Right then, the game is nicely poised at the halfway mark. The first six overs will be crucial for both sides, more importantly for Punjab as they look to use the field restrictions to their advantage. As far as Chennai are concerned, Moeen Ali and Ravindra Jadeja will hold the key as the ball has been gripping in the surface and there is more than enough help to keep them interested. Back in a bit to see how the chase pans out.
Rahul Chahar is up for a flash interview. He says that the ball is holding a bit and he backed himself in the penultimate over. Says that he knew if he bowled at his strengths, he wouldn't get hit. Adds that he didn't try to bowl full to MS Dhoni and executed his plans well. On being asked whether it's his best spell, he says pretty much the best and ends up by saying 160 is not a tough total to chase but they will have to play good cricketing strokes as the ball is gripping well.
Chennai were strangled by spin and given the way their innings meandered during the middle phase, they do seem to have got some momentum back towards the back end of the innings. After being asked to bat first, the two Chennai openers, Ruturaj Gaikwad and Ajinkya Rahane started off cautiously. Once both batters came to terms with the surface, boundaries started to flow and the duo scored 55 runs off the first six overs, the first time this season that Chennai did not lose a wicket in the Power
A run out to end the innings and this has been an excellent bowling effort from Punjab! Having restricted Chennai to 162, they will be happy with where the game stands at the halfway mark. Kagiso Rabada and Sam Curran started well wit the ball but Arshdeep Singh leaked boundaries in the Powerplay. Harpreet Brar and Rahul Chahar changed the complexion of the game completely, weaving a web around the Chennai batters. Brar started it all with twin strikes in a single over and Chahar followed it up
Arshdeep Singh to MS Dhoni, ! RUN OUT! And Dhoni gets out for the first time in this edition!
Arshdeep Singh to MS Dhoni, ! And there she goes into the stands! Big and handsome and Chepauk is echoing to its fullest! Arshdeep Singh continues to bowl a low full toss outside off, MS Dhoni bends low and smashes it well over deep extra covers for a huge maximum.
Arshdeep Singh to MS Dhoni, Short, and on the middle and leg stump line. MS Dhoni swings hard to pull it over but misses.Â
Arshdeep Singh to MS Dhoni, A single denied and Mitchell was really struggling to get back home. A low full toss across off, MS Dhoni plays it over mid off, and loses the grip of his hand. The ball lands safe ahead of the fielder in the deep.
Arshdeep Singh to MS Dhoni, WIDE! Keeps the angle away from the hitting arc of Dhoni and ends up spraying it way outside off. MS Dhoni reaches to it to slash it over the covers and misses. But it's deemed as a Wide.
Arshdeep Singh to MS Dhoni, Swing and a miss! A full toss gone begging to be hit. MS Dhoni swings but just doesn't connect.Â
Arshdeep Singh to MS Dhoni, ! There comes the cracking boundary from MSD! A low full toss away from off, MS Dhoni muscles it though widish mid off and gets a boundary. No chance for the chasing fielder from long off as this has been smashed with sheer brute force.
It will be Arshdeep Singh (3-0-39-1) to bowl the last over.
Arshdeep Singh to MS Dhoni, WIDE! Oops! Sprays it way outside off way beyond the tramline. MS Dhoni leaves it and the Umpire calls it Wide.
Rahul Chahar to MS Dhoni, 1 run.
Rahul Chahar to Daryl Mitchell, Flatter, and quicker outside off, Daryl Mitchell punches it through cover-point for a single.
Daryl Mitchell is the new man in.
Rahul Chahar to Moeen Ali, ! KNOCKED HIM OVER! What a sensational penultimate over this is turning out for Punjab! A gutsy call from Curran to bring Chahar and he does the trick.
Rahul Chahar to MS Dhoni, Quicker on off, and full in length, MS Dhoni works it to the off side for a single.
Rahul Chahar to MS Dhoni, Slower through the air, on a length, down leg, MS Dhoni shuffles across off to ramp it away but misses.
Rahul Chahar to MS Dhoni, Over the wicket, shade full, turning away from off, MS Dhoni rocks back and punches it to cover.
A big call from Sam Curran to hand Rahul Chahar (3-0-13-1) the ball for the penultimate over.
Arshdeep Singh to MS Dhoni, Wide full toss outside off, MS Dhoni drives it through cover-point for a single and retains his strike for the next over. A wicket but 15 runs off this over as well.
The decibel levels have gone up at the Chepauk, and yeah, you guessed it right, MS Dhoni is making his way out to the centre now.
Arshdeep Singh to Ruturaj Gaikwad, ! BOWLED'EM! Excellent delivery to send the Chennai skipper into the hut! Cannons a toe-crushing yorker right on the middle and leg stump line, Ruturaj Gaikwad shuffles across the leg stump line to squeeze it out to the off side but he ends up giving himself too much room and fails to connect. The ball bamboozles the stumps in the blink of an eye. But an excellent captain's knock from Gaikwad. He departs on 62.
Arshdeep Singh to Ruturaj Gaikwad, WIDE! Follows the batter does Arshdeep and bangs it short way above the batter's head. Ruturaj Gaikwad who is already down the leg stump line leaves it. Wided.
Arshdeep Singh to Moeen Ali, WIDE! Outside the tramline on a fuller length. Wide given. Jitesh Sharma asks Sam Curran to challenge the decision as he believes it is not a Wide. The TV Umpire confirms that Moeen Ali is standing in his normal position and the ball is passing outside the tramline. Punjab burn both their reviews now.
Arshdeep Singh to Moeen Ali, Fuller in length, on off, Moeen Ali slices it over cover-point for a single on one bounce.
Arshdeep Singh to Moeen Ali, ! Salt on the wounds! Overpitches this time on the middle, Moeen Ali again makes room for himself by clearing the front foot and swings it hard over mid on for a cracking boundary.Â
Arshdeep Singh to Moeen Ali, Yorker on off Moeen Ali digs it back to the bowler.
A halt in play as the physio comes out to attend to Ruturaj Gaikwad, who is experiencing some discomfort with his right thumb. Also, the fourth umpire is out with the box of balls, as the current one seems to have lost its shape. We are all good to go now. Arshdeep Singh comes back into the attack. He has been expensive so far, going for 24 runs in his two overs. Can he redeem himself here?
Arshdeep Singh to Moeen Ali, AND ! Would you believe it?
Arshdeep Singh to Moeen Ali, WIDE! Slow, short and above the batter's head. Moeen Ali aborts from the shot. Wided.
Sam Curran to Ruturaj Gaikwad, ! Up, and into the stands! He's getting into the groove now! Bangs it short in length, and keeps the line on the middle and leg stump, Ruturaj Gaikwad swivels and pulls it well over deep mid-wicket for a huge maximum. 20 runs off this over but Chennai need more of these for a stronger finish.
Sam Curran to Ruturaj Gaikwad, Full, angling away from off on a fuller length, Ruturaj Gaikwad goes for a front foot drive through covers but gets a thickish outside edge to backward point. No run.
Sam Curran to Moeen Ali, Angles it on the leg stump line and keeps the length short, Moeen Ali pulls it along the carpet towards deep backward square leg for a single.
Sam Curran to Ruturaj Gaikwad, ! The first six of the evening and Ruturaj Gaikwad gets to another half-century. Short in length, across off, Ruturaj Gaikwad stays deep in the crease and smokes it up and handsome behind long on for a maximum.
Sam Curran to Ruturaj Gaikwad, Short, outside off with pace off, Ruturaj Gaikwad hops back and works it down to long on for a single.
Sam Curran to Ruturaj Gaikwad, ! A loosener from Curran. A high full toss outside off, Ruturaj Gaikwad waits and cuts it over point for a boundary. Uh, oh! The Umpire has called it a No Ball and Sam Curran has challenged the decision. The side-on replay with the ball trajectory shows that the ball is clearly above the waist height and it is calculated as a No Ball and Punjab burn a review here. Free Hit to follow.
Sam Curran to Moeen Ali, On the middle and leg, full in length, Moeen Ali flicks it to deep mid-wicket for a single.
Kagiso Rabada to Moeen Ali, Aims a yorker on the middle, Moeen Ali squeezes it out to deep mid-wicket for a single. An excellent spell from Kagiso Rabada comes to an end.
Kagiso Rabada to Ruturaj Gaikwad, On the top of off, on a hard length, Ruturaj Gaikwad arches back and cuts it past the point region for a single.
Kagiso Rabada to Moeen Ali, Short again, outside the off-stump line, Moeen Ali stands tall and punches it to point for a single.
Kagiso Rabada to Moeen Ali, Wide!
Moeen Ali walks in at number 6.
Kagiso Rabada to Sameer Rizvi, ! c Harshal Patel b Kagiso Rabada.
Kagiso Rabada to Sameer Rizvi, ! A boundary off the bat for Chennai after 55 deliveries! Way outside off, on a short length, Sameer Rizvi shuffles to the off stump to cut it away but he gets a thickish inside edge that guns down to deep third for a boundary.
Kagiso Rabada to Ruturaj Gaikwad, Bangs it short, on off, Ruturaj Gaikwad pulls it with no real timing towards long on for just another single.
Kagiso Rabada to continue.
Harshal Patel to Ruturaj Gaikwad, Good-length delivery, around off from over the wicket, Ruturaj Gaikwad drives it on the up in front of mid off and keeps the strike with a single. A much-needed productive over for Chennai, 12 runs off it.
Harshal Patel to Sameer Rizvi, Slower and on a short of a length, wide on off, Sameer Rizvi is made to reach out and ends up chopping it along the ground in front of point for a run.
Harshal Patel to Ruturaj Gaikwad, The call is for 'two' and they get it! Slower and on a back of a length, on off, Ruturaj Gaikwad pats it in front of deep backward point and comes charging back for the second run. 100 comes up for Chennai.
Harshal Patel to Ruturaj Gaikwad, Slips it on a fullish length, at the toes, Ruturaj Gaikwad clips it through square leg for one more run.
Harshal Patel to Sameer Rizvi, Takes pace off a touch and lands it on a length, on off and middle, Sameer Rizvi looks to hit through the line but fails to get the timing right once again. The batters cross as the ball rolls to long on for one.
Harshal Patel to Ruturaj Gaikwad, 1 run.
Harshal Patel to Ruturaj Gaikwad, FIVE WIDES! Wayward start by Harshal Patel! Chennai get a boundary finally after 8 overs. Harshal comes from over the wicket and loses his radar as this is full and way down leg. Jitesh Sharma dives to his left but cannot get on the end of it and it races away for a boundary.
Harshal Patel has been introduced into the attack now.
Kagiso Rabada to Sameer Rizvi, Big swing and a miss!
Kagiso Rabada to Ruturaj Gaikwad, Nails the yorker, on middle, Ruturaj Gaikwad gets his bat down and digs it out to mid on for a single.
Kagiso Rabada to Ruturaj Gaikwad, Tucks the batter up for room, at 136 kph, on middle, on a back of a length, Ruturaj Gaikwad pats it off the back foot to backward point.
Kagiso Rabada to Sameer Rizvi, Lands it on a back of a length, on middle, Sameer Rizvi shapes up again to go big on the leg side. Fails to get the timing correct on this one and scuffs the shot to deep mid-wicket for one.
Kagiso Rabada to Sameer Rizvi, Hits the deck hard again, on middle, Sameer Rizvi goes deep in his crease and looks to lift it over mid-wicket inside the circle. Gets this one high on the bat but it is enough to clear the back tracking Harpreet Brar and collects a couple of runs.
Kagiso Rabada to Ruturaj Gaikwad, Angling in, on a hard length, at the hips, Ruturaj Gaikwad tucks it to deep backward square leg and he will have to be content with just a single.
Strategic Break! Well, the spin duo of Punjab, Harpreet Brar and Rahul Chahar have stemmed the flow of runs and have completely dominated the mid-overs phase by taking three big wickets in quick intervals. The ball is evidently gripping and getting a good purchase off the deck that has pushed Chennai on the back foot. It's been 42 balls since the last boundary and that tells you a story of how difficult it has gotten to score runs. Ruturaj Gaikwad, the skipper is fighting a lone battle here a
Harpreet Brar to Ruturaj Gaikwad, Short and on the off-stump line, Ruturaj Gaikwad dabs it right under his eye line in front of point and retains the strike with a single.
Harpreet Brar to Sameer Rizvi, In the air...but it lands safely! Short and on middle, Sameer Rizvi goes back in his crease but fails to get the pull shot away in a fashion he would have liked. Mistimes it in the air but luckily for him, the ball lands to the left of Rilee Rossouw at deep mid-wicket for one.
Harpreet Brar to Ruturaj Gaikwad, Full and sliding on with the arm, on middle and leg, Ruturaj Gaikwad gets forward to defend with a straight bat. Gets an inside edge that rolls behind square on the leg side for one.
Harpreet Brar to Sameer Rizvi, Slower through the air, on a length, on the pads, Sameer Rizvi reaches out in front and sweeps it to deep backward square leg for a single.
Harpreet Brar to Sameer Rizvi, At 89.3 kph, short and on off, Sameer Rizvi gets on the back foot and pats it towards cover.
Harpreet Brar to Sameer Rizvi, Sliding on with the angle, short and at the pads, Sameer Rizvi misses the clip and gets hit high on the thigh pad.
Rahul Chahar to Sameer Rizvi, Continues to give the ball air, full and at the stumps, Sameer Rizvi smothers the spin and tucks it wide of long on for a single to keep the strike.
Rahul Chahar to Sameer Rizvi, Just in! Dishes out the googly, short and on middle, Sameer Rizvi hangs back and picks the googly to whip it to the right of long on. He decides to come back for the second run and has to put in the dive to make his ground at the batting end. Jitesh Sharma collects the throw from the deep and takes the bails off but the replays show that Rizvi was in by then and the dive saved the batter.
Is that out?
Rahul Chahar to Ruturaj Gaikwad, Skidding through, short and on middle, Ruturaj Gaikwad hurriedly pulls it through square leg for a single.
Rahul Chahar to Sameer Rizvi, Floats it up, full and on off, Sameer Rizvi gets on the front foot and drives it with a straight bat to long off for one more run.
Rahul Chahar to Sameer Rizvi, There's that extra bounce! Short and outside off, Sameer Rizvi shapes up to glide it wide of short third but misses out due to the extra bounce on offer.
Rahul Chahar to Sameer Rizvi, No run.
Harpreet Brar to Sameer Rizvi, 1 run.
Harpreet Brar to Sameer Rizvi, Tosses it up, full and on off, Sameer Rizvi presses forward and knocks it straight to cover.
