhawan. Dhawan flicks this one to square leg for a single. 91 runs needed in 60 balls.
Carlos Brathwaite to Shikhar Dhawan. FOUR! Poor bowling and put away! Consecutive boundaries! Short and down the leg side, easy pickings. Dhawan pulls it through backward square leg and into the fence.
Carlos Brathwaite to Shikhar Dhawan. FOUR! Brings up his 50 in style. His 34th in this format! He though needs to continue, only half the job is done! Dhawan makes room and it is the slower one outside off, Dhawan slaps it away from sweeper cover and a boundary results.
Carlos Brathwaite to Shikhar Dhawan. Change of length by Carlos, Dhawan dances down the track and takes a double towards the square leg region.
Carlos Brathwaite to Rishabh Pant. Same length by Brathwaite, Pant pulls it to square leg and adds a single.
Carlos Brathwaite to Shikhar Dhawan. A short one by Carlos, Dhawan pulls it to square leg for a single.
The Strategic break has been signaled! Delhi moving along nicely here. Both Dhawan and Pant are playing sensibly at the moment and the visitors would hope they can continue. Kolkata on the other hand, know they need to break this stand early and once they do so, they will be into the fragile middle order of the away team. Also, Carlos Brathwaite is on now! So just the single over for Chawla.
Kuldeep Yadav to Shikhar Dhawan. Yadav flights this one, Dhawan drives it long on for a run. 3 runs from this over. A decent over by Kuldeep Yadav.
Kuldeep Yadav to Rishabh Pant. A half tracker on off, Pant punches it to long on. Single taken.
Kuldeep Yadav to Rishabh Pant. A short delivery to follow, Pant keeps it away.
Kuldeep Yadav to Rishabh Pant. A flighted delivery on off, Pant drives it straight to the cover fielder.
Kuldeep Yadav to Rishabh Pant. A quicker one from Kuldeep. Pant blocks it.
Kuldeep Yadav to Shikhar Dhawan. A short delivery on off, Dhawan pulls it to long on for an easy run.
Piyush Chawla to Rishabh Pant. FOUR! In the gap! Pant takes the risk and it comes off! He goes for the slog sweep, it is not right off the middle. Also, he has to drag it from outside off. The ball is in the gap in the mid-wicket region and a boundary. Spoils the over, 10 from it.
Piyush Chawla to Shikhar Dhawan. A little too much of air on this ball, Dhawan taps it to backward point and runs for a single. Rana at the position scores a direct hit but Pant was well in.
Piyush Chawla to Rishabh Pant. A short delivery on off, Pants cuts it to point. Single taken.
Piyush Chawla to Shikhar Dhawan. Chawla applies flight to this, Shikhar taps it on the off side and runs for a single.
Piyush Chawla to Shikhar Dhawan. A short delivery on off, Dhawan cuts it through covers and runs a double this time.
Piyush Chawla to Rishabh Pant. Chawla starts with a wrong one on off, Pant cuts it down to sweeper cover for an easy single.
Piyush Chawla is on now! Spin from both ends.
Kuldeep Yadav to Rishabh Pant. Pant dances down the track but does not get to the pitch of the ball. He adjusts and guides it through point for a single. A good start for Kuldeep.
Kuldeep Yadav to Shikhar Dhawan. On the shorter side, Dhawan pushes it to the left of the bowler. He fails to stop it and it is a single down to long on.
Kuldeep Yadav to Rishabh Pant. A little too straight, Pant works it through mid-wicket. They take the first one quickly but there is no chance for the second.
Kuldeep Yadav to Rishabh Pant. This is flatter and outside off, Pant goes back and guides it to point.
Kuldeep Yadav to Shikhar Dhawan. A flighted delivery on off, Dhawan easily drives it to covers for a single.
Kuldeep Yadav to Shikhar Dhawan. Kuldeep starts with a short delivery on off, Dhawan cuts it to sweeper cover for a double. The umpire though has give it as one short. Dhawan does not tap his bat inside the crease, he taps it on the line.
Kuldeep Yadav is on now!
Andre Russell to Rishabh Pant. A dot to end! An excellent 6th. Kolkata needed an over like this. Just the 2 and a wicket from it. Length and on off, Pant blocks it out. Delhi are 57 for 2 after it. Their run rate is superb but they have lost two.
