Chennai Super Kings vs Rajasthan Royals, IPL, 2023 Full score card

Sandeep Sharma has done it! He holds his nerves against MS Dhoni and takes Rajasthan over the line. The crowd have gone absolutely silent. Coming to the delivery, Sharma brings out the best in him and executes the yorker length from 'round the wicket, on off, MS Dhoni swings his willow but does not manage to get under the ball. Drags this one to deep mid-wicket and it will be only a single. Rajasthan win by 3 runs!

Nails the yorker outside off, Ravindra Jadeja squeezes this one to cover for one. It is up to MS Dhoni now. Chennai need 5 runs off the last ball.

Switches to 'round the wicket and bowls it on a hard length, outside off, MS Dhoni shuffles across and swats it to deep mid-wicket for a run. Chennai need 6 off 2 now.

SIX MORE! MS Dhoni is taking Chennai home here! Another low full toss on middle, MS Dhoni picks this one on the full and brings his wrists into play. Whips this one and gets it flat and over the deep mid-wicket fence for six runs more. The fire is still burning, the crowd has gone mad. Mahi! Mahi! everywhere. Wow, goosebumps. Vintage MSD!

SIX! Put away by MS Dhoni! Sandeep Sharma loses his radar again and bowls a low full toss on leg, MS Dhoni heaves this one flat and over the backward square leg fence for a maximum. Chennai now need 13 runs from 4 balls.

Good delivery! Bowls a perfect yorker on off, MS Dhoni tries to get underneath this one but can only dig this one out.

WIDE! Sandeep Sharma is feeling the heat here! Tries to follow the batter but sprays it full and down the leg side, MS Dhoni gets inside the line and it is wided again.

WIDE! Misses his radar and bowls this one halfway down the track and beyond the tramline on the off side. MS Dhoni lets it go and the umpire signals a wide.

We have another nail-biting finish on our hands. Chennai need 21 runs and Sandeep Sharma (2-0-13-1) has the responsibilty of bowling the last over.

SIX! Straight hit! Jason Holder bowls this one in the slot and around off, Ravindra Jadeja gets the width he needs and smokes it over the long off fence for yet another maximum.

Precious dot! Directs this one at the pads and touch fuller, Ravindra Jadeja tries to slog but does not manage to do so. The ball drops at his feet and batters opt not to run.

SIX! This time he gets it away! On a length and drifting in on leg, Ravindra Jadeja clears his front leg and gets into a good position. Swats this one over the backward square leg fence for a maximum.

WIDE! Jason Holder is clearly under pressure here! Sprays this one a length but down the leg side, Ravindra Jadeja tries to heave this one but does not connect. He is angry at himself for not managing to get any bat on this.

FOUR! Crunched! Holder bowls it full and on middle from 'round the wicket, Ravindra Jadeja clears his front leg and thumps it past MS Dhoni at the non-striker's end for a much-needed boundary.

Nails the yorker on off, MS Dhoni does not manage to get underneath this one and drills it down to long on for a run.

Leg bye! Holder follows the batter and angles it on leg, Ravindra Jadeja tries to slog it away but misses. The ball catches him on the pads and rolls on the off side for a leg bye.

Jason Holder (2-0-18-0) to bowl the penultimate over.

Darted in full and on middle, Ravindra Jadeja clips it across the line to deep square leg for one. Chennai need 40 off the last two overs.

Shorter and at the stumps, MS Dhoni calmly works this one to long on and takes a single.

SIX! MS Dhoni goes huge! Floated, full and turning away, outside off, MS Dhoni gets down on one knee and picks the bones out of it. Deposits it over the mid-wicket fence for a biggie. The crowd are up on their feet once again.

Googly, short and outside off, Ravindra Jadeja picks the googly and pulls it to deep mid-wicket for a single.

Shortens his length and bowls it on middle, the ball keeps low but MS Dhoni still manages to pull this one to deep square leg for one.

FOUR! Easy pickings! Fired in full and on leg, MS Dhoni does not miss out as he sweeps this one through backward square leg for a boundary.

Adam Zampa (3-0-29-1) comes back into the attack now.

Pushed through quicker and short at the stumps, MS Dhoni goes on the back foot and punches it to deep cover. Retains the strike with a single.

Short and flat on off, MS Dhoni cuts late but finds backward point. This is turning out to be a great over by Yuzvendra Chahal.

Flighted delivery, full and turning in on off, Ravindra Jadeja gets down to slog but gets an outside edge. The ball sneaks past Sanju Samson and rolls to third man for one.

Fires this one short and on middle, MS Dhoni moves in the crease and knocks it down to long on for a single.

Floats this one full on leg, Ravindra Jadeja clips it uppishly to long on and gets to the other end.

Short and around off, MS Dhoni rocks back and taps it to deep cover for a single.

Strategic-Break! Rajashtan have turned this game around on its head in the last few overs and they will be happy with two new batters at the crease. However, the two new batters are MS Dhoni and Ravindra Jadeja which gives Chennai a lot of hope as we know they can chase down anything. This is going to be a good battle and we are in for a thriller again as exciting last four overs of this game is coming our way. Yuzvendra Chahal to bowl out after the break.

Flatter and quicker on middle by Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja solidly keeps this one out back to the bowler. A tidy over by Ashwin to finish his quota of four overs. He ends with figures of 2 for 25.

Ashwin bowls it short and on middle and leg, a hint of extra bounce, MS Dhoni rolls his wrists and works it to deep backward square leg for one.

Fraction short and turning away, around off, MS Dhoni reads it well and cuts it to backward point for a dot.

Short and turning away, outside off, Ravindra Jadeja allows the ball to turn and punches it to long on for a single.

MS Dhoni is underway! Short and drifting in on leg, MS Dhoni hangs back and pushes it to the left of mid-wicket. Gets off the mark with a single.

Angled in on middle, on a short length, Ravindra Jadeja goes back and tucks it to deep mid-wicket for a single.

