Punjab Kings vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru, IPL, 2024 Full score card

Result Share

Match 58, Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium, Dharamsala, 09 May, 2024

Royal Challengers Bengaluru

RCB

241/7

(20.0) ov

Punjab Kings

PBKS

181/10

(17.0) ov

Royal Challengers Bengaluru beat Punjab Kings by 60 runs

Player Of The Match

Virat Kohli,
Royal Challengers Bengaluru
Royal Challengers Bengaluru
Summary
Scorecard
Commentary
News
Punjab Kings
Royal Challengers Bengaluru

Punjab Kings • 181/10 (17.0 overs)

R Rossouw 61 (27)

S Singh 37 (19)

M Siraj 3/43 (4)

S Singh 2/28 (3)

Royal Challengers Bengaluru • 241/7 (20.0 overs)

V Kohli 92 (47)

R Patidar 55 (23)

H Patel 3/38 (4)

V Kaverappa 2/36 (4)

Commentary

Right then, that is it from this absolute run-fest where Bengaluru stays alive but it is the end of the road for Punjab. Next up in the Indian T20 League is another crucial game in the context of the playoffs as Chennai takes on Gujarat. That game will begin at 7.30 pm IST (2 pm GMT), but as you know, you can always join us early for all the build-up to the match. Until then, cheers and goodbye!

Virat Kohli is the PLAYER OF THE MATCH for his stunning knock. He says that for him it is quality over quantity and it works for him. Adds that it allows you to practice less but keep your mind fresh. Tells that he is a guy who looks to adapt to conditions and always improves his game. Mentions that he has played the slog-sweep a lot in this competition, and it is a shot that he played a lot earlier in his playing days and now it is allowing him to also play on the back foot. Says that you have to be honest with yourself in a long tournament, and they were not good enough in the first half of the game. Further adds that the bowling performance against Kolkata was the turning point for them but still a couple of results need to go their way which is not ideal and you always think what if they started playing like this a few games earlier.

Faf du Plessis, the victorious skipper of Bengaluru says that it was a really good game. Adds that they scored over 240 after losing the toss and it’s really pleasing. Mentions that they had good conversations through the middle of the season and wanted to work on the areas they lacked. Shares that they started getting more aggressive and changed a few players in the bowling department. Adds that now they have 6-7 options in the bowling. States that they started finding a way to turn it around as the players wanted to show their real character. Ends by sharing that they want to focus on themselves and that they are a dangerous team for the rest of the tournament.

Sam Curran, the captain of Punjab says that the tournament was frustrating and disappointing. Adds that they had some good stuff but they lost close matches and had a lot to learn. Shares that they knew Shikhar Dhawan wasn’t going to be available because of injury. Mentions that they are gutted but will come back stronger next year. Says that it was fun to lead the side but would have loved wins in a few more games. Informs that they will hope to do well in the last two matches and give fans something to cheer on. Ends by sharing that the ups and downs have been tough but they need to support each other and keep learning and keep coming back stronger.

Presentation Time...

Swapnil Singh is up for a quick chat. He says that he enjoyed it a lot and adds that the pressure is less as all the bowlers are taken for runs. Shares that he was well prepared mentally for it. States that the team had a meeting after the first half of the season and decided to use the spinners more and things are working well for them. Shares that they are on a roll as they plan well against the opponents. Ends by saying that they are trying to keep it simple and taking one game at a time.

Earlier in the game, Bengaluru posted the highest T20 total on this ground courtesy of an exceptional knock of 92 from Virat Kohli along with a fine fifty from Rajat Patidar. Cameron Green and Dinesh Karthik also played decent cameos towards the end. Harshal Patel picked up three wickets with all of them coming in the last over. Debutant Vidwath Kaverappa got a couple of scalps, while Sam Curran and Arshdeep Singh chipped in with one each. However, they only have themselves to blame as they dropped Kohli and Patidar on zero which cost them dearly. While chasing, Punjab started well with Jonny Bairstow and Rilee Rossouw, but the middle order failed miserably.

Bengaluru, on the other hand, will be pretty pleased with their bowling effort. Swapnil Singh got them the early breakthrough in the first over but they couldn't capitalize after that and leaked a lot of runs in the Powerplay before Lockie Ferguson getting rid of Jonny Bairstow. In the middle overs, Karn Sharma was brilliant along with Swapnil and ran through the middle order of Punjab like it was nothing as they shared four wickets equally. Mohammed Siraj came back and cleaned up the tail to wrap up the victory for his team. Bengaluru are on a roll and they still have a chance to qualify for the playoffs.

Punjab needed a quick-fire start but they suffered an early blow as Prabhsimran Singh went back in the first over after playing a few lusty blows. However, after that, Jonny Bairstow and Rilee Rossouw managed to keep up with the asking rate and went full attacking mode. They managed to score 75 in the Powerplay but lost Bairstow in the process as well. Rossouw continued to attack from one side and notched up a fine half-century but after getting hit on his throat perished on the very next ball. After that, Punjab suffered a bit of a collapse as their middle order failed to make any sort of impact. Only Shashank Singh was able to score a few and play a cameo, while skipper Sam Curran tried to add a few but that was never going to be enough as they had to face a defeat by a huge margin of 60 runs.

BENGALURU ELIMINATES PUNJAB! Yet another disappointing season for the home side as they get knocked out with their second loss in a row. However, it is joy on the other side as Bengaluru extends their winning streak to four games and keeps their hopes alive with a dominating victory.

Runs Scored 7 Runs

Score after 17 overs : 181/10

A Singh4 (3)

R Chahar5 (5)

M Siraj4-0-43-3

16.6W

OUT! TAKEN! In the air and gone! Bengaluru makes it four out of four wins! Slower length ball, around off. Arshdeep Singh swings hard and heaves it to the mid-on region. Karn Sharma runs in from the boundary and takes a sharp catch. All over for Punjab as Bengaluru wins by 60 runs and keeps their chances alive for the playoffs.

16.54

FOUR! Wide yorker from Siraj! Arshdeep Singh does well to reach at it and slices this to the deep third region for a boundary.

16.40

Back of a length outside off.  Arshdeep Singh pulls and toe ends it to short mid-wicket.

16.31

Yorker length, tailing into the middle and leg. Rahul Chahar jams it out and works it through mid-wicket for a single.

16.20

On a length, angling into the batter. Rahul Chahar has a wild swing across the line but only connects with thin air.

16.22wd

WIDES! Siraj bowls it too short, and way over the batter. Arshdeep Singh swings and misses. Dinesh Karthik gets a hand to it but cannot prevent the two extras.

Arshdeep Singh is the last batter for Punjab.

16.1W

OUT! CAUGHT IN THE DEEP! Siraj bowls it full and at the leg-stump line. Harshal Patel flicks it aerially and straight to the throat of Lockie Ferguson at the deep backward square leg boundary. He takes a sharp catch and Punjab are falling here like a pack of cards. The ninth wicket is back in the pavilion.

Runs Scored 10 Runs

Score after 16 overs : 174/8

R Chahar4 (3)

H Patel0 (0)

L Ferguson3-0-29-2

15.64

FOUR! Nice shot! Slower and shorter in length, outside off. Rahul Chahar waits and cuts it to the deep third region for a boundary.

15.50

Sharp short ball, around off. Rahul Chahar is rushed on the pull and misses it.

15.40

Back of a length, angling in on off. Rahul Chahar gets behind the line and blocks it out.

Strategic break! Punjab are on the verge of being knocked out of the tournament and they have been second best here. Bengaluru will live to fight another day here as they have performed well and keep their hopes alive.

15.3W

OUT! BOWLED'EM! Another one bites the dust. Lockie Ferguson bowls a knuckleball. Full and straight at the stumps. Sam Curran looks to hoick it across the line but misses and the off-stump goes for a walk. Lockie Ferguson is pumped and Bengaluru are inching closer to a big win. The Punjab skipper is back in the hut.

15.24

FOUR! Edgy! Back of a length, around off. Sam Curran hops and gets an outside edge that flies past the short third fielder for a boundary.

15.12

Pitched full, at the stumps. Sam Curran flicks it through mid-wicket for a couple.

Harshal Patel walks in at 9.

Runs Scored 11 Runs

Score after 15 overs : 164/7

A Sharma8 (5)

S Curran16 (13)

M Siraj3-0-36-1

14.6W

OUT! LBW! A loud appeal and up goes the finger! Siraj bowls it full and straight at the stumps. Ashutosh Sharma looks to flick across the line but misses and is pinned in front. The batter takes the review. The ultra-edge shows a flat line and the ball tracking gives the wickets as umpire's call. Ashutosh Sharma trudges off the field as Punjab lose their seventh.

14.51

Good length, on middle. Sam Curran works it to deep mid-wicket for a single.

14.51wd

WIDE! He has to reload it. Bowls it short and way outside the tramline. Sam Curran lets it go. Wided by the umpire.

14.41

Slower length ball, on off. Ashutosh Sharma punches it through extra cover for a single.

Commentary

Welcome back. The umpires and players from both sides return to the ground. Jonny Bairstow and Prabhsimran Singh stride out to open for Punjab. It will be Swapnil Singh to begin the proceedings with the ball for Bengaluru. Also, Yash Dayal comes in as the impact player sub for Bengaluru in place of Rajat Patidar. Here we go!

...THE RUN CHASE...

Right then, Punjab need to chase a mammoth score of 242 to keep their hopes alive for the playoffs. Can they do it or will Bengaluru make it four out of four? We shall find out soon. Join us for the second essay in a bit.

The man of the moment, Virat Kohli is up for a chat. He says that it was important to keep his strike rate up through the innings. Adds that it was a tricky phase when Patidar got out and the rain and hail came down. Tells that they needed time to settle in but once Green and him did that, they knew they had to go all out attack. Mentions that he thought 230-plus would be a good total here and they have managed to get more than that so they are happy. Says that their bowling has been good in the last few games and that gives them a lot of confidence as well. Praises debutant Kaverappa and says that he has a bit is swing but it is hard to judge someone based on just one game and once it stopped swinging, the tried to take him on as well.

