Right then, Rajasthan have a tough target to overhaul. They did it with ease against Mumbai in the last game, so the confidence will be there. Can they do it again and keep their hopes alive for a final four finish? We will find out soon.
Chris Gayle is up for a chat. Says he got a good nut, 180 is a total and he expects the wicket to get better. Adds that getting out on 99 is unfortunate but he is still feeling good. Mentions that the mental aspect about the game is what is keeping him going and he is enjoying the game. Shares that it is an important game and they want to win it. Ends by saying he is still hitting it well, the hard work has paid off and he is very grateful for it. Jokes by saying in his mind he has scored
Rajasthan were dismal in the field and leaked runs continuously. They struggled to keep a strong hand on the scoring rate and their fielding was also not up to the mark. Jofra Archer, though, once again was the lone man performing for them while Ben Sokes was also decent with his effort with the ball.
The West Indian giant got an early life when he was dropped on 10 and he made Rajasthan pay for it. He took the Pink bowlers to the cleaners and entertained everyone with his big shots. In the process, he also completed 1000 T20 sixes. Unfortunately for him, he was dismissed on 99 in the final over.
62 runs in the final five overs and Punjab have got a big total on the board! It all started with the wicket for Mandeep Singh but then Chris Gayle and KL Rahul joined forces and raised a century stand. That put Rajasthan on the back foot and they struggled to keep a lid on the scoring rate.
Jofra Archer to Glenn Maxwell, A dot to end! Shorter and outside off. Maxwell looks to cut but misses. So a very good last over from Archer. Keeps Punjab under 190 as they END WITH 185/4!
Jofra Archer to Deepak Hooda, Hooda moves right across and Archer bowls it on the stumps. It is hit down to fine leg for one.
Has that been taken? Tewatia is claiming it but the umpires have taken it upstairs. It looks clean.
Jofra Archer to Chris Gayle, ! TIMBER! Anti-climax! Heartbreak for Gayle and he is disgusted. He throws his bat in anger. He though gives Arhcer a hi-five as he walks back. He deserved a ton to be honest, end of a brilliant knock from him. Archer this time goes very full, it is fast and on middle. Gayle looks to drive but misses. It hits the pad and then the stumps. Replays later on show, Gayle did not mean to throw his bat. He actually wanted to swing it in anger but he loses his grip.
Jofra Archer to Chris Gayle, ! He moves onto 99! A high full toss and Gayle swings. It hits him high on the bat but his power takes it over leaping Stokes for a biggie at long on. He has three balls to get to a ton.
Jofra Archer to Glenn Maxwell, ! Only one! Maxwell moves right across and Archer bowls it on middle. This is whipped towards short fine leg where Aaron dives to his left and tries to take it but it bursts through and goes towards deep square leg only for the man at 93 to come on strike.
Jofra Archer to Chris Gayle, A low full toss on middle, it is hit down to long off for one.
Kartik Tyagi to Chris Gayle, Hangs on the back foot and punches it down to long off for a run. 14 from the over!
Kartik Tyagi to Chris Gayle, ! The giant enters into the 90s and this is his 1000th six in T20 cricket! Back of a length ball around off, Gayle stays back and smokes it over wide long on for a biggie. Take a bow, Sir!
Kartik Tyagi to Glenn Maxwell, Fails to land the ball on this occasion. A low full toss on middle and it's heaved to deep mid-wicket for just a run.
Kartik Tyagi to Glenn Maxwell, Another good delivery. This time it's a slower one, on a fuller length and close to the tram line, Maxwell fails to put the bat on the ball again.
Kartik Tyagi to Glenn Maxwell, Well done, young man! Tyagi keeps his focus, watches the batsman moving back and bowls a speedy length delivery outside off. Maxwell swishes and misses.
Kartik Tyagi to Glenn Maxwell, ! It's a no ball as well for the waist-high full toss. Around leg, Maxwell turns and helps it on its way to the fine leg fence. Free Hit loading...
Kartik Tyagi to Chris Gayle, Fuller delivery around off, pushed to deep cover for a run.
Ben Stokes to Nicholas Pooran, ! TAKEN! That is clean as a whistle! Good wicket as Pooran could have made a real difference in the final two overs. Still a handy little innings from him. It is a short one and on middle. Pooran pulls but does not get the elevation he wanted. Tewatia takes a good catch by timing his leap to perfection. The umpires take it upstairs and replays show that it is fine. A wicket but a very expensive over from Stokes.
Ben Stokes to Chris Gayle, Just a single! Fuller and on off, Gayle lofts it but not off the middle. Towards long off for one.
Ben Stokes to Chris Gayle, ! Powered! Another top, top short. It is short and it sits up to be hit. Gayle once again waits for it and then slams it over the mid-wicket fence. Another big over for Punjab.
Ben Stokes to Nicholas Pooran, A slower short ball and outside off. Pooran waits for it and then pulls it towards deep mid-wicket for one.
Ben Stokes to Chris Gayle, Just a single! A slower one on the pads, Gayle swings but gets an inside edge onto the pads. It goes on the leg side for one.
Ben Stokes to Chris Gayle, WIDE! Bangs it short and well wide outside off. Wided. Pressure getting to Stokes.
Ben Stokes to Chris Gayle, ! Excellent start for Punjab! This is a slower one and on middle, Gayle waits for it and thyen hits it hard through mid-wicket. It is in the gap and a boundary. Pressure on Stokes now.
Ben Stokes to bowl out!
Kartik Tyagi to Nicholas Pooran, ! The last ball spoils the over. Misses his length by a little and pays the price. It is full and on off, Pooran lofts it over the long off fence for a biggie.
Kartik Tyagi to Nicholas Pooran, Brilliant from Smith! The skipper leading from the front. Gave an extra run early on but saves two here. This is a full toss, a little too quick for Pooran. He hits it down towards the long on fence. Smith there runs to his right, dives and pushes it back.
Kartik Tyagi to Chris Gayle, Fuller and on middle, it is hit down to long off for one.
Kartik Tyagi to Nicholas Pooran, Another single! It is very full, not easy to hit those. It is jammed through covers for one.
Kartik Tyagi to Chris Gayle, A quick run! Fuller and outside off. Gayle looks to jam it out but it goes off the inside edge towards the leg side for a quick run. Lovely start by Tyagi.
Kartik Tyagi to Chris Gayle, A yorker, brilliant. Not a lot you can do there but jam it out back to the bowler.
Drinks break. Finally, there was a breakthrough for Rajasthan as they managed to remove KL Rahul. But the real danger man is still there and he is joined by another pocket dynamite in Nicholas Pooran. How will the final phase pan out?
Varun Aaron to Nicholas Pooran, ! Dismissed! Pooran is expected another slower one, gets one and has no qualms in towering it over extra cover for a biggie. 14 from the over.
Varun Aaron to Nicholas Pooran, Done in by the slowness! Shortish delivery on middle, Pooran attempts to pull but is way too early into the shot. Misses and it goes off his thigh pad to short third man. Hang on, here goes the alarm, Varun will have to re-bowl it as he has overstepped. Free Hit coming...
Varun Aaron to Nicholas Pooran, No run, played towards third man.
Varun Aaron to Nicholas Pooran, A slower length ball on off, angling away, Nicholas pushes it towards point. Looks towards his partner who is not going anywhere.
Varun Aaron to Nicholas Pooran, ! Doesn't take Pooran long. Receives a shortish ball in his half with glee and powers it behind square leg for a maximum.
Varun Aaron to Chris Gayle, Shortish and slowish around off, Gayle punches it from the back foot through wide mid off and crosses for a run.
Varun Aaron to Chris Gayle, A length delivery in the line of the stumps, Chris brings a straight bat down and pushes it back to the bowler.
Varun Aaron to Chris Gayle, A slower full ball around off, Gayle pushes it from the crease to point.
Ben Stokes to Nicholas Pooran, A dot to end another brilliant over from Stokes. On middle, it is pushed back towards the bowler. Now Stokes was off towards the leg side as he felt Pooran was going to tuck it there. Still though no run as he turns and stops it.
Ben Stokes to Chris Gayle, On middle, Gayle works it with soft hands towards mid-wicket. He takes one and wants a second but is sent back.
Ben Stokes to Chris Gayle, Down the leg side, Gayle looks to flick but misses. Wided.
Ben Stokes to KL Rahul, Wide.
Nicholas Pooran is out now to bat!
Ben Stokes to KL Rahul, ! TAKEN! Rahul is a goner! He was not at his best, could not time the ball really well and falls now. It is a good slower one around off, Rahul is early in the swing of his bat. It goes off the toe-end towards deep mid-wicket where Tewatia takes it. A good partnership for Punjab comes to an end and a timely wicket for Rajasthan.
Ben Stokes to Chris Gayle, Short again and it is on the body of Gayle. He is cramped for room. It is hit down to long on for one.
Ben Stokes to Chris Gayle, WIDE! Short and well wide outside off. Left alone.
Ben Stokes to KL Rahul, One more slower one. Stays a touch low. Rahul swings but it goes off the inner half through mid-wicket for one.
Ben Stokes to KL Rahul, A good slower one outside off. Rahul lets it be. A dot.
Jofra Archer to Chris Gayle, A short ball and on middle, Gayle doesn't fiddle with it. A dot to end but 11 from the over.
Jofra Archer to Chris Gayle, Misfield and two! Had Smith picked it up, it was a run out chance. Smith is the culprit, you do not see that often. A low full toss on middle, Gayle pushes it towards mid off and takes off. Smith charges to the ball but takes his eyes off the ball and lets it through. Another run is stolen.
Jofra Archer to Chris Gayle, ! Off the inside edge! Frustrating for Rajasthan. This is fuller and on off, Gayle swings but it goes off the inner half down towards the fine leg fence. Second in the over.
Jofra Archer to KL Rahul, Half a chance! Length and on middle, Rahul hits it hard back towards Archer. It is low but JA does not get down in time. It goes down towards long off for one.
Jofra Archer to KL Rahul, ! Welcome boundary for Rahul. He has been trying to put one away but wasn't getting it. He finally does and Punjab will hope this gets him going. A slower one on the pads, Rahul stands his ground and works it behind square on the leg side for a boundary.
Jofra Archer to KL Rahul, Almost does! Starts off with a slower one on middle, Rahul makes room and looks to go over covers but gets an inside edge which goes past the leg pole and towards short fine leg.
Smith needs a wicket and he goes to Archer. Can he deliver?
Rahul Tewatia to KL Rahul, One more single! On off, it is pushed down to long off for one. 10 from the over and Punjab continue to prosper on the back of this partnership!
Rahul Tewatia to Chris Gayle, Now comes down the track but Tewatia slows it up. Gayle swings but it goes off the inner half towards long on for one.
Rahul Tewatia to Chris Gayle, ! Just over! The 100 is up in style and so is the 100-run stand. A brilliant one and a much-needed one after losing a wicket early. This is tossed up outside off, slightly fuller and hence, Gayle gets under it. He does not time it very well but still gets it over the leaping Stokes at long on. All going Gayle's way at the moment.
Rahul Tewatia to KL Rahul, Only one! Rahul walks right across and sweeps it through square leg for one.
Rahul Tewatia to Chris Gayle, Gayle comes down the track but does not get to the pitch of it. It is hit down to long on for one.
Rahul Tewatia to Chris Gayle, Swing and a miss! This is tossed up outside off, Gayle looks to play the slog sweep but misses.
Ben Stokes to Chris Gayle, Hammered but just for one again! Shorter and on middle, Gayle pulls it hard but towards deep mid-wicket for one. A brilliant over from Stokes comes to an end.
Ben Stokes to KL Rahul, Timed beautifully but only for one! Fuller and outside off, this is carved out towards sweeper cover for one.
Ben Stokes to Chris Gayle, One more slower one. It is hit down to long off for one. Stokes is happy taking pace off the ball and it is effective till now.
Andrew McDonald, the coach of Rajasthan, is up for a chat. Says that the boys shared during the break that the pitch is slow. Admits that dropping Gayle is frustrating and they need to get him and then control the run rate. Feels that it was a hard catch to be fair, swirled a bit. Adds that it's about staying focused now. On Archer, the Aussie replies that there is always a consideration to give one extra over to him in the Powerplay but they need a couple of other bowlers to support him. Als
Ben Stokes to KL Rahul, Outside off, this is pushed through covers for one.
Ben Stokes to Chris Gayle, Shorter again and on middle, Gayle mistimes his pull down to long on for a single.
Ben Stokes to KL Rahul, Fuller and on middle, it is eased down to long off for one.
Varun Aaron to Chris Gayle, ! It was tough but should have been taken at this level! It is shorter and on middle, Gayle looks to pull it again but this time does not get on top of the bounce. It goes high up in the air towards deep square leg. It has gone really, really high. Parag in the deep goes for it and another fielder from short fine leg runs after it. In the end, it is the fielder in the deep who tries to take it but spills it. Two taken. This could prove very costly.
Rahul Tewatia to KL Rahul, A single to end as this is pushed down to long on. 10 from the over.