Harpreet Brar to Sameer Rizvi, Coming in with the arm, short and on off, Sameer Rizvi hangs back and stabs it down on the off side.
Harpreet Brar to Sameer Rizvi, That almost carried to the man at cover!
Harpreet Brar to Sameer Rizvi, Excellent fielding! Fires it in, full and outside off, Sameer Rizvi looks to punch it through the off side. Gets an outside edge towards backward point where Rahul Chahar dives to his left to make the stop.
Harpreet Brar to Sameer Rizvi, Pushes it through, full and on off, Sameer Rizvi does not move his feet much and knocks it to the left of long off for a couple of runs.
Rahul Chahar to Sameer Rizvi, Drags his length, keeps the line on off, Sameer Rizvi tucks it to square leg for a quick single to get off the mark. The runs have dried up and boundaries are hard to come by. Another successful and an economical over for Punjab.
Ajinkya Rahane has been subbed off by Chennai. The Impact Player, Sameer Rizvi comes out to bat now.
Rahul Chahar to Ravindra Jadeja, ! A confident appeal for LBW and again, the Umpire raises his finger! Ravindra Jadeja first walks away but then Ruturaj Gaikwad convinces him to challenge the decision!Â
Rahul Chahar to Ruturaj Gaikwad, Flighed-delivery on the middle stump line, Ruturaj Gaikwad plays it closer to the body and guides it to point for a quick single.
Rahul Chahar to Ravindra Jadeja, Flatter, shorter and outside off, Ravindra Jadeja cuts it off the back foot towards deep extra cover for a single.
Rahul Chahar to Ruturaj Gaikwad, On off, on a length, Ruturaj Gaikwad stays tall and tucks it to long on for one.
Rahul Chahar to Ruturaj Gaikwad, No run.
Harpreet Brar to Ravindra Jadeja, Short, quick and on the middle, Ravindra Jadeja tucks it to mid-wicket off the back foot. A successful over for Brar and Punjab. Two big wickets from this one.
Harpreet Brar to Ruturaj Gaikwad, Slower, on the fuller length, and on the middle and leg, Ruturaj Gaikwad drives it to long on for a single.
Harpreet Brar to Shivam Dube, ! LBW! A huge appeal for LBW and up goes the finger! But Shivam Dube has straightaway reviewed it. Brar continues to come from around the wicket and drops it on the leg stump line, and gets it to turn into the batter as well on a fuller length. Dube gets down on his knee to slog it over the leg side but he plays over the wrong line and then pings his pad. UltraEdge shows no bat is involved and the Ball Tracker confirms the ball is pitching inside the stump
Harpreet Brar to Ravindra Jadeja, Across off, full in length, Ravindra Jadeja drags it to long on along the ground for a single.
Ravindra Jadeja walks out to the middle.
Harpreet Brar to Shivam Dube, WIDE! Darted down leg, on a length. Wide given.
Shivam Dube is in at number 3.
Harpreet Brar to Ajinkya Rahane, ! c Rilee Rossouw b Harpreet Brar.
Harpreet Brar to Ajinkya Rahane, Around the wicket, on off, Ajinkya Rahane punches it to covers.
Rahul Chahar to Ajinkya Rahane, Looped up on the fuller length, on off, Ajinkya Rahane gets forward and drives it inside out to long off for another single. So two tidy overs from the spinners. Just 4 from this one.
Rahul Chahar to Ajinkya Rahane, Short, on the top of the middle and leg, Ajinkya Rahane cuts it straight to the point fielder.
Rahul Chahar to Ruturaj Gaikwad, Goes shorter and on the top of the middle, Ruturaj Gaikwad pulls it off the back foot to deep mid-wicket for one.
Rahul Chahar to Ajinkya Rahane, Pitches it way fuller and on the middle and leg stump line, Ajinkya Rahane drives it down the ground to the left of long on for a single.
Strategic break! Chennai will be delighted with this start. For the first time this season, they have not lost a wicket in the Powerplay, and Ajinkya Rahane and Ruturaj Gaikwad are going along nicely in building a platform. Punjab started well with the ball, but they took a beating in the last two overs of the Powerplay. The visitors will need wickets in the middle phase, and they will bank on their spin duo of Harpreet Brar and Rahul Chahar to do the job for them. As expected, Chahar will bo
Rahul Chahar to Ruturaj Gaikwad, Around off on a length, Ruturaj Gaikwad punches it off the back foot through covers for an easy single.
Rahul Chahar to Ruturaj Gaikwad, Slides it outside off and lands it fuller, Ruturaj Gaikwad cuts it but couldn't get it past point.
Harpreet Brar to Ruturaj Gaikwad, 1 run.
Harpreet Brar to Ajinkya Rahane, Short in length, drifts it on the pads, Ajinkya Rahane gets on the back foot and glances it to deep square leg for a singe.
Harpreet Brar to Ruturaj Gaikwad, A bit quicker and turns away from off, on a length, Ruturaj Gaikwad cuts it well through point for a single.
Harpreet Brar to Ajinkya Rahane, Drags his length a bit on middle, Ajinkya Rahane tucks it through mid-wicket for a single.
Harpreet Brar to Ajinkya Rahane, Brings the angle into the batter, drifts it on the leg stump line on a length, Ajinkya Rahane flicks it to short fine.
Harpreet Brar to Ruturaj Gaikwad, Tossed up on off, full in length, Ruturaj Gaikwad gets ahead, eases it to covers for a single.
First look at spin on this fresh surface as Harpreet Brar comes on to bowl.
Sam Curran to Ajinkya Rahane, ! Elegance, pure elegance! On the top of off, keeps the length hard, Ajinkya Rahane cuts it well through point for another boundary. Just the kind of Powerplay Chennai was wishing for! End of the first six and they are cruising now at 55/0.
Sam Curran to Ajinkya Rahane, ! Oh, that's terrific timing and what a way to bring up the 50 for his team!
Sam Curran to Ajinkya Rahane, LEG BYES! Gets some inward movement on this one, and lands it outside leg on a length, Ajinkya Rahane misses to flick and the ball brushes off his pads before racing away to the deep fine leg fence.
Sam Curran to Ajinkya Rahane, ! One bounce and a boundary! Same length, on middle and off, Ajinkya Rahane is inside his crease and pulls it over mid-wicket for a boundary. The ball lands just a few meters before the ropes.
Sam Curran to Ruturaj Gaikwad, Almost a half-tracker on the middle and leg, Ruturaj Gaikwad walks down a couple of steps and pats it to the right of mid on and steals a quick single.
Sam Curran to Ajinkya Rahane, On the back of a length, on top of middle, Ajinkya Rahane gets off the back foot and turns it to deep square leg for a single.
Sam Curran (1-0-3-0) to continue.
Arshdeep Singh to Ruturaj Gaikwad, Four!
Arshdeep Singh to Ruturaj Gaikwad, Half a shout for LBW but that hooped back in a long way and would have gone down leg!
Arshdeep Singh to Ruturaj Gaikwad, ! It is Ruturaj Gaikwad this time who cashes in on the width! Arshdeep gets the line wrong and there is not much pace behind it, short and wide on off, Ruturaj Gaikwad frees his arms and keeps the shot along the ground. Hits it to the right of diving backward point fielder for a boundary.
Arshdeep Singh to Ajinkya Rahane, Slows it up and lands it on a good length, outside off, Ajinkya Rahane is through his cut shot early and scuffs it in front of point for a single.
Arshdeep Singh to Ajinkya Rahane, ! Flayed away! Arshdeep errs in line as he offers width and this is short as well, Ajinkya Rahane needs no second invitation as he throws his hands and gets it to the left of deep backward point for a boundary.
Arshdeep Singh to Ruturaj Gaikwad, Tucks the batter up for room does Arshdeep as he bowls it top of middle, on a hard length, Ruturaj Gaikwad steers it wide of short third for a single.
Change?
Sam Curran to Ajinkya Rahane, Swing and a miss! Takes pace off and serves it on a good length, angling away, outside off, Ajinkya Rahane swings through the line again to loft it back over the bowler but connects with thin air. A quiet first over by Sam Curran.
Sam Curran to Ajinkya Rahane, At 129.2 kph, much fuller, on off, Ajinkya Rahane stays still in his crease and swings to go back over the bowler's head. The bat turns in his hand and he fails to get the elevation. Mishits it along the ground back to the bowler.
Sam Curran to Ruturaj Gaikwad, This is on a length, on off, Ruturaj Gaikwad presents a high elbow and punches it square to deep point for a single.
Sam Curran to Ruturaj Gaikwad, Takes pace off does Curran and gets the line wrong, on a back of a length, on the pads, Ruturaj Gaikwad clips it in front of square on the leg side and comes back for the second run.
Sam Curran to Ruturaj Gaikwad, Shaping in a touch, on a back of a length, on off, Ruturaj Gaikwad plays it close to his body as he defends it down the deck.
Sam Curran, the skipper of Punjab brings himself to the attack. He replaces Arshdeep Singh.
Sam Curran to Ruturaj Gaikwad, Beats the bat straight away does the Punjab skipper! Starts with a wobble-seam delivery, full and angling across the batter, outside off, Ruturaj Gaikwad has a feel for the delivery as he gets on the front foot. The ball holds its line and whizzes past the outside edge.
Kagiso Rabada to Ajinkya Rahane, ! Not exactly where he intended but Ajinkya Rahane will take it! Fuller in length and in the corridor of off, Ajinkya Rahane goes for the drive but he plays it away from his body. Gets an outside edge that races along the ground and beats deep backward point to his left for a boundary.
Kagiso Rabada to Ruturaj Gaikwad, On a fullish length and straying on the pads, Ruturaj Gaikwad flicks it off his toes to fine leg for a single.
Kagiso Rabada to Ruturaj Gaikwad, Keeps it on a hard length, outside off, Ruturaj Gaikwad glides it down to short third where he picks out the fielder.
Kagiso Rabada to Ruturaj Gaikwad, No run.
Kagiso Rabada to Ajinkya Rahane, Leg bye.
Kagiso Rabada to Ajinkya Rahane, Length delivery, on off, Ajinkya Rahane angles the bat face and drives it neatly but can't get it past cover-point.
Arshdeep Singh to Ruturaj Gaikwad, ! Clever, very clever! At 134.4 kph, on a back of a length, outside off, the ball does not rise as expected, Ruturaj Gaikwad manages to get underneath it and plays the upper-cut over first slip for a boundary. 50th boundary of this year's Indian T20 League for the Chennai skipper.
Arshdeep Singh to Ajinkya Rahane, Going across the batter, on a hard length, Ajinkya Rahane stays leg side of the ball and steers it down to deep third for one more run.
Arshdeep Singh to Ruturaj Gaikwad, Good hand! Pitches it up in search of swing, on off, Ruturaj Gaikwad gets a good stride in and drives it sweetly towards cover where the fielder dives to his right and parries the ball towards mid off. They cross.
Arshdeep Singh to Ruturaj Gaikwad, ! Relied on timing and got the reward!
Arshdeep Singh to Ruturaj Gaikwad, Beaten! Lands it on a hard length and gets a bit of extra bounce off the surface. Ruturaj Gaikwad pokes at the delivery outside off and he is lucky not to nick this one behind.
Arshdeep Singh to Ruturaj Gaikwad, Oh...that has not bounced at all! Arshdeep comes from over the wicket and angles it across the batter, short of a good length, outside off, Ruturaj Gaikwad shapes up for the cut but the ball keeps low and sneaks under the angled bat of the Chennai skipper. The ball goes on the bounce to the keeper, Jitesh Sharma.
Arshdeep Singh to operate from the other end for Punjab.
Kagiso Rabada to Ruturaj Gaikwad, Drags his length back and keeps the line outside off, Ruturaj Gaikwad gets on the back foot and runs it down to deep third. Keeps the strike with a single. A tidy first over by Rabada.
Kagiso Rabada to Ruturaj Gaikwad, No run.
Kagiso Rabada to Ajinkya Rahane, Continues to hit the deck hard, on off, Ajinkya Rahane rides the bounce well and plays it late to dab it to the left of backward point for one more run.
Kagiso Rabada to Ruturaj Gaikwad, Closer to the off-stump line, on a back of a length, Ruturaj Gaikwad hangs back in his crease and guides it with an open bat face down to deep third. Gets off the mark with a single.
Kagiso Rabada to Ajinkya Rahane, Another one from Rabada that nips back in, on a hard length, Ajinkya Rahane adjusts well this time as he gets on his toes and tucks it behind square on the leg side. Ajinkya Rahane and Chennai are away with a single!
Kagiso Rabada to Ajinkya Rahane, Oh hello! Kagiso Rabada greets Ajinkya Rahane with an absolute snorter! Steams in from over the wicket and digs it in short, at the helmet of the batter, Ajinkya Rahane does not expect the ball to jag back into him and hops back to fend it down. Gets it off the gloves and the ball drops it near his feet.
We are all in readiness for this high-octane clash to begin at Chepauk! The two umpires are already out to the middle. Sam Curran marshals his troops and the players of Punjab take their respective field positions. Ruturaj Gaikwad and Ajinkya Rahane are two openers for Chennai. Kagiso Rabada will open the attack for Punjab. Here we go...
The captain of Chennai, Ruturaj Gaikwad says that they would have bowled first as well. Joking says that looking at his toss record, most of the team members were prepared to bat first. Tells that it is tough to defend here in Chennai with a lot of dew. Adds that the margin of victory against Hyderabad speaks volumes about the improvement in their bowling as compared to the game against Lucknow. Shares that with this being a red soil surface, it is different from what they are used to here. Furt
The skipper of Punjab, Sam Curran says that they will bowl first. He says it's a good surface and is excited to play on the fresh pitch. Adds that it is an amazing stadium with a fantastic crowd. Tells that it is crunch time for them to be brave. Says they take a lot of pride in the way they played the last game and would like to continue with the momentum. Informs they are going with the same side.
Impact players nominated by Punjab - Prabhsimran Singh, Liam Livingstone, Harpreet Singh, Rishi Dhawan and Vidwath Kaverappa.
TOSS - Sam Curran calls 'tails' and tails it is. Punjab have won the toss and they have opted to BOWL first.
Welcome back for the chase.
... THE RUN CHASE ...
Right then, the game is nicely poised at the halfway mark. The first six overs will be crucial for both sides, more importantly for Punjab as they look to use the field restrictions to their advantage. As far as Chennai are concerned, Moeen Ali and Ravindra Jadeja will hold the key as the ball has been gripping in the surface and there is more than enough help to keep them interested. Back in a bit to see how the chase pans out.