Andre Russell to Rishabh Pant. A nasty welcome and Russell's followthrough is right uptill the batsman. He has his tail up here. A good bumper on middle, Pant ducks under it.
Rishabh Pant is the new man in.
Andre Russell to Shreyas Iyer. OUT! 50th Indian T20 League wicket for Russell. Iyer has been caught down the leg side! Excellent sportsmanship from the Delhi skipper as he has walked. A very soft, soft dismissal and Iyer will be very frustrated with himself. Russell though is up and running in his celebration. A nothing delivery this, down the leg side. Iyer looks to flick but gets a feather to Karthik who takes it and appeals. Before the umpire gives it out, Iyer is walking back. Russell gets his first and it is a big wicket. Game right in the balance now.
Andre Russell to Shikhar Dhawan. A length delivery on off, Dhawan drives it to sweeper cover for a single.
Andre Russell to Shikhar Dhawan. Bowls it on a length and on middle, it straightens just a touch. Dhawan keeps it out.
Andre Russell to Shreyas Iyer. Well played in the end! This one jags back in from outside off. Iyer adjusts well and then guides it towards the off side for a quick run.
Lockie Ferguson to Shikhar Dhawan. FOUR! Short and that sits up to be hit! Dhawan is quickly onto the back foot and dismisses it through mid-wicket. 10 from Lockie's second as well. 124 needed in 90.
Lockie Ferguson to Shreyas Iyer. Soft leading edge! Good running in the end! Slower ball again on middle, Iyer looks to play it with a closed face of the bat. He is early to do so and the ball goes off the leading edge towards mid off for a quick run.
Lockie Ferguson to Shreyas Iyer. FOUR! Delightful from Iyer this time! Slower ball and it is very full in length. Shreyas waits for it and then strokes it down to the long on fence. 50 up for the visitors and it has come up in very quick time.
Lockie Ferguson to Shreyas Iyer. On middle, Iyer pushes it to mid on.
Lockie Ferguson to Shreyas Iyer. Good delivery! Goes wide of the crease and angles it into the batsman. It is slightly shorter. Shreyas Iyer tries to defend it off the back foot but misses.
Lockie Ferguson to Shikhar Dhawan. The slower short ball to begin with! Dhawan defends it beside the pitch and sets off for a run. It is a race between the bowler and the non-striker. Ferguson tries to kick it onto the stumps but fails to do so.
Lockie Ferguson is back!
Andre Russell to Shikhar Dhawan. A short ball this time by Russell, Dhawan pulls it to fine leg for a single. 13 runs from the first over of Russell. An unfortunate one for Russell, he could have had a wicket to his name but instead turns out to be an expensive over.
Andre Russell to Shikhar Dhawan. A back of a length outside off, Dhawan taps it to point.
Andre Russell to Shikhar Dhawan. FOUR! Nothing lucky about this one! Delightful from Dhawan. It is fuller in length on middle, Dhawan with a very straight bat strokes it past the mid on fielder. Three boundaries in the 4 balls bowled by Russell.
Andre Russell to Shikhar Dhawan. A short length delivery, Dhawan blocks it.
Andre Russell to Shikhar Dhawan. DROPPED AND FOUR! A tough chance though. Russell lands this one just outside off and it is on a length. Dhawan pokes at it and the ball takes the outside edge. The ball flies through first slip. Rana at flying slip dives to his right, gets a hand to it but can't hang on. The ball races to the third man fence. Consecutive boundaries and both lucky.
Andre Russell to Shikhar Dhawan. FOUR! Misfield costs another boundary. A back of a length delivey on off, Dhawan slices it to backward point and fumble by Krishna gets Dhawan a four.
Captain Shreyas Iyer walks in at number 3, replacing Shaw. Andre Russell to bowl.
Prasidh Krishna to Prithvi Shaw. OUT! EDGED AND TAKEN! No doubt this time and Krishna has provided the much-needed breakthrough. The high-flying opening stand has been cut short. A very good ball this. Krishna pitches it on a length and around off, gets it to straighten just a touch. Shaw ends up playing inside the line and due to the late away movement, gets an outside edge. Karthik behind does really well to dive to his right and take it brilliantly. Add to it that his first movement was to his left. Kolkata now have a chance to pull things back a little. End of an action-packed over, 17 runs and a wicket.