Rahul Tewatia to Chris Gayle, Dropped? Doesn't reach. This twas a very tough chance. Probably Stokes who was running towards the ball should have taken it. This is tossed up outside off. Gayle looks to go over the bowler's head but ends up slicing it towards mid on. Tewatia runs behind towards the ball and Stokes runs in from long on. The latter bails out. Tewatia dives but fails to hang on to it. Stokes probably backed off as Tewatia had his eyes on the ball and just to avoid the colli
Rahul Tewatia to Chris Gayle, Shorter and outside off, Gayle pushes it to covers.
Rahul Tewatia to Chris Gayle, ! Fifty for Gayle! What a difference the Universe Boss has made after coming into the side. Third fifty for him and that dropped chance is really costing Rajasthan. This is in his arc. It is fuller and on middle. Gayle slog sweeps it over the mid-wicket fence for a biggie.
Rahul Tewatia to KL Rahul, Very full and on off, it is driven through covers for one.
Rahul Tewatia to Chris Gayle, Fuller and on off, this is hit down to long off for one.
Kartik Tyagi to KL Rahul, Shortish and on middle, pulled across the line but not in the gap.
Kartik Tyagi to Chris Gayle, Tyagi nails his yorker around leg, Gayle digs it out on the leg side. The ball rolls in the gap and he picks up a single.
Kartik Tyagi to Chris Gayle, That is defended solidly off the front foot by Gayle.
Kartik Tyagi to KL Rahul, Slightly off the outer half this time! Attempts for a drive through the line but ends up slicing it towards third man. Crosses for one.
Kartik Tyagi to KL Rahul, ! Effortless! KL is so good to watch. It's on a length close to off, Rahul lines himself, opens his body and lofts it with a lot of nonchalance over wide long off.
Kartik Tyagi to KL Rahul, On middle and fuller, it is worked to mid-wicket.
Rahul Tewatia to Chris Gayle, One more dot and end of a tremendous over from Rahul. Sticks to his plan of bowling it outside off. This one stays a little low. Gayle tries to cut but misses.
Rahul Tewatia to Chris Gayle, Another dot! Third in the over. Shorter and outside off, Gayle cuts it to point.
Rahul Tewatia to KL Rahul, One more single as this is eased through covers.
Rahul Tewatia to Chris Gayle, Shorter and outside off, it is slapped through covers for one.
Rahul Tewatia to Chris Gayle, Outside off, left alone.
Rahul Tewatia to Chris Gayle, Outside off, Gayle cuts but to point.
Rahul Tewatia is on!
Ben Stokes to Chris Gayle, A single to end! So despite going for a boundary, just the 8 from it. Shorter and around off, it is slapped down to long off for one.
Ben Stokes to Chris Gayle, A slower one again and outside off, Gayle pushes at it away from his body. He gets an inside edge which goes on the bounce to the keeper.
Ben Stokes to Chris Gayle, One more single! Fuller and on middle, it is another slower one. Gayle eases it down to long on for one.
Ben Stokes to Chris Gayle, Shorter and on middle, this is pulled towards deep mid-wicket for one.
Drinks break. Time for Rajasthan to get together and rethink their strategies. Dropping Gayle is costing them already and the current partnership has started to look dangerous. This upcoming middle phase is going to be critical. Let's see how the spinners perform on this surface. Meanwhile, Ben Stokes is getting ready to bowl after the break.
Ben Stokes to Chris Gayle, ! The boundaries are flowing off Gayle's bat! It is a good slower one from Stokes. Gayle pushes at it but does so inside the line. It goes off the outside edge past the keeper. With the third man in, that is always going to be a boundary.
Ben Stokes to KL Rahul, Angled into the pads, this is worked down towards fine leg for one.
Shreyas Gopal to KL Rahul, A single to end another good over for Punjab! On off, it is eased through covers for one.
Shreyas Gopal to Chris Gayle, Shorter and around off, it is a hit-me ball. Very short. Gayle drags it down to long on for one.
Shreyas Gopal to Chris Gayle, ! That is gone! If you pitch it slightly fuller to Gayle, he will make you pay. Gopal does that mistake. The slog sweep is out and it goes over the mid-wicket fence.
Shreyas Gopal to KL Rahul, Shorter and on middle, this is pulled through mid-wicket for one. It stayed a touch low.
Shreyas Gopal to Chris Gayle, On the pads, it is worked through mid-wicket for one.
Shreyas Gopal to Chris Gayle, The googly to begin with on middle, it is defended.
Shreyas Gopal is on!
Varun Aaron to KL Rahul, ! Whipped away with all the class in the world! This is fuller and on middle, Rahul uses his wrists and creams it through mid-wicket to end the Powerplay with a boundary. So it turns out to be a brilliant one for Punjab eventually after a troubled beginning. They started quietly after losing Mandeep in the first over but have finished with 53 runs on the board.
Varun Aaron to KL Rahul, On middle, it is worked towards mid-wicket. Rahul wanted a run but Gayle is not interested.
Varun Aaron to KL Rahul, Nicely clipped! Fuller and on the pads, it is worked through mid-wicket for two.
Varun Aaron to KL Rahul, Well bowled! Bowls a slower one, it is a dipping yorker on off. Rahul jams it out towards mid off.
Varun Aaron to KL Rahul, ! That is massive! Huge! Rahul does join the act now. Slightly short and he picks the length early. He tonks it over the square leg fence for a biggie.
Varun Aaron to KL Rahul, Rahul now looks to get into the act. He lofts this with the angle over mid-wicket. Not off the middle but enough to get two.
Kartik Tyagi to Chris Gayle, Another dot to end! Fuller and on middle, it is hit to mid on. Still 14 from the over.
Kartik Tyagi to Chris Gayle, A dot! A good comeback! Short and on the body, just where Gayle does not like it. He ducks under it.
Kartik Tyagi to Chris Gayle, ! TIMED! Gayle moves around in his crease and Tyagi bowls it full and on middle. Gayle just puts bat to ball and creams it through covers. Sheer timing. 14 now from the over with two balls to go.
Kartik Tyagi to Chris Gayle, ! Muscled! That dropped catch already seems to be a costly one. It is shorter and on middle, Gayle stands tall and powers it over the mid-wicket fence. If you are going to bowl short to Gayle, need to get it up till the chest height or he will smack it. 10 from the first three balls.
Kartik Tyagi to Chris Gayle, ! Thrashed! Fuller and outside off, right in the slot. It is powered over the mid off fielder and a boundary results.
Karthik Tyagi is on!
Kartik Tyagi to Chris Gayle, Outside off, Gayle swings at it away from the body. He is beaten.
Varun Aaron to KL Rahul, A dot to end an action-packed over. It could have been a successful one for Rajasthan but it turns out to be a good one for Punjab. On middle, it is worked to mid-wicket. 11 from the over along with a dropped catch to grant life to Gayle.
Varun Aaron to Chris Gayle, On middle, worked through mid-wicket for one.
Varun Aaron to Chris Gayle, ! That though is just wide from the fielder at deep square leg. First biggie for Gayle. It is short and on the body. Not where Gayle likes it. He still goes for the pull but does not time it really well. It goes towards the deep square leg fence. The fielder there runs to his left but it is wide of him and sails over.
Varun Aaron to Chris Gayle, Wide! Down the leg side again from Aaron. It is wide. Rajasthan have bowled well so far and giving extras is the only blemish.ÂÂ
Varun Aaron to KL Rahul, Rahul has started cautiously till now. It is shorter and outside off, Rahul guides it down to third man for one.
Varun Aaron to KL Rahul, Fuller and outside off, Rahul looks to drive it through covers but it goes off the inner half towards mid off.
Jofra Archer to Chris Gayle, Archer does go short but it is outside off. Gayle evades it nicely. Just 5 from the over and it's been a very slow beginning from the usually high-flying Punjab team!
Jofra Archer to KL Rahul, Outside off, this is guided down to third man for one. Now time for the contest everybody wants to watch, Archer against Gayle. He has one ball, will he go short and on the body?
Jofra Archer to KL Rahul, Back of a length and on off, Rahul guides it towards point.
Jofra Archer to KL Rahul, Corrects his line and bowls it on off, defended.
Jofra Archer to KL Rahul, ! Just over! 600 runs for Rahul in this Indian T20 League and he brings it up in style. It is short and wide outside off. The width is on offer and Rahul cashes in. He cuts it over the leaping point fielder and a boundary results.
Jofra Archer to KL Rahul, Back of a length and on middle, defended nicely.
Varun Aaron to Chris Gayle, ! It does cost Aaron eventually! The last ball spoils the over somewhat! A fortunate boundary but Gayle won't mind. He is off the mark. Gayle makes room and Aaron follows him with a short one. Gayle looks to pull but gets an inside edge. It goes past the keeper and down to the fine leg fence.
Varun Aaron to Chris Gayle, Another extra ball! This one too is down the leg side. Wided.
Varun Aaron to Chris Gayle, WIDE! Way too short and on middle. Gayle lets it be. Samson does well to get a strong hand at it. It falls right next to him. Will the extra ball cost Rajasthan?
Varun Aaron to Chris Gayle, Straight to the fielder! Gayle makes room and also comes down the track. It is on the pads, he whips it but straight to square leg. One more dot.
Varun Aaron to Chris Gayle, BEATEN! Really well bowled! This is on a length and around off, shapes away a touch. Gayle is beaten as he tries to defend.
Varun Aaron to Chris Gayle, Shorter and around off, Gayle guides it to point.
Varun Aaron to Chris Gayle, Outside off and on a length. It is left alone.
Varun Aaron to Chris Gayle, Down the leg side again but this is closer to the pads. Gayle looks to flick but misses. It hits the pad and goes to Samson.
Chris Gayle walks out to bat! Varun Aaron to bowl from the other end.ÂÂ
Varun Aaron to KL Rahul, Two wides! Looks to bowl a slower one first up. It comes out wrong as it is down the leg side. Rahul looks to flick but misses. Samson fails to collect it cleanly as it bounces in front of him. A single taken.
Jofra Archer to Mandeep Singh, ! TAKEN! The two Englishmen combine to get rid of Mandeep Singh who bags a golden duck! Top start for Rajasthan and that is a snorter from Archer. It is short and on the body, not a ball you want to be facing first up. Mandeep Singh looks to fend at it awkwardly. It goes off the gloves and lobs towards the point region. Stokes runs in, dives forward and takes it brilliantly. Superb first over by Archer!
Jofra Archer to KL Rahul, Punjab and Rahul are underway! Length and around off, this is played towards point for one.
Jofra Archer to KL Rahul, Shortish and around off, Rahul pushes it towards cover.
Jofra Archer to KL Rahul, Back of a length and on middle, Rahul stays back and defends it onto the ground.
Jofra Archer to KL Rahul, Lovely shot but for no runs! Fuller and around off, Rahul drives it nicely but to covers.
Jofra Archer to KL Rahul, Starts off with a very full one, almost a yorker on off. Rahul looks to jam it out towards the off side but it goes off the inner half towards mid-wicket. Mandeep wants a run but is sent back.
All in readiness! The Rajasthan huddle is visible with Steven Smith being the centre of attraction. KL Rahul and Mandeep Singh to open for Punjab as they walk out to the middle. No prizes for guessing, it's Jofra Archer getting ready to serve the first over. Let's play.
All in readiness! The Rajasthan huddle is visible with Steven Smith being the centre of attraction. KL Rahul and Mandeep Singh will open the batting for Punjab as they walk out.ÂÂ
Punjab (Playing XI) - KL Rahul (WK/C), Mandeep Singh, Chris Gayle, Nicholas Pooran, Glenn Maxwell, Deepak Hooda, Chris Jordan, Murugan Ashwin, Ravi Bishnoi, Mohammed Shami, Arshdeep Singh.
Rajsthan (Playing XI) - Robin Uthappa, Ben Stokes, Steven Smith (C), Sanju Samson (WK), Jos Buttler, Riyan Parag, Rahul Tewatia, Jofra Archer, Shreyas Gopal, Varun Aaron, Kartik Tyagi.
Punjab skipper, KL Rahul, says they wanted to bowl first as well but it looks a good wicket and they want to put up a decent target on the board and then later defend it. States they batted better early on but now the bowling is coming good, everything is probably going their way and it has been a complete team effort. He is hoping for the same to continue. Mentions they have learnt a thing or two playing here, they have spoken about it and they want to enjoy the game. Informs they are playing t
Rajasthan skipper, Steven Smith, says he is not sure about the dew, it comes in some games but it does not in some and hence, he wants to bowl. States it has been an up and down season for them and they have not played their best game but he hopes they can do it here. Informs they have Aaron in the XI who brings more pace and he hopes he can add something to their Powerplay.
Toss - Rajasthan elect to bowl!
Danny Morrison and Daren Ganga doing the pitch report. The latter says this pitch is still good for batting but the number of sixes hit at this venue compared to the others is less so you need to pick which ball to hit up in the air and which to hit along the ground carefully. Morrison ends by saying there is a lovely covering of grass on the wicket and it should be a good wicket.
Game 50 of the Indian T20 League and it is a vital, vital clash with a lot at stake. A game where Rajasthan can’t afford a slip-up as a loss means, they would be out. A win for Punjab means, their fate will more or less be in their own hands but a loss will see them relying on the results of the other teams. Both head into this fixture on the back of a win. Punjab though are flying high as they have won 5 in a row. Rajasthan also will be high on confidence after beating the table-toppers, M
Right then, Rajasthan have a tough target to overhaul. They did it with ease against Mumbai in the last game, so the confidence will be there. Can they do it again and keep their hopes alive for a final four finish? We will find out soon.
