Cricket Scorecard

An excellent comeback with the ball by Chennai in the second half of the innings and they will be extremely happy with that. 180 runs on the board for Punjab and well that might seem a good total but on a ground where 200 plus is a par score and with more dew coming later in the evening, Punjab are certainly at least 20 runs short.

Chris Jordan is down for a chat. Jordan says that it is nice to be back and he is glad to come out and put a decent performance. Tells that it has been a good effort to restrict them to this total on the small ground but they need to bat well. Mentions that on the small grounds one need to  adjust according to the boundaries and says that guys executed quite well. Informs that there is less dew tonight.

... The Run Chase ...

Right then! Chennai need 181 runs to win and register their first victory in this edition of the tournament. Punjab have an inexperienced bowling attack and a lot rests on the shoulders of Kagiso Rabada and Rahul Chahar. Chennai on the other hand have explosive batters and it will be interesting to see how the second innings pans out. The run chase coming up in a bit.

Chennai started off in fine fashion with the ball with Mukesh Choudhary getting rid of the opposition skipper but after a couple of overs, the bowling attack was taken for a ride. They did opt for three death over specialists in the form of Dwaine Pretorius, Chris Jordan and Dwayne Bravo and all of them played an important role in pulling things back. Jordan and Pretorius in particular were exceptional and picked up a couple of wickets each as well. The game is now well and truly in Chennai's

Punjab have only themselves to blame as they gave away wickets in clusters of two and this halted the momentum. At the start, skipper Mayank Agarwal and Bhanuka Rajapaksa fell and then came the big partnership between Shikhar Dhawan and Liam Livingstone, with the latter clobbering the Chennai attack. The run rate hovered over 11 runs per over with those two at the crease but both of them fell in quick succession. Jitesh Sharma played a handy cameo but the big hitters, Shahrukh Khan and Odea

Dwayne Bravo to Vaibhav Arora, In the air...safe! Excellent end to the innings from Chennai and Punjab will be a bit disappointed here.  This is bowled into the pitch, around off. Vaibhav Arora looks to swat it towards deep mid-wicket but mistimes it completely. The ball goes off the top edge and lands safely around the short cover region. They get a single and Punjab finish with 180/8!

Vaibhav Arora is the new batter and Dwayne Bravo will bowl the final over.

Dwayne Bravo to Vaibhav Arora, This is short on middle. Vaibhav Arora looks to pull it but misses.

Dwayne Bravo to Kagiso Rabada, Length this time, around off. Kagiso Rabada pushes it out off the back foot towards covers for a single.

Dwayne Bravo to Kagiso Rabada, Yorker length, at the stumps. Rabada can't get it past the bowler.

Dwayne Bravo to Kagiso Rabada, Full, around off. Kagiso Rabada drills it towards wide long on and races back for the second.

Dwayne Bravo to Kagiso Rabada, Slower yorker, wide of off stump. Rabada fails to connect.

Dwaine Pretorius to Rahul Chahar, ! TAKEN! Straight to Dwayne Bravo yet again and Rahul Chahar's handy little cameo comes to an end. Full and wide, slower again. Chahar goes after it and ends up slicing it towards the man at the long off fence and Bravo takes another simple catch. Dwaine Pretorius gets his man and is elated.

Dwaine Pretorius to Rahul Chahar, Slower yorker, close to the off stump. Chahar misses the heave leg side.

Dwaine Pretorius to Rahul Chahar, ! Ruturaj Gaikwad just fails to maintain his balance and Rahul Chahar picks up a maximum. Fullish delivery, outside off. Chahar lifts it high and towards the cover fence. Gaikwad runs back and pouches it but his momentum takes him onto the ropes.

Dwaine Pretorius to Rahul Chahar, Slower one, outside off. Chahar throws the kitchen sink at it but makes no connection.

Dwaine Pretorius to Rahul Chahar, ! A much-needed boundary for Punjab. Full and wide, just misses the yorker Pretorius. Rahul Chahar stays deep in his crease and creams it through covers for a boundary.

Dwaine Pretorius to Rahul Chahar, Gets the wide yorker in does Dwaine Pretorius and Chahar is well beaten.

Who will bowl the penultimate over? It's going to be Dwaine Pretorius.

Chris Jordan to Rahul Chahar, Very full, hitting the base of middle stump. Chahar squeezes it towards sweeper cover for a single.

Chris Jordan to Kagiso Rabada, Length this time, around off. Rabada hangs deep and taps it towards mid off for a quick single.

Chris Jordan to Kagiso Rabada, Full and wide, driven towards extra cover where the fielder misfields and Kagiso Rabada will pick up a couple of runs.

Chris Jordan to Kagiso Rabada, Pacy delivery, full and close to the off pole. Rabada looks to drive but gets undone by the pace.

Rahul Chahar is in next.

Chris Jordan to Rahul Chahar, Around middle and leg, pushed gently back past the bowler for a run.

Chris Jordan to Odean Smith, ! CAUGHT! Punjab shooting themselves in the foot and Odean Smith has yet another disappointing outing. Full and angled at the toes of the batter, cramps Smith for room. Smith tries to free his arjms and get underneath the ball but only manages to lift it straight towards the man at the long on fence. Dwayne Bravo over there takes the simplest of catches and Chris Jordan has his second wicket.

Dwaine Pretorius to Kagiso Rabada, Excellent end to the over from Pretorius. Slower yorker, just inside the tramline and Rabada is completely beaten by the lack of pace.

Dwaine Pretorius to Kagiso Rabada, WIDE! A third wide in the over! Attempted back of the hand slower ball, spilled way beyond the tramline.

Dwaine Pretorius to Odean Smith, Just a single. Very full and outside off, jammed out to long off by Smith.

Dwaine Pretorius to Odean Smith, WIDE! Seam up this time and pushed beyond the tramline. Smith throws his hands at it but doesn't connect. Wided.

Dwaine Pretorius to Odean Smith, Another dot ball and Dwaine Pretorius is having a ball out there. Perfect yorker, right on the tramline and Odean Smith loses his shape yet again as he cannot get anywhere near the delivery.

Dwaine Pretorius to Odean Smith, Another off-pace delivery, full and wide of off. Smith cannot get underneath it and ends up getting a bottom edge back on the deck.

Dwaine Pretorius to Kagiso Rabada, Slower yorker this time, on off. Rabada digs it out towards mid on for a run.

Dwaine Pretorius to Kagiso Rabada, WIDE! Pretorius sees Rabada making a bit of room and goes for a slower ball. He spills it outside the tramline and a wide is signalled.

Dwaine Pretorius to Kagiso Rabada, ! Pretorius angles in a low full toss on the pads. Rabada lofts it over wide mid on and the ball runs away into the fence.

Chris Jordan to Kagiso Rabada, Full and wide, driven off the bottom edge towards short third man for a quick single. Punjab need Odean Smith to step up tonight as anything under 200 will be an under-par score.

Chris Jordan to Kagiso Rabada, Full and quick, going across the left-hander. Rabada looks to cover drive but gets beaten.

Kagiso Rabada is the new man in for Punjab.

Chris Jordan to Shahrukh Khan, ! CAUGHT! Chennai get rid of another dangerous batter! This is a low full toss on middle. Shahrukh Khan looks to whip it off his legs. He fails to get enough distance as the boundary is long on that side. He finds Dwaine Pretorius at deep backward square leg. He takes a good catch and a big wicket for Chennai!

Chris Jordan to Shahrukh Khan, A fuller delivery on middle. Khan hits it to deep square leg with the inside half of his blade and takes a couple.

Chris Jordan to Odean Smith, A fuller delivery on middle. Smith hits it to long on for a single.

Chris Jordan to Odean Smith,  A brilliant yorker on middle and leg. Smith digs it out.

Chris Jordan to Odean Smith, WIDE! Jordan starts the new spell with a wide, it is full and down the leg side. Smith watches it go.

