Rajasthan Royals vs Sunrisers Hyderabad IPL, 2023

SIX! Abdul Samad has done it for Hyderabad! Sandeep keeps it full and outside off from 'round the wicket, Abdul Samad shuffles across and sets himself into a good position. Swings through the line and whacks it back over the bowler's head for a maximum. Joy on the faces of Hyderabad players and despair on the faces of Rajasthan players and their fans. Hyderabad win by 4 wickets.

Oh, my God! It's a six, it's a six... This league continues to thrill us! Another last-ball finish and this season is certainly not for the faint-hearted...

NO BALL! Would you believe it? Sandeep Sharma has overstepped on the last ball. Goes full and outside off, Abdul Samad gets underneath the delivery but ends up hitting it flat and straight down the throat of Jos Buttler at long off. The Rajasthan players start to celebrate but the umpire extends his right hand to signal a no ball. The batters do not run and it will be Abdul Samad to face the Free Hit delivery. Hyderabad need 4 off the last ball.

Oh, no! It seemed like Rajasthan won the game but Sandeep Sharma has overstepped. The umpires are checking if the batters crossed when the catch was taken. It will just be a no ball and not a single. So, 4 needed off the final delivery and the tension inside the stadium is palpible.

Another good yorker on middle, Marco Jansen clips it to mid-wicket for one more run. Hyderabad need 5 off the last delivery.

Low full toss and outside off, Abdul Samad knocks it down to long off for one more run.

Nails the yorker, on middle, Abdul Samad squeezes this one to long off and comes back for the second run.

SIX! Just over by Abdul Samad! Full and at the stumps, Abdul Samad shuffles and drills it hard and flat to long on. Joe Root stationed there leaps and gets his left hand to the ball. The ball does not stick and goes over the fence for a maximum.

DROPPED! Full and wide outside off from 'round the wicket, Abdul Samad has a swing through the line. Slices it in the air towards short third man. Obed McCoy backtracks but does not manage to hang onto it. The batters run two in the process.

It will be Sandeep Sharma (3-0-29-0) to bowl the final over. Can he defend 16 runs?

Fuller and wide, outside off, Marco Jansen carves it over extra cover and collects a couple of runs. Hyderabad need 17 runs from 6 balls.

Marco Jansen walks out to bat now.

OUT! CAUGHT! Another twist in this game as Glenn Phillips departs! Kuldip bowls it full and around off, it was there in the slot for Philips to hit but he ends up getting it from the toe end of the bat. Skies it high in the air towards extra cover. Shimron Hetmyer there calls for the catch and runs backwards. He makes a pressure catch look easy and that brings an end to Phillips' quickfire knock.

FOUR! Pace on and goes full and wide outside off, Glenn Phillips throws his hands at the ball and gets a thickish outside edge. The ball beats the short third man fielder for a boundary.

SIX! Another one! Kuldip Yadav is feeling the pressure here! Rolls his fingers over the ball and bowls it into the wicket on middle, Glenn Phillips waits for the ball to arrive and smokes it over the deep mid-wicket fence for the third maximum of the over. Suddenly, Hyderabad are back in the game and now need 23 runs from 9 balls.

SIX! Consecutive sixes for Glenn Phillips! Tries to go full and outside off but ends up bowling a full toss, Glenn Phillips opens himself up and carves it over wide long off for yet another maximum.

SIX! Kuldip Yadav misses his length and bowls a low full toss, around off, Glenn Phillips does not miss out as he thumps this one well over long off for a biggie.

Shorter and around off, Abdul Samad taps it back to the bowler. End of a great over by Yuzvendra Chahal, two wickets and just the 3 runs off it.

Abdul Samad is the new man in.

OUT! LBW! Yuzvendra Chahal has two in the over! Bowls it quicker and flatter at the stumps, Aiden Markram premeditates and goes for the switch hit. He fails to connect and pays the price. The ball catches him right in front of the stumps and the finger goes up. Aiden Markram goes for the review though. The UltraEdge shows no bat and it is three reds on Ball Tracking. The on-field decision of out will stand and Aiden Markram has to depart now. Also, Chahal goes joint top as the leading wicket-taker in the history of the competition!

Short and wide, turning away, Glenn Phillips reaches out and cuts it through cover-point for one.

On the shorter side, Glenn Phillips punches it away through extra cover and races back for the second.

Glenn Phillips walks in at number 6.

OUT! TAKEN! Yuzvendra Chahal strikes again and this time, he removes Rahul Tripathi! Gives this ball air and bowls it on off and middle, Rahul Tripathi goes for the slog sweep but does not get this one from the middle of the bat. Skies this one high in the air towards deep mid-wicket. Yashasvi Jaiswal there steadies himself near the ropes and takes a well-judged catch. Hyderabad lose their fourth wicket now.

Floated, full and turning away, outside off, Rahul Tripathi goes for the sweep but misses.

FOUR! Unconvincing but Aiden Markram will take it! Change of pace this time and on a length, on middle, Aiden Markram gets into two minds but still goes through with the shot. Gets a top edge that flies over the keeper's head for a boundary.

On a length and angling across, outside off, Aiden Markram tries to reverse paddle it over short third man but misses. A yes-no situation as the batters look for a bye but they eventually decide not to run.

Low full toss and wide outside off, Rahul Tripathi carves it to deep cover for one.

SIX! SHOT! Banged in short and on middle by Obed McCoy, Rahul Tripathi stands tall and latches onto the pull shot. Deposits it over square leg for a biggie.

