It will be fascinating to see if Punjab Kings' bowlers can defend the total of 157. While they have the bowling firepower to pull off a successful defense, RCB's batting unit is in top form. The outcome is uncertain, and fans can expect an exciting chase. Stay tuned for the thrilling conclusion.
Krunal Pandya of RCB is up for a chat. He says it was a pretty good effort with the ball. Says earlier the batters scored quicly by playing some good shots. Adds they needed wickets, and tells that from that situation, restricting Punjab Kings to 157 was something really great. Highlights that it was not easy for them to score when they were bowling pace-off deliveries. Also admits that they will have to bat really well regardless of whatever total they have to chase. Tells they need to play se
RCB's bowling was excellent, with Krunal Pandya and Suyash Sharma standing out, each picking up a couple of wickets. Romario Shepherd also chipped in with a wicket. Notably, RCB's bowlers delivered a remarkable performance in the last 5 overs, conceding just 38 runs, which was a great effort considering the hitting ability of Marco Jansen and Shashank Singh.
However, the momentum was lost as the middle order struggled to build on the strong foundation. Regular wickets fell, and only Josh Inglis managed to put up a fight and score at a SR of around 170. A crucial 43-run partnership between Shashank Singh and Marco Jansen helped PBKS recover and post a competitive total.
Punjab Kings have posted 157Â runs in 20 overs after being asked to bat first. They got off to a flying start, scoring 62 runs in the Powerplay for the loss of one wicket, with the openers scoring 41 runs in the first four overs.Â
Josh Hazlewood to Marco Jansen, ! Marco Jansen does get one away and gives Punjab some momentum heading into the break.
Josh Hazlewood to Shashank Singh, Nails the full and straight delivery again and Shashank can only manage to dig it along the turf and down to long on for one more.
Josh Hazlewood to Shashank Singh, Top notch from Josh!
Josh Hazlewood to Marco Jansen, This is outstanding death bowling! Full and quick, tailing back into the base of the leg stump, Jansen backs away but has to just jam it out to the leg side for a single.
Josh Hazlewood to Shashank Singh, Full and straight, that one tailed in late, Shashank Singh hangs deep and drills it down to long on for only one more.
Josh Hazlewood (3-0-29-0) to wrap the first innings. Can Punjab Kings get past the 160-run mark?
Josh Hazlewood to Marco Jansen, Dug in short this time and right at the batter, Marco Jansen pulls it without much timing and just over backward square leg for a single.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Shashank Singh, PUT DOWN! Oh, it would be a perfect end for Bhuvneshwar Kumar but Shashank Singh survives here. Full and wide, Singh looks to shuffle across and get inside the line but adjusts late and plays it off the face of the blade wide of short third. Yash Dayal dives across but cannot hold on, and they get a couple of runs.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Marco Jansen, This is just perfection here from Bhuvi!
Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Shashank Singh, Sees the batter advancing and still, Bhuvneshwar Kumar manages to get the yorker spot-on. Singh can only squeeze it towards cover for a single.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Marco Jansen, A length ball now, slower and angled into the legs, Jansen looks to swing across the line but gets an inside edge past leg stump. The keeper, Jitesh Sharma, dives to his left and gets a glove on it as the batters pick up another single.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Shashank Singh, Another yorker nailed, this time again on off stump, Shashank Singh hangs very deep but only manages to jam it off the toe end of the bat to the leg side for a single.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Marco Jansen, This is great bowling from RCB! Bhuvi nails the yorker at the base of off stump. Jansen manages to get a bit of bat on it and sets up for the single. Bhuvi though misses the shy at the bowler's end.
Josh Hazlewood to Shashank Singh, Full and angled in at the toes, Shashank Singh manages to take the front leg out and jams it wide of short fine leg for a couple of runs.
Josh Hazlewood to Shashank Singh, Changes the line now and nails the wide yorker, Shashank Singh is unable to reach it and it will be a dot ball for RCB.
Josh Hazlewood to Marco Jansen, The boundaries just aren't flowing for Punjab! Very full again, tailing back into the pads, Jansen gets it off the inside edge of the bat and down to fine leg for a single.
Josh Hazlewood to Shashank Singh, Full and straight, erring on the fuller side but gets it to tail back in, Singh flicks it away to deep square leg for just a single.
Josh Hazlewood to Marco Jansen, 1 run.
Josh Hazlewood to Shashank Singh, Excellent delivery! Spears in a straight yorker does Hazlewood and gets it to tail back in late, Shashank Singh jams it back onto the deck and scampers through for a single.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Marco Jansen, A review taken for caught behind, but more in hope than anything else! Good-length delivery from Kumar, outside the line of off, Marco Jansen shuffles right across and looks to lap it away but misses. The ball goes straight into the clutches of the keeper. The review is taken, but UltraEdge confirms that there was no bat involved.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Shashank Singh, A low full toss this time around on off stump, Shashank Singh loses his shape a bit and swats it to deep mid-wicket for another single.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Marco Jansen, Full and straight, gets the yorker spot-on, Jansen digs it out wide of mid on for just a single.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Marco Jansen, Wide! Full again but angled down the leg side for a wide.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Shashank Singh, 1 run.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Marco Jansen, Hard length in and around off stump, Jansen stands tall and checks the lofted shot, hitting it on the bounce to long off for a single.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Marco Jansen, Pace-off from Bhuvi, bowled on a good length in the channel. Jansen comes forward and looks to block but is beaten past the outside edge.
Time for the final strategic break of the PBKS inning. Punjab Kings are at a critical juncture, having lost their way after a strong start. Their immediate goal will be to bat out the 20 overs and aim for a total around 180-190, which would give their bowlers a good chance to defend. With their bowling unit riding high on confidence after a brilliant show in the last game, RCB will look to take the remaining wickets quickly and restrict PBKS to as low a score as possible. Can PBKS make the most
Suyash Sharma to Marco Jansen, Half an appeal for LBW but turned down. Fired in quick and full, outside off, Marco Jansen leans across to paddle it away but gets an inside edge onto the pads as the ball rolls to the off side. They pick up a single as well.
Suyash Sharma to Marco Jansen, ! Clean strike! Tossed up at the stumps, Marco Jansen steps out and just swings through the line, easily powering it into the sighscreen for a biggie.
Suyash Sharma to Shashank Singh, Dropped short and around off, Singh presses back and pushes it down to long on for a single.
Suyash Sharma to Shashank Singh, Quicker delivery, short and wide, Shashank Singh looks to cut but is beaten past the outside edge. That one kept a tad low as well.
Suyash Sharma to Marco Jansen, Flighted ball around middle, Jansen gets forward and flicks it away through wide mid on and turns the strike over.
Suyash Sharma to Shashank Singh, Darted in on a fullish length on middle and leg, Shashank Singh leans on and clips it firmly through mid-wickt for a run.
Yash Dayal to Shashank Singh, Slower one, a touch fuller and angling across off, Singh leans on and just nudges it away wide of short third for another single.
Yash Dayal to Marco Jansen, Bowled on a good length and outside off, Jansen punches it off the front foot and past the diving fielder at covers for a couple of runs now.
Yash Dayal to Marco Jansen, 1 run.
Yash Dayal to Marco Jansen, Excellent fielding yet again! Keeps the length full and bowls it straight, Jansen flicks it across but the fielder at short mid-wicket makes a sharp stop to his right.
Yash Dayal to Marco Jansen, Full and around off, Marco Jansen with a lovely drive but straight to mid off. Jansen takes a step ahead as Shashank Singh responds before he is quickly sent back. Virat Kohli with a shy at the bowler's end as Singh scampers back.
Yash Dayal (1-0-17-0) replaces Krunal Pandya in the attack.Â
Yash Dayal to Shashank Singh, Pitched up on the leg stump line, Shashank Singh wrists it away to deep mid-wicket for a run.
Suyash Sharma to Marco Jansen, A touch slower and on a length on off, this one holds in the pitch but Jansen manages to block it off.
Marco Jansen walks out next to bat. Punjab finds themselves in deep trouble as they have lost 6 for just 114 and they still have 6.1 overs to play.Â
Suyash Sharma to Marcus Stoinis, ! TIMBER! Suyash Sharma goes bang-bang and Punjab Kings are in deep trouble here.
Suyash Sharma to Shashank Singh, Quick and a bit short around off, Singh taps it away past point and turns the strike over.
Suyash Sharma to Marcus Stoinis, 1 run.
The Hulk, Marcus Stoinis, walks out next to bat for PBKS.
Suyash Sharma to Josh Inglis, ! CLEANED HIM UP!
Suyash Sharma to Shashank Singh, Quick and short around off, Shashank Singh stays back and punches it across to long on for a single.
Krunal Pandya to Shashank Singh, Fuller and just outside off, Shashank Singh drives with the spin and through cover for a single.
Krunal Pandya to Shashank Singh, An excellent piece of athleticism from Phil Salt in the deep!
Krunal Pandya to Josh Inglis, Too full, and quick, on off, Josh Inglis carves it through cover for a single.
Krunal Pandya to Josh Inglis, ! Gets just enough on it! Josh Inglis trying to accelerate now! An in-drifter from Krunal, fuller and on leg, Josh Inglis skips forward and lofts it over long on for a six. Not quite from the middle of the bat, but still enough to sail it through over the ropes.
Krunal Pandya to Shashank Singh, On a length, on middle, and off, Shashank Singh heaves it wide of long on for a single.
Krunal Pandya to Shashank Singh, Pitched fuller, around off, Shashank Singh taps his front foot out and drives it to the cover fielder.
Romario Shepherd to Josh Inglis, ! Now, that is audacious from the Aussie! Romario Shepherd goes for a yorker, aiming the stumps, Josh Inglis switches his stance, takes the ball on the full, and reverse ramps it over short third for a boundary. The 100 comes up for Punjab Kings!
Romario Shepherd to Shashank Singh, Short of a good length, on the stumps, at 135.3 kph, Shashank Singh tilts forward and clips it to deep mid-wicket for another single.
Romario Shepherd to Josh Inglis, An off cutter, on a length, on top of off, Josh Inglis heaves it wide of long on for a single.
Romario Shepherd to Josh Inglis, Speared fuller, on middle and leg, Josh Inglis flicks it all along the ground to deep mid-wicket region. Since it is that big pocket of the ground, the batters complete the second run quickly.
Romario Shepherd to Josh Inglis, ! Nicely done!
Romario Shepherd to Shashank Singh, Cannons it on middle and leg, full in length, Shashank Singh flicks across to the right of long on for a single.
Suyash Sharma to Shashank Singh, Flatter and shorter on off, Shashank Singh stands tall and punches wide of long off for a single to end the over.
Suyash Sharma to Josh Inglis, On middle, on a length, Josh Inglis gets a bit across and tucks it to deep mid-wicket for a single.
Suyash Sharma to Shashank Singh, Fuller and flatter, on off, Shashank Singh leans and eases it to the cover region. Only a single.
Suyash Sharma to Shashank Singh, Now, that is some sort of a response from Suyash! He bowls a googly, on a length. It lands and turns in sharply. Shashank Singh is totally undone by the wrong'un as he rocks back and looks to punch. Gets beaten on the inside edge.
Suyash Sharma to Shashank Singh, ! A boundary after a long, long time for PBKS!Â
Suyash Sharma to Josh Inglis, Pitched fuller, on middle, Inglis skips forward and clips it to deep mid-wicket for a single.
Krunal Pandya to Shashank Singh, Following the batter, drifting on the leg stump line. Shashank Singh shuffles outside leg but can only block to the right of the bowler. He sniffs a single, and runs a few steps forward, but Krunal Pandya shows excellent game awareness. Dives to his right and stops the ball, forcing Shashank to retreat back quickly. At the halfway mark, Punjab Kings are 79/4.
Krunal Pandya to Shashank Singh, At 97.8 kph, a bit quicker and fuller, on the stumps, flicked straight to mid-wicket.