Dwaine Pretorius to Odean Smith, Slower again, pitched up and wide of off stump. Odean Smith drives it towards extra cover and sets off for a quick single.

DRINKS! Chennai have done well to pick wickets at regular intervals since the last break. However, Punjab have a lot of firepower in their batting lineup and they are still scoring around 10 runs per over. Shahrukh Khan is still in the crease and he will be joined by Odean Smith now. Both can be quite dangerous if they get going in the last five overs. So expect a great battle out there, as Chennai look to restrict them under 200.

Dwaine Pretorius to Jitesh Sharma, ! TAKEN! Jitesh Sharma will look at that shot and feel that it was unecessary. Full and wide, its the slower ball this time. Sharma was playing the orthodox shots so well but decides to be cute and attempts the reverse scoop. Sharma goes hard at it but there's no pace on the ball and he ends up chipping it straight towards Robin Uthappa at short third man and Uthappa isn't going to drop that one. Dwaine Pretorius has provided Chennai with a crucial

Dwaine Pretorius to Shahrukh Khan, Back of a length, outside off. Khan pulls it down to long off for a single.

Dwaine Pretorius to Jitesh Sharma, In the air...but safe! Fullish delivery, around off. Jitesh Sharma goes inside out over extra cover but doesn't get a good connection. The fielder from the cover fence comes in but pulls out to take it on the bounce. Single taken.

Dwaine Pretorius to Jitesh Sharma, A length ball, outside off. This is slapped away in front of square on the off side and the fielder does well to slide across and keep it down to a couple.

Dwaine Pretorius is back into the attack. He has bowled one over and has given away just 6 runs in it.

Dwaine Pretorius to Jitesh Sharma, Full and wide, Sharma looks to fetch it and sweep it across but gets a bottom edge back to the keeper.

Ravindra Jadeja to Shahrukh Khan, On off, pushed to the left of Jadeja who dives down and stops the ball.

Ravindra Jadeja to Jitesh Sharma, On off, Sharma steps out and mistimes the heave towards long off for just a single this time.

Ravindra Jadeja to Jitesh Sharma, ! Geez, Jitesh Sharma has got some power! On a length, quicker and angled into leg stump. Sharma makes room leg side and forces the ball all the way over the long on fence for a biggie.

Ravindra Jadeja to Jitesh Sharma, WIDE! This is angled down the leg side for another wide.

Ravindra Jadeja to Shahrukh Khan, Darted in around off stump. Shahrukh Khan hops back and cuts it to deep point for a run.

Ravindra Jadeja to Shahrukh Khan, This is speared into the pads. Khan pushes it out towards wide mid on.

Ravindra Jadeja to Shahrukh Khan, WIDE! Quicker again, down the leg side and a wide is called.

Ravindra Jadeja (3-0-23-1) is back on.

Ravindra Jadeja to Jitesh Sharma, Quicker and flatter, outside off. This is sweetly punched towards deep cover for a single.

Mukesh Choudhary to Jitesh Sharma, In the air...but lands well in front. Full and around off, Sharma jabs it over mid off and collects a single down to long off. The run rate has come down from 12 runs per over to 10 runs per over now and Punjab will be looking to up the ante a bit here.

Mukesh Choudhary to Jitesh Sharma, Choudhary goes back to the hard length and bowls it on off stump. Sharma defends it out.

Mukesh Choudhary to Jitesh Sharma, ! A bit of a top edge but the intent was clear. Banged in halfway down the leg side. Jitesh Sharma takes it on and clears the fine leg fence.

Mukesh Choudhary is back on. He has given away 44 runs so far in his three overs and has taken an important wicket of Mayank Agarwal.

Mukesh Choudhary to Jitesh Sharma, On middle this time and Sharma just pushes it gently back to the bowler.

Mukesh Choudhary to Jitesh Sharma, A length ball, slanting across off. This is dabbed down towards backward point. Sharma looks for a single but is sent back and rightly so.

Mukesh Choudhary to Shahrukh Khan, Back of a length, over middle. Khan punches it down to long on for a run.

Moeen Ali to Shahrukh Khan, Shorter this time from Moeen Ali. Shahrukh Khan rocks back and pulls it behind square on the leg side for a single.

Moeen Ali to Shahrukh Khan, Slowed up, on a length and turning into leg stump. Khan tucks it towards square leg.

Moeen Ali to Jitesh Sharma, Full and straight, eased down to long on for a single.

Moeen Ali to Jitesh Sharma, On middle, pushed back towards the bowler.

Moeen Ali to Jitesh Sharma, ! First match for Jitesh Sharma and he smokes his third delivery for a huge hit. Angled into middle and leg, Sharma steps out and lifts it all the way over the mid-wicket fence.

Moeen Ali is into the attack now.

Moeen Ali to Jitesh Sharma, Floated up, on the pads. Sharam nudges it towards mid-wicket.

Ravindra Jadeja to Shahrukh Khan, This is darted into off, Khan just blocks it out once again.

Shahrukh Khan walks out to bat now.

Ravindra Jadeja to Shahrukh Khan, Flatter delivery, on off. Khan blocks it out.

Ravindra Jadeja to Liam Livingstone, ! CAUGHT! Soft dismissal and its Ambati Rayudu who has his redemption! This is quicker and outside off, there to be hit. Liam Livingstone looks to power it over extra cover but gets a thick outside edge. The ball flies straight down the throat of the fielder at short third man and Rayudu this time doesn't make any mistake. Ravindra Jadeja has done the trick for his team and Livingstone departs after an entertaining innings. Punjab pushed on the b

Ravindra Jadeja to Jitesh Sharma, Around off, pushed through covers for a run by Sharma to get off the mark.

Ravindra Jadeja to Liam Livingstone, Around off, cut away again through the cover region but this time it will only be a single.

Jitesh Sharma walks out to bat at number 5.

Ravindra Jadeja to Liam Livingstone, ! Slapped away! Short and wide, a nothing delivery really from Jadeja. Liam Livingstone cuts it powerfully through the cover region for a boundary.

Dwayne Bravo to Shikhar Dhawan, ! CAUGHT! End of a handy knock from Shikhar Dhawan! Good slower ball by Bravo! He delivers it full and outside off. Shikhar Dhawan looks to drive it away but plays it a bit early as the ball is slower in pace. It goes high in the air behind the cover fielder in the ring. Ravindra Jadeja runs behind and to his right and takes the catch easily in the end. So finally the partnership has been broken and Chennai will looks to capitalise on it now.

Dwayne Bravo to Liam Livingstone, A fuller delivery on leg. Liam Livingstone works it to deep backward square leg for a single.

Dwayne Bravo to Liam Livingstone, Well bowled! Dwayne Bravo with a wide yorker, outside off. Liam Livingstone looks to get a bat on it but misses.

Dwayne Bravo to Liam Livingstone, ! Fifty comes up for Liam Livingstone! It has been a brilliant one! Finally he delivers. This ball is short on middle and leg. Liam Livingstone looks to pull but gets a top edge. The ball goes in the air and over the fine leg fence for a maximum.

Dwayne Bravo to Shikhar Dhawan, A very full delivery, outside off. Shikhar Dhawan drives it to covers for a single this time.

Dwayne Bravo to Shikhar Dhawan, ! With all the attention on Liam Livingstone, it is Shikhar Dhawan who has got regular boundaries in the last few overs! This is fuller outside off. Shikhar Dhawan skips down the track and creams it through covers for a boundary. 100 up for Punjab!

Dwayne Bravo to Shikhar Dhawan, WIDE! Bravo starts another over with a wide! This is full and outside off. Shikhar Dhawan lets it go.

Ravindra Jadeja to Shikhar Dhawan, Short on middle now. Shikhar Dhawan rocks back and pulls it to deep mid-wicket for a single.