Chris Gayle is up for a chat. Says he got a good nut, 180 is a total and he expects the wicket to get better. Adds that getting out on 99 is unfortunate but he is still feeling good. Mentions that the mental aspect about the game is what is keeping him going and he is enjoying the game. Shares that it is an important game and they want to win it. Ends by saying he is still hitting it well, the hard work has paid off and he is very grateful for it. Jokes by saying in his mind he has scored
Rajasthan were dismal in the field and leaked runs continuously. They struggled to keep a strong hand on the scoring rate and their fielding was also not up to the mark. Jofra Archer, though, once again was the lone man performing for them while Ben Sokes was also decent with his effort with the ball.
The West Indian giant got an early life when he was dropped on 10 and he made Rajasthan pay for it. He took the Pink bowlers to the cleaners and entertained everyone with his big shots. In the process, he also completed 1000 T20 sixes. Unfortunately for him, he was dismissed on 99 in the final over.
62 runs in the final five overs and Punjab have got a big total on the board! It all started with the wicket for Mandeep Singh but then Chris Gayle and KL Rahul joined forces and raised a century stand. That put Rajasthan on the back foot and they struggled to keep a lid on the scoring rate.
Jofra Archer to Glenn Maxwell, A dot to end! Shorter and outside off. Maxwell looks to cut but misses. So a very good last over from Archer. Keeps Punjab under 190 as they END WITH 185/4!
Jofra Archer to Deepak Hooda, Hooda moves right across and Archer bowls it on the stumps. It is hit down to fine leg for one.
Has that been taken? Tewatia is claiming it but the umpires have taken it upstairs. It looks clean.
Jofra Archer to Chris Gayle, ! TIMBER! Anti-climax! Heartbreak for Gayle and he is disgusted. He throws his bat in anger. He though gives Arhcer a hi-five as he walks back. He deserved a ton to be honest, end of a brilliant knock from him. Archer this time goes very full, it is fast and on middle. Gayle looks to drive but misses. It hits the pad and then the stumps. Replays later on show, Gayle did not mean to throw his bat. He actually wanted to swing it in anger but he loses his grip.
Jofra Archer to Chris Gayle, ! He moves onto 99! A high full toss and Gayle swings. It hits him high on the bat but his power takes it over leaping Stokes for a biggie at long on. He has three balls to get to a ton.
Jofra Archer to Glenn Maxwell, ! Only one! Maxwell moves right across and Archer bowls it on middle. This is whipped towards short fine leg where Aaron dives to his left and tries to take it but it bursts through and goes towards deep square leg only for the man at 93 to come on strike.
Jofra Archer to Chris Gayle, A low full toss on middle, it is hit down to long off for one.
Kartik Tyagi to Chris Gayle, Hangs on the back foot and punches it down to long off for a run. 14 from the over!
Kartik Tyagi to Chris Gayle, ! The giant enters into the 90s and this is his 1000th six in T20 cricket! Back of a length ball around off, Gayle stays back and smokes it over wide long on for a biggie. Take a bow, Sir!
Kartik Tyagi to Glenn Maxwell, Fails to land the ball on this occasion. A low full toss on middle and it's heaved to deep mid-wicket for just a run.
Kartik Tyagi to Glenn Maxwell, Another good delivery. This time it's a slower one, on a fuller length and close to the tram line, Maxwell fails to put the bat on the ball again.
Kartik Tyagi to Glenn Maxwell, Well done, young man! Tyagi keeps his focus, watches the batsman moving back and bowls a speedy length delivery outside off. Maxwell swishes and misses.
Kartik Tyagi to Glenn Maxwell, ! It's a no ball as well for the waist-high full toss. Around leg, Maxwell turns and helps it on its way to the fine leg fence. Free Hit loading...
Kartik Tyagi to Chris Gayle, Fuller delivery around off, pushed to deep cover for a run.
Ben Stokes to Nicholas Pooran, ! TAKEN! That is clean as a whistle! Good wicket as Pooran could have made a real difference in the final two overs. Still a handy little innings from him. It is a short one and on middle. Pooran pulls but does not get the elevation he wanted. Tewatia takes a good catch by timing his leap to perfection. The umpires take it upstairs and replays show that it is fine. A wicket but a very expensive over from Stokes.
Ben Stokes to Chris Gayle, Just a single! Fuller and on off, Gayle lofts it but not off the middle. Towards long off for one.
Ben Stokes to Chris Gayle, ! Powered! Another top, top short. It is short and it sits up to be hit. Gayle once again waits for it and then slams it over the mid-wicket fence. Another big over for Punjab.
Ben Stokes to Nicholas Pooran, A slower short ball and outside off. Pooran waits for it and then pulls it towards deep mid-wicket for one.
Ben Stokes to Chris Gayle, Just a single! A slower one on the pads, Gayle swings but gets an inside edge onto the pads. It goes on the leg side for one.
Ben Stokes to Chris Gayle, WIDE! Bangs it short and well wide outside off. Wided. Pressure getting to Stokes.
Ben Stokes to Chris Gayle, ! Excellent start for Punjab! This is a slower one and on middle, Gayle waits for it and thyen hits it hard through mid-wicket. It is in the gap and a boundary. Pressure on Stokes now.
Ben Stokes to bowl out!
Kartik Tyagi to Nicholas Pooran, ! The last ball spoils the over. Misses his length by a little and pays the price. It is full and on off, Pooran lofts it over the long off fence for a biggie.
Kartik Tyagi to Nicholas Pooran, Brilliant from Smith! The skipper leading from the front. Gave an extra run early on but saves two here. This is a full toss, a little too quick for Pooran. He hits it down towards the long on fence. Smith there runs to his right, dives and pushes it back.
Kartik Tyagi to Chris Gayle, Fuller and on middle, it is hit down to long off for one.
Kartik Tyagi to Nicholas Pooran, Another single! It is very full, not easy to hit those. It is jammed through covers for one.
Kartik Tyagi to Chris Gayle, A quick run! Fuller and outside off. Gayle looks to jam it out but it goes off the inside edge towards the leg side for a quick run. Lovely start by Tyagi.
Kartik Tyagi to Chris Gayle, A yorker, brilliant. Not a lot you can do there but jam it out back to the bowler.
Drinks break. Finally, there was a breakthrough for Rajasthan as they managed to remove KL Rahul. But the real danger man is still there and he is joined by another pocket dynamite in Nicholas Pooran. How will the final phase pan out?
Varun Aaron to Nicholas Pooran, ! Dismissed! Pooran is expected another slower one, gets one and has no qualms in towering it over extra cover for a biggie. 14 from the over.
Varun Aaron to Nicholas Pooran, Done in by the slowness! Shortish delivery on middle, Pooran attempts to pull but is way too early into the shot. Misses and it goes off his thigh pad to short third man. Hang on, here goes the alarm, Varun will have to re-bowl it as he has overstepped. Free Hit coming...
Varun Aaron to Nicholas Pooran, No run, played towards third man.
Varun Aaron to Nicholas Pooran, A slower length ball on off, angling away, Nicholas pushes it towards point. Looks towards his partner who is not going anywhere.
Varun Aaron to Nicholas Pooran, ! Doesn't take Pooran long. Receives a shortish ball in his half with glee and powers it behind square leg for a maximum.
Varun Aaron to Chris Gayle, Shortish and slowish around off, Gayle punches it from the back foot through wide mid off and crosses for a run.
Varun Aaron to Chris Gayle, A length delivery in the line of the stumps, Chris brings a straight bat down and pushes it back to the bowler.
Varun Aaron to Chris Gayle, A slower full ball around off, Gayle pushes it from the crease to point.
Ben Stokes to Nicholas Pooran, A dot to end another brilliant over from Stokes. On middle, it is pushed back towards the bowler. Now Stokes was off towards the leg side as he felt Pooran was going to tuck it there. Still though no run as he turns and stops it.
Ben Stokes to Chris Gayle, On middle, Gayle works it with soft hands towards mid-wicket. He takes one and wants a second but is sent back.
Ben Stokes to Chris Gayle, Down the leg side, Gayle looks to flick but misses. Wided.
Ben Stokes to KL Rahul, Wide.
Nicholas Pooran is out now to bat!
Ben Stokes to KL Rahul, ! TAKEN! Rahul is a goner! He was not at his best, could not time the ball really well and falls now. It is a good slower one around off, Rahul is early in the swing of his bat. It goes off the toe-end towards deep mid-wicket where Tewatia takes it. A good partnership for Punjab comes to an end and a timely wicket for Rajasthan.
Ben Stokes to Chris Gayle, Short again and it is on the body of Gayle. He is cramped for room. It is hit down to long on for one.
Ben Stokes to Chris Gayle, WIDE! Short and well wide outside off. Left alone.
Ben Stokes to KL Rahul, One more slower one. Stays a touch low. Rahul swings but it goes off the inner half through mid-wicket for one.
Ben Stokes to KL Rahul, A good slower one outside off. Rahul lets it be. A dot.
Jofra Archer to Chris Gayle, A short ball and on middle, Gayle doesn't fiddle with it. A dot to end but 11 from the over.
Jofra Archer to Chris Gayle, Misfield and two! Had Smith picked it up, it was a run out chance. Smith is the culprit, you do not see that often. A low full toss on middle, Gayle pushes it towards mid off and takes off. Smith charges to the ball but takes his eyes off the ball and lets it through. Another run is stolen.
Jofra Archer to Chris Gayle, ! Off the inside edge! Frustrating for Rajasthan. This is fuller and on off, Gayle swings but it goes off the inner half down towards the fine leg fence. Second in the over.
Jofra Archer to KL Rahul, Half a chance! Length and on middle, Rahul hits it hard back towards Archer. It is low but JA does not get down in time. It goes down towards long off for one.
Jofra Archer to KL Rahul, ! Welcome boundary for Rahul. He has been trying to put one away but wasn't getting it. He finally does and Punjab will hope this gets him going. A slower one on the pads, Rahul stands his ground and works it behind square on the leg side for a boundary.
Jofra Archer to KL Rahul, Almost does! Starts off with a slower one on middle, Rahul makes room and looks to go over covers but gets an inside edge which goes past the leg pole and towards short fine leg.
Smith needs a wicket and he goes to Archer. Can he deliver?
Rahul Tewatia to KL Rahul, One more single! On off, it is pushed down to long off for one. 10 from the over and Punjab continue to prosper on the back of this partnership!
Rahul Tewatia to Chris Gayle, Now comes down the track but Tewatia slows it up. Gayle swings but it goes off the inner half towards long on for one.
Rahul Tewatia to Chris Gayle, ! Just over! The 100 is up in style and so is the 100-run stand. A brilliant one and a much-needed one after losing a wicket early. This is tossed up outside off, slightly fuller and hence, Gayle gets under it. He does not time it very well but still gets it over the leaping Stokes at long on. All going Gayle's way at the moment.
Rahul Tewatia to KL Rahul, Only one! Rahul walks right across and sweeps it through square leg for one.
Rahul Tewatia to Chris Gayle, Gayle comes down the track but does not get to the pitch of it. It is hit down to long on for one.
Rahul Tewatia to Chris Gayle, Swing and a miss! This is tossed up outside off, Gayle looks to play the slog sweep but misses.
Ben Stokes to Chris Gayle, Hammered but just for one again! Shorter and on middle, Gayle pulls it hard but towards deep mid-wicket for one. A brilliant over from Stokes comes to an end.
Ben Stokes to KL Rahul, Timed beautifully but only for one! Fuller and outside off, this is carved out towards sweeper cover for one.
Ben Stokes to Chris Gayle, One more slower one. It is hit down to long off for one. Stokes is happy taking pace off the ball and it is effective till now.
Andrew McDonald, the coach of Rajasthan, is up for a chat. Says that the boys shared during the break that the pitch is slow. Admits that dropping Gayle is frustrating and they need to get him and then control the run rate. Feels that it was a hard catch to be fair, swirled a bit. Adds that it's about staying focused now. On Archer, the Aussie replies that there is always a consideration to give one extra over to him in the Powerplay but they need a couple of other bowlers to support him. Als
Ben Stokes to KL Rahul, Outside off, this is pushed through covers for one.
Ben Stokes to Chris Gayle, Shorter again and on middle, Gayle mistimes his pull down to long on for a single.
Ben Stokes to KL Rahul, Fuller and on middle, it is eased down to long off for one.
Varun Aaron to Chris Gayle, ! It was tough but should have been taken at this level! It is shorter and on middle, Gayle looks to pull it again but this time does not get on top of the bounce. It goes high up in the air towards deep square leg. It has gone really, really high. Parag in the deep goes for it and another fielder from short fine leg runs after it. In the end, it is the fielder in the deep who tries to take it but spills it. Two taken. This could prove very costly.
Rahul Tewatia to KL Rahul, A single to end as this is pushed down to long on. 10 from the over.