Krunal Pandya to Shashank Singh, Slower through the air, fuller and on middle, Shashank Singh takes a huge stride forward and blocks it under his bat.
Krunal Pandya to Josh Inglis, Shortish, outside off, Josh Inglis hangs back and punches it through cover for a single.
Krunal Pandya to Shashank Singh, In-drifter on middle and leg, full in length, Shashank Singh drives it along the ground to long off for a single.
Krunal Pandya to Josh Inglis, Shortish on middle and leg, flicked through mid-wicket for a single.
Strategic Break! Wow, Punjab Kings losing wickets in a bunch here and they are already 4 down for 76 runs. The Powerplay turned out to be a positive one for PBKS but RCB seem to have made a comeback and are now on top of proceedings as well. Can Punjab fight back in the middle phase and set up a big finish? Or will RCB continue to pick up wickets? Let's find out. Also, Shashank Singh walks out to bat now.
Suyash Sharma to Josh Inglis, ! run out (Virat Kohli / Jitesh Sharma).
Suyash Sharma to Nehal Wadhera, Quicker one, outside off, Nehal Wadhera opens the bat face, plays it too late, to the right of short third. A quick single taken.
Suyash Sharma to Nehal Wadhera, Quick tap and run! Drifting on middle, on a length, Nehal Wadhera, with soft hands, dabs the ball to the vacant mid-wicket region. Runs the first one hard as Suyash Sharma charges to the left after the ball. They are quick to hare back for the second as well.
Suyash Sharma to Nehal Wadhera, No run.
Suyash Sharma to Josh Inglis, A googly, on middle, on a length, Josh Inglis hangs back and punches it down to long off for a single.
Suyash Sharma to Nehal Wadhera, Fuller one, on off, Wadhera leans forward and eases it to backward point for a single.
Romario Shepherd to Nehal Wadhera, BUZZERS! Length ball, on the stumps, Nehal Wadhera punches to point. Virat Kohli collects it and spears a throw at the non-striker's end. Batters consider taking an overthrow, but only take a single.
Romario Shepherd to Nehal Wadhera, WIDE! Sprayed down leg, on a length. Nehal misses to flick. Wide called.
Romario Shepherd to Nehal Wadhera, No run.
Romario Shepherd to Shreyas Iyer, ! IN THE AIR AND GONE! A screamer of a catch from Krunal Pandya! A wicket in his very first over for RCB for Romario Shepherd!
Nehal Wadhera walks out to bat now.
Romario Shepherd to Shreyas Iyer, Steep bumper, on top of middle, Shreyas Iyer dodges this one by sitting under it.
Romario Shepherd to Josh Inglis, Aims the sticks, on a length, Josh Inglis tucks across to deep mid-wicket for a single.
Romario Shepherd to Josh Inglis, Romario Shepherd replaces Josh Hazlewood. He starts off with a pace-off delivery, on top of middle and leg, Josh Inglis heaves it through the mid-wicket region for a couple of runs.
Krunal Pandya to Shreyas Iyer, A yard behind fuller length, outside off, Iyer knocks it to the cover fielder.
Krunal Pandya to Josh Inglis, In-between length, drifting into the batter, from off. Josh goes for the pull shot, but plays off the inside half of the bat. It rolls to the square leg region and the batters cross for a quick single.Â
Krunal Pandya to Shreyas Iyer, Drifting on the pads, on a length, Shreyas Iyer nudges it through square leg for a single.
Krunal Pandya to Shreyas Iyer, No run.
Krunal Pandya to Josh Inglis, 1 run.
Josh Inglis i the new batter in.
Krunal Pandya to Prabhsimran Singh, ! c Tim David b Krunal Pandya.
Josh Hazlewood to Shreyas Iyer, A dot to end the Powerplay. RCB have managed to score 62 off the first six. Back of a length on middle and leg, Shreyas Iyer ends up blocking it out.Â
Josh Hazlewood to Shreyas Iyer, Edged but short of short third for no run. Good length on off, Shreyas Iyer, keen to cut loose, swings at it. Gets an outside edge that bounces in front of short third.
Josh Hazlewood to Shreyas Iyer, Four!
Josh Hazlewood to Prabhsimran Singh, On a length around off, Prabhsimran Singh drives this towards the off side and rotates strike.Â
Josh Hazlewood to Prabhsimran Singh, Six!
Josh Hazlewood to Prabhsimran Singh, 2 runs.
Krunal Pandya to Shreyas Iyer, This almost carried to Krunal Pandya. This appeared to have stuck on the surface and Shreyas Iyer, looking to roll this to long on ended up chipping this back to the bowler. Krunal grabs this on the bounce and Iyer stays in the middle.Â
Krunal Pandya to Prabhsimran Singh, 2 Wides!
Krunal Pandya to Prabhsimran Singh, Quicker one on the pads, Prabhsimran looks for a flick for runs but finds the fielder on leg.Â
Krunal Pandya to Prabhsimran Singh, ! Not the best of timings from Singh but he manages to find the fence for four. Tossed up on the pads, Prabhsimran Singh gets down on a knee and sweeps this wide of the short fine leg fielder to his left for a boundary. A better effort from Suyash Sharma at short fine may have saved some runs for the side. .Â
Krunal Pandya to Shreyas Iyer, 1 run.
PBKS skipper, Shreyas Iyer is in at number 3.
Krunal Pandya to Priyansh Arya, ! KRUNAL DRAWS FIRST BLOOD! Floated around off, skids after pitching. Priyansh Arya was aiming to hit this across and over mid-wicket but the ball kept going away and it spoons off the bottom of Arya's bat over Tim David at mid off. David settles himself under this and takes a regulation catch to send back the youngster. Priyansh Arya departs on 22(15).Â
Krunal Pandya to Prabhsimran Singh, comes round the wicket, darts one around the pads. Prabhsimran nudges this through mid-wicket for a single. Brings Arya on strike.Â
Krunal Pandya is brought into the attack now. He replaces Bhuvneshwar Kumar.
Josh Hazlewood to Priyansh Arya, ! A boundary at the end of the over spoils a tidy over from Josh Hazlewood. Pitched-up, around off. Priyansh Arya stands still and throws his bat at it. Gets it away off the middle of his bat and the ball has raced through cover for four. This was in the air for a while but was hit in the gap.Â
Josh Hazlewood to Priyansh Arya, Short-pitched, around middle and leg. Priyansh Arya looks to clear the infield on leg but ends up edging this on the bounce to short fine leg for a dot.Â
Josh Hazlewood to Priyansh Arya, Swing and a miss. On a length, arond the fourth stump. Priyansh Arya looks to swipe across the line but gets beaten on the inside. This wasn't far away from the off-stump.Â
Josh Hazlewood to Priyansh Arya, Four!
Josh Hazlewood to Prabhsimran Singh, On a length around off, Prabhsimran Singh guides this towards cover-point and rotates again.Â
Josh Hazlewood to Priyansh Arya, Good length on top of off, Priyansh Arya pllays this with soft hands and takes a single towards mid off.Â
Josh Hazlewood is introduced into the attack. He replaces Yash Dayal.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Prabhsimran Singh, ! Third boundary off the over and 12 comes off this Bhuvneshwar Kumar over.Â
Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Prabhsimran Singh, This is served a bit fuller on off, Prabhsimran Singh pushes this towards the right of Virat Kohli at point. Virat dives to his right and fields this before having a go at the non-striker's end with Arya looking to steal one.Â
Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Prabhsimran Singh, ! Singh creates a bit of room for himself and sends this racing to the fence. Good length around off, Prabhsimran Singh shimmies down the track and smashes this past the cover region for a boundary. Second off the over.Â
Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Prabhsimran Singh, No run.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Prabhsimran Singh, Hit the hard length, in the corridor around off. Prabhsimran plays this late but finds backward point for no run.Â
Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Prabhsimran Singh, ! A boundary to begin this Bhuvi over. On a length wide outside off, Prabhsimran Singh cleverly waits for the ball to come closer to him. Opens the face off his bat and guides this past that gap between short third and backward point for four.Â
Yash Dayal to Priyansh Arya, 2 runs.
Yash Dayal to Priyansh Arya, ! GLORIOUS! Pitched-up, around off, this was shaping away from the left-handed batter. Priyansh Arya stride in front and drives this all along the carpet and through the cover region for a boundary this time.Â
Yash Dayal to Priyansh Arya, No run.
Yash Dayal to Priyansh Arya, ! ARYA GETS GOING NOW! This was served on the shorter side, not much pace on offer. Priyansh Arya was waiting for it. Arya holds his ground and pulls this right out of the middle of his bat for a biggie over the deep mid-wicket fence.Â
Yash Dayal to Prabhsimran Singh, Comes a touch closer to the stumps does Dayal and Prabhsimran Singh push this to cover-point for a single. Sensible from Prabhsimran Singh to take a single after a boundary.Â
Yash Dayal to Prabhsimran Singh, Four!
Yash Dayal to operate from the far end.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Priyansh Arya, Excellent start from Kumar as he gives just 2 off the first over. Bhuvi ends the over with a length delivery around middle and leg, Arya tucked this towards the leg side for no run.Â
Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Priyansh Arya, This is superb from the experienced Bhuvneshwar Kumar. Back of a length around middle and off, does not provide any width to play with for Arya. The batter looks to pull this one but ends up getting it edged off the inside onto his pads for another dot.Â
Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Prabhsimran Singh, Both the openers of PBKS are now off the mark. On a length around off, Prabhsimran Singh plays this late and just dabs it gently towards the short third region for a single.Â
Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Priyansh Arya, First runs on the board for Arya and PBKS. Good length around off, Priyansh Arya strides out in front and drives this towards sweeper cover for a single to get off the mark.Â
Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Priyansh Arya, No run.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Priyansh Arya, We are up and running in Mullanpur. Bhuvneshwar Kumar bends his back and hits the deck hard, around the hips of Priyansh Arya. The batter rocks back and tuck sthis towards the leg side for a dot.Â
In all readiness for the 'battle of the reds' to commence in Mullanpur! It is hot and deafening out there with supporters of both teams in considerable numbers. The umpires take their place. Priyansh Arya and Prabhsimran Singh, the opening pair of Punjab Kings walk out to the crease. The new ball has been given to Bhuvneshwar Kumar. He will open the attack for RCB. Young Priyansh to face Bhuvi. The countdown goes off and here we go...
The skipper of Punjab Kings, Shreyas Iyer, stated that his team was also looking to bowl first, but ultimately, adaptability is key in such a tournament. He emphasized that his team will aim to make the most of the batting conditions and look to post a good total. Iyer praised the fans for their outstanding support so far and expressed his team's desire to put on another superb performance. Iyer also confirmed that the team will field the same lineup, with no changes for this match.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (Playing XI) - Virat Kohli, Phil Salt (WK), Rajat Patidar (C), Romario Shepherd (In for Liam Livingstone), Jitesh Sharma, Tim David, Krunal Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Suyash Sharma, Josh Hazlewood, Yash Dayal.
Punjab Kings (Unchanged Playing XI) - Prabhsimran Singh, Priyansh Arya, Shreyas Iyer (C), Josh Inglis (WK), Nehal Wadhera, Shashank Singh, Marcus Stoinis, Marco Jansen, Xavier Bartlett, Arshdeep Singh, Yuzvendra Chahal.
The captain of Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Rajat Patidar, says that they will bowl first. Adds that the wicket looks decent and won't change much and batting second will give a bit more clarity. Reckons that heat is a factor but they wanted to have a look before batting on it. Informs that they aren't looking to pick the team with regards to the venue and just want to play their best cricket. Ends by saying that Romario Shepherd is in for Liam Livingstone.
Impact players nominated by Royal Challengers Bengaluru - Devdutt Padikkal, Rasikh Salam, Manoj Bhandage, Jacob Bethell and Swapnil Singh.
TOSS UPDATE - The flip of the coin lands in favor of Royal Challengers Bengaluru, and Rajat Patidar elects to BOWL first.
... THE RUN CHASE ...