Ravindra Jadeja to Shikhar Dhawan, ! Lovely shot by the senior pro! This is on middle and leg. Shikhar Dhawan gets a bit across and paddle-sweeps it fine towards the fine leg fence for a boundary.

Ravindra Jadeja to Liam Livingstone, Fuller on off. Liam Livingstone pushes it to covers for a single.

Ravindra Jadeja to Liam Livingstone, WIDE! Fires thi bit wider outside off. Liam Livingstone leaves it alone. 

Ravindra Jadeja to Liam Livingstone, This is pushed quicker outside off. Liam Livingstone pushes it to covers.

Ravindra Jadeja to Liam Livingstone, Short and wide outside off. Liam Livingstone looks to cut but misses.

Ravindra Jadeja to Liam Livingstone, A flatter and quicker one, outside off. Liam Livingstone cuts it to covers.

Is that out? MS Dhoni straightaway signals that he isn't sure if the ball hit the ground and the umpires do go upstairs. This is a tough call, Dhoni seems to have taken it clearly as can be seen on the replay but just when he landed the ball seems to have hit the ground. The third umpire has a good look at it and makes his decision. NOT !

Drinks! Pheww! Too much happening in the game right now and it's fair to say that everyone deserves a breather. After a sensational start with the ball and in the field by Chennai, a storm by the name of Liam Livingstone has struck the ground and he has turned the game on its head. Livingstone though has got a couple of lives but it is now up to him to make the most of them. Dhawan too has given him ample support and Chennai are desperate for a wicket here, just to slow things down a bit.

Dwaine Pretorius to Liam Livingstone, Ends the over with a full ball, on middle. Liam Livingstone knocks it down to long on for a single. Good over from Dwaine Pretorius!

Dwaine Pretorius to Shikhar Dhawan, A low full toss on off. Shikhar Dhawan skips down the track and pushes it to long off for a single.

Dwaine Pretorius to Shikhar Dhawan, WIDE! This is again very full and outside off. Shikhar Dhawan leaves it alone.

Dwaine Pretorius to Shikhar Dhawan, A very full delivery on off again. Shikhar Dhawan slog-sweeps it to deep mid-wicket and the batters run couple. Bravo does well in the deep to stop a boundary there.

Dwaine Pretorius to Liam Livingstone, A fuller delivery, outside off. Liam Livingstone squeezes it to point for a single.

Dwaine Pretorius to Liam Livingstone, NOT ! Liam Livingstone gets another life! This is full and around leg. Liam Livingstone looks to clip it but gets a faint part of his blade. The ball goes towards left of Dhoni. He dives to his left takes a catch but as he falls the ball just hits the ground. Dhoni is not sure and the umpire takes it upstairs. The replays roll in and they show that the ball has hit the ground. So Liam Livingstone survives.

Dwaine Pretorius to Shikhar Dhawan, Starts with a yorker, outside off. Shikhar Dhawan gets across and looks to sweep but misses. The ball hits his pads and a leg bye is taken towards the off side.

Dwaine Pretorius comes into the attack now.

Ravindra Jadeja to Liam Livingstone, A flatter delivery on off. Liam Livingstone punches it to covers.

Ravindra Jadeja to Liam Livingstone, Ohhh... Ambati Rayudu, you will not get a more easy catch than this one, he has dropped it! A tossed up delivery, around off. Liam Livingstone skips down the track and looks to go for a big one. The ball catches the outside edge and goes right of short third man. He runs slightly to his right and drops a sitter. Costly miss!

Ravindra Jadeja to Shikhar Dhawan, On the shorter side on leg. Dhawan works it to short fine leg for a single.

Ravindra Jadeja to Shikhar Dhawan, A fuller delivery on middle. Shikhar Dhawan skips down the track and works it to deep mid-wicket for a couple.

Ravindra Jadeja to Liam Livingstone, A flatter and shorter delivery on off. Liam Livingstone rocks back and cuts it to deep point for a single.

Ravindra Jadeja to Liam Livingstone, ! Liam Livingstone greets the Chennai skipper with a maximum! Jadeja fires this on off. Liam Livingstone dances down the track and tonks it over long off for a biggie. 87 metres hit!

The skipper, Ravindra Jadeja brings himself into the attack now.

Dwayne Bravo to Shikhar Dhawan, ! Another expensive over to end the Powerplay! Lands on a length, around leg. Dhawan clips it past short fine leg for a boundary. After Powerplay, Punjab are 72/2!

Dwayne Bravo to Shikhar Dhawan, A slower full delivery on middle. Shikhar Dhawan skips down the track and takes it on full. He hits it straight to mid on.

Dwayne Bravo to Shikhar Dhawan, Well bowled! Bravo sees Dhawan moving in the crease and serves a slower ball, outside off. Shikhar Dhawan first backs away then gets across towards the off side and leaves it in the end.

Dwayne Bravo to Shikhar Dhawan, ! Nice timing again! This is full and outside off. Shikhar Dhawan creams a drive through covers for a boundary.

Dwayne Bravo to Shikhar Dhawan, ! Now, Shikhar Dhawan joins the act! Pressure on Dwayne Bravo straightaway! This is fuller on middle. Shikhar Dhawan picks the slower ball and launches it over long on for a maximum.

Dwayne Bravo to Shikhar Dhawan, Back  of a length, outside off. Shikhar Dhawan chops it to covers.

Dwayne Bravo to Shikhar Dhawan, WIDE! Bravo starts with a full and wide delivery, outside off. Shikhar Dhawan skips down the track and lets it go as it is too wide.

Mukesh Choudhary to Liam Livingstone, ! 26 off the over! This is slanted well across the off stump, Liam Livingstone shuffles across and smokes it towards the mid-wicket fence. This time the ball hits the advertising ropes on the full and eventually, a maximum is called.

Dwayne Bravo is into the attack now.

Mukesh Choudhary to Liam Livingstone, ! A bit lucky this time but make it 20 runs off the over with a ball still to go. A wide yorker, Livingstone opens the face of the bat to make sure the edge flies over short third man and goes into the fence. 50 is up for Punjab as well.

Mukesh Choudhary to Liam Livingstone, ! Liam Livingstone is punishing Mukesh Choudhary now. Full and wide again, Livingstone lifts it over extra cover and collects yet another boundary.

Mukesh Choudhary to Liam Livingstone, WIDE! Full and wide again, a bit too wide though.

Mukesh Choudhary to Liam Livingstone, WIDE! Choudhary sees Livingstone advancing and pushes it full and wide, close to the tramline. Wide called.

Mukesh Choudhary to Liam Livingstone, ! Brute power! Full and straight, Livingstone makes room leg side and drills it over the head of the man at mid off for a boundary. He seems in the mood tonight.

Mukesh Choudhary to Liam Livingstone, Good comeback from Choudhary. It's the off-cutter this time, going across the right-hander. Livingstone looks to run it fine but misses.

Mukesh Choudhary to Liam Livingstone, ! Monster hit from Liam Livingstone and he has put everything in this shot! A length ball, around off. Livingstone drags it high and long over the mid-wicket fence for a biggie and the ball travels a massive 108 meters.

Chris Jordan to Shikhar Dhawan, A bit fuller and closer to the off pole, pushed towards short cover.

Chris Jordan to Shikhar Dhawan, On a good length this time and Dhawan can't get it past the fielder at point again.

Chris Jordan to Shikhar Dhawan, A length ball, slanting across off stump. Dhawan plays it towards the point region.

Chris Jordan to Shikhar Dhawan, This is pushed wider, Shikhar Dhawan steps out and hammers it towards cover-point where Dwayne Bravo does extremely well to get a hand on it. The batters get a couple of runs and Bravo seems to be in some pain. It was hit really hard to be honest.

Chris Jordan to Liam Livingstone, Angling into middle and leg, flicked away to square leg for one more.