MS Dhoni comes out to bat in his 200th Indian T20 League game as the captain of Chennai.

FIFTY AND OUT FOR CONWAY! He tries to take on Yuzvendra Chahal, but holes out instead and Rajasthan are right back in the game. Chahal flights this up, outside off to keep it away from the batter, Devon Conway stills tries to go for the big shot, but only manages to slice it in the air, Yashasvi Jaiswal at extra cover backtracks, settles under it and takes a good catch. Chennai six down now!

Short and on leg, Ravindra Jadeja flicks it through square leg for a run.

FIFTY FOR CONWAY! This has been an excellent knock from him, but he knows the job is not done yet and he will want to stay there till the end. This is flatter, full and on leg, Devon Conway looks to sweep but gets a bottom edge wide of deep backward square leg where the fielder dives to his left to make a good stop. Three runs taken!

Short and outside off, way outside off, Devon Conway fails to reach it. Wided.

FOUR! Fine shot! This is tossed up, full and on middle, Devon Conway stays there and whips it towards the wide long on fence for a boundary.

A low full toss, on middle, Ravindra Jadeja clips it through square leg for a single.

Ravindra Jadeja comes in at number 7.

OUT! TAKEN! Yuzvendra Chahal strikes now! The Impact Player goes without making any impact here. Chahal lands this short and around leg, Ambati Rayudu moves back and tries to pull, but loses his shape and is in no position to play that shot. As a result, he mistimes it badly in the air towards deep mid-wicket where Shimron Hetmyer runs to his right and takes a good catch sliding on the ground. This game has turned around in the last two overs or so.

Oh..close! This is tossed up, full and on off, Ambati Rayudu looks to drive, but gets an inside edge past the stumps towards short fine leg. They cross.

Chennai bring in Ambati Rayudu as their Impact Player, replacing Sisanda Magala. Rayudu now makes his way out to bat.

OUT! TAKEN! A fine running catch in the deep and Rajasthan gets a breakthrough here. Adam Zampa floats this up, full and around leg, Moeen Ali goes down and tries to sweep, but fails to get under it and mistimes it in the air wide of deep square leg where Sandeep Sharma runs to his left and takes a terrific catch tumbling onto the ground. Chennai lose their fourth wicket now!

Another quicker delivery, full and on off, Devon Conway goes for the slog-sweep, but gets a bottome edge onto his pads as the ball rolls behind.

Shortish and on off, Moeen Ali steers it towards backward point for a single.

Quicker, short and outside off, Moeen Ali slices it over point for a couple of runs.

Flatter, full and on off, Moeen Ali drives it towards covers.

A googly, short and on off, turning away, Devon Conway misses his cut.

Tossed up, full and on middle, Devon Conway sweeps it towards deep square leg where Kuldeep Sen runs over the ball and allows the second run.

Short and on middle, Moeen Ali works it towards deep mid-wicket for a run.

What happened there! Yuzvendra Chahal bowls this quick, short and outside off, keeps low too, Moeen Ali looks to punch it away but misses and loses the grip of his bat as well as it flies out of his hand to the leg side, and Sanju Samson spills out the ball as well. There was a sound when the ball passed next to the bat and UltraEdge confirms that. It is a dropped chance and Moeen Ali gets a life.

Floated, full and on leg, Moeen Ali clips it towards deep square leg for a couple of runs.

Short and around off, Moeen Ali cuts it towards extra covers.

Yuzvendra Chahal (1-0-7-0) comes back into the attack.

Keeps it short and on middle, Moeen Ali nudges it off the back foot to deep mid-wicket and opens his account with a single.

Short and turning away on off, Moeen Ali hangs back and dabs it to backward point for a dot.

Moeen Ali is the new man in.

OUT! LBW! Ravichandran Ashwin gets his man!  Shivam Dube goes back to the hut without much impact. Ashwin darts this one around middle, angling in and skidding through as well, Shivam Dube is caught on his crease as he tries to work it away, but gets beaten by the pace and the ball hits him on the pads. There is a huge appeal for LBW, and up goes the finger. He does not consult Devon Conway for the review and makes his way back into the hut. Dube has missed out big time as the Ball Tracking shows the ball to be missing the leg stump.

Floated, outside off, way outside off, Shivam Dube swings, but fails to connect. Wided again.

FOUR! Powered away! This is a bit short and around off, Shivam Dube stays there and slaps it wide of long off for a boundary.

Fires this one down the leg side, Shivam Dube misses his flick. Wided.

Shivam Dube survives a scare! This is pushed through quicker, short and outside off, Shivam Dube skips down the track and tries to reach for it, but misses and Sanju Samson behind the stumps collects and breaks the stumps as Dube tries to get his back leg inside. The umpire goes upstairs and the replays shows that he is inside the crease and UltraEdge also shows no spike.

Is that out? Sanju Samson has taken the bails off but does not seem excited. And yes, the replays show that Shivam Dube had his foot grounded inside the crease.

Flatter, short and on off, Shivam Dube forces it back to the bowler.

Pulls his length back a bit and around leg, Shivam Dube flicks it towards deep square leg for one more. Six singles of the over then!

A slower one now, touch fuller and on middle, Devon Conway clips it through square leg for one.

This on a hard length and on off, Shivam Dube dabs it towards point for another run.

Back of a length and outside off, Devon Conway cuts it towards point where a fumble allows the run.

Short of a length and outside off, Shivam Dube steers it wide of point where Adam Zampa dives to his right to stop it. They cross.

Full and around off, Devon Conway drives it towards sweeper covers for a single.

Short and quicker on middle, Shivam Dube makes room and pushes it to cover for a dot. End of a successful over by Ravichandran Ashwin.

Fraction short and around off, Devon Conway reverse sweeps it towards short third man and rotates the strike.

Shorter and on off by Ravichandran Ashwin, Shivam Dube rocks back and punches it to long off. Gets off the mark with a single.

Shivam Dube comes out to the middle now.