Rahul Chahar is up for a flash interview. He says that the ball is holding a bit and he backed himself in the penultimate over. Says that he knew if he bowled at his strengths, he wouldn't get hit. Adds that he didn't try to bowl full to MS Dhoni and executed his plans well. On being asked whether it's his best spell, he says pretty much the best and ends up by saying 160 is not a tough total to chase but they will have to play good cricketing strokes as the ball is gripping well.
Chennai were strangled by spin and given the way their innings meandered during the middle phase, they do seem to have got some momentum back towards the back end of the innings. After being asked to bat first, the two Chennai openers, Ruturaj Gaikwad and Ajinkya Rahane started off cautiously. Once both batters came to terms with the surface, boundaries started to flow and the duo scored 55 runs off the first six overs, the first time this season that Chennai did not lose a wicket in the Power
A run out to end the innings and this has been an excellent bowling effort from Punjab! Having restricted Chennai to 162, they will be happy with where the game stands at the halfway mark. Kagiso Rabada and Sam Curran started well wit the ball but Arshdeep Singh leaked boundaries in the Powerplay. Harpreet Brar and Rahul Chahar changed the complexion of the game completely, weaving a web around the Chennai batters. Brar started it all with twin strikes in a single over and Chahar followed it up
Arshdeep Singh to MS Dhoni, ! RUN OUT! And Dhoni gets out for the first time in this edition!
Arshdeep Singh to MS Dhoni, ! And there she goes into the stands! Big and handsome and Chepauk is echoing to its fullest! Arshdeep Singh continues to bowl a low full toss outside off, MS Dhoni bends low and smashes it well over deep extra covers for a huge maximum.
Arshdeep Singh to MS Dhoni, Short, and on the middle and leg stump line. MS Dhoni swings hard to pull it over but misses.Â
Arshdeep Singh to MS Dhoni, A single denied and Mitchell was really struggling to get back home. A low full toss across off, MS Dhoni plays it over mid off, and loses the grip of his hand. The ball lands safe ahead of the fielder in the deep.
Arshdeep Singh to MS Dhoni, WIDE! Keeps the angle away from the hitting arc of Dhoni and ends up spraying it way outside off. MS Dhoni reaches to it to slash it over the covers and misses. But it's deemed as a Wide.
Arshdeep Singh to MS Dhoni, Swing and a miss! A full toss gone begging to be hit. MS Dhoni swings but just doesn't connect.Â
Arshdeep Singh to MS Dhoni, ! There comes the cracking boundary from MSD! A low full toss away from off, MS Dhoni muscles it though widish mid off and gets a boundary. No chance for the chasing fielder from long off as this has been smashed with sheer brute force.
It will be Arshdeep Singh (3-0-39-1) to bowl the last over.
Arshdeep Singh to MS Dhoni, WIDE! Oops! Sprays it way outside off way beyond the tramline. MS Dhoni leaves it and the Umpire calls it Wide.
Rahul Chahar to MS Dhoni, 1 run.
Rahul Chahar to Daryl Mitchell, Flatter, and quicker outside off, Daryl Mitchell punches it through cover-point for a single.
Daryl Mitchell is the new man in.
Rahul Chahar to Moeen Ali, ! KNOCKED HIM OVER! What a sensational penultimate over this is turning out for Punjab! A gutsy call from Curran to bring Chahar and he does the trick.
Rahul Chahar to MS Dhoni, Quicker on off, and full in length, MS Dhoni works it to the off side for a single.
Rahul Chahar to MS Dhoni, Slower through the air, on a length, down leg, MS Dhoni shuffles across off to ramp it away but misses.
Rahul Chahar to MS Dhoni, Over the wicket, shade full, turning away from off, MS Dhoni rocks back and punches it to cover.
A big call from Sam Curran to hand Rahul Chahar (3-0-13-1) the ball for the penultimate over.
Arshdeep Singh to MS Dhoni, Wide full toss outside off, MS Dhoni drives it through cover-point for a single and retains his strike for the next over. A wicket but 15 runs off this over as well.
The decibel levels have gone up at the Chepauk, and yeah, you guessed it right, MS Dhoni is making his way out to the centre now.
Arshdeep Singh to Ruturaj Gaikwad, ! BOWLED'EM! Excellent delivery to send the Chennai skipper into the hut! Cannons a toe-crushing yorker right on the middle and leg stump line, Ruturaj Gaikwad shuffles across the leg stump line to squeeze it out to the off side but he ends up giving himself too much room and fails to connect. The ball bamboozles the stumps in the blink of an eye. But an excellent captain's knock from Gaikwad. He departs on 62.
Arshdeep Singh to Ruturaj Gaikwad, WIDE! Follows the batter does Arshdeep and bangs it short way above the batter's head. Ruturaj Gaikwad who is already down the leg stump line leaves it. Wided.
Arshdeep Singh to Moeen Ali, WIDE! Outside the tramline on a fuller length. Wide given. Jitesh Sharma asks Sam Curran to challenge the decision as he believes it is not a Wide. The TV Umpire confirms that Moeen Ali is standing in his normal position and the ball is passing outside the tramline. Punjab burn both their reviews now.
Arshdeep Singh to Moeen Ali, Fuller in length, on off, Moeen Ali slices it over cover-point for a single on one bounce.
Arshdeep Singh to Moeen Ali, ! Salt on the wounds! Overpitches this time on the middle, Moeen Ali again makes room for himself by clearing the front foot and swings it hard over mid on for a cracking boundary.Â
Arshdeep Singh to Moeen Ali, Yorker on off Moeen Ali digs it back to the bowler.
A halt in play as the physio comes out to attend to Ruturaj Gaikwad, who is experiencing some discomfort with his right thumb. Also, the fourth umpire is out with the box of balls, as the current one seems to have lost its shape. We are all good to go now. Arshdeep Singh comes back into the attack. He has been expensive so far, going for 24 runs in his two overs. Can he redeem himself here?
Arshdeep Singh to Moeen Ali, AND ! Would you believe it?
Arshdeep Singh to Moeen Ali, WIDE! Slow, short and above the batter's head. Moeen Ali aborts from the shot. Wided.
Sam Curran to Ruturaj Gaikwad, ! Up, and into the stands! He's getting into the groove now! Bangs it short in length, and keeps the line on the middle and leg stump, Ruturaj Gaikwad swivels and pulls it well over deep mid-wicket for a huge maximum. 20 runs off this over but Chennai need more of these for a stronger finish.
Sam Curran to Ruturaj Gaikwad, Full, angling away from off on a fuller length, Ruturaj Gaikwad goes for a front foot drive through covers but gets a thickish outside edge to backward point. No run.
Sam Curran to Moeen Ali, Angles it on the leg stump line and keeps the length short, Moeen Ali pulls it along the carpet towards deep backward square leg for a single.
Sam Curran to Ruturaj Gaikwad, ! The first six of the evening and Ruturaj Gaikwad gets to another half-century. Short in length, across off, Ruturaj Gaikwad stays deep in the crease and smokes it up and handsome behind long on for a maximum.
Sam Curran to Ruturaj Gaikwad, Short, outside off with pace off, Ruturaj Gaikwad hops back and works it down to long on for a single.
Sam Curran to Ruturaj Gaikwad, ! A loosener from Curran. A high full toss outside off, Ruturaj Gaikwad waits and cuts it over point for a boundary. Uh, oh! The Umpire has called it a No Ball and Sam Curran has challenged the decision. The side-on replay with the ball trajectory shows that the ball is clearly above the waist height and it is calculated as a No Ball and Punjab burn a review here. Free Hit to follow.
Sam Curran to Moeen Ali, On the middle and leg, full in length, Moeen Ali flicks it to deep mid-wicket for a single.
Kagiso Rabada to Moeen Ali, Aims a yorker on the middle, Moeen Ali squeezes it out to deep mid-wicket for a single. An excellent spell from Kagiso Rabada comes to an end.
Kagiso Rabada to Ruturaj Gaikwad, On the top of off, on a hard length, Ruturaj Gaikwad arches back and cuts it past the point region for a single.
Kagiso Rabada to Moeen Ali, Short again, outside the off-stump line, Moeen Ali stands tall and punches it to point for a single.
Kagiso Rabada to Moeen Ali, Wide!
Moeen Ali walks in at number 6.
Kagiso Rabada to Sameer Rizvi, ! c Harshal Patel b Kagiso Rabada.
Kagiso Rabada to Sameer Rizvi, ! A boundary off the bat for Chennai after 55 deliveries! Way outside off, on a short length, Sameer Rizvi shuffles to the off stump to cut it away but he gets a thickish inside edge that guns down to deep third for a boundary.
Kagiso Rabada to Ruturaj Gaikwad, Bangs it short, on off, Ruturaj Gaikwad pulls it with no real timing towards long on for just another single.
Kagiso Rabada to continue.
Harshal Patel to Ruturaj Gaikwad, Good-length delivery, around off from over the wicket, Ruturaj Gaikwad drives it on the up in front of mid off and keeps the strike with a single. A much-needed productive over for Chennai, 12 runs off it.
Harshal Patel to Sameer Rizvi, Slower and on a short of a length, wide on off, Sameer Rizvi is made to reach out and ends up chopping it along the ground in front of point for a run.
Harshal Patel to Ruturaj Gaikwad, The call is for 'two' and they get it! Slower and on a back of a length, on off, Ruturaj Gaikwad pats it in front of deep backward point and comes charging back for the second run. 100 comes up for Chennai.
Harshal Patel to Ruturaj Gaikwad, Slips it on a fullish length, at the toes, Ruturaj Gaikwad clips it through square leg for one more run.
Harshal Patel to Sameer Rizvi, Takes pace off a touch and lands it on a length, on off and middle, Sameer Rizvi looks to hit through the line but fails to get the timing right once again. The batters cross as the ball rolls to long on for one.
Harshal Patel to Ruturaj Gaikwad, 1 run.
Harshal Patel to Ruturaj Gaikwad, FIVE WIDES! Wayward start by Harshal Patel! Chennai get a boundary finally after 8 overs. Harshal comes from over the wicket and loses his radar as this is full and way down leg. Jitesh Sharma dives to his left but cannot get on the end of it and it races away for a boundary.
Harshal Patel has been introduced into the attack now.
Kagiso Rabada to Sameer Rizvi, Big swing and a miss!
Kagiso Rabada to Ruturaj Gaikwad, Nails the yorker, on middle, Ruturaj Gaikwad gets his bat down and digs it out to mid on for a single.
Kagiso Rabada to Ruturaj Gaikwad, Tucks the batter up for room, at 136 kph, on middle, on a back of a length, Ruturaj Gaikwad pats it off the back foot to backward point.
Kagiso Rabada to Sameer Rizvi, Lands it on a back of a length, on middle, Sameer Rizvi shapes up again to go big on the leg side. Fails to get the timing correct on this one and scuffs the shot to deep mid-wicket for one.
Kagiso Rabada to Sameer Rizvi, Hits the deck hard again, on middle, Sameer Rizvi goes deep in his crease and looks to lift it over mid-wicket inside the circle. Gets this one high on the bat but it is enough to clear the back tracking Harpreet Brar and collects a couple of runs.
Kagiso Rabada to Ruturaj Gaikwad, Angling in, on a hard length, at the hips, Ruturaj Gaikwad tucks it to deep backward square leg and he will have to be content with just a single.
Strategic Break! Well, the spin duo of Punjab, Harpreet Brar and Rahul Chahar have stemmed the flow of runs and have completely dominated the mid-overs phase by taking three big wickets in quick intervals. The ball is evidently gripping and getting a good purchase off the deck that has pushed Chennai on the back foot. It's been 42 balls since the last boundary and that tells you a story of how difficult it has gotten to score runs. Ruturaj Gaikwad, the skipper is fighting a lone battle here a
Harpreet Brar to Ruturaj Gaikwad, Short and on the off-stump line, Ruturaj Gaikwad dabs it right under his eye line in front of point and retains the strike with a single.
Harpreet Brar to Sameer Rizvi, In the air...but it lands safely! Short and on middle, Sameer Rizvi goes back in his crease but fails to get the pull shot away in a fashion he would have liked. Mistimes it in the air but luckily for him, the ball lands to the left of Rilee Rossouw at deep mid-wicket for one.
Harpreet Brar to Ruturaj Gaikwad, Full and sliding on with the arm, on middle and leg, Ruturaj Gaikwad gets forward to defend with a straight bat. Gets an inside edge that rolls behind square on the leg side for one.
Harpreet Brar to Sameer Rizvi, Slower through the air, on a length, on the pads, Sameer Rizvi reaches out in front and sweeps it to deep backward square leg for a single.
Harpreet Brar to Sameer Rizvi, At 89.3 kph, short and on off, Sameer Rizvi gets on the back foot and pats it towards cover.
Harpreet Brar to Sameer Rizvi, Sliding on with the angle, short and at the pads, Sameer Rizvi misses the clip and gets hit high on the thigh pad.
Rahul Chahar to Sameer Rizvi, Continues to give the ball air, full and at the stumps, Sameer Rizvi smothers the spin and tucks it wide of long on for a single to keep the strike.
Rahul Chahar to Sameer Rizvi, Just in! Dishes out the googly, short and on middle, Sameer Rizvi hangs back and picks the googly to whip it to the right of long on. He decides to come back for the second run and has to put in the dive to make his ground at the batting end. Jitesh Sharma collects the throw from the deep and takes the bails off but the replays show that Rizvi was in by then and the dive saved the batter.
Is that out?
Rahul Chahar to Ruturaj Gaikwad, Skidding through, short and on middle, Ruturaj Gaikwad hurriedly pulls it through square leg for a single.
Rahul Chahar to Sameer Rizvi, Floats it up, full and on off, Sameer Rizvi gets on the front foot and drives it with a straight bat to long off for one more run.
Rahul Chahar to Sameer Rizvi, There's that extra bounce! Short and outside off, Sameer Rizvi shapes up to glide it wide of short third but misses out due to the extra bounce on offer.
Rahul Chahar to Sameer Rizvi, No run.
Harpreet Brar to Sameer Rizvi, 1 run.
Harpreet Brar to Sameer Rizvi, Tosses it up, full and on off, Sameer Rizvi presses forward and knocks it straight to cover.
Harpreet Brar to Sameer Rizvi, Coming in with the arm, short and on off, Sameer Rizvi hangs back and stabs it down on the off side.
Harpreet Brar to Sameer Rizvi, That almost carried to the man at cover!
Harpreet Brar to Sameer Rizvi, Excellent fielding! Fires it in, full and outside off, Sameer Rizvi looks to punch it through the off side. Gets an outside edge towards backward point where Rahul Chahar dives to his left to make the stop.
