Cricket Scorecard

Right then! It is a must win game for both the teams and Hyderabad haven't had the best of time with the bat recently. Kane Williamson has to step up today. And for Kolkata, if they lose, they are out of the competition. Surely it is going to be an exciting chase. Stay tuned...

Andre Russell is up for a chat. He says that it is good to get a strong finish to the innings and bowlers were bowling well, especially the seamers and he knew that if he stays till the end then they can get to a big score. Tells that 170 is a par score on this pitch and they did well to get to this total. Mentions that they need to bowl straight and mix up their pace well and need to nail yorkers and says that there is definitely  pressure and they are looking to get a good win here.

Kolkata struggled throughout the innings. Rahane, Rana, and Shreyas all got off to a great start but perished while changing the gears. The partnership between Russell and Billings started blossoming but their 66 runs stand came in 44 balls. It was only because of Dre Russ, that Kolkata put in a decent total. Andre Russell showed his class yet again as he smashed three sixes in the last over and missed out on his fifty by just a run, more than that, he gave the much needed finish!

Hyderabad bowled well in patches. They started well but ended the Powerplay on the back foot. Umran Malik came into the attack and took two wickets in his first over and Hyderabad went onto control most of the middle phase. They let a partnership build in the back end and that final over from Washington Sundar cost them 20 runs. How much will that prove costly? 

It was always going to be tough for Sundar to bowl against Russell in the final over! 20 runs off it and Kolkata get past the 175-run mark. 

Washington Sundar to Andre Russell, ! Third maximum of the over and this was always going to be a tricky option to bowl a spinner in the last over! Sundar goes 'round the wicket and bowls a full toss on middle again. Andre Russell gets under it and finishes the innings with another biggie as he slams this over cow corner. Kolkata finish with 177/6 after 20 overs!

Washington Sundar to Andre Russell, ! Sundar misses the mark and is punished! A low full toss on middle. Andre Russell gets under it and slogs it way over the mid-wicket fence for a biggie.

Washington Sundar to Andre Russell, No single taken! Sundar bowls a good yorker on off. Andre Russell manages to hit it to long off but denies a single.

Washington Sundar to Andre Russell, ! Here we go...you are not going to get away with bowling full toss to Andre Russell in the last over! A full toss on middle at a good height and Andre Russell slams it over deep mid-wicket for maximum.

Washington Sundar to Sunil Narine, A flatter delivery, around leg. Narine makes room and hits it to deep extra-cover for a single.

Washington Sundar has one over left, will he bowl the final over? Yes, Sundar will bowl the final one.

Washington Sundar to Andre Russell, Just a single! A full ball on middle. Andre Russell drills it to long on for a single.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Sunil Narine, A good yorker to end the over! It is outside off and Narine fails to dig it out. Just 6 from the over. Top-notch bowing by the senior bowler!

Sunil Narine walks out to the middle. 

Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Sam Billings, ! CAUGHT! Sam Billings departs and Bhuvneshwar Kumar is finally rewarded for some good bowling!  It is length ball and outside off. A leg-cutter this and Billings looks to hit it over extra-cover. However, he gets the bottom of his blade and ends up hitting it straight to Kane Williamson at the extra-cover position in the ring. He takes an easy catch and Kolkata lose their sixth.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Andre Russell, A yorker on leg. Andre Russell whips it to deep mid-wicket for a single.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Andre Russell, WIDE! A slower ball on a length and wide outside off. Andre Russell looks to cut it but misses.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Andre Russell, Perfect yorker, around leg. Andre Russell swings across the line but misses. The ball hits his pads but it is pitching outside leg.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Andre Russell, WIDE! Kumar bangs it short and outside off. Andre Russell looks to cut it but misses. The umpire calls it wide. A bit harsh call that.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Andre Russell, Almost a yorker, outside off. Andre Russell stays deep in his crease and hits it to deep extra-cover for a couple.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Sam Billings, A fullish delivery on middle and leg. Billings looks to heave it across the line. He misses and the ball hits his pads. There is a slight appeal by the bowler but it is going down leg. A leg bye taken towards the off side.

T Natarajan to Andre Russell, Ends his spell with a brilliant yorker! Right in the blockhole and Andre Russell fails to get under it. The ball misses the stumps too and goes back to the keeper.

T Natarajan to Sam Billings, A shorter delivery on off. Billings charges down the track and pulls it to deep mid-wicket for a single.

T Natarajan to Sam Billings, ! 150 up now and this is a brilliant shot from Billings! A fullish delivery on off. Billings stays deep in his crease and slams it over long off for a maximum.

T Natarajan to Sam Billings, Nails a yorker and it is around leg. Billings tries to get under it but misses.

T Natarajan to Andre Russell, A slower short ball on middle. Andre Russell pulls it to deep square leg for a single.

T Natarajan to Sam Billings, NOT ! A length ball around leg. Billings looks to sweep it but gets the inside edge onto his pads. The ball goes behind square on the leg side for a single. However, there is a big appeal in the meanwhile for an LBW. The umpire though is not interested. They take a review and the UltraEdge confirms that there is bat involved.

Review taken! Hyderabad take a review for LBW! The players are already walking back to their position because UltraEdge shows a spike on it. 

T Natarajan is back into the attack.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Andre Russell, ! This is what Andre Russell can do! Kumar misses his length by a small margin. It is a low full toss on leg. Andre Russell hits it hard towards cow corner and gets another boundary. 13 runs from this over.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Sam Billings, On the shorter side again. slower delivery at 125.6 kph. Billings slams it to long off for a single.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Sam Billings, Back of a length, around off. Billings punches it  left of sweeper cover for a couple.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Sam Billings, WIDE! Kumar goes wider outside off. It is bit too wide and full. Billings looks to get a bat on it but misses.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Andre Russell, A yorker on middle. Andre Russell digs it out to long on for a single.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Andre Russell, A fullish delivery, outside off. Andre Russell goes chasing for it but misses.

Strategic Break! 4 overs remaining and if Russell bats along, Kolkata will look for a score around 180. It is possible as they bat deep. Hyderabad have to keep it tight and try and keep a lid on the run flow. Also, Bhuvneshwar Kumar is back on.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Andre Russell, ! Andre Russell starts the over with a boundary! kumar looks for a yorker but ends up bowling a low full toss on middle and leg. Andre Russell heaves it towards deep mid-wicket for a boundary.