For Punjab, the bowlers had a poor outing and were taken to the cleaners. The debutant for Punjab, Vidhwath Kaverappa, was the best bowler for his side with 2 wickets in the powerplay. Harshal Patel bowled an excellent final over and gave away just three runs in the final over, picking 3 wickets. Bengaluru were on course to go past 250 but the final over did not allow them to do so. The wicket is good and the pitch is a belter. Punjab batters did not turn up in their last game and will be expected to show some fight tonight.

A brilliant batting effort from Bengaluru has taken their score to 241 for 7 in their 20 overs. Having been sent into bat first, Bengaluru lost Faf du Plessis and Will Jacks inside the powerplay, but Virat Kohli and Rajat Patidar joined hands and added 76 runs for the third wicket quickly. Patidar departed for a brisk 55 while Kohli carried on and made a sublime 92 off 47. Cameron Green provided the finishing touches with 46 off just 27 and took his side to a terrific score.

Runs Scored 3 Runs

Score after 20 overs : 241/7

C Green46 (27)

S Singh1 (1)

H Patel4-0-38-3

19.6W

OUT! TAKEN! What a last over from Harshal Patel! Just three runs and three wickets from it. This one is pitched up and on middle, Cameron Green tries to go big but fails to get underneath the ball, he hits it hard and flat wide of long on where Sam Curran dives to his right and takes a stunning catch. Bengaluru finishes on a mammoth 241/7!

19.51

A full toss, on middle, Swapnil Singh slogs it wildly towards deep mid-wicket for just another run.

Swapnil Singh is the next man in.

19.4W

OUT! BOWLED'EM! No need for a review this time! Harshal Patel bowls another deceptive slower one, full and on middle, Mahipal Lomror goes through his slog way too early and misses it as the ball goes on to rattle the stumps. Patel gets his second now!

19.31

Fuller one and around off, Cameron Green drills it straight to extra covers for one.

19.21lb

A huge shout for LBW, but turned down! A slower yorker this time, on middle, angling in, Mahipal Lomror gets deceived and misses as the ball goes off his pads towards point, A leg bye is taken. Sam Curran takes the review where UltraEdge shows nothing and Ball Tracking indicates that wickets are missing. Punjab loses a review.

Mahipal Lomror is the next man in.

19.1W

OUT! TAKEN! Harshal Patel gets a wicket now! He lands this back of a length and on middle, slower too, Dinesh Karthik goes for the big heave but the ball gets big on him and goes off the upper half of the bat, it flies in the air towards long on where Sam Curran settles under it and takes a good catch. DK goes after a nice little cameo!

Harshal Patel to bowl the last over.

Runs Scored 21 Runs

Score after 19 overs : 238/4

D Karthik18 (6)

C Green45 (25)

R Chahar3-0-47-0

18.61

Short and outside off, Dinesh Karthik slaps it towards sweeper covers who takes a diving catch but that won't count. They cross. 21 runs off the over!

18.65nb

NO BALL AND FOUR! It's getting bad to worse for Punjab! Darts this one full and on middle, Dinesh Karthik goes down and slogs it hard towards the deep mid-wicket fence, Rilee Rossouw runs to his right and slides to take the catch but misses the ball as it goes for four runs, A Free Hit coming up...

18.53

Quicker, short and around off, Cameron Green tries to cut but chops it down between the legs of Jonny Bairstow, the fielder at short third man chases it down and slides to stop it. Three runs taken.

18.41

Flatter, full and on middle, Dinesh Karthik moves across and swipes it wide of short fine leg for a run.

18.36

SIX! Into the crowd! Tossed up, full and on off, Dinesh Karthik clears his front leg away, gets under it and heaves it over the deep mid-wicket fence for a biggie.

18.21

Flatter, full and on middle, Cameron Green works it off the inner half of the bat through square leg for a single.

18.14

FOUR! SMASHED! Rahul Chahar goes short and around off, Cameron Green makes a bit of room and slaps it away hard and wide of long off, Liam Livingstone tries to his best to reach it but the ball goes for a boundary.

Interesting move by Sam Curran as Rahul Chahar will bowl the penultimate over.

Runs Scored 17 Runs

Score after 18 overs : 217/4

D Karthik6 (2)

C Green37 (22)

A Singh3-0-41-1

17.66

SIX! DK gets going now! Arshdeep Singh pitches it up and around off, Dinesh Karthik knows that mid off is up, moves deep in his crease and smashes it over the wide long off fence for a biggie.

17.50

OUCH! Arshdeep Singh bangs this one hard onto the pitch, on middle, Dinesh Karthik goes for the pull but misses and gets hit around the ribcage. That will hurt a bit.

17.4W

OUT! TAKEN! Arshdeep Singh finally has his say in this duel! Virat Kohli has to gob back on 92. This one is full and wide outside off as well, Virat Kohli tries to lift it over extra covers but ends up slicing it away to the only fielder there at deep point, Rilee Rossouw keeps his calm under pressure and pouches it safely. Kohli goes after a terrific knock and the fans have ben thoroughly entertained.

Who walks out now?

17.41wd

Goes fuller but too outside off, Virat Kohli fails to reach it. Wided.

17.36

SIX! THAT IS JUST A RIDICULOUS SHOT! Arshdeep Singh bangs this back of a length and around off, Virat Kohli stands tall, opens the face of the bat slightly and just checks his punch, he times it so well that it flies over the deep point fence for a biggie. He moves into the 90s now!

17.24

FOUR! Top shot! Arshdeep Singh misses his yorker and bowls this full and around off, Virat Kohli stays back and drives it magnificently through extra covers for a boundary.

Punjab Kings
Royal Challengers Bengaluru
Batter R B 4s 6s SR
P Singh

lbw b S Singh

6 4 1 0 150
J Bairstow

c du Plessis b L Ferguson

27 16 4 1 168.75
R Rossouw

c W Jacks b K Sharma

61 27 9 3 225.92
S Singh

run out (V Kohli)

37 19 4 2 194.73
5 4 1 0 125
L Livingstone

c K Sharma b S Singh

0 2 0 0 0
S Curran

b L Ferguson

22 16 2 0 137.50
A Sharma

lbw b M Siraj

8 5 0 1 160
H Patel

c L Ferguson b M Siraj

0 1 0 0 0
R Chahar

not out

5 5 1 0 100
A Singh

c K Sharma b M Siraj

4 3 1 0 133.33
Extras

(b 0,lb 2,w 4,nb 0,Penalty 0)

6
Total 17.0 (RR: 10.65)
181/10

Did not bat:

Fall of wickets:

(P Singh, 0.4 ov) (J Bairstow, 5.5 ov) (R Rossouw, 9 ov) (J Sharma, 10.5 ov) (L Livingstone, 11.2 ov) (S Singh, 13.4 ov) (A Sharma, 15 ov) (S Curran, 15.3 ov) (H Patel, 16.1 ov) (A Singh, 17 ov)
Bowler O M R W ER
S Singh
3 0 28 2 9.33
M Siraj
4 0 43 3 10.75
2 0 22 0 11.00
L Ferguson
3 0 29 2 9.66
W Jacks
1 0 5 0 5.00
C Green
1 0 16 0 16.00
K Sharma
3 0 36 2 12.00
Batter R B 4s 6s SR
V Kohli

c R Rossouw b A Singh

92 47 7 6 195.74
du Plessis

c S Singh b V Kaverappa

9 7 2 0 128.57
W Jacks

c H Patel b V Kaverappa

12 7 1 1 171.42

c J Bairstow b S Curran

55 23 3 6 239.13
C Green

c S Curran b H Patel

46 27 5 1 170.37
D Karthik

c S Curran b H Patel

18 7 1 2 257.14
M Lomror

b H Patel

0 2 0 0 0
S Singh

not out

1 1 0 0 100
Extras

(b 0,lb 1,w 6,nb 1,Penalty 0)

8
Total 20.0 (RR: 12.05)
241/7

Did not bat: K Sharma, M Siraj, L Ferguson,

Fall of wickets:

(du Plessis, 2.2 ov) (W Jacks, 4.4 ov) (R Patidar, 10 ov) (V Kohli, 17.4 ov) (D Karthik, 19.1 ov) (M Lomror, 19.4 ov) (C Green, 20 ov)
Bowler O M R W ER
4 0 36 2 9.00
A Singh
3 0 41 1 13.66
S Curran
3 0 50 1 16.66
H Patel
4 0 38 3 9.50
R Chahar
3 0 47 0 15.66
L Livingstone
3 0 28 0 9.33
Punjab Kings
Royal Challengers Bengaluru

Commentary

Right then, that is it from this absolute run-fest where Bengaluru stays alive but it is the end of the road for Punjab. Next up in the Indian T20 League is another crucial game in the context of the playoffs as Chennai takes on Gujarat. That game will begin at 7.30 pm IST (2 pm GMT), but as you know, you can always join us early for all the build-up to the match. Until then, cheers and goodbye!

Virat Kohli is the PLAYER OF THE MATCH for his stunning knock. He says that for him it is quality over quantity and it works for him. Adds that it allows you to practice less but keep your mind fresh. Tells that he is a guy who looks to adapt to conditions and always improves his game. Mentions that he has played the slog-sweep a lot in this competition, and it is a shot that he played a lot earlier in his playing days and now it is allowing him to also play on the back foot. Says that you have to be honest with yourself in a long tournament, and they were not good enough in the first half of the game. Further adds that the bowling performance against Kolkata was the turning point for them but still a couple of results need to go their way which is not ideal and you always think what if they started playing like this a few games earlier.

Faf du Plessis, the victorious skipper of Bengaluru says that it was a really good game. Adds that they scored over 240 after losing the toss and it’s really pleasing. Mentions that they had good conversations through the middle of the season and wanted to work on the areas they lacked. Shares that they started getting more aggressive and changed a few players in the bowling department. Adds that now they have 6-7 options in the bowling. States that they started finding a way to turn it around as the players wanted to show their real character. Ends by sharing that they want to focus on themselves and that they are a dangerous team for the rest of the tournament.