OUT! LBW! Ravichandran Ashwin strikes and removes Ajinkya Rahane! Pushed through quicker, full on middle and leg, Ajinkya Rahane gets down to sweep and pays the price. Does not manage to get any bat on it and is trapped right in front of the stumps. Ashwin goes up in appeal and the umpire raises his finger in agreement. Ajinkya Rahane has a word with Devon Conway and opts not to review.  This is a much-needed breakthrough for Rajasthan.

Bowls it short and on middle, Devon Conway cuts it to deep point and gets to the other end.

Flatter and on leg, Ajinkya Rahane works this one behind square on the leg side for a single.

Short and at the stumps, Devon Conway reads the googly well and pulls it down to long on. Devdutt Padikkal slides to his right and saves two runs for his side.

TWO WIDES! Fired in full and down the leg side, Ajinkya Rahane gets down to sweep but misses. Sanju Samson behind the wicket fails to grab it and concedes an extra run. The umpire signals it as a leg bye but Rahane goes for a review asking for a wide. The UltraEdge shows no spike and the umpire now signals it as a wide.

FOUR! Beautiful shot! Floated, full on middle and leg, Ajinkya Rahane creates room by moving to the leg side and drives it through extra cover for a boundary.

Is that a missed opportunity? Shorter and on leg, Ajinkya Rahane goes on the back foot and pulls this one air towards long on. Jason Holder runs around and keeps the ball in play. He fires a flat throw to Adam Zampa at the non-striker's end but the latter fails to gather this one cleanly. This allows Devon Conway to make his ground.

In the air...but safe! Floated, full on middle, Ajinkya Rahane shimmies down the track but does not mange to get to the pitch of the ball. He still goes through with the shot and luckily for him, the ball drops well in front of long on. Two runs taken.

Tossed up, full and on off, Devon Conway gets on the front foot and clips it down to long on for one.

Good running! Bowls it short and turning in on leg, Devon Conway stays back and places it gently in front of deep mid-wicket for a couple of runs.

Strategic-Break! Chennai lost an early wicket but they have formed a stable base for this run chase with a lot of wickets in hand. They will hope that these two extend this a bit more to take the visitors out of the game. Rajasthan need wickets and they need them quickly. The trio of Ravichandran Ashwin, Yuzvendra Chahal and Adam Zampa holds the key for this game and they could make or break this game for them.  Adam Zampa to bowl after the break.

Goes with the cutter and on middle, Devon Conway reads it well and turns it to deep mid-wicket for one.

Fuller and on leg, Ajinkya Rahane flicks it to deep square leg and takes a single. The 50-run stand comes up between Ajinkya Rahane and Devon Conway.

On a good length and around off, Devon Conway dabs this one to Adam Zampa at backward point and calls for Rahane for a quick single. Zampa there fumbles but no harm done.

Short and outside off, Ajinkya Rahane hangs back and drags this one from the inner part of the bat to deep square leg. It was there to be hit for Rahane.

Back of a length and on middle and leg, Devon Conway nudges it off the back foot to deep square leg and gets to the other end.

FOUR! Devon Conway greets Jason Holder with a boundary! Starts his second spell with a loosener, bowls a low full toss on the pads. Devon Conway does not miss out as he flicks it through backward square leg for a boundary.

Fuller this time and on middle, Devon Conway pushes it to long on and keeps the strike with a single.

FOUR! Poor delivery and it gets the treatment! Dragged down and on off, Devon Conway rocks back in his crease quickly and hammers this one to the left of long on for a boundary.

Gives this one air, full on off, Ajinkya Rahane chips this one a bit uppishly but to the right of the bowler. Calls for two initially but in the end has to settle with one.

Floated, full on off, Devon Conway knocks it down to long on for a single.

A confident appeal for LBW but turned down! Short and turning in on off, Devon Conway pulls out the reverse sweep but gets an inside edge onto his front pad.

Starts his spell with a short delivery, on off, Devon Conway hangs back and pushes it back to Chahal.

Slower and shorter on middle and leg, Devon Conway works it to mid-wicket and keeps the strike with a single.

Short and angling in from 'round the wicket, Devon Conway pushes it to cover for a dot.

Short again and on midde, Ajinkya Rahane punches it off the back foot to long on for a single.

SIX! SHOT! Tossed up, short and around off, Ajinkya Rahane picks the length early and gets to the ball in a flash. Frees his arms and slaps it over long off for a maximum.

Flatter and on middle and leg, Ajinkya Rahane gets squared up and plays it back to the bowler.

Starts with a flighted delivery, full and outside off, Ajinkya Rahane gets forward and lofts this one over cover. The ball plugs in the outfield and the batters run two.

Ravichandran Ashwin comes into the attack now.

DROPPED AND FOUR! A tough chance, but this should have been taken. Adam Zampa flights this one up, full and on middle, Devon Conway sweeps it uppishly towards square leg where Sandeep Sharma leaps up but fails to grab it, and it deflects towards the deep square leg fence for a boundary.

Floated, full and on middle, Devon Conway blocks it down the pitch.

FOUR! Nicely played! This is fired down the leg side, Devon Conway goes down and tries to sweep, but loses his bottom hand. However, he still manages to get some bat on it as the ball races to the fine leg fence for a boundary.

Quicker, full and on leg, Ajinkya Rahane uses his feet and yorks himself, but manages to dig it out towards mid-wicket for a single.

Short and outside off, Ajinkya Rahane cuts it straight to point.

Adam Zampa starts with a flatter delivery, full and on leg, Ajinkya Rahane knocks it back to the bowler.

Rajasthan's Impact Player Adam Zampa comes into the attack now.

FOUR! Poor delivery and rightly punished! This is short again and down the leg side, Devon Conway stays there and just pats it past short fine leg for an easy boundary.

Pitched up, on middle, Ajinkya Rahane nudges it through square leg for another run.

FOUR! Nice shot! Jason Holder lands this short and around off, Ajinkya Rahane gets on top of the bounce and pulls it towards the deep mid-wicket fence for a boundary.