Umran Malik to Andre Russell, Back of a length, outside off. Andre Russell cuts it to sweeper cover for a single. 10 runs from the over.

Umran Malik to Andre Russell, Malik goes 'round the wicket and serves a length delivery, around leg. Andre Russell goes for a mighty swing across the line but misses.

Umran Malik to Sam Billings, A yorker on middle. Billings looks to hit it towards the off side by making room. However, he gets the inside half of his blade and the ball goes right of the bolwer. A single taken.

Umran Malik to Sam Billings, ! Another flat bullet from Billings! This is a slot ball, on off. Billings stays deep in his crease and slams it straight back past the bowler for a boundary.

Umran Malik to Sam Billings, ! Wonderful shot! Back of a length, outside off. Billings stays still in his crease and slams it over extra-cover for a boundary.

Umran Malik to Sam Billings, Malik nails a yorker this time, around leg. Billings makes room and looks to heave it across the line but misses.

Umran Malik will continue. His last over of the game.

T Natarajan to Andre Russell, ! Dispatched! T Natarajan misses a bit in his line and Russell makes the most of it. Full toss, on middle, and Andre Russell thumps it over cow corner for a massive six. The last ball just ruins an incredible over from Natarajan.

T Natarajan to Sam Billings, T Natarajan is bowling stumps-to-stumps! Full and around leg. It is hit to deep mid-wicket for a single. 

T Natarajan to Sam Billings, How has that missed the stumps? A yorker on middle. Sam Billings clears his front leg and looks to heave but it goes off the cue end of the bat and bounces over the stumps and to the keeper. 

T Natarajan to Andre Russell, Another single as Andre Russell works it to square leg.

T Natarajan to Sam Billings, Leg bye! Fuller and around off. Sam Billings mistimes his sweep to fine leg. It goes off the pads and a leg bye is given. 

T Natarajan to Andre Russell, Natarajan misses his yorker and serves a low full toss. Russell whips it to deep mid-wicket and calls for two but the throw was a sharp one from the deep and Russell had to put in a dive to get back in the crease. The replay shows the bat was grounded there.

Umran Malik to Sam Billings, Short of a length and on middle. Sam Billings shuffles across and tries to play it over the keeper's head but fails in the process.

Umran Malik to Sam Billings, Wide! Length and down the leg side. Billings misses his flick. 

Umran Malik to Sam Billings, A bouncer at 144.5 kph, on middle. Billings leaves it alone anticipating a wide but not given. 

Umran Malik to Andre Russell, On middle, pulled away to deep mid-wicket for a single.

Umran Malik to Sam Billings, On a length and outside off. Billings plays with an open blade to third man for a single. The third man fielder overran a bit there.

Umran Malik to Andre Russell, On a length and on middle. Russell pulls it to deep square leg for a single.

Umran Malik to Andre Russell, Wide! Tries to keep it away from the arc but over the tramline. Russell swings and misses.

Umran Malik to Andre Russell, ! Russell will hit this anyday! A length ball, outside off. Andre Russell opens his body and smashes it wide of mid off for a boundary. 

Marco Jansen to Sam Billings, A length ball, outside off. Billings punches it to deep cover for a brace. 100 up now!

Marco Jansen to Andre Russell, On the pads, it is flicked to deep square leg for a single.

Marco Jansen to Andre Russell, A bouncer now, around leg. Andre sits.

Marco Jansen to Andre Russell, Hyderabad have done their homework. They are serving yorkers to Russell who is keeping it out. On middle this and Russell blocks it.

Marco Jansen (3-0-26-1) is back on.

Marco Jansen to Andre Russell, A length ball, outside off. Russell leaves it alone.

Marco Jansen to Sam Billings, Slower length ball, outside off. Sam dabs it to third man for a single.

T Natarajan to Sam Billings, On middle, it is played to square leg for a single.

T Natarajan to Andre Russell, Full and on off, Russell works it through mid off for a single.

Andre Russell is the next man in.

T Natarajan to Andre Russell, Natarajan serves a yorker, on middle and Russell jams it out back to the bowler.

T Natarajan to Rinku Singh, ! LBW! What has happened there? A huge shout for LBW and the umpire takes a long time before putting his finger up. Rinku Singh though wants to take it upstairs but it is Sam Billings who makes the 'T' signal. It should be Rinku Singh who has to make the signal if he is on the strike and now he has to walk back disappointed. This wicket has taken a while though! Now, coming to the ball! A yorker from Natarajan on middle. Singh misses his flick and gets hit

T Natarajan to Rinku Singh, Wide! A bouncer but too high and Singh ducks under it. A wide signaled by the umpire. 

T Natarajan to Rinku Singh, Two again! Fuller and outside off, it is driven to deep cover for a couple.

T Natarajan to Rinku Singh, Length ball, on middle. Singh pulls it to deep square leg where Jansen runs to his right and dives to save a couple of runs. 

Washington Sundar to Rinku Singh, Darted on the pads, it is flicked to deep mid-wicket for a single.

Washington Sundar to Rinku Singh, An arm ball, flatter and outside off. Singh looks to cut but gets a thick outside edge and the ball bounces well in front of short third man.

Washington Sundar to Rinku Singh, Floated and on off. Blocked out.

Washington Sundar to Sam Billings, On middle. Billings put his skate on and drills it to long on for a single.

Washington Sundar to Sam Billings, ! Improvisation! This is full and around off. Sam Billings reverse-sweeps it and hits it wide of deep point for a boundary. Abhishek Sharma could have put in a dive there.

Washington Sundar to Sam Billings, Straight on middle. Sam rocks back and tucks it to square leg. 

Rinku Singh walks out.

Umran Malik to Shreyas Iyer, ! CAUGHT! Umran Malik gets another one and this time it is the Kolkata skipper, Shreyas Iyer who has to walk back. A full delivery on leg. Good pace on it and Shreyas Iyer flicks it aerially towards deep mid-wicket. Rahul Tripathi there runs forward and takes a good low catch diving forward. Big, big wicket this and Kolkata are in huge trouble now.

Umran Malik to Shreyas Iyer, Pulls his length back a bit, on off. Iyer defends it off the back foot.

Umran Malik to Shreyas Iyer, ! Wonderful shot, that's a glorious drive! Overpitched on middle. Iyer shows the full face of his blade and drives it past the bowler for a boundary.