Sam Curran, the captain of Punjab says that the tournament was frustrating and disappointing. Adds that they had some good stuff but they lost close matches and had a lot to learn. Shares that they knew Shikhar Dhawan wasn’t going to be available because of injury. Mentions that they are gutted but will come back stronger next year. Says that it was fun to lead the side but would have loved wins in a few more games. Informs that they will hope to do well in the last two matches and give fans something to cheer on. Ends by sharing that the ups and downs have been tough but they need to support each other and keep learning and keep coming back stronger.

Presentation Time...

Swapnil Singh is up for a quick chat. He says that he enjoyed it a lot and adds that the pressure is less as all the bowlers are taken for runs. Shares that he was well prepared mentally for it. States that the team had a meeting after the first half of the season and decided to use the spinners more and things are working well for them. Shares that they are on a roll as they plan well against the opponents. Ends by saying that they are trying to keep it simple and taking one game at a time.

Earlier in the game, Bengaluru posted the highest T20 total on this ground courtesy of an exceptional knock of 92 from Virat Kohli along with a fine fifty from Rajat Patidar. Cameron Green and Dinesh Karthik also played decent cameos towards the end. Harshal Patel picked up three wickets with all of them coming in the last over. Debutant Vidwath Kaverappa got a couple of scalps, while Sam Curran and Arshdeep Singh chipped in with one each. However, they only have themselves to blame as they dropped Kohli and Patidar on zero which cost them dearly. While chasing, Punjab started well with Jonny Bairstow and Rilee Rossouw, but the middle order failed miserably.

Bengaluru, on the other hand, will be pretty pleased with their bowling effort. Swapnil Singh got them the early breakthrough in the first over but they couldn't capitalize after that and leaked a lot of runs in the Powerplay before Lockie Ferguson getting rid of Jonny Bairstow. In the middle overs, Karn Sharma was brilliant along with Swapnil and ran through the middle order of Punjab like it was nothing as they shared four wickets equally. Mohammed Siraj came back and cleaned up the tail to wrap up the victory for his team. Bengaluru are on a roll and they still have a chance to qualify for the playoffs.

Punjab needed a quick-fire start but they suffered an early blow as Prabhsimran Singh went back in the first over after playing a few lusty blows. However, after that, Jonny Bairstow and Rilee Rossouw managed to keep up with the asking rate and went full attacking mode. They managed to score 75 in the Powerplay but lost Bairstow in the process as well. Rossouw continued to attack from one side and notched up a fine half-century but after getting hit on his throat perished on the very next ball. After that, Punjab suffered a bit of a collapse as their middle order failed to make any sort of impact. Only Shashank Singh was able to score a few and play a cameo, while skipper Sam Curran tried to add a few but that was never going to be enough as they had to face a defeat by a huge margin of 60 runs.

BENGALURU ELIMINATES PUNJAB! Yet another disappointing season for the home side as they get knocked out with their second loss in a row. However, it is joy on the other side as Bengaluru extends their winning streak to four games and keeps their hopes alive with a dominating victory.

Runs Scored 7 Runs

Score after 17 overs : 181/10

A Singh4 (3)

R Chahar5 (5)

M Siraj4-0-43-3

16.6W

OUT! TAKEN! In the air and gone! Bengaluru makes it four out of four wins! Slower length ball, around off. Arshdeep Singh swings hard and heaves it to the mid-on region. Karn Sharma runs in from the boundary and takes a sharp catch. All over for Punjab as Bengaluru wins by 60 runs and keeps their chances alive for the playoffs.

16.54

FOUR! Wide yorker from Siraj! Arshdeep Singh does well to reach at it and slices this to the deep third region for a boundary.

16.40

Back of a length outside off.  Arshdeep Singh pulls and toe ends it to short mid-wicket.

16.31

Yorker length, tailing into the middle and leg. Rahul Chahar jams it out and works it through mid-wicket for a single.

16.20

On a length, angling into the batter. Rahul Chahar has a wild swing across the line but only connects with thin air.

16.22wd

WIDES! Siraj bowls it too short, and way over the batter. Arshdeep Singh swings and misses. Dinesh Karthik gets a hand to it but cannot prevent the two extras.

Arshdeep Singh is the last batter for Punjab.

16.1W

OUT! CAUGHT IN THE DEEP! Siraj bowls it full and at the leg-stump line. Harshal Patel flicks it aerially and straight to the throat of Lockie Ferguson at the deep backward square leg boundary. He takes a sharp catch and Punjab are falling here like a pack of cards. The ninth wicket is back in the pavilion.

Runs Scored 10 Runs

Score after 16 overs : 174/8

R Chahar4 (3)

H Patel0 (0)

L Ferguson3-0-29-2

15.64

FOUR! Nice shot! Slower and shorter in length, outside off. Rahul Chahar waits and cuts it to the deep third region for a boundary.

15.50

Sharp short ball, around off. Rahul Chahar is rushed on the pull and misses it.

15.40

Back of a length, angling in on off. Rahul Chahar gets behind the line and blocks it out.

Strategic break! Punjab are on the verge of being knocked out of the tournament and they have been second best here. Bengaluru will live to fight another day here as they have performed well and keep their hopes alive.

15.3W

OUT! BOWLED'EM! Another one bites the dust. Lockie Ferguson bowls a knuckleball. Full and straight at the stumps. Sam Curran looks to hoick it across the line but misses and the off-stump goes for a walk. Lockie Ferguson is pumped and Bengaluru are inching closer to a big win. The Punjab skipper is back in the hut.

15.24

FOUR! Edgy! Back of a length, around off. Sam Curran hops and gets an outside edge that flies past the short third fielder for a boundary.

15.12

Pitched full, at the stumps. Sam Curran flicks it through mid-wicket for a couple.

Harshal Patel walks in at 9.

Runs Scored 11 Runs

Score after 15 overs : 164/7

A Sharma8 (5)

S Curran16 (13)

M Siraj3-0-36-1

14.6W

OUT! LBW! A loud appeal and up goes the finger! Siraj bowls it full and straight at the stumps. Ashutosh Sharma looks to flick across the line but misses and is pinned in front. The batter takes the review. The ultra-edge shows a flat line and the ball tracking gives the wickets as umpire's call. Ashutosh Sharma trudges off the field as Punjab lose their seventh.

14.51

Good length, on middle. Sam Curran works it to deep mid-wicket for a single.

14.51wd

WIDE! He has to reload it. Bowls it short and way outside the tramline. Sam Curran lets it go. Wided by the umpire.

14.41

Slower length ball, on off. Ashutosh Sharma punches it through extra cover for a single.

14.36

SIX! BOOM! Short and angling down the leg. Ashutosh Sharma covers the line and helps it over the fine leg fence for a biggie.

14.21

Low full toss on middle. Sam Curran forces it to long-on for one.

14.11

Good length delivery on off.  Ashutosh Sharma pushes it to mid-off and collects a quick single.

Runs Scored 7 Runs

Score after 14 overs : 153/6

A Sharma0 (1)

S Curran14 (11)

L Ferguson2-0-19-1

13.61lb

LEG BYE! Short of a length, angling down the leg. Ashutosh Sharma tucks it off his body, toward backward square leg for an extra.

13.51

Pitched full, around off. Sam Curran pushes it down to mid-off for one.

Ashutosh Sharma walks in next.

13.41W

OUT! RUN OUT! Brilliant piece of fielding from Virat Kohli. Hard-length delivery at the stumps. Curran tucks it through mid-wicket and calls for the second. Shashank Singh responds to the call but Kohli comes charging in from the boundary and gets a direct hit at the bowler's end. Shashank Singh might be struggling here as Bengaluru players have started celebrating. The decision is sent upstairs and OUT is shown on the big screen. Shashank Singh is a goner! Punjab are six down!

Slight Halt. Shashank Singh has collided with the Bengaluru skipper, Faf du Plessis while trying to complete the second and is down on the park, grunting in pain. The Punjab physio runs in to check on him. He looks fine now and will continue his innings.

13.32

Hard-length, on the middle and leg. Sam Curran nudges it through mid-wicket and takes a double.

13.21lb

LEG BYE! Back of a length again, angling into the batter. Shashank Singh looks to tuck it away but misses and gets a thud on the thigh pad. The ball rolls into the leg side for an extra.

13.11

Back of a length, slower ball, around the leg peg. Sam Curran tucks it through mid-wicket for a single.

Lockie Ferguson (1-0-14-1) is back into the attack.

Runs Scored 14 Runs

Score after 13 overs : 146/5

S Singh37 (18)

S Curran9 (7)

K Sharma3-0-36-2

12.64

FOUR! Much needed for Punjab! Flighted, full, outside off. Shashank Singh reaches for it and edges it past the short third fielder for a streaky boundary.

12.51

Shortish, around off. Sam Curran goes back and knocks it to long-on for a single.

12.40

Fuller length, on middle. Sam Curran skips down the pitch and pushes it to the left of the bowler.

12.32

Tossed up on the middle and leg. Sam Curran chips it through mid-wicket and a bit of fumble in the deep allows the double.

12.21

Wrong'un on the leg peg. Shashank Singh tucks it through backward square leg for a single.

12.16

SIX! Shashank Singh continues to fight. Karn Sharma bowls it full and in the slot on middle. Shashank Singh gets low and slogs it over the deep mid-wicket fence for half a dozen.

Runs Scored 7 Runs

Score after 12 overs : 132/5

S Curran6 (4)

S Singh26 (15)

S Singh3-0-28-2

11.60

Shortish, outside off. Sam Curran slaps this into extra cover where Faf du Plessis makes an excellent stop.

11.50

Tosses it full, around off. Sam Curran mistimes the drive into covers.

11.44

FOUR! PUT AWAY! Tad short, around off. Sam Curran rocks back and powers it to the cow corner region for a thumping boundary.

11.32

Flatter and outside off. Sam Curran hangs back and punches it toward deep extra cover for a couple.

