Kolkata Knight Riders vs Rajasthan Royals IPL, 2023

FOUR! THAT'S IT! Yashasvi Jaiswal finishes the game with a boundary! Shardul Thakur bowls a low full toss, outside off from 'round the wicket, Yashasvi Jaiswal walks across and sweeps this one to the left of square leg for four more runs. Jaiswal remains unbeaten two short of his century but he looks absolutely pumped with this win. All smiles in the dugout of Rajasthan as win by 9 wickets!

Fired down leg by Suyash Sharma, Sanju Samson moves to the leg side and keeps this one out smartly. It will be Yashasvi Jaiswal on strike at the start of the next over with a chance to get to his hundred.

Fuller and turning away, on off, Yashasvi Jaiswal gets on the front foot to work it on the leg side. Gets a leading edge that goes along the ground to deep point for one.

Nicely bowled! Another googly, full and turning away, outside off, Yashasvi Jaiswal gets forward to flick but gets beaten on the outside edge.

FOUR! Smart batting! Bowls the googly, full and on off, Yashasvi Jaiswal pulls out the reverse sweep and executes it to perfection. Gets it over backward point for a boundary.

Short and flatter on middle, Sanju Samson tucks this one to deep mid-wicket for one more run.

Was that a chance? Bye! Googly, fuller and outside off, Yashasvi Jaiswal dances down the track to go through the off side. He does not connect and luckily for him, Rahmanullah Gurbaz misses as well. The batters run a bye as the ball rolls to short third man.

Much straighter this time and short, on off, Yashasvi Jaiswal goes back and taps it in front of poin. Takes a quick single and Rajasthan now need 10 more runs.

Floats this one nicely, short and turning away, outside off, Yashasvi Jaiswal goes for the cut but misses.

Serves it short and turning in on leg, Sanju Samson backs away and punches it to long off for a run.

SIX! Sanju Samson is not keeping enough runs for Yashasvi Jaiswal to get to his century! The team comes first though and they are doing wonders for their run rate. Varun Chakaravarthy bowls this short and outside off. Sanju Samson slaps this over deep mid-wicket for six runs.

Bowls this short and on the pads. Yashasvi Jaiswal flicks this towards deep mid-wicket for a single.

FOUR! Varun Chakaravarthy is not being spared either! He tosses this full and outside off. Yashasvi Jaiswal swats this towards deep square leg for four runs.

SIX! Third maximum of the over! Anukul Roy tosses this full as well and outside off. Sanju Samson flicks this with ease over long on for six more runs. Just 23 runs are required now and this should be a walk in the park.

SIX! Sanju Samson wants to be a part of this exhibition! Anukul Roy tosses this full and in line with the stumps. Sanju Samson clears his front foot out of the way and thumps this straight back over the bowler's head for six runs.

Short this time and outside off. Yashasvi Jaiswal rocks back and pulls this towards deep backward square leg for a single.

Floats this one full and going down leg. Yashasvi Jaiswal shimmies down the wicket and pads this into the leg side.

Goes full and into the pads. Sanju Samson flicks this towards deep mid-wicket for a single.

SIX! Anukul Roy is welcomed to the bowling crease with a maximum! Anukul Roy offers lots of width outside off. Sanju Samson has room to flay his hands and clears long off for six runs.

Short and outside the off pole. Sanju Samson slaps this into the air towards long on and takes a run to keep strike.

Fires this one really full and at the stumps. Sanju Samson digs this out back towards the bowler.

FOUR! Sanju Samson uses innovation to get this away to the fence. This is flighted full and on a leg stump line. Sanju Samson reverse sweeps this towards deep backward point for four runs.

Loops this one full and outside the off stump. Sanju Samson gets a leading edge towards the cover fielder.

Bowls this short and in line with the stumps. Yashasvi Jaiswal punches this down to long off for a single.

Suyash Sharma tosses this full and outside the off pole. Yashasvi Jaiswal goes hard at the ball and slices this towards short third man.

Slightly fuller and on off, Sanju Samson has a swing across the line and connects with thin air.

DROPPED! Sunil Narine has dropped a sitter! Tossed up, full and on the stumps, Sanju Samson has a swipe across the line. Gets a top edge that goes only as far as the non-striker's end. Sunil Narine calls for the catch himself and settles himself under the skier. However, the ball pops out of his hands and Sanju Samson breathes a sigh of relief.

Shorter and just outside off, Yashasvi Jaiswal pulls it down to long on and gets to the other end.

Drags his length back and bowls it on off, Yashasvi Jaiswal pushes it along the ground to cover.

Goes full and around off, Yashasvi Jaiswal drives and picks out the cover fielder.

Bowls it short and on the pads, Yashasvi Jaiswal whips it off the back foot and to the left of long on. A slight fumble there by Jason Roy allows the batters to complete the second run.

Short and turning away, outside off, Sanju Samson looks to access the off side but gets beaten on the outside edge.

Bowls another googly, short and outside off, Yashasvi Jaiswal works this one down the ground towards long on for one.

Continues to bowl it short and outside off, Sanju Samson cuts it straight to point. The fielder there has a shy at the non-striker's end but does not hit. There is no one to back his throw and ends up conceding a single.