Umran Malik to Shreyas Iyer, Here we go again, a short ball on off. Iyer backs away a bit and looks to late cut it but misses.

Umran Malik to Sam Billings, On the shorter side, around off. Billings looks to pull it but gets the inside edge. The ball goes towards fine leg and a single is taken,

Drinks! Kolkata have lost two quick wickets but still are placed nicely to toll up a big total. Iyer and Billings have to do the repair work and allow the likes of Russell and Narine finish it. Hyderabad have done well in patches but they have to continue to pick wickets. 

Umran Malik to Sam Billings, Malik with a pacy length delivery on off. Billings blocks it out.

Washington Sundar to Sam Billings, Slightly on the shorter side, around off. Billings punches it to long off for a single.

Washington Sundar to Sam Billings, Tossed up, outside off. Billings reverse sweeps it but straight to short third man.

Washington Sundar to Shreyas Iyer, Flatter and on off, eased down to long on for one.

Washington Sundar to Shreyas Iyer, Goes fuller on off. Iyer drives wide of deep extra-cover for a couple.

Washington Sundar to Sam Billings, A fuller delivery on middle. Billings pushes it to long on for a single.

Washington Sundar to Shreyas Iyer, A fuller delivery on middle. Iyer works it to deep backward square leg for a single.

Sam Billings comes in. 

Umran Malik to Ajinkya Rahane, ! CAUGHT! What a catch by Shashank Singh! His second in the over and second wicket for Malik in his first over! It is short and wide outside off. Rahane upper cuts it and hits it quite well. The ball goes in the air towards deep cover-point. Singh runs to his right and takes a brilliant catch diving to his right keeping the ropes in mind. The umpires check whether it is a fair catch or not and it is a very good one as replays confirm it.

Is that a clean catch? It looks like a fair catch from Shashank Singh in the deep and the third umpire confirms with the replay. Ajinkya Rahane has to walk back.

Umran Malik to Shreyas Iyer, Good stop by Bhuvneshwar Kumar! A fullish delivery on middle this time. Iyer flicks it through mid on pocket and Kumar chases it. He puts in a dive near the fence and keeps it to three runs.

Umran Malik to Shreyas Iyer, ! Edgy but Iyer and Kolkata will take it! A fullish delivery, around off. Iyer drives away from his body. The ball goes off the thick outside edge and towards the third man fence for a boundary.

Shreyas Iyer is the new man in.

Umran Malik to Nitish Rana, ! CAUGHT! Umran Malik strikes in his first over and brings out a big roar! Big wicket this as Rana was looking good out there. Malik goes slightly short angling into middle from 'round the wicket. Rana just half-pulls it aerially and the ball goes in the air towards deep backward square leg. Shashank Singh there runs forward a bit and takes the catch. Kolkata lose their second and Hyderabad have an opening now!

Umran Malik to Ajinkya Rahane, Goes fuller on middle at 150.4 kph. Rahane flicks it firmly to deep mid-wicket for a single.

Umran Malik to Nitish Rana, Malik starts with a back-of-a-length delivery, around leg. Rana makes room and steers it towards third man for a single. Malik starts with the pace of around 146 clicks!

Umran Malik is brought into the attack.

Washington Sundar to Ajinkya Rahane, A flatter one on off. Rahane goes for a reverse-sweep but ends up hitting it straight to short third man. Rahane is struggling to run here and looks like there is only one way he is going to bat now.

Washington Sundar to Ajinkya Rahane, ! Looks like Rahane has decided to take on the bowling now. A fuller ball on off. In the slot for Rahane and he smashes it over long on for a maximum.

Washington Sundar to Nitish Rana, A low full toss on leg. Rana works it to deep square leg for a single.

Ajinkya Rahane is not looking fully fit. He is still limping.

Washington Sundar to Ajinkya Rahane, On the shorter side, on off. Rahane chips it over the extra-cover fielder in the ring for a single.

Washington Sundar to Ajinkya Rahane, Pushed quicker again on off. Rahane goes for a big heave across the line. He gets the inside edge onto his pads.

Ajinkya Rahane was struggling a bit while running across. He might need some assistance. He is ready to continue. Washington Sundar is into the attack.

Washington Sundar to Ajinkya Rahane, Sundar starts with a fuller one on middle. Rahane plays it back to the bowler.

Marco Jansen to Ajinkya Rahane, On a length, on middle. Rahane works it to deep backward square leg for a single. 17 from the over and Kolkata are 55/1 after the Powerplay.

Marco Jansen to Nitish Rana, Back of a length, around off. Rana steers it towards deep backward point for a single.

Marco Jansen to Nitish Rana, ! This is turning out to be another good over for Kolkata! 50 up now! A short ball on off. Rana makes room and just opens the face of his blade. The ball goes all the way over the third man fence because of the pace of the ball and Rana is looking in good touch here.

Marco Jansen to Ajinkya Rahane, Slightly on the shorter side again, around off. Rahane steers it towards third man for a single.

Marco Jansen to bowl the final over of the Powerplay.

Marco Jansen to Ajinkya Rahane, Back of a length, on middle and leg. Rahane works it to deep backward square leg for a couple.

Marco Jansen to Ajinkya Rahane, ! Ajinkya Rahane gets into the act now! On a length, on off. Rahane picks the length early and hits it through the line over long on for a maximum.

T Natarajan to Ajinkya Rahane, 18 off the over! Just what Kolkata ordered! Full and around middle. Rahane nudges it in front of square on the leg side for one. 

T Natarajan to Nitish Rana, On middle, it is flicked to deep square leg for a single.

T Natarajan to Nitish Rana, ! Not a good welcome for T Natarajan! Rana just uses the pace here! On a length and tailing on leg. Rana swivels and pulls it all the way over deep backward square leg for a maximum. 

T Natarajan to Nitish Rana, Natarajan drags his length back and keeps it around off. Rana has a poke at it but misses.

T Natarajan to Nitish Rana, ! HUGE! Full again, in the slot. Rana swings his bat across and hits it over long on for a biggie. 

T Natarajan is into the attack.

T Natarajan to Nitish Rana, ! Little fuller, around off. Rana makes the most of it as he smashes it past the bowler for a boundary. Welcome boundary.

Marco Jansen to Ajinkya Rahane, ! Ajinkya Rahane gets into the act now!

Marco Jansen to Nitish Rana, Leg bye! Angling on the pads. Rana misses his flick. It rolls off the pads to mid-wicket for a leg bye.