Punjab skipper, Sam Curran walks in next.

11.2W

OUT! CAUGHT! Soft dismissal for Liam Livingstone! The spin twins are doing the job for Bengaluru. Flighted delivery on the leg stump line. Liam Livingstone looks to nudge it through the on-side but is a tad early into the shot. The ball takes the leading edge and spoons into the hands of Karn Sharma at the short cover region. Punjab have lost three wickets in quick time and are in a spot of bother.

11.11

Flatter on middle. Shashank Singh turns it through mid-wicket for a run.

Runs Scored 11 Runs

Score after 11 overs : 125/4

L Livingstone0 (1)

S Singh25 (14)

K Sharma2-0-22-2

10.60

Tossed up on middle. Liam Livingstone prods forward and pushes it back to the bowler.

Liam Livingstone walks in at 6.

10.5W

OUT! CLEANED HIM UP! Karn Sharma has the last laugh. Bowls a leg break, on the middle and leg stump line. It turns sharply and takes the off-stump as Jitesh Sharma hoicks across the line and misses it completely. Another failure for Jitesh Sharma as he departs cheaply and Punjab lose their fourth wicket.

10.40

Flatter leg break, on off. Jitesh Sharma knocks into the short cover.

10.34

FOUR! Streaky but Jitesh Sharma will take it. Tosses it full and spins away outside off. Jitesh Sharma goes for it and gets an outside edge that flies away to deep third for a boundary.

10.21

Flatter wrong'un on the middle and leg. Shashank Singh turns it through mid-wicket for one.

10.16

SIX! ALL THE WAY! Karn Sharma drops it short on the leg stump line. Shashank Singh goes back and smacks it over the deep square leg boundary for half a dozen.

Runs Scored 7 Runs

Score after 10 overs : 114/3

S Singh18 (12)

J Sharma1 (1)

S Singh2-0-21-1

9.61

Slows it up, short and on middle, Shashank Singh works it through square leg for one more. Just seven off the over then!

9.51

Flighted, full and on middle, Jitesh Sharma skips downthe track and lofts it just past the bowler for one.

9.41

Quicker, short and outside off, Shashank Singh cuts it wide of point, Will Jacks dives to his left to get a good hand on it. They cross.

9.30

Flatter, short and on middle, Shashank Singh blocks it out.

9.24

EDGED AND FOUR! Swapnil Singh floats it up, full and on off, turns away a bit, Shashank Singh looks to play but get an outside edge past the keeper and past short third man as well for a boundary.

9.10

Tossed up, full and on off, Shashank Singh uses his feet and pushes it to short covers.

Jitesh Sharma is the next man in.

Runs Scored 11 Runs

Score after 9 overs : 107/3

R Rossouw61 (27)

S Singh12 (7)

K Sharma1-0-11-1

8.6W

OUT! TAKEN! Karn Sharma has the last laugh here! Rilee Rossouw after that injury just lost his focus and his wicket as well. Huge blow for Punjab. This one is shortish and on middle, skids through as well, Rilee Rossouw moves back to pull it away but gets hurried and mistimes it straight towards long on where Will Jacks pouches it safely. Rilee Rossouw had played his part here but Punjab lose their third now!

Halt! The physio is in to check on Rilee Rossouw as he is struggling after getting hit on his throat. He is good to continue for now.

8.50

Quicker, full and on off, Rilee Rossouw goes for the reverse sweep but misses, the ball goes off his gloves straight onto his throat. He looks in some discomfort here.

8.40

Flatter, short and around off, Rilee Rossouw punches it to extra covers.

8.36

SIX! BOOM! Rilee Rossouw is playing a blinder here! Tossed up, full and on middle, Rilee Rossouw goes down one one knee and smokes it over the deep mid-wicket fence for a biggie now.

8.24

FOUR! Short and punished! Karn Sharma drags his length back and outside off, Rilee Rossouw rocks back and slaps it away wide of long off for a boundary.

8.11

Karn Sharma starts with a floated delivery, full and on middle, Shashank Singh clips it through square leg for a single.

Runs Scored 16 Runs

Score after 8 overs : 96/2

S Singh11 (6)

R Rossouw51 (22)

C Green1-0-16-0

7.61

On a length and on middle, Shashank Singh turns it to the leg side for one.

7.54

FOUR! A bit streaky but Punjab won't mind that! Another bouncer now, on middle, angling in, Shashank Singh tries to hook it away but gloves it as the ball goes just over the keeper for four more runs.

7.41

Slower again, on a length and around off, Rilee Rossouw steers it towards third man for one.

7.36

SIX! FIFTY FOR ROSSOUW! He gets to it in some style as well! This is full and on middle, slower too, Rilee Rossouw presents the full face of the bat and tonks it over the wide long on fence for a biggie. The Bazooka celebration is on display now.

7.24

EDGED AND FOUR! Cameron Green bangs in a sharp bouncer, on middle, Rilee Rossouw gets hurried on his pull shot, gets a top edge that goes well over the keeper's head for a boundary.

7.10

Cameron Green begins with a full delivery, on off, Rilee Rossouw pushes it straight to extra covers.

Runs Scored 5 Runs

Score after 7 overs : 80/2

S Singh6 (4)

R Rossouw40 (18)

W Jacks1-0-5-0

6.60

Flighted, full and on off, Shashank Singh drills it straight to extra covers. Just fives runs from the over then.

6.51

Floated, full and on leg, Rilee Rossouw flicks it through square leg for one more.

6.41

Quicker, full and on off, Shashank Singh eases it towards long on for one.

6.31

Shortish and on middle, Rilee Rossouw stays back and works it through mid-wicket again for another run.

6.21

Flatter, full and on middle, Shashank Singh clips it towards deep mid-wicket for a run.

6.11

Will Jacks starts with a short delivery, on middle, Rilee Rossouw nudges it through mid-wicket for a single.

Strategic-Break! Punjab have made a fine start and raced to 75 in the first six overs. They have lost both the openers but are in check with the required run rate. Rilee Rossouw holds the key for Punjab and will need to bat deep into the innings for his side to pose a threat to chase this mammoth score. Bengaluru have picked two key wickets and will need to keep the scoring rate in check if they are to stay ahead in the game. This game is brewing up nicely. Don't go anywhere!

Runs Scored 14 Runs

Score after 6 overs : 75/2

S Singh4 (1)

R Rossouw37 (15)

L Ferguson1-0-14-1

5.64

FOUR! Shot of a man in form! Lockie Ferguson pitches it up, on middle, angling in, Shashank Singh gives charge and flicks it away brilliantly towards the deep square leg fence for a boundary. Punjab are 75/2 at the end of the Powerplay!

Shashank Singh comes out to the middle now.

5.5W

OUT! TAKEN! Lockie Ferguson strikes and gets a big wicket! He cleverly bowls the slower one here, full and on off, Jonny Bairstow looks to loft it over mid off but is a bit early into his shot and checks it at the last moment as well, fails to get any power on that as the ball goes in the air behind mid off, Faf du Plessis runs backward and takes a fantastic catch under pressure. Bengaluru finally gets the breakthrough!

5.44

FOUR! Another one! Lockie Ferguson hits the hard length but angling down the leg side, Jonny Bairstow swipes it over short fine leg for four more runs.

5.34

FOUR! Nice shot! Lockie Ferguson goes pace on and full, on middle, Jonny Bairstow backs away a bit and lifts it over mid on for a boundary.

5.21

Back of a length and on middle, Rilee Rossouw heaves it towards deep square leg for a run.

5.11

Lockie Ferguson begins with a slower one, full and on off, Jonny Bairstow steers it through point for a single.

Runs Scored 16 Runs

Score after 5 overs : 61/1

R Rossouw36 (14)

J Bairstow18 (12)

Y Dayal2-0-22-0

4.64

FOUR! Enough elevation on that one! Another slower one, short of a length and on off, Rilee Rossouw waits for it and gets enough power on his swat to send it over mid on for a boundary.

4.51

Great bowling! Yash Dayal takes pace off nicely, back of a length and on off, Jonny Bairstow gets deceived by it as he tries to go big but adjusts well to steer it wide of the keeper for a quick run.

4.40

Gets away with that one! Full and around leg, Jonny Bairstow flicks it straight towards short fine leg.

4.30

Yash Dayal nails the yorker this time, on middle, Jonny Bairstow just manages to dig it out behind the stumps.

4.31wd

Goes fuller but down the leg side this time, Jonny Bairstow misses his flick. Wided.

4.24

FOUR! Up and over! Pitched up and on off, Jonny Bairstow is waiting for that length and lofts it comfortably over mid off for a one-bounce four.

4.16

SIX! Way into the stands! Yash Dayal goes short, pace off and on off, Jonny Bairstow reads it early, waits for it, and hammers it 20 rows back over the deep mid-wicket fence for a biggie. 50 up for Punjab!

Runs Scored 18 Runs

Score after 4 overs : 45/1

R Rossouw32 (13)

J Bairstow7 (7)

M Siraj2-0-25-0

3.66

SIX! BANG! Rilee Rossouw connects this time! 18 runs off the over! Predictable from Mohammed Siraj as he follows up a full delivery with a short one, on middle, Rilee Rossouw is already in a good position and whacks it over the deep square leg fence for a biggie.

3.54

FOUR! Top shot! Pitched up and on off, Rilee Rossouw uses his feet to get to the pitch of it and thrashes it past mid off for four more runs, No chance for the diving mid off fielder there.

3.40

Play and a miss again! Mohammed Siraj pulls his length back, on middle, Rilee Rossouw swings across the line and misses again, the ball just goes past the off-pole this time.

3.34

FOUR! Great shot! Mohammed Siraj goes a bit fuller and on middle, Rilee Rossouw stays back and thumps it past the the bowler for another fine boundary.

3.20

Back of a length and on off, angling away, Rilee Rossouw tries to heave it across the line but misses.