It will be fascinating to see if Punjab Kings' bowlers can defend the total of 157. While they have the bowling firepower to pull off a successful defense, RCB's batting unit is in top form. The outcome is uncertain, and fans can expect an exciting chase. Stay tuned for the thrilling conclusion.
Krunal Pandya of RCB is up for a chat. He says it was a pretty good effort with the ball. Says earlier the batters scored quicly by playing some good shots. Adds they needed wickets, and tells that from that situation, restricting Punjab Kings to 157 was something really great. Highlights that it was not easy for them to score when they were bowling pace-off deliveries. Also admits that they will have to bat really well regardless of whatever total they have to chase. Tells they need to play se
RCB's bowling was excellent, with Krunal Pandya and Suyash Sharma standing out, each picking up a couple of wickets. Romario Shepherd also chipped in with a wicket. Notably, RCB's bowlers delivered a remarkable performance in the last 5 overs, conceding just 38 runs, which was a great effort considering the hitting ability of Marco Jansen and Shashank Singh.
However, the momentum was lost as the middle order struggled to build on the strong foundation. Regular wickets fell, and only Josh Inglis managed to put up a fight and score at a SR of around 170. A crucial 43-run partnership between Shashank Singh and Marco Jansen helped PBKS recover and post a competitive total.
Punjab Kings have posted 157Â runs in 20 overs after being asked to bat first. They got off to a flying start, scoring 62 runs in the Powerplay for the loss of one wicket, with the openers scoring 41 runs in the first four overs.Â
Josh Hazlewood to Marco Jansen, ! Marco Jansen does get one away and gives Punjab some momentum heading into the break.
Josh Hazlewood to Shashank Singh, Nails the full and straight delivery again and Shashank can only manage to dig it along the turf and down to long on for one more.
Josh Hazlewood to Shashank Singh, Top notch from Josh!
Josh Hazlewood to Marco Jansen, This is outstanding death bowling! Full and quick, tailing back into the base of the leg stump, Jansen backs away but has to just jam it out to the leg side for a single.
Josh Hazlewood to Shashank Singh, Full and straight, that one tailed in late, Shashank Singh hangs deep and drills it down to long on for only one more.
Josh Hazlewood (3-0-29-0) to wrap the first innings. Can Punjab Kings get past the 160-run mark?
Josh Hazlewood to Marco Jansen, Dug in short this time and right at the batter, Marco Jansen pulls it without much timing and just over backward square leg for a single.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Shashank Singh, PUT DOWN! Oh, it would be a perfect end for Bhuvneshwar Kumar but Shashank Singh survives here. Full and wide, Singh looks to shuffle across and get inside the line but adjusts late and plays it off the face of the blade wide of short third. Yash Dayal dives across but cannot hold on, and they get a couple of runs.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Marco Jansen, This is just perfection here from Bhuvi!
Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Shashank Singh, Sees the batter advancing and still, Bhuvneshwar Kumar manages to get the yorker spot-on. Singh can only squeeze it towards cover for a single.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Marco Jansen, A length ball now, slower and angled into the legs, Jansen looks to swing across the line but gets an inside edge past leg stump. The keeper, Jitesh Sharma, dives to his left and gets a glove on it as the batters pick up another single.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Shashank Singh, Another yorker nailed, this time again on off stump, Shashank Singh hangs very deep but only manages to jam it off the toe end of the bat to the leg side for a single.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Marco Jansen, This is great bowling from RCB! Bhuvi nails the yorker at the base of off stump. Jansen manages to get a bit of bat on it and sets up for the single. Bhuvi though misses the shy at the bowler's end.
Josh Hazlewood to Shashank Singh, Full and angled in at the toes, Shashank Singh manages to take the front leg out and jams it wide of short fine leg for a couple of runs.
Josh Hazlewood to Shashank Singh, Changes the line now and nails the wide yorker, Shashank Singh is unable to reach it and it will be a dot ball for RCB.
Josh Hazlewood to Marco Jansen, The boundaries just aren't flowing for Punjab! Very full again, tailing back into the pads, Jansen gets it off the inside edge of the bat and down to fine leg for a single.
Josh Hazlewood to Shashank Singh, Full and straight, erring on the fuller side but gets it to tail back in, Singh flicks it away to deep square leg for just a single.
Josh Hazlewood to Marco Jansen, 1 run.
Josh Hazlewood to Shashank Singh, Excellent delivery! Spears in a straight yorker does Hazlewood and gets it to tail back in late, Shashank Singh jams it back onto the deck and scampers through for a single.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Marco Jansen, A review taken for caught behind, but more in hope than anything else! Good-length delivery from Kumar, outside the line of off, Marco Jansen shuffles right across and looks to lap it away but misses. The ball goes straight into the clutches of the keeper. The review is taken, but UltraEdge confirms that there was no bat involved.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Shashank Singh, A low full toss this time around on off stump, Shashank Singh loses his shape a bit and swats it to deep mid-wicket for another single.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Marco Jansen, Full and straight, gets the yorker spot-on, Jansen digs it out wide of mid on for just a single.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Marco Jansen, Wide! Full again but angled down the leg side for a wide.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Shashank Singh, 1 run.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Marco Jansen, Hard length in and around off stump, Jansen stands tall and checks the lofted shot, hitting it on the bounce to long off for a single.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Marco Jansen, Pace-off from Bhuvi, bowled on a good length in the channel. Jansen comes forward and looks to block but is beaten past the outside edge.
Time for the final strategic break of the PBKS inning. Punjab Kings are at a critical juncture, having lost their way after a strong start. Their immediate goal will be to bat out the 20 overs and aim for a total around 180-190, which would give their bowlers a good chance to defend. With their bowling unit riding high on confidence after a brilliant show in the last game, RCB will look to take the remaining wickets quickly and restrict PBKS to as low a score as possible. Can PBKS make the most
Suyash Sharma to Marco Jansen, Half an appeal for LBW but turned down. Fired in quick and full, outside off, Marco Jansen leans across to paddle it away but gets an inside edge onto the pads as the ball rolls to the off side. They pick up a single as well.
Suyash Sharma to Marco Jansen, ! Clean strike! Tossed up at the stumps, Marco Jansen steps out and just swings through the line, easily powering it into the sighscreen for a biggie.
Suyash Sharma to Shashank Singh, Dropped short and around off, Singh presses back and pushes it down to long on for a single.
Suyash Sharma to Shashank Singh, Quicker delivery, short and wide, Shashank Singh looks to cut but is beaten past the outside edge. That one kept a tad low as well.
Suyash Sharma to Marco Jansen, Flighted ball around middle, Jansen gets forward and flicks it away through wide mid on and turns the strike over.
Suyash Sharma to Shashank Singh, Darted in on a fullish length on middle and leg, Shashank Singh leans on and clips it firmly through mid-wickt for a run.
Yash Dayal to Shashank Singh, Slower one, a touch fuller and angling across off, Singh leans on and just nudges it away wide of short third for another single.
Yash Dayal to Marco Jansen, Bowled on a good length and outside off, Jansen punches it off the front foot and past the diving fielder at covers for a couple of runs now.
Yash Dayal to Marco Jansen, 1 run.
Yash Dayal to Marco Jansen, Excellent fielding yet again! Keeps the length full and bowls it straight, Jansen flicks it across but the fielder at short mid-wicket makes a sharp stop to his right.
Yash Dayal to Marco Jansen, Full and around off, Marco Jansen with a lovely drive but straight to mid off. Jansen takes a step ahead as Shashank Singh responds before he is quickly sent back. Virat Kohli with a shy at the bowler's end as Singh scampers back.
Yash Dayal (1-0-17-0) replaces Krunal Pandya in the attack.Â
Yash Dayal to Shashank Singh, Pitched up on the leg stump line, Shashank Singh wrists it away to deep mid-wicket for a run.
Suyash Sharma to Marco Jansen, A touch slower and on a length on off, this one holds in the pitch but Jansen manages to block it off.
Marco Jansen walks out next to bat. Punjab finds themselves in deep trouble as they have lost 6 for just 114 and they still have 6.1 overs to play.Â
Suyash Sharma to Marcus Stoinis, ! TIMBER! Suyash Sharma goes bang-bang and Punjab Kings are in deep trouble here.
Suyash Sharma to Shashank Singh, Quick and a bit short around off, Singh taps it away past point and turns the strike over.
Suyash Sharma to Marcus Stoinis, 1 run.
The Hulk, Marcus Stoinis, walks out next to bat for PBKS.
Suyash Sharma to Josh Inglis, ! CLEANED HIM UP!
Suyash Sharma to Shashank Singh, Quick and short around off, Shashank Singh stays back and punches it across to long on for a single.
Krunal Pandya to Shashank Singh, Fuller and just outside off, Shashank Singh drives with the spin and through cover for a single.
Krunal Pandya to Shashank Singh, An excellent piece of athleticism from Phil Salt in the deep!
Krunal Pandya to Josh Inglis, Too full, and quick, on off, Josh Inglis carves it through cover for a single.
Krunal Pandya to Josh Inglis, ! Gets just enough on it! Josh Inglis trying to accelerate now! An in-drifter from Krunal, fuller and on leg, Josh Inglis skips forward and lofts it over long on for a six. Not quite from the middle of the bat, but still enough to sail it through over the ropes.
Krunal Pandya to Shashank Singh, On a length, on middle, and off, Shashank Singh heaves it wide of long on for a single.
Krunal Pandya to Shashank Singh, Pitched fuller, around off, Shashank Singh taps his front foot out and drives it to the cover fielder.
Romario Shepherd to Josh Inglis, ! Now, that is audacious from the Aussie! Romario Shepherd goes for a yorker, aiming the stumps, Josh Inglis switches his stance, takes the ball on the full, and reverse ramps it over short third for a boundary. The 100 comes up for Punjab Kings!
Romario Shepherd to Shashank Singh, Short of a good length, on the stumps, at 135.3 kph, Shashank Singh tilts forward and clips it to deep mid-wicket for another single.
Romario Shepherd to Josh Inglis, An off cutter, on a length, on top of off, Josh Inglis heaves it wide of long on for a single.
Romario Shepherd to Josh Inglis, Speared fuller, on middle and leg, Josh Inglis flicks it all along the ground to deep mid-wicket region. Since it is that big pocket of the ground, the batters complete the second run quickly.
Romario Shepherd to Josh Inglis, ! Nicely done!
Romario Shepherd to Shashank Singh, Cannons it on middle and leg, full in length, Shashank Singh flicks across to the right of long on for a single.
Suyash Sharma to Shashank Singh, Flatter and shorter on off, Shashank Singh stands tall and punches wide of long off for a single to end the over.
Suyash Sharma to Josh Inglis, On middle, on a length, Josh Inglis gets a bit across and tucks it to deep mid-wicket for a single.
Suyash Sharma to Shashank Singh, Fuller and flatter, on off, Shashank Singh leans and eases it to the cover region. Only a single.
Suyash Sharma to Shashank Singh, Now, that is some sort of a response from Suyash! He bowls a googly, on a length. It lands and turns in sharply. Shashank Singh is totally undone by the wrong'un as he rocks back and looks to punch. Gets beaten on the inside edge.
Suyash Sharma to Shashank Singh, ! A boundary after a long, long time for PBKS!Â
Suyash Sharma to Josh Inglis, Pitched fuller, on middle, Inglis skips forward and clips it to deep mid-wicket for a single.
Krunal Pandya to Shashank Singh, Following the batter, drifting on the leg stump line. Shashank Singh shuffles outside leg but can only block to the right of the bowler. He sniffs a single, and runs a few steps forward, but Krunal Pandya shows excellent game awareness. Dives to his right and stops the ball, forcing Shashank to retreat back quickly. At the halfway mark, Punjab Kings are 79/4.
Krunal Pandya to Shashank Singh, At 97.8 kph, a bit quicker and fuller, on the stumps, flicked straight to mid-wicket.
Krunal Pandya to Shashank Singh, Slower through the air, fuller and on middle, Shashank Singh takes a huge stride forward and blocks it under his bat.