Chris Jordan to Shikhar Dhawan, Back of a length, around off. Dhawan hangs back and dabs it down towards backward point for a single.

Mukesh Choudhary to Liam Livingstone, ! Crunched! Choudhary bangs it in short and Liam Livingstone just walks toward him. Livingstone then absolutely slaps the ball over extra cover and hits the advertising cushion on the full. Well, the ball just bounced before hitting the cushion and it is given as a boundary.

Mukesh Choudhary to Liam Livingstone, Six!

Mukesh Choudhary to Liam Livingstone, A length ball, around off. This is pushed towards extra cover.

Mukesh Choudhary to Liam Livingstone, Flat-batted for ! Banged in short, around leg stump. Livingstone pulls it over the fine leg fence for a maximum with ease.

Mukesh Choudhary to Liam Livingstone, Good-length, on off. Livingstone hangs back and dabs it back onto the deck.

Mukesh Choudhary to Liam Livingstone, Livingstone will feel he missed out there. A half-volley outside off and this is driven on the up but straight to the man at cover.

Mukesh Choudhary to Liam Livingstone, Full and wide, angled across the right-hander. Livingstone leaves it alone.

Chris Jordan to Shikhar Dhawan, The batters think about the quick single but decide against it. On the pads, tucked away towards square leg.

Chris Jordan to Shikhar Dhawan, Around the top of off, Dhawan stands tall and taps it towards cover.

Chris Jordan to Liam Livingstone, Brilliant effort in the deep from Dwaine Pretorius and he saves a boundary. On the pads, picked up by Livingstone and hit aerially towards the long backward square leg fence. Pretorius runs around from the fine leg fence and just about pushes it back in. The batters get three runs.

Chris Jordan to Liam Livingstone, A length ball, slanted into middle. Livingstone keeps it out.

Liam Livingstone walks out to the middle now.

Chris Jordan to Bhanuka Rajapaksa, ! RUN OUT! Punjab is dire straits early on and what a costly mix-up this could prove to be! On a good length over middle stump. Rajapaksa pushes it out towards short mid-wicket and wants the single. At first, Shikhar Dhawan responds to the call but sees Chris Jordan onto it in a flash. Dhawan turns back but Rajapaksa is stranded halfway. Jordan has a pop at the batter's end but misses. MS Dhoni does extremely well to dive to collect the ball and th

Chris Jordan to Bhanuka Rajapaksa, ! Just a little one-hander from Bhanuka Rajapaksa! Jordan starts off with a shortish ball around the hips. Rajapaksa looks to pull but one hand comes off the handle and the ball flies off the top edge all the way over the fine leg fence for a biggie.

Chris Jordan to share the new ball with Mukesh Choudhary.

Mukesh Choudhary to Shikhar Dhawan, Nicely bowled! This is a bit fuller and angled into off stump. The ball shapes away a bit but straightens as well. Dhawan plays inside the line of the ball. 8 runs and a wicket off an eventful first over!

Mukesh Choudhary to Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Full and wide, shaping away. Rajapaksa just opens the face of the bat and slices it down to third man for a single.

Mukesh Choudhary to Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Good running! Angled into middle and leg, pushed through the mid-wicket region for a couple of runs. Rajapaksa is off the mark.

Mukesh Choudhary to Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Length this time, outside off. Rajapaksa looks to cut but edges it well in front of a diving MS Dhoni.

Mukesh Choudhary to Bhanuka Rajapaksa, WIDE! Trying to attack the pads but spilled down the leg side. Rajapaksa misses the flick and a wide is called.

Mukesh Choudhary to Mayank Agarwal, ! CAUGHT! Mayank Agarwal's poor run of form continues as he falters in the first over itself. A bit wider and this isn't a half volley. Agarwal looks to drive on the up and does so away from his body. There is a bit of extra bounce as well and the ball goes off the bottom part of the bat towards Robin Uthappa at covers. Robin Uthappa takes a sharp catch and Mukesh Choudhary has given Chennai a dream start.

Bhanuka Rajapaksa walks in at number 3.

Mukesh Choudhary to Mayank Agarwal, ! Mayank Agarwal and Punjab are up and running right away. Mukesh Choudhary serves a length ball, on the pads and there is a bit of movement inwards as well. Agarwal tucks it off his pads and the ball races away into the fine leg fence.

We are all set to begin! The umpires walk out to the middle. Chennai players follow them now. Shikhar Dhawan and Mayank Agarwal are the openers for Punjab. Mukesh Choudhary, the left-arm seamer will start with the ball for Chennai. Mayank Agarwal will take the strike. Here we go...

Punjab have a strong batting lineup but they faltered in the last game when they batted first. Can they put up a better performance in this game? Also, Chennai have boosted their bowling attack as Chris Jordan with all his experience and death bowling skills replaces Tushar Deshpande. It will be an interesting battle, let's see how things pan out.

Chennai (Playing XI) - Robin Uthappa, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Moeen Ali, Shivam Dube, Ambati Rayudu, Ravindra Jadeja (C), MS Dhoni (WK), Dwaine Pretorius, Dwayne Bravo, Chris Jordan (In place of Tushar Deshpande), Mukesh Choudhary. 

Punjab (Playing XI) - Mayank Agarwal (C), Shikhar Dhawan, Bhanuka Rajapaksa (WK), Liam Livingstone, Shahrukh Khan, Odean Smith, Jitesh Sharma (In place of Raj Bawa), Rahul Chahar, Kagiso Rabada, Arshdeep Singh, Vaibhav Arora (In place of Harpreet Brar).

Mayank Agarwal, the skipper of Punjab, says that it looks like a good batting wicket and it will be nice to put runs on the board. Tells that it was an off day in the last game but they did not need to ponder a lot about that. Mentions that they need to learn from that game though. Tells that they have couple of changes as Vaibhav Arora comes in for Harpreet Brar and Jitesh Sharma comes in for Raj Bawa.

Ravindra Jadeja, the skipper of Chennai, says that they will bowl first. He adds that they try to keep things very simple and back each and every player. Mentions that they have experienced players who know how to perform when under the pump. Informs that they have one change as Chris Jordan comes in place of Tushar Deshpande.

TOSS - The coin goes up and lands in favour of Chennai. They have elected to BOWL first.

... MATCH DAY …

Our daily dose of some mouth-watering T20 action continues as the defending champions, Chennai go head-to-head against Punjab at Brabourne Stadium, Mumbai. Punjab started on a bright note with a win in the first game but failed to deliver the goods in their second game. Chennai, on the other hand, were better in the second game but ended on a losing note yet again, thus failing to open their account in the two games so far.

The live pictures show that Vaibhav Arora and Jitesh Sharma are getting their caps in the Punjab huddle. So expect at least two changes in the Punjab lineup today. 

PITCH REPORT - Matthew Hayden is pitchside. Haydos mentions that there is an anti-dew agent that is being sprayed onto the pitch to counter the dew a bit. He adds that the side towards the ocean is much longer and the boundaries are about 80 meters but the wicket is an absolute cracker. Reckons it will be a batting paradise and the team batting first will have to post a mammoth total.

Punjab have one of the strongest teams on the paper with some tremendous firepower in their batting unit. If they get going with all their might, we might see plenty of big scores from this Punjab batting lineup this season. Their batting will be boosted further tonight with Jonny Bairstow now available for the selection. The bowling is led by Kagiso Rabada and he has some able bowlers to support him like Rahul Chahar, Arshdeep Singh. However, the biggest positive for them is the presence of

Chennai, on the other hand, put together a strong batting performance in the last game and with Moeen Ali back in the fold, the batting looks quite formidable. MS Dhoni has truly turned back the clock at the start of the tournament and is set to play his 350th T20 match tonight. However, the bowling looks quite inexperienced and that will remain a big concern against a strong batting lineup of Punjab. Except for Dwayne Bravo and Dwaine Pretorius in the last game, everyone else struggled an

An excellent comeback with the ball by Chennai in the second half of the innings and they will be extremely happy with that. 180 runs on the board for Punjab and well that might seem a good total but on a ground where 200 plus is a par score and with more dew coming later in the evening, Punjab are certainly at least 20 runs short.

