Right. Bangalore needs 180 to win and they will be rearing to come out and have a go at this Punjab bowling attack. The dew has not settled in yet and Bangalore will be hoping that it does. Punjab have finished well and will be looking to take that momentum into their bowling too. An exciting run chase is on the cards. Join us shortly for the same...
Shabaz Ahmed says it is a better wicket and the ball is coming onto the bat nicely, especially for the pacers and the spinnersâ ball is gripping a little but still a good wicket to bat on. Adds there is now dew right now but he hopes it comes in. Mentions they did well to pull things back but Punjab finished well but he feels it is a chasable total. Ends by saying the team management will decide where he bats.
The bowling by Bangalore was good at the start, and in the middle overs, but towards the end, they kind off lost the plot. Patel, who has been very reliable for them, was smashed for more than 50 runs in his 4 overs. Sams and Siraj were the pick of the lot but overall, Bangalore would feel that they could have done better in the backend of the innings.Â
It was a slow start by Punjab, as Rahul played slow as he does usually and Singh could not get going. It was at that point that the Universe Boss, Gayle comes out and accelerated and stitched an 80-run with Rahul. When Gayle fell, that is when Bangalore smelt blood and snared a couple of good wickets. But some lusty blows towards the end from Rahul and Brar, saw them reach the 180-run mark.Â
This has been a brilliant comeback by Bangalore after they were on the back foot, when Rahul and Gayle were going about their business, but Punjab will be very happy with the way they finished their innings off, with a bang courtesy of their skipper, KL Rahul. Though, Bangalore did not lose their heads and kept on probing but their heads will be slightly low as they conceded 47 runs in the last 3 overs.Â
Harshal Patel to Harpreet Brar, ! He won't be regretting that single now as Brar ends hare innings in style! What an innings this guy has played! This is full and on the pads, it is whipped well over the square leg fence for a maximum. PUNJAB END WITH 179!
Harshal Patel to KL Rahul, A single! Rahul won't be getting to his ton now. A short one and on middle, this is pulled towards deep square leg. Rahul did not want a run but in the end goes for it as Brar had almsot come next to him.
Harshal Patel to KL Rahul, ! Rahul into the 90s! He has two balls to score 10 runs. This was a lucky boundary but he won't mind. Gets down on one knee again and tries to paddle scoop it. It is a slower one, fuller and on off, it goes off the top edge and over the keeper for a boundary.
Harshal Patel to KL Rahul, ! This is outrageous! Brilliant! The fine leg is in the ring so he shuffles across, he is helped by a full toss so he paddle scoops it over the fine leg fence.
Harshal Patel to KL Rahul, ! In the gap! Rahul makes room to access the shorter side but Patel bowls a full toss on the pads, this is whipped wide of deep square leg for a boundary.
Will Virat Kohli stick with Harshal Patel or will he hand the ball to Kyle Jamieson? Virat trusts Harshal Patel. Interesting. Can he repay the faith placed by his skipper?
Harshal Patel to Harpreet Brar, Does the right thing! Full and on off, it is hit down to long off for one.
Mohammed Siraj to KL Rahul, ! An edgy boundary to end but still just the 7 the over. This is full and wide outside off. Rahul swings, it flies off the outside edge and down to the third man fence.
Mohammed Siraj to Harpreet Brar, Just the one. On middle, it is hit down to long on for one. Can he end the over well?
Mohammed Siraj to Harpreet Brar, Another dot! A bumper on middle, Brar is taken by surprise. He fails to put bat on ball.
Mohammed Siraj to KL Rahul, Rahul looks to play the paddle scoop. Moves right across and Siraj bowls it full and outside off. It goes off the toe-end towards the leg side for one.
Mohammed Siraj to Harpreet Brar, An appeal but the bowler is the only one doing so. Brar opens his front leg and Siraj bowls a yorker on the pads. Brar swings but misses to get hit on the boot. It goes on the leg side for a leg bye.
Who will bowl the penultimate over? It is Mohammed Siraj. 2-0-18-0 so far.Â
Mohammed Siraj to Harpreet Brar, A dot to begin! On the pads, Brar swings but misses to get hit on the pads.
Harshal Patel to KL Rahul, Two more! Shorter and on the body, Rahul pulls it behind square on the leg side for two.
Harshal Patel to KL Rahul, ! 18 from the over. 150 up and this is just what Punjab needed. Momentum shifts again. A short one and down the leg side. It is pulled past short fine leg and it races away to the fence.
Harshal Patel to Harpreet Brar, Now takes one! Good sensible batting. This is really full, not there to be hit. It is worked down to long on for one.
Harshal Patel to Harpreet Brar, ! Brar is playing a gem here! That was just timed, very nonchalant. Angling into middle, a slower one. Harpreet whips it over the mid-wicket fence for a biggie.
Harshal Patel to Harpreet Brar, ! Shot! That is a boundary after a long, long time and it will help, not only Punjab but Rahul too. Pressure released. Fuller and on off, Brar lifts it over mid off for a boundary.
Harshal or Siraj? Or will Shahbaz Ahmed continue? It is Harshal Patel who will bowl now. 2-0-13-0 so far.Â
Harshal Patel to KL Rahul, Just the one! A full toss on the pads, it is worked towards deep mid-wicket for one.
Daniel Sams to Harpreet Brar, Just another one. A fuller one on off, it is guided to point for one.
Daniel Sams to KL Rahul, Direct hit and Rahul was a goner! A slower one on off, this is pushed to covers. Rahul wants strike and goes for one. The fielder to Rahul's luck, misses.Â
Daniel Sams to Harpreet Brar, A bumper on the body, it is ducked under. Rahul wants a wide bit not given.
Daniel Sams to Harpreet Brar, On middle, Brar does well by working it on the leg side and giving the strike to Rahul.
Daniel Sams to KL Rahul, Batting really sensibly is Rahul! Fuller and on off, this is hit down to long off for one.
Daniel Sams to KL Rahul, Two! Shorter and outside off, Rahul cuts it through point for a couple.
Chahal is done for the night. Who will bowl now? Daniel Sams comes back on.Â
Shahbaz Ahmed to Harpreet Brar, Really full and on middle, this is hit down to long on for one.
Shahbaz Ahmed to KL Rahul, On middle, this is pushed down to long off for one.
Shahbaz Ahmed to KL Rahul, Good running! On middle, this is worked with soft hands, wide of long on for two.
Strategic Time-Out! Bangalore have done well to come back here. Gayle and Rahul were motoring along very nicely but after Gayle fell, the other batters have just not been able to contribute. There is more onus on Rahul now to perform and Bangalore will want to close things out nicely.Â
Shahbaz Ahmed to Harpreet Brar, Bowled outside off, it is dragged through mid-wicket for one.
Shahbaz Ahmed to KL Rahul, In the air but safe. Ahmed follows Rahul as he makes room. Rahul looks to paddle sweep but the ball holds in the surface. It goes off the top edge. Lands safe on the leg side. Rahul was worried about it being a catch, he takes off late for a run but makes it in.
Shahbaz Ahmed to Harpreet Brar, Shorter and outside off, this is slapped through covers for one.
Yuzvendra Chahal to Harpreet Brar, Single to end! This is bowled on the pads, flicked through square leg for one. Chahal was very poor in his first two overs but has bounced back really well in his last two overs. Finishes with 4-0-34-1.Â
Yuzvendra Chahal to Harpreet Brar, The batsman has just watchfully blocked this out.