Marco Jansen to Nitish Rana, Make it three in a row now! Jansen keeps it tight around off. Rana plays it to the cover fielder.

Marco Jansen to Nitish Rana, Kolkata are soaking in some pressure, at least they should try and rotate the strike. Another dot as Rana taps this length ball to cover. 

Marco Jansen to Nitish Rana, Angling around off, on a length. Rana dabs it straight to backward point.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Nitish Rana, Length ball, angling across and Rana lets it through.

Marco Jansen to Ajinkya Rahane, Full ball, on off. Rahane steps across and works it to the right of mid on for a quick single.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Nitish Rana, A single off the over! Excellent stuff from Bhuvi! A length ball, outside off. Rana again leaves it alone.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Ajinkya Rahane, A single then! Length and on off. Rahane knocks it to covers for a single.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Ajinkya Rahane, Length ball, on middle. Rahane shuffles across and wrists it to mid-wicket. Pressure on Rahane, three dots now.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Ajinkya Rahane, Around off, Rahane strokes it to covers.

Nitish Rana walks out at number 3.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Ajinkya Rahane, On a length and on off. Rahane defends it back to the bowler.

Marco Jansen to Venkatesh Iyer, ! CHOPPED ON! Hyderabad get the breakthrough! Venkatesh Iyer was struggling a bit to time his shots and gives away his wicket here. Short of a length, outside off. Iyer on his toes is late as he tries to punch through covers but gets a thick inside edge and the ball ricochets onto the stumps. Marco Jansen jumps in the air with delight. 

Marco Jansen to Ajinkya Rahane, Soft hands from Rahane! Length and on off. Rahane taps it on the off side and takes a single.

Marco Jansen to Ajinkya Rahane, Fuller ball, around off. Defended to covers.

Marco Jansen to Ajinkya Rahane, ! Ajinkya Rahane is off the mark in style! Jansen goes short on leg. Rahane picks the length quickly and pulls it over deep backward square leg for a maximum.

Hyderabad are back with the playing XI that brought them some success this season. They are bowling first and will be raring to go as Hyderabad players walk out to the middle. Venkatesh Iyer and Ajinkya Rahane are the openers for Kolkata. Bhuvneshwar Kumar will start with the ball for Hyderabad. Here we go...

Marco Jansen to Venkatesh Iyer, Touch fuller and on middle, It is hit to mid on for a quick single.

Marco Jansen will start from the other end.

Marco Jansen to Venkatesh Iyer, Full and on off, pushed to covers.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Venkatesh Iyer, Short in length and outside off. Iyer looks to cut but gets an inner edge, past the stumps and to fine leg for a single. He played it touch late there.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Venkatesh Iyer, Wide! Short but down the leg side. Iyer misses his flick. 

Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Venkatesh Iyer, ! Good shot! Overpitched from Kumar, just outside off. Iyer punches it through mid off for a boundary. Confident shot from Venkatesh Iyer!

Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Ajinkya Rahane, Leg bye! This is straight and around middle and leg. Rahane misses his flick. It went off the pads and to square leg for a leg bye. Kumar puts a muted appeal for LBW but nothing given.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Ajinkya Rahane, Full ball on off. Rahane leans and blocks it out.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Ajinkya Rahane, Wide! Similar delivery as the previous one but this is just over the tramline. Ajinkya Rahane fails to cut it. Wided.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Ajinkya Rahane, Length ball, wide outside off. Rahane slashes his bat at it but misses.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Venkatesh Iyer, Short of a length, on the hips. Iyer tucks it to fine leg and gets off the mark with a single.

Hyderabad (Playing XI) - Abhishek Sharma, Kane Williamson (C), Rahul Tripathi, Aiden Markram, Nicholas Pooran (WK), Shashank Singh, Washington Sundar (In place of Jagadeesha Suchith), Marco Jansen (In place of Fazalhaq Farooqi), Bhuvneshwar Kumar, T Natarajan (In place of Kartik Tyagi), Umran Malik.

The captain of Hyderabad, Kane Williamson says they played on the surface earlier so they were looking to bat first as well. Informs that there are three changes, T Natarajan, Washington Sundar and Marco Jansen come in. Adds that every game carries point, they haven't been at their best in the past few games but they want to turn things around now. 

Shreyas Iyer, the skipper of Kolkata, says that they will bat first and tells that the record in the previous games here has seen the team winning after batting first and it suits them as well. Mentions that Umesh and Sam Billings come in. Says that they had ups and downs in the tournament and they made changes this season that they do not want to. States that they have gone back to their core team and they had a good start with the ball and bat in the Powerplay in the last game.

Pitch report - Deep Dasgupta is down near the pitch. He says that the pitch has a fair bit of grass and it is lively as well. It looks quite firm and in the last few games spinners had some help on this pitch but he feels that there will not be much help today. Mentions that while the bowlers have enjoyed on this ground in the last few games, the batters will have the last laugh here.

Kolkata (Playing XI) - Venkatesh Iyer, Ajinkya Rahane, Nitish Rana, Shreyas Iyer (C), Sam Billings (WK) (In for Sheldon Jackson), Andre Russell, Rinku Singh, Sunil Narine, Tim Southee, Varun Chakaravarthy, Umesh Yadav (In for Pat Cummins). 

TOSS - Up goes the coin and it lands in the favor of Kolkata. They have elected to BAT first!

... MATCH DAY …

Hello and a warm welcome to our coverage as Pune get ready to host its final game of this season of the Indian T20 League. It is a crucial encounter as Kolkata will be up against Hyderabad in game number 61 of the season. A loss for Kolkata will end their playoff hopes while a loss for Hyderabad will also put them on the verge of elimination. 

Kolkata have been pretty inconsistent this season both in terms of results and their team combination. The constant chopping and changing have not helped their cause but they will be happy with their performance in the last game with Venkatesh Iyer and Varun Chakaravarthy, their retained players showing some form. Pat Cummins has been ruled out for the remainder of the season and will be interesting to see how Kolkata go about their business in this must-win game.

Hyderabad, on the other hand, have been doing things in clusters this season. They went on a five-match winning streak earlier this season but since then fallen off the radar with four losses on the trot. The injuries to T Natarajan and Washington Sundar have been a big problem for them and that has made their bowling vulnerable which was their stronger suit earlier. They are, however, expected to be back for this game. They registered a comfortable win against Kolkata earlier this season and

Right then! It is a must win game for both the teams and Hyderabad haven't had the best of time with the bat recently. Kane Williamson has to step up today. And for Kolkata, if they lose, they are out of the competition. Surely it is going to be an exciting chase. Stay tuned...