Touch fuller and on middle, Devon Conway works it towards deep square leg for a single.

This is on a hard length and on middle, Devon Conway blocks it down the pitch.

Jason Holder starts with short-of-a-length delivery around off, Devon Conway looks to pull, but gets cramped and misses.

A slower one now, on a length and on middle, Devon Conway tucks it towards short mid-wicket for one more.

On a length and on off, Ajinkya Rahane steers it in front of point for one.

Fuller and on leg, Devon Conway clips it through backward square leg for a single.

Short and outside off, Ajinkya Rahane cuts it wide of point where the fielder gets a hand to it and reduces the pace of the ball as it stops just before the boundary. Three runs taken!

The star of Chennai's last game, Ajinkya Rahane comes out to bat.

OUT! TAKEN! Sandeep Sharma draws first blood! Ruturaj Gaikwad experiences his first failure of the season as he goes back for a low score. Sharma serves this a bit fuller and on middle, Ruturaj Gaikwad tries to flick it away but closes the face early and gets a leading edge as the ball goes high in the air, Yashasvi Jaiswal calls for it from covers, runs forward and takes a good catch. Chennai lose an early wicket!

On a length and on off, Ruturaj Gaikwad pushes it towards mid off.

Overpitched and on off, Devon Conway drills it towards mid off.

Touch fuller and on off, Devon Conway uses his feet and drives it straight to covers.

Short of a length and on off, Devon Conway taps it to the off side.

This is on a good length and on the pads, Ruturaj Gaikwad misses his flick and the ball goes off his pads towards fine leg. A leg bye is taken.

Back of a length and on off, Devon Conway dabs it towards backward point for a run.

Kuldeep Sen begins with a short delivery, outside off, Ruturaj Gaikwad adjusts well and ramps it towards third man for a single.

It will be Kuldeep Sen to operate from the other end.

On a length and on middle, Ruturaj Gaikwad knocks it wide of mid on for a single.

FOUR! Shot of a man in form! Sandeep Sharma lands this short of a length and on middle, Ruturaj Gaikwad picks up the length early and jabs it towards the deep square leg fence for a boundary.

Just over! Ruturaj Gaikwad and Chennai are underway finally! This is full and on off, Ruturaj Gaikwad mistimes his lofted drive in the air behind mid off where Yuzvendra Chahal runs backwards but fails to reach it. Two runs taken!

Back of a length and around off, Ruturaj Gaikwad keeps it out onto the pitch. Three dots in a row now!

This is on a hard length and on off, Ruturaj Gaikwad pushes it toward short covers.

A huge shout for LBW, but turned down! Sandeep Sharma starts with a good-length delivery, on middle, shaping in, Ruturaj Gaikwad strides forward to flick it away, but misses and gets hit on the pads. There is a huge appeal for LBW, but the finger stays down and Sanju Samson decides agains the review.

OUT! RUN OUT! A strange end to the innings! Tushar Deshpande serves this full and on off, Adam Zampa shuffles across to scoop, but mistimes it in the air towards short fine leg where Maheesh Theekshana drops a sitter, and the batters turn around for the second run. However, Theekshana quickly picks up and throws at the keeper's end where MS Dhoni gathers it and throws at the stumps to break it with Zamap not even in the frame. Rajasthan finish on 175/8!

Rajasthan's Impact Player Adam Zampa comes out to bat and will face the final delivery of the innings. Zampa comes in place of Jos Buttler.

OUT! TAKEN! Tushar Deshpande strikes again and this turning out to be a great over for Chennai. This is another slower delivery, full and on middle, Jason Holder sets himself for the slog, but goes through it early and mistimes it in the air as the ball goes towards deep mid-wicket where Devon Conway takes a good catch. Holder holes out for none!

Another slower one, full and on off, Shimron Hetmyer mistimes his drive through covers for a single.

Swing and a miss! Tushar Deshpande bowls the slower delivery, full and outside off, Shimron Hetmyer swings wildly across the line, but is through his shot early and fails to connect. He goes for the reveiw as he thinks it is a wide, but the replays shows it is a fair delivery.

Short of a length and on off, Shimron Hetmyer pulls it towards deep mid-wicket and comes back for the second.

FOUR! Powered away! This is full and on middle, Shimron Hetmyer stays there and smahses it over the bowler's head for a boundary.

Jason Holder is the new man in but it will be Shimron Hetmyer on strike. It will be Tushar Deshpande to bowl the final over.

OUT! TAKEN! Akash Singh gets another wicket! He loses his grip and bowls another high full toss, on off, Dhruv Jurel looks to go hard at it, but loses his shape and ends up slicing it up in the air towards long off where Shivam Dube comes forward and takes a good catch. Jurel is waiting to see if that was No Ball for height or not, but the replays shows that it is under the waist and the umpire signals Out. Rajasthan six down now!

Is that out? Dhruv Jurel has been caught at long off off a high full toss. The umpires have asked Jurel to wait as they check the height of the delivery. The replays show that the ball was below waist and the batter has to make his way back now.

Overpitched and on off, Shimron Hetmyer mistimes his slog this time towards long on for just one.

SIX! Just over! Akash Singh now misses his yorker and bowls a high full toss, on off, Shimron Hetmyer slogs it towards the long on fence, but mistimes it. However, it has just enough powere to go over for a maximum.

Akash Singh follows the batter and serves this full and outside off, Dhruv Jurel moves across and lifts it towards long off for a run.

Full and on middle, Shimron Hetmyer forces it towards deep square leg for a single.

A full toss, on off, Dhruv Jurel lofts it towards sweeper covers for a single.

Shimron Hetmyer holds the key here for Rajasthan.

FOUR! A streaky one, but they all count! This is overpitched and outside off, Shimron Hetmyer heaves across the line, but gets a top edge over short third man for a boundary.

Another yorker, outside off, way outside off, Shimron Hetmyer lets it go to the keeper. Wided.