Who comes out now? It is Harpreet Brar!Â
Yuzvendra Chahal to Shahrukh Khan, ! 'BOWLED EM! Shahrukh goes back for a duck and Chahal gets in on the act! He has struggled so far in the League but he will be happy with how he has taken this wicket here. Will give him immense confidence. This is dragged back slightly and it is around off, the ball hits the deck and spins back as Shahrukh Khan goes back and looks to cut it away. He misses and you know the rest of the story. Punjab slipping further.Â
Yuzvendra Chahal to Shahrukh Khan, An appeal for LBW but turned down! This is floated and on middle and leg, Khan looks to block it out but he misses. An appeal but the umpire shakes his head. Was going down leg.Â
Yuzvendra Chahal to Shahrukh Khan, Tossed up and around off, pushed to the leg side.Â
Yuzvendra Chahal to KL Rahul, Flatter on middle, KL bunts this one to long on for a single.Â
Shahrukh Khan is the new batter in.Â
Shahbaz Ahmed to Deepak Hooda, ! TAKEN! Ahmed takes the wicket in his first over and this spells the end of Hooda's innings. Punjab are losing wickets quickly here and they will want to steady things now. This is flatter and around off, Deepak Hooda gets low and looks to bang this one over the deep square leg fence, but he does not quite nail the timing on this one and Rajat Patidar there, takes a good catch.Â
Shahbaz Ahmed to Deepak Hooda, On off, this is pushed back to the bowler.Â
Shahbaz Ahmed to KL Rahul, Ahmed sees Rahul coming down the track and holds the ball back and bowls a slower wider one outside off, KL slaps this one through covers for one.Â
Shahbaz Ahmed to Deepak Hooda, Shortish and on off, Hooda works this through cover-point for a single.Â
Shahbaz Ahmed to KL Rahul, Drags his length back and bowls it on leg, KL goes back and eases this one to mid on for a single.Â
Shahbaz Ahmed to Deepak Hooda, Flatter and on middle, Hooda goes back and flicks it to square leg for one.Â
Yuzvendra Chahal to Deepak Hooda, Flatter ball on off, Deepak punches this through point for one. Chahal will be happy with this over, just 4 off it!Â
Yuzvendra Chahal to KL Rahul, Flighted on middle, Rahul makes room and pushes this through mid off for a single.Â
Yuzvendra Chahal to KL Rahul, Attacks the sticks with a shortish delivery, KL pushes this to covers.Â
Yuzvendra Chahal to Deepak Hooda, Tosses this one up and lands it on middle, Hooda gets low and just about in time, he gets his bat down and pushes it to the leg side, for a single.Â
Yuzvendra Chahal to Deepak Hooda, Presses forward to this full ball and defends.Â
Yuzvendra Chahal to KL Rahul, Flatter on middle, pushed through mid off for a single.Â
Kyle Jamieson to KL Rahul, A length ball on middle, pushed through mid on for a single. A very good over by Kyle!Â
Kyle Jamieson to Deepak Hooda, A length ball on middle, tucked through mid-wicket for a single.Â
Kyle Jamieson to Deepak Hooda, Around off, pushed to point.Â
Here's Deepak Hooda!Â
Kyle Jamieson to Nicholas Pooran, ! CAUGHT! Another disappointing outing for Pooran as he departs for a 3-ball duck. He has not found his mojo in this edition of the League and he does not even open his account in this game. Jamieson bowls a short ball, around off, Nicholas Pooran hops and looks to push the ball away, but the ball takes the shoulder of the bat and lobs towards the point fielder, where Shahbaz Ahmed takes the catch.Â
Kyle Jamieson to KL Rahul, A short ball on middle, KL pulls this one to fine leg region. Fifty for KL Rahul and he will look to amp it up now and will want to help Punjab post a big total.Â
Kyle Jamieson to KL Rahul, ! When he goes over cover, you know that Rahul is confident. A length ball, around off, it is slightly slower and KL Rahul thrashes this one over the extra cover fence for a biggie.Â
Daniel Sams to Nicholas Pooran, Around off, length, pushed to the cover fielder.Â
Daniel Sams to Nicholas Pooran, WIDE. Short ball, down the leg side and it is wided.Â
Daniel Sams to Nicholas Pooran, A length ball around off, Pooran pushes it back to the bowler.Â
Nicholas Pooran comes out!Â
Daniel Sams to KL Rahul, Around off, pushed through point for a single.Â
Daniel Sams to Chris Gayle, ! CAUGHT! The stand has been broken as Sams gets the big, big wicket of Gayle. He has set the platform for Punjab and it will be because of him, that they can end up on a good total. This is the short ball, it is on the body, Chris Gayle looks to pull but the ball takes the top edge and lobs towards AB de Villiers, who makes no mistake. Bangalore have opened the door slightly now and will look to make inroads.Â
Daniel Sams to KL Rahul, ! Yet another biggie for Rahul! A length ball, around off, KL Rahul whacks this one over the long off fence for a biggie.Â
Daniel Sams to Chris Gayle, This is on middle, flicked through square leg for one.Â
Daniel Sams to Chris Gayle, WIDE! Shortish outside off, Gayle leaves it alone. Wide signalled.Â
Harshal Patel to Chris Gayle, So not a bad over from Harshal again despite going for a boundary! On off, the last ball is pushed to covers for one.
Harshal Patel to KL Rahul, Just the one again! Shorter and on middle, it is pulled through square leg for one more.
Harshal Patel to Chris Gayle, Gets away with that one! On the pads, Gayle looks to flick but misses to get hit on the pads. The keeper dives to his right and stops it.
Harshal Patel to Chris Gayle, A single! On middle, this is worked towards mid-wicket for one.
Harshal Patel to Chris Gayle, BEATEN! Length and on off, this one holds its line. Gayle is beaten as he tries to block.
Harshal Patel to Chris Gayle, ! Poor ball with fine leg up and Gayle tickles it away. On the pads, Gayle plays it fine and bags a boundary.
Yuzvendra Chahal to KL Rahul, ! What a shot that is! Rahul makes room and this is quicker and on off, Rahul manages to cut it late and through point for a boundary.
Yuzvendra Chahal to KL Rahul, ! Bang! Over the ropes. Rahul now has stepped on the gas. Another expensive over from Chahal. The slog sweep is out and it is nailed. Well over the square leg fence for a biggie.
Yuzvendra Chahal to Chris Gayle, Slightly slower again and on the pads, this is hit through square leg for one.
Yuzvendra Chahal to Chris Gayle, Slower but the length is shorter, it is pushed back to the bowler.
Yuzvendra Chahal to KL Rahul, Quicker and on middle, Rahul pushes it through covers for one.
Yuzvendra Chahal to Chris Gayle, On the pads. This is worked around the corner for one.
Harshal Patel to Chris Gayle, A single to end! So despite the boundary, just 6 from the over. On the pads, this is worked through square leg for one.
Harshal Patel to KL Rahul, Fifty run stand up! A superb one. Gayle has been the mainstay but this partnership has laid the foundation for Punjab to score big. Rahul leans into this one and strokes it through covers for one.
Harshal Patel to KL Rahul, Swing and a miss! Outside off, Rahul looks to go over covers but misses.
Harshal Patel to KL Rahul, One more dot! On middle, it is pushed back to the bowler.
Harshal Patel to KL Rahul, ! Rahul now gets into the act! This is short and wide outside off, Rahul goes after it, this time he connects and it goes wide of third man for a boundary.
Harshal Patel to KL Rahul, Well bowled! Bends his back on this one and lands it on a length outside off, Rahul does go after it but is beaten by the extra bounce.
Strategic Time-Out! What seemed to be a good start for Bangalore has been turned on its head by Gayle in the past two overs. It looks like we are in for a Gayle storm here and if he continues in the same manner, then Kohli has a long night ahead of him. Bangalore will be hoping that they can break this stand and send Gayle back firstly, and then take some more wickets to push Punjab back. Also, the Purple Cap holder, Harshal Patel will have a crack now.Â
Yuzvendra Chahal to Chris Gayle, Well bowled! The googly and quicker on middle, defended.
Yuzvendra Chahal to Chris Gayle, A block! That came out of nowhere. Floated up on off, defended.
Yuzvendra Chahal to Chris Gayle, Deft from Gayle! The paddle sweep comes out. It is hit fine on the leg side for two.
Yuzvendra Chahal to Chris Gayle, ! That is hit as flat as one could and it clears the ropes. Raw power. Chahal tosses it up and on off, it is powered down the ground and it goes over the long off fence. Gayle storm alert here!
Yuzvendra Chahal to Chris Gayle, ! Gayle is in the mood here. Punjab are off to a complete flier thanks to that man. This too is right in his arc. Full and on off, Gayle lifts it well over the long off fence.
Yuzvendra Chahal to KL Rahul, On middle, this is hit down to long on for one.
Bowling change. Yuzvendra Chahal has been introduced into the attack.Â
Kyle Jamieson to Chris Gayle, ! 20 from the over then! That ends a superb Powerplay for Punjab. They started off slowly but finish with 49! This is short and it sits up to be hit. Gayle slaps it through covers for another boundary.Â
Kyle Jamieson to Chris Gayle, That could have well been 5 in a row! Gayle misses out. It is a full toss on off, Gayle hits it but to covers. He may have been surprised by this.
Kyle Jamieson to Chris Gayle, ! Make that 4 in a row! This is raw power. The ball though is in the slot. Fuller and on middle, it is hammered towards long on. There is a fielder at the boundary but he has no chance.
Kyle Jamieson to Chris Gayle, ! Over mid on now. Three boundaries in a row and this slow start has got good now. This is fuller again and on middle, it is hit over mid on for another boundary.
Kyle Jamieson to Chris Gayle, ! Through mid-wicket. This was coming and Gayle knew it. It is short and on middle, Gayle was ready for it, he pulls it through mid-wicket for consecutive boundaries.