Chris Jordan is down for a chat. Jordan says that it is nice to be back and he is glad to come out and put a decent performance. Tells that it has been a good effort to restrict them to this total on the small ground but they need to bat well. Mentions that on the small grounds one need to  adjust according to the boundaries and says that guys executed quite well. Informs that there is less dew tonight.

... The Run Chase ...

Right then! Chennai need 181 runs to win and register their first victory in this edition of the tournament. Punjab have an inexperienced bowling attack and a lot rests on the shoulders of Kagiso Rabada and Rahul Chahar. Chennai on the other hand have explosive batters and it will be interesting to see how the second innings pans out. The run chase coming up in a bit.

Chennai started off in fine fashion with the ball with Mukesh Choudhary getting rid of the opposition skipper but after a couple of overs, the bowling attack was taken for a ride. They did opt for three death over specialists in the form of Dwaine Pretorius, Chris Jordan and Dwayne Bravo and all of them played an important role in pulling things back. Jordan and Pretorius in particular were exceptional and picked up a couple of wickets each as well. The game is now well and truly in Chennai's

Punjab have only themselves to blame as they gave away wickets in clusters of two and this halted the momentum. At the start, skipper Mayank Agarwal and Bhanuka Rajapaksa fell and then came the big partnership between Shikhar Dhawan and Liam Livingstone, with the latter clobbering the Chennai attack. The run rate hovered over 11 runs per over with those two at the crease but both of them fell in quick succession. Jitesh Sharma played a handy cameo but the big hitters, Shahrukh Khan and Odea

Dwayne Bravo to Vaibhav Arora, In the air...safe! Excellent end to the innings from Chennai and Punjab will be a bit disappointed here.  This is bowled into the pitch, around off. Vaibhav Arora looks to swat it towards deep mid-wicket but mistimes it completely. The ball goes off the top edge and lands safely around the short cover region. They get a single and Punjab finish with 180/8!

Vaibhav Arora is the new batter and Dwayne Bravo will bowl the final over.

Dwayne Bravo to Vaibhav Arora, This is short on middle. Vaibhav Arora looks to pull it but misses.

Dwayne Bravo to Kagiso Rabada, Length this time, around off. Kagiso Rabada pushes it out off the back foot towards covers for a single.

Dwayne Bravo to Kagiso Rabada, Yorker length, at the stumps. Rabada can't get it past the bowler.

Dwayne Bravo to Kagiso Rabada, Full, around off. Kagiso Rabada drills it towards wide long on and races back for the second.

Dwayne Bravo to Kagiso Rabada, Slower yorker, wide of off stump. Rabada fails to connect.

Dwaine Pretorius to Rahul Chahar, ! TAKEN! Straight to Dwayne Bravo yet again and Rahul Chahar's handy little cameo comes to an end. Full and wide, slower again. Chahar goes after it and ends up slicing it towards the man at the long off fence and Bravo takes another simple catch. Dwaine Pretorius gets his man and is elated.

Dwaine Pretorius to Rahul Chahar, Slower yorker, close to the off stump. Chahar misses the heave leg side.

Dwaine Pretorius to Rahul Chahar, ! Ruturaj Gaikwad just fails to maintain his balance and Rahul Chahar picks up a maximum. Fullish delivery, outside off. Chahar lifts it high and towards the cover fence. Gaikwad runs back and pouches it but his momentum takes him onto the ropes.

Dwaine Pretorius to Rahul Chahar, Slower one, outside off. Chahar throws the kitchen sink at it but makes no connection.

Dwaine Pretorius to Rahul Chahar, ! A much-needed boundary for Punjab. Full and wide, just misses the yorker Pretorius. Rahul Chahar stays deep in his crease and creams it through covers for a boundary.

Dwaine Pretorius to Rahul Chahar, Gets the wide yorker in does Dwaine Pretorius and Chahar is well beaten.

Who will bowl the penultimate over? It's going to be Dwaine Pretorius.

Chris Jordan to Rahul Chahar, Very full, hitting the base of middle stump. Chahar squeezes it towards sweeper cover for a single.

Chris Jordan to Kagiso Rabada, Length this time, around off. Rabada hangs deep and taps it towards mid off for a quick single.

Chris Jordan to Kagiso Rabada, Full and wide, driven towards extra cover where the fielder misfields and Kagiso Rabada will pick up a couple of runs.

Chris Jordan to Kagiso Rabada, Pacy delivery, full and close to the off pole. Rabada looks to drive but gets undone by the pace.

Rahul Chahar is in next.

Chris Jordan to Rahul Chahar, Around middle and leg, pushed gently back past the bowler for a run.

Chris Jordan to Odean Smith, ! CAUGHT! Punjab shooting themselves in the foot and Odean Smith has yet another disappointing outing. Full and angled at the toes of the batter, cramps Smith for room. Smith tries to free his arjms and get underneath the ball but only manages to lift it straight towards the man at the long on fence. Dwayne Bravo over there takes the simplest of catches and Chris Jordan has his second wicket.

Dwaine Pretorius to Kagiso Rabada, Excellent end to the over from Pretorius. Slower yorker, just inside the tramline and Rabada is completely beaten by the lack of pace.

Dwaine Pretorius to Kagiso Rabada, WIDE! A third wide in the over! Attempted back of the hand slower ball, spilled way beyond the tramline.

Dwaine Pretorius to Odean Smith, Just a single. Very full and outside off, jammed out to long off by Smith.

Dwaine Pretorius to Odean Smith, WIDE! Seam up this time and pushed beyond the tramline. Smith throws his hands at it but doesn't connect. Wided.

Dwaine Pretorius to Odean Smith, Another dot ball and Dwaine Pretorius is having a ball out there. Perfect yorker, right on the tramline and Odean Smith loses his shape yet again as he cannot get anywhere near the delivery.

Dwaine Pretorius to Odean Smith, Another off-pace delivery, full and wide of off. Smith cannot get underneath it and ends up getting a bottom edge back on the deck.

Dwaine Pretorius to Kagiso Rabada, Slower yorker this time, on off. Rabada digs it out towards mid on for a run.

Dwaine Pretorius to Kagiso Rabada, WIDE! Pretorius sees Rabada making a bit of room and goes for a slower ball. He spills it outside the tramline and a wide is signalled.

Dwaine Pretorius to Kagiso Rabada, ! Pretorius angles in a low full toss on the pads. Rabada lofts it over wide mid on and the ball runs away into the fence.

Chris Jordan to Kagiso Rabada, Full and wide, driven off the bottom edge towards short third man for a quick single. Punjab need Odean Smith to step up tonight as anything under 200 will be an under-par score.

Chris Jordan to Kagiso Rabada, Full and quick, going across the left-hander. Rabada looks to cover drive but gets beaten.

Kagiso Rabada is the new man in for Punjab.

Chris Jordan to Shahrukh Khan, ! CAUGHT! Chennai get rid of another dangerous batter! This is a low full toss on middle. Shahrukh Khan looks to whip it off his legs. He fails to get enough distance as the boundary is long on that side. He finds Dwaine Pretorius at deep backward square leg. He takes a good catch and a big wicket for Chennai!

Chris Jordan to Shahrukh Khan, A fuller delivery on middle. Khan hits it to deep square leg with the inside half of his blade and takes a couple.

Chris Jordan to Odean Smith, A fuller delivery on middle. Smith hits it to long on for a single.

Chris Jordan to Odean Smith,  A brilliant yorker on middle and leg. Smith digs it out.

Chris Jordan to Odean Smith, WIDE! Jordan starts the new spell with a wide, it is full and down the leg side. Smith watches it go.

