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

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Match 6, M.Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru, 25 Mar, 2024

Punjab Kings

PBKS

176/6

(20.0) ov

Royal Challengers Bengaluru

RCB

178/6

(19.2) ov

Royal Challengers Bengaluru beat Punjab Kings by 4 wickets

Player Of The Match

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

Royal Challengers Bengaluru • 178/6 (19.2 overs)

V Kohli 77 (49)

D Karthik 28 (10)

H Brar 2/13 (4)

K Rabada 2/23 (4)

Punjab Kings • 176/6 (20.0 overs)

S Dhawan 45 (37)

J Sharma 27 (20)

M Siraj 2/26 (4)

G Maxwell 2/29 (3)

Commentary

Right then, that is it from this exciting encounter where Bengaluru got their first points on the board while Punjab failed to make it consecutive wins. The action in the Indian T20 League continues as the defending champions Chennai take on last season's finalists Gujarat. That game will be played on 26th March, Tuesday 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 outstanding knock. He starts by acknowledging the loyal Bengaluru fans and says to not get over-excited as it has been only two games. Tells that the way they have supported the team throughout their journey is something he will never forget. Adds that in sport it is not about the stats but the memories which is exactly what Rahul Dravid says in the Indian dressing room. Mentions that here he is opening and trying to give a blazing start to the team but when the wicket falls on the other end, he plays the situation. Further adds that he was disappointed as he could not finish the game. Says that he knows that his name is often used to promote T20 cricket in some parts but he still has it. Talking about the two-month break, he says that it was a surreal experience for his family as they were away from all the noise and led a normal life. He says it was amazing to be another person and he enjoyed the break. Ends by saying that he doesn't play for the Caps anymore and that it is just another opportunity and he can promise that he will keep turning up for this franchise.

Faf du Plessis, the victorious skipper of Bengaluru says he was cool on the outside but not much on the inside but it was great to see the boys show such composure. Adds that he knew that with the impact player, they knew they had Mahipal Lomror who has great power to finish things off and it makes things a bit easier. Appreciates Dinesh Karthik for the way he is playing and the experience he brings in finishing games batting at the back end. Mentions that they tried to find that DNA in the team at the auction to make an impact at this home ground and it's tough for any bowler and it wasn't the regular wicket in this game and credits Virat for the way he batted and how he remains fresh and motivated.

Shikhar Dhawan, the captain of Punjab says that it was a good game and they pulled the game back a bit but were 15 runs short and should have capitalized in the first 6 overs. Adds that the dropped catch of Virat who went on to score 70 odd runs proved crucial. Mentions that the wicket was slightly two-paced and sticky and spinning a bit too. States that he is happy with his performance but could've played faster in the first 6 overs. Concludes that Harpreet Brar is bowling well especially to the left-handers on such small ground, soaking pressure and it is commendable.

Presentation Time...

Dinesh Karthik, the man of the moment is up for a quick chat. He says that he is still not quite completely in control of his batting but is getting there. Adds that Anuj Rawat batted well in the last game but his dismissal put pressure on DK. However, Mahipal Lomror took the pressure off him with his batting and the six of Arshdeep Singh was crucial. Tells that it is difficult to scoop Harshal Patel as he has a dipping slower one that can cause trouble. Says that he just told Lomror to stay calm and not get carried away after hitting a maximum and praises the youngster for his knock.

Earlier in the game, Punjab posted a fighting total on the board with most of their batters getting off to starts but not converting them. Skipper Shikhar Dhawan top-scorer with 45 while Shashank Singh played a quick-fire cameo of 21 off just 8 balls at the death. Mohammed Siraj was excellent for Bengaluru picking up a couple of wickets while Glenn Maxwell also got two. Yash Dayal and Alzarri Joseph chipped in with one each. While chasing it was almost a Virat Kohli masterclass but in the end, they needed some fireworks from Dinesh Karthik and Mahipal Lomror to get their first win of the season.

Punjab, on the other hand, will be disappointed as they had this game in their grasp at one point in time but let it go. They had the golden opportunity to send Virat Kohli for a duck in the first over but Jonny Bairstow spilled that chance and he struck four boundaries in the first over. Kagiso Rabada pulled things back for them by dismissing Faf du Plessis and Cameron Green but they couldn't contain Kohli at the other end. However, Harpreet Brar had other ideas and was absolutely sensational in the middle overs picking up two crucial wickets and giving away just 13 runs to keep his side in the game. They knew that as long as Kohli was out there, the hosts had the advantage but a perfectly set-up plan from Harshal Patel outfoxed him and the momentum shifted once again. Sam Curran also followed it up with the wicket of Anuj Rawat and put even more pressure on the home team. After that, their bowlers lost their lines and gave away a few losses deliveries which ultimately cost them the match.

Bengaluru got off to a flier with Virat Kohli going all guns blazing after he was dropped on not by Jonny Bairstow. Skipper Faf du Plessis couldn't make much impact while Cameron Green too went back for a low score. However, Kohli made sure to utilise the Powerplay and didn't change his attacking approach at all. He found good support from Rajat Patidar as they stitched up a good partnership that provided a solid base for this chase. Just as when they were looking comfortable, Patidar lost his wicket and Glenn Maxwell followed suit putting them slightly on the back foot. Kohli though kept chipping away with the runs and notched up his 51st half-century in the Indian T20 League. It was looking like another Kohli chase masterclass but unfortunately was dismissed for 77 off just 49 balls. They lost Anuj Rawat soon after that and the pressure was back on them. Then came Mahipal Lomror as the Impact Player for them and along with DK played some lusty blows when they needed over 40 runs in the last four overs. Both of them were brilliant and in the end it was Dinesh Karthik who finished things off with four balls to spare.

DK, take a bow! He is the coolest man in the stadium right now as he takes his side over the line. The crowd at the M. Chinnaswamy has gone wild as the home team opens their account for the season. With that, the record of the hosts winning all the matches in this edition remains intact. Punjab did manage to pull things back towards the end, but the Impact Player for Bengaluru, Mahipal Lomror along with Dinesh Karthik made sure that they grabbed all the points here.

19.24

FOUR! What a way to finish things off! Bengaluru wins their first game of this season by 4 wickets. The home team continues to dominate in this Indian T20 League! A fuller delivery outside off, Dinesh Karthik plants his front leg ahead and drills it over the bowler's head for a boundary.

19.21wd

WIDE! Oh no, Arshdeep Singh! Attempts for the wide yorker and bowls it fuller and well outside that tramline on off, Dinesh Karthik looks to reach but the ball goes further away for a wide.

19.16

SIX! Dinesh Karthik doing justice to his finisher role! Arshdeep Singh drops it a touch short and outside off, Dinesh Karthik gets across the line and scoops it over fine leg for a maximum. Just 4 more needed to win now.

It will be Arshdeep Singh to bowl the last over. Can he defend 9 runs here?

Runs Scored 13 Runs

Score after 19 overs : 167/6

D Karthik18 (8)

M Lomror17 (8)

H Patel4-0-45-1

18.61

Bowls a low full toss, on off, Dinesh Karthik drills it to long on for one. 13 runs come of that over.

18.56

SIX! DK you beauty! Harshal Patel drops the length short, on middle, Dinesh Karthik swivels across and nails the pull over fine leg for a maximum. Bengaluru now just need 11 off 7 balls.

18.40

An appeal for LBW, but the umpire stays unmoved. Bowls a low full toss, angling into the right-hander, Dinesh Karthik looks to flick but misses. The ball thuds him on the front pad. Mahipal Lomror sets off for the run but is sent back in time by DK.

18.34

FOUR! DK goes straight and this is a welcome boundary for Bengaluru! Bowls this fuller but not too full to trouble the batter, on off, Dinesh Karthik stays back and wacks it straight over the bowler's head for a boundary.

18.20

Good delivery! Angles it in on a hard length, just outside off, Dinesh Karthik looks to push it through covers but gets beaten on the outside edge.

18.21wd

WIDE! Not too many runs to play with now. Bowls this fuller and down leg, Dinesh Karthik looks to flick it away but misses. The umpire calls it a wide.

18.11

Goes fuller and on off, Mahipal Lomror drives it to long off for one. A good start by Harshal Patel.

Harshal Patel (3-0-32-1) to bowl the penultimate over.

Runs Scored 13 Runs

Score after 18 overs : 154/6

M Lomror16 (7)

D Karthik7 (3)

A Singh3-0-29-0

17.61

A good over for Bengaluru as they rack 13 runs off it. Arshdeep Singh bowls a low full toss on the pads, Mahipal Lomror flicks it straight to the fielder at square leg for one. 23 needed off the last two overs now.

17.50

Bowls this wider on off and on a fuller length, Mahipal Lomror looks for a big slog but gets beaten on the outside edge.

17.44

FOUR! Impact player making an impact! Arshdeep Singh bowls this short and on off, with pace off, Mahipal Lomror pulls it off the outer half of the bat over short fine for a boundary. The Chinnaswamy erupts!

17.36

SIX! That will help! Served on a fuller length on off, Mahipal Lomror clears his front leg, keeps his head down and clubs it over long on for a biggie!

17.21

Bangs the shorter delivery on middle and off, Dinesh Karthik gets hurried a bit but manages to pull it to deep square leg for one.

17.11b

BYES! Bangs it shorter in length outside off, Mahipal Lomror looks to play across the line and misses. The keeper behind the stumps fails to collect the ball well and the batters cross.

Arshdeep Singh is back on. He has conceded 17 runs in his two overs.

Runs Scored 11 Runs

Score after 17 overs : 141/6

D Karthik6 (2)

M Lomror5 (2)

S Curran3-0-30-1

16.62

Great running! Fuller and into the pads, Dinesh Karthik flicks it to fine leg and steals a couple of runs. Bengaluru need 36 off the last 3 overs now.

Commentary

We are back for the chase! The two umpires walk out to the middle followed by the Punjab fielders who are taking the field. The Chinnaswamy Stadium erupts as Virat Kohli walks out alongside Faf du Plessis to open for Bengaluru. Arshdeep Singh comes in as an impact substitute for Prabhsimran Singh. Sam Curran is handed the new ball and will start the proceedings for Punjab. Here we go..

... THE RUN CHASE ...

On the flip side, Punjab commenced their innings with caution, gradually building momentum before Jonny Bairstow's early departure halted their progress. Shikhar Dhawan, adopting a circumspect approach, found a capable partner in the aggressive Prabhsimran Singh. Together, they orchestrated a steady 55-run partnership before Singh's dismissal altered the course of play. Despite a promising start, both Liam Livingstone and well-set Shikhar Dhawan succumbed to consecutive deliveries, temporarily putting Punjab on the back foot. However, Sam Curran continued his stellar form from the previous game, finding support in the resilient Jitesh Sharma, as they weathered the storm to construct a sturdy partnership of 52 runs before their dismissals. In the dying embers of the innings, a blistering cameo from Shashank Singh, scoring 21 runs off just 8 deliveries, injected crucial impetus, propelling Punjab's total to 176 runs. While deemed competitive for this ground, defending against Bengaluru's formidable batting lineup will necessitate exceptional bowling prowess from Punjab. Can they successfully defend this one? Or will Bengaluru batters gun it down to get their first win of this season? We shall soon find out as the chase comes to you in a bit.