Short again and outside off, Yashasvi Jaiswal cuts it along the ground to deep point for one more run.

SIX! Dispatched by Yashasvi Jaiswal! Bowls a half-tracker, short and turning away, outside off, Yashasvi Jaiswal picks the length early and latches onto the pull shot. Thumps it over wide long on for a maximum.

Starts with a googly, short and turning in on middle, Sanju Samson reads it well and punches it to deep cover for a single.

Short and angled in on off, Yashasvi Jaiswal goes for the cut but mishits it to point for a dot.

Keeps it fuller and on off, Sanju Samson knocks it down to long off for one more run.

Full and quicker this time, around leg, Yashasvi Jaiswal flicks it to long on and rotates the strike.

SIX! High and handsome! Darts this one full, on middle and leg, Yashasvi Jaiswal moves to the leg side and goes inside out. Launches it over extra cover for six more runs.

Lands it short and outside off, Sanju Samson pulls it from the inner part of the bat down to long on for a single. Brings up the 50-run stand between him and Yashasvi Jaiswal.

Starts with an off break, full and outside off, Yashasvi Jaiswal pushes it to deep point and takes a single.

Strategic break! An explosive start for Rajasthan and it is courtesy of their explosive youngster Yashasvi Jaiswal who notched up the fastest half-century in all editions of the Indian T20 League so far. Nitish Rana decided to use himself in the first over and that proved to be a massive error as it provided Yashasvi Jaiswal the perfect opportunity to get off to a flier. Jos Buttler was dismissed on a duck but they have no missed him one bit.

FOUR! Nicely played! Bowls it short and on middle from 'round the wicket, Sanju Samson rocks back in the crease and whips it to the right of long on for yet another boundary. An outstanding Powerplay for Rajasthan comes to an end, they scored 78 runs for the loss of just one wicket.

Switches to 'round the wicket and bowls it full on middle, Sanju Samson defends this one back to the bowler.

SIX! Just over! Keeps it short and turning away, outside off, Sanju Samson picks the length early and goes back in his crease. Pulls it high in the air towards deep mid-wicket. He does not get it from the middle of the bat but enough to clear the leaping Rinku Singh on the boundary.

Shortens his length and angles it on middle, Sanju Samson punches it off the back foot to mid off for another dot.

Tossed up, full and outside off, Sanju Samson tries to go through the off side bu mishits it to mid off.

Short and turning away, outside off, Sanju Samson dabs it along the ground to backward point for a dot.

On a good length and outside off. Yashasvi Jaiswal pushes at it and miscues it for the first time in this inning towards the cover fielder.

FOUR! There does not seem to be any stopping Yashasvi Jaiswal in this game! Harshit Rana bowls this short as well and outside the off pole. Yashasvi Jaiswal slaps this over the infield towards long on for a one-bounce four.

FOUR! Yashasvi Jaiswal is finding the gaps at will here! Harshit Rana bowls this slightly short and outside off. Yashasvi Jaiswal punches this through the line towards deep point for four runs.

Bowls a slower bouncer outside the off stump. Yashasvi Jaiswal looks to uppercut this but gets beaten by the lack of pace.

Continues to bowl on a good length and outside off. Sanju Samson dabs this to the right of short third man and takes a run.

Harshit Rana bowls this on a good length and attacks the off pole. Sanju Samson dabs this towards mid-wicket.

Tosses this full as well and just outside off. Yashasvi Jaiswal rocks back and knocks this straight to cover. Just 5 runs from this over and Kolkata needed this desperately.

FOUR! Yashasvi Jaiswal finds the gap this time! Varun Chakaravarthy floats this full and outside the off stump. Yashasvi Jaiswal strokes this towards deep cover point and collects four runs.

Short this time and outside the off pole. Yashasvi Jaiswal cuts this straight to the point fielder.

Continues to bowl on a shortish length and outside off. Yashasvi Jaiswal cuts this late but straight to the backward point fielder.

Delivers this on a shortish length and outside off. Yashasvi Jaiswal looks to cut but misses due to some extra bounce.

WIDE! Short this time and down leg. Yashasvi Jaiswal leaves this alone and the umpire calls this wide.

Varun Chakaravarthy tosses this full and outside off. Yashasvi Jaiswal goes for the reverse sweep and finds the short third man fielder.

Varun Chakaravarthy comes on to bowl now.

Goes full and outside off. Sanju Samson knocks this straight to the cover fielder for a rare dot ball.

That is the fastest FIFTY in the history of the Indian T20 League! Yashasvi Jaiswal has reached the landmark in 13 balls and what an outstanding start this has been for Rajasthan! Shardul Thakur bowls this back of a length and on a leg-stump line. Yashasvi Jaiswal tucks this towards deep backward square leg and reaches a remarkable half-century!

FOUR! Cracking shot! Another off-cutter, fuller and outside off, Yashasvi Jaiswal waits for the ball to arrive and smacks it through covers for the third boundary on the trot. Moves to 49 with this boundary.