DROPPED! Sanju Samson has dropped a sitter here! Pace on and back of a length, around leg, Rahul Tripathi swivels and looks to help it fine on the leg side. Gets a glove on the way to the keeper and Sanju Samson moves well to his left as well but does not manage to get hang onto it.

WIDE! Strays down the leg side on a back of a length, Rahul Tripathi lets it go for a wide.

Sees the batter make room and follows the batter on a hard length, Aiden Markram backs away and cuts it to deep cover for a single.

Full and quicker on the stumps, Aiden Markram gets on the front foot and drives it to deep cover for a single.

Skipper, Aiden Markram walks out to bat next.

OUT! IN THE AIR AND GONE! Yuzvendra Chahal gets his reward for some brave bowling! Loops this one nicely and fuller, near the tramline on off, Heinrich Klaasen gets on the front foot and reaches out to the delivery. Tries to go down the ground but the ball spins away and he ends up slicing this one towards long off. Jos Buttler takes a few steps forward and does the rest. A huge blow for Hyderabad as they lose Heinrich Klaasen now.

FOUR! Tries to go away from the batter but drops it short and outside off, Heinrich Klaasen shuffles in the crease and cuts it wide of backward point for a boundary.

Flatter this time and on off, Heinrich Klaasen can only push this one back to the bowler.

SIX! Heinrich Klaasen goes huge! Chahal floats this one full, on middle and leg, Heinrich Klaasen gets the ball in his slot and slog sweeps it over the deep square leg fence for a biggie.

Comes back into the attack and starts on a short length, around leg, Rahul Tripathi tucks it to short fine leg and takes a single.

FOUR! A much-needed boundary here for Hyderabad! Slower and bowled into the pitch around off. Heinrich Klaasen backs away and flat-bats it right back past the bowler for a boundary.

Just another single! Full and straight, driven into the ground and through mid on for a run.

Good bowling! Very full and on leg stump, Heinrich Klaasen can only manage to hit it toward long on for one.

Kuldip Yadav sees Rahul Tripathi shuffling across and bowls a slower one, full and at the batters. Tripathi gets in an awkward position as he gets an inside edge onto the off side. They get a single.

Very full and on off stump, Heinrich Klaasen drives it down to long off for a single.

This is a slower one, banged into the deck and over middle and leg. Heinrich Klaasen gets on top of the bounce and pulls it away well in front of square on the leg side for a brace.

A dot to end but 19 runs come off that over! This is tossed up full and well outside off, Rahul Tripathi tries to get fancy and shuffles across before attempting the reverse-hit. Tripathi fails to get any bat on it.

Short and wide, this is hit away firmly in front of the square on the off side and they pick up a couple of more runs.

FOUR! Gets it away. Flighted delivery, full and outside off, Rahul Tripathi opens the bat face and slices it over backward point for a boundary.

SIX! Poor delivery from Murugan Ashwin as he bowls another full toss on the stumps. Rahul Tripathi gets under it and whacks it a long way over the cow corner fence for a biggie.

Pulls the length back and bowls it on middle and leg, Heinrich Klaasen pushes it down to long on for a single and looks for the second run. Rahul Tripathi though is not interested and sends him back. The throw from long on comes in at the bowler's end and a direct hit would have got Klaasen out.

SIX! Put away with ease! A juicy full toss on the pads, Heinrich Klaasen picks it up and slogs it away over the square leg fence for a biggie.

Strategic break! Just when Abhishek Sharma was starting to shift gears, he departed which has slightly pegged back Hyderabad. The positive for them is that they have the set Rahul Tripathi at the other end and will look to press on the accelerator with the newly arrived Heinrich Klaasen. As far as Rajasthan are concerned, they will feel that they are slightly ahead in the game and would want to keep the pressure on the opposition batters. They now bring on Obed McCoy as their Impact Player, replacing Ravichandran Ashwin.

Fuller and around off, Heinrich Klaasen leans on and pushes it down to long off for a single.

Flatter one around off, punched away off the front foot to extra cover.

Heinrich Klaasen comes in at number 4.

FIFTY AND OUT! CAUGHT! Ravichandran Ashwin gets the last laugh here. Gives this one even more air and tosses it up on a fullish length outside off. The ball turns away but Abhishek Sharma tries to go for the slog-sweep yet again. Sharma ends up slicing it up in the air toward backward point where Yuzvendra Chahal settles under it and takes an easy catch. Rajasthan still well in control here.

SIX! A one-handed maximum to bring up the FIFTY and that is a good knock from the young man. This is tossed up around off, Sharma gets down on one knee and goes for the slog-sweep against the turn. He falls over and one hand comes off the handle but manages to get it over deep mid-wicket for a biggie.

Flatter one around off, Rahul Tripathi reverse sweeps it off the inside edge toward short third man for a single.

Tossed up right in the slot and on middle, Abhishek Sharma only manages to heave it down  to long on for a single.

WIDE! Quicker one, on a length and pushed beyond the tramline outside off.Left alone for a wide.

Nicely tossed up, full and outside off, this is caressed through the cover region for just a single.

SIX! All the way! Drops it short around leg stump, Abhishek Sharma pulls it off the back foot and smokes it way over the mid-wicket fence for a biggie. Hyderabad need a lot more of those now.

Flatter one on the stumps, Abhishek Sharma mistimes it back toward the bowler.

Floated up on the stumps, Rahul Tripathi drives it down to long on for one more.

Slightly shorter and this is pulled away through mid-wicket for a single.

Sanju Samson with an uncanny error and Abhishek Sharma gets a life. This is short and wide, cut away straight to point. Sharma looks for a run but is sent back and tries to scamper back. The throw from Shimron Hetmyer is right at the top of the stumps but Samson has already dislodged one bail and then he fails to collect the ball and dislodges the bail with his gloves.