Sam Curran the orange cap holder is down for a quick chat. He says that 176 is probably slightly under par. Adds that the wicket is not that easy as there is something for the bowlers too. Tells that they will need to stick to their plans. Mentions that Bengaluru bowled well with the new ball and the first six overs in this chase will be key. Ends by saying that he has his fingers crossed and hopes that they will defend this one.

After winning the toss and opting to bowl first, Bengaluru set the stage ablaze with an impressive start. Spearheaded by the disciplined bowling of Mohammed Siraj and Yash Dayal, they applied pressure right from the onset, resulting in the pivotal dismissal of Jonny Bairstow by Siraj in just the third over. Despite maintaining their lines and lengths admirably, Bengaluru's bowlers found themselves momentarily stunned by a resilient second-wicket partnership that began to flourish for Punjab. However, the masterstroke of bringing in Glenn Maxwell proved decisive, as he swiftly dismantled the burgeoning partnership by claiming the wicket of Prabhsimran Singh. Alzarri Joseph then joined the fray, swiftly removing the dangerous Liam Livingstone, before Maxwell struck again, dismissing the well-set batter Shikhar Dhawan on the very next delivery. Just when Bengaluru seemed to be tightening their grip on the game, a spirited new partnership emerged for Punjab, frustrating the bowlers and adding a significant 52 runs to their total. However, Yash Dayal's precision finally broke the partnership, culminating in his impressive figures of 1 for 23 in his spell of 4 overs. With additional contributions from the bowlers apart from that last over which went for 20 runs, Bengaluru curtailed Punjab's innings, restricting them to a modest total of 176 runs.

Wow, Shashank Singh's late cameo has provided Punjab with a much-needed boost, propelling them to a respectable total of 176 runs. While it may fall slightly short of their desired target, the valuable runs added by Singh in the closing stages of the innings has injected a sense of optimism into Punjab's camp.

Runs Scored 20 Runs

Score after 20 overs : 176/6

S Singh21 (8)

H Brar2 (2)

A Joseph4-0-43-1

19.61

Only a single to end the innings then! Alzarri Joseph bowls this on a good length and on off, Shashank Singh miscues his heave off the toe-end of the bat towards long on for just one more. 20 runs off the last over and Punjab finishes on 176/6!

19.62wd

Alzarri Joseph loses his line again and serves this full but down the leg side, Harpreet Brar steps across and misses his flick. It is called a wide again and Bengaluru takes the review. However, this time the third umpire gives it as a wide. Also, the batters stole a bye in between all of these.

19.51

Goes fuller and around off, Shashank Singh lofts it over extra covers for one.

19.44

FOUR MORE! 16 runs already from the over! Alzarri Joseph lands this short of a length and outside off, Shashank Singh slashes hard at it and gets an outside edge over short third man for a boundary now.

19.36

SIX! Wow..what a shot! Alzarri Joseph bangs this one short and on middle, slower too, Shashank Singh waits for it this time, and whacks it over the deep mid-wicket fence for another maximum.

19.20

Back of a length and outside off, Shashank Singh moves across to cut it away but misses. It is called a wide. Bengaluru reviews the decision and the third umpire deems that the movement of the batter is enough for it to be fair delivery. The on-field is changed.

19.16

SIX! Up, up and away! Alzarri Joseph serves this full and on middle, angling in, Shashank Singh easily picks it up, uses the flick of the wrists to deposit it over the deep square leg fence for a biggie. Good start to the over for Punjab!

Runs Scored 4 Runs

Score after 19 overs : 156/6

H Brar2 (2)

S Singh3 (2)

M Siraj4-0-26-2

18.60

A low full toss, outside off, Harpreet Brar backs away and tries to ramp it but misses it completely. Brilliant over from Mohammed Siraj as he picks up a wicket and concedes just four runs in the 19th over.

18.52

Overpithched and on middle, Harpreet Brar nudges it towards deep mid-wicket for a couple of runs.

Harpreet Brar walks out to bat next for Punjab.

18.4W

OUT! TAKEN! Mohammed Siraj strikes again! The two-bouncer rule is coming into play again. Siraj bangs in a quick bouncer now around off, gets some extra bounce again, Jitesh Sharma tries to swat it away but is no position to play that shot. He mistimes it badly as the ball goes high in the air towards the point region, Anuj Rawat calls for it and runs to his right to take another good catch. There is a check to see if the ball hit the wire of the Spider-Cam or not as if this is the case then it will be a dead-ball. However, the replay shows that it hasn't and Jitesh Sharma has to walk back to the hut. Punjab six down now!

18.31

Short of a length and on off, Shashank Singh miscues his pull towards long on for a run.

18.21

A full toss again, on middle, Jitesh Sharma mistimes his slog on the bounce to long on for a single.

18.10

Mohammed Siraj bowls this full and well outside off, Jitesh Sharma stays in his crease and leaves it thinking it will be wide but the umpire says no. Punjab takes a review but the replay shows that some part of the ball is inside the tramline. A dot!

Runs Scored 13 Runs

Score after 18 overs : 152/5

S Singh2 (1)

J Sharma26 (17)

Y Dayal4-0-23-1

17.62

Fuller one and on middle, Shashank Singh clips it through mid-wicket and turns around for the second run, the fielder picks up and has a shy at the bowler's end but misses with Jitesh Sharma nowhere near the crease, the ball hits his boots and deflects to the deep but no extra runs.

Shashank Singh walks out to bat next for Punjab.

17.5W

OUT! CAUGHT BEHIND! A fantastic catch behind the stumps! Yash Dayal bends his back and bangs in a sharp bouncer this time, on middle and leg, Sam Curran tries to hook it but gets hurried by the pace and only manages to glove it behind where Anuj Rawat keeps his eyes on the ball, leaps high and plucks it out of thin air with his outstretched right glove. Splendid effort from the youngster. Punjab lose half their side now!

17.44

FOUR! Easy pickings! Yash Dayal once again misses his yorker and bowls a full toss, on leg with no protection in the deep, Sam Curran comfortably swipes it away towards the deep mid-wicket fence for another boundary.

17.41wd

A slower bouncer now, outside off and too high for the batter, Sam Curran decides to let it go to the keeper. It is called a wide.

17.30

Good comeback from Yash Dayal! He nails the wide yorker this time, Sam Curran tries to reach for it but fails to dig it out.

17.24

FOUR! Poor delivery and rightly punished! Yash Dayal goes for the yorker again but loses his grip and serves a high full toss, on middle, Sam Curran stays in his crease and smashes it over and wide of mid off for a boundary.

17.21wd

Tries the wide yorker but bowls this way outside off, Sam Curran leaves it alone. Wided.

17.11

A low full toss and around off, Jitesh Sharma drills it wide of mid off where Glenn Maxwell dives to his left to stop it. They cross. Jitesh Sharma is not happy with himself as this was there to be put away.

Yash Dayal (3-0-10-0) comes back into the attack for his final over.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru
Punjab Kings
Batter R B 4s 6s SR
V Kohli

c H Brar b H Patel

77 49 11 2 157.14
du Plessis

c S Curran b K Rabada

3 7 0 0 42.85
C Green

c J Sharma b K Rabada

3 5 0 0 60
R Patidar

b H Brar

18 18 1 1 100
G Maxwell

b H Brar

3 5 0 0 60
A Rawat

lbw b S Curran

11 14 1 0 78.57
D Karthik

not out

28 10 3 2 280
17 8 2 1 212.50
Extras

(b 2,lb 9,w 7,nb 0,Penalty 0)

18
Total 19.2 (RR: 9.21)
178/6

Did not bat: A Joseph, M Dagar, M Siraj,

Fall of wickets:

(du Plessis, 2.4 ov) (C Green, 4.4 ov) (R Patidar, 10.3 ov) (G Maxwell, 12.1 ov) (V Kohli, 16 ov) (A Rawat, 16.2 ov)
Bowler O M R W ER
S Curran
3 0 30 1 10.00
3.2 0 40 0 12.00
K Rabada
4 0 23 2 5.75
H Brar
4 0 13 2 3.25
H Patel
4 0 45 1 11.25
R Chahar
1 0 16 0 16.00
Batter R B 4s 6s SR
S Dhawan

c V Kohli b G Maxwell

45 37 5 1 121.62
J Bairstow

c V Kohli b M Siraj

8 6 2 0 133.33

c A Rawat b G Maxwell

25 17 2 2 147.05
L Livingstone

c A Rawat b A Joseph

17 13 1 1 130.76
S Curran

c A Rawat b Y Dayal

23 17 3 0 135.29
J Sharma

c A Rawat b M Siraj

27 20 1 2 135
S Singh

not out

21 8 1 2 262.50
H Brar

not out

2 2 0 0 100
Extras

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

8
Total 20.0 (RR: 8.80)
176/6

Did not bat: H Patel, K Rabada, R Chahar,

Fall of wickets:

(J Bairstow, 2.3 ov) (P Singh, 8.5 ov) (L Livingstone, 12 ov) (S Dhawan, 12.1 ov) (S Curran, 17.5 ov) (J Sharma, 18.4 ov)
Bowler O M R W ER
M Siraj
4 0 26 2 6.50
4 0 23 1 5.75
A Joseph
4 0 43 1 10.75
C Green
2 0 19 0 9.50
M Dagar
3 0 34 0 11.33
G Maxwell
3 0 29 2 9.66
Royal Challengers Bengaluru
Punjab Kings

Commentary

Right then, that is it from this exciting encounter where Bengaluru got their first points on the board while Punjab failed to make it consecutive wins. The action in the Indian T20 League continues as the defending champions Chennai take on last season's finalists Gujarat. That game will be played on 26th March, Tuesday 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 outstanding knock. He starts by acknowledging the loyal Bengaluru fans and says to not get over-excited as it has been only two games. Tells that the way they have supported the team throughout their journey is something he will never forget. Adds that in sport it is not about the stats but the memories which is exactly what Rahul Dravid says in the Indian dressing room. Mentions that here he is opening and trying to give a blazing start to the team but when the wicket falls on the other end, he plays the situation. Further adds that he was disappointed as he could not finish the game. Says that he knows that his name is often used to promote T20 cricket in some parts but he still has it. Talking about the two-month break, he says that it was a surreal experience for his family as they were away from all the noise and led a normal life. He says it was amazing to be another person and he enjoyed the break. Ends by saying that he doesn't play for the Caps anymore and that it is just another opportunity and he can promise that he will keep turning up for this franchise.