SIX! Shimron Hetmyer goes big now! Tushar Deshpande misses his yorker and serves a juicy full toss, on off, Shimron Hetmyer moves across a bit and smashes it over the long on fence for a biggie.

Tushar Deshpande nails the wide yorker to perfection this time, Shimron Hetmyer leaves it alone thinking it will be a wide, but it is inside and there is no signal from the umpire as well.

Back of a length and on middle, Dhruv Jurel pulls it towards deep square leg for a run.

A high full toss now, on off, Shimron Hetmyer looks to slog it over mid-wicket, but miscues it towards long off for a single.

Tushar Deshpande bowls a good yorker, outside off, Shimron Hetmyer only manages to dig it back to the bowler.

Another short delivery, on middle, Shimron Hetmyer flicks it off the back foot towards deep mid-wicket for one.

Flighted, full and around off, Shimron Hetmyer leans on and slices it towards point.

Short again and on middle, Dhruv Jurel moves back and flicks it wide of mid-wicket for a run.

Short and on middle, Dhruv Jurel works it towards mid-wicket.

Dhruv Jurel walks out to bat.

OUT! TIMBER! Redemption for Moeen Ali! He gets the big fish, Jos Buttler! This is floated, full and around off, turning in sharply, Jos Buttler moves across and tries to slog it away, but yorks himself and the ball goes through to shatter the stumps. This could makes a huge difference in the final total. Rajasthan lose half their side now!

Tossed up, full and on leg, Shimron Hetmyer clips it towards short fine leg for a single.

Moeen Ali (1-0-18-0) returns to the attack.

Shorter in length and on off, Shimron Hetmyer moves back and nudges it through mid-wicket for one more.

Flatter, full and on off, Shimron Hetmyer looks to block, but gets an inside edge onto his pads as the ball rolls down the pitch.

Darts this one full and on middle, Jos Buttler flicks it towards deep square leg for one.

Short again and on middle, Shimron Hetmyer clips it towards deep mid-wicket for a run.

Short and around leg, Jos Buttler moves back and works it through square leg for a single.

FIFTY FOR BUTTLER! Another fine knock from him but he will look make this big now. This is floated, full and on middel, Jos Buttler tucks it towards deep mid-wicket for a brace.

Shimron Hetmyer is the next man in.

OUT! CAUGHT! Akash Singh has the last laugh! Persists with the full length and near the tramline on the off side, Ravichandran Ashwin shuffles across and looks to go down the ground. Ends up slicing this one high in the air towards cover. Sisanda Magala there settles himself under the ball and keeps his eyes on it till the last moment. Completes the catch with ease and hands Akash Singh his first wicket in Chennai colours.

WIDE! Keeps it full but sprays this one beyond the tramline on the off side. Ravichandran Ashwin lets it go through to the keeper.

Full and wide outside off, Jos Buttler reaches out and pushes it to deep point for another single.

Goes full and outside off, Ravichandran Ashwin slices this one to deep point and takes a single.

SIX! Consecutive sixes for Ravichandran Ashwin! Bowls this one in the slot and on leg, Ravichandran Ashwin stays in the crease and clears his front leg. Whips it over deep mid-wicket for yet another maximum.

SIX! This should help Ashwin break the shackles! Slower and into the wicket by Akash Singh, Ravichandran Ashwin waits for the ball to arrive and pulls it over deep mid-wicket for a maximum.

Slower this time and on a length, on off, Jos Buttler works it to cover and gets to the other end.

Akash Singh (2-0-14-0) comes back into the attack now.

Floated, full and outside off, Ravichandran Ashwin dances down the track and drives it wide of long off for a couple of runs.

Short again and on off, Jos Buttler pushes it to cover and takes a single. .

Short and on off and middle, Ravichandran Ashwin cuts this one late and just wide of backward point for one.

FOUR! Fuller and on middle, Ravichandran Ashwin backs away to go through the off side but gets it from the outer part of the bat. The ball travels wide of short third man for a boundary.

Another missed opportunity! Short and around off, Ravichandran Ashwin shimmies down the track and looks to drive it on the up. Can only get it as far as Moeen Ali at extra cover. Moeen Ali there moves to his left and fumbles. He does recover well and throws at the striker's end. However, his throw is a bit wayward and MS Dhoni does not manage to get on the end of it. Ravichandran Ashwin is halfway down the track but still manages to get back courtesy of the inaccurate throw

Short and on middle and leg, Jos Buttler goes back and nudges it to deep mid-wicket for another single.

Strategic-Break! Chennai have done really well to pull things back in the last five overs or so and they have kept the scoring rate down as well. The positive for Rajasthan is that Jos Buttler is still out there, but Ravichandran Ashwin is struggling and he needs to get a move on as players like Shimron Hetmyer ​​​​Jason Holder are still to come out for them. A crucial phase in this game awaits us. Maheesh Theekshana to bowl after the break.

Fraction short and on off by Ravindra Jadeja, Jos Buttler steers this one towards backward point and rotates the strike. Jadeja finishes with figures of 2 for 21 from his four overs.

Full and at the pads, Ravichandran Ashwin works this one to deep mid-wicket and gets to the other end.

Keeps it short and around off, Jos Buttler goes back and pushes it to cover for a single.

Short and at the pads, Ravichandran Ashwin flicks it through mid-wicket for a single.

Sharp work by MS Dhoni! Bowls the quicker again and on a short length, Ravichandran Ashwin plants his foot forward and plays this one against the turn. The ball spins past his outside edge and beats him. MS Dhoni behind the sticks whips the bails off in a flash. However, the replays show that Ravichandran Ashwin had his back leg grounded inside the crease.

Is that a stumping? MS Dhoni shows quick hands behind the stumps to take the bails off with Ravichandran Ashwin leaning forward. The replays shows that his foot is inside the crease.

WIDE! Fired in fast but down the leg side, Ravichandran Ashwin lets it go and the umpire signals a wide.

Short and on leg, Jos Buttler goes back and drops it in front of deep square leg for one.