Is that out? Sanju Samson has taken the bails off while Abhishek Sharma was diving to make his ground. But, the replays show that Samson had broken the stumps with his gloves without the ball in hand and Sharma survives.

A carrom ball now, on off stump, Rahul Tripathi pushes it back to the bowler.

Quicker one outside off, this is cut away in front of cover for a single.

Drifted into the leg stump, Rahul Tripathi chips it down toward long on for a single.

FOUR! Easily dealt with. This is way too short and wide, Rahul Tripathi goes after it and cuts it hard into the backward point fence for a boundary.

On middle and leg, Abhishek Sharma knocks it down to long on and rotates the strike.

WIDE! Fired in full and well outside the off stump, left alone for a wide.

Good work in the deep to stop the boundary. Shorter and around middle, Rahul Tripathi pulls it away behind square leg and Murugan Ashwin runs around to his right at the boundary to make the stop. He though lobs the ball over the head of another fielder and the batters are able to get back for three.

Full this time and quicker on the stumps, Rahul Tripathi knocks it down to long on for a single. An expensive first over by Murugan Ashwin comes to an end.

Googly this time, short on leg, Abhishek Sharma turns this one to mid-wicket and gets to the other end.

FOUR! A gift and Abhishek Sharma accepts it gleefully! Misses his line and length and drops it short and down leg, Abhishek Sharma waits for it and helps it to the right of short fine leg for a boundary.

Goes short and down the leg side, Rahul Tripathi flicks this one to deep square leg for a single. It was there to be hit for Rahul Tripathi.

SIX! BANG! Tossed up this time, full on middle and leg, Rahul Tripathi plants his foot forward and swings through the line. Powers it over long on for a maximum.

Starts with a loosener, bowls it short and on the pads, Abhishek Sharma tucks it to deep mid-wicket and settles for a single.

Strategic break! This contest is going along nicely at the moment but Rajasthan are ahead as their spinners have just been able to keep the scoring rate of Hyderabad in check. Hyderabad though have a solid foundation on which they can build on but the scoring rate is a bit low and with some big international batters to come, they will hope to shift gears now. With 142 needed off 66 balls, the away side needs to step on the gas or else the hosts will simply run away with it.

Fullish delivery on the stumps by Kuldip Yadav, Abhishek Sharma digs this one out to long off and retains the strike with one. A decent over for Hyderabad, 8 runs came off it.

Short and wide outside off, Abhishek Sharma frees his arms and cuts it wide of deep point for a brace.

Back of a length this time and outside off, Abhishek Sharma cuts hard but finds backward point to perfection.

Good placement! Bowls it into the wicket and on middle, Abhishek Sharma places this one gently in the mid-wicket region and collects a couple of runs more.

Fuller in length and around off, Abhishek Sharma drives it on the up to cover and calls Tripathi for a single. The fielder picks the ball cleanly and hits at the non-striker's end. The ball ricochets off the stumps on the leg side and batters sneak in an extra run.

Starts on a hard length, around off, Rahul Tripathi runs it down to short third man for a single.

FOUR! Drifts onto the pads on a fuller length, Abhishek Sharma gets down and sweeps it through backward square leg for a boundary

Sees the batter advance and drags his length back, bowls it on off, Abhishek Sharma uses his feet and punches it straight to extra cover.

Floats it again, full on off, Rahul Tripathi drives it down to long on for one more run.

Flatter and shorter on middle, Rahul Tripathi steers it front of backward point and sets off for a single only to be sent back by Abhishek Sharma.

Just a slight delay in the play here but we are good to go.

Another tossed up delivery, on the stumps, Abhishek Sharma clips it to deep mid-wicket for a run.

Bowls a googly, full on middle, Rahul Tripathi reverse sweeps it to point for a single.

Tossed up this time, on middle, Rahul Tripathi sweeps it to deep mid-wicket and gets to the other end.

Keeps it short and at the stumps, Abhishek Sharma flicks it to long on for one more run.

Darted in on off, on a short length, Abhishek Sharma hangs back to defend but plays down the wrong line. He misses and Sanju Samson whips the bails off in a flash. He goes up in appeal and the third umpire is called into action. The replays show that Sharma had his foot grounded inside the crease.

Pushed through quicker, full on middle, Rahul Tripathi goes for the flick but gets a leading edge. Luckily for him, the ball goes well wide of Ashwin and the batters run a single.

WIDE! Goes wide of the crease and bowls it a bit too wide, on off, Rahul Tripathi reaches out to access the off side but misses and the umpire signals a wide.

Short and angled in on off from 'round the wicket, Abhishek Sharma dabs it in front of point and takes a quick single.

Bowls this one fuller and at the stumps, Rahul Tripathi knocks it down to long on for a single.

Short and on middle, Rahul Tripathi pushes it to point and gets off the mark with one.

Rahul Tripathi is the new man in.

OUT! IN THE AIR AND GONE! Yuzvendra Chahal strikes in his first over and removes Anmolpreet Singh! Gives the ball air and bowls it around leg, Anmolpreet Singh gets down on one knee and looks to sweep this one a bit too square on the leg side. Gets a top edge that goes miles high in the air towards deep mid-wicket. Shimron Hetmyer stationed there runs forward and settles himself under the skier. Completes the catch with relative ease and Hyderabad lose their first wicket.

Drags his length back and bowls it on middle, Anmolpreet Singh punches it off the back foot and wide of long off for a couple of runs.