Dwaine Pretorius to Odean Smith, Slower again, pitched up and wide of off stump. Odean Smith drives it towards extra cover and sets off for a quick single.

DRINKS! Chennai have done well to pick wickets at regular intervals since the last break. However, Punjab have a lot of firepower in their batting lineup and they are still scoring around 10 runs per over. Shahrukh Khan is still in the crease and he will be joined by Odean Smith now. Both can be quite dangerous if they get going in the last five overs. So expect a great battle out there, as Chennai look to restrict them under 200.

Dwaine Pretorius to Jitesh Sharma, ! TAKEN! Jitesh Sharma will look at that shot and feel that it was unecessary. Full and wide, its the slower ball this time. Sharma was playing the orthodox shots so well but decides to be cute and attempts the reverse scoop. Sharma goes hard at it but there's no pace on the ball and he ends up chipping it straight towards Robin Uthappa at short third man and Uthappa isn't going to drop that one. Dwaine Pretorius has provided Chennai with a crucial

Dwaine Pretorius to Shahrukh Khan, Back of a length, outside off. Khan pulls it down to long off for a single.

Dwaine Pretorius to Jitesh Sharma, In the air...but safe! Fullish delivery, around off. Jitesh Sharma goes inside out over extra cover but doesn't get a good connection. The fielder from the cover fence comes in but pulls out to take it on the bounce. Single taken.

Dwaine Pretorius to Jitesh Sharma, A length ball, outside off. This is slapped away in front of square on the off side and the fielder does well to slide across and keep it down to a couple.

Dwaine Pretorius is back into the attack. He has bowled one over and has given away just 6 runs in it.

Dwaine Pretorius to Jitesh Sharma, Full and wide, Sharma looks to fetch it and sweep it across but gets a bottom edge back to the keeper.

Ravindra Jadeja to Shahrukh Khan, On off, pushed to the left of Jadeja who dives down and stops the ball.

Ravindra Jadeja to Jitesh Sharma, On off, Sharma steps out and mistimes the heave towards long off for just a single this time.

Ravindra Jadeja to Jitesh Sharma, ! Geez, Jitesh Sharma has got some power! On a length, quicker and angled into leg stump. Sharma makes room leg side and forces the ball all the way over the long on fence for a biggie.

Ravindra Jadeja to Jitesh Sharma, WIDE! This is angled down the leg side for another wide.

Ravindra Jadeja to Shahrukh Khan, Darted in around off stump. Shahrukh Khan hops back and cuts it to deep point for a run.

Ravindra Jadeja to Shahrukh Khan, This is speared into the pads. Khan pushes it out towards wide mid on.

Ravindra Jadeja to Shahrukh Khan, WIDE! Quicker again, down the leg side and a wide is called.

Ravindra Jadeja (3-0-23-1) is back on.

Ravindra Jadeja to Jitesh Sharma, Quicker and flatter, outside off. This is sweetly punched towards deep cover for a single.

Mukesh Choudhary to Jitesh Sharma, In the air...but lands well in front. Full and around off, Sharma jabs it over mid off and collects a single down to long off. The run rate has come down from 12 runs per over to 10 runs per over now and Punjab will be looking to up the ante a bit here.

Mukesh Choudhary to Jitesh Sharma, Choudhary goes back to the hard length and bowls it on off stump. Sharma defends it out.

Mukesh Choudhary to Jitesh Sharma, ! A bit of a top edge but the intent was clear. Banged in halfway down the leg side. Jitesh Sharma takes it on and clears the fine leg fence.

Mukesh Choudhary is back on. He has given away 44 runs so far in his three overs and has taken an important wicket of Mayank Agarwal.

Mukesh Choudhary to Jitesh Sharma, On middle this time and Sharma just pushes it gently back to the bowler.

Mukesh Choudhary to Jitesh Sharma, A length ball, slanting across off. This is dabbed down towards backward point. Sharma looks for a single but is sent back and rightly so.

Mukesh Choudhary to Shahrukh Khan, Back of a length, over middle. Khan punches it down to long on for a run.

Moeen Ali to Shahrukh Khan, Shorter this time from Moeen Ali. Shahrukh Khan rocks back and pulls it behind square on the leg side for a single.

Moeen Ali to Shahrukh Khan, Slowed up, on a length and turning into leg stump. Khan tucks it towards square leg.

Moeen Ali to Jitesh Sharma, Full and straight, eased down to long on for a single.

Moeen Ali to Jitesh Sharma, On middle, pushed back towards the bowler.

Moeen Ali to Jitesh Sharma, ! First match for Jitesh Sharma and he smokes his third delivery for a huge hit. Angled into middle and leg, Sharma steps out and lifts it all the way over the mid-wicket fence.

Moeen Ali is into the attack now.

Moeen Ali to Jitesh Sharma, Floated up, on the pads. Sharam nudges it towards mid-wicket.

Ravindra Jadeja to Shahrukh Khan, This is darted into off, Khan just blocks it out once again.

Shahrukh Khan walks out to bat now.

Ravindra Jadeja to Shahrukh Khan, Flatter delivery, on off. Khan blocks it out.

Ravindra Jadeja to Liam Livingstone, ! CAUGHT! Soft dismissal and its Ambati Rayudu who has his redemption! This is quicker and outside off, there to be hit. Liam Livingstone looks to power it over extra cover but gets a thick outside edge. The ball flies straight down the throat of the fielder at short third man and Rayudu this time doesn't make any mistake. Ravindra Jadeja has done the trick for his team and Livingstone departs after an entertaining innings. Punjab pushed on the b

Ravindra Jadeja to Jitesh Sharma, Around off, pushed through covers for a run by Sharma to get off the mark.

Ravindra Jadeja to Liam Livingstone, Around off, cut away again through the cover region but this time it will only be a single.

Jitesh Sharma walks out to bat at number 5.

Ravindra Jadeja to Liam Livingstone, ! Slapped away! Short and wide, a nothing delivery really from Jadeja. Liam Livingstone cuts it powerfully through the cover region for a boundary.

Dwayne Bravo to Shikhar Dhawan, ! CAUGHT! End of a handy knock from Shikhar Dhawan! Good slower ball by Bravo! He delivers it full and outside off. Shikhar Dhawan looks to drive it away but plays it a bit early as the ball is slower in pace. It goes high in the air behind the cover fielder in the ring. Ravindra Jadeja runs behind and to his right and takes the catch easily in the end. So finally the partnership has been broken and Chennai will looks to capitalise on it now.

Dwayne Bravo to Liam Livingstone, A fuller delivery on leg. Liam Livingstone works it to deep backward square leg for a single.

Dwayne Bravo to Liam Livingstone, Well bowled! Dwayne Bravo with a wide yorker, outside off. Liam Livingstone looks to get a bat on it but misses.

Dwayne Bravo to Liam Livingstone, ! Fifty comes up for Liam Livingstone! It has been a brilliant one! Finally he delivers. This ball is short on middle and leg. Liam Livingstone looks to pull but gets a top edge. The ball goes in the air and over the fine leg fence for a maximum.

Dwayne Bravo to Shikhar Dhawan, A very full delivery, outside off. Shikhar Dhawan drives it to covers for a single this time.

Dwayne Bravo to Shikhar Dhawan, ! With all the attention on Liam Livingstone, it is Shikhar Dhawan who has got regular boundaries in the last few overs! This is fuller outside off. Shikhar Dhawan skips down the track and creams it through covers for a boundary. 100 up for Punjab!

Dwayne Bravo to Shikhar Dhawan, WIDE! Bravo starts another over with a wide! This is full and outside off. Shikhar Dhawan lets it go.

Ravindra Jadeja to Shikhar Dhawan, Short on middle now. Shikhar Dhawan rocks back and pulls it to deep mid-wicket for a single.