Fullish delivery at the pads, Jos Buttler clips this one off his toes to deep backward square leg and keeps the strike with a single. Another quiet over by Sisanda Magala.

Tries to go full but ends up bowling a low full toss on middle, Ravichandran Ashwin drills it down to long on for one.

Banged in short and directed at the batter, Ravichandran Ashwin gets on his toes and pulls it wide of deep square leg for two runs more.

Back of a length and on leg, Ravichandran Ashwin stays back and nudges it through backward square leg for a couple of runs. 100 comes up for Rajasthan.

Fuller and outside off, Jos Buttler walks across and knocks it down to long on for one.

On a good length on off, Jos Buttler stays still and drives it on the up but straight to extra cover.

Pushed through on leg, Ravichandran Ashwin plants his foot forward to flick but misses. The ball raps him on the front pad but the ball was sliding down leg.

Angled into the pads on a full length, Jos Buttler clips it to deep backward square leg and gets to the other end.

Bowls fuller on off, Jos Buttler pulls out the reverse sweep but cannot get it away and wears it on his gloves.

Flatter this time and on off and middle, Ravichandran Ashwin gets forward and pushes it down to long off for one.

Fired in on middle on a short length, Ravichandran Ashwin taps it to cover for a dot.

Short and quicker at the stumps, a hint of away turn, Ravichandran Ashwin keeps this one out on the off side.

A single to end the over as this full delivery is worked towards long on by Ashwin.

This is on a hard length and on off, Ravichandran Ashwin dabs it towards point.

Sisanda Magala tries the slower bouncer, but serves this down the leg side, Ravichandran Ashwin looks to pull, but misses. Wided.

Fullish and on middle, Jos Buttler drives it towards long on for one more.

On a length and on off, Ravichandran Ashwin steers it towards third man for a run.

Goes a bit fuller and on middle, Jos Buttler knocks it towards long on for a single.

Sisanda Magala starts with a short-of-a-length delivery around leg, Jos Buttler nudges it through square leg for a brace.

DROPPED! Almost the third wicket of the over, but this chance goes down and it is Moeen Ali once again the culprit. Jadeja bowls this quicker again, short and on off, Ravichandran Ashwin looks to flick it away, but gets an outside edge towards first slip where Moeen Ali is a bit late to react and spills it out. This could have been a disaster for the away side.

Ravichandran Ashwin comes in at number 5.

OUT! CASTLED! A dream delivery from Ravindra Jadeja! Sanju Samson goes back to the hut for a duck. Jadeja bowls this flatter and quicker, on middle, grips and turns away sharply with pace, Sanju Samson is stuck on his crease and tries to keep it out on the back foot, but plays all around it as the ball crashes onto the stumps. This is turning out to be a huge over for Chennai.

Short and outside off, Sanju Samson cuts it towards backward point.

Strategic break! Just when Devdutt Padikkal was starting to get into top gear, he perished. Nonetheless, this has been a fine start by Rajasthan and the onus will now be on the set Jos Buttler to build a solid base for the rest of the batters. On the other hand, Chennai did manage to dismiss Yashasvi Jaiswal early but were unable to capitalise on that scalp. Ravindra Jadeja has provided them with a timely breakthrough and they now need to tighten the screws. Skipper of Rajasthan, Sanju Samson now walks out to the middle.

OUT! TAKEN! Ravindra Jadeja strikes! Chennai finally breaks the partnership and Devdutt Padikkal goes after a decent knock. Jadeja flights this one up, on middle, Devdutt Padikkal goes down and tries to slog-sweep it again, but the extra bounce takes the top edge of his bat and ball flies towards deep square leg where Devon Conway settles under it and pouches it safely. Rajasthan lose their second wicket!

Short and outside off, Devdutt Padikkal cuts it straight to point.

Tossed up, full and on middle, Devdutt Padikkal slog-sweeps it wide of deep sqaure leg where Devon Conway almost overruns it to his right, but manages to stop it as the batters run two.

SIX! BANG! This one is even bigger! Moeen Ali once again bowls this short and on middle, Jos Buttler picks up the length early and pulls it way over the deep mid-wicket fence for another maximum.

SIX! Short and punished! Moeen Ali lands this short and on middle, Jos Buttler quickly moves on his back foot and plants it over the deep mid-wicket fence for a biggie.

Floated, full and on leg, Devdutt Padikkal sweeps it with the inner half towards deep square leg for another run.

Shorter in length and outside off, Jos Buttler cuts it towards deep point for a run.

In the air....safe! This is tossed up, on off, Devdutt Padikkal dances down the track to slog it away, but gets a thick outside edge as the ball lands just over short third man. Sisanda Magala does well to chase it down keeps it inside. Three runs taken!

Moeen Ali begins with a short delivery, on off, Jos Buttler moves back and taps it towards cover-point for a single.

Spin from both ends as Moeen Ali comes into the attack now.

Darts this one full and around leg. Jos Buttler tucks it through mid-wicket for one more.

Another short delivery around off, Devdutt Padikkal steers it towards short third man for one.

Floated, short and outside off, skids through, Devdutt Padikkal tries to cut it, but misses.

Quicker, full and on leg, Jos Buttler mistimes his drive towards deep mid-wicket for another run.

Flatter, full, but down the leg side again, Jos Buttler leaves it alone. Wided.

Short again and outside off, Devdutt Padikkal cuts it towards sweeper covers for a run.

Short and on off, Jos Buttler moves back and pushes it towards long off for a single.

FIVE WIDES! Not a good start from Ravindra Jadeja! He fires this short and down the leg side, Jos Buttler tries to pull it, but misses and MS Dhoni behind the stumps fails to stop it as well and the ball races to the fine leg fence for a boundary.

Ravindra Jadeja is introduced into the attack.

A slower one now, full and on middle, Jos Buttler works it towards long on for one. With this single, Buttler completes 3000 runs in the Indian T20 League. Rajasthan are at 57/1 at the end of the Powerplay!