FOUR! Smart batting! Floated, full on middle and leg, Anmolpreet Singh gets on the front foot and lofts it over mid on for a boundary.

Beaten again! Short and quicker, just outside off, Anmolpreet Singh looks to guide this one on the off side but misses.

Comes into the attack and starts with a flighted delivery, full and turning away, outside off, Anmolpreet Singh gets forward to drive but gets beaten on the outside edge.

FOUR! Up and over! Length ball around off, Abhishek Sharma goes inside-out and lofts it over extra cover for a lovely boundary, the third one of the over and 15 runs come off it, a good one for Hyderabad.

Short ball over the stumps, this is pulled away aerially down to deep square leg for a single.

Gets it in the blockhole and at the toes, Abhishek Sharma digs it out toward mid on and picks up a single.

FOUR! Easy pickings! Shorter and angled down leg, Abhishek Sharma flicks it off his hips and into the fine leg fence for a boundary.

In the air but lands safely! Banged in a bit and around off, Anmolpreet Singh goes after it but gets a top edge toward mid-wicket. Shimron Hetmyer from mid on runs toward it but fails to get there. A single is taken.

FOUR! Good effort in the deep but it goes in vain! Short of a length and over the stumps, Anmolpreet Singh pulls it off the back foot and gets it behind square leg. Murugan Ashwin from deep square leg runs to his right and dives to get a hand on it but the ball trickles into the ropes.

On the fuller side and on middle and leg, this is swept away in front of square leg for a single.

FOUR! Through the gap! Slightly shorter and outside off, Anmolpreet Singh slaps this one away in front of cover-point and picks up a boundary.

Around off stump, this is pushed away toward mid off for a single.

Full and around off, drilled away to the right of mid off for a single. The fielder there was quick to get to his right and get a hand on it, otherwise, it was a certain boundary.

Flatter and quicker, on a nagging length outside off. Anmolpreet Singh looks to cut it hard but the ball just skids through and beats the outside edge.

Ravichandran Ashwin comes on and starts with a fuller delivery on off stump. Abhishek Sharma leans on and eases it down to long off for a single.

FOUR! On a length and trying to follow the batter down the leg side. Anmolpreet Singh gets it on the legs and whips it away behind square on the leg side for a boundary.

Comes from around the wicket now and angles it into the legs. Abhishek Sharma comes forward and pushes it toward the right of mid on for a single.

FOUR! Thumped! Just short of a length and around off, Abhishek Sharma frees his arms and swats it over the bowler's head for a boundary.

Full and following the batter down the leg side, Anmolpreet Singh pushes it out toward mid off for a run.

Good length again and around middle, this is wristed away toward mid-wicket.

On a good length and around middle and leg, Anmolpreet Singh looks to come forward but has to adjust and block it out.

Touch fuller and angled into the pads, Abhishek Sharma nudges it away gently toward mid on.

Good length around off, punched away toward extra cover for a quick single.

SIX! Up and just over the fence as well! Good length on the stumps, Anmolpreet Singh just gets inside the line a bit and lifts it toward deep square leg. Shimron Hetmyer there leaps up to his left and gets a fingertip on it but the ball clears the fence for a maximum.

Hard length angling it across the right-hander, Anmolpreet Singh stands tall and swats it away straight to mid on.

Goes fuller now and bowls it around off, Anmolpreet Singh drives it sweetly to the right of extra cover where Yashasvi Jaiswal makes a sharp stop.

Starts from over the wicket and serves a good-length ball on the pads. Abhishek Sharma tucks it off the inside edge and toward backward square leg for one.

It will be Kuldip Yadav to operate from the other end.

Full and angling onto the legs, Anmolpreet Singh flicks it away behind square on the leg side and picks up a couple of runs. A solid first over from Sandeep Sharma, just 4 runs off it.

Good, positive running and Abhishek Sharma is off the mark right away. Length ball around off stump, Sharma just pushes it out in front of mid off and quickly gets to the other end.

Anmolpreet Singh and Hyderabad are finally off the mark! This is full and straight, Singh plays a lovely straight drive down to long on and picks up a single.

Three dots in a row to start with! Around the top of off stump, Anmolpreet Singh stands tall and pushes it tentatively toward mid off.

On a good length and in that channel around off, goes straight on. Anmolpreet Singh stays back and taps it away toward cover-point.

Starts off with a fullish-length delivery outside the off stump. Anmolpreet Singh leans on and strokes it away straight to cover.

FOUR! A streaky boundary to end but Sanju Samson and Rajasthan won't mind that at all. Full and wide from T Natarajan, Samson goes after it and ends up toe-ending the ball past the diving fielder at short third man for a boundary. Rajasthan finish with a big score of 214/2 on the board!

SIX! BANG! T Natarajan serves this one right in the slot around middle, Sanju Samson gets the front leg out of the way and launches it a long way over the long on fence for a biggie.

Full and at the stumps, driven through mid on for a run.

Bye! Tries to be a bit too cheeky this time does Sanju Samson and it doesn't come off. Slower one, bowled into the deck and outside off. Samson looks to reverse-hit it over short third man but misses and the keeper Heinrich Klaasen completely misses the ball. They cross for a bye.

FOUR! Great improvisation! T Natarajan misses his length and serves a full toss around middle. Sanju Samson gets across the stumps and gets down on one knee before scooping it away into the fine leg fence for a boundary.

Excellent fielding! Short of a length around off, Shimron Hetmyer hangs back and swats it away toward wide long on. Marco Jansen from long on sprints to his right and uses his long frame to reach the ball with his left hand. Just the single then.