Rahul Tewatia to Chris Gayle, Dropped? Doesn't reach. This twas a very tough chance. Probably Stokes who was running towards the ball should have taken it. This is tossed up outside off. Gayle looks to go over the bowler's head but ends up slicing it towards mid on. Tewatia runs behind towards the ball and Stokes runs in from long on. The latter bails out. Tewatia dives but fails to hang on to it. Stokes probably backed off as Tewatia had his eyes on the ball and just to avoid the colli
Rahul Tewatia to Chris Gayle, Shorter and outside off, Gayle pushes it to covers.
Rahul Tewatia to Chris Gayle, ! Fifty for Gayle! What a difference the Universe Boss has made after coming into the side. Third fifty for him and that dropped chance is really costing Rajasthan. This is in his arc. It is fuller and on middle. Gayle slog sweeps it over the mid-wicket fence for a biggie.
Rahul Tewatia to KL Rahul, Very full and on off, it is driven through covers for one.
Rahul Tewatia to Chris Gayle, Fuller and on off, this is hit down to long off for one.
Kartik Tyagi to KL Rahul, Shortish and on middle, pulled across the line but not in the gap.
Kartik Tyagi to Chris Gayle, Tyagi nails his yorker around leg, Gayle digs it out on the leg side. The ball rolls in the gap and he picks up a single.
Kartik Tyagi to Chris Gayle, That is defended solidly off the front foot by Gayle.
Kartik Tyagi to KL Rahul, Slightly off the outer half this time! Attempts for a drive through the line but ends up slicing it towards third man. Crosses for one.
Kartik Tyagi to KL Rahul, ! Effortless! KL is so good to watch. It's on a length close to off, Rahul lines himself, opens his body and lofts it with a lot of nonchalance over wide long off.
Kartik Tyagi to KL Rahul, On middle and fuller, it is worked to mid-wicket.
Rahul Tewatia to Chris Gayle, One more dot and end of a tremendous over from Rahul. Sticks to his plan of bowling it outside off. This one stays a little low. Gayle tries to cut but misses.
Rahul Tewatia to Chris Gayle, Another dot! Third in the over. Shorter and outside off, Gayle cuts it to point.
Rahul Tewatia to KL Rahul, One more single as this is eased through covers.
Rahul Tewatia to Chris Gayle, Shorter and outside off, it is slapped through covers for one.
Rahul Tewatia to Chris Gayle, Outside off, left alone.
Rahul Tewatia to Chris Gayle, Outside off, Gayle cuts but to point.
Rahul Tewatia is on!
Ben Stokes to Chris Gayle, A single to end! So despite going for a boundary, just the 8 from it. Shorter and around off, it is slapped down to long off for one.
Ben Stokes to Chris Gayle, A slower one again and outside off, Gayle pushes at it away from his body. He gets an inside edge which goes on the bounce to the keeper.
Ben Stokes to Chris Gayle, One more single! Fuller and on middle, it is another slower one. Gayle eases it down to long on for one.
Ben Stokes to Chris Gayle, Shorter and on middle, this is pulled towards deep mid-wicket for one.
Drinks break. Time for Rajasthan to get together and rethink their strategies. Dropping Gayle is costing them already and the current partnership has started to look dangerous. This upcoming middle phase is going to be critical. Let's see how the spinners perform on this surface. Meanwhile, Ben Stokes is getting ready to bowl after the break.
Ben Stokes to Chris Gayle, ! The boundaries are flowing off Gayle's bat! It is a good slower one from Stokes. Gayle pushes at it but does so inside the line. It goes off the outside edge past the keeper. With the third man in, that is always going to be a boundary.
Ben Stokes to KL Rahul, Angled into the pads, this is worked down towards fine leg for one.
Shreyas Gopal to KL Rahul, A single to end another good over for Punjab! On off, it is eased through covers for one.
Shreyas Gopal to Chris Gayle, Shorter and around off, it is a hit-me ball. Very short. Gayle drags it down to long on for one.
Shreyas Gopal to Chris Gayle, ! That is gone! If you pitch it slightly fuller to Gayle, he will make you pay. Gopal does that mistake. The slog sweep is out and it goes over the mid-wicket fence.
Shreyas Gopal to KL Rahul, Shorter and on middle, this is pulled through mid-wicket for one. It stayed a touch low.
Shreyas Gopal to Chris Gayle, On the pads, it is worked through mid-wicket for one.
Shreyas Gopal to Chris Gayle, The googly to begin with on middle, it is defended.
Shreyas Gopal is on!
Varun Aaron to KL Rahul, ! Whipped away with all the class in the world! This is fuller and on middle, Rahul uses his wrists and creams it through mid-wicket to end the Powerplay with a boundary. So it turns out to be a brilliant one for Punjab eventually after a troubled beginning. They started quietly after losing Mandeep in the first over but have finished with 53 runs on the board.
Varun Aaron to KL Rahul, On middle, it is worked towards mid-wicket. Rahul wanted a run but Gayle is not interested.
Varun Aaron to KL Rahul, Nicely clipped! Fuller and on the pads, it is worked through mid-wicket for two.
Varun Aaron to KL Rahul, Well bowled! Bowls a slower one, it is a dipping yorker on off. Rahul jams it out towards mid off.
Varun Aaron to KL Rahul, ! That is massive! Huge! Rahul does join the act now. Slightly short and he picks the length early. He tonks it over the square leg fence for a biggie.
Varun Aaron to KL Rahul, Rahul now looks to get into the act. He lofts this with the angle over mid-wicket. Not off the middle but enough to get two.
Kartik Tyagi to Chris Gayle, Another dot to end! Fuller and on middle, it is hit to mid on. Still 14 from the over.
Kartik Tyagi to Chris Gayle, A dot! A good comeback! Short and on the body, just where Gayle does not like it. He ducks under it.
Kartik Tyagi to Chris Gayle, ! TIMED! Gayle moves around in his crease and Tyagi bowls it full and on middle. Gayle just puts bat to ball and creams it through covers. Sheer timing. 14 now from the over with two balls to go.
Kartik Tyagi to Chris Gayle, ! Muscled! That dropped catch already seems to be a costly one. It is shorter and on middle, Gayle stands tall and powers it over the mid-wicket fence. If you are going to bowl short to Gayle, need to get it up till the chest height or he will smack it. 10 from the first three balls.
Kartik Tyagi to Chris Gayle, ! Thrashed! Fuller and outside off, right in the slot. It is powered over the mid off fielder and a boundary results.
Karthik Tyagi is on!
Kartik Tyagi to Chris Gayle, Outside off, Gayle swings at it away from the body. He is beaten.
Varun Aaron to KL Rahul, A dot to end an action-packed over. It could have been a successful one for Rajasthan but it turns out to be a good one for Punjab. On middle, it is worked to mid-wicket. 11 from the over along with a dropped catch to grant life to Gayle.
Varun Aaron to Chris Gayle, On middle, worked through mid-wicket for one.
Varun Aaron to Chris Gayle, ! That though is just wide from the fielder at deep square leg. First biggie for Gayle. It is short and on the body. Not where Gayle likes it. He still goes for the pull but does not time it really well. It goes towards the deep square leg fence. The fielder there runs to his left but it is wide of him and sails over.
Varun Aaron to Chris Gayle, Wide! Down the leg side again from Aaron. It is wide. Rajasthan have bowled well so far and giving extras is the only blemish.ÂÂ
Varun Aaron to KL Rahul, Rahul has started cautiously till now. It is shorter and outside off, Rahul guides it down to third man for one.
Varun Aaron to KL Rahul, Fuller and outside off, Rahul looks to drive it through covers but it goes off the inner half towards mid off.
Jofra Archer to Chris Gayle, Archer does go short but it is outside off. Gayle evades it nicely. Just 5 from the over and it's been a very slow beginning from the usually high-flying Punjab team!
Jofra Archer to KL Rahul, Outside off, this is guided down to third man for one. Now time for the contest everybody wants to watch, Archer against Gayle. He has one ball, will he go short and on the body?
Jofra Archer to KL Rahul, Back of a length and on off, Rahul guides it towards point.
Jofra Archer to KL Rahul, Corrects his line and bowls it on off, defended.
Jofra Archer to KL Rahul, ! Just over! 600 runs for Rahul in this Indian T20 League and he brings it up in style. It is short and wide outside off. The width is on offer and Rahul cashes in. He cuts it over the leaping point fielder and a boundary results.
Jofra Archer to KL Rahul, Back of a length and on middle, defended nicely.
Varun Aaron to Chris Gayle, ! It does cost Aaron eventually! The last ball spoils the over somewhat! A fortunate boundary but Gayle won't mind. He is off the mark. Gayle makes room and Aaron follows him with a short one. Gayle looks to pull but gets an inside edge. It goes past the keeper and down to the fine leg fence.
Varun Aaron to Chris Gayle, Another extra ball! This one too is down the leg side. Wided.
Varun Aaron to Chris Gayle, WIDE! Way too short and on middle. Gayle lets it be. Samson does well to get a strong hand at it. It falls right next to him. Will the extra ball cost Rajasthan?
Varun Aaron to Chris Gayle, Straight to the fielder! Gayle makes room and also comes down the track. It is on the pads, he whips it but straight to square leg. One more dot.
Varun Aaron to Chris Gayle, BEATEN! Really well bowled! This is on a length and around off, shapes away a touch. Gayle is beaten as he tries to defend.
Varun Aaron to Chris Gayle, Shorter and around off, Gayle guides it to point.
Varun Aaron to Chris Gayle, Outside off and on a length. It is left alone.
Varun Aaron to Chris Gayle, Down the leg side again but this is closer to the pads. Gayle looks to flick but misses. It hits the pad and goes to Samson.
Chris Gayle walks out to bat! Varun Aaron to bowl from the other end.ÂÂ
Varun Aaron to KL Rahul, Two wides! Looks to bowl a slower one first up. It comes out wrong as it is down the leg side. Rahul looks to flick but misses. Samson fails to collect it cleanly as it bounces in front of him. A single taken.
Jofra Archer to Mandeep Singh, ! TAKEN! The two Englishmen combine to get rid of Mandeep Singh who bags a golden duck! Top start for Rajasthan and that is a snorter from Archer. It is short and on the body, not a ball you want to be facing first up. Mandeep Singh looks to fend at it awkwardly. It goes off the gloves and lobs towards the point region. Stokes runs in, dives forward and takes it brilliantly. Superb first over by Archer!
Jofra Archer to KL Rahul, Punjab and Rahul are underway! Length and around off, this is played towards point for one.
Jofra Archer to KL Rahul, Shortish and around off, Rahul pushes it towards cover.
Jofra Archer to KL Rahul, Back of a length and on middle, Rahul stays back and defends it onto the ground.
Jofra Archer to KL Rahul, Lovely shot but for no runs! Fuller and around off, Rahul drives it nicely but to covers.
Jofra Archer to KL Rahul, Starts off with a very full one, almost a yorker on off. Rahul looks to jam it out towards the off side but it goes off the inner half towards mid-wicket. Mandeep wants a run but is sent back.
All in readiness! The Rajasthan huddle is visible with Steven Smith being the centre of attraction. KL Rahul and Mandeep Singh to open for Punjab as they walk out to the middle. No prizes for guessing, it's Jofra Archer getting ready to serve the first over. Let's play.
All in readiness! The Rajasthan huddle is visible with Steven Smith being the centre of attraction. KL Rahul and Mandeep Singh will open the batting for Punjab as they walk out.ÂÂ
Punjab (Playing XI) - KL Rahul (WK/C), Mandeep Singh, Chris Gayle, Nicholas Pooran, Glenn Maxwell, Deepak Hooda, Chris Jordan, Murugan Ashwin, Ravi Bishnoi, Mohammed Shami, Arshdeep Singh.
Rajsthan (Playing XI) - Robin Uthappa, Ben Stokes, Steven Smith (C), Sanju Samson (WK), Jos Buttler, Riyan Parag, Rahul Tewatia, Jofra Archer, Shreyas Gopal, Varun Aaron, Kartik Tyagi.
Punjab skipper, KL Rahul, says they wanted to bowl first as well but it looks a good wicket and they want to put up a decent target on the board and then later defend it. States they batted better early on but now the bowling is coming good, everything is probably going their way and it has been a complete team effort. He is hoping for the same to continue. Mentions they have learnt a thing or two playing here, they have spoken about it and they want to enjoy the game. Informs they are playing t
Rajasthan skipper, Steven Smith, says he is not sure about the dew, it comes in some games but it does not in some and hence, he wants to bowl. States it has been an up and down season for them and they have not played their best game but he hopes they can do it here. Informs they have Aaron in the XI who brings more pace and he hopes he can add something to their Powerplay.
Toss - Rajasthan elect to bowl!
Danny Morrison and Daren Ganga doing the pitch report. The latter says this pitch is still good for batting but the number of sixes hit at this venue compared to the others is less so you need to pick which ball to hit up in the air and which to hit along the ground carefully. Morrison ends by saying there is a lovely covering of grass on the wicket and it should be a good wicket.
Game 50 of the Indian T20 League and it is a vital, vital clash with a lot at stake. A game where Rajasthan can’t afford a slip-up as a loss means, they would be out. A win for Punjab means, their fate will more or less be in their own hands but a loss will see them relying on the results of the other teams. Both head into this fixture on the back of a win. Punjab though are flying high as they have won 5 in a row. Rajasthan also will be high on confidence after beating the table-toppers, M
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Rajasthan Royals
186/3(17.3 Overs)
Right then, Rajasthan have a tough target to overhaul. They did it with ease against Mumbai in the last game, so the confidence will be there. Can they do it again and keep their hopes alive for a final four finish? We will find out soon.