Prasidh Krishna to Shikhar Dhawan. A fuller length delivery on off, Dhawan drives it to sweeper cover for a single.
Prasidh Krishna to Shikhar Dhawan. SIX! Poor bowling again! Short and wide, Dhawan would hit that all day long. He cuts it uppishly and it carries all the way. Second maximum of the over.
Prasidh Krishna to Shikhar Dhawan. NOT OUT! There was not a lot of evidence to overturn the on-field call. A brave call in the end. Kolkata lose their only review very early. Krishna bowls this one on a length and outside off, this jags back in sharply. Dhawan tries to keep it out but the ball sneaks between pad and bat. Karthik appeals and it is a confident one. The umpire shakes his head. Kolkata take the review. Now Ultra Edge does detect something but from one angle it seems to be the glove and from the other it looks like the ball has passed the bat. After a lot of replays, the umpire decides to rule it in the favor of the batsman. Probably, the ball hit the pad.
Review time! Karthik feels he has got his man here. The umpire though feels different. Dinesh has taken a review for a caught behind.
Prasidh Krishna to Shikhar Dhawan. FOUR! Krishna is not learning here! He continues bowling to Dhawan's strength. Short and outside off, Dhawan says thank you very much and he slaps it over point for a boundary. 10 from the two balls bowled.
Prasidh Krishna to Shikhar Dhawan. SIX! Dealing in maximums are Delhi here. One to begin the third. It is short and outside off, Dhawan arches and then lofts it over the slip fielder for a biggie.
Lockie Ferguson to Prithvi Shaw. SIX! Top edge and it goes all the way! A maximum to end a very expensive first by Ferguson. He goes short and on the body of Shaw. Prithvi swivels and tries to pull but the ball flies off the top edge, over the keeper's head and over the fence. 14 from the over, not what Kolkata wanted after a tight first.
Lockie Ferguson to Prithvi Shaw. A great comeback of Lockie, a slower dipping yorker and Shaw manages to keep it away.
Lockie Ferguson to Prithvi Shaw. SIX! A flat one! What a shot! Ferguson is guilty of offering a lot of width outside off. Shaw is down on one knee as he lofts it over covers. It is right off the middle and it carries all the way. First of the innings.
Lockie Ferguson to Prithvi Shaw. A back of a length on off, Shaw punches it to covers.
Lockie Ferguson to Shikhar Dhawan. Sticking on the leg stump line, Dhawan flicks it to fine leg for a single.
Lockie Ferguson to Prithvi Shaw. Ferguson starts with a short delivery on leg, Shaw taps it towards the mid-wicket region for a single.
Lockie Ferguson to bowl from the other end.
Prasidh Krishna to Shikhar Dhawan. A dot to end! Just the single from the first over. However, he gets away with one here. This is short and outside off, Dhawan looks to cut but mistimes it towards cover.
Prasidh Krishna to Shikhar Dhawan. Good shot but for no runs! 4 dots in a row, this is turning out to be a good first over. Dhawan makes room and there is width on offer outside off. Shikhar slaps it but straight to point.
Prasidh Krishna to Shikhar Dhawan. A good short ball on the body of Dhawan. He may have been a little surprised by it as he defends it awkwardly.
Prasidh Krishna to Shikhar Dhawan. Just behind a driving length around off, Dhawan throws his bat at it but can't get past cover point.
Prasidh Krishna to Shikhar Dhawan. Good delivery! From around the wicket, Krishna comes running in and lands it around off. It comes back in. Dhawan looks to play at it with soft hands but ends up getting an inside edge to short fine leg.
Prasidh Krishna to Prithvi Shaw. Delhi are underway! Slightly short and on the body, Shaw works it through square leg. The fielder is in the deep and a single is taken.
We are back for the chase! The Delhi openers, Prithvi Shaw and Shikhar Dhawan walk out to the middle. The former scored a 99 in the previous fixture between the two. Something similar is what Delhi would love. Kolkata on the other hand, would like a few early wickets. Prasidh Krishna to start the proceedings for them. Here we go...