T Natarajan (3-0-20-0) will bowl the final over.

Short of a length around middle, Shimron Hetmyer muscles it away across the line and toward deep mid-wicket for just a single.

Close but not close enough! Bhuvneshwar Kumar gets it in and around the blockhole yet again. Shimron Hetmyer squeezes this one out through mid-wicket and looks for two right away. The batters scamper through as Glenn Phillips fires in a good throw at the keeper's end. Heinrich Klaasen whips off the bails but the replays show that Hetmyer was comfortably in.

Full on middle and leg, this is whipped away toward wide long on for a couple of runs.

Shimron Hetmyer is the new man in.

OUT! LBW! A ripper of a delivery from Bhuvneshwar Kumar as he bowls a reverse-swinging yorker on middle and leg. Jos Buttler gets caught off guard and gets hit on the toes before falling over. There is a big appeal for LBW but it is turned down. Bhuvneshwar Kumar goes for the review right away and this one seems really close. Nothing on UltraEdge and Ball Tracking comes up with three reds and it is heartbreak for Buttler as the on-field decision is overturned. Buttler departs after a brilliant knock and Hyderabad are closing things out well here.

Gets it the yorker around middle, Sanju Samson clears the front leg and heaves it away through mid-wicket for one more.

Length ball around off, a bit slower, Jos Buttler looks to sweep it away but gets it down to long on for a single.

FIFTY for Sanju Samson and this has been a captain's knock from him. Full and wide from T Natarajan, gets it in the blockhole. Samson squeezes it to the left of the man at deep cover-point and picks up a couple of runs. Just 5 runs off it, a solid over from T Natarajan.

Right in the blockhole around middle, Jos Buttler hangs back and digs it out through mid off for just another single.

Back of a length and angled well across the off stump, Jos Buttler reaches out and taps it to cover-point.

Very full on off and middle, this is driven down to long off for a single.

Nicely bowled! T Natarajan serves a perfect yorker on the fourth stump line and angling across the right-hander. Sanju Samson fails to dig it out.

A juicy full toss on middle and leg, Jos Buttler stays back and swats it away without much timing toward deep mid-wicket for just a single.

On a good length and outside off, this is eased away to sweeper cover for a run.

WIDE! Full again and ever wider of the previous delivery, Jos Buttler tries to reach it but doesn't get there. Wided.

WIDE! Fuller in length and pushed well outside the off stump. Jos Buttler leaves it alone and a wide is called.

FOUR! A third boundary in the over and Jos Buttler moves into the 90s. Length ball around off, Buttler creams this one on the up and in front of square on the off side for four more runs.

On a good length and over middle, this is pulled away in front of square leg for one more.

Just misses the yorker and serves a low full toss on off, this is hit away down to long off for a single.

FOUR! A lot squarer this time but the same result. A touch full and outside off, Jos Buttler stays leg side of the ball and reaches out before tapping it away through cover-point for another boundary.

FOUR! Hammered away! A low full toss on off stump, Jos Buttler leans on a bit and drives it firmly through extra cover for a boundary.

Strategic break! Sanju Samson and Jos Buttler are putting on a show here in Jaipur. Both are matching each other shot for shot and Rajasthan are on a course for a huge total. These are ominous signs for Hyderabad and with four overs remaining in the innings, they must finish well if they are to have any chance of restricting Rajasthan to a sizeable total. Aiden Markram now brings Bhuvneshwar Kumar back into the attack.

Almost gets himself out does Sanju Samson! Mayank Markande sees Samson stepping out and fires it full and wide. Samson tries to go through with the big shot but gets an inside edge past the stumps.

SIX! This is tossed up around middle, Sanju Samson skips down the track and lifts it high and handsome over the bowler's head for yet another biggie.

On middle and leg, pushed away down to long on for a single.

Was there an outside edge on it? Doesn't seem like it. Nagging length around off, Jos Buttler tries to rock back and pull but it isn't short enough and he is beaten on the outside edge. The keeper though spills the ball.

SIX! All the way! This is bowled full on middle and leg, Jos Buttler hangs back and gets his front leg out of the way before whacking it straight back over the bowler's head for a maximum.

Pushed through on off stump, Sanju Samson eases it off the back foot and through the cover region for a single.

Goes full and on off, Sanju Samson clips it wide of mid on and retains the strike with a single. Also brings up the 100 stand between him and Jos Buttler.

Slower and into the wicket, on middle and leg, Jos Buttler pulls this one to deep square leg for a single.

Fullish this time and outside off, Sanju Samson carves this one to deep cover for one more run.

Fuller this time and around off, Jos Buttler drives it to point and takes a single.

FOUR! Smart batting! Pace on this time and on a hard length, just outside off, Jos Buttler uses the pace of the delivery and steers it right between backward point and short third man for a boundary.

FOUR! Bowls an off-cutter, on a length and outside off, Jos Buttler frees his arms and slams this one wide of extra cover for a boundary.

SIX! Good use of the feet! Flighted delivery by Mayank Markande, full around leg, Sanju Samson puts the dancing shoes on and slogs it towards deep mid-wicket. Gets it just over the leaping Glenn Phillips there for a maximum.

Follows the batter and cramps him for room with a flatter delivery, Sanju Samson can only block this one down the wicket.

Bowls it short and outside off, Jos Buttler goes back in his crease and cuts it hard to deep point for a single.

Gives this one more air and bowls it around leg, Jos Buttler goes for a mighty heave across the line but gets an inside edge that rolls to short fine leg. Jos Buttler wants a single but Samson sends him back.