Harpreet Brar to Sameer Rizvi, Pushes it through, full and on off, Sameer Rizvi does not move his feet much and knocks it to the left of long off for a couple of runs.
Rahul Chahar to Sameer Rizvi, Drags his length, keeps the line on off, Sameer Rizvi tucks it to square leg for a quick single to get off the mark. The runs have dried up and boundaries are hard to come by. Another successful and an economical over for Punjab.
Ajinkya Rahane has been subbed off by Chennai. The Impact Player, Sameer Rizvi comes out to bat now.
Rahul Chahar to Ravindra Jadeja, ! A confident appeal for LBW and again, the Umpire raises his finger! Ravindra Jadeja first walks away but then Ruturaj Gaikwad convinces him to challenge the decision!Â
Rahul Chahar to Ruturaj Gaikwad, Flighed-delivery on the middle stump line, Ruturaj Gaikwad plays it closer to the body and guides it to point for a quick single.
Rahul Chahar to Ravindra Jadeja, Flatter, shorter and outside off, Ravindra Jadeja cuts it off the back foot towards deep extra cover for a single.
Rahul Chahar to Ruturaj Gaikwad, On off, on a length, Ruturaj Gaikwad stays tall and tucks it to long on for one.
Rahul Chahar to Ruturaj Gaikwad, No run.
Harpreet Brar to Ravindra Jadeja, Short, quick and on the middle, Ravindra Jadeja tucks it to mid-wicket off the back foot. A successful over for Brar and Punjab. Two big wickets from this one.
Harpreet Brar to Ruturaj Gaikwad, Slower, on the fuller length, and on the middle and leg, Ruturaj Gaikwad drives it to long on for a single.
Harpreet Brar to Shivam Dube, ! LBW! A huge appeal for LBW and up goes the finger! But Shivam Dube has straightaway reviewed it. Brar continues to come from around the wicket and drops it on the leg stump line, and gets it to turn into the batter as well on a fuller length. Dube gets down on his knee to slog it over the leg side but he plays over the wrong line and then pings his pad. UltraEdge shows no bat is involved and the Ball Tracker confirms the ball is pitching inside the stump
Harpreet Brar to Ravindra Jadeja, Across off, full in length, Ravindra Jadeja drags it to long on along the ground for a single.
Ravindra Jadeja walks out to the middle.
Harpreet Brar to Shivam Dube, WIDE! Darted down leg, on a length. Wide given.
Shivam Dube is in at number 3.
Harpreet Brar to Ajinkya Rahane, ! c Rilee Rossouw b Harpreet Brar.
Harpreet Brar to Ajinkya Rahane, Around the wicket, on off, Ajinkya Rahane punches it to covers.
Rahul Chahar to Ajinkya Rahane, Looped up on the fuller length, on off, Ajinkya Rahane gets forward and drives it inside out to long off for another single. So two tidy overs from the spinners. Just 4 from this one.
Rahul Chahar to Ajinkya Rahane, Short, on the top of the middle and leg, Ajinkya Rahane cuts it straight to the point fielder.
Rahul Chahar to Ruturaj Gaikwad, Goes shorter and on the top of the middle, Ruturaj Gaikwad pulls it off the back foot to deep mid-wicket for one.
Rahul Chahar to Ajinkya Rahane, Pitches it way fuller and on the middle and leg stump line, Ajinkya Rahane drives it down the ground to the left of long on for a single.
Strategic break! Chennai will be delighted with this start. For the first time this season, they have not lost a wicket in the Powerplay, and Ajinkya Rahane and Ruturaj Gaikwad are going along nicely in building a platform. Punjab started well with the ball, but they took a beating in the last two overs of the Powerplay. The visitors will need wickets in the middle phase, and they will bank on their spin duo of Harpreet Brar and Rahul Chahar to do the job for them. As expected, Chahar will bo
Rahul Chahar to Ruturaj Gaikwad, Around off on a length, Ruturaj Gaikwad punches it off the back foot through covers for an easy single.
Rahul Chahar to Ruturaj Gaikwad, Slides it outside off and lands it fuller, Ruturaj Gaikwad cuts it but couldn't get it past point.
Harpreet Brar to Ruturaj Gaikwad, 1 run.
Harpreet Brar to Ajinkya Rahane, Short in length, drifts it on the pads, Ajinkya Rahane gets on the back foot and glances it to deep square leg for a singe.
Harpreet Brar to Ruturaj Gaikwad, A bit quicker and turns away from off, on a length, Ruturaj Gaikwad cuts it well through point for a single.
Harpreet Brar to Ajinkya Rahane, Drags his length a bit on middle, Ajinkya Rahane tucks it through mid-wicket for a single.
Harpreet Brar to Ajinkya Rahane, Brings the angle into the batter, drifts it on the leg stump line on a length, Ajinkya Rahane flicks it to short fine.
Harpreet Brar to Ruturaj Gaikwad, Tossed up on off, full in length, Ruturaj Gaikwad gets ahead, eases it to covers for a single.
First look at spin on this fresh surface as Harpreet Brar comes on to bowl.
Sam Curran to Ajinkya Rahane, ! Elegance, pure elegance! On the top of off, keeps the length hard, Ajinkya Rahane cuts it well through point for another boundary. Just the kind of Powerplay Chennai was wishing for! End of the first six and they are cruising now at 55/0.
Sam Curran to Ajinkya Rahane, ! Oh, that's terrific timing and what a way to bring up the 50 for his team!
Sam Curran to Ajinkya Rahane, LEG BYES! Gets some inward movement on this one, and lands it outside leg on a length, Ajinkya Rahane misses to flick and the ball brushes off his pads before racing away to the deep fine leg fence.
Sam Curran to Ajinkya Rahane, ! One bounce and a boundary! Same length, on middle and off, Ajinkya Rahane is inside his crease and pulls it over mid-wicket for a boundary. The ball lands just a few meters before the ropes.
Sam Curran to Ruturaj Gaikwad, Almost a half-tracker on the middle and leg, Ruturaj Gaikwad walks down a couple of steps and pats it to the right of mid on and steals a quick single.
Sam Curran to Ajinkya Rahane, On the back of a length, on top of middle, Ajinkya Rahane gets off the back foot and turns it to deep square leg for a single.
Sam Curran (1-0-3-0) to continue.
Arshdeep Singh to Ruturaj Gaikwad, Four!
Arshdeep Singh to Ruturaj Gaikwad, Half a shout for LBW but that hooped back in a long way and would have gone down leg!
Arshdeep Singh to Ruturaj Gaikwad, ! It is Ruturaj Gaikwad this time who cashes in on the width! Arshdeep gets the line wrong and there is not much pace behind it, short and wide on off, Ruturaj Gaikwad frees his arms and keeps the shot along the ground. Hits it to the right of diving backward point fielder for a boundary.
Arshdeep Singh to Ajinkya Rahane, Slows it up and lands it on a good length, outside off, Ajinkya Rahane is through his cut shot early and scuffs it in front of point for a single.
Arshdeep Singh to Ajinkya Rahane, ! Flayed away! Arshdeep errs in line as he offers width and this is short as well, Ajinkya Rahane needs no second invitation as he throws his hands and gets it to the left of deep backward point for a boundary.
Arshdeep Singh to Ruturaj Gaikwad, Tucks the batter up for room does Arshdeep as he bowls it top of middle, on a hard length, Ruturaj Gaikwad steers it wide of short third for a single.
Change?
Sam Curran to Ajinkya Rahane, Swing and a miss! Takes pace off and serves it on a good length, angling away, outside off, Ajinkya Rahane swings through the line again to loft it back over the bowler but connects with thin air. A quiet first over by Sam Curran.
Sam Curran to Ajinkya Rahane, At 129.2 kph, much fuller, on off, Ajinkya Rahane stays still in his crease and swings to go back over the bowler's head. The bat turns in his hand and he fails to get the elevation. Mishits it along the ground back to the bowler.
Sam Curran to Ruturaj Gaikwad, This is on a length, on off, Ruturaj Gaikwad presents a high elbow and punches it square to deep point for a single.
Sam Curran to Ruturaj Gaikwad, Takes pace off does Curran and gets the line wrong, on a back of a length, on the pads, Ruturaj Gaikwad clips it in front of square on the leg side and comes back for the second run.
Sam Curran to Ruturaj Gaikwad, Shaping in a touch, on a back of a length, on off, Ruturaj Gaikwad plays it close to his body as he defends it down the deck.
Sam Curran, the skipper of Punjab brings himself to the attack. He replaces Arshdeep Singh.
Sam Curran to Ruturaj Gaikwad, Beats the bat straight away does the Punjab skipper! Starts with a wobble-seam delivery, full and angling across the batter, outside off, Ruturaj Gaikwad has a feel for the delivery as he gets on the front foot. The ball holds its line and whizzes past the outside edge.
Kagiso Rabada to Ajinkya Rahane, ! Not exactly where he intended but Ajinkya Rahane will take it! Fuller in length and in the corridor of off, Ajinkya Rahane goes for the drive but he plays it away from his body. Gets an outside edge that races along the ground and beats deep backward point to his left for a boundary.
Kagiso Rabada to Ruturaj Gaikwad, On a fullish length and straying on the pads, Ruturaj Gaikwad flicks it off his toes to fine leg for a single.
Kagiso Rabada to Ruturaj Gaikwad, Keeps it on a hard length, outside off, Ruturaj Gaikwad glides it down to short third where he picks out the fielder.
Kagiso Rabada to Ruturaj Gaikwad, No run.
Kagiso Rabada to Ajinkya Rahane, Leg bye.
Kagiso Rabada to Ajinkya Rahane, Length delivery, on off, Ajinkya Rahane angles the bat face and drives it neatly but can't get it past cover-point.
Arshdeep Singh to Ruturaj Gaikwad, ! Clever, very clever! At 134.4 kph, on a back of a length, outside off, the ball does not rise as expected, Ruturaj Gaikwad manages to get underneath it and plays the upper-cut over first slip for a boundary. 50th boundary of this year's Indian T20 League for the Chennai skipper.
Arshdeep Singh to Ajinkya Rahane, Going across the batter, on a hard length, Ajinkya Rahane stays leg side of the ball and steers it down to deep third for one more run.
Arshdeep Singh to Ruturaj Gaikwad, Good hand! Pitches it up in search of swing, on off, Ruturaj Gaikwad gets a good stride in and drives it sweetly towards cover where the fielder dives to his right and parries the ball towards mid off. They cross.
Arshdeep Singh to Ruturaj Gaikwad, ! Relied on timing and got the reward!
Arshdeep Singh to Ruturaj Gaikwad, Beaten! Lands it on a hard length and gets a bit of extra bounce off the surface. Ruturaj Gaikwad pokes at the delivery outside off and he is lucky not to nick this one behind.
Arshdeep Singh to Ruturaj Gaikwad, Oh...that has not bounced at all! Arshdeep comes from over the wicket and angles it across the batter, short of a good length, outside off, Ruturaj Gaikwad shapes up for the cut but the ball keeps low and sneaks under the angled bat of the Chennai skipper. The ball goes on the bounce to the keeper, Jitesh Sharma.
Arshdeep Singh to operate from the other end for Punjab.
Kagiso Rabada to Ruturaj Gaikwad, Drags his length back and keeps the line outside off, Ruturaj Gaikwad gets on the back foot and runs it down to deep third. Keeps the strike with a single. A tidy first over by Rabada.
Kagiso Rabada to Ruturaj Gaikwad, No run.
Kagiso Rabada to Ajinkya Rahane, Continues to hit the deck hard, on off, Ajinkya Rahane rides the bounce well and plays it late to dab it to the left of backward point for one more run.
Kagiso Rabada to Ruturaj Gaikwad, Closer to the off-stump line, on a back of a length, Ruturaj Gaikwad hangs back in his crease and guides it with an open bat face down to deep third. Gets off the mark with a single.
Kagiso Rabada to Ajinkya Rahane, Another one from Rabada that nips back in, on a hard length, Ajinkya Rahane adjusts well this time as he gets on his toes and tucks it behind square on the leg side. Ajinkya Rahane and Chennai are away with a single!
Kagiso Rabada to Ajinkya Rahane, Oh hello! Kagiso Rabada greets Ajinkya Rahane with an absolute snorter! Steams in from over the wicket and digs it in short, at the helmet of the batter, Ajinkya Rahane does not expect the ball to jag back into him and hops back to fend it down. Gets it off the gloves and the ball drops it near his feet.
We are all in readiness for this high-octane clash to begin at Chepauk! The two umpires are already out to the middle. Sam Curran marshals his troops and the players of Punjab take their respective field positions. Ruturaj Gaikwad and Ajinkya Rahane are two openers for Chennai. Kagiso Rabada will open the attack for Punjab. Here we go...
The captain of Chennai, Ruturaj Gaikwad says that they would have bowled first as well. Joking says that looking at his toss record, most of the team members were prepared to bat first. Tells that it is tough to defend here in Chennai with a lot of dew. Adds that the margin of victory against Hyderabad speaks volumes about the improvement in their bowling as compared to the game against Lucknow. Shares that with this being a red soil surface, it is different from what they are used to here. Furt
The skipper of Punjab, Sam Curran says that they will bowl first. He says it's a good surface and is excited to play on the fresh pitch. Adds that it is an amazing stadium with a fantastic crowd. Tells that it is crunch time for them to be brave. Says they take a lot of pride in the way they played the last game and would like to continue with the momentum. Informs they are going with the same side.
Impact players nominated by Punjab - Prabhsimran Singh, Liam Livingstone, Harpreet Singh, Rishi Dhawan and Vidwath Kaverappa.
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5
Punjab Kings
163/3(17.5 Overs)
Welcome back for the chase.
... THE RUN CHASE ...
Right then, the game is nicely poised at the halfway mark. The first six overs will be crucial for both sides, more importantly for Punjab as they look to use the field restrictions to their advantage. As far as Chennai are concerned, Moeen Ali and Ravindra Jadeja will hold the key as the ball has been gripping in the surface and there is more than enough help to keep them interested. Back in a bit to see how the chase pans out.
Rahul Chahar is up for a flash interview. He says that the ball is holding a bit and he backed himself in the penultimate over. Says that he knew if he bowled at his strengths, he wouldn't get hit. Adds that he didn't try to bowl full to MS Dhoni and executed his plans well. On being asked whether it's his best spell, he says pretty much the best and ends up by saying 160 is not a tough total to chase but they will have to play good cricketing strokes as the ball is gripping well.