Kyle Jamieson to Chris Gayle, ! Up and over! First boundary for Gayle! That was in his slot. Full and outside off, he lifts it over extra cover for a boundary.
Mohammed Siraj to Chris Gayle, Around off, tapped to the off side for one more run to end the over.Â
Mohammed Siraj to KL Rahul, Flicked to mid-wicket for a single.Â
Mohammed Siraj to KL Rahul, ! SHOT! What a top stroke this was. This is what Rahul can do! A length ball, around off, KL Rahul shows the full face of the blade and creams this one through mid on. The ball runs away to the ropes.Â
Mohammed Siraj to Chris Gayle, The Universe Boss gets off the mark on his first ball! A full toss, on middle, flicked through mid-wicket for one.Â
Mohammed Siraj to KL Rahul, Another good length ball outside off, Rahul eases this one through backward point, for a single.Â
Mohammed Siraj to KL Rahul, Angles in a length ball around off, Rahul gently gives the ball back to Siraj, with a push.Â
Kyle Jamieson to KL Rahul, This is around off, KL hops and helps this one through square leg for one. A very good start by Jamieson!Â
Kyle Jamieson to KL Rahul, Slightly behind the good length and around off, Rahul nudges this one to the mid-wicket region. Rahul wanted the single but when the Universe Boss says no for the single, you just head back into your crease.Â
Kyle Jamieson to KL Rahul, WIDE. Down the leg side and KL misses his tuck away.Â
Kyle Jamieson to KL Rahul, Short of a length ball on off, KL blocks it out.Â
Kyle Jamieson to Prabhsimran Singh, ! CAUGHT! The extra bounce gets the trick done and the new opening stand for Punjab does not work out. Singh looks to be extra aggressive but it does not work out and he heads back now. This is the short ball, around off, the ball bounces more than what Singh anticipated probably as he made some room and looked to slap it away. The ball takes the top part of the blade and lobs towards the cover region. Virat Kohli is the fielder there and he will tak
The Universe Boss, Chris Gayle is in now.Â
Kyle Jamieson to Prabhsimran Singh, Around off, tapped to the short third man fielder.Â
Kyle Jamieson to KL Rahul, Well hit but well fielded by the fielder too. A length ball, around off, KL Rahul drives this one nicely through extra cover, but Virat Kohli does incredibly well to dive to his right and stop the ball. Saved three runs for his side.Â
Bowling change. Kyle Jamieson has been introduced into the attack.Â
Daniel Sams to Prabhsimran Singh, Outside off, slapped to the fielder at covers. Even though Sams gave away a boundary, just the 5 runs off the over.Â
Daniel Sams to Prabhsimran Singh, ! What a good stroke by Singh. Will give him some confidence. A length ball, around off, Prabhsimran Singh plants his front foot ahead and lofts this one over the bowler's head and the ball takes a bounce and goes past the ropes.Â
Daniel Sams to Prabhsimran Singh, The slowish length ball on off this time around. Singh taps this to the off side.Â
Daniel Sams to KL Rahul, Same line and length as the last ball, Rahul goes back and punches this one through point and gives the strike to Singh.Â
Daniel Sams to KL Rahul, Slightly behind the good length and around the off pole, Rahul works this one to covers, but it is straight to the fielder.Â
Daniel Sams to KL Rahul, Angles in a length ball across the right-hander, KL looks to slash this one away to the off side but misses.Â
Mohammed Siraj to Prabhsimran Singh, This is the short ball, around off. Prabhsimran Singh does not connect with it too well but hits it well enough in the gap at mid-wicket for a couple.Â
Mohammed Siraj to KL Rahul, Siraj was looking for the yorker but ends up dishing a low full toss on middle, Rahul pushes this to mid on for a quick run. A shy by the fielder at the non-striker's end but it is missed.Â
Mohammed Siraj to KL Rahul, Around off, nudged to the leg side.Â
Mohammed Siraj to KL Rahul, Siraj does well here. He sees that Rahul is making room to the leg side and follows him with a back of a length delivery. Rahul works this one to covers.Â
Mohammed Siraj to KL Rahul, ! The first biggie of the evening and it is the Punjab skipper, KL Rahul who has got it. Has hit that very cleanly. A back of a length ball, around off, this is slightly pacy but KL does not care. He whacks this one over the deep mid-wicket fence.Â
Mohammed Siraj to KL Rahul, Closer to the off pole and on a good length, KL pushes this one to the fielder at point.Â
Mohammed Siraj to KL Rahul, WIDE! Slips this length ball down the leg side, KL looks to flick but misses. Wide signalled. An appeal by Siraj, for caught behind, but the umpire does not agree.Â
Will it be Mohammed Siraj from the other end? Yes, it is Siraj!Â
Daniel Sams to KL Rahul, A single to end a very good first over from Sams! A length ball, outside off, this is slapped through point by Rahul. Just 3 off the opening over!Â
Daniel Sams to KL Rahul, Good length and outside off, Rahul strokes this one to the fielder at covers.Â
Daniel Sams to Prabhsimran Singh, Singh opens his account right on his first ball! This is again short of a length, on off, Singh fends this one to the right of mid off for a single.Â
Daniel Sams to KL Rahul, A back of a length ball, around off, angling in from Sams. KL taps this one to the leg side.Â
Daniel Sams to KL Rahul, What a good ball first up from Sams! Starts off with a fiery yorker on middle, KL does really well to dig this ball out. Right on the money straightaway!Â
Daniel Sams to KL Rahul, KL and Punjab open their account here! This is a length ball, around off, Rahul pushes this gently towards Kyle at mid off for a quick single.Â
Right then. We are done with all the pre-match formalities as the action is all set to begin. The two umpires make their way out into the middle now. They are followed by the openers for Punjab - a new pair as Mayank is not available and it is KL Rahul and Prabhsimran Singh who stride out. The Bangalore players are slowly spreading out too. Daniel Sams will begin with the ball. Let's gooooo!Â
Punjab (Playing XI) - KL Rahul (C/WK), Chris Gayle, Deepak Hooda, Nicholas Pooran, Prabhsimran Singh (IN PLACE OF MAYANK AGARWAL), Shahrukh Khan, Chris Jordan, Riley Meredith (IN PLACE OF MOISES HENRIQUES), Ravi Bishnoi, Mohammed Shami, Harpreet Brar (IN PLACE OF ARSHDEEP SINGH).Â
Bangalore (Playing XI) - Virat Kohli (C), Devdutt Padikkal, Rajat Patidar, Glenn Maxwell, AB de Villiers (WK), Shahbaz Ahmed (IN PLACE OF WASHINGTON SUNDAR), Daniel Sams, Kyle Jamieson, Harshal Patel, Mohammed Siraj, Yuzvendra Chahal.Â
KL Rahul, the Punjab captain, says that they have to go out there and put up a show. Informs that they have three changes as Moises Henriques, Arshdeep Singh, and Mayank Agarwal miss out and Riley Meredith, Prabhsimran Singh, and Harpreet Brar come in. Says that they are a young group of guys, with the exception of Gayle and they want to learn from their mistakes and play some good cricket.Â
The Bangalore skipper, Virat Kohli says they are going to bowl first as he saw the game last night and they are just one partnership away from putting pressure. Adds it looked tacky initially and then became a better wicket as the game progressed. Informs Shahbaz Ahmed comes in for Washington Sundar. Adds they just want to play good cricket, they are not looking at the table and just want to give their best. States the bowlers have been really good, he has quite a few options and they are execut
TOSS - Both the skippers, Virat Kohli and KL Rahul are out in the middle for the all important toss. Up goes the coin and it lands in the favor of Kohli! BANGALORE WILL BOWL!Â
PITCH REPORT - Simon Doull is in for the pitch report. He says that the turf is good and there is good grass coverage and you have to make the most of the new ball. Feels that the teams need to defend the short side of the pitch and ends by saying that if you bowl well during the Powerplay, then you can perform well.Â
One of India's most talented legends is facing off against one of India's most promising talents. Yes, it is the clashing of swords between Virat Kohli and KL Rahul, as Bangalore and Punjab battle it out. There is some sort of striking similarity between these two and watching them face off is never a dull affair. Both the teams are coming into this game, with contrasting form, as Bangalore sits in third place and have just lost one game so far, whereas, Punjab are in sixth place and seems to be
Right. Bangalore needs 180 to win and they will be rearing to come out and have a go at this Punjab bowling attack. The dew has not settled in yet and Bangalore will be hoping that it does. Punjab have finished well and will be looking to take that momentum into their bowling too. An exciting run chase is on the cards. Join us shortly for the same...