Back of a length and on off, Devdutt Padikkal guides it towards short third man for another run.

Fuller one and on middle, Jos Buttler moves across and helps it towards fine leg for a run.

Touch fuller and on middle, Devdutt Padikkal clips it towards deep square leg for a single.

FOUR! Two in a row! This is poor delivery, length and around leg, Devdutt Padikkal stays there and glances it past short fine leg for another boundary.

MISTIMED BUT FOUR! Tushar Deshpande lands this on a hard length and around off, Devdutt Padikkal uses feet, but gets hurried due to the bounce and ends up punching from the top half of the bat. However, the ball flies past mid off for a boundary.

FOUR! Shortens his length and bowls it around off, Jos Buttler rocks back in his crease and slices it over cover-point for yet another boundary. Most expensive over of the innings so far, 17 runs came off it.

Fuller and on off, Devdutt Padikkal drives it down to long off and gets to the other end.

FOUR! Keeps it full and on off and middle, Devdutt Padikkal gets into a good position and leans into the drive. Gets it through covers for four more runs.

Fraction short and on middle, Jos Buttler works it to square leg and rotates the strike.

SIX! BANG! Floated, full around off, Jos Buttler picks the length early and holds his shape. Thumps it well over the long off fence for a maximum.

Was that a chance? Darted in at the stumps on a short length, Devdutt Padikkal plays this one late and looks to guide it past first slip. Ends up steering it low to first slip but Moeen Ali there does not manage to react quickly and the ball catches him on the left leg.

Drifting onto the pads on a length, Devdutt Padikkal places it to mid-wicket and keeps the strike with a single. A tidy over by Akash Singh, 6 runs came off it.

Takes the pace off again and bowls it full at the stumps, Devdutt Padikkal shapes to drive but gets deceived by the pace of the delivery. Mishits it to cover for a dot.

Goes with the cutter and bowls on a yorker length on middle, Jos Buttler reads it well and drives it to mid off for a single.

On a good length and on off, Devdutt Padikkal steers this one to third man and takes a run.

In the air but safe! Angles it on a length on middle, Devdutt Padikkal clears his front leg to go down the ground but miscues it in the air. The ball drops well behind Tushar Deshpande at mid on and collects a couple of runs.

Bowls on a length, on off, from over the wicket, Jos Buttler guides this one to deep cover and gets to the other end.

Akash Singh replaces Tushar Deshpande. He conceded eight runs in his first over.

Bowls it quicker and shorter at the stumps, Devdutt Padikkal gets his bat down in time and taps it to the right of the bowler.

Shortens his length and bowls it on middle and leg, Devdutt Padikkal stays back and keeps it out on the leg side.

FOUR! Not convincing but Devdutt Padikkal will take it! Tossed up, full and outside off, Devdutt Padikkal gets on the front foot and reaches out to the delivery away from his body. Gets an outside edge that rolls wide of third man. Akash Singh does put in a dive but in vain.

FOUR! Nicely played! Floated, full on off and middle, Devdutt Padikkal creates room and drives it wide of long off for a boundary.

Darted in short and on leg, Jos Buttler nudges it in front of square leg. Calls his partner for a quick single and Devdutt Padikkal obliges.

Starts with a full delivery on middle, Devdutt Padikkal gets forward and knocks it down to long off for one.

We will see some spin as Maheesh Theekshana is ready to bowl now.

Length delivery, in the channel outside off, Devdutt Padikkal opens the bat face and runs it down to third man. Gets off the mark with a single. End of a successful over by Tushar Deshpande.

Goes full this time and on off, Devdutt Padikkal drives it along the ground to mid off for a dot.

Devdutt Padikkal walks out to bat at number 3.

OUT! IN THE AIR AND GONE! Tushar Deshpande strikes early once again! Bends his back and bangs it in short, on off, Yashasvi Jaiswal hangs back to pull but is unable to transfer the weight on the shot. Slices this one in the air towards mid off. Shivam Dube stationed there runs forward, settles himself under the high ball and completes an easy catch. This is a huge blow for Rajasthan as the in-form Jaiswal departs for a low score.

Angling across on a length, outside off, Yashasvi Jaiswal shuffles in the crease and carves this one over extra cover. Shivam Dube performs the chase and pulls it back. The batters run two in the process.

Jos Buttler is underway now! Fuller in length this time and swinging away, outside off, Jos Buttler presses forward and times the drive to deep cover. Opens his account with a single.

Begins his spell on a good length, shaping away outside off, Jos Buttler shoulders arms and lets the ball go through to the keeper.

Tushar Deshpande to share the attack.

On a hard length and a hint of away movement, on off, Yashasvi Jaiswal punches it crisply but straight to cover-point.

Back of a length around off, Yashasvi Jaiswal stays back and punches it straight to cover.

FOUR MORE! Another on a shortish length, at the batter, Yashasvi Jaiswal hangs back and whips it off the back foot. Gets it through square leg for yet another boundary.

FOUR! Yashasvi Jaiswal and Rajasthan are underway! Back of a length around off, Yashasvi Jaiswal gets on his toes and punches it wide of backward point. Gets it to the left of third man where Maheesh Theekshana slides but lets the ball slip through his hands.

Pitched up and swinging away outside off, Yashasvi Jaiswal throws his hands at the ball and gets beaten on the outside edge.

A loud appeal for LBW but turned down! Akash Singh starts on a good length and angling in on middle and leg, Yashasvi Jaiswal uses his feet but misses the flick. The ball raps him on the front pad but the ball was sliding down leg.

We are all set to start! The two umpires make their way out in the middle and pick up the new ball. Chennai players are already in their respective field positions. The usual opening pair for Rajasthan, Yashasvi Jaiswal and Jos Buttler are at the crease. Akash Singh has the new ball in his hand and is raring to go. Let's play...