3.14

FOUR! SMACKED! Mohammed Siraj goes back of a length and outside off, Rilee Rossouw gets the chance to free his arms and absolutely crunches it away through point for a boundary.

Runs Scored 6 Runs

Score after 3 overs : 27/1

J Bairstow7 (7)

R Rossouw14 (7)

Y Dayal1-0-6-0

2.60

A low full toss, on off, Jonny Bairstow toe-ends it to extra covers.

2.51

DROPPED! We have seen quite a few going down in this game! Yash Dayal sees the batter move across and takes pace off, back of a length, outside off, Rilee Rossouw initially winds up for the scoop but changes his shot and tries to cut it away, fails to get enough power as the ball goes in the air towards point, Mahipal Lomror leaps up, gets both hands on it but fails to grab it. A single is taken. How costly will this prove to be for Bengaluru?

2.40

Rigth in the blockhole again, on middle, angling in, Rilee Rossouw steps across and jams it to the leg side.

2.30

Swing and a miss! Yash Dayal serves this full and around off, shaping away, Rilee Rossouw uses his feet and tries to go big but fails to connect.

2.24

FOUR! Streaky! Yash Dayal bowls a good yorker here, on middle and off, Rilee Rossouw tries to dig it out, gets an inside edge past short fine leg, the fielder in the deep dives to his right and tries to push it back inside but fails to do so as it goes for a boundary.

2.11

Yash Dayal starts with a full delivery, on off, Jonny Bairstow drills it towards long off for a quick single.

Runs Scored 7 Runs

Score after 2 overs : 21/1

J Bairstow6 (5)

R Rossouw9 (3)

M Siraj1-0-7-0

1.61

That would have been comical! Pitched up and on middle, Jonny Bairstow swipes it towards mid on and sets off for the run, he steps inside the crease and then jumps in the air to avoid the incoming throw from Faf du Plessis, the ball hits the stumps. However, according to the rules if you ground anything inside the crease, whatever happens after that it does not matter.

1.51

Excellent bowling! Mohammed Siraj nails the yorker here, on leg, swinging in, Rilee Rossouw is not expecting that and is a bit late on his shot and loses his balance as well, the ball rolls towards deep square leg for one.

1.41

Short of a length and outside off, Jonny Bairstow cuts it towards deep point for a single.

1.30

Hits the length hard this time, on middle, shaping away, Jonny Bairstow steers it towards point.

1.24

FOUR! Jonny Bairstow joins the party now! Mohammed Siraj bangs this short and around off, sits up nicely for the batter, Jonny Bairstow stands tall and pulls it away towards the deep mid-wicket fence for a boundary.

1.10

Mohammed Siraj begins with a full delivery, on middle, shaping in, Jonny Bairstow blocks it down the pitch.

Mohammed Siraj to share the attack.

Runs Scored 14 Runs

Score after 1 overs : 14/1

R Rossouw8 (2)

J Bairstow0 (0)

S Singh1-0-14-1

0.64

FOUR! TWO IN TWO! Swapnil Singh bowls this a bit quicker, short and around off, Rilee Rossouw backs away and punches it sweetly past extra covers for another boundary. 14 runs and wicket from the first then!

0.54

FOUR! Rilee Rossouw gets off the mark in style! Tossed up, full and on off, Rilee Rossouw leans on to his drive nicely and creams it through covers for a boundary.

Rilee Rossouw walks out to bat at number 3.

0.4W

OUT! PLUMB IN FRONT! Swapnil Singh draws first blood! He bowls the arm-ball here, full and on off, angles in with the arm sharply, Prabhsimran Singh gets stuck in his crease and tries to block it on the back foot, but misses it and gets hit on the pads right in front of the stumps. A huge appeal and up goes the finger. Punjab suffers an early blow!

0.34

FOUR! Clever shot! Swapnil Singh fires this one full and down the leg side, Prabhsimran Singh goes down and nicely paddles it away past the keeper to the fine leg fence for a boundary.

0.20

Flatter, short and on middle, Prabhsimran Singh stays back and turns it to the leg side.

0.12

Prabhsimran Singh and Punjab are underway straightaway! Swapnil Singh starts with floated delivery, full and around off, Prabhsimran Singh drives it away nicely wide of long off, Will Jacks runs to his right and slides to stop it, does well to keep his legs away from the ropes. Two runs taken.

Commentary

Welcome back. The umpires and players from both sides return to the ground. Jonny Bairstow and Prabhsimran Singh stride out to open for Punjab. It will be Swapnil Singh to begin the proceedings with the ball for Bengaluru. Also, Yash Dayal comes in as the impact player sub for Bengaluru in place of Rajat Patidar. Here we go!

...THE RUN CHASE...

Right then, Punjab need to chase a mammoth score of 242 to keep their hopes alive for the playoffs. Can they do it or will Bengaluru make it four out of four? We shall find out soon. Join us for the second essay in a bit.

The man of the moment, Virat Kohli is up for a chat. He says that it was important to keep his strike rate up through the innings. Adds that it was a tricky phase when Patidar got out and the rain and hail came down. Tells that they needed time to settle in but once Green and him did that, they knew they had to go all out attack. Mentions that he thought 230-plus would be a good total here and they have managed to get more than that so they are happy. Says that their bowling has been good in the last few games and that gives them a lot of confidence as well. Praises debutant Kaverappa and says that he has a bit is swing but it is hard to judge someone based on just one game and once it stopped swinging, the tried to take him on as well.

For Punjab, the bowlers had a poor outing and were taken to the cleaners. The debutant for Punjab, Vidhwath Kaverappa, was the best bowler for his side with 2 wickets in the powerplay. Harshal Patel bowled an excellent final over and gave away just three runs in the final over, picking 3 wickets. Bengaluru were on course to go past 250 but the final over did not allow them to do so. The wicket is good and the pitch is a belter. Punjab batters did not turn up in their last game and will be expected to show some fight tonight.

A brilliant batting effort from Bengaluru has taken their score to 241 for 7 in their 20 overs. Having been sent into bat first, Bengaluru lost Faf du Plessis and Will Jacks inside the powerplay, but Virat Kohli and Rajat Patidar joined hands and added 76 runs for the third wicket quickly. Patidar departed for a brisk 55 while Kohli carried on and made a sublime 92 off 47. Cameron Green provided the finishing touches with 46 off just 27 and took his side to a terrific score.

Runs Scored 3 Runs

Score after 20 overs : 241/7

C Green46 (27)

S Singh1 (1)

H Patel4-0-38-3

19.6W

OUT! TAKEN! What a last over from Harshal Patel! Just three runs and three wickets from it. This one is pitched up and on middle, Cameron Green tries to go big but fails to get underneath the ball, he hits it hard and flat wide of long on where Sam Curran dives to his right and takes a stunning catch. Bengaluru finishes on a mammoth 241/7!

19.51

A full toss, on middle, Swapnil Singh slogs it wildly towards deep mid-wicket for just another run.

Swapnil Singh is the next man in.

19.4W

OUT! BOWLED'EM! No need for a review this time! Harshal Patel bowls another deceptive slower one, full and on middle, Mahipal Lomror goes through his slog way too early and misses it as the ball goes on to rattle the stumps. Patel gets his second now!

19.31

Fuller one and around off, Cameron Green drills it straight to extra covers for one.

19.21lb

A huge shout for LBW, but turned down! A slower yorker this time, on middle, angling in, Mahipal Lomror gets deceived and misses as the ball goes off his pads towards point, A leg bye is taken. Sam Curran takes the review where UltraEdge shows nothing and Ball Tracking indicates that wickets are missing. Punjab loses a review.

Mahipal Lomror is the next man in.

19.1W

OUT! TAKEN! Harshal Patel gets a wicket now! He lands this back of a length and on middle, slower too, Dinesh Karthik goes for the big heave but the ball gets big on him and goes off the upper half of the bat, it flies in the air towards long on where Sam Curran settles under it and takes a good catch. DK goes after a nice little cameo!

Harshal Patel to bowl the last over.

Runs Scored 21 Runs

Score after 19 overs : 238/4

D Karthik18 (6)

C Green45 (25)

R Chahar3-0-47-0

18.61

Short and outside off, Dinesh Karthik slaps it towards sweeper covers who takes a diving catch but that won't count. They cross. 21 runs off the over!

18.65nb

NO BALL AND FOUR! It's getting bad to worse for Punjab! Darts this one full and on middle, Dinesh Karthik goes down and slogs it hard towards the deep mid-wicket fence, Rilee Rossouw runs to his right and slides to take the catch but misses the ball as it goes for four runs, A Free Hit coming up...

18.53

Quicker, short and around off, Cameron Green tries to cut but chops it down between the legs of Jonny Bairstow, the fielder at short third man chases it down and slides to stop it. Three runs taken.

18.41

Flatter, full and on middle, Dinesh Karthik moves across and swipes it wide of short fine leg for a run.

18.36

SIX! Into the crowd! Tossed up, full and on off, Dinesh Karthik clears his front leg away, gets under it and heaves it over the deep mid-wicket fence for a biggie.

18.21

Flatter, full and on middle, Cameron Green works it off the inner half of the bat through square leg for a single.

18.14

FOUR! SMASHED! Rahul Chahar goes short and around off, Cameron Green makes a bit of room and slaps it away hard and wide of long off, Liam Livingstone tries to his best to reach it but the ball goes for a boundary.

Interesting move by Sam Curran as Rahul Chahar will bowl the penultimate over.

Runs Scored 17 Runs

Score after 18 overs : 217/4

D Karthik6 (2)

C Green37 (22)

A Singh3-0-41-1

17.66

SIX! DK gets going now! Arshdeep Singh pitches it up and around off, Dinesh Karthik knows that mid off is up, moves deep in his crease and smashes it over the wide long off fence for a biggie.

17.50

OUCH! Arshdeep Singh bangs this one hard onto the pitch, on middle, Dinesh Karthik goes for the pull but misses and gets hit around the ribcage. That will hurt a bit.