Ravindra Jadeja to Shikhar Dhawan, ! Lovely shot by the senior pro! This is on middle and leg. Shikhar Dhawan gets a bit across and paddle-sweeps it fine towards the fine leg fence for a boundary.

Ravindra Jadeja to Liam Livingstone, Fuller on off. Liam Livingstone pushes it to covers for a single.

Ravindra Jadeja to Liam Livingstone, WIDE! Fires thi bit wider outside off. Liam Livingstone leaves it alone. 

Ravindra Jadeja to Liam Livingstone, This is pushed quicker outside off. Liam Livingstone pushes it to covers.

Ravindra Jadeja to Liam Livingstone, Short and wide outside off. Liam Livingstone looks to cut but misses.

Ravindra Jadeja to Liam Livingstone, A flatter and quicker one, outside off. Liam Livingstone cuts it to covers.

Is that out? MS Dhoni straightaway signals that he isn't sure if the ball hit the ground and the umpires do go upstairs. This is a tough call, Dhoni seems to have taken it clearly as can be seen on the replay but just when he landed the ball seems to have hit the ground. The third umpire has a good look at it and makes his decision. NOT !

Drinks! Pheww! Too much happening in the game right now and it's fair to say that everyone deserves a breather. After a sensational start with the ball and in the field by Chennai, a storm by the name of Liam Livingstone has struck the ground and he has turned the game on its head. Livingstone though has got a couple of lives but it is now up to him to make the most of them. Dhawan too has given him ample support and Chennai are desperate for a wicket here, just to slow things down a bit.

Dwaine Pretorius to Liam Livingstone, Ends the over with a full ball, on middle. Liam Livingstone knocks it down to long on for a single. Good over from Dwaine Pretorius!

Dwaine Pretorius to Shikhar Dhawan, A low full toss on off. Shikhar Dhawan skips down the track and pushes it to long off for a single.

Dwaine Pretorius to Shikhar Dhawan, WIDE! This is again very full and outside off. Shikhar Dhawan leaves it alone.

Dwaine Pretorius to Shikhar Dhawan, A very full delivery on off again. Shikhar Dhawan slog-sweeps it to deep mid-wicket and the batters run couple. Bravo does well in the deep to stop a boundary there.

Dwaine Pretorius to Liam Livingstone, A fuller delivery, outside off. Liam Livingstone squeezes it to point for a single.

Dwaine Pretorius to Liam Livingstone, NOT ! Liam Livingstone gets another life! This is full and around leg. Liam Livingstone looks to clip it but gets a faint part of his blade. The ball goes towards left of Dhoni. He dives to his left takes a catch but as he falls the ball just hits the ground. Dhoni is not sure and the umpire takes it upstairs. The replays roll in and they show that the ball has hit the ground. So Liam Livingstone survives.

Dwaine Pretorius to Shikhar Dhawan, Starts with a yorker, outside off. Shikhar Dhawan gets across and looks to sweep but misses. The ball hits his pads and a leg bye is taken towards the off side.

Dwaine Pretorius comes into the attack now.

Ravindra Jadeja to Liam Livingstone, A flatter delivery on off. Liam Livingstone punches it to covers.

Ravindra Jadeja to Liam Livingstone, Ohhh... Ambati Rayudu, you will not get a more easy catch than this one, he has dropped it! A tossed up delivery, around off. Liam Livingstone skips down the track and looks to go for a big one. The ball catches the outside edge and goes right of short third man. He runs slightly to his right and drops a sitter. Costly miss!

Ravindra Jadeja to Shikhar Dhawan, On the shorter side on leg. Dhawan works it to short fine leg for a single.

Ravindra Jadeja to Shikhar Dhawan, A fuller delivery on middle. Shikhar Dhawan skips down the track and works it to deep mid-wicket for a couple.

Ravindra Jadeja to Liam Livingstone, A flatter and shorter delivery on off. Liam Livingstone rocks back and cuts it to deep point for a single.

Ravindra Jadeja to Liam Livingstone, ! Liam Livingstone greets the Chennai skipper with a maximum! Jadeja fires this on off. Liam Livingstone dances down the track and tonks it over long off for a biggie. 87 metres hit!

The skipper, Ravindra Jadeja brings himself into the attack now.

Dwayne Bravo to Shikhar Dhawan, ! Another expensive over to end the Powerplay! Lands on a length, around leg. Dhawan clips it past short fine leg for a boundary. After Powerplay, Punjab are 72/2!

Dwayne Bravo to Shikhar Dhawan, A slower full delivery on middle. Shikhar Dhawan skips down the track and takes it on full. He hits it straight to mid on.

Dwayne Bravo to Shikhar Dhawan, Well bowled! Bravo sees Dhawan moving in the crease and serves a slower ball, outside off. Shikhar Dhawan first backs away then gets across towards the off side and leaves it in the end.

Dwayne Bravo to Shikhar Dhawan, ! Nice timing again! This is full and outside off. Shikhar Dhawan creams a drive through covers for a boundary.

Dwayne Bravo to Shikhar Dhawan, ! Now, Shikhar Dhawan joins the act! Pressure on Dwayne Bravo straightaway! This is fuller on middle. Shikhar Dhawan picks the slower ball and launches it over long on for a maximum.

Dwayne Bravo to Shikhar Dhawan, Back  of a length, outside off. Shikhar Dhawan chops it to covers.

Dwayne Bravo to Shikhar Dhawan, WIDE! Bravo starts with a full and wide delivery, outside off. Shikhar Dhawan skips down the track and lets it go as it is too wide.

Mukesh Choudhary to Liam Livingstone, ! 26 off the over! This is slanted well across the off stump, Liam Livingstone shuffles across and smokes it towards the mid-wicket fence. This time the ball hits the advertising ropes on the full and eventually, a maximum is called.

Dwayne Bravo is into the attack now.

Mukesh Choudhary to Liam Livingstone, ! A bit lucky this time but make it 20 runs off the over with a ball still to go. A wide yorker, Livingstone opens the face of the bat to make sure the edge flies over short third man and goes into the fence. 50 is up for Punjab as well.

Mukesh Choudhary to Liam Livingstone, ! Liam Livingstone is punishing Mukesh Choudhary now. Full and wide again, Livingstone lifts it over extra cover and collects yet another boundary.

Mukesh Choudhary to Liam Livingstone, WIDE! Full and wide again, a bit too wide though.

Mukesh Choudhary to Liam Livingstone, WIDE! Choudhary sees Livingstone advancing and pushes it full and wide, close to the tramline. Wide called.

Mukesh Choudhary to Liam Livingstone, ! Brute power! Full and straight, Livingstone makes room leg side and drills it over the head of the man at mid off for a boundary. He seems in the mood tonight.

Mukesh Choudhary to Liam Livingstone, Good comeback from Choudhary. It's the off-cutter this time, going across the right-hander. Livingstone looks to run it fine but misses.

Mukesh Choudhary to Liam Livingstone, ! Monster hit from Liam Livingstone and he has put everything in this shot! A length ball, around off. Livingstone drags it high and long over the mid-wicket fence for a biggie and the ball travels a massive 108 meters.

Chris Jordan to Shikhar Dhawan, A bit fuller and closer to the off pole, pushed towards short cover.

Chris Jordan to Shikhar Dhawan, On a good length this time and Dhawan can't get it past the fielder at point again.

Chris Jordan to Shikhar Dhawan, A length ball, slanting across off stump. Dhawan plays it towards the point region.

Chris Jordan to Shikhar Dhawan, This is pushed wider, Shikhar Dhawan steps out and hammers it towards cover-point where Dwayne Bravo does extremely well to get a hand on it. The batters get a couple of runs and Bravo seems to be in some pain. It was hit really hard to be honest.

Chris Jordan to Liam Livingstone, Angling into middle and leg, flicked away to square leg for one more.