Shabaz Ahmed says it is a better wicket and the ball is coming onto the bat nicely, especially for the pacers and the spinnersâ ball is gripping a little but still a good wicket to bat on. Adds there is now dew right now but he hopes it comes in. Mentions they did well to pull things back but Punjab finished well but he feels it is a chasable total. Ends by saying the team management will decide where he bats.
The bowling by Bangalore was good at the start, and in the middle overs, but towards the end, they kind off lost the plot. Patel, who has been very reliable for them, was smashed for more than 50 runs in his 4 overs. Sams and Siraj were the pick of the lot but overall, Bangalore would feel that they could have done better in the backend of the innings.Â
It was a slow start by Punjab, as Rahul played slow as he does usually and Singh could not get going. It was at that point that the Universe Boss, Gayle comes out and accelerated and stitched an 80-run with Rahul. When Gayle fell, that is when Bangalore smelt blood and snared a couple of good wickets. But some lusty blows towards the end from Rahul and Brar, saw them reach the 180-run mark.Â
This has been a brilliant comeback by Bangalore after they were on the back foot, when Rahul and Gayle were going about their business, but Punjab will be very happy with the way they finished their innings off, with a bang courtesy of their skipper, KL Rahul. Though, Bangalore did not lose their heads and kept on probing but their heads will be slightly low as they conceded 47 runs in the last 3 overs.Â
Harshal Patel to Harpreet Brar, ! He won't be regretting that single now as Brar ends hare innings in style! What an innings this guy has played! This is full and on the pads, it is whipped well over the square leg fence for a maximum. PUNJAB END WITH 179!
Harshal Patel to KL Rahul, A single! Rahul won't be getting to his ton now. A short one and on middle, this is pulled towards deep square leg. Rahul did not want a run but in the end goes for it as Brar had almsot come next to him.
Harshal Patel to KL Rahul, ! Rahul into the 90s! He has two balls to score 10 runs. This was a lucky boundary but he won't mind. Gets down on one knee again and tries to paddle scoop it. It is a slower one, fuller and on off, it goes off the top edge and over the keeper for a boundary.
Harshal Patel to KL Rahul, ! This is outrageous! Brilliant! The fine leg is in the ring so he shuffles across, he is helped by a full toss so he paddle scoops it over the fine leg fence.
Harshal Patel to KL Rahul, ! In the gap! Rahul makes room to access the shorter side but Patel bowls a full toss on the pads, this is whipped wide of deep square leg for a boundary.
Will Virat Kohli stick with Harshal Patel or will he hand the ball to Kyle Jamieson? Virat trusts Harshal Patel. Interesting. Can he repay the faith placed by his skipper?
Harshal Patel to Harpreet Brar, Does the right thing! Full and on off, it is hit down to long off for one.
Mohammed Siraj to KL Rahul, ! An edgy boundary to end but still just the 7 the over. This is full and wide outside off. Rahul swings, it flies off the outside edge and down to the third man fence.
Mohammed Siraj to Harpreet Brar, Just the one. On middle, it is hit down to long on for one. Can he end the over well?
Mohammed Siraj to Harpreet Brar, Another dot! A bumper on middle, Brar is taken by surprise. He fails to put bat on ball.
Mohammed Siraj to KL Rahul, Rahul looks to play the paddle scoop. Moves right across and Siraj bowls it full and outside off. It goes off the toe-end towards the leg side for one.
Mohammed Siraj to Harpreet Brar, An appeal but the bowler is the only one doing so. Brar opens his front leg and Siraj bowls a yorker on the pads. Brar swings but misses to get hit on the boot. It goes on the leg side for a leg bye.
Who will bowl the penultimate over? It is Mohammed Siraj. 2-0-18-0 so far.Â
Mohammed Siraj to Harpreet Brar, A dot to begin! On the pads, Brar swings but misses to get hit on the pads.
Harshal Patel to KL Rahul, Two more! Shorter and on the body, Rahul pulls it behind square on the leg side for two.
Harshal Patel to KL Rahul, ! 18 from the over. 150 up and this is just what Punjab needed. Momentum shifts again. A short one and down the leg side. It is pulled past short fine leg and it races away to the fence.
Harshal Patel to Harpreet Brar, Now takes one! Good sensible batting. This is really full, not there to be hit. It is worked down to long on for one.
Harshal Patel to Harpreet Brar, ! Brar is playing a gem here! That was just timed, very nonchalant. Angling into middle, a slower one. Harpreet whips it over the mid-wicket fence for a biggie.
Harshal Patel to Harpreet Brar, ! Shot! That is a boundary after a long, long time and it will help, not only Punjab but Rahul too. Pressure released. Fuller and on off, Brar lifts it over mid off for a boundary.
Harshal or Siraj? Or will Shahbaz Ahmed continue? It is Harshal Patel who will bowl now. 2-0-13-0 so far.Â
Harshal Patel to KL Rahul, Just the one! A full toss on the pads, it is worked towards deep mid-wicket for one.
Daniel Sams to Harpreet Brar, Just another one. A fuller one on off, it is guided to point for one.
Daniel Sams to KL Rahul, Direct hit and Rahul was a goner! A slower one on off, this is pushed to covers. Rahul wants strike and goes for one. The fielder to Rahul's luck, misses.Â
Daniel Sams to Harpreet Brar, A bumper on the body, it is ducked under. Rahul wants a wide bit not given.
Daniel Sams to Harpreet Brar, On middle, Brar does well by working it on the leg side and giving the strike to Rahul.
Daniel Sams to KL Rahul, Batting really sensibly is Rahul! Fuller and on off, this is hit down to long off for one.
Daniel Sams to KL Rahul, Two! Shorter and outside off, Rahul cuts it through point for a couple.
Chahal is done for the night. Who will bowl now? Daniel Sams comes back on.Â
Shahbaz Ahmed to Harpreet Brar, Really full and on middle, this is hit down to long on for one.
Shahbaz Ahmed to KL Rahul, On middle, this is pushed down to long off for one.
Shahbaz Ahmed to KL Rahul, Good running! On middle, this is worked with soft hands, wide of long on for two.
Strategic Time-Out! Bangalore have done well to come back here. Gayle and Rahul were motoring along very nicely but after Gayle fell, the other batters have just not been able to contribute. There is more onus on Rahul now to perform and Bangalore will want to close things out nicely.Â
Shahbaz Ahmed to Harpreet Brar, Bowled outside off, it is dragged through mid-wicket for one.
Shahbaz Ahmed to KL Rahul, In the air but safe. Ahmed follows Rahul as he makes room. Rahul looks to paddle sweep but the ball holds in the surface. It goes off the top edge. Lands safe on the leg side. Rahul was worried about it being a catch, he takes off late for a run but makes it in.
Shahbaz Ahmed to Harpreet Brar, Shorter and outside off, this is slapped through covers for one.
Yuzvendra Chahal to Harpreet Brar, Single to end! This is bowled on the pads, flicked through square leg for one. Chahal was very poor in his first two overs but has bounced back really well in his last two overs. Finishes with 4-0-34-1.Â
Yuzvendra Chahal to Harpreet Brar, The batsman has just watchfully blocked this out.