Andre Russell is up for a chat. He says that it is good to get a strong finish to the innings and bowlers were bowling well, especially the seamers and he knew that if he stays till the end then they can get to a big score. Tells that 170 is a par score on this pitch and they did well to get to this total. Mentions that they need to bowl straight and mix up their pace well and need to nail yorkers and says that there is definitely  pressure and they are looking to get a good win here.

Kolkata struggled throughout the innings. Rahane, Rana, and Shreyas all got off to a great start but perished while changing the gears. The partnership between Russell and Billings started blossoming but their 66 runs stand came in 44 balls. It was only because of Dre Russ, that Kolkata put in a decent total. Andre Russell showed his class yet again as he smashed three sixes in the last over and missed out on his fifty by just a run, more than that, he gave the much needed finish!

Hyderabad bowled well in patches. They started well but ended the Powerplay on the back foot. Umran Malik came into the attack and took two wickets in his first over and Hyderabad went onto control most of the middle phase. They let a partnership build in the back end and that final over from Washington Sundar cost them 20 runs. How much will that prove costly? 

It was always going to be tough for Sundar to bowl against Russell in the final over! 20 runs off it and Kolkata get past the 175-run mark. 

Washington Sundar to Andre Russell, ! Third maximum of the over and this was always going to be a tricky option to bowl a spinner in the last over! Sundar goes 'round the wicket and bowls a full toss on middle again. Andre Russell gets under it and finishes the innings with another biggie as he slams this over cow corner. Kolkata finish with 177/6 after 20 overs!

Washington Sundar to Andre Russell, ! Sundar misses the mark and is punished! A low full toss on middle. Andre Russell gets under it and slogs it way over the mid-wicket fence for a biggie.

Washington Sundar to Andre Russell, No single taken! Sundar bowls a good yorker on off. Andre Russell manages to hit it to long off but denies a single.

Washington Sundar to Andre Russell, ! Here we go...you are not going to get away with bowling full toss to Andre Russell in the last over! A full toss on middle at a good height and Andre Russell slams it over deep mid-wicket for maximum.

Washington Sundar to Sunil Narine, A flatter delivery, around leg. Narine makes room and hits it to deep extra-cover for a single.

Washington Sundar has one over left, will he bowl the final over? Yes, Sundar will bowl the final one.

Washington Sundar to Andre Russell, Just a single! A full ball on middle. Andre Russell drills it to long on for a single.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Sunil Narine, A good yorker to end the over! It is outside off and Narine fails to dig it out. Just 6 from the over. Top-notch bowing by the senior bowler!

Sunil Narine walks out to the middle. 

Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Sam Billings, ! CAUGHT! Sam Billings departs and Bhuvneshwar Kumar is finally rewarded for some good bowling!  It is length ball and outside off. A leg-cutter this and Billings looks to hit it over extra-cover. However, he gets the bottom of his blade and ends up hitting it straight to Kane Williamson at the extra-cover position in the ring. He takes an easy catch and Kolkata lose their sixth.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Andre Russell, A yorker on leg. Andre Russell whips it to deep mid-wicket for a single.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Andre Russell, WIDE! A slower ball on a length and wide outside off. Andre Russell looks to cut it but misses.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Andre Russell, Perfect yorker, around leg. Andre Russell swings across the line but misses. The ball hits his pads but it is pitching outside leg.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Andre Russell, WIDE! Kumar bangs it short and outside off. Andre Russell looks to cut it but misses. The umpire calls it wide. A bit harsh call that.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Andre Russell, Almost a yorker, outside off. Andre Russell stays deep in his crease and hits it to deep extra-cover for a couple.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Sam Billings, A fullish delivery on middle and leg. Billings looks to heave it across the line. He misses and the ball hits his pads. There is a slight appeal by the bowler but it is going down leg. A leg bye taken towards the off side.

T Natarajan to Andre Russell, Ends his spell with a brilliant yorker! Right in the blockhole and Andre Russell fails to get under it. The ball misses the stumps too and goes back to the keeper.

T Natarajan to Sam Billings, A shorter delivery on off. Billings charges down the track and pulls it to deep mid-wicket for a single.

T Natarajan to Sam Billings, ! 150 up now and this is a brilliant shot from Billings! A fullish delivery on off. Billings stays deep in his crease and slams it over long off for a maximum.

T Natarajan to Sam Billings, Nails a yorker and it is around leg. Billings tries to get under it but misses.

T Natarajan to Andre Russell, A slower short ball on middle. Andre Russell pulls it to deep square leg for a single.

T Natarajan to Sam Billings, NOT ! A length ball around leg. Billings looks to sweep it but gets the inside edge onto his pads. The ball goes behind square on the leg side for a single. However, there is a big appeal in the meanwhile for an LBW. The umpire though is not interested. They take a review and the UltraEdge confirms that there is bat involved.

Review taken! Hyderabad take a review for LBW! The players are already walking back to their position because UltraEdge shows a spike on it. 

T Natarajan is back into the attack.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Andre Russell, ! This is what Andre Russell can do! Kumar misses his length by a small margin. It is a low full toss on leg. Andre Russell hits it hard towards cow corner and gets another boundary. 13 runs from this over.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Sam Billings, On the shorter side again. slower delivery at 125.6 kph. Billings slams it to long off for a single.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Sam Billings, Back of a length, around off. Billings punches it  left of sweeper cover for a couple.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Sam Billings, WIDE! Kumar goes wider outside off. It is bit too wide and full. Billings looks to get a bat on it but misses.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Andre Russell, A yorker on middle. Andre Russell digs it out to long on for a single.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Andre Russell, A fullish delivery, outside off. Andre Russell goes chasing for it but misses.

Strategic Break! 4 overs remaining and if Russell bats along, Kolkata will look for a score around 180. It is possible as they bat deep. Hyderabad have to keep it tight and try and keep a lid on the run flow. Also, Bhuvneshwar Kumar is back on.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Andre Russell, ! Andre Russell starts the over with a boundary! kumar looks for a yorker but ends up bowling a low full toss on middle and leg. Andre Russell heaves it towards deep mid-wicket for a boundary.