Tossed up, full and on middle and leg, Jos Buttler gets forward and pushes it back to the bowler.

Fired in full and just outside off, Jos Buttler goes back in his crease and gets beaten on the outside edge.

Bowls the googly, short and just outside off, Sanju Samson dabs it to backward point.

Continues to bowl it short and turning away, outside off, Jos Buttler cuts to deep point for a single.

SIX! THUMPED! Vivrant Sharma drags this one short and on middle, Jos Buttler picks the length early and smokes it over wide long on for a maximum.

Short and flatter, outside off, Jos Buttler cuts hard but finds backward point for a dot.

Googly, short and turning in on middle, Jos Buttler pushes it to cover for a dot.

Short and outside off by Vivrant Sharma, Jos Buttler cuts it wide of deep point and comes back for the second run with ease.

WIDE! Fired in full and just beyond the tramline, on off, Jos Buttler lets it go for a wide.

Slower again and short, on middle, Jos Buttler gets deceived but recovers well. Pulls it to deep square leg for one.

Back of a length and on leg, Sanju Samson flicks it off his hips to square leg for one more run.

FIFTY FOR BUTTLER! On a hard length and pace on, on middle and leg, Jos Buttler tucks it off the back foot to mid-wicket for one to bring up his 4th fifty of this year's Indian T20 League. Raises his bat to acknowledge the standing ovation by his teammates.

Much straighter this time and on a good length, Jos Buttler places this one in the vacant mid-wicket region and collects a couple of runs.

FOUR! Nicely done! Switches to 'round the wicket and strays on the pads, on a short length, Jos Buttler waits for the ball to arrive and helps it past short fine leg for yet another boundary.

Starts his spell with an off cutter, on a length, on off, Sanju Samson drops this one in front of extra cover and takes a single.

FOUR! Vivrant Sharma misses his length and bowls a full toss, outside off, Jos Buttler isn't one to miss out as he drills this one wide of Marco Jansen at long off for a boundary.

Another googly, short and turning in on off, Sanju Samson reads it well and punches it to long off for one more run.

Pushed through quicker, short and on leg, Sanju Samson shapes to pull but gets beaten for pace and wears it on the front pad.

Googly this time and short, around off, Jos Buttler waits for it and knocks it down to long off for one.

Short and quicker outside off, Sanju Samson cuts it to deep point and gets to the other end.

Starts with a full delivery, on the pads, Jos Buttler clips it to deep mid-wicket and takes a single.

Leg bye! On the pads, Jos Buttler tries to paddle it away but gets it off his pads toward short fine leg. They pick up a leg bye.

FOUR! Almost cleans up Sanju Samson. Abhishek Sharma comes from over the wicket and serves a full toss on off stump. Jos Buttler drills it just to the right of the non-striker and past the diving man at long off as well for a boundary.

SIX! Stand and deliver! Dragged down around off, Jos Buttler gets on the back foot and thumps it straight back over the bowler's head for a maximum.

Tossed up around off, Jos Buttler drives it firmly but straight to cover.

Floated up around the pads, this is worked away through mid-wicket for a single.

This is very full and well down the leg side, Sanju Samson tries to sweep it hard but gets a feather on it and the ball pings into the keeper's pads. Abhishek Sharma gets away with a poor delivery there.

SIX! Jos Buttler goes big now and makes it 21 runs off the over! Drops it a bit short on middle, Buttler picks up the length quickly before rocking back and muscling the ball over the mid-wicket fence for a biggie.

Pulls the length back and bowls it a bit slower around middle. Sanju Samson stays back and tentatively pushes it through mid off for one.

Drifted into the pads, Jos Buttler nudges it away in front of mid on and gets across for a single.

Flatter delivery on middle and leg, this is pushed away off the back foot in front of mid-wicket for a run.

SIX! Back-to-back! Floated up full and outsidethe off stump, Sanju Samson lofts it away with the turn and over the wide long off fence for another maximum.

SIX! BOOM! Mayank Markande tosses it up right in the slot around off and Sanju Samson just whacks it away over the long off fence for a biggie.

Strategic break!  As both teams head into the break, this has been a solid start by the home side. Yashasvi Jaiswal got going straightaway and got them off to a flier. After his departure, the onus is now on Jos Buttler and Sanju Samson to carry the momentum forward and set a solid base for the rest of the batting unit. For Hyderabad, their bowlers have tried hard without much luck. Aiden Markram has brought spin from both ends and it will be interesting to see if the spinners can help them tighten the screws.

Yet another single to end! Abhishek Sharma drags this one down on leg stump, Sanju Samson looks to rock back and pull but the ball stays a bit low. Samson gets it to deep square leg for a single.

Tossed-up delivery around off, Jos Buttler leans on and pushes it down to long off for one more.

Another flighted delivery outside off, this is knocked down to long off for a single.

Nicely tossed up, full and outside off. Sanju Samson reaches out and firms it back toward the bowler who does well to make a stop.

Slower and drifted onto the legs, Jos Buttler waits for it and pushes it in front of mid-wicket for a run.

Half an appeal for caught and bowled but it is a bump ball. This is floated up very full and outside off, Jos Buttler bunts it off the ground straight into the hands of Abhishek Sharma and the replays confirm the same.

FOUR! Drops it short and gets punished! This is short and wide, Sanju Samson pounces on the width and cuts it off the back foot through point for a boundary.

Gives it more air and bowls it fuller outside off. Jos Buttler looks for the revers sweep but mistimes it fine of the man at short third man for one more.

Slightly shorter around middle, Sanju Samson rocks back and pulls it away well in front of mid-wicket for a run.