Who comes out now? It is Harpreet Brar!Â
Yuzvendra Chahal to Shahrukh Khan, ! 'BOWLED EM! Shahrukh goes back for a duck and Chahal gets in on the act! He has struggled so far in the League but he will be happy with how he has taken this wicket here. Will give him immense confidence. This is dragged back slightly and it is around off, the ball hits the deck and spins back as Shahrukh Khan goes back and looks to cut it away. He misses and you know the rest of the story. Punjab slipping further.Â
Yuzvendra Chahal to Shahrukh Khan, An appeal for LBW but turned down! This is floated and on middle and leg, Khan looks to block it out but he misses. An appeal but the umpire shakes his head. Was going down leg.Â
Yuzvendra Chahal to Shahrukh Khan, Tossed up and around off, pushed to the leg side.Â
Yuzvendra Chahal to KL Rahul, Flatter on middle, KL bunts this one to long on for a single.Â
Shahrukh Khan is the new batter in.Â
Shahbaz Ahmed to Deepak Hooda, ! TAKEN! Ahmed takes the wicket in his first over and this spells the end of Hooda's innings. Punjab are losing wickets quickly here and they will want to steady things now. This is flatter and around off, Deepak Hooda gets low and looks to bang this one over the deep square leg fence, but he does not quite nail the timing on this one and Rajat Patidar there, takes a good catch.Â
Shahbaz Ahmed to Deepak Hooda, On off, this is pushed back to the bowler.Â
Shahbaz Ahmed to KL Rahul, Ahmed sees Rahul coming down the track and holds the ball back and bowls a slower wider one outside off, KL slaps this one through covers for one.Â
Shahbaz Ahmed to Deepak Hooda, Shortish and on off, Hooda works this through cover-point for a single.Â
Shahbaz Ahmed to KL Rahul, Drags his length back and bowls it on leg, KL goes back and eases this one to mid on for a single.Â
Shahbaz Ahmed to Deepak Hooda, Flatter and on middle, Hooda goes back and flicks it to square leg for one.Â
Yuzvendra Chahal to Deepak Hooda, Flatter ball on off, Deepak punches this through point for one. Chahal will be happy with this over, just 4 off it!Â
Yuzvendra Chahal to KL Rahul, Flighted on middle, Rahul makes room and pushes this through mid off for a single.Â
Yuzvendra Chahal to KL Rahul, Attacks the sticks with a shortish delivery, KL pushes this to covers.Â
Yuzvendra Chahal to Deepak Hooda, Tosses this one up and lands it on middle, Hooda gets low and just about in time, he gets his bat down and pushes it to the leg side, for a single.Â
Yuzvendra Chahal to Deepak Hooda, Presses forward to this full ball and defends.Â
Yuzvendra Chahal to KL Rahul, Flatter on middle, pushed through mid off for a single.Â
Kyle Jamieson to KL Rahul, A length ball on middle, pushed through mid on for a single. A very good over by Kyle!Â
Kyle Jamieson to Deepak Hooda, A length ball on middle, tucked through mid-wicket for a single.Â
Kyle Jamieson to Deepak Hooda, Around off, pushed to point.Â
Here's Deepak Hooda!Â
Kyle Jamieson to Nicholas Pooran, ! CAUGHT! Another disappointing outing for Pooran as he departs for a 3-ball duck. He has not found his mojo in this edition of the League and he does not even open his account in this game. Jamieson bowls a short ball, around off, Nicholas Pooran hops and looks to push the ball away, but the ball takes the shoulder of the bat and lobs towards the point fielder, where Shahbaz Ahmed takes the catch.Â
Kyle Jamieson to KL Rahul, A short ball on middle, KL pulls this one to fine leg region. Fifty for KL Rahul and he will look to amp it up now and will want to help Punjab post a big total.Â
Kyle Jamieson to KL Rahul, ! When he goes over cover, you know that Rahul is confident. A length ball, around off, it is slightly slower and KL Rahul thrashes this one over the extra cover fence for a biggie.Â
Daniel Sams to Nicholas Pooran, Around off, length, pushed to the cover fielder.Â
Daniel Sams to Nicholas Pooran, WIDE. Short ball, down the leg side and it is wided.Â
Daniel Sams to Nicholas Pooran, A length ball around off, Pooran pushes it back to the bowler.Â
Nicholas Pooran comes out!Â
Daniel Sams to KL Rahul, Around off, pushed through point for a single.Â
Daniel Sams to Chris Gayle, ! CAUGHT! The stand has been broken as Sams gets the big, big wicket of Gayle. He has set the platform for Punjab and it will be because of him, that they can end up on a good total. This is the short ball, it is on the body, Chris Gayle looks to pull but the ball takes the top edge and lobs towards AB de Villiers, who makes no mistake. Bangalore have opened the door slightly now and will look to make inroads.Â
Daniel Sams to KL Rahul, ! Yet another biggie for Rahul! A length ball, around off, KL Rahul whacks this one over the long off fence for a biggie.Â
Daniel Sams to Chris Gayle, This is on middle, flicked through square leg for one.Â
Daniel Sams to Chris Gayle, WIDE! Shortish outside off, Gayle leaves it alone. Wide signalled.Â
Harshal Patel to Chris Gayle, So not a bad over from Harshal again despite going for a boundary! On off, the last ball is pushed to covers for one.
Harshal Patel to KL Rahul, Just the one again! Shorter and on middle, it is pulled through square leg for one more.
Harshal Patel to Chris Gayle, Gets away with that one! On the pads, Gayle looks to flick but misses to get hit on the pads. The keeper dives to his right and stops it.
Harshal Patel to Chris Gayle, A single! On middle, this is worked towards mid-wicket for one.
Harshal Patel to Chris Gayle, BEATEN! Length and on off, this one holds its line. Gayle is beaten as he tries to block.
Harshal Patel to Chris Gayle, ! Poor ball with fine leg up and Gayle tickles it away. On the pads, Gayle plays it fine and bags a boundary.
Yuzvendra Chahal to KL Rahul, ! What a shot that is! Rahul makes room and this is quicker and on off, Rahul manages to cut it late and through point for a boundary.
Yuzvendra Chahal to KL Rahul, ! Bang! Over the ropes. Rahul now has stepped on the gas. Another expensive over from Chahal. The slog sweep is out and it is nailed. Well over the square leg fence for a biggie.
Yuzvendra Chahal to Chris Gayle, Slightly slower again and on the pads, this is hit through square leg for one.
Yuzvendra Chahal to Chris Gayle, Slower but the length is shorter, it is pushed back to the bowler.
Yuzvendra Chahal to KL Rahul, Quicker and on middle, Rahul pushes it through covers for one.
Yuzvendra Chahal to Chris Gayle, On the pads. This is worked around the corner for one.
Harshal Patel to Chris Gayle, A single to end! So despite the boundary, just 6 from the over. On the pads, this is worked through square leg for one.
Harshal Patel to KL Rahul, Fifty run stand up! A superb one. Gayle has been the mainstay but this partnership has laid the foundation for Punjab to score big. Rahul leans into this one and strokes it through covers for one.
Harshal Patel to KL Rahul, Swing and a miss! Outside off, Rahul looks to go over covers but misses.
Harshal Patel to KL Rahul, One more dot! On middle, it is pushed back to the bowler.
Harshal Patel to KL Rahul, ! Rahul now gets into the act! This is short and wide outside off, Rahul goes after it, this time he connects and it goes wide of third man for a boundary.
Harshal Patel to KL Rahul, Well bowled! Bends his back on this one and lands it on a length outside off, Rahul does go after it but is beaten by the extra bounce.
Strategic Time-Out! What seemed to be a good start for Bangalore has been turned on its head by Gayle in the past two overs. It looks like we are in for a Gayle storm here and if he continues in the same manner, then Kohli has a long night ahead of him. Bangalore will be hoping that they can break this stand and send Gayle back firstly, and then take some more wickets to push Punjab back. Also, the Purple Cap holder, Harshal Patel will have a crack now.Â
Yuzvendra Chahal to Chris Gayle, Well bowled! The googly and quicker on middle, defended.
Yuzvendra Chahal to Chris Gayle, A block! That came out of nowhere. Floated up on off, defended.
Yuzvendra Chahal to Chris Gayle, Deft from Gayle! The paddle sweep comes out. It is hit fine on the leg side for two.
Yuzvendra Chahal to Chris Gayle, ! That is hit as flat as one could and it clears the ropes. Raw power. Chahal tosses it up and on off, it is powered down the ground and it goes over the long off fence. Gayle storm alert here!
Yuzvendra Chahal to Chris Gayle, ! Gayle is in the mood here. Punjab are off to a complete flier thanks to that man. This too is right in his arc. Full and on off, Gayle lifts it well over the long off fence.
Yuzvendra Chahal to KL Rahul, On middle, this is hit down to long on for one.
Bowling change. Yuzvendra Chahal has been introduced into the attack.Â
Kyle Jamieson to Chris Gayle, ! 20 from the over then! That ends a superb Powerplay for Punjab. They started off slowly but finish with 49! This is short and it sits up to be hit. Gayle slaps it through covers for another boundary.Â
Kyle Jamieson to Chris Gayle, That could have well been 5 in a row! Gayle misses out. It is a full toss on off, Gayle hits it but to covers. He may have been surprised by this.
Kyle Jamieson to Chris Gayle, ! Make that 4 in a row! This is raw power. The ball though is in the slot. Fuller and on middle, it is hammered towards long on. There is a fielder at the boundary but he has no chance.
Kyle Jamieson to Chris Gayle, ! Over mid on now. Three boundaries in a row and this slow start has got good now. This is fuller again and on middle, it is hit over mid on for another boundary.
Kyle Jamieson to Chris Gayle, ! Through mid-wicket. This was coming and Gayle knew it. It is short and on middle, Gayle was ready for it, he pulls it through mid-wicket for consecutive boundaries.
Kyle Jamieson to Chris Gayle, ! Up and over! First boundary for Gayle! That was in his slot. Full and outside off, he lifts it over extra cover for a boundary.