Umran Malik to Andre Russell, Back of a length, outside off. Andre Russell cuts it to sweeper cover for a single. 10 runs from the over.

Umran Malik to Andre Russell, Malik goes 'round the wicket and serves a length delivery, around leg. Andre Russell goes for a mighty swing across the line but misses.

Umran Malik to Sam Billings, A yorker on middle. Billings looks to hit it towards the off side by making room. However, he gets the inside half of his blade and the ball goes right of the bolwer. A single taken.

Umran Malik to Sam Billings, ! Another flat bullet from Billings! This is a slot ball, on off. Billings stays deep in his crease and slams it straight back past the bowler for a boundary.

Umran Malik to Sam Billings, ! Wonderful shot! Back of a length, outside off. Billings stays still in his crease and slams it over extra-cover for a boundary.

Umran Malik to Sam Billings, Malik nails a yorker this time, around leg. Billings makes room and looks to heave it across the line but misses.

Umran Malik will continue. His last over of the game.

T Natarajan to Andre Russell, ! Dispatched! T Natarajan misses a bit in his line and Russell makes the most of it. Full toss, on middle, and Andre Russell thumps it over cow corner for a massive six. The last ball just ruins an incredible over from Natarajan.

T Natarajan to Sam Billings, T Natarajan is bowling stumps-to-stumps! Full and around leg. It is hit to deep mid-wicket for a single. 

T Natarajan to Sam Billings, How has that missed the stumps? A yorker on middle. Sam Billings clears his front leg and looks to heave but it goes off the cue end of the bat and bounces over the stumps and to the keeper. 

T Natarajan to Andre Russell, Another single as Andre Russell works it to square leg.

T Natarajan to Sam Billings, Leg bye! Fuller and around off. Sam Billings mistimes his sweep to fine leg. It goes off the pads and a leg bye is given. 

T Natarajan to Andre Russell, Natarajan misses his yorker and serves a low full toss. Russell whips it to deep mid-wicket and calls for two but the throw was a sharp one from the deep and Russell had to put in a dive to get back in the crease. The replay shows the bat was grounded there.

Umran Malik to Sam Billings, Short of a length and on middle. Sam Billings shuffles across and tries to play it over the keeper's head but fails in the process.

Umran Malik to Sam Billings, Wide! Length and down the leg side. Billings misses his flick. 

Umran Malik to Sam Billings, A bouncer at 144.5 kph, on middle. Billings leaves it alone anticipating a wide but not given. 

Umran Malik to Andre Russell, On middle, pulled away to deep mid-wicket for a single.

Umran Malik to Sam Billings, On a length and outside off. Billings plays with an open blade to third man for a single. The third man fielder overran a bit there.

Umran Malik to Andre Russell, On a length and on middle. Russell pulls it to deep square leg for a single.

Umran Malik to Andre Russell, Wide! Tries to keep it away from the arc but over the tramline. Russell swings and misses.

Umran Malik to Andre Russell, ! Russell will hit this anyday! A length ball, outside off. Andre Russell opens his body and smashes it wide of mid off for a boundary. 

Marco Jansen to Sam Billings, A length ball, outside off. Billings punches it to deep cover for a brace. 100 up now!

Marco Jansen to Andre Russell, On the pads, it is flicked to deep square leg for a single.

Marco Jansen to Andre Russell, A bouncer now, around leg. Andre sits.

Marco Jansen to Andre Russell, Hyderabad have done their homework. They are serving yorkers to Russell who is keeping it out. On middle this and Russell blocks it.

Marco Jansen (3-0-26-1) is back on.

Marco Jansen to Andre Russell, A length ball, outside off. Russell leaves it alone.

Marco Jansen to Sam Billings, Slower length ball, outside off. Sam dabs it to third man for a single.

T Natarajan to Sam Billings, On middle, it is played to square leg for a single.

T Natarajan to Andre Russell, Full and on off, Russell works it through mid off for a single.

Andre Russell is the next man in.

T Natarajan to Andre Russell, Natarajan serves a yorker, on middle and Russell jams it out back to the bowler.

T Natarajan to Rinku Singh, ! LBW! What has happened there? A huge shout for LBW and the umpire takes a long time before putting his finger up. Rinku Singh though wants to take it upstairs but it is Sam Billings who makes the 'T' signal. It should be Rinku Singh who has to make the signal if he is on the strike and now he has to walk back disappointed. This wicket has taken a while though! Now, coming to the ball! A yorker from Natarajan on middle. Singh misses his flick and gets hit

T Natarajan to Rinku Singh, Wide! A bouncer but too high and Singh ducks under it. A wide signaled by the umpire. 

T Natarajan to Rinku Singh, Two again! Fuller and outside off, it is driven to deep cover for a couple.

T Natarajan to Rinku Singh, Length ball, on middle. Singh pulls it to deep square leg where Jansen runs to his right and dives to save a couple of runs. 

Washington Sundar to Rinku Singh, Darted on the pads, it is flicked to deep mid-wicket for a single.

Washington Sundar to Rinku Singh, An arm ball, flatter and outside off. Singh looks to cut but gets a thick outside edge and the ball bounces well in front of short third man.

Washington Sundar to Rinku Singh, Floated and on off. Blocked out.

Washington Sundar to Sam Billings, On middle. Billings put his skate on and drills it to long on for a single.

Washington Sundar to Sam Billings, ! Improvisation! This is full and around off. Sam Billings reverse-sweeps it and hits it wide of deep point for a boundary. Abhishek Sharma could have put in a dive there.

Washington Sundar to Sam Billings, Straight on middle. Sam rocks back and tucks it to square leg. 

Rinku Singh walks out.

Umran Malik to Shreyas Iyer, ! CAUGHT! Umran Malik gets another one and this time it is the Kolkata skipper, Shreyas Iyer who has to walk back. A full delivery on leg. Good pace on it and Shreyas Iyer flicks it aerially towards deep mid-wicket. Rahul Tripathi there runs forward and takes a good low catch diving forward. Big, big wicket this and Kolkata are in huge trouble now.

Umran Malik to Shreyas Iyer, Pulls his length back a bit, on off. Iyer defends it off the back foot.

Umran Malik to Shreyas Iyer, ! Wonderful shot, that's a glorious drive! Overpitched on middle. Iyer shows the full face of his blade and drives it past the bowler for a boundary.

Umran Malik to Shreyas Iyer, Here we go again, a short ball on off. Iyer backs away a bit and looks to late cut it but misses.