FOUR! Yashasvi Jaiswal is accessing all areas of the field here! He is in remarkable form this young lad! This is short and outside off. Yashasvi Jaiswal pulls this towards deep mid-wicket for four runs.

FOUR! Yashasvi Jaiswal is giving us an exhibition of shot playing here! Shardul Thakur bowls this full and outside off. Yashasvi Jaiswal drills this towards deep cover for four runs.

Starts on a length, outside off, Sanju Samson punches it off the back foot to deep backward point for a single.

Shardul Thakur is introduced into the attack.

SIX! Yashasvi Jaiswal is punishing the bowlers here! Harshit Rana bowls this back of a length and into the pads. Yashasvi Jaiswal whips this over deep backward square leg for six runs.

Bowls this on a length and just outside the off stump. Yashasvi Jaiswal pushes this towards mid on and Nitish Rana takes aim at the stumps on the striker's end. The ball ricochets towards fine leg for four runs.

Sanju Samson comes in at number 3.

OUT! RUN OUT! An exceptional piece of fielding and some undecisive running has cost Jos Buttler his wicket on a duck! Harshit Rana bowls this on a good length and gets this to nip back in sharply once again. Jos Buttler misses the line of the ball and gets hit high on the pads. The ball goes towards point and Yashasvi Jaiswal comes across for a single. Jos Buttler is not prepared for a run but decides to take it either way. Andre Russell collects the ball and throws at the non-striker's end. The stump shatters and Jos Buttler is well short of the crease. Rajasthan lose their first wicket against the run of play after an explosive start.

WIDE! Bowls really full but going down leg stump. Jos Buttler is unable to get bat on this and Rahmanullah Gurbaz pulls off another diving stop. The umpire indicates wide.

On a good length and outside the off stump. Jos Buttler blocks this towards the cover fielder.

Bowls this slightly back of a length and outside off. Yashasvi Jaiswal guides this down to third man for a single.

Gets this one to nip back in on a good length. Jos Buttler gets stuck in the crease and misses the ball as he looks to push it away. He gets hit on the pads and the ball rolls into the off side. They take a leg bye.

WIDE! Harshit Rana bowls this full and going down leg. Jos Buttler misses his clip and Rahmanullah Gurbaz does well to stop the ball by diving to his left. The umpire calls this one wide.

It will be Harshit Rana to steam in from the other end.

FOUR! Yashasvi Jaiswal just took a breather with that brace on a previous ball as he as slapped this away for yet another boundary! Nitish Rana bowls this a tad bit short and outside off. Yashasvi Jaiswal cuts this towards deep point and makes it 26 runs in the first over!

Loops this one full and into the pads. Yashasvi Jaiswal clips this towards deep mid-wicket and picks up a couple of runs. The first non-boundary delivery of this inning.

FOUR! The boundaries are absolutely flowing here! Nitish Rana halts in his run-up and serves this short, outside off. Yashasvi Jaiswal cuts this towards deep point and collects four runs.

FOUR! Yashasvi Jaiswal is making a mockery of this bowling! Nitish Rana tosses this full and outside off. Yashasvi Jaiswal charges down the wicket and makes this a full toss as he creams this towards deep cover for four runs.

SIX! Yashasvi Jaiswal is playing with the field here and it is easy picking for him! Nitish Rana floats this one full and into the pads. Yashasvi Jaiswal sweeps this over deep backward square leg for six more runs.

SIX! Yashasvi Jaiswal shows what he thinks about this plan to start with spin! Nitish Rana floats this one full and outside off. Yashasvi Jaiswal shimmies down the wicket and thumps this over long on for six runs.

OUT! CAUGHT! Sandeep Sharma is awarded a wicket for some good bowling in the death overs! He bowls this full and outside the off pole which is right in Sunil Narine's hitting arc but he does not connect this as sweetly as he would have liked. Ends up hitting it straight down the throat of Joe Root at long off who takes another catch with absolute ease. Kolkata were unable to provide the fireworks towards the end and Rajasthan will defintely be the happier side going into the inning break.

Nails the yorker just outside off. Anukul Roy digs this out awkwardly towards long off for a single.

Goes full and on an off-stump line. Sunil Narine swings his blade and hits this straight to deep square leg for a single.

Bowls this on a length and outside the off stump. Sunil Narine looks to go through the line but does no connect cleanly. The ball goes off the inside edge towards the keeper and Sanju Samson claims the catch. The umpires go upstairs to check and replays show that the ball has bounced just before the gloves. It will be NOT OUT and Sunil Narine survives.

FOUR! Sunil Narine finds the gap well here! Sandeep Sharma bowls this full and outside the off pole. Sunil Narine guides this towards deep point for four runs.

Sandeep Sharma bowls full and outside the off pole. Anukul Roy mistimes this towards long on for a single.

Sandeep Sharma (3-0-27-0) will bowl the final over.

Continues to bowl short and outside off. Anukul Roy slaps this towards long off for another single.

Bowls this short and on a leg-stump line. Sunil Narine goes on the back foot and eases this down to long on for a single.

Sunil Narine comes in at number 9.