Mohammed Siraj to Chris Gayle, Around off, tapped to the off side for one more run to end the over.Â
Mohammed Siraj to KL Rahul, Flicked to mid-wicket for a single.Â
Mohammed Siraj to KL Rahul, ! SHOT! What a top stroke this was. This is what Rahul can do! A length ball, around off, KL Rahul shows the full face of the blade and creams this one through mid on. The ball runs away to the ropes.Â
Mohammed Siraj to Chris Gayle, The Universe Boss gets off the mark on his first ball! A full toss, on middle, flicked through mid-wicket for one.Â
Mohammed Siraj to KL Rahul, Another good length ball outside off, Rahul eases this one through backward point, for a single.Â
Mohammed Siraj to KL Rahul, Angles in a length ball around off, Rahul gently gives the ball back to Siraj, with a push.Â
Kyle Jamieson to KL Rahul, This is around off, KL hops and helps this one through square leg for one. A very good start by Jamieson!Â
Kyle Jamieson to KL Rahul, Slightly behind the good length and around off, Rahul nudges this one to the mid-wicket region. Rahul wanted the single but when the Universe Boss says no for the single, you just head back into your crease.Â
Kyle Jamieson to KL Rahul, WIDE. Down the leg side and KL misses his tuck away.Â
Kyle Jamieson to KL Rahul, Short of a length ball on off, KL blocks it out.Â
Kyle Jamieson to Prabhsimran Singh, ! CAUGHT! The extra bounce gets the trick done and the new opening stand for Punjab does not work out. Singh looks to be extra aggressive but it does not work out and he heads back now. This is the short ball, around off, the ball bounces more than what Singh anticipated probably as he made some room and looked to slap it away. The ball takes the top part of the blade and lobs towards the cover region. Virat Kohli is the fielder there and he will tak
The Universe Boss, Chris Gayle is in now.Â
Kyle Jamieson to Prabhsimran Singh, Around off, tapped to the short third man fielder.Â
Kyle Jamieson to KL Rahul, Well hit but well fielded by the fielder too. A length ball, around off, KL Rahul drives this one nicely through extra cover, but Virat Kohli does incredibly well to dive to his right and stop the ball. Saved three runs for his side.Â
Bowling change. Kyle Jamieson has been introduced into the attack.Â
Daniel Sams to Prabhsimran Singh, Outside off, slapped to the fielder at covers. Even though Sams gave away a boundary, just the 5 runs off the over.Â
Daniel Sams to Prabhsimran Singh, ! What a good stroke by Singh. Will give him some confidence. A length ball, around off, Prabhsimran Singh plants his front foot ahead and lofts this one over the bowler's head and the ball takes a bounce and goes past the ropes.Â
Daniel Sams to Prabhsimran Singh, The slowish length ball on off this time around. Singh taps this to the off side.Â
Daniel Sams to KL Rahul, Same line and length as the last ball, Rahul goes back and punches this one through point and gives the strike to Singh.Â
Daniel Sams to KL Rahul, Slightly behind the good length and around the off pole, Rahul works this one to covers, but it is straight to the fielder.Â
Daniel Sams to KL Rahul, Angles in a length ball across the right-hander, KL looks to slash this one away to the off side but misses.Â
Mohammed Siraj to Prabhsimran Singh, This is the short ball, around off. Prabhsimran Singh does not connect with it too well but hits it well enough in the gap at mid-wicket for a couple.Â
Mohammed Siraj to KL Rahul, Siraj was looking for the yorker but ends up dishing a low full toss on middle, Rahul pushes this to mid on for a quick run. A shy by the fielder at the non-striker's end but it is missed.Â
Mohammed Siraj to KL Rahul, Around off, nudged to the leg side.Â
Mohammed Siraj to KL Rahul, Siraj does well here. He sees that Rahul is making room to the leg side and follows him with a back of a length delivery. Rahul works this one to covers.Â
Mohammed Siraj to KL Rahul, ! The first biggie of the evening and it is the Punjab skipper, KL Rahul who has got it. Has hit that very cleanly. A back of a length ball, around off, this is slightly pacy but KL does not care. He whacks this one over the deep mid-wicket fence.Â
Mohammed Siraj to KL Rahul, Closer to the off pole and on a good length, KL pushes this one to the fielder at point.Â
Mohammed Siraj to KL Rahul, WIDE! Slips this length ball down the leg side, KL looks to flick but misses. Wide signalled. An appeal by Siraj, for caught behind, but the umpire does not agree.Â
Will it be Mohammed Siraj from the other end? Yes, it is Siraj!Â
Daniel Sams to KL Rahul, A single to end a very good first over from Sams! A length ball, outside off, this is slapped through point by Rahul. Just 3 off the opening over!Â
Daniel Sams to KL Rahul, Good length and outside off, Rahul strokes this one to the fielder at covers.Â
Daniel Sams to Prabhsimran Singh, Singh opens his account right on his first ball! This is again short of a length, on off, Singh fends this one to the right of mid off for a single.Â
Daniel Sams to KL Rahul, A back of a length ball, around off, angling in from Sams. KL taps this one to the leg side.Â
Daniel Sams to KL Rahul, What a good ball first up from Sams! Starts off with a fiery yorker on middle, KL does really well to dig this ball out. Right on the money straightaway!Â
Daniel Sams to KL Rahul, KL and Punjab open their account here! This is a length ball, around off, Rahul pushes this gently towards Kyle at mid off for a quick single.Â
Right then. We are done with all the pre-match formalities as the action is all set to begin. The two umpires make their way out into the middle now. They are followed by the openers for Punjab - a new pair as Mayank is not available and it is KL Rahul and Prabhsimran Singh who stride out. The Bangalore players are slowly spreading out too. Daniel Sams will begin with the ball. Let's gooooo!Â
Punjab (Playing XI) - KL Rahul (C/WK), Chris Gayle, Deepak Hooda, Nicholas Pooran, Prabhsimran Singh (IN PLACE OF MAYANK AGARWAL), Shahrukh Khan, Chris Jordan, Riley Meredith (IN PLACE OF MOISES HENRIQUES), Ravi Bishnoi, Mohammed Shami, Harpreet Brar (IN PLACE OF ARSHDEEP SINGH).Â
Bangalore (Playing XI) - Virat Kohli (C), Devdutt Padikkal, Rajat Patidar, Glenn Maxwell, AB de Villiers (WK), Shahbaz Ahmed (IN PLACE OF WASHINGTON SUNDAR), Daniel Sams, Kyle Jamieson, Harshal Patel, Mohammed Siraj, Yuzvendra Chahal.Â
KL Rahul, the Punjab captain, says that they have to go out there and put up a show. Informs that they have three changes as Moises Henriques, Arshdeep Singh, and Mayank Agarwal miss out and Riley Meredith, Prabhsimran Singh, and Harpreet Brar come in. Says that they are a young group of guys, with the exception of Gayle and they want to learn from their mistakes and play some good cricket.Â
The Bangalore skipper, Virat Kohli says they are going to bowl first as he saw the game last night and they are just one partnership away from putting pressure. Adds it looked tacky initially and then became a better wicket as the game progressed. Informs Shahbaz Ahmed comes in for Washington Sundar. Adds they just want to play good cricket, they are not looking at the table and just want to give their best. States the bowlers have been really good, he has quite a few options and they are execut
TOSS - Both the skippers, Virat Kohli and KL Rahul are out in the middle for the all important toss. Up goes the coin and it lands in the favor of Kohli! BANGALORE WILL BOWL!Â
PITCH REPORT - Simon Doull is in for the pitch report. He says that the turf is good and there is good grass coverage and you have to make the most of the new ball. Feels that the teams need to defend the short side of the pitch and ends by saying that if you bowl well during the Powerplay, then you can perform well.Â
One of India's most talented legends is facing off against one of India's most promising talents. Yes, it is the clashing of swords between Virat Kohli and KL Rahul, as Bangalore and Punjab battle it out. There is some sort of striking similarity between these two and watching them face off is never a dull affair. Both the teams are coming into this game, with contrasting form, as Bangalore sits in third place and have just lost one game so far, whereas, Punjab are in sixth place and seems to be
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Royal Challengers Bangalore
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Right. Bangalore needs 180 to win and they will be rearing to come out and have a go at this Punjab bowling attack. The dew has not settled in yet and Bangalore will be hoping that it does. Punjab have finished well and will be looking to take that momentum into their bowling too. An exciting run chase is on the cards. Join us shortly for the same...
Shabaz Ahmed says it is a better wicket and the ball is coming onto the bat nicely, especially for the pacers and the spinnersâ ball is gripping a little but still a good wicket to bat on. Adds there is now dew right now but he hopes it comes in. Mentions they did well to pull things back but Punjab finished well but he feels it is a chasable total. Ends by saying the team management will decide where he bats.