Umran Malik to Sam Billings, On the shorter side, around off. Billings looks to pull it but gets the inside edge. The ball goes towards fine leg and a single is taken,

Drinks! Kolkata have lost two quick wickets but still are placed nicely to toll up a big total. Iyer and Billings have to do the repair work and allow the likes of Russell and Narine finish it. Hyderabad have done well in patches but they have to continue to pick wickets. 

Umran Malik to Sam Billings, Malik with a pacy length delivery on off. Billings blocks it out.

Washington Sundar to Sam Billings, Slightly on the shorter side, around off. Billings punches it to long off for a single.

Washington Sundar to Sam Billings, Tossed up, outside off. Billings reverse sweeps it but straight to short third man.

Washington Sundar to Shreyas Iyer, Flatter and on off, eased down to long on for one.

Washington Sundar to Shreyas Iyer, Goes fuller on off. Iyer drives wide of deep extra-cover for a couple.

Washington Sundar to Sam Billings, A fuller delivery on middle. Billings pushes it to long on for a single.

Washington Sundar to Shreyas Iyer, A fuller delivery on middle. Iyer works it to deep backward square leg for a single.

Sam Billings comes in. 

Umran Malik to Ajinkya Rahane, ! CAUGHT! What a catch by Shashank Singh! His second in the over and second wicket for Malik in his first over! It is short and wide outside off. Rahane upper cuts it and hits it quite well. The ball goes in the air towards deep cover-point. Singh runs to his right and takes a brilliant catch diving to his right keeping the ropes in mind. The umpires check whether it is a fair catch or not and it is a very good one as replays confirm it.

Is that a clean catch? It looks like a fair catch from Shashank Singh in the deep and the third umpire confirms with the replay. Ajinkya Rahane has to walk back.

Umran Malik to Shreyas Iyer, Good stop by Bhuvneshwar Kumar! A fullish delivery on middle this time. Iyer flicks it through mid on pocket and Kumar chases it. He puts in a dive near the fence and keeps it to three runs.

Umran Malik to Shreyas Iyer, ! Edgy but Iyer and Kolkata will take it! A fullish delivery, around off. Iyer drives away from his body. The ball goes off the thick outside edge and towards the third man fence for a boundary.

Shreyas Iyer is the new man in.

Umran Malik to Nitish Rana, ! CAUGHT! Umran Malik strikes in his first over and brings out a big roar! Big wicket this as Rana was looking good out there. Malik goes slightly short angling into middle from 'round the wicket. Rana just half-pulls it aerially and the ball goes in the air towards deep backward square leg. Shashank Singh there runs forward a bit and takes the catch. Kolkata lose their second and Hyderabad have an opening now!

Umran Malik to Ajinkya Rahane, Goes fuller on middle at 150.4 kph. Rahane flicks it firmly to deep mid-wicket for a single.

Umran Malik to Nitish Rana, Malik starts with a back-of-a-length delivery, around leg. Rana makes room and steers it towards third man for a single. Malik starts with the pace of around 146 clicks!

Umran Malik is brought into the attack.

Washington Sundar to Ajinkya Rahane, A flatter one on off. Rahane goes for a reverse-sweep but ends up hitting it straight to short third man. Rahane is struggling to run here and looks like there is only one way he is going to bat now.

Washington Sundar to Ajinkya Rahane, ! Looks like Rahane has decided to take on the bowling now. A fuller ball on off. In the slot for Rahane and he smashes it over long on for a maximum.

Washington Sundar to Nitish Rana, A low full toss on leg. Rana works it to deep square leg for a single.

Ajinkya Rahane is not looking fully fit. He is still limping.

Washington Sundar to Ajinkya Rahane, On the shorter side, on off. Rahane chips it over the extra-cover fielder in the ring for a single.

Washington Sundar to Ajinkya Rahane, Pushed quicker again on off. Rahane goes for a big heave across the line. He gets the inside edge onto his pads.

Ajinkya Rahane was struggling a bit while running across. He might need some assistance. He is ready to continue. Washington Sundar is into the attack.

Washington Sundar to Ajinkya Rahane, Sundar starts with a fuller one on middle. Rahane plays it back to the bowler.

Marco Jansen to Ajinkya Rahane, On a length, on middle. Rahane works it to deep backward square leg for a single. 17 from the over and Kolkata are 55/1 after the Powerplay.

Marco Jansen to Nitish Rana, Back of a length, around off. Rana steers it towards deep backward point for a single.

Marco Jansen to Nitish Rana, ! This is turning out to be another good over for Kolkata! 50 up now! A short ball on off. Rana makes room and just opens the face of his blade. The ball goes all the way over the third man fence because of the pace of the ball and Rana is looking in good touch here.

Marco Jansen to Ajinkya Rahane, Slightly on the shorter side again, around off. Rahane steers it towards third man for a single.

Marco Jansen to bowl the final over of the Powerplay.

Marco Jansen to Ajinkya Rahane, Back of a length, on middle and leg. Rahane works it to deep backward square leg for a couple.

Marco Jansen to Ajinkya Rahane, ! Ajinkya Rahane gets into the act now! On a length, on off. Rahane picks the length early and hits it through the line over long on for a maximum.

T Natarajan to Ajinkya Rahane, 18 off the over! Just what Kolkata ordered! Full and around middle. Rahane nudges it in front of square on the leg side for one. 

T Natarajan to Nitish Rana, On middle, it is flicked to deep square leg for a single.

T Natarajan to Nitish Rana, ! Not a good welcome for T Natarajan! Rana just uses the pace here! On a length and tailing on leg. Rana swivels and pulls it all the way over deep backward square leg for a maximum. 

T Natarajan to Nitish Rana, Natarajan drags his length back and keeps it around off. Rana has a poke at it but misses.

T Natarajan to Nitish Rana, ! HUGE! Full again, in the slot. Rana swings his bat across and hits it over long on for a biggie. 

T Natarajan is into the attack.

T Natarajan to Nitish Rana, ! Little fuller, around off. Rana makes the most of it as he smashes it past the bowler for a boundary. Welcome boundary.

Marco Jansen to Ajinkya Rahane, ! Ajinkya Rahane gets into the act now!

Marco Jansen to Nitish Rana, Leg bye! Angling on the pads. Rana misses his flick. It rolls off the pads to mid-wicket for a leg bye.