OUT! CAUGHT! Yuzvendra Chahal has four wickets and he is absolutely demolishing this Kolkata batting order! He flights this full and offers width outside off as he sees the batter charge down the wicket. Rinku Singh goes through with his shot but it is away from his body and ends up lofting this to the right of long off. Joe Root moves well along the boundary and takes a comfortable catch. Rinku Singh is unable to provide the impetus Kolkata needed and they are now seven wickets down.

Bowls this slightly short and outside off. Rinku Singh shimmies down the wicket and cuts this to point.

Loops this one full and outside the off pole. Rinku Singh attempts the reverse sweep but does not connect.

Yuzvendra Chahal tosses this full and in line with the stumps. Anukul Roy smashes this hard back at the stumps on the non-striker's end and it goes through it for a single.

Yuzvendra Chahal (3-0-22-3) will bowl out now.

Goes full once again and outside the off stump. Rinku Singh strokes this to wide long on and picks up a couple of runs to end the over. Just 8 runs came off it.

SIX! Gets this one over the ropes and a much-need boundary for Kolkata! Sandeep Sharma bowls this on a length and outside the off stump. Rinku Singh cross bats this over wide long on for six runs. Kolkata still need a few more of these biggies.

Make that four dot balls now! Sandeep Sharma goes full and outside the off pole. Rinku Singh pushes this towards cover and can not beat the fielder.

Three dot balls in a row! Sandeep Sharma bowls a bouncer with pace taken off and outside off. Rinku Singh allows this to go through to the keeper.

A slower delivery bowled really full and outside the off pole. Rinku Singh looks to dig this one out but misses.

Sandeep Sharma bowls this on a good length and outside the off stump. Rinku Singh gets well forward and looks to swat it into the leg side but finds the square leg fielder.

Sandeep Sharma (2-0-19-0) comes back into the attack.

Tosses this one full and on a leg-stump line. Anukul Roy flicks this towards deep mid-wicket and picks up a brace to get off the mark.

Bowls a googly on a shortish length and outside the off stump. Anukul Roy goes back in the crease and looks to defend but gets beaten on the outside edge.

Anukul Roy comes out to bat.

PLUMB! Two wickets in one over and Rajasthan are grabbing this game by the scruff of its neck! Yuzvendra Chahal flights this one full and in line with the stumps. Shardul Thakur gets down on one knee to sweep this one away but misses and gets hit flush on the pads. Yuzvendra Chahal is up in appeal instantly but the umpire remains unmoved. Yuzvendra Chahal immediately asks his skipper to go for the review as he is fully convinced that this is out. Sanju Samson obliges and UltraEdge shows no bat involved. Ball Tracking has three reds and the umpire has to overturn his decision. Shardul Thakur departs and Kolkata have lost their sixth wicket.

Loops this full and outside off. Rinku Singh drives this down to long off and takes a single.

Flights this one full and outside the off stump. Shardul Thakur dabs this into the off side with soft hands and sets off for a single to open his account.

Shardul Thakur is the new man in.

OUT! CAUGHT! Yuzvendra Chahal comes into the attack and he does what he is so good at doing, getting a crucial breakthrough! He floats this one wide outside off on a full length. Venkatesh Iyer looks to go hard at the ball but gets deceived by the flight. He hit this high into the off side and Trent Boult at cover settles under the high ball. He judges it well and takes it with both hands to send Venkatesh Iyer back to the shed. Kolkata have lost their set batter and will be hoping their tail can wag.

Full and attacks the stumps. Rinku Singh flicks this towards deep mid-wicket and some good fielding by Trent Boult keeps them down to two runs.

Slower delivery bowled full and outside off. Rinku Singh looks to play this away but gets beaten by the lack of pace.

Goes back to bowling full and outside off. Venkatesh Iyer hits this hard towards deep point for a single.

SIX! STAND AND DELIVER! KM Asif bowls this on a length and in line with the stumps. Venkatesh Iyer stands tall and thumps this over long on for six runs.

Goes full and outside the off stump. Rinku Singh lofts this into the off side and the ball lands safely in the point region for a single.

That is FIFTY for Venkatesh Iyer! He started watchfully but has built a nice momentum in his inning! KM Asif bowls this on a yorker length and wide outside off. Venkatesh Iyer gets across towards the off side and looks to paddle but gets and inside edge onto his pads. The ccamper for a single.

Shorter this time and on off, Venkatesh Iyer pulls it to long on and retains the strike with a single.

Keeps it full and on middle, Venkatesh Iyer steps out of his crease and clips it wide of long on. Jos Buttler sprints to his left, puts in a dive and saves a couple of runs for his side.

Slightly short and down leg, Rinku Singh turns this one to short third man and scampers across for a quick single.

Fuller this time and around leg, the ball holds in the surface and Rinku Singh keeps this one out on the leg side.

Angled in on middle and leg, on a short length, Venkatesh Iyer gets squared up as he went for the flick. Gets a soft leading edge to backward point for a single.

Darted in full and onto the pads, Rinku Singh flicks it to deep mid-wicket for a run.