17.4W

OUT! TAKEN! Arshdeep Singh finally has his say in this duel! Virat Kohli has to gob back on 92. This one is full and wide outside off as well, Virat Kohli tries to lift it over extra covers but ends up slicing it away to the only fielder there at deep point, Rilee Rossouw keeps his calm under pressure and pouches it safely. Kohli goes after a terrific knock and the fans have ben thoroughly entertained.

Who walks out now?

17.41wd

Goes fuller but too outside off, Virat Kohli fails to reach it. Wided.

17.36

SIX! THAT IS JUST A RIDICULOUS SHOT! Arshdeep Singh bangs this back of a length and around off, Virat Kohli stands tall, opens the face of the bat slightly and just checks his punch, he times it so well that it flies over the deep point fence for a biggie. He moves into the 90s now!

17.24

FOUR! Top shot! Arshdeep Singh misses his yorker and bowls this full and around off, Virat Kohli stays back and drives it magnificently through extra covers for a boundary.

17.10

Unlucky for Virat Kohli! This si full and on middle, Virat Kohli plays a fantastic straight drive but unfortunately the ball hits the stumps at the non-striker's end and goes nowhere.

Arshdeep Singh is back on. He has conceded 24 runs in his two overs. Also, Jitesh Sharma comes in as the Impact Player for Punjab replacing Vidwath Kaverappa.

Runs Scored 15 Runs

Score after 17 overs : 200/3

V Kohli82 (43)

C Green37 (22)

H Patel3-0-36-0

16.61

Another good yorker to finish the over, on middle, Virat Kohli digs it out towards covers for another run. 200 up for Bengaluru!

16.51

Full again and on off, Cameron Green drills it hard down the pitch, Harshal Patel does really well to get a hand on it on his follow-through. Juat one run!

16.41

Pitched up and outside off, Virat Kohli slices it towards sweeper covers for one.

16.41wd

Another full toss but well outside off this time, Virat Kohli lets it go. It is called a wide.

16.31

A low full toss, on middle, Cameron Green jams it out towards extra covers for a single.

16.26

SIX! HUGE! Nothing sneaky about that one! Harshal Patel goes full again and on middle, Cameron Green stays deep in his crease, uses the long levers and tonks it over the bowler's head for a biggie.

16.14

FOUR! A bit sneaky! This is full and outside off, Cameron Green slashes hard at it, gets an outside edge that flies over short third man for a boundary.

Runs Scored 21 Runs

Score after 16 overs : 185/3

V Kohli80 (41)

C Green25 (18)

S Curran3-0-50-1

15.66

SIX! Up, up and away! 21 runs off the over! Sam Curran goes back to his fuller length and serves this right in the slot, on middle and off, Virat Kohli is never going to miss out on these as the dispatches it way over the wide long on fence for another biggie.

15.51

Pulls his length back and outside off, Cameron Green stabs it towards the mid off region for one.

15.44

FOUR! Powered away! Pitched up and around middle, in the slot as well, Cameron Green stays in his crease and smacks it over the bowler's head for a boundary.

15.31

Slower again, on a length and on off, Virat Kohli knocks it towards long off for a run.

15.31wd

Full and way outside off again, Virat Kohli leaves it alone. Wided once more!

15.31wd

Goes for the wide yorker but serves this well outside off, Virat Kohli fails to reach it. Wided.

15.26

SiX! BANG! KING KOHLI IN THE MOOD NOW! Sam Curran bowls the slower one, full and on off, Virat Kohli picks it up way early, goes down, waits for it and absolutely smokes it over the long on fence for a maximum.

15.11

Back of a length and outside off, Cameron Green punches it wide of extra covers for a single.

Strategic-Break! Bengaluru are going well and will target over 220 from here. Virat Kohli holds the key for them while the others will have to bat around him. Punjab pulled things slightly after the rain break but must bowl extremely well to keep Bengaluru to a chasable score. An exciting phase awaits us. Stick around.

Runs Scored 11 Runs

Score after 15 overs : 164/3

V Kohli67 (38)

C Green19 (15)

L Livingstone3-0-28-0

14.62

Quicker, short and on off, Virat Kohli moves back and punches it wide of long off, Arshdeep Singh runs to his left and dives to make a fine stop. Two runs taken. With that, he surpasses 600 runs this season as well as 1000 runs against Punjab in the history of this competition.

14.56

SIX! BOOM! That was coming! Liam Livingstone gives this a little bit more air, full and around middle, Virat Kohli goes down on one knee and nails his slog-sweep over the deep mid-wicket fence for a biggie.

14.41

Flighted, full and on off, Cameron Green drives it towards long off for another run.

14.31

Quicker, short and on middle, Virat Kohli backs away and tries to play the late cut but fails to beat short third man. They cross.

14.21

Floated, full and on the pads, Cameron Green clips it through mid-wicket for a single.

14.10

Shortish and on middle, Cameron Green stays back and pushes it back to the bowler.

Runs Scored 9 Runs

Score after 14 overs : 153/3

C Green17 (12)

V Kohli58 (35)

H Patel2-0-21-0

13.61

Touch fuller and around off, Cameron Green blasts it past the bowler towards wide long off for another run.

13.51

Short of a length and outside off, Virat Kohli uses his feet and cuts it on the bounce to deep point for one more.

13.41

Overpitched and on middle, angling in, Cameron Green drills it towards long on or one.

13.34

FOUR! Gets it through! Back of a length and around off, Cameron Green bunts it hard onto the ground, the bounce takes it over the leaping backward point fielder for a boundary.

13.21

A low full toss, on middle, Virat Kohli tucks it through mid-wicket for a single.

13.11

In the blockhole, on middle, Cameron Green digs it out towards long on for a single.

Runs Scored 11 Runs

Score after 13 overs : 144/3

V Kohli56 (33)

C Green10 (8)

L Livingstone2-0-17-0

12.64

FOUR MORE! This one is pushed through quicker, full and on middle, Virat Kohli clears his front leg away and swipes it over mid-wicket for another boundary.

12.54

FOUR! FIFTY FOR KOHLI! Another one for Kohli and it is back-to-back against Punjab as well. Liam Livingstone gives this one some air, full and on middle, Virat Kohli brings in the flick of the wrist into play and places it trough mid-wicket for a boundary.

12.41

Flighted, full and on middle, Cameron Green eases it towards long on for another run.

12.31

Flatter. short and on off, Virat Kohli steers it towards short third man for a run.

12.21

Just wide! Floated, full and on middle, turns away again, Cameron Green drives it uppishly to the left of the bowler, Liam Livingstone dives to that side but just fails to reach it. They cross.

12.10

Tossed up, full and on middle, Cameron Green knocks it down the pitch.

Runs Scored 8 Runs

Score after 12 overs : 133/3

V Kohli47 (30)

C Green8 (5)

R Chahar2-0-26-0

11.60

Quicker, full and on off, Virat Kohli drives it straight to short covers.

11.52

Floated, full and on off, Virat Kohli drives it strongly through wide of extra covers where Ashutosh Sharma gets a hand on it to slow it down, the fielder in the deep covers it as the batters take two.

11.41

A low full toss, on middle, Cameron Green forces it towards long on for one.

11.30

Short and on leg, Cameron Green moves back and pats it down to the leg side.

11.24

FOUR! Good shot! Flighted, full and on off, turns away, Cameron Green frees his arms and lofts it nicely over extra covers for a boundary.

11.11

Tossed up, full and around off, Virat Kohli drills it towards sweeper covers for a single.

Runs Scored 6 Runs

Score after 11 overs : 125/3

C Green3 (2)

V Kohli44 (27)

L Livingstone1-0-6-0

10.62

Sloppy fielding once again! Loopy delivery, full and on off, Cameron Green eases it towards long off for one, the fielder throws at the keeper's end where Jonny Bairstow fails to collect it cleanly and allows another one.

10.51

Flighted, full and on off, Virat Kohli drives it firmly through covers for one.

10.40

Oh..bit of turn! Floated, full and on off, grips and spins away a shy bit, Virat Kohli prods forward to block but gets beaten on the outside edge.

10.30

Flatter, short and outside off, Virat Kohli stabs it down to cover-point.

10.31wd

Fires this one full but down the leg side, Virat Kohli goes down to paddle it away but misses. Wided.

10.21

Tossed up, full and around off, Cameron Green drives it aerially towards sweeper covers for a run.

10.11

Liam Livingstone starts with a low full toss, on middle, Virat Kohli drills it down to long on for a single.

We are back! The players are making their way out to the middle now. Virat Kohli and Cameron Green will resume the batting for Bengaluru. Liam Livingstone will start proceedings after the rain delay. Let's go...

UPDATE - 8.49 pm IST (3.19 pm GMT) - Great news folks! The rain has stopped and the ground staff are working hard to prepare the ground. We also have a resumption time as the match will restart at 8.55 pm IST (3.25 pm GMT).

UPDATE - 8.34 pm IST (3.04 pm GMT) - Some more bad news is coming from Dharamshala as along with the rain, there is a bit of a hailstorm going on as well. This does not help any of the teams as both of them need the two points to stay alive in the tournament. We can only hope that the weather gets clear and we can see more action on the field. Stick with us for more news.

Oh..no! Cameron Green will have to wait to face his first ball as the drizzle has got a bit heavier now. The umpires ask for the covers to be on and give marching orders to the players. Hopefully, this is just a passing shower and we can get back sooner rather than later. Stay tuned for further updates.

Runs Scored 13 Runs

Score after 10 overs : 119/3

R Patidar55 (23)

V Kohli42 (23)

S Curran2-0-29-1

9.6W

OUT! EDGED AND GONE! Sam Curran gets his wicket. Full and wide outside off, angling further away from the batter. Rajat Patidar looks to guide this towards third man region but gets a bottom edge on this and back towards Jonny Bairstow behind the wickets for a simple catch. Curran celebrates with some aggression as he knows his team needed this one. Patidar goes back after a fiery fifty!

9.51

Back of a length in middle, Virat Kohli pulls this off the cue end towards the cow corner for one.

9.41

On a length wide of off, Rajat Patidar drives this towards wide long off for one.