Chris Jordan to Shikhar Dhawan, Back of a length, around off. Dhawan hangs back and dabs it down towards backward point for a single.

Mukesh Choudhary to Liam Livingstone, ! Crunched! Choudhary bangs it in short and Liam Livingstone just walks toward him. Livingstone then absolutely slaps the ball over extra cover and hits the advertising cushion on the full. Well, the ball just bounced before hitting the cushion and it is given as a boundary.

Mukesh Choudhary to Liam Livingstone, Six!

Mukesh Choudhary to Liam Livingstone, A length ball, around off. This is pushed towards extra cover.

Mukesh Choudhary to Liam Livingstone, Flat-batted for ! Banged in short, around leg stump. Livingstone pulls it over the fine leg fence for a maximum with ease.

Mukesh Choudhary to Liam Livingstone, Good-length, on off. Livingstone hangs back and dabs it back onto the deck.

Mukesh Choudhary to Liam Livingstone, Livingstone will feel he missed out there. A half-volley outside off and this is driven on the up but straight to the man at cover.

Mukesh Choudhary to Liam Livingstone, Full and wide, angled across the right-hander. Livingstone leaves it alone.

Chris Jordan to Shikhar Dhawan, The batters think about the quick single but decide against it. On the pads, tucked away towards square leg.

Chris Jordan to Shikhar Dhawan, Around the top of off, Dhawan stands tall and taps it towards cover.

Chris Jordan to Liam Livingstone, Brilliant effort in the deep from Dwaine Pretorius and he saves a boundary. On the pads, picked up by Livingstone and hit aerially towards the long backward square leg fence. Pretorius runs around from the fine leg fence and just about pushes it back in. The batters get three runs.

Chris Jordan to Liam Livingstone, A length ball, slanted into middle. Livingstone keeps it out.

Liam Livingstone walks out to the middle now.

Chris Jordan to Bhanuka Rajapaksa, ! RUN OUT! Punjab is dire straits early on and what a costly mix-up this could prove to be! On a good length over middle stump. Rajapaksa pushes it out towards short mid-wicket and wants the single. At first, Shikhar Dhawan responds to the call but sees Chris Jordan onto it in a flash. Dhawan turns back but Rajapaksa is stranded halfway. Jordan has a pop at the batter's end but misses. MS Dhoni does extremely well to dive to collect the ball and th

Chris Jordan to Bhanuka Rajapaksa, ! Just a little one-hander from Bhanuka Rajapaksa! Jordan starts off with a shortish ball around the hips. Rajapaksa looks to pull but one hand comes off the handle and the ball flies off the top edge all the way over the fine leg fence for a biggie.

Chris Jordan to share the new ball with Mukesh Choudhary.

Mukesh Choudhary to Shikhar Dhawan, Nicely bowled! This is a bit fuller and angled into off stump. The ball shapes away a bit but straightens as well. Dhawan plays inside the line of the ball. 8 runs and a wicket off an eventful first over!

Mukesh Choudhary to Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Full and wide, shaping away. Rajapaksa just opens the face of the bat and slices it down to third man for a single.

Mukesh Choudhary to Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Good running! Angled into middle and leg, pushed through the mid-wicket region for a couple of runs. Rajapaksa is off the mark.

Mukesh Choudhary to Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Length this time, outside off. Rajapaksa looks to cut but edges it well in front of a diving MS Dhoni.

Mukesh Choudhary to Bhanuka Rajapaksa, WIDE! Trying to attack the pads but spilled down the leg side. Rajapaksa misses the flick and a wide is called.

Mukesh Choudhary to Mayank Agarwal, ! CAUGHT! Mayank Agarwal's poor run of form continues as he falters in the first over itself. A bit wider and this isn't a half volley. Agarwal looks to drive on the up and does so away from his body. There is a bit of extra bounce as well and the ball goes off the bottom part of the bat towards Robin Uthappa at covers. Robin Uthappa takes a sharp catch and Mukesh Choudhary has given Chennai a dream start.

Bhanuka Rajapaksa walks in at number 3.

Mukesh Choudhary to Mayank Agarwal, ! Mayank Agarwal and Punjab are up and running right away. Mukesh Choudhary serves a length ball, on the pads and there is a bit of movement inwards as well. Agarwal tucks it off his pads and the ball races away into the fine leg fence.

We are all set to begin! The umpires walk out to the middle. Chennai players follow them now. Shikhar Dhawan and Mayank Agarwal are the openers for Punjab. Mukesh Choudhary, the left-arm seamer will start with the ball for Chennai. Mayank Agarwal will take the strike. Here we go...

Punjab have a strong batting lineup but they faltered in the last game when they batted first. Can they put up a better performance in this game? Also, Chennai have boosted their bowling attack as Chris Jordan with all his experience and death bowling skills replaces Tushar Deshpande. It will be an interesting battle, let's see how things pan out.

Chennai (Playing XI) - Robin Uthappa, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Moeen Ali, Shivam Dube, Ambati Rayudu, Ravindra Jadeja (C), MS Dhoni (WK), Dwaine Pretorius, Dwayne Bravo, Chris Jordan (In place of Tushar Deshpande), Mukesh Choudhary. 

Punjab (Playing XI) - Mayank Agarwal (C), Shikhar Dhawan, Bhanuka Rajapaksa (WK), Liam Livingstone, Shahrukh Khan, Odean Smith, Jitesh Sharma (In place of Raj Bawa), Rahul Chahar, Kagiso Rabada, Arshdeep Singh, Vaibhav Arora (In place of Harpreet Brar).

Mayank Agarwal, the skipper of Punjab, says that it looks like a good batting wicket and it will be nice to put runs on the board. Tells that it was an off day in the last game but they did not need to ponder a lot about that. Mentions that they need to learn from that game though. Tells that they have couple of changes as Vaibhav Arora comes in for Harpreet Brar and Jitesh Sharma comes in for Raj Bawa.

Ravindra Jadeja, the skipper of Chennai, says that they will bowl first. He adds that they try to keep things very simple and back each and every player. Mentions that they have experienced players who know how to perform when under the pump. Informs that they have one change as Chris Jordan comes in place of Tushar Deshpande.

TOSS - The coin goes up and lands in favour of Chennai. They have elected to BOWL first.

... MATCH DAY …

Our daily dose of some mouth-watering T20 action continues as the defending champions, Chennai go head-to-head against Punjab at Brabourne Stadium, Mumbai. Punjab started on a bright note with a win in the first game but failed to deliver the goods in their second game. Chennai, on the other hand, were better in the second game but ended on a losing note yet again, thus failing to open their account in the two games so far.

The live pictures show that Vaibhav Arora and Jitesh Sharma are getting their caps in the Punjab huddle. So expect at least two changes in the Punjab lineup today. 

PITCH REPORT - Matthew Hayden is pitchside. Haydos mentions that there is an anti-dew agent that is being sprayed onto the pitch to counter the dew a bit. He adds that the side towards the ocean is much longer and the boundaries are about 80 meters but the wicket is an absolute cracker. Reckons it will be a batting paradise and the team batting first will have to post a mammoth total.

Punjab have one of the strongest teams on the paper with some tremendous firepower in their batting unit. If they get going with all their might, we might see plenty of big scores from this Punjab batting lineup this season. Their batting will be boosted further tonight with Jonny Bairstow now available for the selection. The bowling is led by Kagiso Rabada and he has some able bowlers to support him like Rahul Chahar, Arshdeep Singh. However, the biggest positive for them is the presence of

Chennai, on the other hand, put together a strong batting performance in the last game and with Moeen Ali back in the fold, the batting looks quite formidable. MS Dhoni has truly turned back the clock at the start of the tournament and is set to play his 350th T20 match tonight. However, the bowling looks quite inexperienced and that will remain a big concern against a strong batting lineup of Punjab. Except for Dwayne Bravo and Dwaine Pretorius in the last game, everyone else struggled an