Floated up on a length and around off, pushed away through mid off for a single.

Excellent running! Nagging length on middle, Jos Buttler rocks back and gently works it away toward the vacant mid-wicket region for a couple of runs.

Starts with a floated-up delivery around middle. Jos Buttler goes on the back foot and keeps it out.

Mayank Markande is introduced into the attack.

A touch fuller and wider of the off stump, Sanju Samson hits it away through the cover region and gets back for two with ease. At the end of the Powerplay, Rajasthan are 61/1!

FOUR! Nicely done and Sanju Samson is off the mark. On a good length outside off, Samson waits on the back foot and guides it off the outside edge fine of the man at short third man and picks up a boundary.

Three dots on the trot! Short of a length and around off, Sanju Samson stays back and bunts it out on the off side.

Beaten! Lovely length and on the fifth stump line, just shaping away a touch. Sanju Samson looks to drive it through cover but is beaten on the outside edge.

On a length and angling it in from outside off, Sandeep Sharma drives it straight to covers.

Risky single! This is pitched up around off, Jos Buttler pushes it out to mid off and sets off for the single. Aiden Markram there misses the direct hit at the bowler's end and Buttler makes it through.

Skipper, Sanju Samson walks in at number 3.

OUT! CAUGHT! Marco Jansen has the last laugh! Bowls an off cutter and bangs it in short, outside off, Yashasvi Jaiswal attempts to guide it over short third man but gets undone by the extra bounce. Ends up hitting this one straight down the throat of T Natarajan there who makes no mistake. A much-needed breakthrough for Marco Jansen and Hyderabad as Yashasvi Jaiswal was starting to flex his muscles.

Slower and into the wicket, around off, Yashasvi Jaiswal tries to run it down to third man but gets beaten by the sharp bounce.

Rolls his fingers over the ball and bowls it on off, Yashasvi Jaiswal pushes this one back to the bowler.

FOUR! Changes his length and bowls it full, just outside off, Yashasvi Jaiswal frees his arms and thrashes this one through point. Beats the deep point fielder for a boundary.

EDGED AND FOUR! Short again and outside off, Yashasvi Jaiswal hangs back and goes for the pull. Gets a top edge that goes over the keeper for a boundary.

On a hard length, on middle and leg, Jos Buttler looks to access the leg side but gets a soft leading edge. The ball rolls to mid on and Jos Buttler sets off for a single. Aiden Markram there hits at the non-striker's end but Buttler is well in.

Three dots to end the over! Bowls on a yorker length and outside off, Yashasvi Jaiswal squeezes this one along the ground to short third man.

Back of a length and outside off, Yashasvi Jaiswal guides this one straight to short third man.

Pace on this time and back of a length, on middle, Yashasvi Jaiswal blocks this one out off the back foot.

SIX! Yashasvi Jaiswal goes straight! Bhuvneshwar persists with the knuckleball and bowls this one much straighter, on off, Yashasvi Jaiswal reads it well and launches this one over long on for a maximum.

FOUR! Streaky! Bowls the knuckleball on a fuller length, outside off, Yashasvi Jaiswal has a wild swing at this delivery and gets an inside edge that rolls to the right of Heinrich Klaasen behind the wicket for a boundary.

Shaping in on off, on a good length, Jos Buttler pushes this one to deep point for a single.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar (1-0-9-0) switches ends.

Goes short and at the batter, Jos Buttler advances and places it through mid-wicket. Keeps the strike with a single.

FOUR! In the air but in the gap! Angling across, around off, on a good length, Jos Buttler opens himself up and powers this one right of short cover for a boundary.

Keeps it on a good length and outside off, Yashasvi Jaiswal opens the bat face and plays it to third man for one more run.

Bowls it on the stumps, on a good length, Jos Buttler clips it to the right of mid on and calls Jaiswal for a quick single.

WIDE! Strays down the leg side, Jos Buttler looks to help it fine but misses. Heinrich Klaasen dives well to his left and makes a good stop.

Angles this in on middle, on a hard length, Jos Buttler punches it off the back foot to mid off for a dot.

Starts on a slightly full length and outside off, Jos Buttler times the drive straight to short cover.

SIX! Short and punished! Goes short again and on middle, the ball sits up nicely for the batter and he does not miss out. Yashasvi Jaiswal latches onto the pull shot and deposits over deep square leg fence for a biggie.

WIDE! Bends his back and goes into the wicket, outside off, Yashasvi Jaiswal goes for the ramp but does not connect. The ball sails over the batter's head for a wide.

Another on the pads, on a length, Jos Buttler turns it in front of mid-wicket and scampers across for a quick single.

FOUR! Easy pickings! Strays onto the pads on a hard length, Jos Buttler gets on his toes and glances this one nicely. Gets it well wide of fine leg for yet another boundary.

Four Leg Byes! Pulls his length back and bowls it onto the pads, Jos Buttler tries to tuck this one fine but does not make any contact with the bat. Gets it off his thigh pad and the ball goes to the fine leg fence for four more runs.

Fullish delivery, outside off, Jos Buttler goes for the drive but gets beaten on the outside edge.

Starts on a hard length, outside off, Yashasvi Jaiswal looks to punch but gets it from the outer part to third man for one.

Marco Jansen to operate from the other end.

Bowls on a good length and shaping away, outside off, Jos Buttler dances down the track and leaves the ball alone.

Touch fuller at the stumps, Yashasvi Jaiswal works it to mid on and gets to the other end.