Krunal Pandya to Josh Inglis, Shortish, outside off, Josh Inglis hangs back and punches it through cover for a single.
Krunal Pandya to Shashank Singh, In-drifter on middle and leg, full in length, Shashank Singh drives it along the ground to long off for a single.
Krunal Pandya to Josh Inglis, Shortish on middle and leg, flicked through mid-wicket for a single.
Strategic Break! Wow, Punjab Kings losing wickets in a bunch here and they are already 4 down for 76 runs. The Powerplay turned out to be a positive one for PBKS but RCB seem to have made a comeback and are now on top of proceedings as well. Can Punjab fight back in the middle phase and set up a big finish? Or will RCB continue to pick up wickets? Let's find out. Also, Shashank Singh walks out to bat now.
Suyash Sharma to Josh Inglis, ! run out (Virat Kohli / Jitesh Sharma).
Suyash Sharma to Nehal Wadhera, Quicker one, outside off, Nehal Wadhera opens the bat face, plays it too late, to the right of short third. A quick single taken.
Suyash Sharma to Nehal Wadhera, Quick tap and run! Drifting on middle, on a length, Nehal Wadhera, with soft hands, dabs the ball to the vacant mid-wicket region. Runs the first one hard as Suyash Sharma charges to the left after the ball. They are quick to hare back for the second as well.
Suyash Sharma to Nehal Wadhera, No run.
Suyash Sharma to Josh Inglis, A googly, on middle, on a length, Josh Inglis hangs back and punches it down to long off for a single.
Suyash Sharma to Nehal Wadhera, Fuller one, on off, Wadhera leans forward and eases it to backward point for a single.
Romario Shepherd to Nehal Wadhera, BUZZERS! Length ball, on the stumps, Nehal Wadhera punches to point. Virat Kohli collects it and spears a throw at the non-striker's end. Batters consider taking an overthrow, but only take a single.
Romario Shepherd to Nehal Wadhera, WIDE! Sprayed down leg, on a length. Nehal misses to flick. Wide called.
Romario Shepherd to Nehal Wadhera, No run.
Romario Shepherd to Shreyas Iyer, ! IN THE AIR AND GONE! A screamer of a catch from Krunal Pandya! A wicket in his very first over for RCB for Romario Shepherd!
Nehal Wadhera walks out to bat now.
Romario Shepherd to Shreyas Iyer, Steep bumper, on top of middle, Shreyas Iyer dodges this one by sitting under it.
Romario Shepherd to Josh Inglis, Aims the sticks, on a length, Josh Inglis tucks across to deep mid-wicket for a single.
Romario Shepherd to Josh Inglis, Romario Shepherd replaces Josh Hazlewood. He starts off with a pace-off delivery, on top of middle and leg, Josh Inglis heaves it through the mid-wicket region for a couple of runs.
Krunal Pandya to Shreyas Iyer, A yard behind fuller length, outside off, Iyer knocks it to the cover fielder.
Krunal Pandya to Josh Inglis, In-between length, drifting into the batter, from off. Josh goes for the pull shot, but plays off the inside half of the bat. It rolls to the square leg region and the batters cross for a quick single.Â
Krunal Pandya to Shreyas Iyer, Drifting on the pads, on a length, Shreyas Iyer nudges it through square leg for a single.
Krunal Pandya to Shreyas Iyer, No run.
Krunal Pandya to Josh Inglis, 1 run.
Josh Inglis i the new batter in.
Krunal Pandya to Prabhsimran Singh, ! c Tim David b Krunal Pandya.
Josh Hazlewood to Shreyas Iyer, A dot to end the Powerplay. RCB have managed to score 62 off the first six. Back of a length on middle and leg, Shreyas Iyer ends up blocking it out.Â
Josh Hazlewood to Shreyas Iyer, Edged but short of short third for no run. Good length on off, Shreyas Iyer, keen to cut loose, swings at it. Gets an outside edge that bounces in front of short third.
Josh Hazlewood to Shreyas Iyer, Four!
Josh Hazlewood to Prabhsimran Singh, On a length around off, Prabhsimran Singh drives this towards the off side and rotates strike.Â
Josh Hazlewood to Prabhsimran Singh, Six!
Josh Hazlewood to Prabhsimran Singh, 2 runs.
Krunal Pandya to Shreyas Iyer, This almost carried to Krunal Pandya. This appeared to have stuck on the surface and Shreyas Iyer, looking to roll this to long on ended up chipping this back to the bowler. Krunal grabs this on the bounce and Iyer stays in the middle.Â
Krunal Pandya to Prabhsimran Singh, 2 Wides!
Krunal Pandya to Prabhsimran Singh, Quicker one on the pads, Prabhsimran looks for a flick for runs but finds the fielder on leg.Â
Krunal Pandya to Prabhsimran Singh, ! Not the best of timings from Singh but he manages to find the fence for four. Tossed up on the pads, Prabhsimran Singh gets down on a knee and sweeps this wide of the short fine leg fielder to his left for a boundary. A better effort from Suyash Sharma at short fine may have saved some runs for the side. .Â
Krunal Pandya to Shreyas Iyer, 1 run.
PBKS skipper, Shreyas Iyer is in at number 3.
Krunal Pandya to Priyansh Arya, ! KRUNAL DRAWS FIRST BLOOD! Floated around off, skids after pitching. Priyansh Arya was aiming to hit this across and over mid-wicket but the ball kept going away and it spoons off the bottom of Arya's bat over Tim David at mid off. David settles himself under this and takes a regulation catch to send back the youngster. Priyansh Arya departs on 22(15).Â
Krunal Pandya to Prabhsimran Singh, comes round the wicket, darts one around the pads. Prabhsimran nudges this through mid-wicket for a single. Brings Arya on strike.Â
Krunal Pandya is brought into the attack now. He replaces Bhuvneshwar Kumar.
Josh Hazlewood to Priyansh Arya, ! A boundary at the end of the over spoils a tidy over from Josh Hazlewood. Pitched-up, around off. Priyansh Arya stands still and throws his bat at it. Gets it away off the middle of his bat and the ball has raced through cover for four. This was in the air for a while but was hit in the gap.Â
Josh Hazlewood to Priyansh Arya, Short-pitched, around middle and leg. Priyansh Arya looks to clear the infield on leg but ends up edging this on the bounce to short fine leg for a dot.Â
Josh Hazlewood to Priyansh Arya, Swing and a miss. On a length, arond the fourth stump. Priyansh Arya looks to swipe across the line but gets beaten on the inside. This wasn't far away from the off-stump.Â
Josh Hazlewood to Priyansh Arya, Four!
Josh Hazlewood to Prabhsimran Singh, On a length around off, Prabhsimran Singh guides this towards cover-point and rotates again.Â
Josh Hazlewood to Priyansh Arya, Good length on top of off, Priyansh Arya pllays this with soft hands and takes a single towards mid off.Â
Josh Hazlewood is introduced into the attack. He replaces Yash Dayal.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Prabhsimran Singh, ! Third boundary off the over and 12 comes off this Bhuvneshwar Kumar over.Â
Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Prabhsimran Singh, This is served a bit fuller on off, Prabhsimran Singh pushes this towards the right of Virat Kohli at point. Virat dives to his right and fields this before having a go at the non-striker's end with Arya looking to steal one.Â
Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Prabhsimran Singh, ! Singh creates a bit of room for himself and sends this racing to the fence. Good length around off, Prabhsimran Singh shimmies down the track and smashes this past the cover region for a boundary. Second off the over.Â
Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Prabhsimran Singh, No run.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Prabhsimran Singh, Hit the hard length, in the corridor around off. Prabhsimran plays this late but finds backward point for no run.Â
Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Prabhsimran Singh, ! A boundary to begin this Bhuvi over. On a length wide outside off, Prabhsimran Singh cleverly waits for the ball to come closer to him. Opens the face off his bat and guides this past that gap between short third and backward point for four.Â
Yash Dayal to Priyansh Arya, 2 runs.
Yash Dayal to Priyansh Arya, ! GLORIOUS! Pitched-up, around off, this was shaping away from the left-handed batter. Priyansh Arya stride in front and drives this all along the carpet and through the cover region for a boundary this time.Â
Yash Dayal to Priyansh Arya, No run.
Yash Dayal to Priyansh Arya, ! ARYA GETS GOING NOW! This was served on the shorter side, not much pace on offer. Priyansh Arya was waiting for it. Arya holds his ground and pulls this right out of the middle of his bat for a biggie over the deep mid-wicket fence.Â
Yash Dayal to Prabhsimran Singh, Comes a touch closer to the stumps does Dayal and Prabhsimran Singh push this to cover-point for a single. Sensible from Prabhsimran Singh to take a single after a boundary.Â
Yash Dayal to Prabhsimran Singh, Four!
Yash Dayal to operate from the far end.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Priyansh Arya, Excellent start from Kumar as he gives just 2 off the first over. Bhuvi ends the over with a length delivery around middle and leg, Arya tucked this towards the leg side for no run.Â
Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Priyansh Arya, This is superb from the experienced Bhuvneshwar Kumar. Back of a length around middle and off, does not provide any width to play with for Arya. The batter looks to pull this one but ends up getting it edged off the inside onto his pads for another dot.Â
Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Prabhsimran Singh, Both the openers of PBKS are now off the mark. On a length around off, Prabhsimran Singh plays this late and just dabs it gently towards the short third region for a single.Â
Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Priyansh Arya, First runs on the board for Arya and PBKS. Good length around off, Priyansh Arya strides out in front and drives this towards sweeper cover for a single to get off the mark.Â
Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Priyansh Arya, No run.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Priyansh Arya, We are up and running in Mullanpur. Bhuvneshwar Kumar bends his back and hits the deck hard, around the hips of Priyansh Arya. The batter rocks back and tuck sthis towards the leg side for a dot.Â
In all readiness for the 'battle of the reds' to commence in Mullanpur! It is hot and deafening out there with supporters of both teams in considerable numbers. The umpires take their place. Priyansh Arya and Prabhsimran Singh, the opening pair of Punjab Kings walk out to the crease. The new ball has been given to Bhuvneshwar Kumar. He will open the attack for RCB. Young Priyansh to face Bhuvi. The countdown goes off and here we go...
The skipper of Punjab Kings, Shreyas Iyer, stated that his team was also looking to bowl first, but ultimately, adaptability is key in such a tournament. He emphasized that his team will aim to make the most of the batting conditions and look to post a good total. Iyer praised the fans for their outstanding support so far and expressed his team's desire to put on another superb performance. Iyer also confirmed that the team will field the same lineup, with no changes for this match.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (Playing XI) - Virat Kohli, Phil Salt (WK), Rajat Patidar (C), Romario Shepherd (In for Liam Livingstone), Jitesh Sharma, Tim David, Krunal Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Suyash Sharma, Josh Hazlewood, Yash Dayal.
Punjab Kings (Unchanged Playing XI) - Prabhsimran Singh, Priyansh Arya, Shreyas Iyer (C), Josh Inglis (WK), Nehal Wadhera, Shashank Singh, Marcus Stoinis, Marco Jansen, Xavier Bartlett, Arshdeep Singh, Yuzvendra Chahal.
The captain of Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Rajat Patidar, says that they will bowl first. Adds that the wicket looks decent and won't change much and batting second will give a bit more clarity. Reckons that heat is a factor but they wanted to have a look before batting on it. Informs that they aren't looking to pick the team with regards to the venue and just want to play their best cricket. Ends by saying that Romario Shepherd is in for Liam Livingstone.
Impact players nominated by Royal Challengers Bengaluru - Devdutt Padikkal, Rasikh Salam, Manoj Bhandage, Jacob Bethell and Swapnil Singh.
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Royal Challengers Bengaluru
159/3(18.5 Overs)
... THE RUN CHASE ...
It will be fascinating to see if Punjab Kings' bowlers can defend the total of 157. While they have the bowling firepower to pull off a successful defense, RCB's batting unit is in top form. The outcome is uncertain, and fans can expect an exciting chase. Stay tuned for the thrilling conclusion.