Faf du Plessis, the victorious skipper of Bengaluru says he was cool on the outside but not much on the inside but it was great to see the boys show such composure. Adds that he knew that with the impact player, they knew they had Mahipal Lomror who has great power to finish things off and it makes things a bit easier. Appreciates Dinesh Karthik for the way he is playing and the experience he brings in finishing games batting at the back end. Mentions that they tried to find that DNA in the team at the auction to make an impact at this home ground and it's tough for any bowler and it wasn't the regular wicket in this game and credits Virat for the way he batted and how he remains fresh and motivated.

Shikhar Dhawan, the captain of Punjab says that it was a good game and they pulled the game back a bit but were 15 runs short and should have capitalized in the first 6 overs. Adds that the dropped catch of Virat who went on to score 70 odd runs proved crucial. Mentions that the wicket was slightly two-paced and sticky and spinning a bit too. States that he is happy with his performance but could've played faster in the first 6 overs. Concludes that Harpreet Brar is bowling well especially to the left-handers on such small ground, soaking pressure and it is commendable.

Presentation Time...

Dinesh Karthik, the man of the moment is up for a quick chat. He says that he is still not quite completely in control of his batting but is getting there. Adds that Anuj Rawat batted well in the last game but his dismissal put pressure on DK. However, Mahipal Lomror took the pressure off him with his batting and the six of Arshdeep Singh was crucial. Tells that it is difficult to scoop Harshal Patel as he has a dipping slower one that can cause trouble. Says that he just told Lomror to stay calm and not get carried away after hitting a maximum and praises the youngster for his knock.

Earlier in the game, Punjab posted a fighting total on the board with most of their batters getting off to starts but not converting them. Skipper Shikhar Dhawan top-scorer with 45 while Shashank Singh played a quick-fire cameo of 21 off just 8 balls at the death. Mohammed Siraj was excellent for Bengaluru picking up a couple of wickets while Glenn Maxwell also got two. Yash Dayal and Alzarri Joseph chipped in with one each. While chasing it was almost a Virat Kohli masterclass but in the end, they needed some fireworks from Dinesh Karthik and Mahipal Lomror to get their first win of the season.

Punjab, on the other hand, will be disappointed as they had this game in their grasp at one point in time but let it go. They had the golden opportunity to send Virat Kohli for a duck in the first over but Jonny Bairstow spilled that chance and he struck four boundaries in the first over. Kagiso Rabada pulled things back for them by dismissing Faf du Plessis and Cameron Green but they couldn't contain Kohli at the other end. However, Harpreet Brar had other ideas and was absolutely sensational in the middle overs picking up two crucial wickets and giving away just 13 runs to keep his side in the game. They knew that as long as Kohli was out there, the hosts had the advantage but a perfectly set-up plan from Harshal Patel outfoxed him and the momentum shifted once again. Sam Curran also followed it up with the wicket of Anuj Rawat and put even more pressure on the home team. After that, their bowlers lost their lines and gave away a few losses deliveries which ultimately cost them the match.

Bengaluru got off to a flier with Virat Kohli going all guns blazing after he was dropped on not by Jonny Bairstow. Skipper Faf du Plessis couldn't make much impact while Cameron Green too went back for a low score. However, Kohli made sure to utilise the Powerplay and didn't change his attacking approach at all. He found good support from Rajat Patidar as they stitched up a good partnership that provided a solid base for this chase. Just as when they were looking comfortable, Patidar lost his wicket and Glenn Maxwell followed suit putting them slightly on the back foot. Kohli though kept chipping away with the runs and notched up his 51st half-century in the Indian T20 League. It was looking like another Kohli chase masterclass but unfortunately was dismissed for 77 off just 49 balls. They lost Anuj Rawat soon after that and the pressure was back on them. Then came Mahipal Lomror as the Impact Player for them and along with DK played some lusty blows when they needed over 40 runs in the last four overs. Both of them were brilliant and in the end it was Dinesh Karthik who finished things off with four balls to spare.

DK, take a bow! He is the coolest man in the stadium right now as he takes his side over the line. The crowd at the M. Chinnaswamy has gone wild as the home team opens their account for the season. With that, the record of the hosts winning all the matches in this edition remains intact. Punjab did manage to pull things back towards the end, but the Impact Player for Bengaluru, Mahipal Lomror along with Dinesh Karthik made sure that they grabbed all the points here.

19.24

FOUR! What a way to finish things off! Bengaluru wins their first game of this season by 4 wickets. The home team continues to dominate in this Indian T20 League! A fuller delivery outside off, Dinesh Karthik plants his front leg ahead and drills it over the bowler's head for a boundary.

19.21wd

WIDE! Oh no, Arshdeep Singh! Attempts for the wide yorker and bowls it fuller and well outside that tramline on off, Dinesh Karthik looks to reach but the ball goes further away for a wide.

19.16

SIX! Dinesh Karthik doing justice to his finisher role! Arshdeep Singh drops it a touch short and outside off, Dinesh Karthik gets across the line and scoops it over fine leg for a maximum. Just 4 more needed to win now.

It will be Arshdeep Singh to bowl the last over. Can he defend 9 runs here?

Runs Scored 13 Runs

Score after 19 overs : 167/6

D Karthik18 (8)

M Lomror17 (8)

H Patel4-0-45-1

18.61

Bowls a low full toss, on off, Dinesh Karthik drills it to long on for one. 13 runs come of that over.

18.56

SIX! DK you beauty! Harshal Patel drops the length short, on middle, Dinesh Karthik swivels across and nails the pull over fine leg for a maximum. Bengaluru now just need 11 off 7 balls.

18.40

An appeal for LBW, but the umpire stays unmoved. Bowls a low full toss, angling into the right-hander, Dinesh Karthik looks to flick but misses. The ball thuds him on the front pad. Mahipal Lomror sets off for the run but is sent back in time by DK.

18.34

FOUR! DK goes straight and this is a welcome boundary for Bengaluru! Bowls this fuller but not too full to trouble the batter, on off, Dinesh Karthik stays back and wacks it straight over the bowler's head for a boundary.

18.20

Good delivery! Angles it in on a hard length, just outside off, Dinesh Karthik looks to push it through covers but gets beaten on the outside edge.

18.21wd

WIDE! Not too many runs to play with now. Bowls this fuller and down leg, Dinesh Karthik looks to flick it away but misses. The umpire calls it a wide.

18.11

Goes fuller and on off, Mahipal Lomror drives it to long off for one. A good start by Harshal Patel.

Harshal Patel (3-0-32-1) to bowl the penultimate over.

Runs Scored 13 Runs

Score after 18 overs : 154/6

M Lomror16 (7)

D Karthik7 (3)

A Singh3-0-29-0

17.61

A good over for Bengaluru as they rack 13 runs off it. Arshdeep Singh bowls a low full toss on the pads, Mahipal Lomror flicks it straight to the fielder at square leg for one. 23 needed off the last two overs now.

17.50

Bowls this wider on off and on a fuller length, Mahipal Lomror looks for a big slog but gets beaten on the outside edge.

17.44

FOUR! Impact player making an impact! Arshdeep Singh bowls this short and on off, with pace off, Mahipal Lomror pulls it off the outer half of the bat over short fine for a boundary. The Chinnaswamy erupts!

17.36

SIX! That will help! Served on a fuller length on off, Mahipal Lomror clears his front leg, keeps his head down and clubs it over long on for a biggie!

17.21

Bangs the shorter delivery on middle and off, Dinesh Karthik gets hurried a bit but manages to pull it to deep square leg for one.

17.11b

BYES! Bangs it shorter in length outside off, Mahipal Lomror looks to play across the line and misses. The keeper behind the stumps fails to collect the ball well and the batters cross.

Arshdeep Singh is back on. He has conceded 17 runs in his two overs.

Runs Scored 11 Runs

Score after 17 overs : 141/6

D Karthik6 (2)

M Lomror5 (2)

S Curran3-0-30-1

16.62

Great running! Fuller and into the pads, Dinesh Karthik flicks it to fine leg and steals a couple of runs. Bengaluru need 36 off the last 3 overs now.

16.54

FOUR! Gets off the mark with a boundary! Sam Curran takes pace off and bowls it on a length, down leg, Dinesh Karthik just tucks it fine and the ball races away to the fine leg fence for another boundary.

16.41

Fuller and on off, Mahipal Lomror taps it to backward point who misfields this as the batters cross for a run.

16.34

FOUR! Good shot! Fuller and drifting into the pads, Mahipal Lomror flicks it beautifully through backward square leg for four runs.

Mahipal Lomror comes out to the middle now. He is the Impact Player for Bengaluru and comes in place of Yash Dayal.

16.2W

OUT! LBW! Oh dear, Bengaluru are losing the plot and Chinnaswamy has gone silent. A huge appeal for LBW and the umpire gives it OUT! Anuj Rawat sends it upstairs for the review. A fuller delivery angling into the batter on middle and leg, Anuj Rawat looks to play it across the line but misses. The ball thuds him flush on the front pad. The replays roll and the UltraEdge shows there was no spike. The Ball Tracking confirms that the pitch and impact were in line and the wickets were Umpire's calls. Bengaluru lose another and slip further down.

16.10

Bowls this fuller and on off, Anuj Rawat taps it to mid off.

Strategic-Break! The crowd has gone silent here with that wicket of Virat Kohli. The momentum shifts again in this game as it is now on the shoulders of Anuj Rawat and the experienced Dinesh Karthik who is the new batter to take them out of trouble here. They did that in the first game while batting first but now they will have to do that chasing. Punjab have got the wicket at the right time and they will look to build on that now to get a few more to completely take control of the match. Also, Sam Curran to bowl after the break.

Runs Scored 12 Runs

Score after 16 overs : 130/5

V Kohli77 (49)

A Rawat11 (12)

H Patel3-0-32-1

15.6W

OUT! CAUGHT! Harshal Patel gets the better of Virat Kohli and Bengaluru are in trouble with half their side back in the hut! Harshal Patel bowls it fuller and outside off, Virat Kohli looks to carve it over point but gets it off the toe end of the bat towards Harpreet Brar at deep backward point. Brar rushes for it and takes a good low catch diving to his front. Kohli stands there in disbelief but he has to go now after a brilliant knock. Punjab are right back in this game now!

15.52

Bowls the yorker on off, Virat Kohli digs it to deep mid-wicket for a couple more.

15.51wd

WIDE! Looks for another bouncer and bangs it short but way too short and outside off, Virat Kohli leaves it alone. Harshal Patel feeling the nerves now.

15.40

Digs this one short and over off, Virat Kohli hops and looks to ramp but misses out.