Strategic break! Venkatesh Iyer has helped the Kolkata inning move along nicely after struggling at the start of his inning. They are four wickets down though and will need Rinku Singh to play the finisher's role once again if they are to reach a competitive total in this game. Rajasthan have been chipping away at the wickets and when they have been unable to get a breakthrough, they have kept things tight. They will want a few more scalps to get this tie well in their favor and give their batters an easy task to accomplish.

Pace on and back of a length, just outside off, Rinku Singh ramps this one towards third man. The ball goes on the bounce to the fielder in the deep and Rinku keeps the strike with a single.

Slower this time and slightly fuller, on off, Venkatesh Iyer heaves this one to deep mid-wicket and gets to the other end.

On a good length and angled across, outside off, Rinku Singh stays back and punches it to deep cover. Opens his account with a single.

Rinku Singh walks out to the crease.

OUT! CAUGHT! KM Asif has the last laugh! Goes short this time and directs this one at the batter, Andre Russell gets cramped for room and tries to guide this one past backward point. Does not manage to keep his shot along the ground and holes out to Ravichandran Ashwin at backward point who takes a sharp catch. A good comeback by KM Asif after being hit for six on the previous delivery.

SIX! BANG! KM Asif misses his length and bowls it in the slot, around off, Andre Russell stays deep in the crease and clears his front leg. Smokes it over the long off fence for a biggie.

Fuller in length and outside off, at 141.8 kph, Venkatesh Iyer drives it on the up to deep cover for a single.

Gives the ball a lot of air and turning away, outside off, Andre Russell has a wild swing at the delivery but connects with thin air. A much-needed over for Kolkata, 15 runs came off it.

Keeps it full and outside off, Venkatesh Iyer drives without much timing towards deep cover and settles for one.

FOUR! Loopy delivery, full and on off, Venkatesh Iyer gets forward and goes inside out. Launches it over extra cover for four more runs.

Floated this time, full and outside off, Venkatesh Iyer gets down to slog sweep but gets an inside edge. Luckily for him, he does not drag this one back onto the stumps.

FOUR! Short and punished! Chahal pulls his length back and bowls it short, turning in on middle, Venkatesh Iyer rocks on the back foot and pulls it wide of deep square leg for a boundary.

SIX! Venkatesh Iyer goes straight! Tossed up, full and wide outside off, Venkatesh Iyer puts the dancing shoes on and lofts this one down the ground. Does not time this one well but enough to clear Joe Root at long off for a maximum.

Two dots to end the over! Goes short once again and directs this one at the batter, Andre Russell opts to let this one go safely through to Sanju Samson. Not a bad first over by KM Asif, only 6 runs came off it.

Good bumper! Bends his back and bowls this one short, on middle and leg, Andre Russell ducks and lets the ball go through to the keeper.

Goes full and outside off. Venkatesh Iyer knocks this towards mid off and sets off for a quick single.

WIDE! Bowls a full toss but well beyond the tram line on the off side. Venkatesh Iyer leaves this alone and the umpire calls this wide.

Lands it on a good length, outside off, Andre Russell swats it without much timing towards long on for a run.

Length delivery, outside off, Andre Russell throws his hands at the ball and gets it from the outer part of the bat. Slices it wide of third man where Sandeep Sharma runs to his right and makes a good diving stop to save a couple of runs for his side.

Starts with a bumper, on middle, Venkatesh Iyer pulls it in the air but well short of deep square leg for a single.

Good diving stop by Dhruv Jurel! Pulls his length back and bowls it short, on middle, Venkatesh Iyer pulls it hard and wide of deep mid-wicket. Dhruv Jurel flings himself to his right and keeps it to one.

Flighted again, full and outside off, Andre Russell drives it wide of the cover-point fielder and gets off the mark with one.

Floated, full and wide outside off, Andre Russell gets on the front foot and keeps this one out on the off side.

A polite enquiry for LBW but turned down! Bowls a googly, full on middle and leg, Andre Russell gets forward to defend but plays down the wrong line. The ball catches him on the front pad but the ball would have missed the leg stump.

Andre Russell walks out to the middle.

OUT! CAUGHT! Yuzvendra Chahal strikes in his very first over and gets rid of Nitish Rana! Tosses this one nicely, full on middle, Nitish Rana gets down and does time this sweep well. However, he hits flat and straight down the throat of deep backward square leg. The ball is dipping in on its way to Shimron Hetmyer there but Hetmyer judges well and dives forward to make a tough catch look easy. Yuzvendra Chahal has his 184th Indian T20 League wicket and he is now the all-time leading wicket-taker of this competition.

Comes into the attack and starts on a short length, outside off, Venkatesh Iyer punches it wide of cover for a single.

FOUR! Nitish Rana joins the party now! Ravichandran Ashwin serves this one full and outside the off pole. Nitish Rana drills this towards wide long off for four runs. 18 runs have come from this over and Kolkata will look to build on this momentum.

Bowls this really full and into the pads. Venkatesh Iyer flicks this towards deep mid-wicket for a single.

Goes short this time and outside the off stump. Venkatesh Iyer cuts this straight to the point fielder.

SIX! Venkatesh Iyer looks to be back in the grove in just two shots! Ravichandran Ashwin loops this one full and outside off. Venkatesh Iyer shimmies down the wicket and lofts this high into the night sky towards deep cover for six more runs.