Krunal Pandya of RCB is up for a chat. He says it was a pretty good effort with the ball. Says earlier the batters scored quicly by playing some good shots. Adds they needed wickets, and tells that from that situation, restricting Punjab Kings to 157 was something really great. Highlights that it was not easy for them to score when they were bowling pace-off deliveries. Also admits that they will have to bat really well regardless of whatever total they have to chase. Tells they need to play se
RCB's bowling was excellent, with Krunal Pandya and Suyash Sharma standing out, each picking up a couple of wickets. Romario Shepherd also chipped in with a wicket. Notably, RCB's bowlers delivered a remarkable performance in the last 5 overs, conceding just 38 runs, which was a great effort considering the hitting ability of Marco Jansen and Shashank Singh.
However, the momentum was lost as the middle order struggled to build on the strong foundation. Regular wickets fell, and only Josh Inglis managed to put up a fight and score at a SR of around 170. A crucial 43-run partnership between Shashank Singh and Marco Jansen helped PBKS recover and post a competitive total.
Punjab Kings have posted 157Â runs in 20 overs after being asked to bat first. They got off to a flying start, scoring 62 runs in the Powerplay for the loss of one wicket, with the openers scoring 41 runs in the first four overs.Â
Josh Hazlewood to Marco Jansen, ! Marco Jansen does get one away and gives Punjab some momentum heading into the break.
Josh Hazlewood to Shashank Singh, Nails the full and straight delivery again and Shashank can only manage to dig it along the turf and down to long on for one more.
Josh Hazlewood to Shashank Singh, Top notch from Josh!
Josh Hazlewood to Marco Jansen, This is outstanding death bowling! Full and quick, tailing back into the base of the leg stump, Jansen backs away but has to just jam it out to the leg side for a single.
Josh Hazlewood to Shashank Singh, Full and straight, that one tailed in late, Shashank Singh hangs deep and drills it down to long on for only one more.
Josh Hazlewood (3-0-29-0) to wrap the first innings. Can Punjab Kings get past the 160-run mark?
Josh Hazlewood to Marco Jansen, Dug in short this time and right at the batter, Marco Jansen pulls it without much timing and just over backward square leg for a single.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Shashank Singh, PUT DOWN! Oh, it would be a perfect end for Bhuvneshwar Kumar but Shashank Singh survives here. Full and wide, Singh looks to shuffle across and get inside the line but adjusts late and plays it off the face of the blade wide of short third. Yash Dayal dives across but cannot hold on, and they get a couple of runs.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Marco Jansen, This is just perfection here from Bhuvi!
Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Shashank Singh, Sees the batter advancing and still, Bhuvneshwar Kumar manages to get the yorker spot-on. Singh can only squeeze it towards cover for a single.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Marco Jansen, A length ball now, slower and angled into the legs, Jansen looks to swing across the line but gets an inside edge past leg stump. The keeper, Jitesh Sharma, dives to his left and gets a glove on it as the batters pick up another single.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Shashank Singh, Another yorker nailed, this time again on off stump, Shashank Singh hangs very deep but only manages to jam it off the toe end of the bat to the leg side for a single.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Marco Jansen, This is great bowling from RCB! Bhuvi nails the yorker at the base of off stump. Jansen manages to get a bit of bat on it and sets up for the single. Bhuvi though misses the shy at the bowler's end.
Josh Hazlewood to Shashank Singh, Full and angled in at the toes, Shashank Singh manages to take the front leg out and jams it wide of short fine leg for a couple of runs.
Josh Hazlewood to Shashank Singh, Changes the line now and nails the wide yorker, Shashank Singh is unable to reach it and it will be a dot ball for RCB.
Josh Hazlewood to Marco Jansen, The boundaries just aren't flowing for Punjab! Very full again, tailing back into the pads, Jansen gets it off the inside edge of the bat and down to fine leg for a single.
Josh Hazlewood to Shashank Singh, Full and straight, erring on the fuller side but gets it to tail back in, Singh flicks it away to deep square leg for just a single.
Josh Hazlewood to Marco Jansen, 1 run.
Josh Hazlewood to Shashank Singh, Excellent delivery! Spears in a straight yorker does Hazlewood and gets it to tail back in late, Shashank Singh jams it back onto the deck and scampers through for a single.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Marco Jansen, A review taken for caught behind, but more in hope than anything else! Good-length delivery from Kumar, outside the line of off, Marco Jansen shuffles right across and looks to lap it away but misses. The ball goes straight into the clutches of the keeper. The review is taken, but UltraEdge confirms that there was no bat involved.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Shashank Singh, A low full toss this time around on off stump, Shashank Singh loses his shape a bit and swats it to deep mid-wicket for another single.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Marco Jansen, Full and straight, gets the yorker spot-on, Jansen digs it out wide of mid on for just a single.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Marco Jansen, Wide! Full again but angled down the leg side for a wide.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Shashank Singh, 1 run.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Marco Jansen, Hard length in and around off stump, Jansen stands tall and checks the lofted shot, hitting it on the bounce to long off for a single.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Marco Jansen, Pace-off from Bhuvi, bowled on a good length in the channel. Jansen comes forward and looks to block but is beaten past the outside edge.
Time for the final strategic break of the PBKS inning. Punjab Kings are at a critical juncture, having lost their way after a strong start. Their immediate goal will be to bat out the 20 overs and aim for a total around 180-190, which would give their bowlers a good chance to defend. With their bowling unit riding high on confidence after a brilliant show in the last game, RCB will look to take the remaining wickets quickly and restrict PBKS to as low a score as possible. Can PBKS make the most
Suyash Sharma to Marco Jansen, Half an appeal for LBW but turned down. Fired in quick and full, outside off, Marco Jansen leans across to paddle it away but gets an inside edge onto the pads as the ball rolls to the off side. They pick up a single as well.
Suyash Sharma to Marco Jansen, ! Clean strike! Tossed up at the stumps, Marco Jansen steps out and just swings through the line, easily powering it into the sighscreen for a biggie.
Suyash Sharma to Shashank Singh, Dropped short and around off, Singh presses back and pushes it down to long on for a single.
Suyash Sharma to Shashank Singh, Quicker delivery, short and wide, Shashank Singh looks to cut but is beaten past the outside edge. That one kept a tad low as well.
Suyash Sharma to Marco Jansen, Flighted ball around middle, Jansen gets forward and flicks it away through wide mid on and turns the strike over.
Suyash Sharma to Shashank Singh, Darted in on a fullish length on middle and leg, Shashank Singh leans on and clips it firmly through mid-wickt for a run.
Yash Dayal to Shashank Singh, Slower one, a touch fuller and angling across off, Singh leans on and just nudges it away wide of short third for another single.
Yash Dayal to Marco Jansen, Bowled on a good length and outside off, Jansen punches it off the front foot and past the diving fielder at covers for a couple of runs now.
Yash Dayal to Marco Jansen, 1 run.
Yash Dayal to Marco Jansen, Excellent fielding yet again! Keeps the length full and bowls it straight, Jansen flicks it across but the fielder at short mid-wicket makes a sharp stop to his right.
Yash Dayal to Marco Jansen, Full and around off, Marco Jansen with a lovely drive but straight to mid off. Jansen takes a step ahead as Shashank Singh responds before he is quickly sent back. Virat Kohli with a shy at the bowler's end as Singh scampers back.
Yash Dayal (1-0-17-0) replaces Krunal Pandya in the attack.Â
Yash Dayal to Shashank Singh, Pitched up on the leg stump line, Shashank Singh wrists it away to deep mid-wicket for a run.
Suyash Sharma to Marco Jansen, A touch slower and on a length on off, this one holds in the pitch but Jansen manages to block it off.
Marco Jansen walks out next to bat. Punjab finds themselves in deep trouble as they have lost 6 for just 114 and they still have 6.1 overs to play.Â
Suyash Sharma to Marcus Stoinis, ! TIMBER! Suyash Sharma goes bang-bang and Punjab Kings are in deep trouble here.
Suyash Sharma to Shashank Singh, Quick and a bit short around off, Singh taps it away past point and turns the strike over.
Suyash Sharma to Marcus Stoinis, 1 run.
The Hulk, Marcus Stoinis, walks out next to bat for PBKS.
Suyash Sharma to Josh Inglis, ! CLEANED HIM UP!
Suyash Sharma to Shashank Singh, Quick and short around off, Shashank Singh stays back and punches it across to long on for a single.
Krunal Pandya to Shashank Singh, Fuller and just outside off, Shashank Singh drives with the spin and through cover for a single.
Krunal Pandya to Shashank Singh, An excellent piece of athleticism from Phil Salt in the deep!
Krunal Pandya to Josh Inglis, Too full, and quick, on off, Josh Inglis carves it through cover for a single.
Krunal Pandya to Josh Inglis, ! Gets just enough on it! Josh Inglis trying to accelerate now! An in-drifter from Krunal, fuller and on leg, Josh Inglis skips forward and lofts it over long on for a six. Not quite from the middle of the bat, but still enough to sail it through over the ropes.
Krunal Pandya to Shashank Singh, On a length, on middle, and off, Shashank Singh heaves it wide of long on for a single.
Krunal Pandya to Shashank Singh, Pitched fuller, around off, Shashank Singh taps his front foot out and drives it to the cover fielder.
Romario Shepherd to Josh Inglis, ! Now, that is audacious from the Aussie! Romario Shepherd goes for a yorker, aiming the stumps, Josh Inglis switches his stance, takes the ball on the full, and reverse ramps it over short third for a boundary. The 100 comes up for Punjab Kings!
Romario Shepherd to Shashank Singh, Short of a good length, on the stumps, at 135.3 kph, Shashank Singh tilts forward and clips it to deep mid-wicket for another single.
Romario Shepherd to Josh Inglis, An off cutter, on a length, on top of off, Josh Inglis heaves it wide of long on for a single.
Romario Shepherd to Josh Inglis, Speared fuller, on middle and leg, Josh Inglis flicks it all along the ground to deep mid-wicket region. Since it is that big pocket of the ground, the batters complete the second run quickly.
Romario Shepherd to Josh Inglis, ! Nicely done!
Romario Shepherd to Shashank Singh, Cannons it on middle and leg, full in length, Shashank Singh flicks across to the right of long on for a single.
Suyash Sharma to Shashank Singh, Flatter and shorter on off, Shashank Singh stands tall and punches wide of long off for a single to end the over.
Suyash Sharma to Josh Inglis, On middle, on a length, Josh Inglis gets a bit across and tucks it to deep mid-wicket for a single.
Suyash Sharma to Shashank Singh, Fuller and flatter, on off, Shashank Singh leans and eases it to the cover region. Only a single.
Suyash Sharma to Shashank Singh, Now, that is some sort of a response from Suyash! He bowls a googly, on a length. It lands and turns in sharply. Shashank Singh is totally undone by the wrong'un as he rocks back and looks to punch. Gets beaten on the inside edge.
Suyash Sharma to Shashank Singh, ! A boundary after a long, long time for PBKS!Â
Suyash Sharma to Josh Inglis, Pitched fuller, on middle, Inglis skips forward and clips it to deep mid-wicket for a single.
Krunal Pandya to Shashank Singh, Following the batter, drifting on the leg stump line. Shashank Singh shuffles outside leg but can only block to the right of the bowler. He sniffs a single, and runs a few steps forward, but Krunal Pandya shows excellent game awareness. Dives to his right and stops the ball, forcing Shashank to retreat back quickly. At the halfway mark, Punjab Kings are 79/4.
Krunal Pandya to Shashank Singh, At 97.8 kph, a bit quicker and fuller, on the stumps, flicked straight to mid-wicket.
Krunal Pandya to Shashank Singh, Slower through the air, fuller and on middle, Shashank Singh takes a huge stride forward and blocks it under his bat.
Krunal Pandya to Josh Inglis, Shortish, outside off, Josh Inglis hangs back and punches it through cover for a single.