15.34

FOUR! Shot of the game so far! Back of a length, outside off, Virat Kohli reaches and slaps it up and over extra cover for another boundary.

15.24

FOUR! Can't get any easier than that! Serves a low full toss on the pads, Virat Kohli picks it up and flicks it to square leg fence for a boundary.

15.11

Bangs it on a good length, on off, Anuj Rawat opens the blade face and steers it to wide of this man for one.

Harshal Patel (2-0-20-0) comes back into the attack.

Runs Scored 5 Runs

Score after 15 overs : 118/4

A Rawat10 (11)

V Kohli67 (44)

H Brar4-0-13-2

14.61

Another fantastic over from Harpreet Brar! He flights this up, full and on off, Anuj Rawat goes down and sweeps it towards deep mid-wicket for just one. Brar finishes his spell with outstanding figures of 4-0-13-2. Bengaluru needs 59 runs in the last five overs now. This is going down to the wire.

14.51lb

Darts this one full and on the leg stump line, Virat Kohli tries to paddle it away but misses as the ball goes off his pads to the leg side. A leg bye is taken.

14.42

A bit short and on middle, Virat Kohli moves back and tucks it away with soft hands towards deep square leg and comes back for the second run. Excellent running!

14.31

Quicker, full and on middle, Anuj Rawat uses his feet and eases it towards long on for a single.

14.20

An appeal for LBW, but turned down! Harpreet Brar looks confident and convinces Shikhar Dhawan to take the review. This is flatter, full and on middle and leg, Anuj Rawat goes down to sweep it away but misses and gets hit on the pads. UltraEdge confirms no bat involved but Ball Tracking shows that it has pitched outside leg. Anuj Rawat gets a lucky escape!

14.10

Floated, short and on off, Anuj Rawat stabs it back to the bowler.

Runs Scored 7 Runs

Score after 14 overs : 113/4

V Kohli65 (42)

A Rawat8 (7)

K Rabada4-0-23-2

13.60

Fiery from Kagiso Rabada! He sees the batter make room and follows him with banged in delivery, on leg, Virat Kohli sways away and tries to ramp it but gets beaten on the outside edge due to the extra bounce.

13.51

Back of a length and on off, Anuj Rawat punches it through cover-point for one.

13.40

On a length and and on off, Anuj Rawat dabs it towards point.

13.31

Short of a length and on middle, Virat Kohli uses his feet and swats it towards deep mid-wicket for a run, he slips while turning for the second run and it will be just one.

13.21

Fuller one and around off, Anuj Rawat pushes it through cover-point for a single.

13.14

FOUR! A poor delivery and rightly punished! Kagiso Rabada errs in line and serves this on a good length, on the pads, Anuj Rawat gets enough bat on it to tickle it away towards the fine leg fence for a boundary.

Kagiso Rabada (3-0-16-2) comes to bowl his last over.

Runs Scored 3 Runs

Score after 13 overs : 106/4

V Kohli64 (40)

A Rawat2 (3)

H Brar3-0-9-2

12.60

Flighted, full and on leg, Virat Kohli misses his flick and gets hit on the pads. Just three runs off the over and a big wicket of Glenn Maxwell.

12.51

Floated, full and on middle, Anuj Rawat clips it through square leg for one.

12.40

Almost dragged on! Harpreet Brar bowls this quicker, short and on off, Anuj Rawat tries to cut close from his body, but gets an inside edge onto the ground but this time the ball just goes past the stumps.

12.31

Another short delivery, on off, Virat Kohli forces it down to long on for a run.

12.21

Short again and on off, Anuj Rawat stays back and punches it through covers for a single.

Anuj Rawat walks out to bat at number 6 for Bengaluru.

12.1W

OUT! DRAGGED ON! Harpreet Brar gets another huge wicket! Glenn Maxwell fails to make much of an impact here. This is short and around middle, Glenn Maxwell makes room and tries to cut it away, but only manages to get a bottom edge onto the ground and then onto the stumps. He is disappointed with that dismissal but has to walk back now.

Runs Scored 15 Runs

Score after 12 overs : 103/3

V Kohli63 (38)

G Maxwell3 (4)

H Patel2-0-20-0

11.64

FOUR! Powered away! Harshal Patel lands this back of a length and just around off, Virat Kohli skips down the track and flat-bats it powerfully wide of mid off for a boundary.

11.51

Fuller one and on leg, Glenn Maxwell flicks it towards deep mid-wicket for one.

11.51wd

Goes for a slower bouncer but this one is too high, on middle, Glenn Maxwell leavesit alone. Wided.

11.41

Touch fuller and on off, Virat Kohli mistimes his drives towards long on for another run.

11.31

On a length and around off, Glenn Maxwell guides it through backward point for a run.

11.21

Short of a length and slower this time, on off, Virat Kohli mistimes his pull in the air, the ball lands well in front of long on as the batters get a single.

11.16

SIX! Just over! Harshal Patel bangs this one short and around middle, takes off a bit, Virat Kohli gets hurried a bit as he goes for the pull shot, the fielder at deep square leg thinks he is in the game but the ball has just enough legs to go over him for a biggie.

Runs Scored 3 Runs

Score after 11 overs : 88/3

G Maxwell1 (2)

V Kohli51 (34)

H Brar2-0-6-1

10.60

Quicker, full and on leg, Glenn Maxwell tucks it towards short mid-wicket.

10.51

A bit short and on middle, Virat Kohli stays back and clips it through square leg for a run.

10.41

Flighted, full and on off, Glenn Maxwell steers it towards short third man for a quick singe.

Glenn Maxwell walks out to bat next for Bengaluru.

10.3W

OUT! TIMBER! Harpreet Brar strikes! Just when Punjab needed it and Shikhar Dhawan is pumped up here. This one is fired in full and on middle, angling in, Rajat Patidar gets down on one knee to slog it away but loses his shape and plays all over it as the ball goes through to shatter the stumps. Bengaluru three down now!

10.21b

Tossed up, full and on middle, turns away a bit, Virat Kohli goes down to sweep it away but misses as Jitesh Sharma also fails to stop it, the ball pops off his gloves behind. A bye is taken.

10.10

Floated, short and on leg, angling in, Virat Kohli moves back to flick it away but misses and gets hit high on the pads as the ball goes nowhere.

Runs Scored 8 Runs

Score after 10 overs : 85/2

R Patidar18 (17)

V Kohli50 (31)

K Rabada3-0-16-2

9.60

An absolute peach! Hurls this on a nagging length just outside off, Rajat Patidar looks to poke at it but gets beaten on the outside edge.

9.50

On a length, over off, Rajat Patidar stabs it back onto the deck.

9.44lb

FOUR LEG BYES! Runs flowing thick and fast for Bengaluru. Bowls it on a length and on leg, Rajat Patidar looks to tuck it on the leg side but misses out. The ball brushes his thigh pad and evades the diving keeper towards the fence for a boundary.

9.41wd

WIDE! Drops the length short and hits the deck hard over middle and leg, Rajat Patidar ducks and leaves it for a wide.

9.31

Fifty for Virat Kohli. His 51st in the Indian T20 League! Fuller and on the pads, Virat Kohli flicks it square of the wicket for a single.

9.22

Goes fuller and just outside off, Virat Kohli opens his bat face and cuts it uppishly to deep backward point for a couple of runs.

9.10

Steams from over the wicket and follows Virat Kohli who steps away on the leg side looking for the big slog. Bowls it fuller and on leg, Virat Kohli misses out on connection as the ball zips through to the keeper.

Strategic-Break! Bengaluru are going at a pretty good rate and with Virat Kohli in this type of form, they have the upper hand in this chase. They just need to keep things simple and avoid losing wickets in clumps. Punjab needs wickets and they need them quickly to get back in this game. Their spin department needs to step up in this middle overs to stop the run-flow and get crucial breakthroughs as well. An exciting phase of cricket awaits us. Also, Kagiso Rabada to bowl after the break.

Runs Scored 16 Runs

Score after 9 overs : 77/2

R Patidar18 (14)

V Kohli47 (28)

R Chahar1-0-16-0

8.60

Misses out on that one! Flatter and fuller on middle and leg, Rajat Patidar looks to slog sweep but wears it on his pads as the ball rolls back onto the deck.

8.51

Shorter and on off again, Virat Kohli taps it to sweeper cover for a single.

8.46

SIX! Stand and deliver stuff from King Kohli! Fuller delivery on off, Virat Kohli prods ahead and with his brilliant wrists wacks it over covers for a maximum.

8.31

Fuller and on leg, Rajat Patidar tucks it to mid-wicket for a single.

8.26

SIX! Up, up and over Sam Curran! Tossed up on off, Rajat Patidar frees his arms and clubs it straight over to long off. Sam Curran stretches behind attempting to get to the ball but fails to keep it in as the ball falls behind him for half a dozen.

8.12

Starts from over the wicket and drops this short, outside off, Rajat Patidar extends his arms and whips it over the bowler's head for a couple of runs.

Rahul Chahar replaces Harpreet Brar.

Runs Scored 5 Runs

Score after 8 overs : 61/2

R Patidar9 (10)

V Kohli40 (26)

H Patel1-0-5-0

7.61

Fuller and on off, Rajat Patidar leans on it and drives it through covers for a single.

7.50

Beaten! Bowls it nice and full outside off and gets the ball to nip away off the deck, Rajat Patidar looks to cut it square on off but gets beaten on the outside edge.

7.41

Drops it short and over middle and off, Virat Kohli pulls it off the inner half od the bat to deep mid-wicket for one.

7.32

Good effort in the deep again. Fuller delivery, outside off, Virat Kohli extends his arms and cuts it to right of deep point where the fielder sprints and cuts it keeping it down to just two.

7.21

Shorter and on middle, Rajat Patidar pulls it square of the wicket on leg for a single.

7.10

Starts from over the wicket and hurls it fuller in the blockhole attacking the stumps, Rajat Patidar manages to dig it out on the leg side.

Runs Scored 6 Runs

Score after 7 overs : 56/2

V Kohli37 (24)

R Patidar7 (6)

H Brar1-0-4-0

6.60

Drops the length short and on off, Virat Kohli cuts it to point.

6.51

Tap and run! Tossed up on off, Rajat Patidar tucks it on the off side and steals a quick run.

6.41

Fuller again on middle and off, Virat Kohli nudges it to long leg for one.

6.31

Fuller and on middle and leg, Rajat Patidar tucks it to square leg for a single.

6.22lb

TWO LEG BYES! Bowls it fuller and on leg, Rajat Patidar looks to tuck it on the leg side but misses. The ball clips him high on the pads and rolls away to fine leg for a couple of runs.

6.11

Starts with a shorter delivery on off, Virat Kohli rocks back and cuts it to deep cover for one.

We will see some spin now as Harpreet Brar comes into that attack now.