SIX! Venkatesh Iyer finally gets one off the middle of his bat and that will definitely help him build some confidence! This is full and outside the off stump. Venkatesh Iyer slog sweeps this towards wide long on for six runs.

Ravichandran Ashwin bowls this short and outside off. Nitish Rana goes deep in the crease and pulls this towards deep square leg for a single.

Strategic break! As both teams head into the first strategic break of the game, Rajasthan have dominated proceedings so far. They have been consistent with their lines and lengths and haven't allowed Kolkata batters to gain any momentum. The boundaries have dried up for Kolkata but both Nitish Rana and Venkatesh Iyer have got their eye in and will look to shift gears in this next passage of play. Will Kolkata batters manage to get a move on? Let's find out.

Goes back to bowling short and just outside the off stump. Nitish Rana punches this towards deep point and takes one to keep strike.

Tosses this full and outside the off pole. Venkatesh Iyer hits this hard towards wide long off but Yashasvi Jaiswal does well in the deep to restrict them to a single.

Short this time and just outside off. Nitish Rana rocks back and pulls this towards deep square leg for a run.

Bowls this quicker in the air on a shortish length. Nitish Rana looks to block but the ball land on the pitch and begins to roll towards the keeper. Misses the stumps by a fraction.

FOUR! A much-needed boundary for Kolkata! This is onto the pads on a fullish length. Nitish Rana sweeps and gets enough glove on it to find the fine leg boundary for four runs.

Joe Root bowls this short and outside the off stump. Venkatesh Iyer cuts this to deep point for a run.

Tosses this one full and just outside the off pole. Venkatesh Iyer sweeps hard but hits it straight to the deep mid-wicket fielder for the sixth single of the over.

Back to bowling short and outside off. Nitish Rana punches this towards deep cover for a single.

Loops this one full and outside the off pole. Venkatesh Iyer looks to go aerial over the off side but does not time it well and finds the deep point fielder on the bounce for a run.

Attacks the pads on a shortish length. Nitish Rana flicks this towards deep mid-wicket for another single.

Continues to bowl short and into the pads. Venkatesh Iyer whips this towards deep mid-wicket for one.

Short once again and outside the off stump. Nitish Rana cuts this to deep cover and takes a run.

Slightly short and outside the off pole. Nitish Rana gets low and cuts this towards deep point for a single to retain strike.

Attacks the pads once again on a fullish length. Venkatesh Iyer tries to sweep as well but does not connect. The ball rolls to short fine leg off the pads for another extra.

Straying onto the pads on a fuller length. Nitish Rana misses his sweep and the ball goes off the pads towards short fine leg for a leg bye.

Goes full this time and into the pads. Venkatesh Iyer clips this towards deep square leg for one.

Continues to bowl short and at the stumps. Venkatesh Iyer flicks this towards deep mid-wicket and picks up a couple of runs.

Joe Root bowls this short and in line with the stumps. Nitish Rana whips this towards long on for a single.

Spin from both ends as Joe Root comes on to bowl now.

Flights this one full and outside the off stump. Venkatesh Iyer pushes this straight towards point.

Fires this one full, and going down the leg pole. Varun Chakaravarthy makes room and goes for the slog sweep but misses.

A low full toss this time outside off. Venkatesh Iyer punches this straight to the cover fielder.

Tosses this full and into the pads. Nitish Rana clips this through square leg for a single.

Floats this one a tad bit fuller and outside off. Venkatesh Iyer swats this towards deep square leg for a single.

Ravichandran Ashwin starts with a slightly short delivery just outside off. Venkatesh Iyer pushes this towards the cover fielder.

Leg bye! Full and drifting around leg, Venkatesh Iyer misses the flick and the ball rolls off his pads to short fine leg for a leg bye. A great over by Trent Boult, a wicket and only 6 runs off it.

Good-length delivery, on off, Venkatesh Iyer can only block this one out down the wicket.

Buzzers! On a length and around off, Nitish Rana taps it in front of point and calls Venkatesh Iyer for a single. Yashasvi Jaiswal picks the ball and has a shy at the batter's end. He misses and there is no one to back his throw. The ball rolls towards deep square leg where KM Asif runs around from fine leg. He makes a good diving stop to keep it to three runs.

Full and drifting onto the pads, Nitish Rana flicks it towards deep backward square leg and opens his account with a couple of runs.

Slightly fuller and on off, Nitish Rana drives it along the ground towards mid off.

Nitish Rana the skipper of Kolkata walks out to the crease.

OUT! CAUGHT! Trent Boult strikes again and this time, he removes Rahmanullah Gurbaz! Boult bowls it full and on off, Rahmanullah Gurbaz makes room by moving to the leg side. Gets underneath the delivery and tries to go over mid off. Does not manage to do so and ends up hitting it flat and hard to mid off. Sandeep Sharma moves quickly to his right and flings himself to hang onto the catch. Rajasthan will be relieved to see the back of Rahmanullah Gurbaz.