Krunal Pandya to Shashank Singh, In-drifter on middle and leg, full in length, Shashank Singh drives it along the ground to long off for a single.
Krunal Pandya to Josh Inglis, Shortish on middle and leg, flicked through mid-wicket for a single.
Strategic Break! Wow, Punjab Kings losing wickets in a bunch here and they are already 4 down for 76 runs. The Powerplay turned out to be a positive one for PBKS but RCB seem to have made a comeback and are now on top of proceedings as well. Can Punjab fight back in the middle phase and set up a big finish? Or will RCB continue to pick up wickets? Let's find out. Also, Shashank Singh walks out to bat now.
Suyash Sharma to Josh Inglis, ! run out (Virat Kohli / Jitesh Sharma).
Suyash Sharma to Nehal Wadhera, Quicker one, outside off, Nehal Wadhera opens the bat face, plays it too late, to the right of short third. A quick single taken.
Suyash Sharma to Nehal Wadhera, Quick tap and run! Drifting on middle, on a length, Nehal Wadhera, with soft hands, dabs the ball to the vacant mid-wicket region. Runs the first one hard as Suyash Sharma charges to the left after the ball. They are quick to hare back for the second as well.
Suyash Sharma to Nehal Wadhera, No run.
Suyash Sharma to Josh Inglis, A googly, on middle, on a length, Josh Inglis hangs back and punches it down to long off for a single.
Suyash Sharma to Nehal Wadhera, Fuller one, on off, Wadhera leans forward and eases it to backward point for a single.
Romario Shepherd to Nehal Wadhera, BUZZERS! Length ball, on the stumps, Nehal Wadhera punches to point. Virat Kohli collects it and spears a throw at the non-striker's end. Batters consider taking an overthrow, but only take a single.
Romario Shepherd to Nehal Wadhera, WIDE! Sprayed down leg, on a length. Nehal misses to flick. Wide called.
Romario Shepherd to Nehal Wadhera, No run.
Romario Shepherd to Shreyas Iyer, ! IN THE AIR AND GONE! A screamer of a catch from Krunal Pandya! A wicket in his very first over for RCB for Romario Shepherd!
Nehal Wadhera walks out to bat now.
Romario Shepherd to Shreyas Iyer, Steep bumper, on top of middle, Shreyas Iyer dodges this one by sitting under it.
Romario Shepherd to Josh Inglis, Aims the sticks, on a length, Josh Inglis tucks across to deep mid-wicket for a single.
Romario Shepherd to Josh Inglis, Romario Shepherd replaces Josh Hazlewood. He starts off with a pace-off delivery, on top of middle and leg, Josh Inglis heaves it through the mid-wicket region for a couple of runs.
Krunal Pandya to Shreyas Iyer, A yard behind fuller length, outside off, Iyer knocks it to the cover fielder.
Krunal Pandya to Josh Inglis, In-between length, drifting into the batter, from off. Josh goes for the pull shot, but plays off the inside half of the bat. It rolls to the square leg region and the batters cross for a quick single.Â
Krunal Pandya to Shreyas Iyer, Drifting on the pads, on a length, Shreyas Iyer nudges it through square leg for a single.
Krunal Pandya to Shreyas Iyer, No run.
Krunal Pandya to Josh Inglis, 1 run.
Josh Inglis i the new batter in.
Krunal Pandya to Prabhsimran Singh, ! c Tim David b Krunal Pandya.
Josh Hazlewood to Shreyas Iyer, A dot to end the Powerplay. RCB have managed to score 62 off the first six. Back of a length on middle and leg, Shreyas Iyer ends up blocking it out.Â
Josh Hazlewood to Shreyas Iyer, Edged but short of short third for no run. Good length on off, Shreyas Iyer, keen to cut loose, swings at it. Gets an outside edge that bounces in front of short third.
Josh Hazlewood to Shreyas Iyer, Four!
Josh Hazlewood to Prabhsimran Singh, On a length around off, Prabhsimran Singh drives this towards the off side and rotates strike.Â
Josh Hazlewood to Prabhsimran Singh, Six!
Josh Hazlewood to Prabhsimran Singh, 2 runs.
Krunal Pandya to Shreyas Iyer, This almost carried to Krunal Pandya. This appeared to have stuck on the surface and Shreyas Iyer, looking to roll this to long on ended up chipping this back to the bowler. Krunal grabs this on the bounce and Iyer stays in the middle.Â
Krunal Pandya to Prabhsimran Singh, 2 Wides!
Krunal Pandya to Prabhsimran Singh, Quicker one on the pads, Prabhsimran looks for a flick for runs but finds the fielder on leg.Â
Krunal Pandya to Prabhsimran Singh, ! Not the best of timings from Singh but he manages to find the fence for four. Tossed up on the pads, Prabhsimran Singh gets down on a knee and sweeps this wide of the short fine leg fielder to his left for a boundary. A better effort from Suyash Sharma at short fine may have saved some runs for the side. .Â
Krunal Pandya to Shreyas Iyer, 1 run.
PBKS skipper, Shreyas Iyer is in at number 3.
Krunal Pandya to Priyansh Arya, ! KRUNAL DRAWS FIRST BLOOD! Floated around off, skids after pitching. Priyansh Arya was aiming to hit this across and over mid-wicket but the ball kept going away and it spoons off the bottom of Arya's bat over Tim David at mid off. David settles himself under this and takes a regulation catch to send back the youngster. Priyansh Arya departs on 22(15).Â
Krunal Pandya to Prabhsimran Singh, comes round the wicket, darts one around the pads. Prabhsimran nudges this through mid-wicket for a single. Brings Arya on strike.Â
Krunal Pandya is brought into the attack now. He replaces Bhuvneshwar Kumar.
Josh Hazlewood to Priyansh Arya, ! A boundary at the end of the over spoils a tidy over from Josh Hazlewood. Pitched-up, around off. Priyansh Arya stands still and throws his bat at it. Gets it away off the middle of his bat and the ball has raced through cover for four. This was in the air for a while but was hit in the gap.Â
Josh Hazlewood to Priyansh Arya, Short-pitched, around middle and leg. Priyansh Arya looks to clear the infield on leg but ends up edging this on the bounce to short fine leg for a dot.Â
Josh Hazlewood to Priyansh Arya, Swing and a miss. On a length, arond the fourth stump. Priyansh Arya looks to swipe across the line but gets beaten on the inside. This wasn't far away from the off-stump.Â
Josh Hazlewood to Priyansh Arya, Four!
Josh Hazlewood to Prabhsimran Singh, On a length around off, Prabhsimran Singh guides this towards cover-point and rotates again.Â
Josh Hazlewood to Priyansh Arya, Good length on top of off, Priyansh Arya pllays this with soft hands and takes a single towards mid off.Â
Josh Hazlewood is introduced into the attack. He replaces Yash Dayal.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Prabhsimran Singh, ! Third boundary off the over and 12 comes off this Bhuvneshwar Kumar over.Â
Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Prabhsimran Singh, This is served a bit fuller on off, Prabhsimran Singh pushes this towards the right of Virat Kohli at point. Virat dives to his right and fields this before having a go at the non-striker's end with Arya looking to steal one.Â
Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Prabhsimran Singh, ! Singh creates a bit of room for himself and sends this racing to the fence. Good length around off, Prabhsimran Singh shimmies down the track and smashes this past the cover region for a boundary. Second off the over.Â
Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Prabhsimran Singh, No run.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Prabhsimran Singh, Hit the hard length, in the corridor around off. Prabhsimran plays this late but finds backward point for no run.Â
Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Prabhsimran Singh, ! A boundary to begin this Bhuvi over. On a length wide outside off, Prabhsimran Singh cleverly waits for the ball to come closer to him. Opens the face off his bat and guides this past that gap between short third and backward point for four.Â
Yash Dayal to Priyansh Arya, 2 runs.
Yash Dayal to Priyansh Arya, ! GLORIOUS! Pitched-up, around off, this was shaping away from the left-handed batter. Priyansh Arya stride in front and drives this all along the carpet and through the cover region for a boundary this time.Â
Yash Dayal to Priyansh Arya, No run.
Yash Dayal to Priyansh Arya, ! ARYA GETS GOING NOW! This was served on the shorter side, not much pace on offer. Priyansh Arya was waiting for it. Arya holds his ground and pulls this right out of the middle of his bat for a biggie over the deep mid-wicket fence.Â
Yash Dayal to Prabhsimran Singh, Comes a touch closer to the stumps does Dayal and Prabhsimran Singh push this to cover-point for a single. Sensible from Prabhsimran Singh to take a single after a boundary.Â
Yash Dayal to Prabhsimran Singh, Four!
Yash Dayal to operate from the far end.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Priyansh Arya, Excellent start from Kumar as he gives just 2 off the first over. Bhuvi ends the over with a length delivery around middle and leg, Arya tucked this towards the leg side for no run.Â
Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Priyansh Arya, This is superb from the experienced Bhuvneshwar Kumar. Back of a length around middle and off, does not provide any width to play with for Arya. The batter looks to pull this one but ends up getting it edged off the inside onto his pads for another dot.Â
Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Prabhsimran Singh, Both the openers of PBKS are now off the mark. On a length around off, Prabhsimran Singh plays this late and just dabs it gently towards the short third region for a single.Â
Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Priyansh Arya, First runs on the board for Arya and PBKS. Good length around off, Priyansh Arya strides out in front and drives this towards sweeper cover for a single to get off the mark.Â
Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Priyansh Arya, No run.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Priyansh Arya, We are up and running in Mullanpur. Bhuvneshwar Kumar bends his back and hits the deck hard, around the hips of Priyansh Arya. The batter rocks back and tuck sthis towards the leg side for a dot.Â
In all readiness for the 'battle of the reds' to commence in Mullanpur! It is hot and deafening out there with supporters of both teams in considerable numbers. The umpires take their place. Priyansh Arya and Prabhsimran Singh, the opening pair of Punjab Kings walk out to the crease. The new ball has been given to Bhuvneshwar Kumar. He will open the attack for RCB. Young Priyansh to face Bhuvi. The countdown goes off and here we go...
The skipper of Punjab Kings, Shreyas Iyer, stated that his team was also looking to bowl first, but ultimately, adaptability is key in such a tournament. He emphasized that his team will aim to make the most of the batting conditions and look to post a good total. Iyer praised the fans for their outstanding support so far and expressed his team's desire to put on another superb performance. Iyer also confirmed that the team will field the same lineup, with no changes for this match.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (Playing XI) - Virat Kohli, Phil Salt (WK), Rajat Patidar (C), Romario Shepherd (In for Liam Livingstone), Jitesh Sharma, Tim David, Krunal Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Suyash Sharma, Josh Hazlewood, Yash Dayal.
Punjab Kings (Unchanged Playing XI) - Prabhsimran Singh, Priyansh Arya, Shreyas Iyer (C), Josh Inglis (WK), Nehal Wadhera, Shashank Singh, Marcus Stoinis, Marco Jansen, Xavier Bartlett, Arshdeep Singh, Yuzvendra Chahal.
The captain of Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Rajat Patidar, says that they will bowl first. Adds that the wicket looks decent and won't change much and batting second will give a bit more clarity. Reckons that heat is a factor but they wanted to have a look before batting on it. Informs that they aren't looking to pick the team with regards to the venue and just want to play their best cricket. Ends by saying that Romario Shepherd is in for Liam Livingstone.
Impact players nominated by Royal Challengers Bengaluru - Devdutt Padikkal, Rasikh Salam, Manoj Bhandage, Jacob Bethell and Swapnil Singh.
Impact players nominated by Punjab Kings - Harpreet Brar, Vyshak Vijaykumar, Praveen Dubey, Glenn Maxwell and Suryansh Shedge.
TOSS UPDATE - The flip of the coin lands in favor of Royal Challengers Bengaluru, and Rajat Patidar elects to BOWL first.
... THE RUN CHASE ...