Runs Scored 3 Runs

Score after 6 overs : 50/2

V Kohli35 (21)

R Patidar5 (3)

S Curran2-0-19-0

5.61

Top effort from Kagiso Rabada to stop that one. Too much happening at the moment. A length delivery outside off, Virat Kohli crisply cuts it to the right of Rabada at short third. He presses to his right and throws a dive to cut it off for just a single.

5.50

Misses out on that one does Virat Kohli! lands this on a good length, on middle and leg, Virat Kohli looks to whip it across the line but misses out.

5.41

On a length, on off, Rajat Patidar cuts it to third man for one.

5.31

Oh dear, almost carried to Rahul Chahar! Virat Kohli is riding his luck here. A fuller delivery on middle, Virat Kohli flicks it to the left of Chahar at short mid-wicket who throws a full stretched dive to his left and gets a hand to it but it doesn't stick. The batters cross.

5.20

Goes fuller and on off, Virat Kohli drives it beautifully but straight to mid off.

5.10

Good start to the over. Takes pace off and bowls it on a fuller length on middle, Virat Kohli tucks it back onto the pitch just away from the stumps.

Sam Curran (1-0-16-0) comes back into the attack.

Runs Scored 6 Runs

Score after 5 overs : 47/2

R Patidar4 (2)

V Kohli33 (16)

K Rabada2-0-12-2

4.64

FOUR! A glorious way to get off the mark! Kagiso Rabada overpitches it this time, on off, Rajat Patidar takes his front foot towards the ball and caresses it through extra covers for a boundary.

4.50

On a length and on middle, Rajat Patidar blocks it out.

Rajat Patidar walks out to bat next for Bengaluru.

4.4W

OUT! CAUGHT BEHIND! Kagiso Rabada strikes again! The big Aussie is back in the hut as well. Rabada cleverly changes the pace of the ball and bowls this on hard length, outside off, Cameron Green goes through his big slog across the line early and only gets a slight nick behind, Jitesh Sharma dives forward and claims the catch. The umpire sends it upstairs to check and the replay shows that Jitesh Sharma has taken that cleanly. Green has to go and Bengaluru lose their second in the Powerplay!

4.31lb

Buzzers! Kagiso Rabada lands this on a good length and on middle, skids through as well, Virat Kohli tries to heave it away but misses as the ball goes off his pads towards short third man, he sets off but is sent back as Arshdeep Singh hits the stumps at the batter's end. The ball deflects away towards square leg and now the batters get the leg bye,

4.21

Back of a length and on off, Cameron Green chops it down towards short third man for a quick single.

4.10

This is on a hard length and on middle, jags back in sharply, Cameron Green looks to play it but misses and gets hit on the thigh pads.

Runs Scored 13 Runs

Score after 4 overs : 41/1

V Kohli33 (15)

C Green2 (2)

A Singh2-0-17-0

3.64

FOUR! Deft touch! Arshdeep Singh lands this back of a length and around off, slower too, Virat Kohli waits for it, opens the face of the bat and steers it past first slip for four more runs. 13 runs off the over!

3.50

Short of a length and around off, Virat Kohli mistimes his pull towards short mid-wicket.

3.44

FOUR! The drop proving really costly for Punjab here! Arshdeep Singh errs in line again and serves this full, on leg, Virat Kohli uses his strong wrists to whip it over to the vacant deep mid-wicket fence for another boundary.

3.41wd

Pitched up and on middle, shaping into leg, Virat Kohli misses his flick. Wided.

3.30

Goes much fuller and on off, Virat Kohli drives it crisply wide of mid off where the fielder dives to his right to make a fine stop.

3.24

FOUR! Vintage Virat! Arshdeep Singh lands this on a good length and just around off, not a bad delivery at all, but Virat Kohli dances down the track, gets his hands through the ball and belts it over and wide of mid off for a boundary.

3.10

On a length and on off, Virat Kohli dabs it down to backward point.

Runs Scored 7 Runs

Score after 3 overs : 28/1

C Green2 (2)

V Kohli21 (9)

K Rabada1-0-7-1

2.60

Another fuller one and on off, Cameron Green eyes the big one over mid off but gets an inside edge onto his boots as the ball goes nowhere.

2.52

Overpitched on middle, shaping in, Cameron Green drills it wide of mid on as Sam Curran chases after it and keeps it down to two runs.

Cameron Green walks out to bat at number 3 for Bengaluru.

2.4W

OUT! TAKEN! Kagiso Rabada draws first blood! The skipper falls for a low score here and Punjab are right back in it. This one is fuller and on middle, Faf du Plessis backs away and tries to loft it down the ground but gets it from the toe-end of the bat, the ball flies high in the air towards mid on where Sam Curran backtracks and pouches it safely. He is pumped and so is Rabada as Punjab gets their first breakthrough.

2.30

Swing and a miss! Kagiso Rabada lands this on a hard length and outside off, shaping away, Faf du Plessis has slash at it but fails to connect.

2.21

Fuller one and on off, Virat Kohli drills it through covers for a single.

2.14

FOUR! Oh..my! What a shot! Kagiso Rabada starts with a good-length delivery on middle, Virat Kohli uses his feet to go a bit inside out and smacks it off the middle of the bat over mid off for a boundary.

Kagiso Rabada comes into the attack.

Runs Scored 5 Runs

Score after 2 overs : 21/0

du Plessis3 (5)

V Kohli16 (7)

A Singh1-0-4-0

1.60

Fuller one and on middle, swinging in sharply, Faf du Plessis gets cramped up for room and tucks it towards short mid-wicket.

1.52

Back of a length and around off, Faf du Plessis punches it through covers for a couple of runs.

1.41lb

Pitched up again and on middle and leg, shaping in, Virat Kohli fails to work it away as the ball goes off his pads towards square leg. A leg bye is taken. There is also an appeal for LBW, but turned down.

1.41wd

Goes fuller this time but down the leg side, Virat Kohli misses his flick and is not happy wth himself as there was a boundary for the taking. Wided.

1.31

Risky run! This is on a good length and on off, Faf du Plessis stabs it in front of short covers and sets off for the run, Harpreet Brar quickly collects and has a shy at the bowler's end in one motion but misses. Faf du Plessis puts in a desperate dive in but he was a goner if it was a direct hit.

1.20

On a length and on off, Faf du Plessis taps it towards covers.

1.10

Arshdeep Singh begins with a good-length delivery, on off, angling away, Faf du Plessis withdraws his bat at the last moment.

Arshdeep Singh to share the new ball from the other end.

Runs Scored 16 Runs

Score after 1 overs : 16/0

V Kohli16 (6)

du Plessis0 (0)

S Curran1-0-16-0

0.64

FOUR MORE! Bengaluru are off to a flier here! Sam Curran continues with his fuller length and once again on off, Virat Kohli goes a but early through his drive but controls it well, the ball goes aerially but between mid off and extra covers for the fourth boundary of the over. 16 runs off the first over then!

0.50

Bowls it straighter this time, on a good length, over middle, Virat Kohli dabs it to the off side.

0.44

FOUR! Easy pickings! Sam Curran loses his line time and lands this on a good length, but on the pads, Virat Kohli glances it nicely as the ball races to the fine leg fence for four more runs.

0.34

FOUR! Classic Virat Kohli! Sam Curran pitches it up and on off again, Virat Kohli this time leans onto his drive nicely and creams it with utmost timing through covers for another boundary.

0.24

DROPPED AND FOUR! A huge let-off for Virat Kohli! Sam Curran goes full again and in that channel outside off, Virat Kohli goes for the drive away from his body but gets an outside edge towards first slip, Jonny Bairstow fails to react quickly as he leaps up but fails to grab it and the ball races to the third man fence for a boundary. Early life for Kohli and this could cost Punjab a lot here!

0.10

Sam Curran starts with a full delivery around off, angling away, Virat Kohli tries to push it away but gets an outside edge along the ground towards short third man.

Commentary

We are back for the chase! The two umpires walk out to the middle followed by the Punjab fielders who are taking the field. The Chinnaswamy Stadium erupts as Virat Kohli walks out alongside Faf du Plessis to open for Bengaluru. Arshdeep Singh comes in as an impact substitute for Prabhsimran Singh. Sam Curran is handed the new ball and will start the proceedings for Punjab. Here we go..

... THE RUN CHASE ...

On the flip side, Punjab commenced their innings with caution, gradually building momentum before Jonny Bairstow's early departure halted their progress. Shikhar Dhawan, adopting a circumspect approach, found a capable partner in the aggressive Prabhsimran Singh. Together, they orchestrated a steady 55-run partnership before Singh's dismissal altered the course of play. Despite a promising start, both Liam Livingstone and well-set Shikhar Dhawan succumbed to consecutive deliveries, temporarily putting Punjab on the back foot. However, Sam Curran continued his stellar form from the previous game, finding support in the resilient Jitesh Sharma, as they weathered the storm to construct a sturdy partnership of 52 runs before their dismissals. In the dying embers of the innings, a blistering cameo from Shashank Singh, scoring 21 runs off just 8 deliveries, injected crucial impetus, propelling Punjab's total to 176 runs. While deemed competitive for this ground, defending against Bengaluru's formidable batting lineup will necessitate exceptional bowling prowess from Punjab. Can they successfully defend this one? Or will Bengaluru batters gun it down to get their first win of this season? We shall soon find out as the chase comes to you in a bit.

Sam Curran the orange cap holder is down for a quick chat. He says that 176 is probably slightly under par. Adds that the wicket is not that easy as there is something for the bowlers too. Tells that they will need to stick to their plans. Mentions that Bengaluru bowled well with the new ball and the first six overs in this chase will be key. Ends by saying that he has his fingers crossed and hopes that they will defend this one.

After winning the toss and opting to bowl first, Bengaluru set the stage ablaze with an impressive start. Spearheaded by the disciplined bowling of Mohammed Siraj and Yash Dayal, they applied pressure right from the onset, resulting in the pivotal dismissal of Jonny Bairstow by Siraj in just the third over. Despite maintaining their lines and lengths admirably, Bengaluru's bowlers found themselves momentarily stunned by a resilient second-wicket partnership that began to flourish for Punjab. However, the masterstroke of bringing in Glenn Maxwell proved decisive, as he swiftly dismantled the burgeoning partnership by claiming the wicket of Prabhsimran Singh. Alzarri Joseph then joined the fray, swiftly removing the dangerous Liam Livingstone, before Maxwell struck again, dismissing the well-set batter Shikhar Dhawan on the very next delivery. Just when Bengaluru seemed to be tightening their grip on the game, a spirited new partnership emerged for Punjab, frustrating the bowlers and adding a significant 52 runs to their total. However, Yash Dayal's precision finally broke the partnership, culminating in his impressive figures of 1 for 23 in his spell of 4 overs. With additional contributions from the bowlers apart from that last over which went for 20 runs, Bengaluru curtailed Punjab's innings, restricting them to a modest total of 176 runs.