Fullish this time and on the stumps, Rahmanullah Gurbaz drills it towards mid off. The fielder there moves well to this right and keeps it to one. A good over for Kolkata, 15 runs came off it.

Slightly shorter and on off, Venkatesh Iyer punches this one wide of cover and gets to the other end.

Sees the batter shuffle and bowls a knuckleball, outside off, Rahmanullah Gurbaz pushes this one to cover for one.

Slower this time and into the wicket, Rahmanullah Gurbaz works thsi one off the back foot to mid-wicket.

SIX MORE! This is even better! Keeps it full and around off does Sandeep Sharma, Rahmanullah Gurbaz plays this one with a straight bat and launches it over wide long off for yet another maximum.

SIX! SHOT! Sandeep Sharma looks to go full but serves it in the slot, on off, Rahmanullah Gurbaz backs away and thumps this one over long off for the first maximum of the game.

Goes a touch fuller and into the pads. Venkatesh Iyer manages to dab this back towards the bowler. A boundary and a wicket from this over and Rajasthan are off to a good start.

Full and darting in on middle, Venkatesh Iyer clips but finds mid-wicket.

Length delivery and swinging away outside off, Venkatesh Iyer steps out of his crease and has a swing to go through the off side. He connects with thin air though.

Bowls it on a hard length and outside off, Venkatesh Iyer guides this one along the ground to short third man.

Venkatesh Iyer walks out to the middle at number 3.

OUT! TAKEN! A brilliant catch by Shimron Hetmyer and Kolkata lose Jason Roy! Boult rolls his fingers over the ball and bowls it around leg, Jason Roy goes for the flick but gets deceived by the slowness of the delivery. Plays his shot early and ends up mistiming his shot. The ball flies all the way towards deep square leg. Shimron Hetmyer stationed there balances himself nicely near the ropes, leaps and completes a well-judged catch. A huge blow for Kolkata as they lose Roy cheaply.

FOUR! Full and angled across, outside off, Jason Roy frees his arms and smokes it over mid off for a boundary.

Slower and fuller on middle, Rahmanullah Gurbaz clips it to mid-wicket for another dot.

Back of a length again and on off, Rahmanullah Gurbaz hangs back and steers it to point for a dot.

FOUR! Rahmanullah Gurbaz gets off the mark now! On a hard length, outside off, Rahmanullah Gurbaz makes room and swings to go through the off side. Gets it from the outer part of the bat and wide of short third man for his first boundary.

A confident appeal for caught behind but turned down! Sanju Samson has a word with the bowler and goes for the review. Sharma bowls this one on a length, swinging in around leg, Rahmanullah Gurbaz dances down the track and looks to go down the ground. Sanju Samson pouches it safely behind the wicket and there is a sound as the ball passed the batter. Rajasthan opt for the review but the UltraEdge shows no bat. The on-field decision will stand and Rajasthan lose their review.

Close! Back of a length on off, Rahmanullah Gurbaz pushes this one to the left of mid-wicket. Jason Roy sets off for a single but gets sent back by Gurbaz. Yashasvi Jaiswal moves to his left and misses a shy at the non-striker's end.

Starts on a shortish length, shaping in, outside off, Rahmanullah Gurbaz stays back and dabs it to backward point.

Sandeep Sharma will share the attack and bowl from the other end.

Angled across on a good length, outside off, Jason Roy shapes to poke at this delivery but withdraws his bat eventually. Good finish to the over by Trent Boult.

A muted appeal for LBW but turned down! Much straighter this time and full on the pads, Jason Roy misses the flick and wears it on the front pad. Sanju Samson goes up in appeal but the umpire is unmove. The ball would have certainly missed the leg stump.

FOUR! Nicely played! Boult goes searching for the swing and bowls it full, wide outside off, Jason Roy squeezes this one to the left of backward point for his first boundary.

Drags his length back and bowls it on off, Jason Roy hangs back and pushes it to mid on. Rahmanullah Gurbaz wants a single but Roy says no.

Fuller and on off by Trent Boult, Jason Roy uses his feet and drives it crisply but straight to mid off.

Jason Roy and Kolkata are underway! Boult starts on a good length, outside off, Jason Roy plants his foot forward and checks his drive. Hits it a bit uppishly but wide of extra cover. Opens his account with a couple of runs.

We are all set for the game to begin as the umpires make their way out to the middle. The Rajasthan players are in a huddle before dispersing and taking their respective positions on the field. Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Jason Roy will open the innings for Kolkata and will be looking for a good start. Trent Boult has the new ball in his hand and will begin proceedings. Let's play...

Nitish Rana, the skipper of Kolkata, says that he is happy with this pitch. Mentions that it's a new day and they are taking one game at a time. Informs that Anukul Roy comes in for Vaibhav Arora. Reckons that the pitch is on the drier side and hence they have added a spinner and an all-rounder. Ends by saying that they do not have a target in mind but hopes to score 10 runs more than the expected score.

Sanju Samson, the captain of Rajasthan, says that will like to bowl first. Mentions that it is a long tournament and explains that the plans keep changing so if they go according to this pitch, they would like to field first. Informs that Trent Boult comes in place of Kuldip Yadav and KM Asif comes in place of Murugan Ashwin. Adds that Joe Root is the third spin bowling option and also bats at number 4. Claims that the nature of this format and this tournament is that no matter what steps you take, the results could go against you. Ends by saying that the morale in the team is up and despite the close losses, they need to move on.