Chennai were strangled by spin and given the way their innings meandered during the middle phase, they do seem to have got some momentum back towards the back end of the innings. After being asked to bat first, the two Chennai openers, Ruturaj Gaikwad and Ajinkya Rahane started off cautiously. Once both batters came to terms with the surface, boundaries started to flow and the duo scored 55 runs off the first six overs, the first time this season that Chennai did not lose a wicket in the Power
A run out to end the innings and this has been an excellent bowling effort from Punjab! Having restricted Chennai to 162, they will be happy with where the game stands at the halfway mark. Kagiso Rabada and Sam Curran started well wit the ball but Arshdeep Singh leaked boundaries in the Powerplay. Harpreet Brar and Rahul Chahar changed the complexion of the game completely, weaving a web around the Chennai batters. Brar started it all with twin strikes in a single over and Chahar followed it up
Arshdeep Singh to MS Dhoni, ! RUN OUT! And Dhoni gets out for the first time in this edition!
Arshdeep Singh to MS Dhoni, ! And there she goes into the stands! Big and handsome and Chepauk is echoing to its fullest! Arshdeep Singh continues to bowl a low full toss outside off, MS Dhoni bends low and smashes it well over deep extra covers for a huge maximum.
Arshdeep Singh to MS Dhoni, Short, and on the middle and leg stump line. MS Dhoni swings hard to pull it over but misses.Â
Arshdeep Singh to MS Dhoni, A single denied and Mitchell was really struggling to get back home. A low full toss across off, MS Dhoni plays it over mid off, and loses the grip of his hand. The ball lands safe ahead of the fielder in the deep.
Arshdeep Singh to MS Dhoni, WIDE! Keeps the angle away from the hitting arc of Dhoni and ends up spraying it way outside off. MS Dhoni reaches to it to slash it over the covers and misses. But it's deemed as a Wide.
Arshdeep Singh to MS Dhoni, Swing and a miss! A full toss gone begging to be hit. MS Dhoni swings but just doesn't connect.Â
Arshdeep Singh to MS Dhoni, ! There comes the cracking boundary from MSD! A low full toss away from off, MS Dhoni muscles it though widish mid off and gets a boundary. No chance for the chasing fielder from long off as this has been smashed with sheer brute force.
It will be Arshdeep Singh (3-0-39-1) to bowl the last over.
Arshdeep Singh to MS Dhoni, WIDE! Oops! Sprays it way outside off way beyond the tramline. MS Dhoni leaves it and the Umpire calls it Wide.
Rahul Chahar to MS Dhoni, 1 run.
Rahul Chahar to Daryl Mitchell, Flatter, and quicker outside off, Daryl Mitchell punches it through cover-point for a single.
Daryl Mitchell is the new man in.
Rahul Chahar to Moeen Ali, ! KNOCKED HIM OVER! What a sensational penultimate over this is turning out for Punjab! A gutsy call from Curran to bring Chahar and he does the trick.
Rahul Chahar to MS Dhoni, Quicker on off, and full in length, MS Dhoni works it to the off side for a single.
Rahul Chahar to MS Dhoni, Slower through the air, on a length, down leg, MS Dhoni shuffles across off to ramp it away but misses.
Rahul Chahar to MS Dhoni, Over the wicket, shade full, turning away from off, MS Dhoni rocks back and punches it to cover.
A big call from Sam Curran to hand Rahul Chahar (3-0-13-1) the ball for the penultimate over.
Arshdeep Singh to MS Dhoni, Wide full toss outside off, MS Dhoni drives it through cover-point for a single and retains his strike for the next over. A wicket but 15 runs off this over as well.
The decibel levels have gone up at the Chepauk, and yeah, you guessed it right, MS Dhoni is making his way out to the centre now.
Arshdeep Singh to Ruturaj Gaikwad, ! BOWLED'EM! Excellent delivery to send the Chennai skipper into the hut! Cannons a toe-crushing yorker right on the middle and leg stump line, Ruturaj Gaikwad shuffles across the leg stump line to squeeze it out to the off side but he ends up giving himself too much room and fails to connect. The ball bamboozles the stumps in the blink of an eye. But an excellent captain's knock from Gaikwad. He departs on 62.
Arshdeep Singh to Ruturaj Gaikwad, WIDE! Follows the batter does Arshdeep and bangs it short way above the batter's head. Ruturaj Gaikwad who is already down the leg stump line leaves it. Wided.
Arshdeep Singh to Moeen Ali, WIDE! Outside the tramline on a fuller length. Wide given. Jitesh Sharma asks Sam Curran to challenge the decision as he believes it is not a Wide. The TV Umpire confirms that Moeen Ali is standing in his normal position and the ball is passing outside the tramline. Punjab burn both their reviews now.
Arshdeep Singh to Moeen Ali, Fuller in length, on off, Moeen Ali slices it over cover-point for a single on one bounce.
Arshdeep Singh to Moeen Ali, ! Salt on the wounds! Overpitches this time on the middle, Moeen Ali again makes room for himself by clearing the front foot and swings it hard over mid on for a cracking boundary.Â
Arshdeep Singh to Moeen Ali, Yorker on off Moeen Ali digs it back to the bowler.
A halt in play as the physio comes out to attend to Ruturaj Gaikwad, who is experiencing some discomfort with his right thumb. Also, the fourth umpire is out with the box of balls, as the current one seems to have lost its shape. We are all good to go now. Arshdeep Singh comes back into the attack. He has been expensive so far, going for 24 runs in his two overs. Can he redeem himself here?
Arshdeep Singh to Moeen Ali, AND ! Would you believe it?
Arshdeep Singh to Moeen Ali, WIDE! Slow, short and above the batter's head. Moeen Ali aborts from the shot. Wided.
Sam Curran to Ruturaj Gaikwad, ! Up, and into the stands! He's getting into the groove now! Bangs it short in length, and keeps the line on the middle and leg stump, Ruturaj Gaikwad swivels and pulls it well over deep mid-wicket for a huge maximum. 20 runs off this over but Chennai need more of these for a stronger finish.
Sam Curran to Ruturaj Gaikwad, Full, angling away from off on a fuller length, Ruturaj Gaikwad goes for a front foot drive through covers but gets a thickish outside edge to backward point. No run.
Sam Curran to Moeen Ali, Angles it on the leg stump line and keeps the length short, Moeen Ali pulls it along the carpet towards deep backward square leg for a single.
Sam Curran to Ruturaj Gaikwad, ! The first six of the evening and Ruturaj Gaikwad gets to another half-century. Short in length, across off, Ruturaj Gaikwad stays deep in the crease and smokes it up and handsome behind long on for a maximum.
Sam Curran to Ruturaj Gaikwad, Short, outside off with pace off, Ruturaj Gaikwad hops back and works it down to long on for a single.
Sam Curran to Ruturaj Gaikwad, ! A loosener from Curran. A high full toss outside off, Ruturaj Gaikwad waits and cuts it over point for a boundary. Uh, oh! The Umpire has called it a No Ball and Sam Curran has challenged the decision. The side-on replay with the ball trajectory shows that the ball is clearly above the waist height and it is calculated as a No Ball and Punjab burn a review here. Free Hit to follow.
Sam Curran to Moeen Ali, On the middle and leg, full in length, Moeen Ali flicks it to deep mid-wicket for a single.
Kagiso Rabada to Moeen Ali, Aims a yorker on the middle, Moeen Ali squeezes it out to deep mid-wicket for a single. An excellent spell from Kagiso Rabada comes to an end.
Kagiso Rabada to Ruturaj Gaikwad, On the top of off, on a hard length, Ruturaj Gaikwad arches back and cuts it past the point region for a single.
Kagiso Rabada to Moeen Ali, Short again, outside the off-stump line, Moeen Ali stands tall and punches it to point for a single.
Kagiso Rabada to Moeen Ali, Wide!
Moeen Ali walks in at number 6.
Kagiso Rabada to Sameer Rizvi, ! c Harshal Patel b Kagiso Rabada.
Kagiso Rabada to Sameer Rizvi, ! A boundary off the bat for Chennai after 55 deliveries! Way outside off, on a short length, Sameer Rizvi shuffles to the off stump to cut it away but he gets a thickish inside edge that guns down to deep third for a boundary.
Kagiso Rabada to Ruturaj Gaikwad, Bangs it short, on off, Ruturaj Gaikwad pulls it with no real timing towards long on for just another single.
Kagiso Rabada to continue.
Harshal Patel to Ruturaj Gaikwad, Good-length delivery, around off from over the wicket, Ruturaj Gaikwad drives it on the up in front of mid off and keeps the strike with a single. A much-needed productive over for Chennai, 12 runs off it.
Harshal Patel to Sameer Rizvi, Slower and on a short of a length, wide on off, Sameer Rizvi is made to reach out and ends up chopping it along the ground in front of point for a run.
Harshal Patel to Ruturaj Gaikwad, The call is for 'two' and they get it! Slower and on a back of a length, on off, Ruturaj Gaikwad pats it in front of deep backward point and comes charging back for the second run. 100 comes up for Chennai.
Harshal Patel to Ruturaj Gaikwad, Slips it on a fullish length, at the toes, Ruturaj Gaikwad clips it through square leg for one more run.
Harshal Patel to Sameer Rizvi, Takes pace off a touch and lands it on a length, on off and middle, Sameer Rizvi looks to hit through the line but fails to get the timing right once again. The batters cross as the ball rolls to long on for one.
Harshal Patel to Ruturaj Gaikwad, 1 run.
Harshal Patel to Ruturaj Gaikwad, FIVE WIDES! Wayward start by Harshal Patel! Chennai get a boundary finally after 8 overs. Harshal comes from over the wicket and loses his radar as this is full and way down leg. Jitesh Sharma dives to his left but cannot get on the end of it and it races away for a boundary.
Harshal Patel has been introduced into the attack now.
Kagiso Rabada to Sameer Rizvi, Big swing and a miss!
Kagiso Rabada to Ruturaj Gaikwad, Nails the yorker, on middle, Ruturaj Gaikwad gets his bat down and digs it out to mid on for a single.
Kagiso Rabada to Ruturaj Gaikwad, Tucks the batter up for room, at 136 kph, on middle, on a back of a length, Ruturaj Gaikwad pats it off the back foot to backward point.
Kagiso Rabada to Sameer Rizvi, Lands it on a back of a length, on middle, Sameer Rizvi shapes up again to go big on the leg side. Fails to get the timing correct on this one and scuffs the shot to deep mid-wicket for one.
Kagiso Rabada to Sameer Rizvi, Hits the deck hard again, on middle, Sameer Rizvi goes deep in his crease and looks to lift it over mid-wicket inside the circle. Gets this one high on the bat but it is enough to clear the back tracking Harpreet Brar and collects a couple of runs.
Kagiso Rabada to Ruturaj Gaikwad, Angling in, on a hard length, at the hips, Ruturaj Gaikwad tucks it to deep backward square leg and he will have to be content with just a single.
Strategic Break! Well, the spin duo of Punjab, Harpreet Brar and Rahul Chahar have stemmed the flow of runs and have completely dominated the mid-overs phase by taking three big wickets in quick intervals. The ball is evidently gripping and getting a good purchase off the deck that has pushed Chennai on the back foot. It's been 42 balls since the last boundary and that tells you a story of how difficult it has gotten to score runs. Ruturaj Gaikwad, the skipper is fighting a lone battle here a
Harpreet Brar to Ruturaj Gaikwad, Short and on the off-stump line, Ruturaj Gaikwad dabs it right under his eye line in front of point and retains the strike with a single.
Harpreet Brar to Sameer Rizvi, In the air...but it lands safely! Short and on middle, Sameer Rizvi goes back in his crease but fails to get the pull shot away in a fashion he would have liked. Mistimes it in the air but luckily for him, the ball lands to the left of Rilee Rossouw at deep mid-wicket for one.
Harpreet Brar to Ruturaj Gaikwad, Full and sliding on with the arm, on middle and leg, Ruturaj Gaikwad gets forward to defend with a straight bat. Gets an inside edge that rolls behind square on the leg side for one.
Harpreet Brar to Sameer Rizvi, Slower through the air, on a length, on the pads, Sameer Rizvi reaches out in front and sweeps it to deep backward square leg for a single.
Harpreet Brar to Sameer Rizvi, At 89.3 kph, short and on off, Sameer Rizvi gets on the back foot and pats it towards cover.
Harpreet Brar to Sameer Rizvi, Sliding on with the angle, short and at the pads, Sameer Rizvi misses the clip and gets hit high on the thigh pad.
Rahul Chahar to Sameer Rizvi, Continues to give the ball air, full and at the stumps, Sameer Rizvi smothers the spin and tucks it wide of long on for a single to keep the strike.
Rahul Chahar to Sameer Rizvi, Just in! Dishes out the googly, short and on middle, Sameer Rizvi hangs back and picks the googly to whip it to the right of long on. He decides to come back for the second run and has to put in the dive to make his ground at the batting end. Jitesh Sharma collects the throw from the deep and takes the bails off but the replays show that Rizvi was in by then and the dive saved the batter.
Is that out?
Rahul Chahar to Ruturaj Gaikwad, Skidding through, short and on middle, Ruturaj Gaikwad hurriedly pulls it through square leg for a single.
Rahul Chahar to Sameer Rizvi, Floats it up, full and on off, Sameer Rizvi gets on the front foot and drives it with a straight bat to long off for one more run.
Rahul Chahar to Sameer Rizvi, There's that extra bounce! Short and outside off, Sameer Rizvi shapes up to glide it wide of short third but misses out due to the extra bounce on offer.
Rahul Chahar to Sameer Rizvi, No run.
Harpreet Brar to Sameer Rizvi, 1 run.
Harpreet Brar to Sameer Rizvi, Tosses it up, full and on off, Sameer Rizvi presses forward and knocks it straight to cover.
Harpreet Brar to Sameer Rizvi, Coming in with the arm, short and on off, Sameer Rizvi hangs back and stabs it down on the off side.
Harpreet Brar to Sameer Rizvi, That almost carried to the man at cover!
Harpreet Brar to Sameer Rizvi, Excellent fielding! Fires it in, full and outside off, Sameer Rizvi looks to punch it through the off side. Gets an outside edge towards backward point where Rahul Chahar dives to his left to make the stop.
Harpreet Brar to Sameer Rizvi, Pushes it through, full and on off, Sameer Rizvi does not move his feet much and knocks it to the left of long off for a couple of runs.
Rahul Chahar to Sameer Rizvi, Drags his length, keeps the line on off, Sameer Rizvi tucks it to square leg for a quick single to get off the mark. The runs have dried up and boundaries are hard to come by. Another successful and an economical over for Punjab.