Chris Gayle is up for a chat. Says he got a good nut, 180 is a total and he expects the wicket to get better. Adds that getting out on 99 is unfortunate but he is still feeling good. Mentions that the mental aspect about the game is what is keeping him going and he is enjoying the game. Shares that it is an important game and they want to win it. Ends by saying he is still hitting it well, the hard work has paid off and he is very grateful for it. Jokes by saying in his mind he has scored
Rajasthan were dismal in the field and leaked runs continuously. They struggled to keep a strong hand on the scoring rate and their fielding was also not up to the mark. Jofra Archer, though, once again was the lone man performing for them while Ben Sokes was also decent with his effort with the ball.
The West Indian giant got an early life when he was dropped on 10 and he made Rajasthan pay for it. He took the Pink bowlers to the cleaners and entertained everyone with his big shots. In the process, he also completed 1000 T20 sixes. Unfortunately for him, he was dismissed on 99 in the final over.
62 runs in the final five overs and Punjab have got a big total on the board! It all started with the wicket for Mandeep Singh but then Chris Gayle and KL Rahul joined forces and raised a century stand. That put Rajasthan on the back foot and they struggled to keep a lid on the scoring rate.
Jofra Archer to Glenn Maxwell, A dot to end! Shorter and outside off. Maxwell looks to cut but misses. So a very good last over from Archer. Keeps Punjab under 190 as they END WITH 185/4!
Jofra Archer to Deepak Hooda, Hooda moves right across and Archer bowls it on the stumps. It is hit down to fine leg for one.
Has that been taken? Tewatia is claiming it but the umpires have taken it upstairs. It looks clean.
Jofra Archer to Chris Gayle, ! TIMBER! Anti-climax! Heartbreak for Gayle and he is disgusted. He throws his bat in anger. He though gives Arhcer a hi-five as he walks back. He deserved a ton to be honest, end of a brilliant knock from him. Archer this time goes very full, it is fast and on middle. Gayle looks to drive but misses. It hits the pad and then the stumps. Replays later on show, Gayle did not mean to throw his bat. He actually wanted to swing it in anger but he loses his grip.
Jofra Archer to Chris Gayle, ! He moves onto 99! A high full toss and Gayle swings. It hits him high on the bat but his power takes it over leaping Stokes for a biggie at long on. He has three balls to get to a ton.
Jofra Archer to Glenn Maxwell, ! Only one! Maxwell moves right across and Archer bowls it on middle. This is whipped towards short fine leg where Aaron dives to his left and tries to take it but it bursts through and goes towards deep square leg only for the man at 93 to come on strike.
Jofra Archer to Chris Gayle, A low full toss on middle, it is hit down to long off for one.
Kartik Tyagi to Chris Gayle, Hangs on the back foot and punches it down to long off for a run. 14 from the over!
Kartik Tyagi to Chris Gayle, ! The giant enters into the 90s and this is his 1000th six in T20 cricket! Back of a length ball around off, Gayle stays back and smokes it over wide long on for a biggie. Take a bow, Sir!
Kartik Tyagi to Glenn Maxwell, Fails to land the ball on this occasion. A low full toss on middle and it's heaved to deep mid-wicket for just a run.
Kartik Tyagi to Glenn Maxwell, Another good delivery. This time it's a slower one, on a fuller length and close to the tram line, Maxwell fails to put the bat on the ball again.
Kartik Tyagi to Glenn Maxwell, Well done, young man! Tyagi keeps his focus, watches the batsman moving back and bowls a speedy length delivery outside off. Maxwell swishes and misses.
Kartik Tyagi to Glenn Maxwell, ! It's a no ball as well for the waist-high full toss. Around leg, Maxwell turns and helps it on its way to the fine leg fence. Free Hit loading...
Kartik Tyagi to Chris Gayle, Fuller delivery around off, pushed to deep cover for a run.
Ben Stokes to Nicholas Pooran, ! TAKEN! That is clean as a whistle! Good wicket as Pooran could have made a real difference in the final two overs. Still a handy little innings from him. It is a short one and on middle. Pooran pulls but does not get the elevation he wanted. Tewatia takes a good catch by timing his leap to perfection. The umpires take it upstairs and replays show that it is fine. A wicket but a very expensive over from Stokes.
Ben Stokes to Chris Gayle, Just a single! Fuller and on off, Gayle lofts it but not off the middle. Towards long off for one.
Ben Stokes to Chris Gayle, ! Powered! Another top, top short. It is short and it sits up to be hit. Gayle once again waits for it and then slams it over the mid-wicket fence. Another big over for Punjab.
Ben Stokes to Nicholas Pooran, A slower short ball and outside off. Pooran waits for it and then pulls it towards deep mid-wicket for one.
Ben Stokes to Chris Gayle, Just a single! A slower one on the pads, Gayle swings but gets an inside edge onto the pads. It goes on the leg side for one.
Ben Stokes to Chris Gayle, WIDE! Bangs it short and well wide outside off. Wided. Pressure getting to Stokes.
Ben Stokes to Chris Gayle, ! Excellent start for Punjab! This is a slower one and on middle, Gayle waits for it and thyen hits it hard through mid-wicket. It is in the gap and a boundary. Pressure on Stokes now.
Ben Stokes to bowl out!
Kartik Tyagi to Nicholas Pooran, ! The last ball spoils the over. Misses his length by a little and pays the price. It is full and on off, Pooran lofts it over the long off fence for a biggie.
Kartik Tyagi to Nicholas Pooran, Brilliant from Smith! The skipper leading from the front. Gave an extra run early on but saves two here. This is a full toss, a little too quick for Pooran. He hits it down towards the long on fence. Smith there runs to his right, dives and pushes it back.
Kartik Tyagi to Chris Gayle, Fuller and on middle, it is hit down to long off for one.
Kartik Tyagi to Nicholas Pooran, Another single! It is very full, not easy to hit those. It is jammed through covers for one.
Kartik Tyagi to Chris Gayle, A quick run! Fuller and outside off. Gayle looks to jam it out but it goes off the inside edge towards the leg side for a quick run. Lovely start by Tyagi.
Kartik Tyagi to Chris Gayle, A yorker, brilliant. Not a lot you can do there but jam it out back to the bowler.
Drinks break. Finally, there was a breakthrough for Rajasthan as they managed to remove KL Rahul. But the real danger man is still there and he is joined by another pocket dynamite in Nicholas Pooran. How will the final phase pan out?
Varun Aaron to Nicholas Pooran, ! Dismissed! Pooran is expected another slower one, gets one and has no qualms in towering it over extra cover for a biggie. 14 from the over.
Varun Aaron to Nicholas Pooran, Done in by the slowness! Shortish delivery on middle, Pooran attempts to pull but is way too early into the shot. Misses and it goes off his thigh pad to short third man. Hang on, here goes the alarm, Varun will have to re-bowl it as he has overstepped. Free Hit coming...
Varun Aaron to Nicholas Pooran, No run, played towards third man.
Varun Aaron to Nicholas Pooran, A slower length ball on off, angling away, Nicholas pushes it towards point. Looks towards his partner who is not going anywhere.
Varun Aaron to Nicholas Pooran, ! Doesn't take Pooran long. Receives a shortish ball in his half with glee and powers it behind square leg for a maximum.
Varun Aaron to Chris Gayle, Shortish and slowish around off, Gayle punches it from the back foot through wide mid off and crosses for a run.
Varun Aaron to Chris Gayle, A length delivery in the line of the stumps, Chris brings a straight bat down and pushes it back to the bowler.
Varun Aaron to Chris Gayle, A slower full ball around off, Gayle pushes it from the crease to point.
Ben Stokes to Nicholas Pooran, A dot to end another brilliant over from Stokes. On middle, it is pushed back towards the bowler. Now Stokes was off towards the leg side as he felt Pooran was going to tuck it there. Still though no run as he turns and stops it.
Ben Stokes to Chris Gayle, On middle, Gayle works it with soft hands towards mid-wicket. He takes one and wants a second but is sent back.
Ben Stokes to Chris Gayle, Down the leg side, Gayle looks to flick but misses. Wided.
Ben Stokes to KL Rahul, Wide.
Nicholas Pooran is out now to bat!
Ben Stokes to KL Rahul, ! TAKEN! Rahul is a goner! He was not at his best, could not time the ball really well and falls now. It is a good slower one around off, Rahul is early in the swing of his bat. It goes off the toe-end towards deep mid-wicket where Tewatia takes it. A good partnership for Punjab comes to an end and a timely wicket for Rajasthan.
Ben Stokes to Chris Gayle, Short again and it is on the body of Gayle. He is cramped for room. It is hit down to long on for one.
Ben Stokes to Chris Gayle, WIDE! Short and well wide outside off. Left alone.
Ben Stokes to KL Rahul, One more slower one. Stays a touch low. Rahul swings but it goes off the inner half through mid-wicket for one.
Ben Stokes to KL Rahul, A good slower one outside off. Rahul lets it be. A dot.
Jofra Archer to Chris Gayle, A short ball and on middle, Gayle doesn't fiddle with it. A dot to end but 11 from the over.
Jofra Archer to Chris Gayle, Misfield and two! Had Smith picked it up, it was a run out chance. Smith is the culprit, you do not see that often. A low full toss on middle, Gayle pushes it towards mid off and takes off. Smith charges to the ball but takes his eyes off the ball and lets it through. Another run is stolen.
Jofra Archer to Chris Gayle, ! Off the inside edge! Frustrating for Rajasthan. This is fuller and on off, Gayle swings but it goes off the inner half down towards the fine leg fence. Second in the over.
Jofra Archer to KL Rahul, Half a chance! Length and on middle, Rahul hits it hard back towards Archer. It is low but JA does not get down in time. It goes down towards long off for one.
Jofra Archer to KL Rahul, ! Welcome boundary for Rahul. He has been trying to put one away but wasn't getting it. He finally does and Punjab will hope this gets him going. A slower one on the pads, Rahul stands his ground and works it behind square on the leg side for a boundary.
Jofra Archer to KL Rahul, Almost does! Starts off with a slower one on middle, Rahul makes room and looks to go over covers but gets an inside edge which goes past the leg pole and towards short fine leg.
Smith needs a wicket and he goes to Archer. Can he deliver?
Rahul Tewatia to KL Rahul, One more single! On off, it is pushed down to long off for one. 10 from the over and Punjab continue to prosper on the back of this partnership!
Rahul Tewatia to Chris Gayle, Now comes down the track but Tewatia slows it up. Gayle swings but it goes off the inner half towards long on for one.
Rahul Tewatia to Chris Gayle, ! Just over! The 100 is up in style and so is the 100-run stand. A brilliant one and a much-needed one after losing a wicket early. This is tossed up outside off, slightly fuller and hence, Gayle gets under it. He does not time it very well but still gets it over the leaping Stokes at long on. All going Gayle's way at the moment.
Rahul Tewatia to KL Rahul, Only one! Rahul walks right across and sweeps it through square leg for one.
Rahul Tewatia to Chris Gayle, Gayle comes down the track but does not get to the pitch of it. It is hit down to long on for one.
Rahul Tewatia to Chris Gayle, Swing and a miss! This is tossed up outside off, Gayle looks to play the slog sweep but misses.
Ben Stokes to Chris Gayle, Hammered but just for one again! Shorter and on middle, Gayle pulls it hard but towards deep mid-wicket for one. A brilliant over from Stokes comes to an end.
Ben Stokes to KL Rahul, Timed beautifully but only for one! Fuller and outside off, this is carved out towards sweeper cover for one.
Ben Stokes to Chris Gayle, One more slower one. It is hit down to long off for one. Stokes is happy taking pace off the ball and it is effective till now.
Andrew McDonald, the coach of Rajasthan, is up for a chat. Says that the boys shared during the break that the pitch is slow. Admits that dropping Gayle is frustrating and they need to get him and then control the run rate. Feels that it was a hard catch to be fair, swirled a bit. Adds that it's about staying focused now. On Archer, the Aussie replies that there is always a consideration to give one extra over to him in the Powerplay but they need a couple of other bowlers to support him. Als
Ben Stokes to KL Rahul, Outside off, this is pushed through covers for one.
Ben Stokes to Chris Gayle, Shorter again and on middle, Gayle mistimes his pull down to long on for a single.
Ben Stokes to KL Rahul, Fuller and on middle, it is eased down to long off for one.
Varun Aaron to Chris Gayle, ! It was tough but should have been taken at this level! It is shorter and on middle, Gayle looks to pull it again but this time does not get on top of the bounce. It goes high up in the air towards deep square leg. It has gone really, really high. Parag in the deep goes for it and another fielder from short fine leg runs after it. In the end, it is the fielder in the deep who tries to take it but spills it. Two taken. This could prove very costly.
Rahul Tewatia to KL Rahul, A single to end as this is pushed down to long on. 10 from the over.