FOUR! What happened there? Drifts onto the pads on a length, Yashasvi Jaiswal whips this one in the air towards fine leg. Vivrant Sharma stationed there loses sight of the ball and misjudges the trajectory of the ball. The ball drops in front of him and goes through his legs for a boundary.

Keeps it on a shortish length, on off, Yashasvi Jaiswal keeps this one out on the off side.

Back of a length and going away, outside off, Yashasvi Jaiswal goes for the cut but misses.

FOUR! Yashasvi Jaiswal and Rajasthan are underway straightaway! Bhuvneshwar Kumar stars on a good length shaping in on middle, Yashasvi Jaiswal uses his feet and chips it over mid on. Luckily for him, he gets it just over the leaping Abdul Samad there and the ball races away for a boundary.

We are all set for the game to begin. The two umpires stride out to the centre. The two Rajasthan openers make their way out to the middle followed by the Hyderabad players. Yashasvi Jaiswal and Jos Buttler will open the innings for Rajasthan. Bhuvneshwar Kumar has the new ball in hand and is raring to go for Hyderabad. Off we go...

Aiden Markram, the captain of Hyderabad, says that they would have batted first as well since it is a used wicket. Mentions that they have done well while bowling first and will look to do the same. Feels that there have been close games and they have played decent cricket but have not been able to get over the line. Ends by informing that Glenn Phillips comes into the side in place of Harry Brook and also says that Vivrant Sharma will be making his debut in this game.

Sanju Samson, the skipper of Rajasthan says that they will bat first and adds that the conditions also demand the same. Feels that the climate has been different and expects no dew in the latter half which suits them. Mentions that they would have liked to play better cricket. Shares that they have hard and honest chats and adds that a team can have some situations like this in a competition. Ends by informing that Joe Root makes his debut and there are a couple of more changes in the side.

Impact Players nominated by Hyderabad -  Harry Brook, Anmolpreet Singh, Mayank Dagar, Nitish Kumar Reddy and Sanvir Singh.

Hyderabad (Playing XI) - Abhishek Sharma, Rahul Tripathi, Aiden Markram (C), Heinrich Klaasen (WK), Glenn Phillips, Abdul Samad, Marco Jansen, Vivrant Sharma (On debut) (In for Mayank Agarwal), Mayank Markande, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, T Natarajan.

Impact Players nominated by Rajasthan - Devdutt Padikkal, Riyan Parag, Jason Holder, Obed McCoy and Adam Zampa.

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

TOSS - The coin toss lands in the favour of Sanju Samson and Rajasthan have opted to BAT first.

PITCH REPORT - Samuel Badree and Nick Knight are pitchside. Badree starts by informing that pitch number 6 will be used for this game and adds that the square boundaries are slightly shorter than the straight boundaries. Knight says that it is the same surface used for the game between Rajasthan and Gujarat and reckons that the colour of the grass on the wicket has changed and the cracks have widened. Feels that the wicket is drier and the bounce might be lower as well. 

On the other hand, Hyderabad are placed at the bottom of the standings with 3 wins from 9 games. The positive for the Aiden Markram-led side is that they have played one less game and will look to make this game count. Their bowlers were on top of the game and restricted Kolkata to a chasable total. In the second half, their batters let it slip from a winning position, and they would want to make amends in this fixture. Can Hyderabad get the two points and keep themselves alive in the competition? Let’s find out. Toss and team news coming up shortly...

As far as the hosts, Rajasthan, are concerned, they find themselves in a slightly better position and are placed fourth with 5 wins from 10 games. Having said that, they have fallen off the pace with only one win from the last five games and would like to return to winning ways. Their batters had a real off day in the last outing against Gujarat, and Sanju Samson and co. will be expected to step up with the bat.

Hello and a warm welcome, ladies and gentlemen, to our coverage of match number 52 of the 2023 Indian T20 League, where Rajasthan face Hyderabad at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur. This is going to be a clash between two teams with identical forms, and neither team can afford a loss, which will massively dent their playoff qualification chances.

... MATCH DAY …

The games continue to come thick and fast in the 2023 Indian T20 League, and it is now time for match number 52, which sees Rajasthan go up against Hyderabad at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur. Rajasthan come into this game on the back of a crushing defeat at home against Gujarat and will be looking to put that loss behind them with a win over Hyderabad. After Sanju Samson won the toss and opted to bat first, Rajasthan were off to a swift start, but they could never get going after the run out of their in-form batter Yashasvi Jaiswal. They were bundled out for 118, and as expected, it was always going to be a tough ask to defend this total. If Rajashthan are to bounce back against Hyderabad, the top order comprising Yashasvi Jaiswal, Jos Buttler, and Sanju Samson will have to come to the party. The pace duo of Trent Boult and Sandeep Sharma weren’t that effective in their last outing and will need to be on top of their game in this fixture. Ravichandran Ashwin and Yuzvendra Chahal have done a decent job so far, and it will be upon Adam Zampa to support the duo. On the other hand, Hyderabad are coming off a defeat as well and will take the field for a must-win clash. In their previous encounter against Kolkata, a clinical bowling effort by their bowlers helped them restrict the opposition to 171. While chasing, Hyderabad were cruising along, but a late blip saw them lose the game by 5 runs. The South African pairing of Heinrich Klaasen and Aiden Markram were the stars with the bat in the last outing, and it is about time the likes of Harry Brook and Abhishek Sharma step up. Their pace attack, consisting of Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Marco Jansen, and T Natarajan, was brilliant with the ball, and they were well complemented by the leggie Mayank Markande. Both teams are at a crucial juncture in the competition where a loss for either team will heavily dent their chances of making it to the playoffs. Who are you backing to claim the important two points in this encounter?