The bowling by Bangalore was good at the start, and in the middle overs, but towards the end, they kind off lost the plot. Patel, who has been very reliable for them, was smashed for more than 50 runs in his 4 overs. Sams and Siraj were the pick of the lot but overall, Bangalore would feel that they could have done better in the backend of the innings.Â
It was a slow start by Punjab, as Rahul played slow as he does usually and Singh could not get going. It was at that point that the Universe Boss, Gayle comes out and accelerated and stitched an 80-run with Rahul. When Gayle fell, that is when Bangalore smelt blood and snared a couple of good wickets. But some lusty blows towards the end from Rahul and Brar, saw them reach the 180-run mark.Â
This has been a brilliant comeback by Bangalore after they were on the back foot, when Rahul and Gayle were going about their business, but Punjab will be very happy with the way they finished their innings off, with a bang courtesy of their skipper, KL Rahul. Though, Bangalore did not lose their heads and kept on probing but their heads will be slightly low as they conceded 47 runs in the last 3 overs.Â
Harshal Patel to Harpreet Brar, ! He won't be regretting that single now as Brar ends hare innings in style! What an innings this guy has played! This is full and on the pads, it is whipped well over the square leg fence for a maximum. PUNJAB END WITH 179!
Harshal Patel to KL Rahul, A single! Rahul won't be getting to his ton now. A short one and on middle, this is pulled towards deep square leg. Rahul did not want a run but in the end goes for it as Brar had almsot come next to him.
Harshal Patel to KL Rahul, ! Rahul into the 90s! He has two balls to score 10 runs. This was a lucky boundary but he won't mind. Gets down on one knee again and tries to paddle scoop it. It is a slower one, fuller and on off, it goes off the top edge and over the keeper for a boundary.
Harshal Patel to KL Rahul, ! This is outrageous! Brilliant! The fine leg is in the ring so he shuffles across, he is helped by a full toss so he paddle scoops it over the fine leg fence.
Harshal Patel to KL Rahul, ! In the gap! Rahul makes room to access the shorter side but Patel bowls a full toss on the pads, this is whipped wide of deep square leg for a boundary.
Will Virat Kohli stick with Harshal Patel or will he hand the ball to Kyle Jamieson? Virat trusts Harshal Patel. Interesting. Can he repay the faith placed by his skipper?
Harshal Patel to Harpreet Brar, Does the right thing! Full and on off, it is hit down to long off for one.
Mohammed Siraj to KL Rahul, ! An edgy boundary to end but still just the 7 the over. This is full and wide outside off. Rahul swings, it flies off the outside edge and down to the third man fence.
Mohammed Siraj to Harpreet Brar, Just the one. On middle, it is hit down to long on for one. Can he end the over well?
Mohammed Siraj to Harpreet Brar, Another dot! A bumper on middle, Brar is taken by surprise. He fails to put bat on ball.
Mohammed Siraj to KL Rahul, Rahul looks to play the paddle scoop. Moves right across and Siraj bowls it full and outside off. It goes off the toe-end towards the leg side for one.
Mohammed Siraj to Harpreet Brar, An appeal but the bowler is the only one doing so. Brar opens his front leg and Siraj bowls a yorker on the pads. Brar swings but misses to get hit on the boot. It goes on the leg side for a leg bye.
Who will bowl the penultimate over? It is Mohammed Siraj. 2-0-18-0 so far.Â
Mohammed Siraj to Harpreet Brar, A dot to begin! On the pads, Brar swings but misses to get hit on the pads.
Harshal Patel to KL Rahul, Two more! Shorter and on the body, Rahul pulls it behind square on the leg side for two.
Harshal Patel to KL Rahul, ! 18 from the over. 150 up and this is just what Punjab needed. Momentum shifts again. A short one and down the leg side. It is pulled past short fine leg and it races away to the fence.
Harshal Patel to Harpreet Brar, Now takes one! Good sensible batting. This is really full, not there to be hit. It is worked down to long on for one.
Harshal Patel to Harpreet Brar, ! Brar is playing a gem here! That was just timed, very nonchalant. Angling into middle, a slower one. Harpreet whips it over the mid-wicket fence for a biggie.
Harshal Patel to Harpreet Brar, ! Shot! That is a boundary after a long, long time and it will help, not only Punjab but Rahul too. Pressure released. Fuller and on off, Brar lifts it over mid off for a boundary.
Harshal or Siraj? Or will Shahbaz Ahmed continue? It is Harshal Patel who will bowl now. 2-0-13-0 so far.Â
Harshal Patel to KL Rahul, Just the one! A full toss on the pads, it is worked towards deep mid-wicket for one.
Daniel Sams to Harpreet Brar, Just another one. A fuller one on off, it is guided to point for one.
Daniel Sams to KL Rahul, Direct hit and Rahul was a goner! A slower one on off, this is pushed to covers. Rahul wants strike and goes for one. The fielder to Rahul's luck, misses.Â
Daniel Sams to Harpreet Brar, A bumper on the body, it is ducked under. Rahul wants a wide bit not given.
Daniel Sams to Harpreet Brar, On middle, Brar does well by working it on the leg side and giving the strike to Rahul.
Daniel Sams to KL Rahul, Batting really sensibly is Rahul! Fuller and on off, this is hit down to long off for one.
Daniel Sams to KL Rahul, Two! Shorter and outside off, Rahul cuts it through point for a couple.
Chahal is done for the night. Who will bowl now? Daniel Sams comes back on.Â
Shahbaz Ahmed to Harpreet Brar, Really full and on middle, this is hit down to long on for one.
Shahbaz Ahmed to KL Rahul, On middle, this is pushed down to long off for one.
Shahbaz Ahmed to KL Rahul, Good running! On middle, this is worked with soft hands, wide of long on for two.
Strategic Time-Out! Bangalore have done well to come back here. Gayle and Rahul were motoring along very nicely but after Gayle fell, the other batters have just not been able to contribute. There is more onus on Rahul now to perform and Bangalore will want to close things out nicely.Â
Shahbaz Ahmed to Harpreet Brar, Bowled outside off, it is dragged through mid-wicket for one.
Shahbaz Ahmed to KL Rahul, In the air but safe. Ahmed follows Rahul as he makes room. Rahul looks to paddle sweep but the ball holds in the surface. It goes off the top edge. Lands safe on the leg side. Rahul was worried about it being a catch, he takes off late for a run but makes it in.
Shahbaz Ahmed to Harpreet Brar, Shorter and outside off, this is slapped through covers for one.
Yuzvendra Chahal to Harpreet Brar, Single to end! This is bowled on the pads, flicked through square leg for one. Chahal was very poor in his first two overs but has bounced back really well in his last two overs. Finishes with 4-0-34-1.Â
Yuzvendra Chahal to Harpreet Brar, The batsman has just watchfully blocked this out.