Rahul Tewatia to Chris Gayle, Dropped? Doesn't reach. This twas a very tough chance. Probably Stokes who was running towards the ball should have taken it. This is tossed up outside off. Gayle looks to go over the bowler's head but ends up slicing it towards mid on. Tewatia runs behind towards the ball and Stokes runs in from long on. The latter bails out. Tewatia dives but fails to hang on to it. Stokes probably backed off as Tewatia had his eyes on the ball and just to avoid the colli
Rahul Tewatia to Chris Gayle, Shorter and outside off, Gayle pushes it to covers.
Rahul Tewatia to Chris Gayle, ! Fifty for Gayle! What a difference the Universe Boss has made after coming into the side. Third fifty for him and that dropped chance is really costing Rajasthan. This is in his arc. It is fuller and on middle. Gayle slog sweeps it over the mid-wicket fence for a biggie.
Rahul Tewatia to KL Rahul, Very full and on off, it is driven through covers for one.
Rahul Tewatia to Chris Gayle, Fuller and on off, this is hit down to long off for one.
Kartik Tyagi to KL Rahul, Shortish and on middle, pulled across the line but not in the gap.
Kartik Tyagi to Chris Gayle, Tyagi nails his yorker around leg, Gayle digs it out on the leg side. The ball rolls in the gap and he picks up a single.
Kartik Tyagi to Chris Gayle, That is defended solidly off the front foot by Gayle.
Kartik Tyagi to KL Rahul, Slightly off the outer half this time! Attempts for a drive through the line but ends up slicing it towards third man. Crosses for one.
Kartik Tyagi to KL Rahul, ! Effortless! KL is so good to watch. It's on a length close to off, Rahul lines himself, opens his body and lofts it with a lot of nonchalance over wide long off.
Kartik Tyagi to KL Rahul, On middle and fuller, it is worked to mid-wicket.
Rahul Tewatia to Chris Gayle, One more dot and end of a tremendous over from Rahul. Sticks to his plan of bowling it outside off. This one stays a little low. Gayle tries to cut but misses.
Rahul Tewatia to Chris Gayle, Another dot! Third in the over. Shorter and outside off, Gayle cuts it to point.
Rahul Tewatia to KL Rahul, One more single as this is eased through covers.
Rahul Tewatia to Chris Gayle, Shorter and outside off, it is slapped through covers for one.
Rahul Tewatia to Chris Gayle, Outside off, left alone.
Rahul Tewatia to Chris Gayle, Outside off, Gayle cuts but to point.
Rahul Tewatia is on!
Ben Stokes to Chris Gayle, A single to end! So despite going for a boundary, just the 8 from it. Shorter and around off, it is slapped down to long off for one.
Ben Stokes to Chris Gayle, A slower one again and outside off, Gayle pushes at it away from his body. He gets an inside edge which goes on the bounce to the keeper.
Ben Stokes to Chris Gayle, One more single! Fuller and on middle, it is another slower one. Gayle eases it down to long on for one.
Ben Stokes to Chris Gayle, Shorter and on middle, this is pulled towards deep mid-wicket for one.
Drinks break. Time for Rajasthan to get together and rethink their strategies. Dropping Gayle is costing them already and the current partnership has started to look dangerous. This upcoming middle phase is going to be critical. Let's see how the spinners perform on this surface. Meanwhile, Ben Stokes is getting ready to bowl after the break.
Ben Stokes to Chris Gayle, ! The boundaries are flowing off Gayle's bat! It is a good slower one from Stokes. Gayle pushes at it but does so inside the line. It goes off the outside edge past the keeper. With the third man in, that is always going to be a boundary.
Ben Stokes to KL Rahul, Angled into the pads, this is worked down towards fine leg for one.
Shreyas Gopal to KL Rahul, A single to end another good over for Punjab! On off, it is eased through covers for one.
Shreyas Gopal to Chris Gayle, Shorter and around off, it is a hit-me ball. Very short. Gayle drags it down to long on for one.
Shreyas Gopal to Chris Gayle, ! That is gone! If you pitch it slightly fuller to Gayle, he will make you pay. Gopal does that mistake. The slog sweep is out and it goes over the mid-wicket fence.
Shreyas Gopal to KL Rahul, Shorter and on middle, this is pulled through mid-wicket for one. It stayed a touch low.
Shreyas Gopal to Chris Gayle, On the pads, it is worked through mid-wicket for one.
Shreyas Gopal to Chris Gayle, The googly to begin with on middle, it is defended.
Shreyas Gopal is on!
Varun Aaron to KL Rahul, ! Whipped away with all the class in the world! This is fuller and on middle, Rahul uses his wrists and creams it through mid-wicket to end the Powerplay with a boundary. So it turns out to be a brilliant one for Punjab eventually after a troubled beginning. They started quietly after losing Mandeep in the first over but have finished with 53 runs on the board.
Varun Aaron to KL Rahul, On middle, it is worked towards mid-wicket. Rahul wanted a run but Gayle is not interested.
Varun Aaron to KL Rahul, Nicely clipped! Fuller and on the pads, it is worked through mid-wicket for two.
Varun Aaron to KL Rahul, Well bowled! Bowls a slower one, it is a dipping yorker on off. Rahul jams it out towards mid off.
Varun Aaron to KL Rahul, ! That is massive! Huge! Rahul does join the act now. Slightly short and he picks the length early. He tonks it over the square leg fence for a biggie.
Varun Aaron to KL Rahul, Rahul now looks to get into the act. He lofts this with the angle over mid-wicket. Not off the middle but enough to get two.
Kartik Tyagi to Chris Gayle, Another dot to end! Fuller and on middle, it is hit to mid on. Still 14 from the over.
Kartik Tyagi to Chris Gayle, A dot! A good comeback! Short and on the body, just where Gayle does not like it. He ducks under it.
Kartik Tyagi to Chris Gayle, ! TIMED! Gayle moves around in his crease and Tyagi bowls it full and on middle. Gayle just puts bat to ball and creams it through covers. Sheer timing. 14 now from the over with two balls to go.
Kartik Tyagi to Chris Gayle, ! Muscled! That dropped catch already seems to be a costly one. It is shorter and on middle, Gayle stands tall and powers it over the mid-wicket fence. If you are going to bowl short to Gayle, need to get it up till the chest height or he will smack it. 10 from the first three balls.
Kartik Tyagi to Chris Gayle, ! Thrashed! Fuller and outside off, right in the slot. It is powered over the mid off fielder and a boundary results.
Karthik Tyagi is on!
Kartik Tyagi to Chris Gayle, Outside off, Gayle swings at it away from the body. He is beaten.
Varun Aaron to KL Rahul, A dot to end an action-packed over. It could have been a successful one for Rajasthan but it turns out to be a good one for Punjab. On middle, it is worked to mid-wicket. 11 from the over along with a dropped catch to grant life to Gayle.
Varun Aaron to Chris Gayle, On middle, worked through mid-wicket for one.
Varun Aaron to Chris Gayle, ! That though is just wide from the fielder at deep square leg. First biggie for Gayle. It is short and on the body. Not where Gayle likes it. He still goes for the pull but does not time it really well. It goes towards the deep square leg fence. The fielder there runs to his left but it is wide of him and sails over.
Varun Aaron to Chris Gayle, Wide! Down the leg side again from Aaron. It is wide. Rajasthan have bowled well so far and giving extras is the only blemish.ÂÂ
Varun Aaron to KL Rahul, Rahul has started cautiously till now. It is shorter and outside off, Rahul guides it down to third man for one.
Varun Aaron to KL Rahul, Fuller and outside off, Rahul looks to drive it through covers but it goes off the inner half towards mid off.
Jofra Archer to Chris Gayle, Archer does go short but it is outside off. Gayle evades it nicely. Just 5 from the over and it's been a very slow beginning from the usually high-flying Punjab team!
Jofra Archer to KL Rahul, Outside off, this is guided down to third man for one. Now time for the contest everybody wants to watch, Archer against Gayle. He has one ball, will he go short and on the body?
Jofra Archer to KL Rahul, Back of a length and on off, Rahul guides it towards point.
Jofra Archer to KL Rahul, Corrects his line and bowls it on off, defended.
Jofra Archer to KL Rahul, ! Just over! 600 runs for Rahul in this Indian T20 League and he brings it up in style. It is short and wide outside off. The width is on offer and Rahul cashes in. He cuts it over the leaping point fielder and a boundary results.
Jofra Archer to KL Rahul, Back of a length and on middle, defended nicely.
Varun Aaron to Chris Gayle, ! It does cost Aaron eventually! The last ball spoils the over somewhat! A fortunate boundary but Gayle won't mind. He is off the mark. Gayle makes room and Aaron follows him with a short one. Gayle looks to pull but gets an inside edge. It goes past the keeper and down to the fine leg fence.
Varun Aaron to Chris Gayle, Another extra ball! This one too is down the leg side. Wided.
Varun Aaron to Chris Gayle, WIDE! Way too short and on middle. Gayle lets it be. Samson does well to get a strong hand at it. It falls right next to him. Will the extra ball cost Rajasthan?
Varun Aaron to Chris Gayle, Straight to the fielder! Gayle makes room and also comes down the track. It is on the pads, he whips it but straight to square leg. One more dot.
Varun Aaron to Chris Gayle, BEATEN! Really well bowled! This is on a length and around off, shapes away a touch. Gayle is beaten as he tries to defend.
Varun Aaron to Chris Gayle, Shorter and around off, Gayle guides it to point.
Varun Aaron to Chris Gayle, Outside off and on a length. It is left alone.
Varun Aaron to Chris Gayle, Down the leg side again but this is closer to the pads. Gayle looks to flick but misses. It hits the pad and goes to Samson.
Chris Gayle walks out to bat! Varun Aaron to bowl from the other end.ÂÂ
Varun Aaron to KL Rahul, Two wides! Looks to bowl a slower one first up. It comes out wrong as it is down the leg side. Rahul looks to flick but misses. Samson fails to collect it cleanly as it bounces in front of him. A single taken.
Jofra Archer to Mandeep Singh, ! TAKEN! The two Englishmen combine to get rid of Mandeep Singh who bags a golden duck! Top start for Rajasthan and that is a snorter from Archer. It is short and on the body, not a ball you want to be facing first up. Mandeep Singh looks to fend at it awkwardly. It goes off the gloves and lobs towards the point region. Stokes runs in, dives forward and takes it brilliantly. Superb first over by Archer!
Jofra Archer to KL Rahul, Punjab and Rahul are underway! Length and around off, this is played towards point for one.
Jofra Archer to KL Rahul, Shortish and around off, Rahul pushes it towards cover.
Jofra Archer to KL Rahul, Back of a length and on middle, Rahul stays back and defends it onto the ground.
Jofra Archer to KL Rahul, Lovely shot but for no runs! Fuller and around off, Rahul drives it nicely but to covers.
Jofra Archer to KL Rahul, Starts off with a very full one, almost a yorker on off. Rahul looks to jam it out towards the off side but it goes off the inner half towards mid-wicket. Mandeep wants a run but is sent back.
All in readiness! The Rajasthan huddle is visible with Steven Smith being the centre of attraction. KL Rahul and Mandeep Singh to open for Punjab as they walk out to the middle. No prizes for guessing, it's Jofra Archer getting ready to serve the first over. Let's play.
All in readiness! The Rajasthan huddle is visible with Steven Smith being the centre of attraction. KL Rahul and Mandeep Singh will open the batting for Punjab as they walk out.ÂÂ
Punjab (Playing XI) - KL Rahul (WK/C), Mandeep Singh, Chris Gayle, Nicholas Pooran, Glenn Maxwell, Deepak Hooda, Chris Jordan, Murugan Ashwin, Ravi Bishnoi, Mohammed Shami, Arshdeep Singh.
Rajsthan (Playing XI) - Robin Uthappa, Ben Stokes, Steven Smith (C), Sanju Samson (WK), Jos Buttler, Riyan Parag, Rahul Tewatia, Jofra Archer, Shreyas Gopal, Varun Aaron, Kartik Tyagi.
Punjab skipper, KL Rahul, says they wanted to bowl first as well but it looks a good wicket and they want to put up a decent target on the board and then later defend it. States they batted better early on but now the bowling is coming good, everything is probably going their way and it has been a complete team effort. He is hoping for the same to continue. Mentions they have learnt a thing or two playing here, they have spoken about it and they want to enjoy the game. Informs they are playing t
Rajasthan skipper, Steven Smith, says he is not sure about the dew, it comes in some games but it does not in some and hence, he wants to bowl. States it has been an up and down season for them and they have not played their best game but he hopes they can do it here. Informs they have Aaron in the XI who brings more pace and he hopes he can add something to their Powerplay.
Toss - Rajasthan elect to bowl!
Danny Morrison and Daren Ganga doing the pitch report. The latter says this pitch is still good for batting but the number of sixes hit at this venue compared to the others is less so you need to pick which ball to hit up in the air and which to hit along the ground carefully. Morrison ends by saying there is a lovely covering of grass on the wicket and it should be a good wicket.
Game 50 of the Indian T20 League and it is a vital, vital clash with a lot at stake. A game where Rajasthan can’t afford a slip-up as a loss means, they would be out. A win for Punjab means, their fate will more or less be in their own hands but a loss will see them relying on the results of the other teams. Both head into this fixture on the back of a win. Punjab though are flying high as they have won 5 in a row. Rajasthan also will be high on confidence after beating the table-toppers, M
Right then, Rajasthan have a tough target to overhaul. They did it with ease against Mumbai in the last game, so the confidence will be there. Can they do it again and keep their hopes alive for a final four finish? We will find out soon.