9.36

SIX! FIFTY FOR PATIDAR! This has been an exceptional knock from him! Short-pitched in middle, Rajat Patidar swings hard and gets a top edge flying over short fine leg fielder for a maximum. Rajat Patidar just like Virat Kohli was dropped on zero as well.

9.21

Yorker in middle, Virat Kohli bumps this through mid-wicket for one.

9.14

FOUR! Nicely played! Full and wide outside off, Virat Kohli opens the bat face and guides this in-between short third and backward point for four.

Runs Scored 16 Runs

Score after 9 overs : 106/2

R Patidar48 (20)

V Kohli36 (20)

A Singh2-0-24-0

8.62

Great work from Ashutosh Sharma to keep it down to a couple. Full and wide outside the off-pole, Rajat Patidar punches this towards the right of Ashutosh Sharma at sweeper cover and takes two. The ball had a boundary written all over it but Ashutosh Sharma dives at full stretch to his right and keeps it down to two.

8.51

Short and wide outside off, Virat Kohli lofts this towards the right of Ashutosh Sharma at sweeper cover and takes one.

8.41

On a length around off, Rajat Patidar punches this towards sweeper cover for a single.

8.41wd

WIDE! Wide yorker just wide of the guide line and Rajat leaves it.

8.36

SIX! PATIDAR IS ON FIRE! Back of a length in middle, Rajat Patidar stays in his crease and pulls this way behind the deep mid-wicket fence for a maximum. 100 up for Bengaluru!

8.21

Short-pitched on off, Virat Kohli leans back and dabs this towards short third for a quick one. The fielder did aim at the striker's end but missed the stumps.

8.14

FOUR! Back of a length in middle, Virat Kohli gets on top of it and slaps this all along the carpet through square leg for a boundary. This was hit with some venom. Also, with that, an excellent 50-run partnership comes up between these two batters.

Arshdeep Singh comes back into the attack.

Runs Scored 18 Runs

Score after 8 overs : 90/2

R Patidar39 (17)

V Kohli30 (17)

R Chahar1-0-18-0

7.60

Floats one on the pads, Rajat Patidar misses this flick and brushes this off the pads onto the keeper and towards short fine for no run.

7.56

SIX! Third maximum of the over. Too full wide of off, Rajat Patidar takes a good stride out in front and lofts this over long off for a maximum.

7.40

Fuller and wide of off, Rajat Patidar leaves this all alone.

7.30

Sharp chances and dropped again. Quicker and flatter wide of off, Rajat Patidar looks for the cut but gets a thick edges back to the keeper and he drops it.

7.26

SIX! SIXES IS THE CURRENCY BENGALURU IS DEALING IN! Short of a length again, this time around the leg. Rajat Patidar swivels and pulls this over deep square for another maximum.

7.16

SIX! DUMPED OUT OF THE PARK! Short of a length around off, Rajat Patidar sits back and launches this out of the park over long on for a maximum.

Runs Scored 16 Runs

Score after 7 overs : 72/2

R Patidar21 (11)

V Kohli30 (17)

V Kaverappa4-0-36-2

6.61

Vidwath Kaverappa is done for the day with the ball as he ends his spell with a single. PItched up on the pads, Rajat Patidar tucks this towards wide long on for one.

6.51

On a length around the pads, Virat Kohli nudges this through mid-wicket for a single.

6.41

Back of a length in middle, Rajat Patidar tucks this towards mid-wicket and takes one.

6.36

SIX! IT IS RAINING SIXES! Back of a length in middle, Rajat Patidar picks it up and lofts this over the fence towards long on for a maximum.

6.21

Good length on off, Virat Kohli punches this towards mid off for a quick one.

6.16

SIX! ONE-HANDER BUT ENOUGH FOR A MAXIMUM! On a length around off, Virat Kohli jumps to the pitch of it and lofts this with the bottom hand off the handle for a maximum over long off.

Strategic-Break! Punjab have only themselves to blame as they could had at least four wickets in the Powerplay including the big one of Virat Kohli. However, their catching has been well below standards and this could cost them dearly. Despite losing a couple of wickets, Bengaluru utilised the field restrictions nicely, and with both Virat Kohli and Rajat Patidar looking good, they will look to post a big total on the board. Also, Vidwath Kaverappa to bowl out here.

Runs Scored 12 Runs

Score after 6 overs : 56/2

R Patidar13 (8)

V Kohli22 (14)

H Patel1-0-12-0

5.60

BEATEN! Good length wide of off, Rajat Patidar goes for the expensive drive but gets beaten on his outside edge.

5.54

FOUR! Rajat Patidar has walked in with a positive intent. Over-pitched on off, Rajat Patidar presents the full face of his bat and nails the on-drive to perfection for a boundary down the ground towards long off.

5.40

In the air and falls short of Liam Livingstone at mid on. Back of a length in middle, Rajat Patidar looks to pull this but gets late to it and miscues the pull dropping it in front of Liam at mid on.

5.34

FOUR! Beautiful bit of batting. On a length around off, Rajat Patidar plays this late as he dabs this finely wide to the left of the fielder at short third for a boundary.

5.24

FOUR! Put away nicely into the gap for four. Pitched up on the pads, Rajat Patidar flicks this and keeps this all along the carpet, piercing the gap through mid-wicket for four.

5.10

On a length in middle, Rajat Patidar drills this back to the bowler for no run.

Harshal Patel comes into the attack.

Runs Scored 8 Runs

Score after 5 overs : 44/2

R Patidar1 (2)

V Kohli22 (14)

V Kaverappa3-0-20-2

4.61

DROPPED! Soapy hands at display again from the fielders of Punjab. Good length on the pads, Rajat Patidar flicks this uppishly and towards Harshal Patel at deep square leg but he drops this. The batters take one.

4.50

Back of a length on leg, Rajat Patidar tucks this straight to mid-wicket for no run.

Rajat Patidar walks out at 4.

4.4W

OUT! SECOND WICKET FOR Vidwath Kaverappa!

4.30

Back of a length into the body, Will Jacks looks to create some room but fails to do so as the bowler follows him to his leg. Will gets beaten off his inside edge.

4.21

Good length angling into the batter, Virat Kohli dances down and glances this to deep fine leg for one.

4.16

SIX! ENOUGH OF SIGHTERS FOR KOHLI! On a length around off, Virat Kohli jumps to the pitch of it and dispatches this from the word go with a maximum over long off.

Runs Scored 16 Runs

Score after 4 overs : 36/1

W Jacks12 (5)

V Kohli15 (12)

S Curran1-0-16-0

3.60

Too full in middle, Will Jacks hammers this powerfully back towards the bowler for no run. Sam Curran gets some part of his body behind this and saves a certain boundary.

3.56

SIX! HUMUNGOUS! Over-pitched on off, Will Jacks clears his front leg and launches this high and handsomely down the park over the sight screen for a maximum.

3.44

FOUR! Will Jacks get into the act. On a length in middle, Will Jacks swings hard and flicks this wide of the mid-wicket fielder for a boundary.

3.31

Low full toss on off, Virat Kohli moves to his leg and punches this towards deep cover for one.

3.24

FOUR! SIGNATURE KOHLI! Pitched up shaping in on the pads, Virat Kohli flicks this uppishly for a boundary towards the deep mid-wicket region.

3.11

Good length in middle, Will Jacks chops this off the inside edge towards short fine for one.

Runs Scored 1 Runs

Score after 3 overs : 20/1

V Kohli10 (10)

W Jacks1 (1)

V Kaverappa2-0-12-1

2.60

IT WOULD HAVE BEEN A SCREAMER! On a length around off, Virat Kohli charges down the track and drives this uppishly to the left of Rilee Rossouw at short cover. Rilee Rossouw dives to his left and gets a good chunk of hand behind this but drops it in the end. A brilliant effort from the fielder.

2.50

Kohli is finding it hard to get it away off the bowling of Vidwath Kaverappa, Short-pitched around off, sticks on a bit into the surface. Kohli ends up blocking this toward the off side.

2.40

Back of a length wide of off, Virat Kohli punches this towards cover for no run.

2.31

Good length outside off, Will Jacks looks to punch this through cover but gets an inside edge towards the leg side for a single.

Will Jacks walks out next to bat.

2.2W

OUT! TAKEN IN THE DEEP! Back of a length wide of off, Faf du Plessis looks to loft this all the way over cover but the shape away on this gets it on the outside from the outside of the bat of Faf du Plessis and the ball lands in the arms of Shashank Singh at deep point. A maiden wicket to remember for Vidwath Kaverappa!

2.10

On a length outside off, shaping away form Faf. The batter looks to loft this down the ground but gets beaten.

Runs Scored 8 Runs

Score after 2 overs : 19/0

V Kohli10 (7)

du Plessis9 (5)

A Singh1-0-8-0

1.62

Teasingly away from Sam Curran. Pitched up wide of off, Virat Kohli takes a good stride in front and lofts this just behind Sam at mid off and runs a couple.

1.54

FOUR! SHOT OF AN EMPEROR! Good length wide of off, Virat Kohli gets closer to the pitch of it and punches this on the up and through cover for four.

1.40

FLIRTING WITH DANGER! Back of a length angling away from the batter, Virat Kohli chases this and gets beaten.

1.31

On a length in middle and leg, shaping into the batter. Faf du Plessis flicks this towards deep square for one.

1.20

Good length wide of off, Faf du Plessis punches this solidly towards mid off for no run.

1.11

Back of a length on off, Virat Kohli gently dabs this towards point and takes one.

Arshdeep Singh will bowl from the other end.

Runs Scored 11 Runs

Score after 1 overs : 11/0

du Plessis8 (3)

V Kohli3 (3)

V Kaverappa1-0-11-0

0.64

FOUR! TWO IN TWO! Pitched up wide of off, Faf du Plessis strides to the pitch of it and drives this through the cover region for another boundary. This was much closer to Rilee Rossouw but he was a fraction late in getting down on this one.