Ajinkya Rahane has been subbed off by Chennai. The Impact Player, Sameer Rizvi comes out to bat now.
Rahul Chahar to Ravindra Jadeja, ! A confident appeal for LBW and again, the Umpire raises his finger! Ravindra Jadeja first walks away but then Ruturaj Gaikwad convinces him to challenge the decision!Â
Rahul Chahar to Ruturaj Gaikwad, Flighed-delivery on the middle stump line, Ruturaj Gaikwad plays it closer to the body and guides it to point for a quick single.
Rahul Chahar to Ravindra Jadeja, Flatter, shorter and outside off, Ravindra Jadeja cuts it off the back foot towards deep extra cover for a single.
Rahul Chahar to Ruturaj Gaikwad, On off, on a length, Ruturaj Gaikwad stays tall and tucks it to long on for one.
Rahul Chahar to Ruturaj Gaikwad, No run.
Harpreet Brar to Ravindra Jadeja, Short, quick and on the middle, Ravindra Jadeja tucks it to mid-wicket off the back foot. A successful over for Brar and Punjab. Two big wickets from this one.
Harpreet Brar to Ruturaj Gaikwad, Slower, on the fuller length, and on the middle and leg, Ruturaj Gaikwad drives it to long on for a single.
Harpreet Brar to Shivam Dube, ! LBW! A huge appeal for LBW and up goes the finger! But Shivam Dube has straightaway reviewed it. Brar continues to come from around the wicket and drops it on the leg stump line, and gets it to turn into the batter as well on a fuller length. Dube gets down on his knee to slog it over the leg side but he plays over the wrong line and then pings his pad. UltraEdge shows no bat is involved and the Ball Tracker confirms the ball is pitching inside the stump
Harpreet Brar to Ravindra Jadeja, Across off, full in length, Ravindra Jadeja drags it to long on along the ground for a single.
Ravindra Jadeja walks out to the middle.
Harpreet Brar to Shivam Dube, WIDE! Darted down leg, on a length. Wide given.
Shivam Dube is in at number 3.
Harpreet Brar to Ajinkya Rahane, ! c Rilee Rossouw b Harpreet Brar.
Harpreet Brar to Ajinkya Rahane, Around the wicket, on off, Ajinkya Rahane punches it to covers.
Rahul Chahar to Ajinkya Rahane, Looped up on the fuller length, on off, Ajinkya Rahane gets forward and drives it inside out to long off for another single. So two tidy overs from the spinners. Just 4 from this one.
Rahul Chahar to Ajinkya Rahane, Short, on the top of the middle and leg, Ajinkya Rahane cuts it straight to the point fielder.
Rahul Chahar to Ruturaj Gaikwad, Goes shorter and on the top of the middle, Ruturaj Gaikwad pulls it off the back foot to deep mid-wicket for one.
Rahul Chahar to Ajinkya Rahane, Pitches it way fuller and on the middle and leg stump line, Ajinkya Rahane drives it down the ground to the left of long on for a single.
Strategic break! Chennai will be delighted with this start. For the first time this season, they have not lost a wicket in the Powerplay, and Ajinkya Rahane and Ruturaj Gaikwad are going along nicely in building a platform. Punjab started well with the ball, but they took a beating in the last two overs of the Powerplay. The visitors will need wickets in the middle phase, and they will bank on their spin duo of Harpreet Brar and Rahul Chahar to do the job for them. As expected, Chahar will bo
Rahul Chahar to Ruturaj Gaikwad, Around off on a length, Ruturaj Gaikwad punches it off the back foot through covers for an easy single.
Rahul Chahar to Ruturaj Gaikwad, Slides it outside off and lands it fuller, Ruturaj Gaikwad cuts it but couldn't get it past point.
Harpreet Brar to Ruturaj Gaikwad, 1 run.
Harpreet Brar to Ajinkya Rahane, Short in length, drifts it on the pads, Ajinkya Rahane gets on the back foot and glances it to deep square leg for a singe.
Harpreet Brar to Ruturaj Gaikwad, A bit quicker and turns away from off, on a length, Ruturaj Gaikwad cuts it well through point for a single.
Harpreet Brar to Ajinkya Rahane, Drags his length a bit on middle, Ajinkya Rahane tucks it through mid-wicket for a single.
Harpreet Brar to Ajinkya Rahane, Brings the angle into the batter, drifts it on the leg stump line on a length, Ajinkya Rahane flicks it to short fine.
Harpreet Brar to Ruturaj Gaikwad, Tossed up on off, full in length, Ruturaj Gaikwad gets ahead, eases it to covers for a single.
First look at spin on this fresh surface as Harpreet Brar comes on to bowl.
Sam Curran to Ajinkya Rahane, ! Elegance, pure elegance! On the top of off, keeps the length hard, Ajinkya Rahane cuts it well through point for another boundary. Just the kind of Powerplay Chennai was wishing for! End of the first six and they are cruising now at 55/0.
Sam Curran to Ajinkya Rahane, ! Oh, that's terrific timing and what a way to bring up the 50 for his team!
Sam Curran to Ajinkya Rahane, LEG BYES! Gets some inward movement on this one, and lands it outside leg on a length, Ajinkya Rahane misses to flick and the ball brushes off his pads before racing away to the deep fine leg fence.
Sam Curran to Ajinkya Rahane, ! One bounce and a boundary! Same length, on middle and off, Ajinkya Rahane is inside his crease and pulls it over mid-wicket for a boundary. The ball lands just a few meters before the ropes.
Sam Curran to Ruturaj Gaikwad, Almost a half-tracker on the middle and leg, Ruturaj Gaikwad walks down a couple of steps and pats it to the right of mid on and steals a quick single.
Sam Curran to Ajinkya Rahane, On the back of a length, on top of middle, Ajinkya Rahane gets off the back foot and turns it to deep square leg for a single.
Sam Curran (1-0-3-0) to continue.
Arshdeep Singh to Ruturaj Gaikwad, Four!
Arshdeep Singh to Ruturaj Gaikwad, Half a shout for LBW but that hooped back in a long way and would have gone down leg!
Arshdeep Singh to Ruturaj Gaikwad, ! It is Ruturaj Gaikwad this time who cashes in on the width! Arshdeep gets the line wrong and there is not much pace behind it, short and wide on off, Ruturaj Gaikwad frees his arms and keeps the shot along the ground. Hits it to the right of diving backward point fielder for a boundary.
Arshdeep Singh to Ajinkya Rahane, Slows it up and lands it on a good length, outside off, Ajinkya Rahane is through his cut shot early and scuffs it in front of point for a single.
Arshdeep Singh to Ajinkya Rahane, ! Flayed away! Arshdeep errs in line as he offers width and this is short as well, Ajinkya Rahane needs no second invitation as he throws his hands and gets it to the left of deep backward point for a boundary.
Arshdeep Singh to Ruturaj Gaikwad, Tucks the batter up for room does Arshdeep as he bowls it top of middle, on a hard length, Ruturaj Gaikwad steers it wide of short third for a single.
Change?
Sam Curran to Ajinkya Rahane, Swing and a miss! Takes pace off and serves it on a good length, angling away, outside off, Ajinkya Rahane swings through the line again to loft it back over the bowler but connects with thin air. A quiet first over by Sam Curran.
Sam Curran to Ajinkya Rahane, At 129.2 kph, much fuller, on off, Ajinkya Rahane stays still in his crease and swings to go back over the bowler's head. The bat turns in his hand and he fails to get the elevation. Mishits it along the ground back to the bowler.
Sam Curran to Ruturaj Gaikwad, This is on a length, on off, Ruturaj Gaikwad presents a high elbow and punches it square to deep point for a single.
Sam Curran to Ruturaj Gaikwad, Takes pace off does Curran and gets the line wrong, on a back of a length, on the pads, Ruturaj Gaikwad clips it in front of square on the leg side and comes back for the second run.
Sam Curran to Ruturaj Gaikwad, Shaping in a touch, on a back of a length, on off, Ruturaj Gaikwad plays it close to his body as he defends it down the deck.
Sam Curran, the skipper of Punjab brings himself to the attack. He replaces Arshdeep Singh.
Sam Curran to Ruturaj Gaikwad, Beats the bat straight away does the Punjab skipper! Starts with a wobble-seam delivery, full and angling across the batter, outside off, Ruturaj Gaikwad has a feel for the delivery as he gets on the front foot. The ball holds its line and whizzes past the outside edge.
Kagiso Rabada to Ajinkya Rahane, ! Not exactly where he intended but Ajinkya Rahane will take it! Fuller in length and in the corridor of off, Ajinkya Rahane goes for the drive but he plays it away from his body. Gets an outside edge that races along the ground and beats deep backward point to his left for a boundary.
Kagiso Rabada to Ruturaj Gaikwad, On a fullish length and straying on the pads, Ruturaj Gaikwad flicks it off his toes to fine leg for a single.
Kagiso Rabada to Ruturaj Gaikwad, Keeps it on a hard length, outside off, Ruturaj Gaikwad glides it down to short third where he picks out the fielder.
Kagiso Rabada to Ruturaj Gaikwad, No run.
Kagiso Rabada to Ajinkya Rahane, Leg bye.
Kagiso Rabada to Ajinkya Rahane, Length delivery, on off, Ajinkya Rahane angles the bat face and drives it neatly but can't get it past cover-point.
Arshdeep Singh to Ruturaj Gaikwad, ! Clever, very clever! At 134.4 kph, on a back of a length, outside off, the ball does not rise as expected, Ruturaj Gaikwad manages to get underneath it and plays the upper-cut over first slip for a boundary. 50th boundary of this year's Indian T20 League for the Chennai skipper.
Arshdeep Singh to Ajinkya Rahane, Going across the batter, on a hard length, Ajinkya Rahane stays leg side of the ball and steers it down to deep third for one more run.
Arshdeep Singh to Ruturaj Gaikwad, Good hand! Pitches it up in search of swing, on off, Ruturaj Gaikwad gets a good stride in and drives it sweetly towards cover where the fielder dives to his right and parries the ball towards mid off. They cross.
Arshdeep Singh to Ruturaj Gaikwad, ! Relied on timing and got the reward!
Arshdeep Singh to Ruturaj Gaikwad, Beaten! Lands it on a hard length and gets a bit of extra bounce off the surface. Ruturaj Gaikwad pokes at the delivery outside off and he is lucky not to nick this one behind.
Arshdeep Singh to Ruturaj Gaikwad, Oh...that has not bounced at all! Arshdeep comes from over the wicket and angles it across the batter, short of a good length, outside off, Ruturaj Gaikwad shapes up for the cut but the ball keeps low and sneaks under the angled bat of the Chennai skipper. The ball goes on the bounce to the keeper, Jitesh Sharma.
Arshdeep Singh to operate from the other end for Punjab.
Kagiso Rabada to Ruturaj Gaikwad, Drags his length back and keeps the line outside off, Ruturaj Gaikwad gets on the back foot and runs it down to deep third. Keeps the strike with a single. A tidy first over by Rabada.
Kagiso Rabada to Ruturaj Gaikwad, No run.
Kagiso Rabada to Ajinkya Rahane, Continues to hit the deck hard, on off, Ajinkya Rahane rides the bounce well and plays it late to dab it to the left of backward point for one more run.
Kagiso Rabada to Ruturaj Gaikwad, Closer to the off-stump line, on a back of a length, Ruturaj Gaikwad hangs back in his crease and guides it with an open bat face down to deep third. Gets off the mark with a single.
Kagiso Rabada to Ajinkya Rahane, Another one from Rabada that nips back in, on a hard length, Ajinkya Rahane adjusts well this time as he gets on his toes and tucks it behind square on the leg side. Ajinkya Rahane and Chennai are away with a single!
Kagiso Rabada to Ajinkya Rahane, Oh hello! Kagiso Rabada greets Ajinkya Rahane with an absolute snorter! Steams in from over the wicket and digs it in short, at the helmet of the batter, Ajinkya Rahane does not expect the ball to jag back into him and hops back to fend it down. Gets it off the gloves and the ball drops it near his feet.
We are all in readiness for this high-octane clash to begin at Chepauk! The two umpires are already out to the middle. Sam Curran marshals his troops and the players of Punjab take their respective field positions. Ruturaj Gaikwad and Ajinkya Rahane are two openers for Chennai. Kagiso Rabada will open the attack for Punjab. Here we go...
The captain of Chennai, Ruturaj Gaikwad says that they would have bowled first as well. Joking says that looking at his toss record, most of the team members were prepared to bat first. Tells that it is tough to defend here in Chennai with a lot of dew. Adds that the margin of victory against Hyderabad speaks volumes about the improvement in their bowling as compared to the game against Lucknow. Shares that with this being a red soil surface, it is different from what they are used to here. Furt
The skipper of Punjab, Sam Curran says that they will bowl first. He says it's a good surface and is excited to play on the fresh pitch. Adds that it is an amazing stadium with a fantastic crowd. Tells that it is crunch time for them to be brave. Says they take a lot of pride in the way they played the last game and would like to continue with the momentum. Informs they are going with the same side.
Impact players nominated by Punjab - Prabhsimran Singh, Liam Livingstone, Harpreet Singh, Rishi Dhawan and Vidwath Kaverappa.
Punjab (Playing XI) - Sam Curran(C), Jonny Bairstow, Rilee Rossouw, Shashank Singh, Jitesh Sharma(WK), Ashutosh Sharma, Harpreet Brar, Rahul Chahar, Harshal Patel, Kagiso Rabada, Arshdeep Singh.
Impact players nominated by Chennai - Sameer Rizvi, Mukesh Choudhary, Simarjeet Singh, Shaik Rasheed and Prashant Solanki.
Chennai (Playing XI) - Ajinkya Rahane, Ruturaj Gaikwad(C), Daryl Mitchell, Moeen Ali, Shivam Dube, Ravindra Jadeja, MS Dhoni(WK), Deepak Chahar, Shardul Thakur, Richard Gleeson, Mustafizur Rahman.
TOSS - Sam Curran calls 'tails' and tails it is. Punjab have won the toss and they have opted to BOWL first.
Welcome back for the chase.
... THE RUN CHASE ...
Right then, the game is nicely poised at the halfway mark. The first six overs will be crucial for both sides, more importantly for Punjab as they look to use the field restrictions to their advantage. As far as Chennai are concerned, Moeen Ali and Ravindra Jadeja will hold the key as the ball has been gripping in the surface and there is more than enough help to keep them interested. Back in a bit to see how the chase pans out.