Impact Players nominated by Rajasthan - Donovan Ferreira, Devdutt Padikkal, Riyan Parag, Murugan Ashwin and Navdeep Saini.

Rajasthan (Playing XI) - Jos Buttler, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Sanju Samson (C/WK), Joe Root, Dhruv Jurel, Shimron Hetmyer, Ravichandran Ashwin, Trent Boult (In for Kuldip Yadav), Sandeep Sharma, KM Asif, Yuzvendra Chahal.

Impact Players nominated by Kolkata - Suyash Sharma, Vaibhav Arora, Narayan Jagadeesan, Umesh Yadav and Lockie Ferguson.

Kolkata (Playing XI) - Rahmanullah Gurbaz (WK), Jason Roy, Venkatesh Iyer, Nitish Rana (C), Andre Russell, Rinku Singh, Sunil Narine, Shardul Thakur, Anukul Roy, Harshit Rana, Varun Chakaravarthy.

TOSS - The two captains are out in the middle. The coin toss lands in the favour of Sanju Samson and Rajasthan have opted to BOWL first.

PITCH REPORT - Danny Morrison and Rohan Gavaskar are near the deck. Morrison starts by informing that straight boundaries here are longer than square ones. Gavaskar says that he loves the look of this wicket and shares that this is the same pitch which was used for the last game played at this venue. Mentions that Kolkata spinners were successful in extracting some turn in that game and reckons that it will be important to bowl at the right lengths. Ends by saying there are runs to be had on this wicket and feels that both Kolkata and Rajasthan spinners will play a part.

On the other hand, Rajasthan are falling off the pace big time and are on a three-match losing streak. Sanju Samson and Co. will hope to return to winning ways and by doing so, stay afloat in the competition. As has been the case all season, they will heavily rely on their top order in this crucial clash as well. While defending against Hyderabad, their bowlers let it slip from a winning position. They will look to rectify the errors and perform better against the strong batting unit of Kolkata. Who are you backing to come out on top? Stick around as the toss and team news is coming up shortly...

As far as the hosts, Kolkata, are concerned, they have found form just at the right time in the tournament. They are on a two-game winning streak and are aiming for a third straight win. In the last outing, their bowlers were on top of the game and will need to put in another complete performance this evening as well. With the bat, Nitish Rana truly led from the front against Punjab and will expect other batters to put their hands up in this fixture.

Hello and a warm welcome, ladies and gentlemen, to our coverage of match number 56 of the 2023 Indian T20 League, where Kolkata take on Rajasthan at the Eden Gardens. This is going to be a clash between teams placed 5th and 6th in the standings and a win here for either side will help them climb to the 3rd spot. 

... MATCH DAY …

The race for the top four has heated up in the Indian T20 League 2023. The 56th game between Kolkata and Rajasthan will be an important contest for both teams, stuck on 10 points. Kolkata defeated Punjab in the last game, and that too on the last ball of the match to keep their hopes alive while Rajasthan threw away a game they should have won, going down against Hyderabad. This game will be played at Eden Gardens, where we have seen huge totals this season and can expect another run-fest. Kolkata have had their fair share of problems with their bowling which still looks a bit inconsistent. Their trio of spinners, Sunil Narine, Varun Chakaravarthy, and Suyash Sharma have done well for them with Chakaravarthy being the leading wicket-taker for them but the pacers have been one of the most expensive units so far and that has cost them a few games. After getting Jason Roy at the top, their batting has improved as he and Rahmanullah Gurbaz make up a deadly opening duo. Nitish Rana, the skipper has been among the runs but the form and fitness of Venkatesh Iyer is a concern for them. Another positive thing is that Andre Russell has found his touch again and was crucial in their win against Punjab while in Rinku Singh they have found another fantastic finisher. The way they won their previous game should give them a lot of confidence and they would hope to get another important win in front of the home crowd. Rajasthan, on the other hand, have their own fiery openers with Jos Buttler combining his experience with the youthful exuberance of Yashasvi Jaiswal who has been in top form. The former did struggle for a while but found his old form in the last game while Sanju Samson also played a smashing knock and looks dangerous too. They have Shimron Hetmyer and talented youngster, Dhruv Jurel in their middle order while Joe Root and Devdutt Padikkal can be the players to hold their batting unit. Their bowling has been a bit hot and cold as Yuzvendra Chahal and Ravichandran Ashwin have done very well in the middle overs to get crucial breakthroughs but just like the home team, their pacers have been inconsistent. Sandeep Sharma wouldn't be able to forget the last match as his No Ball on the final delivery snatched the victory away from them and he will be eager to make amends for his team in this game. They have gone down in the last few games and are losing momentum at the wrong time while Kolkata have made a good comeback in the tournament and will look to continue it but they know it won't be easy at all. These two sides have played some of the most exciting matches in the history of the league and we are surely in for another thrilling contest. Let's see who comes out on top.