0.54

FOUR! Everything is right about this stroke. A touch fuller on off, Faf du Plessis gets right behind the line of it and drives this to the right of the fielder at short cover for a boundary.

0.40

On a length wide of off, Faf du Plessis leaves it all alone.

0.33

DROPPED! Not the kind of start in the field Punjab would have hoped for. On a length wide of off, Virat Kohli looks to take the bowler on with a lofted stroke over cover again but he mishits this and skies this to the right of Ashutosh Sharma at point. Ashutosh Sharma backpaddles and drops this. The batters take three.

0.20

On a length wide of off, shaping a fraction away from the batter after pitching. Virat Kohli charges down the ground and looks for the lofted drive but gets beaten.

0.10

Starts off with a pitched-up delivery on off, Virat Kohli plays the on drive straight to mid on for no run.

We are all set for play to begin in this crunch game. The umpires have made their way to the middle followed by the players of Punjab. It is the usual duo of Faf du Plessis and Virat Kohli right at the top for Bengaluru. For Punjab, debutant Vidwath Kaverappa will open the attack with the ball. Let's play...

Faf du Plessis, the captain of Bengaluru says that they would have bowled first as well. Adds that it has been a good turnaround for them and they just need to focus on how they want to play and execute plans on the field. Informs that they have made one change as Glenn Maxwell goes out for Lockie Ferguson.

Sam Curran, the Punjab skipper, wins the toss and says they will bowl first. Adds that there will be a bit for the bowlers early on and they will try to put Bengaluru under pressure. Mentions that the side they are going in with tonight will look to take wickets early on. Says that they need to win all the games from here on and they are relishing this pressure situation. Adds that losing is not ideal but they are playing well and they will be looking to win the key moments today. Informs that Kagiso Rabada misses out and Liam Livingstone comes in for him.

Impact Players for Bengaluru - Yash Dayal, Anuj Rawat, Suyash Prabhudessai, Vijaykumar Vyshak, Mayank Dagar.

Bengaluru (Playing XI) - Virat Kohli, Faf du Plessis (C), Will Jacks, Rajat Patidar, Mahipal Lomror, Cameron Green, Dinesh Karthik (WK), Swapnil Singh, Karn Sharma, Mohammed Siraj, Lockie Ferguson (In place of Glenn Maxwell).

Impact Players for Punjab - Harpreet Brar, Rishi Dhawan, Tanay Thyagarajan, Jitesh Sharma, Nathan Ellis.

Punjab Kings (Playing XI) - Jonny Bairstow, Prabhsimran Singh (WK), Rilee Rossouw, Liam Livingstone (In place of Kagiso Rabada), Sam Curran (C), Shashank Singh, Ashutosh Sharma, Rahul Chahar, Harshal Patel, Arshdeep Singh, Vidwath Kaverappa (In place of Harpreet Brar and On Debut).

TOSS - The coin lands in favour of Sam Curran and Punjab have elected to BOWL first.

Bengaluru, on the flip side, have found some momentum lately and are coming off a hat-trick of wins. They are currently at number 7 in the table and have an outside chance of making it into the top four. In their previous game against Gujarat, the bowling did a fine job and kept Gujarat to a meager score of 147. Their openers gave a blazing start, making more than 90 runs inside the power-play. Their middle order crumbled and Bengaluru were reduced from 92 for 1 to 117 for 6. Faf du Plessis and Virat Kohli made the majority of runs while Dinesh Karthik held his nerve and took his side home with six overs to spare.  Bengaluru are the visiting side but look like the favorites going into the encounter. Let’s see who comes out on top and keeps their hopes alive for the knockouts. Toss and team news in a bit. Stay tuned!

Hello and a warm welcome to Match 58 in the Indian T20 League. Punjab are taking on Bengaluru at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium in Dharamsala. It’s the clash of number seven versus eight in the points table and promises to be a mouth-watering affair. Punjab have won two of their last three games and found some form in recent times. The home side, however, suffered a loss against Chennai in their previous game and derailed their campaign. Bowling first, Punjab kept Chennai to a par score of 167 with Rahul Chahar and Harshal Patel being the standout bowlers. The batters did not turn up and Punjab lost the game by 28 runs. They are currently number 8 in the table and their chances of going forward look grim.

... MATCHDAY ...

As the Indian T20 League 2024 heads towards its climax, the points table is all knotted up. Two teams are locked at the top with 16 points apiece, while the race for the third and fourth spots is heating up with three teams all tied at 12 points. Amidst the serene beauty of Dharamsala's snowcapped peaks and hills, the stage is set for a pivotal encounter as Punjab plays host to Bengaluru in match number 58. With all their remaining games being must-win situations, both teams are feeling the pressure. For Punjab, there's an added motivation to avenge their earlier loss to Bengaluru this season. Both teams find themselves neck and neck in terms of points, with an equal number of wins and defeats. However, Bengaluru's superior net run rate edges them ahead of the hosts in the standings. Punjab's season has been a mixed bag, marked by moments of promise but ultimately falling short when it mattered most. Their recent loss to Chennai would have stung particularly hard, as they failed to capitalize on a manageable target of 168. The batting lineup crumbled under pressure, with only Prabhsimran Singh and Shashank Singh showing resilience while the rest struggled to make an impact. This defeat serves as a stark reminder for Punjab of the areas they need to address if they aim to turn their season around and make a late surge up the table. Jonny Bairstow seemed to be finding his groove recently, but unfortunately, his bat has gone a bit quiet in the last few games. Also, Punjab is really feeling the absence of Shikhar Dhawan due to injury, as his experience and firepower at the top of the order set the tone well for the side while batting. However, their bowling unit has managed to hold its own, with Rahul Chahar and Arshdeep Singh leading the charge alongside the likes of Harshal Patel and Kagiso Rabada. Yet, there's a pressing need to bolster their pace attack and tighten the screws in crucial moments of the game. While Bengaluru seems to be hitting its peak at just the right moment. While it's up for debate whether it's a tad too late in the season, there's no denying the positive momentum they've built by winning their last three games on the trot. Virat Kohli and Faf du Plessis have been delivering some exceptional starts for Bengaluru, setting strong platforms for the team. Especially Virat Kohli, who is also the leading run-getter of the season so far and has already scored 4 fifties and a sensational ton. His consistency has been remarkable, graced with some handsome cricketing strokes of course. The likes of Will Jacks and Cameron Green have been entrusted with the task of carrying the momentum forward with the bat. Additionally, Rajat Patidar, who seemed out of touch earlier in the season, has now found his form, providing valuable contributions. However, the inconsistency of Glenn Maxwell remains a concern, although everyone knows the destructive potential he holds on any given day. So, while there might be a few areas to address, Bengaluru's batting lineup indeed packs a punch, capable of turning the game on its head, with Dinesh Karthik providing the finishing touches with his lightning-quick strike rate. While their bowling department has shown signs of improvement, there's still room for growth. Mohammed Siraj, in particular, has had a forgettable season with the ball and will be eager to rediscover his rhythm before the crucial phase. Karn Sharma and Swapnil Singh have been decent in their roles as spinners, who can strike a few lusty blows with the bat as well. Once the bowling unit collectively hits its stride, Bengaluru will undoubtedly emerge as an unstoppable force to reckon with in the tournament. Bengaluru's victory against Punjab earlier in the tournament was a significant one, being the only team they managed to defeat in the first month of this edition. This match carries added significance as both teams aim to solidify their positions in the points table. Who do you think has an edge here?

উৎসবের সঙ্গে প্রবাসে পুজোয় জারি প্রতিবাদও
উৎসবের সঙ্গে প্রবাসে পুজোয় জারি প্রতিবাদও
ভারতের হাতে নতুন ব্রহ্মাস্ত্র, এয়ার ডিফেন্সে এলিট ক্লাবে ভারত
ভারতের হাতে নতুন ব্রহ্মাস্ত্র, এয়ার ডিফেন্সে এলিট ক্লাবে ভারত
চাপ বাড়ছে মধ্যবিত্তের, বাড়তে পারে হোম লোনের ইএমআই!
চাপ বাড়ছে মধ্যবিত্তের, বাড়তে পারে হোম লোনের ইএমআই!
'রান্নাঘর'-এ কণীনিকার সঙ্গী মেয়ে কিয়া! মা-মেয়ের জুটিকে নিয়ে শুরু আলোচন
'রান্নাঘর'-এ কণীনিকার সঙ্গী মেয়ে কিয়া! মা-মেয়ের জুটিকে নিয়ে শুরু আলোচন
কীভাবে কলকাতার একটি ছেলে হয়ে উঠলেন ভারতীয় সিনেমার মিঠুনদা?
কীভাবে কলকাতার একটি ছেলে হয়ে উঠলেন ভারতীয় সিনেমার মিঠুনদা?
Katrina Kaif: চিন্তিত ভক্তরা, হঠাৎ কী হল নায়িকার! সব ঠিক আছে তো?
Katrina Kaif: চিন্তিত ভক্তরা, হঠাৎ কী হল নায়িকার! সব ঠিক আছে তো?
'ডাক্তারদের ভয় করে', ভাইরাল অরিজিতের পুরনো ভিডিয়ো
'ডাক্তারদের ভয় করে', ভাইরাল অরিজিতের পুরনো ভিডিয়ো
স্কুলের গন্ডি পার করেনি,বাবা অভিষেকের মৃত্যুর ২ বছরে বড় সিদ্ধান্ত
স্কুলের গন্ডি পার করেনি,বাবা অভিষেকের মৃত্যুর ২ বছরে বড় সিদ্ধান্ত
চাইল্ড শেল্টারে অস্ত্রাগার, শিশুরা যখন ‘হাতিয়ার’
চাইল্ড শেল্টারে অস্ত্রাগার, শিশুরা যখন ‘হাতিয়ার’
শেষে কিনা আমির খানকে নিয়েই রসিকতা শাহরুখ খানের! কী হয়েছে জানেন?
শেষে কিনা আমির খানকে নিয়েই রসিকতা শাহরুখ খানের! কী হয়েছে জানেন?