Rahul Chahar is up for a flash interview. He says that the ball is holding a bit and he backed himself in the penultimate over. Says that he knew if he bowled at his strengths, he wouldn't get hit. Adds that he didn't try to bowl full to MS Dhoni and executed his plans well. On being asked whether it's his best spell, he says pretty much the best and ends up by saying 160 is not a tough total to chase but they will have to play good cricketing strokes as the ball is gripping well.
Chennai were strangled by spin and given the way their innings meandered during the middle phase, they do seem to have got some momentum back towards the back end of the innings. After being asked to bat first, the two Chennai openers, Ruturaj Gaikwad and Ajinkya Rahane started off cautiously. Once both batters came to terms with the surface, boundaries started to flow and the duo scored 55 runs off the first six overs, the first time this season that Chennai did not lose a wicket in the Power
A run out to end the innings and this has been an excellent bowling effort from Punjab! Having restricted Chennai to 162, they will be happy with where the game stands at the halfway mark. Kagiso Rabada and Sam Curran started well wit the ball but Arshdeep Singh leaked boundaries in the Powerplay. Harpreet Brar and Rahul Chahar changed the complexion of the game completely, weaving a web around the Chennai batters. Brar started it all with twin strikes in a single over and Chahar followed it up
Arshdeep Singh to MS Dhoni, ! RUN OUT! And Dhoni gets out for the first time in this edition!
Arshdeep Singh to MS Dhoni, ! And there she goes into the stands! Big and handsome and Chepauk is echoing to its fullest! Arshdeep Singh continues to bowl a low full toss outside off, MS Dhoni bends low and smashes it well over deep extra covers for a huge maximum.
Arshdeep Singh to MS Dhoni, Short, and on the middle and leg stump line. MS Dhoni swings hard to pull it over but misses.Â
Arshdeep Singh to MS Dhoni, A single denied and Mitchell was really struggling to get back home. A low full toss across off, MS Dhoni plays it over mid off, and loses the grip of his hand. The ball lands safe ahead of the fielder in the deep.
Arshdeep Singh to MS Dhoni, WIDE! Keeps the angle away from the hitting arc of Dhoni and ends up spraying it way outside off. MS Dhoni reaches to it to slash it over the covers and misses. But it's deemed as a Wide.
Arshdeep Singh to MS Dhoni, Swing and a miss! A full toss gone begging to be hit. MS Dhoni swings but just doesn't connect.Â
Arshdeep Singh to MS Dhoni, ! There comes the cracking boundary from MSD! A low full toss away from off, MS Dhoni muscles it though widish mid off and gets a boundary. No chance for the chasing fielder from long off as this has been smashed with sheer brute force.
It will be Arshdeep Singh (3-0-39-1) to bowl the last over.
Arshdeep Singh to MS Dhoni, WIDE! Oops! Sprays it way outside off way beyond the tramline. MS Dhoni leaves it and the Umpire calls it Wide.
Rahul Chahar to MS Dhoni, 1 run.
Rahul Chahar to Daryl Mitchell, Flatter, and quicker outside off, Daryl Mitchell punches it through cover-point for a single.
Daryl Mitchell is the new man in.
Rahul Chahar to Moeen Ali, ! KNOCKED HIM OVER! What a sensational penultimate over this is turning out for Punjab! A gutsy call from Curran to bring Chahar and he does the trick.
Rahul Chahar to MS Dhoni, Quicker on off, and full in length, MS Dhoni works it to the off side for a single.
Rahul Chahar to MS Dhoni, Slower through the air, on a length, down leg, MS Dhoni shuffles across off to ramp it away but misses.
Rahul Chahar to MS Dhoni, Over the wicket, shade full, turning away from off, MS Dhoni rocks back and punches it to cover.
A big call from Sam Curran to hand Rahul Chahar (3-0-13-1) the ball for the penultimate over.
Arshdeep Singh to MS Dhoni, Wide full toss outside off, MS Dhoni drives it through cover-point for a single and retains his strike for the next over. A wicket but 15 runs off this over as well.
The decibel levels have gone up at the Chepauk, and yeah, you guessed it right, MS Dhoni is making his way out to the centre now.
Arshdeep Singh to Ruturaj Gaikwad, ! BOWLED'EM! Excellent delivery to send the Chennai skipper into the hut! Cannons a toe-crushing yorker right on the middle and leg stump line, Ruturaj Gaikwad shuffles across the leg stump line to squeeze it out to the off side but he ends up giving himself too much room and fails to connect. The ball bamboozles the stumps in the blink of an eye. But an excellent captain's knock from Gaikwad. He departs on 62.
Arshdeep Singh to Ruturaj Gaikwad, WIDE! Follows the batter does Arshdeep and bangs it short way above the batter's head. Ruturaj Gaikwad who is already down the leg stump line leaves it. Wided.
Arshdeep Singh to Moeen Ali, WIDE! Outside the tramline on a fuller length. Wide given. Jitesh Sharma asks Sam Curran to challenge the decision as he believes it is not a Wide. The TV Umpire confirms that Moeen Ali is standing in his normal position and the ball is passing outside the tramline. Punjab burn both their reviews now.
Arshdeep Singh to Moeen Ali, Fuller in length, on off, Moeen Ali slices it over cover-point for a single on one bounce.
Arshdeep Singh to Moeen Ali, ! Salt on the wounds! Overpitches this time on the middle, Moeen Ali again makes room for himself by clearing the front foot and swings it hard over mid on for a cracking boundary.Â
Arshdeep Singh to Moeen Ali, Yorker on off Moeen Ali digs it back to the bowler.
A halt in play as the physio comes out to attend to Ruturaj Gaikwad, who is experiencing some discomfort with his right thumb. Also, the fourth umpire is out with the box of balls, as the current one seems to have lost its shape. We are all good to go now. Arshdeep Singh comes back into the attack. He has been expensive so far, going for 24 runs in his two overs. Can he redeem himself here?
Arshdeep Singh to Moeen Ali, AND ! Would you believe it?
Arshdeep Singh to Moeen Ali, WIDE! Slow, short and above the batter's head. Moeen Ali aborts from the shot. Wided.
Sam Curran to Ruturaj Gaikwad, ! Up, and into the stands! He's getting into the groove now! Bangs it short in length, and keeps the line on the middle and leg stump, Ruturaj Gaikwad swivels and pulls it well over deep mid-wicket for a huge maximum. 20 runs off this over but Chennai need more of these for a stronger finish.
Sam Curran to Ruturaj Gaikwad, Full, angling away from off on a fuller length, Ruturaj Gaikwad goes for a front foot drive through covers but gets a thickish outside edge to backward point. No run.
Sam Curran to Moeen Ali, Angles it on the leg stump line and keeps the length short, Moeen Ali pulls it along the carpet towards deep backward square leg for a single.
Sam Curran to Ruturaj Gaikwad, ! The first six of the evening and Ruturaj Gaikwad gets to another half-century. Short in length, across off, Ruturaj Gaikwad stays deep in the crease and smokes it up and handsome behind long on for a maximum.
Sam Curran to Ruturaj Gaikwad, Short, outside off with pace off, Ruturaj Gaikwad hops back and works it down to long on for a single.
Sam Curran to Ruturaj Gaikwad, ! A loosener from Curran. A high full toss outside off, Ruturaj Gaikwad waits and cuts it over point for a boundary. Uh, oh! The Umpire has called it a No Ball and Sam Curran has challenged the decision. The side-on replay with the ball trajectory shows that the ball is clearly above the waist height and it is calculated as a No Ball and Punjab burn a review here. Free Hit to follow.
Sam Curran to Moeen Ali, On the middle and leg, full in length, Moeen Ali flicks it to deep mid-wicket for a single.
Kagiso Rabada to Moeen Ali, Aims a yorker on the middle, Moeen Ali squeezes it out to deep mid-wicket for a single. An excellent spell from Kagiso Rabada comes to an end.
Kagiso Rabada to Ruturaj Gaikwad, On the top of off, on a hard length, Ruturaj Gaikwad arches back and cuts it past the point region for a single.
Kagiso Rabada to Moeen Ali, Short again, outside the off-stump line, Moeen Ali stands tall and punches it to point for a single.
Kagiso Rabada to Moeen Ali, Wide!
Moeen Ali walks in at number 6.
Kagiso Rabada to Sameer Rizvi, ! c Harshal Patel b Kagiso Rabada.
Kagiso Rabada to Sameer Rizvi, ! A boundary off the bat for Chennai after 55 deliveries! Way outside off, on a short length, Sameer Rizvi shuffles to the off stump to cut it away but he gets a thickish inside edge that guns down to deep third for a boundary.
Kagiso Rabada to Ruturaj Gaikwad, Bangs it short, on off, Ruturaj Gaikwad pulls it with no real timing towards long on for just another single.
Kagiso Rabada to continue.
Harshal Patel to Ruturaj Gaikwad, Good-length delivery, around off from over the wicket, Ruturaj Gaikwad drives it on the up in front of mid off and keeps the strike with a single. A much-needed productive over for Chennai, 12 runs off it.
Harshal Patel to Sameer Rizvi, Slower and on a short of a length, wide on off, Sameer Rizvi is made to reach out and ends up chopping it along the ground in front of point for a run.
Harshal Patel to Ruturaj Gaikwad, The call is for 'two' and they get it! Slower and on a back of a length, on off, Ruturaj Gaikwad pats it in front of deep backward point and comes charging back for the second run. 100 comes up for Chennai.
Harshal Patel to Ruturaj Gaikwad, Slips it on a fullish length, at the toes, Ruturaj Gaikwad clips it through square leg for one more run.
Harshal Patel to Sameer Rizvi, Takes pace off a touch and lands it on a length, on off and middle, Sameer Rizvi looks to hit through the line but fails to get the timing right once again. The batters cross as the ball rolls to long on for one.
Harshal Patel to Ruturaj Gaikwad, 1 run.
Harshal Patel to Ruturaj Gaikwad, FIVE WIDES! Wayward start by Harshal Patel! Chennai get a boundary finally after 8 overs. Harshal comes from over the wicket and loses his radar as this is full and way down leg. Jitesh Sharma dives to his left but cannot get on the end of it and it races away for a boundary.
Harshal Patel has been introduced into the attack now.
Kagiso Rabada to Sameer Rizvi, Big swing and a miss!
Kagiso Rabada to Ruturaj Gaikwad, Nails the yorker, on middle, Ruturaj Gaikwad gets his bat down and digs it out to mid on for a single.
Kagiso Rabada to Ruturaj Gaikwad, Tucks the batter up for room, at 136 kph, on middle, on a back of a length, Ruturaj Gaikwad pats it off the back foot to backward point.
Kagiso Rabada to Sameer Rizvi, Lands it on a back of a length, on middle, Sameer Rizvi shapes up again to go big on the leg side. Fails to get the timing correct on this one and scuffs the shot to deep mid-wicket for one.
Kagiso Rabada to Sameer Rizvi, Hits the deck hard again, on middle, Sameer Rizvi goes deep in his crease and looks to lift it over mid-wicket inside the circle. Gets this one high on the bat but it is enough to clear the back tracking Harpreet Brar and collects a couple of runs.
Kagiso Rabada to Ruturaj Gaikwad, Angling in, on a hard length, at the hips, Ruturaj Gaikwad tucks it to deep backward square leg and he will have to be content with just a single.
Strategic Break! Well, the spin duo of Punjab, Harpreet Brar and Rahul Chahar have stemmed the flow of runs and have completely dominated the mid-overs phase by taking three big wickets in quick intervals. The ball is evidently gripping and getting a good purchase off the deck that has pushed Chennai on the back foot. It's been 42 balls since the last boundary and that tells you a story of how difficult it has gotten to score runs. Ruturaj Gaikwad, the skipper is fighting a lone battle here a
Harpreet Brar to Ruturaj Gaikwad, Short and on the off-stump line, Ruturaj Gaikwad dabs it right under his eye line in front of point and retains the strike with a single.
Harpreet Brar to Sameer Rizvi, In the air...but it lands safely! Short and on middle, Sameer Rizvi goes back in his crease but fails to get the pull shot away in a fashion he would have liked. Mistimes it in the air but luckily for him, the ball lands to the left of Rilee Rossouw at deep mid-wicket for one.
Harpreet Brar to Ruturaj Gaikwad, Full and sliding on with the arm, on middle and leg, Ruturaj Gaikwad gets forward to defend with a straight bat. Gets an inside edge that rolls behind square on the leg side for one.
Harpreet Brar to Sameer Rizvi, Slower through the air, on a length, on the pads, Sameer Rizvi reaches out in front and sweeps it to deep backward square leg for a single.
Harpreet Brar to Sameer Rizvi, At 89.3 kph, short and on off, Sameer Rizvi gets on the back foot and pats it towards cover.
Harpreet Brar to Sameer Rizvi, Sliding on with the angle, short and at the pads, Sameer Rizvi misses the clip and gets hit high on the thigh pad.
Rahul Chahar to Sameer Rizvi, Continues to give the ball air, full and at the stumps, Sameer Rizvi smothers the spin and tucks it wide of long on for a single to keep the strike.
Rahul Chahar to Sameer Rizvi, Just in! Dishes out the googly, short and on middle, Sameer Rizvi hangs back and picks the googly to whip it to the right of long on. He decides to come back for the second run and has to put in the dive to make his ground at the batting end. Jitesh Sharma collects the throw from the deep and takes the bails off but the replays show that Rizvi was in by then and the dive saved the batter.
Is that out?
Rahul Chahar to Ruturaj Gaikwad, Skidding through, short and on middle, Ruturaj Gaikwad hurriedly pulls it through square leg for a single.
Rahul Chahar to Sameer Rizvi, Floats it up, full and on off, Sameer Rizvi gets on the front foot and drives it with a straight bat to long off for one more run.
Rahul Chahar to Sameer Rizvi, There's that extra bounce! Short and outside off, Sameer Rizvi shapes up to glide it wide of short third but misses out due to the extra bounce on offer.
Rahul Chahar to Sameer Rizvi, No run.
Harpreet Brar to Sameer Rizvi, 1 run.
Harpreet Brar to Sameer Rizvi, Tosses it up, full and on off, Sameer Rizvi presses forward and knocks it straight to cover.
Harpreet Brar to Sameer Rizvi, Coming in with the arm, short and on off, Sameer Rizvi hangs back and stabs it down on the off side.
Harpreet Brar to Sameer Rizvi, That almost carried to the man at cover!
Harpreet Brar to Sameer Rizvi, Excellent fielding! Fires it in, full and outside off, Sameer Rizvi looks to punch it through the off side. Gets an outside edge towards backward point where Rahul Chahar dives to his left to make the stop.