Wow, Shashank Singh's late cameo has provided Punjab with a much-needed boost, propelling them to a respectable total of 176 runs. While it may fall slightly short of their desired target, the valuable runs added by Singh in the closing stages of the innings has injected a sense of optimism into Punjab's camp.

Runs Scored 20 Runs

Score after 20 overs : 176/6

S Singh21 (8)

H Brar2 (2)

A Joseph4-0-43-1

19.61

Only a single to end the innings then! Alzarri Joseph bowls this on a good length and on off, Shashank Singh miscues his heave off the toe-end of the bat towards long on for just one more. 20 runs off the last over and Punjab finishes on 176/6!

19.62wd

Alzarri Joseph loses his line again and serves this full but down the leg side, Harpreet Brar steps across and misses his flick. It is called a wide again and Bengaluru takes the review. However, this time the third umpire gives it as a wide. Also, the batters stole a bye in between all of these.

19.51

Goes fuller and around off, Shashank Singh lofts it over extra covers for one.

19.44

FOUR MORE! 16 runs already from the over! Alzarri Joseph lands this short of a length and outside off, Shashank Singh slashes hard at it and gets an outside edge over short third man for a boundary now.

19.36

SIX! Wow..what a shot! Alzarri Joseph bangs this one short and on middle, slower too, Shashank Singh waits for it this time, and whacks it over the deep mid-wicket fence for another maximum.

19.20

Back of a length and outside off, Shashank Singh moves across to cut it away but misses. It is called a wide. Bengaluru reviews the decision and the third umpire deems that the movement of the batter is enough for it to be fair delivery. The on-field is changed.

19.16

SIX! Up, up and away! Alzarri Joseph serves this full and on middle, angling in, Shashank Singh easily picks it up, uses the flick of the wrists to deposit it over the deep square leg fence for a biggie. Good start to the over for Punjab!

Runs Scored 4 Runs

Score after 19 overs : 156/6

H Brar2 (2)

S Singh3 (2)

M Siraj4-0-26-2

18.60

A low full toss, outside off, Harpreet Brar backs away and tries to ramp it but misses it completely. Brilliant over from Mohammed Siraj as he picks up a wicket and concedes just four runs in the 19th over.

18.52

Overpithched and on middle, Harpreet Brar nudges it towards deep mid-wicket for a couple of runs.

Harpreet Brar walks out to bat next for Punjab.

18.4W

OUT! TAKEN! Mohammed Siraj strikes again! The two-bouncer rule is coming into play again. Siraj bangs in a quick bouncer now around off, gets some extra bounce again, Jitesh Sharma tries to swat it away but is no position to play that shot. He mistimes it badly as the ball goes high in the air towards the point region, Anuj Rawat calls for it and runs to his right to take another good catch. There is a check to see if the ball hit the wire of the Spider-Cam or not as if this is the case then it will be a dead-ball. However, the replay shows that it hasn't and Jitesh Sharma has to walk back to the hut. Punjab six down now!

18.31

Short of a length and on off, Shashank Singh miscues his pull towards long on for a run.

18.21

A full toss again, on middle, Jitesh Sharma mistimes his slog on the bounce to long on for a single.

18.10

Mohammed Siraj bowls this full and well outside off, Jitesh Sharma stays in his crease and leaves it thinking it will be wide but the umpire says no. Punjab takes a review but the replay shows that some part of the ball is inside the tramline. A dot!

Runs Scored 13 Runs

Score after 18 overs : 152/5

S Singh2 (1)

J Sharma26 (17)

Y Dayal4-0-23-1

17.62

Fuller one and on middle, Shashank Singh clips it through mid-wicket and turns around for the second run, the fielder picks up and has a shy at the bowler's end but misses with Jitesh Sharma nowhere near the crease, the ball hits his boots and deflects to the deep but no extra runs.

Shashank Singh walks out to bat next for Punjab.

17.5W

OUT! CAUGHT BEHIND! A fantastic catch behind the stumps! Yash Dayal bends his back and bangs in a sharp bouncer this time, on middle and leg, Sam Curran tries to hook it but gets hurried by the pace and only manages to glove it behind where Anuj Rawat keeps his eyes on the ball, leaps high and plucks it out of thin air with his outstretched right glove. Splendid effort from the youngster. Punjab lose half their side now!

17.44

FOUR! Easy pickings! Yash Dayal once again misses his yorker and bowls a full toss, on leg with no protection in the deep, Sam Curran comfortably swipes it away towards the deep mid-wicket fence for another boundary.

17.41wd

A slower bouncer now, outside off and too high for the batter, Sam Curran decides to let it go to the keeper. It is called a wide.

17.30

Good comeback from Yash Dayal! He nails the wide yorker this time, Sam Curran tries to reach for it but fails to dig it out.

17.24

FOUR! Poor delivery and rightly punished! Yash Dayal goes for the yorker again but loses his grip and serves a high full toss, on middle, Sam Curran stays in his crease and smashes it over and wide of mid off for a boundary.

17.21wd

Tries the wide yorker but bowls this way outside off, Sam Curran leaves it alone. Wided.

17.11

A low full toss and around off, Jitesh Sharma drills it wide of mid off where Glenn Maxwell dives to his left to stop it. They cross. Jitesh Sharma is not happy with himself as this was there to be put away.

Yash Dayal (3-0-10-0) comes back into the attack for his final over.

Runs Scored 7 Runs

Score after 17 overs : 139/4

J Sharma25 (16)

S Curran15 (13)

A Joseph3-0-23-1

16.61

Back of a length and around leg, Jitesh Sharma hooks it towards deep backward square leg for one.

16.51

On a length and on leg, Sam Curran nudges it through mid-wicket for a run.

16.41

Pitches it up, on middle, Jitesh Sharma clips it on the bounce to wide long on for a single.

16.30

Short of a length and outside off, takes off a bit, Jitesh Sharma slashes at it but misses.

16.24

LUCKY FOUR! Alzarri Joseph serves this full and on middle, angling in, Jitesh Sharma has swing across the line but gets an inside edge just past the stumps and towards the fine leg fence for a boundary.

16.10

Fuller one and around off, Jitesh Sharma pushes it straight to short covers.

Strategic break! Bengaluru has staged a remarkable comeback by snatching those crucial wickets, but the duo of Sam Curran and Jitesh Sharma has shown resilience amidst the storm. As the match enters its decisive phase with just four overs remaining, all eyes are on these two batters to elevate their game and accelerate the scoring rate. Bengaluru, however, remains resolute in their quest to dismiss them swiftly and maintain their dominance by dismantling the opposition's middle-order. Let's see how the final 4 pans out!

Runs Scored 4 Runs

Score after 16 overs : 132/4

S Curran14 (12)

J Sharma19 (11)

M Siraj3-0-22-1

15.60

Wonderful over from Mohammed Siraj! He goes very full again and on middle, Sam Curran only manages to drill it back to the bowler where Siraj makes a half stop. He exchanges a few words with Curran and things are heating up in Bengaluru.

15.50

Another slower bouncer from Mohammed Siraj, on middle, Sam Curran goes through his pull shot early and fails to connect.

15.41

Goes fuller now, on middle, Jitesh Sharma whips it away towards deep mid-wicket for another run.

15.31b

Mohammed Siraj bowls the slower bouncer now, on middle, angling away, Sam Curran lets it go to the keeper where Anuj Rawat fumbles and allows a bye.

15.21

Mohammed Siraj hits the length hard again, on middle, Jitesh Sharma uses his feet but gets hurried and slices it through cover-point for a run.

15.11

This is on a hard length and around off, Sam Curran punches it through covers for a single.

Mohammed Siraj (2-0-19-1) is back on.

Runs Scored 17 Runs

Score after 15 overs : 128/4

J Sharma17 (9)

S Curran13 (8)

M Dagar3-0-34-0

14.62

Fuller and on middle and off, Jitesh Sharma stays leg side of the ball and drives it to sweeper cover for a couple more. 17 runs come off that over.

14.56

SIX! Make that two in a row!  Jitesh Sharma is turning the heat on now. A tad shorter in length and on middle and leg, Jitesh Sharma rocks back and picks it up beautifully to pull it over square leg fence for another half a dozen.

14.46

SIX! Wow, that's some shot! Floated on a fuller length on middle, Jitesh Sharma takes a step out and with a dead-straight bat smokes it straight over the bowlers head for a biggie!

14.30

Quicker this time on a fuller length, just outside off, Jitesh Sharma mistimes his slash through off to cover.

14.21

Goes wider on off again, on a fuller length, Sam Curran cuts it to deep cover for just a single.

14.12

Bowls this fuller and wider on off, Sam Curran slaps it to Virat Kohli at sweeper cover for a couple of runs.

Runs Scored 9 Runs

Score after 14 overs : 111/4

J Sharma3 (5)

S Curran10 (6)

C Green2-0-19-0

13.60

Straighter and fuller, on off, Jitesh Sharma taps it back to Cameron Green.

13.51

Drops the length short again on middle and leg, Sam Curran tucks it to mid-wicket region for a single.

13.44

FOUR! Pulled away nicely on the shorter side of the boundary! Green bowls a bouncer on middle, Sam Curran picks the length right and nails the pull square of the wicket on the leg side for four runs. A much needed boundary this for Punjab.

13.32

Bangs the deck on a length, on middle and leg, Sam Curran tucks it to deep mid-wicket for a couple of runs.

13.21

Goes fuller and outside off, Jitesh Sharma leans on it and drives it to deep point for a single.

13.11

Bowls it fuller and into the pads, Sam Curran flicks it straight to deep fine for just a single.

Cameron Green comes back into the attack now. He conceded 10 runs in his first over.

Runs Scored 4 Runs

Score after 13 overs : 102/4

S Curran2 (2)

J Sharma2 (3)

G Maxwell3-0-29-2

12.61

A great over this from Glenn Maxwell. 4 runs and a wicket off it. Tosses this up on middle and off, Sam Curran tucks it to deep mid-wicket and gets a single.

12.51

Lands this fuller and on off, Jitesh Sharma drives it to sweeper cover for a single.

12.40

Fuller and on middle and leg, Jitesh Sharma tucks it to short mid-wicket.

12.31

Brings up the 100 runs for Punjab! Bangs this on a fuller length, on middle, Sam Curran punches it to deep mid-wicket for a single to get off the mark too.

12.21

Bowls this fuller and on off, Jitesh Sharma eases it to long on and gets a single.

Jitesh Sharma walks out to bat now with Punjab in a spot of bother.

12.1W

OUT! CAUGHT! Two-in-two for Bengaluru and they have pulled this game back. Glenn Maxwell tosses this one fuller and on off, gets the ball to drift and spin away a bit. Shikhar Dhawan takes a couple of steps out and looks to heave it through covers but gets it off the toe end of the bat straight to Virat Kohli at long off. Punjab lose both set batters in quick succession here.