Chris Gayle is up for a chat. Says he got a good nut, 180 is a total and he expects the wicket to get better. Adds that getting out on 99 is unfortunate but he is still feeling good. Mentions that the mental aspect about the game is what is keeping him going and he is enjoying the game. Shares that it is an important game and they want to win it. Ends by saying he is still hitting it well, the hard work has paid off and he is very grateful for it. Jokes by saying in his mind he has scored
Rajasthan were dismal in the field and leaked runs continuously. They struggled to keep a strong hand on the scoring rate and their fielding was also not up to the mark. Jofra Archer, though, once again was the lone man performing for them while Ben Sokes was also decent with his effort with the ball.
The West Indian giant got an early life when he was dropped on 10 and he made Rajasthan pay for it. He took the Pink bowlers to the cleaners and entertained everyone with his big shots. In the process, he also completed 1000 T20 sixes. Unfortunately for him, he was dismissed on 99 in the final over.
62 runs in the final five overs and Punjab have got a big total on the board! It all started with the wicket for Mandeep Singh but then Chris Gayle and KL Rahul joined forces and raised a century stand. That put Rajasthan on the back foot and they struggled to keep a lid on the scoring rate.
Jofra Archer to Glenn Maxwell, A dot to end! Shorter and outside off. Maxwell looks to cut but misses. So a very good last over from Archer. Keeps Punjab under 190 as they END WITH 185/4!
Jofra Archer to Deepak Hooda, Hooda moves right across and Archer bowls it on the stumps. It is hit down to fine leg for one.
Has that been taken? Tewatia is claiming it but the umpires have taken it upstairs. It looks clean.
Jofra Archer to Chris Gayle, ! TIMBER! Anti-climax! Heartbreak for Gayle and he is disgusted. He throws his bat in anger. He though gives Arhcer a hi-five as he walks back. He deserved a ton to be honest, end of a brilliant knock from him. Archer this time goes very full, it is fast and on middle. Gayle looks to drive but misses. It hits the pad and then the stumps. Replays later on show, Gayle did not mean to throw his bat. He actually wanted to swing it in anger but he loses his grip.
Jofra Archer to Chris Gayle, ! He moves onto 99! A high full toss and Gayle swings. It hits him high on the bat but his power takes it over leaping Stokes for a biggie at long on. He has three balls to get to a ton.
Jofra Archer to Glenn Maxwell, ! Only one! Maxwell moves right across and Archer bowls it on middle. This is whipped towards short fine leg where Aaron dives to his left and tries to take it but it bursts through and goes towards deep square leg only for the man at 93 to come on strike.
Jofra Archer to Chris Gayle, A low full toss on middle, it is hit down to long off for one.
Kartik Tyagi to Chris Gayle, Hangs on the back foot and punches it down to long off for a run. 14 from the over!
Kartik Tyagi to Chris Gayle, ! The giant enters into the 90s and this is his 1000th six in T20 cricket! Back of a length ball around off, Gayle stays back and smokes it over wide long on for a biggie. Take a bow, Sir!
Kartik Tyagi to Glenn Maxwell, Fails to land the ball on this occasion. A low full toss on middle and it's heaved to deep mid-wicket for just a run.
Kartik Tyagi to Glenn Maxwell, Another good delivery. This time it's a slower one, on a fuller length and close to the tram line, Maxwell fails to put the bat on the ball again.
Kartik Tyagi to Glenn Maxwell, Well done, young man! Tyagi keeps his focus, watches the batsman moving back and bowls a speedy length delivery outside off. Maxwell swishes and misses.
Kartik Tyagi to Glenn Maxwell, ! It's a no ball as well for the waist-high full toss. Around leg, Maxwell turns and helps it on its way to the fine leg fence. Free Hit loading...
Kartik Tyagi to Chris Gayle, Fuller delivery around off, pushed to deep cover for a run.
Ben Stokes to Nicholas Pooran, ! TAKEN! That is clean as a whistle! Good wicket as Pooran could have made a real difference in the final two overs. Still a handy little innings from him. It is a short one and on middle. Pooran pulls but does not get the elevation he wanted. Tewatia takes a good catch by timing his leap to perfection. The umpires take it upstairs and replays show that it is fine. A wicket but a very expensive over from Stokes.
Ben Stokes to Chris Gayle, Just a single! Fuller and on off, Gayle lofts it but not off the middle. Towards long off for one.
Ben Stokes to Chris Gayle, ! Powered! Another top, top short. It is short and it sits up to be hit. Gayle once again waits for it and then slams it over the mid-wicket fence. Another big over for Punjab.
Ben Stokes to Nicholas Pooran, A slower short ball and outside off. Pooran waits for it and then pulls it towards deep mid-wicket for one.
Ben Stokes to Chris Gayle, Just a single! A slower one on the pads, Gayle swings but gets an inside edge onto the pads. It goes on the leg side for one.
Ben Stokes to Chris Gayle, WIDE! Bangs it short and well wide outside off. Wided. Pressure getting to Stokes.
Ben Stokes to Chris Gayle, ! Excellent start for Punjab! This is a slower one and on middle, Gayle waits for it and thyen hits it hard through mid-wicket. It is in the gap and a boundary. Pressure on Stokes now.
Ben Stokes to bowl out!
Kartik Tyagi to Nicholas Pooran, ! The last ball spoils the over. Misses his length by a little and pays the price. It is full and on off, Pooran lofts it over the long off fence for a biggie.
Kartik Tyagi to Nicholas Pooran, Brilliant from Smith! The skipper leading from the front. Gave an extra run early on but saves two here. This is a full toss, a little too quick for Pooran. He hits it down towards the long on fence. Smith there runs to his right, dives and pushes it back.
Kartik Tyagi to Chris Gayle, Fuller and on middle, it is hit down to long off for one.
Kartik Tyagi to Nicholas Pooran, Another single! It is very full, not easy to hit those. It is jammed through covers for one.
Kartik Tyagi to Chris Gayle, A quick run! Fuller and outside off. Gayle looks to jam it out but it goes off the inside edge towards the leg side for a quick run. Lovely start by Tyagi.
Kartik Tyagi to Chris Gayle, A yorker, brilliant. Not a lot you can do there but jam it out back to the bowler.
Drinks break. Finally, there was a breakthrough for Rajasthan as they managed to remove KL Rahul. But the real danger man is still there and he is joined by another pocket dynamite in Nicholas Pooran. How will the final phase pan out?
Varun Aaron to Nicholas Pooran, ! Dismissed! Pooran is expected another slower one, gets one and has no qualms in towering it over extra cover for a biggie. 14 from the over.
Varun Aaron to Nicholas Pooran, Done in by the slowness! Shortish delivery on middle, Pooran attempts to pull but is way too early into the shot. Misses and it goes off his thigh pad to short third man. Hang on, here goes the alarm, Varun will have to re-bowl it as he has overstepped. Free Hit coming...
Varun Aaron to Nicholas Pooran, No run, played towards third man.
Varun Aaron to Nicholas Pooran, A slower length ball on off, angling away, Nicholas pushes it towards point. Looks towards his partner who is not going anywhere.
Varun Aaron to Nicholas Pooran, ! Doesn't take Pooran long. Receives a shortish ball in his half with glee and powers it behind square leg for a maximum.
Varun Aaron to Chris Gayle, Shortish and slowish around off, Gayle punches it from the back foot through wide mid off and crosses for a run.
Varun Aaron to Chris Gayle, A length delivery in the line of the stumps, Chris brings a straight bat down and pushes it back to the bowler.
Varun Aaron to Chris Gayle, A slower full ball around off, Gayle pushes it from the crease to point.
Ben Stokes to Nicholas Pooran, A dot to end another brilliant over from Stokes. On middle, it is pushed back towards the bowler. Now Stokes was off towards the leg side as he felt Pooran was going to tuck it there. Still though no run as he turns and stops it.
Ben Stokes to Chris Gayle, On middle, Gayle works it with soft hands towards mid-wicket. He takes one and wants a second but is sent back.
Ben Stokes to Chris Gayle, Down the leg side, Gayle looks to flick but misses. Wided.
Ben Stokes to KL Rahul, Wide.
Nicholas Pooran is out now to bat!
Ben Stokes to KL Rahul, ! TAKEN! Rahul is a goner! He was not at his best, could not time the ball really well and falls now. It is a good slower one around off, Rahul is early in the swing of his bat. It goes off the toe-end towards deep mid-wicket where Tewatia takes it. A good partnership for Punjab comes to an end and a timely wicket for Rajasthan.
Ben Stokes to Chris Gayle, Short again and it is on the body of Gayle. He is cramped for room. It is hit down to long on for one.
Ben Stokes to Chris Gayle, WIDE! Short and well wide outside off. Left alone.
Ben Stokes to KL Rahul, One more slower one. Stays a touch low. Rahul swings but it goes off the inner half through mid-wicket for one.
Ben Stokes to KL Rahul, A good slower one outside off. Rahul lets it be. A dot.
Jofra Archer to Chris Gayle, A short ball and on middle, Gayle doesn't fiddle with it. A dot to end but 11 from the over.
Jofra Archer to Chris Gayle, Misfield and two! Had Smith picked it up, it was a run out chance. Smith is the culprit, you do not see that often. A low full toss on middle, Gayle pushes it towards mid off and takes off. Smith charges to the ball but takes his eyes off the ball and lets it through. Another run is stolen.
Jofra Archer to Chris Gayle, ! Off the inside edge! Frustrating for Rajasthan. This is fuller and on off, Gayle swings but it goes off the inner half down towards the fine leg fence. Second in the over.
Jofra Archer to KL Rahul, Half a chance! Length and on middle, Rahul hits it hard back towards Archer. It is low but JA does not get down in time. It goes down towards long off for one.
Jofra Archer to KL Rahul, ! Welcome boundary for Rahul. He has been trying to put one away but wasn't getting it. He finally does and Punjab will hope this gets him going. A slower one on the pads, Rahul stands his ground and works it behind square on the leg side for a boundary.
Jofra Archer to KL Rahul, Almost does! Starts off with a slower one on middle, Rahul makes room and looks to go over covers but gets an inside edge which goes past the leg pole and towards short fine leg.
Smith needs a wicket and he goes to Archer. Can he deliver?
Rahul Tewatia to KL Rahul, One more single! On off, it is pushed down to long off for one. 10 from the over and Punjab continue to prosper on the back of this partnership!
Rahul Tewatia to Chris Gayle, Now comes down the track but Tewatia slows it up. Gayle swings but it goes off the inner half towards long on for one.
Rahul Tewatia to Chris Gayle, ! Just over! The 100 is up in style and so is the 100-run stand. A brilliant one and a much-needed one after losing a wicket early. This is tossed up outside off, slightly fuller and hence, Gayle gets under it. He does not time it very well but still gets it over the leaping Stokes at long on. All going Gayle's way at the moment.
Rahul Tewatia to KL Rahul, Only one! Rahul walks right across and sweeps it through square leg for one.
Rahul Tewatia to Chris Gayle, Gayle comes down the track but does not get to the pitch of it. It is hit down to long on for one.
Rahul Tewatia to Chris Gayle, Swing and a miss! This is tossed up outside off, Gayle looks to play the slog sweep but misses.
Ben Stokes to Chris Gayle, Hammered but just for one again! Shorter and on middle, Gayle pulls it hard but towards deep mid-wicket for one. A brilliant over from Stokes comes to an end.
Ben Stokes to KL Rahul, Timed beautifully but only for one! Fuller and outside off, this is carved out towards sweeper cover for one.
Ben Stokes to Chris Gayle, One more slower one. It is hit down to long off for one. Stokes is happy taking pace off the ball and it is effective till now.
Andrew McDonald, the coach of Rajasthan, is up for a chat. Says that the boys shared during the break that the pitch is slow. Admits that dropping Gayle is frustrating and they need to get him and then control the run rate. Feels that it was a hard catch to be fair, swirled a bit. Adds that it's about staying focused now. On Archer, the Aussie replies that there is always a consideration to give one extra over to him in the Powerplay but they need a couple of other bowlers to support him. Als
Ben Stokes to KL Rahul, Outside off, this is pushed through covers for one.
Ben Stokes to Chris Gayle, Shorter again and on middle, Gayle mistimes his pull down to long on for a single.
Ben Stokes to KL Rahul, Fuller and on middle, it is eased down to long off for one.
Varun Aaron to Chris Gayle, ! It was tough but should have been taken at this level! It is shorter and on middle, Gayle looks to pull it again but this time does not get on top of the bounce. It goes high up in the air towards deep square leg. It has gone really, really high. Parag in the deep goes for it and another fielder from short fine leg runs after it. In the end, it is the fielder in the deep who tries to take it but spills it. Two taken. This could prove very costly.
Rahul Tewatia to KL Rahul, A single to end as this is pushed down to long on. 10 from the over.