Harpreet Brar to Sameer Rizvi, Pushes it through, full and on off, Sameer Rizvi does not move his feet much and knocks it to the left of long off for a couple of runs.
Rahul Chahar to Sameer Rizvi, Drags his length, keeps the line on off, Sameer Rizvi tucks it to square leg for a quick single to get off the mark. The runs have dried up and boundaries are hard to come by. Another successful and an economical over for Punjab.
Ajinkya Rahane has been subbed off by Chennai. The Impact Player, Sameer Rizvi comes out to bat now.
Rahul Chahar to Ravindra Jadeja, ! A confident appeal for LBW and again, the Umpire raises his finger! Ravindra Jadeja first walks away but then Ruturaj Gaikwad convinces him to challenge the decision!Â
Rahul Chahar to Ruturaj Gaikwad, Flighed-delivery on the middle stump line, Ruturaj Gaikwad plays it closer to the body and guides it to point for a quick single.
Rahul Chahar to Ravindra Jadeja, Flatter, shorter and outside off, Ravindra Jadeja cuts it off the back foot towards deep extra cover for a single.
Rahul Chahar to Ruturaj Gaikwad, On off, on a length, Ruturaj Gaikwad stays tall and tucks it to long on for one.
Rahul Chahar to Ruturaj Gaikwad, No run.
Harpreet Brar to Ravindra Jadeja, Short, quick and on the middle, Ravindra Jadeja tucks it to mid-wicket off the back foot. A successful over for Brar and Punjab. Two big wickets from this one.
Harpreet Brar to Ruturaj Gaikwad, Slower, on the fuller length, and on the middle and leg, Ruturaj Gaikwad drives it to long on for a single.
Harpreet Brar to Shivam Dube, ! LBW! A huge appeal for LBW and up goes the finger! But Shivam Dube has straightaway reviewed it. Brar continues to come from around the wicket and drops it on the leg stump line, and gets it to turn into the batter as well on a fuller length. Dube gets down on his knee to slog it over the leg side but he plays over the wrong line and then pings his pad. UltraEdge shows no bat is involved and the Ball Tracker confirms the ball is pitching inside the stump
Harpreet Brar to Ravindra Jadeja, Across off, full in length, Ravindra Jadeja drags it to long on along the ground for a single.
Ravindra Jadeja walks out to the middle.
Harpreet Brar to Shivam Dube, WIDE! Darted down leg, on a length. Wide given.
Shivam Dube is in at number 3.
Harpreet Brar to Ajinkya Rahane, ! c Rilee Rossouw b Harpreet Brar.
Harpreet Brar to Ajinkya Rahane, Around the wicket, on off, Ajinkya Rahane punches it to covers.
Rahul Chahar to Ajinkya Rahane, Looped up on the fuller length, on off, Ajinkya Rahane gets forward and drives it inside out to long off for another single. So two tidy overs from the spinners. Just 4 from this one.
Rahul Chahar to Ajinkya Rahane, Short, on the top of the middle and leg, Ajinkya Rahane cuts it straight to the point fielder.
Rahul Chahar to Ruturaj Gaikwad, Goes shorter and on the top of the middle, Ruturaj Gaikwad pulls it off the back foot to deep mid-wicket for one.
Rahul Chahar to Ajinkya Rahane, Pitches it way fuller and on the middle and leg stump line, Ajinkya Rahane drives it down the ground to the left of long on for a single.
Strategic break! Chennai will be delighted with this start. For the first time this season, they have not lost a wicket in the Powerplay, and Ajinkya Rahane and Ruturaj Gaikwad are going along nicely in building a platform. Punjab started well with the ball, but they took a beating in the last two overs of the Powerplay. The visitors will need wickets in the middle phase, and they will bank on their spin duo of Harpreet Brar and Rahul Chahar to do the job for them. As expected, Chahar will bo
Rahul Chahar to Ruturaj Gaikwad, Around off on a length, Ruturaj Gaikwad punches it off the back foot through covers for an easy single.
Rahul Chahar to Ruturaj Gaikwad, Slides it outside off and lands it fuller, Ruturaj Gaikwad cuts it but couldn't get it past point.
Harpreet Brar to Ruturaj Gaikwad, 1 run.
Harpreet Brar to Ajinkya Rahane, Short in length, drifts it on the pads, Ajinkya Rahane gets on the back foot and glances it to deep square leg for a singe.
Harpreet Brar to Ruturaj Gaikwad, A bit quicker and turns away from off, on a length, Ruturaj Gaikwad cuts it well through point for a single.
Harpreet Brar to Ajinkya Rahane, Drags his length a bit on middle, Ajinkya Rahane tucks it through mid-wicket for a single.
Harpreet Brar to Ajinkya Rahane, Brings the angle into the batter, drifts it on the leg stump line on a length, Ajinkya Rahane flicks it to short fine.
Harpreet Brar to Ruturaj Gaikwad, Tossed up on off, full in length, Ruturaj Gaikwad gets ahead, eases it to covers for a single.
First look at spin on this fresh surface as Harpreet Brar comes on to bowl.
Sam Curran to Ajinkya Rahane, ! Elegance, pure elegance! On the top of off, keeps the length hard, Ajinkya Rahane cuts it well through point for another boundary. Just the kind of Powerplay Chennai was wishing for! End of the first six and they are cruising now at 55/0.
Sam Curran to Ajinkya Rahane, ! Oh, that's terrific timing and what a way to bring up the 50 for his team!
Sam Curran to Ajinkya Rahane, LEG BYES! Gets some inward movement on this one, and lands it outside leg on a length, Ajinkya Rahane misses to flick and the ball brushes off his pads before racing away to the deep fine leg fence.
Sam Curran to Ajinkya Rahane, ! One bounce and a boundary! Same length, on middle and off, Ajinkya Rahane is inside his crease and pulls it over mid-wicket for a boundary. The ball lands just a few meters before the ropes.
Sam Curran to Ruturaj Gaikwad, Almost a half-tracker on the middle and leg, Ruturaj Gaikwad walks down a couple of steps and pats it to the right of mid on and steals a quick single.
Sam Curran to Ajinkya Rahane, On the back of a length, on top of middle, Ajinkya Rahane gets off the back foot and turns it to deep square leg for a single.
Sam Curran (1-0-3-0) to continue.
Arshdeep Singh to Ruturaj Gaikwad, Four!
Arshdeep Singh to Ruturaj Gaikwad, Half a shout for LBW but that hooped back in a long way and would have gone down leg!
Arshdeep Singh to Ruturaj Gaikwad, ! It is Ruturaj Gaikwad this time who cashes in on the width! Arshdeep gets the line wrong and there is not much pace behind it, short and wide on off, Ruturaj Gaikwad frees his arms and keeps the shot along the ground. Hits it to the right of diving backward point fielder for a boundary.
Arshdeep Singh to Ajinkya Rahane, Slows it up and lands it on a good length, outside off, Ajinkya Rahane is through his cut shot early and scuffs it in front of point for a single.
Arshdeep Singh to Ajinkya Rahane, ! Flayed away! Arshdeep errs in line as he offers width and this is short as well, Ajinkya Rahane needs no second invitation as he throws his hands and gets it to the left of deep backward point for a boundary.
Arshdeep Singh to Ruturaj Gaikwad, Tucks the batter up for room does Arshdeep as he bowls it top of middle, on a hard length, Ruturaj Gaikwad steers it wide of short third for a single.
Change?
Sam Curran to Ajinkya Rahane, Swing and a miss! Takes pace off and serves it on a good length, angling away, outside off, Ajinkya Rahane swings through the line again to loft it back over the bowler but connects with thin air. A quiet first over by Sam Curran.
Sam Curran to Ajinkya Rahane, At 129.2 kph, much fuller, on off, Ajinkya Rahane stays still in his crease and swings to go back over the bowler's head. The bat turns in his hand and he fails to get the elevation. Mishits it along the ground back to the bowler.
Sam Curran to Ruturaj Gaikwad, This is on a length, on off, Ruturaj Gaikwad presents a high elbow and punches it square to deep point for a single.
Sam Curran to Ruturaj Gaikwad, Takes pace off does Curran and gets the line wrong, on a back of a length, on the pads, Ruturaj Gaikwad clips it in front of square on the leg side and comes back for the second run.
Sam Curran to Ruturaj Gaikwad, Shaping in a touch, on a back of a length, on off, Ruturaj Gaikwad plays it close to his body as he defends it down the deck.
Sam Curran, the skipper of Punjab brings himself to the attack. He replaces Arshdeep Singh.
Sam Curran to Ruturaj Gaikwad, Beats the bat straight away does the Punjab skipper! Starts with a wobble-seam delivery, full and angling across the batter, outside off, Ruturaj Gaikwad has a feel for the delivery as he gets on the front foot. The ball holds its line and whizzes past the outside edge.
Kagiso Rabada to Ajinkya Rahane, ! Not exactly where he intended but Ajinkya Rahane will take it! Fuller in length and in the corridor of off, Ajinkya Rahane goes for the drive but he plays it away from his body. Gets an outside edge that races along the ground and beats deep backward point to his left for a boundary.
Kagiso Rabada to Ruturaj Gaikwad, On a fullish length and straying on the pads, Ruturaj Gaikwad flicks it off his toes to fine leg for a single.
Kagiso Rabada to Ruturaj Gaikwad, Keeps it on a hard length, outside off, Ruturaj Gaikwad glides it down to short third where he picks out the fielder.
Kagiso Rabada to Ruturaj Gaikwad, No run.
Kagiso Rabada to Ajinkya Rahane, Leg bye.
Kagiso Rabada to Ajinkya Rahane, Length delivery, on off, Ajinkya Rahane angles the bat face and drives it neatly but can't get it past cover-point.
Arshdeep Singh to Ruturaj Gaikwad, ! Clever, very clever! At 134.4 kph, on a back of a length, outside off, the ball does not rise as expected, Ruturaj Gaikwad manages to get underneath it and plays the upper-cut over first slip for a boundary. 50th boundary of this year's Indian T20 League for the Chennai skipper.
Arshdeep Singh to Ajinkya Rahane, Going across the batter, on a hard length, Ajinkya Rahane stays leg side of the ball and steers it down to deep third for one more run.
Arshdeep Singh to Ruturaj Gaikwad, Good hand! Pitches it up in search of swing, on off, Ruturaj Gaikwad gets a good stride in and drives it sweetly towards cover where the fielder dives to his right and parries the ball towards mid off. They cross.
Arshdeep Singh to Ruturaj Gaikwad, ! Relied on timing and got the reward!
Arshdeep Singh to Ruturaj Gaikwad, Beaten! Lands it on a hard length and gets a bit of extra bounce off the surface. Ruturaj Gaikwad pokes at the delivery outside off and he is lucky not to nick this one behind.
Arshdeep Singh to Ruturaj Gaikwad, Oh...that has not bounced at all! Arshdeep comes from over the wicket and angles it across the batter, short of a good length, outside off, Ruturaj Gaikwad shapes up for the cut but the ball keeps low and sneaks under the angled bat of the Chennai skipper. The ball goes on the bounce to the keeper, Jitesh Sharma.
Arshdeep Singh to operate from the other end for Punjab.
Kagiso Rabada to Ruturaj Gaikwad, Drags his length back and keeps the line outside off, Ruturaj Gaikwad gets on the back foot and runs it down to deep third. Keeps the strike with a single. A tidy first over by Rabada.
Kagiso Rabada to Ruturaj Gaikwad, No run.
Kagiso Rabada to Ajinkya Rahane, Continues to hit the deck hard, on off, Ajinkya Rahane rides the bounce well and plays it late to dab it to the left of backward point for one more run.
Kagiso Rabada to Ruturaj Gaikwad, Closer to the off-stump line, on a back of a length, Ruturaj Gaikwad hangs back in his crease and guides it with an open bat face down to deep third. Gets off the mark with a single.
Kagiso Rabada to Ajinkya Rahane, Another one from Rabada that nips back in, on a hard length, Ajinkya Rahane adjusts well this time as he gets on his toes and tucks it behind square on the leg side. Ajinkya Rahane and Chennai are away with a single!
Kagiso Rabada to Ajinkya Rahane, Oh hello! Kagiso Rabada greets Ajinkya Rahane with an absolute snorter! Steams in from over the wicket and digs it in short, at the helmet of the batter, Ajinkya Rahane does not expect the ball to jag back into him and hops back to fend it down. Gets it off the gloves and the ball drops it near his feet.
We are all in readiness for this high-octane clash to begin at Chepauk! The two umpires are already out to the middle. Sam Curran marshals his troops and the players of Punjab take their respective field positions. Ruturaj Gaikwad and Ajinkya Rahane are two openers for Chennai. Kagiso Rabada will open the attack for Punjab. Here we go...
The captain of Chennai, Ruturaj Gaikwad says that they would have bowled first as well. Joking says that looking at his toss record, most of the team members were prepared to bat first. Tells that it is tough to defend here in Chennai with a lot of dew. Adds that the margin of victory against Hyderabad speaks volumes about the improvement in their bowling as compared to the game against Lucknow. Shares that with this being a red soil surface, it is different from what they are used to here. Furt
The skipper of Punjab, Sam Curran says that they will bowl first. He says it's a good surface and is excited to play on the fresh pitch. Adds that it is an amazing stadium with a fantastic crowd. Tells that it is crunch time for them to be brave. Says they take a lot of pride in the way they played the last game and would like to continue with the momentum. Informs they are going with the same side.
Impact players nominated by Punjab - Prabhsimran Singh, Liam Livingstone, Harpreet Singh, Rishi Dhawan and Vidwath Kaverappa.
Punjab (Playing XI) - Sam Curran(C), Jonny Bairstow, Rilee Rossouw, Shashank Singh, Jitesh Sharma(WK), Ashutosh Sharma, Harpreet Brar, Rahul Chahar, Harshal Patel, Kagiso Rabada, Arshdeep Singh.
Impact players nominated by Chennai - Sameer Rizvi, Mukesh Choudhary, Simarjeet Singh, Shaik Rasheed and Prashant Solanki.
Chennai (Playing XI) - Ajinkya Rahane, Ruturaj Gaikwad(C), Daryl Mitchell, Moeen Ali, Shivam Dube, Ravindra Jadeja, MS Dhoni(WK), Deepak Chahar, Shardul Thakur, Richard Gleeson, Mustafizur Rahman.
TOSS - Sam Curran calls 'tails' and tails it is. Punjab have won the toss and they have opted to BOWL first.