Sam Curran is the next man in.

Runs Scored 6 Runs

Score after 12 overs : 98/3

L Livingstone17 (13)

S Dhawan45 (36)

A Joseph2-0-16-1

11.6W

OUT! CAUGHT BEHIND! Alzarri Joseph has produced a big, big wicket for Bengaluru. The dangerous Liam Livingstone has to walk back. Joseph drops the length short and hits the deck hard outside off, Liam Livingstone stays put and extends his arms to slash it over off but only manages to get a thick outside edge straight into the safe custody of Anuj Rawat behind the stumps.

11.51

Hurls this on a shorter length and into the bodyline, Shikhar Dhawan mistimes his pull to short fine leg for one.

11.41

Digs it shorter again, on off, Liam Livingstone gets early on the pull but manages to get it to deep square leg for a single.

11.41wd

WIDE! Bangs the deck hard on a shorter length outside off and well outside that tramline. Liam Livingstone leaves it alone for a wide.

11.30

Missed out on that one did Liam Livingstone! A back-of-a-length delivery on middle, Liam Livingstone looks to pull but misses to make any connection.

11.22

Spears a yorker into the stumps, Liam Livingstone jams it to mid-wicket region and gets a couple of quick runs.

11.11

Hurls it on a good length, on middle and off, Shikhar Dhawan tucks it to backward point and squeezes a quick single.

Runs Scored 14 Runs

Score after 11 overs : 92/2

L Livingstone14 (9)

S Dhawan43 (34)

G Maxwell2-0-25-1

10.66

SIX! Makes it look so easy! Tossed up on middle and off, Liam Livingstone watches the ball and just picks the length to wack it over deep mid-wicket who was well ahead of the ropes for a maximum.

10.50

Quicker and fuller on off, Liam Livingstone rocks back and punches it to cover.

10.42

Fuller delivery on off, Liam Livingstone eases it to deep mid-wicket for a couple of runs.

10.34

FOUR! Top, top shot from Liam Livingstone. Maxwell drops the length a bit over middle and leg, Liam Livingstone quickly gets back and pulls it through mid-wicket for four runs.

10.21

Goes fuller and into the pads, Shikhar Dhawan clips it square of the wicket on leg side for a single.

10.11

Fuller and on off, Liam Livingstone tucks it to long on for one.

Runs Scored 6 Runs

Score after 10 overs : 78/2

S Dhawan42 (33)

L Livingstone1 (4)

M Dagar2-0-17-0

9.64

FOUR! Just wide! Mayank Dagar drags his length back now, outside off, Shikhar Dhawan moves back to cut but is not in control of his shot. However, luckily for him, the ball flies wide of the diving Yash Dayal at point and races to the fence for a boundary.

9.50

Darts in a low full toss, outside off, Shikhar Dhawan jams it out on the bounce to extra covers. No runs.

9.41

Short and around off, Liam Livingstone moves back and punches it towards sweeper covers for a run.

9.30

RIPPER! Mayank Dagar flights this up, full and on off, grips and turns away sharply, Liam Livingstone strides out to push it away but gets beaten on the outside edge, Anuj Rawat collects and breaks the stumps. The umpire sends it upstairs to check but the replay shows nohting.

9.20

Floated, full and around off, Liam Livingstone guides it towards point.

9.11

Tossed up, full and on off, Shikhar Dhawan clips it through mid-wicket for a single.

Runs Scored 11 Runs

Score after 9 overs : 72/2

L Livingstone0 (1)

S Dhawan37 (30)

G Maxwell1-0-11-1

8.60

Another quick delivery, short and on off, turns in, Liam Livingstone moves across to work it away but misses to get hit on the pads.

Liam Livingstone walks out to bat at number 4 for Punjab.

8.5W

OUT! IN THE AIR AND GONE! Glenn Maxwell strikes here! A much-needed breakthrough for Bengaluru. This one is bowled quicker and into the pitch, on middle, gets some extra bounce, Prabhsimran Singh moves back to pull it away but gets a top edge due to the extra bounce. The ball goes high in the air, Anuj Rawat moves to his left and pouches it safely into his gloves. Prabhsimran Singh goes after a nice little cameo!

8.46

SIX! BOOM! Glenn Maxwell fires this one full and on the pads, Prabhsimran Singh once again picks it up and smacks it over the deep square leg fence for a biggie.

8.30

Flatter, full and on middle, angling in, Prabhsimran Singh goes for the sweep but misses and gets hit on the pads. An appeal for LBW, but turned down.

8.21

Tossed up, full and on middle, Shikhar Dhawan eases it towards long on for a single.

8.14

FOUR! Cut away! Glenn Maxwell starts with a short delivery, outside off, Shikhar Dhawan gets the opportunity to free his arms and crunches it through point for a lovely boundary.

Strategic break! Despite the early setback of losing Jonny Bairstow's wicket, Punjab has shown resilience and strategic acumen by opting for calculated risks, taking on the Bengaluru bowlers aggressively. Both Shikhar Dhawan and Prabhsimran Singh have laid a solid foundation with their promising starts, setting the stage for a potentially explosive partnership. However, for Bengaluru, breaking this formidable alliance is imperative to regain momentum and swing the game back in their favour. A couple of quick wickets could be just what they need to disrupt Punjab's momentum and assert their dominance. With that Glenn Maxwell is introduced into the attack now.

Runs Scored 11 Runs

Score after 8 overs : 61/1

S Dhawan32 (28)

P Singh19 (14)

M Dagar1-0-11-0

7.61

Fires this one full and on off again, Shikhar Dhawan drives it through covers for one more.

7.56

SIX! INTO THE STANDS! Mayank Dagar gives this one some air and on off, Shikhar Dhawan dances down the track, has to fetch it but does that well and smokes it way over the long on fence for a biggie.

7.41

Flatter, short and around middle, Prabhsimran Singh goes down this time and paddles it towards deep square leg for one.

7.31

Flighted, full and on off, Shikhar Dhawan goes down to sweep but gets an inside edge towards square leg for another run.

7.21

Tossed up, full and on middle, Prabhsimran Singh uses his feet and lofts it wide of long on for a run.

7.11

Mayank Dagar begins with a floated delivery, full and on middle, Shikhar Dhawan tucks it through mid-wicket for a single.

Mayank Dagar comes into the attack now.

Runs Scored 10 Runs

Score after 7 overs : 50/1

S Dhawan23 (24)

P Singh17 (12)

C Green1-0-10-0

6.61

Pitched up and on off, Shikhar Dhawan tries to go hard at it but gets an inside edge towards deep mid-wicket for one. 50 up for Punjab!

6.51

On a length and on off, Prabhsimran Singh steers it through point for a run.

6.46

SIX! BANG! Prabhsimran Singh connects this time alright! Cameron Green bowls a half-volley angling into the pads, Prabhsimran Singh steps across, picks it up from the middle stump and whips it over the deep square leg fence for the first maximum of the match.

6.30

Swing and a miss! Cameron Green pulls his length back a bit now, on off, shaping away, Prabhsimran Singh uses his feet and tries to go over mid off but misses it.

6.21

Back of a length and outside off,, Shikhar Dhawan throws his hands hard at it and slices it wide of deep point for a brace.

6.21wd

Cameron Green errs in his line this time and serves this full and way outside off, Shikhar Dhawan leaves it alone. Wided.

6.10

Cameron Green starts with a good-length delivery, on off, Shikhar Dhawan stabs it down towards short covers.

Cameron Green is introduced into the attack.

Runs Scored 6 Runs

Score after 6 overs : 40/1

S Dhawan21 (21)

P Singh10 (9)

Y Dayal3-0-10-0

5.61

Short of a length and around off, Shikhar Dhawan punches it through cover-point for a run. Another fine over from Yash Dayal. He has conceded just 10 runs in his 3 overs with all of them coming in the Powerplay.

5.50

A slower one now, fullish and angling into leg, Shikhar Dhawan comes forward to flick it but misses and the ball lobs off his pads to the right of the bowler.

5.40

JAFFA! Yash Dayal lands this back of a length and on middle, angles in and straightens off the deck with extra bounce, Shikhar Dhawan gets squared up as the ball carries through to the keeper.

5.31

On a length and on middle, Prabhsimran Singh uses his feet and tucks it towards mid-wicket, he sets off for the run as Virat Kohli picks up and hits the stumps at the bowler's end. Singh has made his ground comfortably here.

5.24

FOUR! Good shot! Yash Dayal pitches this up again and outside off, Prabhsimran Singh shuffles across a bit and slices it off the higher part of the bat. The ball has enough power to go over extra covers and roll to the fence for a boundary.

5.10

Swing and a miss! Yash Dayal serves this full and outside off, angling away, Prabhsimran Singh has a wild swing at it but fails to connect.

Runs Scored 10 Runs

Score after 5 overs : 34/1

S Dhawan20 (18)

P Singh5 (6)

A Joseph1-0-10-0

4.62

Great effort in the deep by Yash Dayal! Slightly shorter in length, outside off, Shikhar Dhawan opens the bat face and pushes it past short third. Yash Dayal from deep backward point sprints to the ball and dives to cut the ball and keep it down to just two runs.

4.54

FOUR! Precisely timed! Another fuller delivery on off, Shikhar Dhawan just punches it to the left of mid off for four more runs.

4.40

Bangs it on a fuller length and on off, Shikhar Dhawan drives it beautifully but straight to the fielder at point.

4.30

Better line! Bowls it on a length, on off, Shikhar Dhawan tucks it to short cover.

4.24

FOUR! Shikhar Dhawan is very strong on the off side and he proves it time and again. A fuller delivery, on off, Shikhar Dhawan opens the bat face enough to loft it over covers for a boundary.

4.10

Starts from around the wicket and bowls this wider on off, on a fuller length, Shikhar Dhawan drives it off the upper half of the bat straight to mid off.

Alzarri Joseph replaces Mohammed Siraj.

Runs Scored 3 Runs

Score after 4 overs : 24/1

P Singh5 (6)

S Dhawan10 (12)

Y Dayal2-0-4-0

3.60

Another top over from Yash Dayal. Bangs this one on a length, outside off, Prabhsimran Singh punches it to the fielder at short cover.

3.51

Bowls this fuller and on off, Shikhar Dhawan pushes it to long off for one.

3.41

Bowls it fuller and outside off, Prabhsimran Singh opens the bat face and steers it wider of deep third man for a single.

3.30

Lands this on a hard length and on middle and leg, angling across the right-hander, Prabhsimran Singh tucks it to the fielder at point.

3.21

On a shorter length, on off, Shikhar Dhawan steps out and dabs it to deep backward point for a single.