It will be fascinating to see if Punjab Kings' bowlers can defend the total of 157. While they have the bowling firepower to pull off a successful defense, RCB's batting unit is in top form. The outcome is uncertain, and fans can expect an exciting chase. Stay tuned for the thrilling conclusion.
Krunal Pandya of RCB is up for a chat. He says it was a pretty good effort with the ball. Says earlier the batters scored quicly by playing some good shots. Adds they needed wickets, and tells that from that situation, restricting Punjab Kings to 157 was something really great. Highlights that it was not easy for them to score when they were bowling pace-off deliveries. Also admits that they will have to bat really well regardless of whatever total they have to chase. Tells they need to play se
RCB's bowling was excellent, with Krunal Pandya and Suyash Sharma standing out, each picking up a couple of wickets. Romario Shepherd also chipped in with a wicket. Notably, RCB's bowlers delivered a remarkable performance in the last 5 overs, conceding just 38 runs, which was a great effort considering the hitting ability of Marco Jansen and Shashank Singh.
However, the momentum was lost as the middle order struggled to build on the strong foundation. Regular wickets fell, and only Josh Inglis managed to put up a fight and score at a SR of around 170. A crucial 43-run partnership between Shashank Singh and Marco Jansen helped PBKS recover and post a competitive total.
Punjab Kings have posted 157Â runs in 20 overs after being asked to bat first. They got off to a flying start, scoring 62 runs in the Powerplay for the loss of one wicket, with the openers scoring 41 runs in the first four overs.Â
Josh Hazlewood to Marco Jansen, ! Marco Jansen does get one away and gives Punjab some momentum heading into the break.
Josh Hazlewood to Shashank Singh, Nails the full and straight delivery again and Shashank can only manage to dig it along the turf and down to long on for one more.
Josh Hazlewood to Shashank Singh, Top notch from Josh!
Josh Hazlewood to Marco Jansen, This is outstanding death bowling! Full and quick, tailing back into the base of the leg stump, Jansen backs away but has to just jam it out to the leg side for a single.
Josh Hazlewood to Shashank Singh, Full and straight, that one tailed in late, Shashank Singh hangs deep and drills it down to long on for only one more.
Josh Hazlewood (3-0-29-0) to wrap the first innings. Can Punjab Kings get past the 160-run mark?
Josh Hazlewood to Marco Jansen, Dug in short this time and right at the batter, Marco Jansen pulls it without much timing and just over backward square leg for a single.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Shashank Singh, PUT DOWN! Oh, it would be a perfect end for Bhuvneshwar Kumar but Shashank Singh survives here. Full and wide, Singh looks to shuffle across and get inside the line but adjusts late and plays it off the face of the blade wide of short third. Yash Dayal dives across but cannot hold on, and they get a couple of runs.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Marco Jansen, This is just perfection here from Bhuvi!
Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Shashank Singh, Sees the batter advancing and still, Bhuvneshwar Kumar manages to get the yorker spot-on. Singh can only squeeze it towards cover for a single.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Marco Jansen, A length ball now, slower and angled into the legs, Jansen looks to swing across the line but gets an inside edge past leg stump. The keeper, Jitesh Sharma, dives to his left and gets a glove on it as the batters pick up another single.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Shashank Singh, Another yorker nailed, this time again on off stump, Shashank Singh hangs very deep but only manages to jam it off the toe end of the bat to the leg side for a single.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Marco Jansen, This is great bowling from RCB! Bhuvi nails the yorker at the base of off stump. Jansen manages to get a bit of bat on it and sets up for the single. Bhuvi though misses the shy at the bowler's end.
Josh Hazlewood to Shashank Singh, Full and angled in at the toes, Shashank Singh manages to take the front leg out and jams it wide of short fine leg for a couple of runs.
Josh Hazlewood to Shashank Singh, Changes the line now and nails the wide yorker, Shashank Singh is unable to reach it and it will be a dot ball for RCB.
Josh Hazlewood to Marco Jansen, The boundaries just aren't flowing for Punjab! Very full again, tailing back into the pads, Jansen gets it off the inside edge of the bat and down to fine leg for a single.
Josh Hazlewood to Shashank Singh, Full and straight, erring on the fuller side but gets it to tail back in, Singh flicks it away to deep square leg for just a single.
Josh Hazlewood to Marco Jansen, 1 run.
Josh Hazlewood to Shashank Singh, Excellent delivery! Spears in a straight yorker does Hazlewood and gets it to tail back in late, Shashank Singh jams it back onto the deck and scampers through for a single.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Marco Jansen, A review taken for caught behind, but more in hope than anything else! Good-length delivery from Kumar, outside the line of off, Marco Jansen shuffles right across and looks to lap it away but misses. The ball goes straight into the clutches of the keeper. The review is taken, but UltraEdge confirms that there was no bat involved.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Shashank Singh, A low full toss this time around on off stump, Shashank Singh loses his shape a bit and swats it to deep mid-wicket for another single.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Marco Jansen, Full and straight, gets the yorker spot-on, Jansen digs it out wide of mid on for just a single.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Marco Jansen, Wide! Full again but angled down the leg side for a wide.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Shashank Singh, 1 run.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Marco Jansen, Hard length in and around off stump, Jansen stands tall and checks the lofted shot, hitting it on the bounce to long off for a single.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Marco Jansen, Pace-off from Bhuvi, bowled on a good length in the channel. Jansen comes forward and looks to block but is beaten past the outside edge.
Time for the final strategic break of the PBKS inning. Punjab Kings are at a critical juncture, having lost their way after a strong start. Their immediate goal will be to bat out the 20 overs and aim for a total around 180-190, which would give their bowlers a good chance to defend. With their bowling unit riding high on confidence after a brilliant show in the last game, RCB will look to take the remaining wickets quickly and restrict PBKS to as low a score as possible. Can PBKS make the most
Suyash Sharma to Marco Jansen, Half an appeal for LBW but turned down. Fired in quick and full, outside off, Marco Jansen leans across to paddle it away but gets an inside edge onto the pads as the ball rolls to the off side. They pick up a single as well.
Suyash Sharma to Marco Jansen, ! Clean strike! Tossed up at the stumps, Marco Jansen steps out and just swings through the line, easily powering it into the sighscreen for a biggie.
Suyash Sharma to Shashank Singh, Dropped short and around off, Singh presses back and pushes it down to long on for a single.
Suyash Sharma to Shashank Singh, Quicker delivery, short and wide, Shashank Singh looks to cut but is beaten past the outside edge. That one kept a tad low as well.
Suyash Sharma to Marco Jansen, Flighted ball around middle, Jansen gets forward and flicks it away through wide mid on and turns the strike over.
Suyash Sharma to Shashank Singh, Darted in on a fullish length on middle and leg, Shashank Singh leans on and clips it firmly through mid-wickt for a run.
Yash Dayal to Shashank Singh, Slower one, a touch fuller and angling across off, Singh leans on and just nudges it away wide of short third for another single.
Yash Dayal to Marco Jansen, Bowled on a good length and outside off, Jansen punches it off the front foot and past the diving fielder at covers for a couple of runs now.
Yash Dayal to Marco Jansen, 1 run.
Yash Dayal to Marco Jansen, Excellent fielding yet again! Keeps the length full and bowls it straight, Jansen flicks it across but the fielder at short mid-wicket makes a sharp stop to his right.
Yash Dayal to Marco Jansen, Full and around off, Marco Jansen with a lovely drive but straight to mid off. Jansen takes a step ahead as Shashank Singh responds before he is quickly sent back. Virat Kohli with a shy at the bowler's end as Singh scampers back.
Yash Dayal (1-0-17-0) replaces Krunal Pandya in the attack.Â
Yash Dayal to Shashank Singh, Pitched up on the leg stump line, Shashank Singh wrists it away to deep mid-wicket for a run.
Suyash Sharma to Marco Jansen, A touch slower and on a length on off, this one holds in the pitch but Jansen manages to block it off.
Marco Jansen walks out next to bat. Punjab finds themselves in deep trouble as they have lost 6 for just 114 and they still have 6.1 overs to play.Â
Suyash Sharma to Marcus Stoinis, ! TIMBER! Suyash Sharma goes bang-bang and Punjab Kings are in deep trouble here.
Suyash Sharma to Shashank Singh, Quick and a bit short around off, Singh taps it away past point and turns the strike over.
Suyash Sharma to Marcus Stoinis, 1 run.
The Hulk, Marcus Stoinis, walks out next to bat for PBKS.
Suyash Sharma to Josh Inglis, ! CLEANED HIM UP!
Suyash Sharma to Shashank Singh, Quick and short around off, Shashank Singh stays back and punches it across to long on for a single.
Krunal Pandya to Shashank Singh, Fuller and just outside off, Shashank Singh drives with the spin and through cover for a single.
Krunal Pandya to Shashank Singh, An excellent piece of athleticism from Phil Salt in the deep!
Krunal Pandya to Josh Inglis, Too full, and quick, on off, Josh Inglis carves it through cover for a single.
Krunal Pandya to Josh Inglis, ! Gets just enough on it! Josh Inglis trying to accelerate now! An in-drifter from Krunal, fuller and on leg, Josh Inglis skips forward and lofts it over long on for a six. Not quite from the middle of the bat, but still enough to sail it through over the ropes.
Krunal Pandya to Shashank Singh, On a length, on middle, and off, Shashank Singh heaves it wide of long on for a single.
Krunal Pandya to Shashank Singh, Pitched fuller, around off, Shashank Singh taps his front foot out and drives it to the cover fielder.
Romario Shepherd to Josh Inglis, ! Now, that is audacious from the Aussie! Romario Shepherd goes for a yorker, aiming the stumps, Josh Inglis switches his stance, takes the ball on the full, and reverse ramps it over short third for a boundary. The 100 comes up for Punjab Kings!
Romario Shepherd to Shashank Singh, Short of a good length, on the stumps, at 135.3 kph, Shashank Singh tilts forward and clips it to deep mid-wicket for another single.
Romario Shepherd to Josh Inglis, An off cutter, on a length, on top of off, Josh Inglis heaves it wide of long on for a single.
Romario Shepherd to Josh Inglis, Speared fuller, on middle and leg, Josh Inglis flicks it all along the ground to deep mid-wicket region. Since it is that big pocket of the ground, the batters complete the second run quickly.
Romario Shepherd to Josh Inglis, ! Nicely done!
Romario Shepherd to Shashank Singh, Cannons it on middle and leg, full in length, Shashank Singh flicks across to the right of long on for a single.
Suyash Sharma to Shashank Singh, Flatter and shorter on off, Shashank Singh stands tall and punches wide of long off for a single to end the over.
Suyash Sharma to Josh Inglis, On middle, on a length, Josh Inglis gets a bit across and tucks it to deep mid-wicket for a single.
Suyash Sharma to Shashank Singh, Fuller and flatter, on off, Shashank Singh leans and eases it to the cover region. Only a single.
Suyash Sharma to Shashank Singh, Now, that is some sort of a response from Suyash! He bowls a googly, on a length. It lands and turns in sharply. Shashank Singh is totally undone by the wrong'un as he rocks back and looks to punch. Gets beaten on the inside edge.
Suyash Sharma to Shashank Singh, ! A boundary after a long, long time for PBKS!Â
Suyash Sharma to Josh Inglis, Pitched fuller, on middle, Inglis skips forward and clips it to deep mid-wicket for a single.
Krunal Pandya to Shashank Singh, Following the batter, drifting on the leg stump line. Shashank Singh shuffles outside leg but can only block to the right of the bowler. He sniffs a single, and runs a few steps forward, but Krunal Pandya shows excellent game awareness. Dives to his right and stops the ball, forcing Shashank to retreat back quickly. At the halfway mark, Punjab Kings are 79/4.
Krunal Pandya to Shashank Singh, At 97.8 kph, a bit quicker and fuller, on the stumps, flicked straight to mid-wicket.
Krunal Pandya to Shashank Singh, Slower through the air, fuller and on middle, Shashank Singh takes a huge stride forward and blocks it under his bat.