Rahul Tewatia to Chris Gayle, Dropped? Doesn't reach. This twas a very tough chance. Probably Stokes who was running towards the ball should have taken it. This is tossed up outside off. Gayle looks to go over the bowler's head but ends up slicing it towards mid on. Tewatia runs behind towards the ball and Stokes runs in from long on. The latter bails out. Tewatia dives but fails to hang on to it. Stokes probably backed off as Tewatia had his eyes on the ball and just to avoid the colli
Rahul Tewatia to Chris Gayle, Shorter and outside off, Gayle pushes it to covers.
Rahul Tewatia to Chris Gayle, ! Fifty for Gayle! What a difference the Universe Boss has made after coming into the side. Third fifty for him and that dropped chance is really costing Rajasthan. This is in his arc. It is fuller and on middle. Gayle slog sweeps it over the mid-wicket fence for a biggie.
Rahul Tewatia to KL Rahul, Very full and on off, it is driven through covers for one.
Rahul Tewatia to Chris Gayle, Fuller and on off, this is hit down to long off for one.
Kartik Tyagi to KL Rahul, Shortish and on middle, pulled across the line but not in the gap.
Kartik Tyagi to Chris Gayle, Tyagi nails his yorker around leg, Gayle digs it out on the leg side. The ball rolls in the gap and he picks up a single.
Kartik Tyagi to Chris Gayle, That is defended solidly off the front foot by Gayle.
Kartik Tyagi to KL Rahul, Slightly off the outer half this time! Attempts for a drive through the line but ends up slicing it towards third man. Crosses for one.
Kartik Tyagi to KL Rahul, ! Effortless! KL is so good to watch. It's on a length close to off, Rahul lines himself, opens his body and lofts it with a lot of nonchalance over wide long off.
Kartik Tyagi to KL Rahul, On middle and fuller, it is worked to mid-wicket.
Rahul Tewatia to Chris Gayle, One more dot and end of a tremendous over from Rahul. Sticks to his plan of bowling it outside off. This one stays a little low. Gayle tries to cut but misses.
Rahul Tewatia to Chris Gayle, Another dot! Third in the over. Shorter and outside off, Gayle cuts it to point.
Rahul Tewatia to KL Rahul, One more single as this is eased through covers.
Rahul Tewatia to Chris Gayle, Shorter and outside off, it is slapped through covers for one.
Rahul Tewatia to Chris Gayle, Outside off, left alone.
Rahul Tewatia to Chris Gayle, Outside off, Gayle cuts but to point.
Rahul Tewatia is on!
Ben Stokes to Chris Gayle, A single to end! So despite going for a boundary, just the 8 from it. Shorter and around off, it is slapped down to long off for one.
Ben Stokes to Chris Gayle, A slower one again and outside off, Gayle pushes at it away from his body. He gets an inside edge which goes on the bounce to the keeper.
Ben Stokes to Chris Gayle, One more single! Fuller and on middle, it is another slower one. Gayle eases it down to long on for one.
Ben Stokes to Chris Gayle, Shorter and on middle, this is pulled towards deep mid-wicket for one.
Drinks break. Time for Rajasthan to get together and rethink their strategies. Dropping Gayle is costing them already and the current partnership has started to look dangerous. This upcoming middle phase is going to be critical. Let's see how the spinners perform on this surface. Meanwhile, Ben Stokes is getting ready to bowl after the break.
Ben Stokes to Chris Gayle, ! The boundaries are flowing off Gayle's bat! It is a good slower one from Stokes. Gayle pushes at it but does so inside the line. It goes off the outside edge past the keeper. With the third man in, that is always going to be a boundary.
Ben Stokes to KL Rahul, Angled into the pads, this is worked down towards fine leg for one.
Shreyas Gopal to KL Rahul, A single to end another good over for Punjab! On off, it is eased through covers for one.
Shreyas Gopal to Chris Gayle, Shorter and around off, it is a hit-me ball. Very short. Gayle drags it down to long on for one.
Shreyas Gopal to Chris Gayle, ! That is gone! If you pitch it slightly fuller to Gayle, he will make you pay. Gopal does that mistake. The slog sweep is out and it goes over the mid-wicket fence.
Shreyas Gopal to KL Rahul, Shorter and on middle, this is pulled through mid-wicket for one. It stayed a touch low.
Shreyas Gopal to Chris Gayle, On the pads, it is worked through mid-wicket for one.
Shreyas Gopal to Chris Gayle, The googly to begin with on middle, it is defended.
Shreyas Gopal is on!
Varun Aaron to KL Rahul, ! Whipped away with all the class in the world! This is fuller and on middle, Rahul uses his wrists and creams it through mid-wicket to end the Powerplay with a boundary. So it turns out to be a brilliant one for Punjab eventually after a troubled beginning. They started quietly after losing Mandeep in the first over but have finished with 53 runs on the board.
Varun Aaron to KL Rahul, On middle, it is worked towards mid-wicket. Rahul wanted a run but Gayle is not interested.
Varun Aaron to KL Rahul, Nicely clipped! Fuller and on the pads, it is worked through mid-wicket for two.
Varun Aaron to KL Rahul, Well bowled! Bowls a slower one, it is a dipping yorker on off. Rahul jams it out towards mid off.
Varun Aaron to KL Rahul, ! That is massive! Huge! Rahul does join the act now. Slightly short and he picks the length early. He tonks it over the square leg fence for a biggie.
Varun Aaron to KL Rahul, Rahul now looks to get into the act. He lofts this with the angle over mid-wicket. Not off the middle but enough to get two.
Kartik Tyagi to Chris Gayle, Another dot to end! Fuller and on middle, it is hit to mid on. Still 14 from the over.
Kartik Tyagi to Chris Gayle, A dot! A good comeback! Short and on the body, just where Gayle does not like it. He ducks under it.
Kartik Tyagi to Chris Gayle, ! TIMED! Gayle moves around in his crease and Tyagi bowls it full and on middle. Gayle just puts bat to ball and creams it through covers. Sheer timing. 14 now from the over with two balls to go.
Kartik Tyagi to Chris Gayle, ! Muscled! That dropped catch already seems to be a costly one. It is shorter and on middle, Gayle stands tall and powers it over the mid-wicket fence. If you are going to bowl short to Gayle, need to get it up till the chest height or he will smack it. 10 from the first three balls.
Kartik Tyagi to Chris Gayle, ! Thrashed! Fuller and outside off, right in the slot. It is powered over the mid off fielder and a boundary results.
Karthik Tyagi is on!
Kartik Tyagi to Chris Gayle, Outside off, Gayle swings at it away from the body. He is beaten.
Varun Aaron to KL Rahul, A dot to end an action-packed over. It could have been a successful one for Rajasthan but it turns out to be a good one for Punjab. On middle, it is worked to mid-wicket. 11 from the over along with a dropped catch to grant life to Gayle.
Varun Aaron to Chris Gayle, On middle, worked through mid-wicket for one.
Varun Aaron to Chris Gayle, ! That though is just wide from the fielder at deep square leg. First biggie for Gayle. It is short and on the body. Not where Gayle likes it. He still goes for the pull but does not time it really well. It goes towards the deep square leg fence. The fielder there runs to his left but it is wide of him and sails over.
Varun Aaron to Chris Gayle, Wide! Down the leg side again from Aaron. It is wide. Rajasthan have bowled well so far and giving extras is the only blemish.ÂÂ
Varun Aaron to KL Rahul, Rahul has started cautiously till now. It is shorter and outside off, Rahul guides it down to third man for one.
Varun Aaron to KL Rahul, Fuller and outside off, Rahul looks to drive it through covers but it goes off the inner half towards mid off.
Jofra Archer to Chris Gayle, Archer does go short but it is outside off. Gayle evades it nicely. Just 5 from the over and it's been a very slow beginning from the usually high-flying Punjab team!
Jofra Archer to KL Rahul, Outside off, this is guided down to third man for one. Now time for the contest everybody wants to watch, Archer against Gayle. He has one ball, will he go short and on the body?
Jofra Archer to KL Rahul, Back of a length and on off, Rahul guides it towards point.
Jofra Archer to KL Rahul, Corrects his line and bowls it on off, defended.
Jofra Archer to KL Rahul, ! Just over! 600 runs for Rahul in this Indian T20 League and he brings it up in style. It is short and wide outside off. The width is on offer and Rahul cashes in. He cuts it over the leaping point fielder and a boundary results.
Jofra Archer to KL Rahul, Back of a length and on middle, defended nicely.
Varun Aaron to Chris Gayle, ! It does cost Aaron eventually! The last ball spoils the over somewhat! A fortunate boundary but Gayle won't mind. He is off the mark. Gayle makes room and Aaron follows him with a short one. Gayle looks to pull but gets an inside edge. It goes past the keeper and down to the fine leg fence.
Varun Aaron to Chris Gayle, Another extra ball! This one too is down the leg side. Wided.
Varun Aaron to Chris Gayle, WIDE! Way too short and on middle. Gayle lets it be. Samson does well to get a strong hand at it. It falls right next to him. Will the extra ball cost Rajasthan?
Varun Aaron to Chris Gayle, Straight to the fielder! Gayle makes room and also comes down the track. It is on the pads, he whips it but straight to square leg. One more dot.
Varun Aaron to Chris Gayle, BEATEN! Really well bowled! This is on a length and around off, shapes away a touch. Gayle is beaten as he tries to defend.
Varun Aaron to Chris Gayle, Shorter and around off, Gayle guides it to point.
Varun Aaron to Chris Gayle, Outside off and on a length. It is left alone.
Varun Aaron to Chris Gayle, Down the leg side again but this is closer to the pads. Gayle looks to flick but misses. It hits the pad and goes to Samson.
Chris Gayle walks out to bat! Varun Aaron to bowl from the other end.ÂÂ
Varun Aaron to KL Rahul, Two wides! Looks to bowl a slower one first up. It comes out wrong as it is down the leg side. Rahul looks to flick but misses. Samson fails to collect it cleanly as it bounces in front of him. A single taken.
Jofra Archer to Mandeep Singh, ! TAKEN! The two Englishmen combine to get rid of Mandeep Singh who bags a golden duck! Top start for Rajasthan and that is a snorter from Archer. It is short and on the body, not a ball you want to be facing first up. Mandeep Singh looks to fend at it awkwardly. It goes off the gloves and lobs towards the point region. Stokes runs in, dives forward and takes it brilliantly. Superb first over by Archer!
Jofra Archer to KL Rahul, Punjab and Rahul are underway! Length and around off, this is played towards point for one.
Jofra Archer to KL Rahul, Shortish and around off, Rahul pushes it towards cover.
Jofra Archer to KL Rahul, Back of a length and on middle, Rahul stays back and defends it onto the ground.
Jofra Archer to KL Rahul, Lovely shot but for no runs! Fuller and around off, Rahul drives it nicely but to covers.
Jofra Archer to KL Rahul, Starts off with a very full one, almost a yorker on off. Rahul looks to jam it out towards the off side but it goes off the inner half towards mid-wicket. Mandeep wants a run but is sent back.
All in readiness! The Rajasthan huddle is visible with Steven Smith being the centre of attraction. KL Rahul and Mandeep Singh to open for Punjab as they walk out to the middle. No prizes for guessing, it's Jofra Archer getting ready to serve the first over. Let's play.
All in readiness! The Rajasthan huddle is visible with Steven Smith being the centre of attraction. KL Rahul and Mandeep Singh will open the batting for Punjab as they walk out.ÂÂ
Punjab (Playing XI) - KL Rahul (WK/C), Mandeep Singh, Chris Gayle, Nicholas Pooran, Glenn Maxwell, Deepak Hooda, Chris Jordan, Murugan Ashwin, Ravi Bishnoi, Mohammed Shami, Arshdeep Singh.
Rajsthan (Playing XI) - Robin Uthappa, Ben Stokes, Steven Smith (C), Sanju Samson (WK), Jos Buttler, Riyan Parag, Rahul Tewatia, Jofra Archer, Shreyas Gopal, Varun Aaron, Kartik Tyagi.
Punjab skipper, KL Rahul, says they wanted to bowl first as well but it looks a good wicket and they want to put up a decent target on the board and then later defend it. States they batted better early on but now the bowling is coming good, everything is probably going their way and it has been a complete team effort. He is hoping for the same to continue. Mentions they have learnt a thing or two playing here, they have spoken about it and they want to enjoy the game. Informs they are playing t
Rajasthan skipper, Steven Smith, says he is not sure about the dew, it comes in some games but it does not in some and hence, he wants to bowl. States it has been an up and down season for them and they have not played their best game but he hopes they can do it here. Informs they have Aaron in the XI who brings more pace and he hopes he can add something to their Powerplay.
Toss - Rajasthan elect to bowl!
Danny Morrison and Daren Ganga doing the pitch report. The latter says this pitch is still good for batting but the number of sixes hit at this venue compared to the others is less so you need to pick which ball to hit up in the air and which to hit along the ground carefully. Morrison ends by saying there is a lovely covering of grass on the wicket and it should be a good wicket.
Game 50 of the Indian T20 League and it is a vital, vital clash with a lot at stake. A game where Rajasthan can’t afford a slip-up as a loss means, they would be out. A win for Punjab means, their fate will more or less be in their own hands but a loss will see them relying on the results of the other teams. Both head into this fixture on the back of a win. Punjab though are flying high as they have won 5 in a row. Rajasthan also will be high on confidence after beating the table-toppers, M