3.10

Left alone! A length delivery, shaping away off the deck, outside off, Shikhar Dhawan takes a step out and holds his bat high leaving the ball to go through to the keeper.

Runs Scored 12 Runs

Score after 3 overs : 21/1

P Singh4 (3)

S Dhawan8 (9)

M Siraj2-0-19-1

2.60

Hurls on a shorter length, on off, Prabhsimran Singh blocks it to the left of the bowler.

2.54

FOUR! How good was the timing in that one? Fuller delivery on middle and off, Prabhsimran Singh with full face of the bat just taps it past the bowler for four runs to get off the mark.

2.40

Bangs this on a shorter length, on off, Prabhsimran Singh with an angled bat punches it to cover.

Prabhsimran Singh walks out to bat at number 3.

2.3W

OUT! CAUGHT! Mohammed Siraj has the last laugh and Jonny Bairstow has to walk back with another low score. Siraj bowls this on a good length and angles it in on middle and off, Jonny Bairstow looks to heave it over mid off but ends up chopping it straight to mid-wicket. Virat Kohli from cover gets in and takes the catch in front of Glenn Maxwell who was stationed at mid off.

2.24

FOUR! This is crisp! Banged on a fuller length, outside off, Jonny Bairstow slashes it through cover for another boundary.

2.14

FOUR! Gets off the mark with that boundary! Overpitched in length, on middle and off, Jonny Bairstow takes his front leg out and picks it perfectly over wide mid on for a boundary.

Runs Scored 2 Runs

Score after 2 overs : 9/0

J Bairstow0 (3)

S Dhawan8 (9)

Y Dayal1-0-1-0

1.61lb

LEG BYES! An excellent over this from Yash Dayal. Just two come of it. Bangs this on a nagging length and on middle and leg, Jonny Bairstow takes a step out but gets cramped for room as the ball clips him high on the waist and rolls to the off side. The batters cross.

1.51

Tap and run! Banged in a touch shorter on middle, Shikhar Dhawan stabs it to the off side and steals a single.

1.40

Four dots in a row! Bangs it on a good length and on middle and off, Shikhar Dhawan tucks it to short cover.

1.30

Beats that outside edge! Bangs it on a good length, on that fourth stump line, Shikhar Dhawan flirts with that one as the ball whizzes past the outside edge.

1.20

Swings it away from a fuller length, outside off, Shikhar Dhawan leaves this one too. We don't see a lot of balls being left alone these days, do we?

1.10

Starts from over the wicket and bowls it just outside off, on a length, Shikhar Dhawan holds his bat high and leaves it alone for the keeper to collect.

Yash Dayal to share the attack.

Runs Scored 7 Runs

Score after 1 overs : 7/0

J Bairstow0 (2)

S Dhawan7 (4)

M Siraj1-0-7-0

0.60

Continues that fuller length, on off, Jonny Bairstow taps it to cover. A good start this for Punjab!

0.50

Some away movement on that one! Pitched on a fuller length, on off, Jonny Bairstow taps it to mid off.

0.41

And again! Bowls it into the pads on a fuller length, Shikhar Dhawan clips it square of the wicket on leg side for a single to get to the other end.

0.32

Goes fuller and on the pads, Shikhar Dhawan clips it to deep mid-wicket for a couple of runs.

0.20

Bowls this straighter on middle and off, Shikhar Dhawan stabs it back onto the deck.

0.14

FOUR! Not the ideal start from Bengaluru. Glenn Maxwell makes a mess of this in the field and lets it go through to the fence. Fuller delivery on middle and off, Shikhar Dhawan punches it to the right of Glenn Maxwell at mid off who reaches the ball but is slow in getting down as the ball gets through his hands towards the cover fence for four runs. Shikhar Dhawan and Punjab are up and running straightaway!

We are all set to begin! The crowd is making a huge noise as the home side Bengaluru walks out to the middle and spreads out to take their respective field positions. Jonny Bairstow and Shikhar Dhawan are the two openers for Punjab.  Mohammed Siraj has the new ball in hand and is raring to go. Let's play...

Shikhar Dhawan, the captain of Punjab says they would have bowled first as well but it's fine. Adds that they look forward to bat and it is about playing sensible cricket which they did in the first game. Says that they are looking to improve game by game. Informs they have the same team as well.

Faf du Plessis, the captain of Bengaluru says that it looks like a good wicket and they want to stick to their strength of chasing. Mentions that the boys are excited after the women's team won the trophy and they are looking forward to it. States that they will look to rectify what went wrong in the previous game losing a few wickets quickly and will look to perform better. Concludes that they go with the same team for this game with one or two different options for changes later on.

Impact Players for Punjab - Arshdeep Singh, Rilee Rossouw, Tanay Thyagarajann, Harpreet Singh, Vidwath Kaverappa.

Punjab (Playing XI) - Shikhar Dhawan (C), Jonny Bairstow, Prabhsimran Singh, Sam Curran, Jitesh Sharma (WK), Liam Livingstone, Shashank Singh, Harpreet Brar, Harshal Patel, Kagiso Rabada, Rahul Chahar.

Impact Players for Bengaluru - Suyash Prabhudessai, Mahipal Lomror, Karn Sharma, Vijaykumar Vyshak, Swapnil Singh.

Bengaluru (Playing XI) - Faf du Plessis (C), Virat Kohli, Rajat Patidar, Glenn Maxwell, Cameron Green, Dinesh Karthik, Anuj Rawat (WK), Alzarri Joseph, Mayank Dagar, Mohammed Siraj, Yash Dayal.

TOSS - The coin has landed in favour of Faf du Plessis and Bengaluru have elected to BOWL first.

PITCH REPORT - Deep Dasgupta says that this venue has always been a high-scoring one and the pitch used for this game is the one right in the centre with either side being 60 meters and straight down being 70 meters. Adds that it has a few cracks which are superficial and look patchy and could be two-paced. Simon Katich joins him and says that the deck looks rock hard and has a bit of grass on it. Mentions that the average first-inning score is 196 runs from the previous year. Says that the ball will be flying everywhere and this being King Kohli's backyard, his scores here speak volumes. Concludes that the trend this season so far is that the home team wins games.

In stark contrast, Bengaluru encountered a setback in their opening fixture against the reigning champions, Chennai, succumbing to a defeat. The spotlight will be on their batting lineup, which in the previous game showed promise at the start but faltered midway through the innings. It was the resilient partnership between Anuj Rawat and Dinesh Karthik that salvaged their innings, propelling them to a respectable total. However, the bowling unit couldn't quite defend the target, exposing the challenges faced by the relatively inexperienced setup. As they gear up to face Punjab, the hurdles loom large for Bengaluru's bowlers to deliver match-winning performances. The onus falls heavily on the shoulders of their spearhead, Mohammed Siraj, to lead the charge and stem the flow of runs, a task notorious for its difficulty at the Chinnaswamy Stadium. It will be a test of character and skill for Bengaluru as they seek to bounce back and register a win in their opening home game. Will they be able to outperform the solid Punjab team? We shall soon find out! Stick around for the Toss and team news that comes to you in a bit.

Punjab strides into this pivotal encounter buoyed by a stellar team effort against the formidable Delhi squad, clinching victory by a commanding 4-wicket margin and notching their maiden win of the season. The Punjab bowlers, spearheaded by the dynamic duo of Arshdeep Singh and Harshal Patel, executed their strategies with precision, ably supported by the spin wizard Harpreet Brar. Meanwhile, with the bat, the skipper Shikhar Dhawan led the charge with aplomb, complemented by promising starts from the top order and match-winning innings from Sam Curran alongside Liam Livingstone, who sealed the deal. As the action shifts to the famed batting paradise of Bengaluru, the spotlight turns to the bowlers, with the pitch favouring batters. The seasoned campaigner Harshal Patel could emerge as a pivotal figure, leveraging his expertise to navigate through this challenging wicket and tilt the scales in Punjab's favour.

Hello folks! A warm welcome to the exhilarating clash in match number 6 of this Indian T20 League, from the iconic M.Chinnaswamy Stadium in vibrant Bengaluru! The spirited hosts, Bengaluru, are set to lock horns with the resurgent force of Punjab, igniting the cricketing arena with the promise of an electrifying spectacle.

... MATCH DAY ...

As the T20 extravaganza unfolds, anticipation runs high as the star-studded Bengaluru side, perennial contenders for the trophy, seek redemption after a shaky start to the season. Their opening encounter against defending champions Chennai ended in defeat, intensifying the pressure as they gear up to face Punjab at the iconic M. Chinnaswamy Stadium. In the inaugural match, the top order featuring skipper Faf du Plessis, the talismanic Virat Kohli, and marquee acquisition Cameron Green, showed promise but faltered to convert starts into significant scores. Despite the setback, a resilient partnership between the young gun Anuj Rawat and the seasoned campaigner Dinesh Karthik salvaged respectability, setting the stage for a thrilling showdown against Punjab. The onus now rests on their explosive middle order, led by the enigmatic Glenn Maxwell, to unleash their full potential and drive the team towards victory. However, Bengaluru's bowling arsenal, a longstanding concern, continues to face scrutiny. The pace trio comprising Mohammed Siraj, Alzarri Joseph, and Yash Dayal must elevate their performance to complement the spin expertise of Karn Sharma and the utility of Maxwell. With loyal fans rallying behind them, Bengaluru seeks to reignite their campaign with a resounding win on home turf. Meanwhile, Punjab enters the contest riding high on confidence following a stellar opening triumph against Delhi. Spearheaded by the dynamic leadership of Shikhar Dhawan, Punjab's bowlers delivered a masterclass, with Kagiso Rabada, Arshdeep Singh, and Harshal Patel wreaking havoc at crucial junctures. Despite a late onslaught by Abhishek Porel against Patel, the batters made sure it didn't cost them. With Rahul Chahar and Harpreet Brar adding depth to the spin department, and the all-round prowess of Sam Curran and Liam Livingstone who kept their calm and led the run chase in the first match, Punjab boasts a well-rounded lineup capable of unsettling any opposition. In the batting department, Punjab's formidable top order comprising Shikhar Dhawan and the explosive Jonny Bairstow sets the tone, while the middle order bolstered by the English duo promises fireworks. With Jitesh Sharma and Shashank Singh providing more firepower, Punjab's batting juggernaut poses a formidable challenge to the Bengaluru bowlers. As the stage is set for a pulsating encounter, the cricketing world awaits eagerly to witness whether Bengaluru can revive their fortunes or if Punjab will continue their winning streak. The battle lines are drawn, and the stage is set for an exhilarating clash under the floodlights.

উৎসবের সঙ্গে প্রবাসে পুজোয় জারি প্রতিবাদও
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চাপ বাড়ছে মধ্যবিত্তের, বাড়তে পারে হোম লোনের ইএমআই!
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