Krunal Pandya to Josh Inglis, Shortish, outside off, Josh Inglis hangs back and punches it through cover for a single.
Krunal Pandya to Shashank Singh, In-drifter on middle and leg, full in length, Shashank Singh drives it along the ground to long off for a single.
Krunal Pandya to Josh Inglis, Shortish on middle and leg, flicked through mid-wicket for a single.
Strategic Break! Wow, Punjab Kings losing wickets in a bunch here and they are already 4 down for 76 runs. The Powerplay turned out to be a positive one for PBKS but RCB seem to have made a comeback and are now on top of proceedings as well. Can Punjab fight back in the middle phase and set up a big finish? Or will RCB continue to pick up wickets? Let's find out. Also, Shashank Singh walks out to bat now.
Suyash Sharma to Josh Inglis, ! run out (Virat Kohli / Jitesh Sharma).
Suyash Sharma to Nehal Wadhera, Quicker one, outside off, Nehal Wadhera opens the bat face, plays it too late, to the right of short third. A quick single taken.
Suyash Sharma to Nehal Wadhera, Quick tap and run! Drifting on middle, on a length, Nehal Wadhera, with soft hands, dabs the ball to the vacant mid-wicket region. Runs the first one hard as Suyash Sharma charges to the left after the ball. They are quick to hare back for the second as well.
Suyash Sharma to Nehal Wadhera, No run.
Suyash Sharma to Josh Inglis, A googly, on middle, on a length, Josh Inglis hangs back and punches it down to long off for a single.
Suyash Sharma to Nehal Wadhera, Fuller one, on off, Wadhera leans forward and eases it to backward point for a single.
Romario Shepherd to Nehal Wadhera, BUZZERS! Length ball, on the stumps, Nehal Wadhera punches to point. Virat Kohli collects it and spears a throw at the non-striker's end. Batters consider taking an overthrow, but only take a single.
Romario Shepherd to Nehal Wadhera, WIDE! Sprayed down leg, on a length. Nehal misses to flick. Wide called.
Romario Shepherd to Nehal Wadhera, No run.
Romario Shepherd to Shreyas Iyer, ! IN THE AIR AND GONE! A screamer of a catch from Krunal Pandya! A wicket in his very first over for RCB for Romario Shepherd!
Nehal Wadhera walks out to bat now.
Romario Shepherd to Shreyas Iyer, Steep bumper, on top of middle, Shreyas Iyer dodges this one by sitting under it.
Romario Shepherd to Josh Inglis, Aims the sticks, on a length, Josh Inglis tucks across to deep mid-wicket for a single.
Romario Shepherd to Josh Inglis, Romario Shepherd replaces Josh Hazlewood. He starts off with a pace-off delivery, on top of middle and leg, Josh Inglis heaves it through the mid-wicket region for a couple of runs.
Krunal Pandya to Shreyas Iyer, A yard behind fuller length, outside off, Iyer knocks it to the cover fielder.
Krunal Pandya to Josh Inglis, In-between length, drifting into the batter, from off. Josh goes for the pull shot, but plays off the inside half of the bat. It rolls to the square leg region and the batters cross for a quick single.Â
Krunal Pandya to Shreyas Iyer, Drifting on the pads, on a length, Shreyas Iyer nudges it through square leg for a single.
Krunal Pandya to Shreyas Iyer, No run.
Krunal Pandya to Josh Inglis, 1 run.
Josh Inglis i the new batter in.
Krunal Pandya to Prabhsimran Singh, ! c Tim David b Krunal Pandya.
Josh Hazlewood to Shreyas Iyer, A dot to end the Powerplay. RCB have managed to score 62 off the first six. Back of a length on middle and leg, Shreyas Iyer ends up blocking it out.Â
Josh Hazlewood to Shreyas Iyer, Edged but short of short third for no run. Good length on off, Shreyas Iyer, keen to cut loose, swings at it. Gets an outside edge that bounces in front of short third.
Josh Hazlewood to Shreyas Iyer, Four!
Josh Hazlewood to Prabhsimran Singh, On a length around off, Prabhsimran Singh drives this towards the off side and rotates strike.Â
Josh Hazlewood to Prabhsimran Singh, Six!
Josh Hazlewood to Prabhsimran Singh, 2 runs.
Krunal Pandya to Shreyas Iyer, This almost carried to Krunal Pandya. This appeared to have stuck on the surface and Shreyas Iyer, looking to roll this to long on ended up chipping this back to the bowler. Krunal grabs this on the bounce and Iyer stays in the middle.Â
Krunal Pandya to Prabhsimran Singh, 2 Wides!
Krunal Pandya to Prabhsimran Singh, Quicker one on the pads, Prabhsimran looks for a flick for runs but finds the fielder on leg.Â
Krunal Pandya to Prabhsimran Singh, ! Not the best of timings from Singh but he manages to find the fence for four. Tossed up on the pads, Prabhsimran Singh gets down on a knee and sweeps this wide of the short fine leg fielder to his left for a boundary. A better effort from Suyash Sharma at short fine may have saved some runs for the side. .Â
Krunal Pandya to Shreyas Iyer, 1 run.
PBKS skipper, Shreyas Iyer is in at number 3.
Krunal Pandya to Priyansh Arya, ! KRUNAL DRAWS FIRST BLOOD! Floated around off, skids after pitching. Priyansh Arya was aiming to hit this across and over mid-wicket but the ball kept going away and it spoons off the bottom of Arya's bat over Tim David at mid off. David settles himself under this and takes a regulation catch to send back the youngster. Priyansh Arya departs on 22(15).Â
Krunal Pandya to Prabhsimran Singh, comes round the wicket, darts one around the pads. Prabhsimran nudges this through mid-wicket for a single. Brings Arya on strike.Â
Krunal Pandya is brought into the attack now. He replaces Bhuvneshwar Kumar.
Josh Hazlewood to Priyansh Arya, ! A boundary at the end of the over spoils a tidy over from Josh Hazlewood. Pitched-up, around off. Priyansh Arya stands still and throws his bat at it. Gets it away off the middle of his bat and the ball has raced through cover for four. This was in the air for a while but was hit in the gap.Â
Josh Hazlewood to Priyansh Arya, Short-pitched, around middle and leg. Priyansh Arya looks to clear the infield on leg but ends up edging this on the bounce to short fine leg for a dot.Â
Josh Hazlewood to Priyansh Arya, Swing and a miss. On a length, arond the fourth stump. Priyansh Arya looks to swipe across the line but gets beaten on the inside. This wasn't far away from the off-stump.Â
Josh Hazlewood to Priyansh Arya, Four!
Josh Hazlewood to Prabhsimran Singh, On a length around off, Prabhsimran Singh guides this towards cover-point and rotates again.Â
Josh Hazlewood to Priyansh Arya, Good length on top of off, Priyansh Arya pllays this with soft hands and takes a single towards mid off.Â
Josh Hazlewood is introduced into the attack. He replaces Yash Dayal.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Prabhsimran Singh, ! Third boundary off the over and 12 comes off this Bhuvneshwar Kumar over.Â
Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Prabhsimran Singh, This is served a bit fuller on off, Prabhsimran Singh pushes this towards the right of Virat Kohli at point. Virat dives to his right and fields this before having a go at the non-striker's end with Arya looking to steal one.Â
Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Prabhsimran Singh, ! Singh creates a bit of room for himself and sends this racing to the fence. Good length around off, Prabhsimran Singh shimmies down the track and smashes this past the cover region for a boundary. Second off the over.Â
Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Prabhsimran Singh, No run.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Prabhsimran Singh, Hit the hard length, in the corridor around off. Prabhsimran plays this late but finds backward point for no run.Â
Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Prabhsimran Singh, ! A boundary to begin this Bhuvi over. On a length wide outside off, Prabhsimran Singh cleverly waits for the ball to come closer to him. Opens the face off his bat and guides this past that gap between short third and backward point for four.Â
Yash Dayal to Priyansh Arya, 2 runs.
Yash Dayal to Priyansh Arya, ! GLORIOUS! Pitched-up, around off, this was shaping away from the left-handed batter. Priyansh Arya stride in front and drives this all along the carpet and through the cover region for a boundary this time.Â
Yash Dayal to Priyansh Arya, No run.
Yash Dayal to Priyansh Arya, ! ARYA GETS GOING NOW! This was served on the shorter side, not much pace on offer. Priyansh Arya was waiting for it. Arya holds his ground and pulls this right out of the middle of his bat for a biggie over the deep mid-wicket fence.Â
Yash Dayal to Prabhsimran Singh, Comes a touch closer to the stumps does Dayal and Prabhsimran Singh push this to cover-point for a single. Sensible from Prabhsimran Singh to take a single after a boundary.Â
Yash Dayal to Prabhsimran Singh, Four!
Yash Dayal to operate from the far end.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Priyansh Arya, Excellent start from Kumar as he gives just 2 off the first over. Bhuvi ends the over with a length delivery around middle and leg, Arya tucked this towards the leg side for no run.Â
Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Priyansh Arya, This is superb from the experienced Bhuvneshwar Kumar. Back of a length around middle and off, does not provide any width to play with for Arya. The batter looks to pull this one but ends up getting it edged off the inside onto his pads for another dot.Â
Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Prabhsimran Singh, Both the openers of PBKS are now off the mark. On a length around off, Prabhsimran Singh plays this late and just dabs it gently towards the short third region for a single.Â
Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Priyansh Arya, First runs on the board for Arya and PBKS. Good length around off, Priyansh Arya strides out in front and drives this towards sweeper cover for a single to get off the mark.Â
Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Priyansh Arya, No run.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Priyansh Arya, We are up and running in Mullanpur. Bhuvneshwar Kumar bends his back and hits the deck hard, around the hips of Priyansh Arya. The batter rocks back and tuck sthis towards the leg side for a dot.Â
In all readiness for the 'battle of the reds' to commence in Mullanpur! It is hot and deafening out there with supporters of both teams in considerable numbers. The umpires take their place. Priyansh Arya and Prabhsimran Singh, the opening pair of Punjab Kings walk out to the crease. The new ball has been given to Bhuvneshwar Kumar. He will open the attack for RCB. Young Priyansh to face Bhuvi. The countdown goes off and here we go...
The skipper of Punjab Kings, Shreyas Iyer, stated that his team was also looking to bowl first, but ultimately, adaptability is key in such a tournament. He emphasized that his team will aim to make the most of the batting conditions and look to post a good total. Iyer praised the fans for their outstanding support so far and expressed his team's desire to put on another superb performance. Iyer also confirmed that the team will field the same lineup, with no changes for this match.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (Playing XI) - Virat Kohli, Phil Salt (WK), Rajat Patidar (C), Romario Shepherd (In for Liam Livingstone), Jitesh Sharma, Tim David, Krunal Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Suyash Sharma, Josh Hazlewood, Yash Dayal.
Punjab Kings (Unchanged Playing XI) - Prabhsimran Singh, Priyansh Arya, Shreyas Iyer (C), Josh Inglis (WK), Nehal Wadhera, Shashank Singh, Marcus Stoinis, Marco Jansen, Xavier Bartlett, Arshdeep Singh, Yuzvendra Chahal.
The captain of Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Rajat Patidar, says that they will bowl first. Adds that the wicket looks decent and won't change much and batting second will give a bit more clarity. Reckons that heat is a factor but they wanted to have a look before batting on it. Informs that they aren't looking to pick the team with regards to the venue and just want to play their best cricket. Ends by saying that Romario Shepherd is in for Liam Livingstone.
Impact players nominated by Royal Challengers Bengaluru - Devdutt Padikkal, Rasikh Salam, Manoj Bhandage, Jacob Bethell and Swapnil Singh.
Impact players nominated by Punjab Kings - Harpreet Brar, Vyshak Vijaykumar, Praveen Dubey, Glenn Maxwell and Suryansh Shedge.
TOSS UPDATE - The flip of the coin lands in favor of Royal Challengers Bengaluru, and Rajat Patidar elects to BOWL first.