Sanju Samson, the captain of Rajasthan, says that they would have bowled first as well. Adds that they have started the tournament well but it is important to keep the momentum. Feels that they need to do what different venues require and need to adapt to different situations. Shares that it has always been a pleasure to be at this venue and play against MS Dhoni and Chennai. Informs that Trent Boult misses out due to a niggle and they have made a few more changes to their side.

MS Dhoni, the skipper of Chennai, says that they will bowl first. Adds that the wicket may be on the slower side and dew could come in the second innings which makes batting a bit easier. Mentions that it feels good to captain Chennai for the 200th time and the way T20 is played has changed over the years. Tells that the old stadium was really hot and jokingly says it feels like Switzerland if you play here in the new stadium. Says that they have done well to win games even with the unavailability and injuries to key players and they will look to continue it. Informs that Mitchell Santner and Dwaine Pretorius miss out and Maheesh Theekshana and Moeen Ali come in for them.

Impact Players nominated by Rajasthan - Riyan Parag, KM Asif, Donovan Ferreira, Adam Zampa and Joe Root.

Rajasthan Royals (Playing XI) - Jos Buttler, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Sanju Samson (C/WK), Devdutt Padikkal, Shimron Hetmyer, Dhruv Jurel, Ravichandran Ashwin, Jason Holder, Kuldeep Sen (In for Trent Boult), Sandeep Sharma, Yuzvendra Chahal.

Impact Players nominated by Chennai - Ambati Rayudu, Mitchell Santner, Subhranshu Senapati, Shaik Rasheed and Rajvardhan Hangargekar.

Chennai Super Kings (Playing XI) - Ruturaj Gaikwad, Devon Conway, Ajinkya Rahane, Moeen Ali, Shivam Dube, Ravindra Jadeja, MS Dhoni (C/WK), Sisanda Magala, Tushar Deshpande, Maheesh Theekshana (In for Dwaine Pretorius), Akash Singh (In for Deepak Chahar).

TOSS - The two captains are out in the middle. The coin toss lands in the favour of MS Dhoni and Chennai have opted to BOWL first.

Pitch report - Nick Knight is near the deck. He starts by informing that his surface is hard but has a lot of cracks. Adds that spinners will come to the fore here and pacers will be effective with their cutters. Shares that it will be important for the openers to take advantage of the first six overs. Mentions that as was the case in the last game at this venue, spinners will get good turn and bounce.

Live pictures show MS Dhoni being felicitated on the occasion of his 200th Indian T20 League game as the captain of Chennai. The whole team is out there on this special occasion and this is a great moment for Dhoni that too in front of the home fans.

On the flip side, Rajasthan have the same number of wins as Chennai, but a superior net run rate sees them placed second on the points table. They have a solid opening combination in the form of Jos Buttler and Yashasvi Jaiswal, and the rest of the batting unit has chipped in as well. Trent Boult has kept the batters on their toes with the new ball and has found good support in Sandeep Sharma. Considering the spin-friendly conditions, Yuzvendra Chahal and Ravichandran Ashwin will be crucial to their team's chances. Who are you backing to come out on top? Stick around, as the toss and team news coming up shortly...

As things stand, Chennai find themselves fifth in the standings with two wins out of three games. As they return home after a convincing win against Mumbai, they will look to make the occasion of MS Dhoni's 200th Indian T20 League game as the captain of Chennai memorable with a win tonight. They will heavily rely on their top three, which are Devon Conway, Ruturaj Gaikwad, and Ajinkya Rahane. The injury to Deepak Chahar comes as a massive blow to them, but Tushar Deshpande has been a revelation and will be expected to fill that void. In the spin department, Ravindra Jadeja and Mitchell Santner have been consistent, and the duo will hold the key at this venue.

The Indian T20 League, 2023 is certainly living up to expectations with edge-of-the-seat thrillers one after another, and this one promises to be another entertaining clash. Hello and a warm welcome, ladies and gentlemen, to our coverage of Match 17 of the Indian T20 League, 2023, where Chennai will be hosting Rajasthan at the MA Chidambaram Stadium.

... MATCH DAY …

It is time for Match 17 in the Indian T20 League, and Chennai will host Rajasthan at the M.A. Chidambaram Stadium in what is a repeat of the final in the inaugural season in 2008. Both of them have won two of their three matches and will want to get their third win of the season. The last time Chennai played here, their batters were at the top of their game. Ruturaj Gaikwad has been in terrific form and doesn't look like stopping any time soon, while his opening partner, Devon Conway, has also supported him well. Their middle order is stacked with star players like Ben Stokes, Moeen Ali, Ravindra Jadeja, and MS Dhoni, who can take on any bowling attack. However, Stokes is yet to find his form, while Ali has contributed more with the ball till now. The pace department has been a bit inconsistent, which is a worry as Deepak Chahar and Tushar Deshpande haven't been able to make an impact, while Sisanda Magala only made his debut in the last game. Also, Deepak Chahar suffered a hamstring injury in the last game and is set to be on the sidelines. The surprise package for them was Ajinkya Rahane, who absolutely blasted 61 off just 27 balls, which is unlike him as he likes to take his time. They have some exciting talents as well in Shivam Dube and Rajvardhan Hangargekar, which gives Dhoni plenty of options to build his team with different combinations. They will have a home-field advantage in this game and will want to use it to get a victory. Rajasthan, on the other hand, probably have the best batter in this format as Jos Buttler has started this season where he left off while Yashasvi Jaiswal is enjoying his best season so far, and both look very dangerous for any bowling unit. Sanju Samson and Shimron Hetmyer have also played some good knocks, but other batters need to step up a bit. Dhruv Jurel came in as an Impact Player for them against Punjab and almost won the game. Their middle order needs to contribute more for them to be consistent. Their pace attack is strong with Trent Boult who always gives them a good start by picking up wickets in the Powerplay, while Jason Holder has been economical. The spin duo of Ravichandran Ashwin and Yuzvendra Chahal has been hard to pick for the batters, and they will look to continue that in this game too. This match has all the ingredients for a thrilling contest, and we are surely in for a treat. Let's see who comes out on top.