Marco Jansen to Nitish Rana, Make it three in a row now! Jansen keeps it tight around off. Rana plays it to the cover fielder.

Marco Jansen to Nitish Rana, Kolkata are soaking in some pressure, at least they should try and rotate the strike. Another dot as Rana taps this length ball to cover. 

Marco Jansen to Nitish Rana, Angling around off, on a length. Rana dabs it straight to backward point.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Nitish Rana, Length ball, angling across and Rana lets it through.

Marco Jansen to Ajinkya Rahane, Full ball, on off. Rahane steps across and works it to the right of mid on for a quick single.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Nitish Rana, A single off the over! Excellent stuff from Bhuvi! A length ball, outside off. Rana again leaves it alone.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Ajinkya Rahane, A single then! Length and on off. Rahane knocks it to covers for a single.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Ajinkya Rahane, Length ball, on middle. Rahane shuffles across and wrists it to mid-wicket. Pressure on Rahane, three dots now.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Ajinkya Rahane, Around off, Rahane strokes it to covers.

Nitish Rana walks out at number 3.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Ajinkya Rahane, On a length and on off. Rahane defends it back to the bowler.

Marco Jansen to Venkatesh Iyer, ! CHOPPED ON! Hyderabad get the breakthrough! Venkatesh Iyer was struggling a bit to time his shots and gives away his wicket here. Short of a length, outside off. Iyer on his toes is late as he tries to punch through covers but gets a thick inside edge and the ball ricochets onto the stumps. Marco Jansen jumps in the air with delight. 

Marco Jansen to Ajinkya Rahane, Soft hands from Rahane! Length and on off. Rahane taps it on the off side and takes a single.

Marco Jansen to Ajinkya Rahane, Fuller ball, around off. Defended to covers.

Marco Jansen to Ajinkya Rahane, ! Ajinkya Rahane is off the mark in style! Jansen goes short on leg. Rahane picks the length quickly and pulls it over deep backward square leg for a maximum.

Hyderabad are back with the playing XI that brought them some success this season. They are bowling first and will be raring to go as Hyderabad players walk out to the middle. Venkatesh Iyer and Ajinkya Rahane are the openers for Kolkata. Bhuvneshwar Kumar will start with the ball for Hyderabad. Here we go...

Marco Jansen to Venkatesh Iyer, Touch fuller and on middle, It is hit to mid on for a quick single.

Marco Jansen will start from the other end.

Marco Jansen to Venkatesh Iyer, Full and on off, pushed to covers.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Venkatesh Iyer, Short in length and outside off. Iyer looks to cut but gets an inner edge, past the stumps and to fine leg for a single. He played it touch late there.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Venkatesh Iyer, Wide! Short but down the leg side. Iyer misses his flick. 

Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Venkatesh Iyer, ! Good shot! Overpitched from Kumar, just outside off. Iyer punches it through mid off for a boundary. Confident shot from Venkatesh Iyer!

Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Ajinkya Rahane, Leg bye! This is straight and around middle and leg. Rahane misses his flick. It went off the pads and to square leg for a leg bye. Kumar puts a muted appeal for LBW but nothing given.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Ajinkya Rahane, Full ball on off. Rahane leans and blocks it out.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Ajinkya Rahane, Wide! Similar delivery as the previous one but this is just over the tramline. Ajinkya Rahane fails to cut it. Wided.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Ajinkya Rahane, Length ball, wide outside off. Rahane slashes his bat at it but misses.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Venkatesh Iyer, Short of a length, on the hips. Iyer tucks it to fine leg and gets off the mark with a single.

Hyderabad (Playing XI) - Abhishek Sharma, Kane Williamson (C), Rahul Tripathi, Aiden Markram, Nicholas Pooran (WK), Shashank Singh, Washington Sundar (In place of Jagadeesha Suchith), Marco Jansen (In place of Fazalhaq Farooqi), Bhuvneshwar Kumar, T Natarajan (In place of Kartik Tyagi), Umran Malik.

The captain of Hyderabad, Kane Williamson says they played on the surface earlier so they were looking to bat first as well. Informs that there are three changes, T Natarajan, Washington Sundar and Marco Jansen come in. Adds that every game carries point, they haven't been at their best in the past few games but they want to turn things around now. 

Shreyas Iyer, the skipper of Kolkata, says that they will bat first and tells that the record in the previous games here has seen the team winning after batting first and it suits them as well. Mentions that Umesh and Sam Billings come in. Says that they had ups and downs in the tournament and they made changes this season that they do not want to. States that they have gone back to their core team and they had a good start with the ball and bat in the Powerplay in the last game.

Pitch report - Deep Dasgupta is down near the pitch. He says that the pitch has a fair bit of grass and it is lively as well. It looks quite firm and in the last few games spinners had some help on this pitch but he feels that there will not be much help today. Mentions that while the bowlers have enjoyed on this ground in the last few games, the batters will have the last laugh here.

Kolkata (Playing XI) - Venkatesh Iyer, Ajinkya Rahane, Nitish Rana, Shreyas Iyer (C), Sam Billings (WK) (In for Sheldon Jackson), Andre Russell, Rinku Singh, Sunil Narine, Tim Southee, Varun Chakaravarthy, Umesh Yadav (In for Pat Cummins). 

TOSS - Up goes the coin and it lands in the favor of Kolkata. They have elected to BAT first!

... MATCH DAY …

Hello and a warm welcome to our coverage as Pune get ready to host its final game of this season of the Indian T20 League. It is a crucial encounter as Kolkata will be up against Hyderabad in game number 61 of the season. A loss for Kolkata will end their playoff hopes while a loss for Hyderabad will also put them on the verge of elimination. 

Kolkata have been pretty inconsistent this season both in terms of results and their team combination. The constant chopping and changing have not helped their cause but they will be happy with their performance in the last game with Venkatesh Iyer and Varun Chakaravarthy, their retained players showing some form. Pat Cummins has been ruled out for the remainder of the season and will be interesting to see how Kolkata go about their business in this must-win game.

Hyderabad, on the other hand, have been doing things in clusters this season. They went on a five-match winning streak earlier this season but since then fallen off the radar with four losses on the trot. The injuries to T Natarajan and Washington Sundar have been a big problem for them and that has made their bowling vulnerable which was their stronger suit earlier. They are, however, expected to be back for this game. They registered a comfortable win against Kolkata earlier this season and