Who comes out now? It is Harpreet Brar!Â
Yuzvendra Chahal to Shahrukh Khan, ! 'BOWLED EM! Shahrukh goes back for a duck and Chahal gets in on the act! He has struggled so far in the League but he will be happy with how he has taken this wicket here. Will give him immense confidence. This is dragged back slightly and it is around off, the ball hits the deck and spins back as Shahrukh Khan goes back and looks to cut it away. He misses and you know the rest of the story. Punjab slipping further.Â
Yuzvendra Chahal to Shahrukh Khan, An appeal for LBW but turned down! This is floated and on middle and leg, Khan looks to block it out but he misses. An appeal but the umpire shakes his head. Was going down leg.Â
Yuzvendra Chahal to Shahrukh Khan, Tossed up and around off, pushed to the leg side.Â
Yuzvendra Chahal to KL Rahul, Flatter on middle, KL bunts this one to long on for a single.Â
Shahrukh Khan is the new batter in.Â
Shahbaz Ahmed to Deepak Hooda, ! TAKEN! Ahmed takes the wicket in his first over and this spells the end of Hooda's innings. Punjab are losing wickets quickly here and they will want to steady things now. This is flatter and around off, Deepak Hooda gets low and looks to bang this one over the deep square leg fence, but he does not quite nail the timing on this one and Rajat Patidar there, takes a good catch.Â
Shahbaz Ahmed to Deepak Hooda, On off, this is pushed back to the bowler.Â
Shahbaz Ahmed to KL Rahul, Ahmed sees Rahul coming down the track and holds the ball back and bowls a slower wider one outside off, KL slaps this one through covers for one.Â
Shahbaz Ahmed to Deepak Hooda, Shortish and on off, Hooda works this through cover-point for a single.Â
Shahbaz Ahmed to KL Rahul, Drags his length back and bowls it on leg, KL goes back and eases this one to mid on for a single.Â
Shahbaz Ahmed to Deepak Hooda, Flatter and on middle, Hooda goes back and flicks it to square leg for one.Â
Yuzvendra Chahal to Deepak Hooda, Flatter ball on off, Deepak punches this through point for one. Chahal will be happy with this over, just 4 off it!Â
Yuzvendra Chahal to KL Rahul, Flighted on middle, Rahul makes room and pushes this through mid off for a single.Â
Yuzvendra Chahal to KL Rahul, Attacks the sticks with a shortish delivery, KL pushes this to covers.Â
Yuzvendra Chahal to Deepak Hooda, Tosses this one up and lands it on middle, Hooda gets low and just about in time, he gets his bat down and pushes it to the leg side, for a single.Â
Yuzvendra Chahal to Deepak Hooda, Presses forward to this full ball and defends.Â
Yuzvendra Chahal to KL Rahul, Flatter on middle, pushed through mid off for a single.Â
Kyle Jamieson to KL Rahul, A length ball on middle, pushed through mid on for a single. A very good over by Kyle!Â
Kyle Jamieson to Deepak Hooda, A length ball on middle, tucked through mid-wicket for a single.Â
Kyle Jamieson to Deepak Hooda, Around off, pushed to point.Â
Here's Deepak Hooda!Â
Kyle Jamieson to Nicholas Pooran, ! CAUGHT! Another disappointing outing for Pooran as he departs for a 3-ball duck. He has not found his mojo in this edition of the League and he does not even open his account in this game. Jamieson bowls a short ball, around off, Nicholas Pooran hops and looks to push the ball away, but the ball takes the shoulder of the bat and lobs towards the point fielder, where Shahbaz Ahmed takes the catch.Â
Kyle Jamieson to KL Rahul, A short ball on middle, KL pulls this one to fine leg region. Fifty for KL Rahul and he will look to amp it up now and will want to help Punjab post a big total.Â
Kyle Jamieson to KL Rahul, ! When he goes over cover, you know that Rahul is confident. A length ball, around off, it is slightly slower and KL Rahul thrashes this one over the extra cover fence for a biggie.Â
Daniel Sams to Nicholas Pooran, Around off, length, pushed to the cover fielder.Â
Daniel Sams to Nicholas Pooran, WIDE. Short ball, down the leg side and it is wided.Â
Daniel Sams to Nicholas Pooran, A length ball around off, Pooran pushes it back to the bowler.Â
Nicholas Pooran comes out!Â
Daniel Sams to KL Rahul, Around off, pushed through point for a single.Â
Daniel Sams to Chris Gayle, ! CAUGHT! The stand has been broken as Sams gets the big, big wicket of Gayle. He has set the platform for Punjab and it will be because of him, that they can end up on a good total. This is the short ball, it is on the body, Chris Gayle looks to pull but the ball takes the top edge and lobs towards AB de Villiers, who makes no mistake. Bangalore have opened the door slightly now and will look to make inroads.Â
Daniel Sams to KL Rahul, ! Yet another biggie for Rahul! A length ball, around off, KL Rahul whacks this one over the long off fence for a biggie.Â
Daniel Sams to Chris Gayle, This is on middle, flicked through square leg for one.Â
Daniel Sams to Chris Gayle, WIDE! Shortish outside off, Gayle leaves it alone. Wide signalled.Â
Harshal Patel to Chris Gayle, So not a bad over from Harshal again despite going for a boundary! On off, the last ball is pushed to covers for one.
Harshal Patel to KL Rahul, Just the one again! Shorter and on middle, it is pulled through square leg for one more.
Harshal Patel to Chris Gayle, Gets away with that one! On the pads, Gayle looks to flick but misses to get hit on the pads. The keeper dives to his right and stops it.
Harshal Patel to Chris Gayle, A single! On middle, this is worked towards mid-wicket for one.
Harshal Patel to Chris Gayle, BEATEN! Length and on off, this one holds its line. Gayle is beaten as he tries to block.
Harshal Patel to Chris Gayle, ! Poor ball with fine leg up and Gayle tickles it away. On the pads, Gayle plays it fine and bags a boundary.
Yuzvendra Chahal to KL Rahul, ! What a shot that is! Rahul makes room and this is quicker and on off, Rahul manages to cut it late and through point for a boundary.
Yuzvendra Chahal to KL Rahul, ! Bang! Over the ropes. Rahul now has stepped on the gas. Another expensive over from Chahal. The slog sweep is out and it is nailed. Well over the square leg fence for a biggie.
Yuzvendra Chahal to Chris Gayle, Slightly slower again and on the pads, this is hit through square leg for one.
Yuzvendra Chahal to Chris Gayle, Slower but the length is shorter, it is pushed back to the bowler.
Yuzvendra Chahal to KL Rahul, Quicker and on middle, Rahul pushes it through covers for one.
Yuzvendra Chahal to Chris Gayle, On the pads. This is worked around the corner for one.
Harshal Patel to Chris Gayle, A single to end! So despite the boundary, just 6 from the over. On the pads, this is worked through square leg for one.
Harshal Patel to KL Rahul, Fifty run stand up! A superb one. Gayle has been the mainstay but this partnership has laid the foundation for Punjab to score big. Rahul leans into this one and strokes it through covers for one.
Harshal Patel to KL Rahul, Swing and a miss! Outside off, Rahul looks to go over covers but misses.
Harshal Patel to KL Rahul, One more dot! On middle, it is pushed back to the bowler.
Harshal Patel to KL Rahul, ! Rahul now gets into the act! This is short and wide outside off, Rahul goes after it, this time he connects and it goes wide of third man for a boundary.
Harshal Patel to KL Rahul, Well bowled! Bends his back on this one and lands it on a length outside off, Rahul does go after it but is beaten by the extra bounce.
Strategic Time-Out! What seemed to be a good start for Bangalore has been turned on its head by Gayle in the past two overs. It looks like we are in for a Gayle storm here and if he continues in the same manner, then Kohli has a long night ahead of him. Bangalore will be hoping that they can break this stand and send Gayle back firstly, and then take some more wickets to push Punjab back. Also, the Purple Cap holder, Harshal Patel will have a crack now.Â
Yuzvendra Chahal to Chris Gayle, Well bowled! The googly and quicker on middle, defended.
Yuzvendra Chahal to Chris Gayle, A block! That came out of nowhere. Floated up on off, defended.
Yuzvendra Chahal to Chris Gayle, Deft from Gayle! The paddle sweep comes out. It is hit fine on the leg side for two.
Yuzvendra Chahal to Chris Gayle, ! That is hit as flat as one could and it clears the ropes. Raw power. Chahal tosses it up and on off, it is powered down the ground and it goes over the long off fence. Gayle storm alert here!
Yuzvendra Chahal to Chris Gayle, ! Gayle is in the mood here. Punjab are off to a complete flier thanks to that man. This too is right in his arc. Full and on off, Gayle lifts it well over the long off fence.
Yuzvendra Chahal to KL Rahul, On middle, this is hit down to long on for one.
Bowling change. Yuzvendra Chahal has been introduced into the attack.Â
Kyle Jamieson to Chris Gayle, ! 20 from the over then! That ends a superb Powerplay for Punjab. They started off slowly but finish with 49! This is short and it sits up to be hit. Gayle slaps it through covers for another boundary.Â
Kyle Jamieson to Chris Gayle, That could have well been 5 in a row! Gayle misses out. It is a full toss on off, Gayle hits it but to covers. He may have been surprised by this.
Kyle Jamieson to Chris Gayle, ! Make that 4 in a row! This is raw power. The ball though is in the slot. Fuller and on middle, it is hammered towards long on. There is a fielder at the boundary but he has no chance.
Kyle Jamieson to Chris Gayle, ! Over mid on now. Three boundaries in a row and this slow start has got good now. This is fuller again and on middle, it is hit over mid on for another boundary.
Kyle Jamieson to Chris Gayle, ! Through mid-wicket. This was coming and Gayle knew it. It is short and on middle, Gayle was ready for it, he pulls it through mid-wicket for consecutive boundaries.
Kyle Jamieson to Chris Gayle, ! Up and over! First boundary for Gayle! That was in his slot. Full and outside off, he lifts it over extra cover for a boundary.
Mohammed Siraj to Chris Gayle, Around off, tapped to the off side for one more run to end the over.Â
Mohammed Siraj to KL Rahul, Flicked to mid-wicket for a single.Â
Mohammed Siraj to KL Rahul, ! SHOT! What a top stroke this was. This is what Rahul can do! A length ball, around off, KL Rahul shows the full face of the blade and creams this one through mid on. The ball runs away to the ropes.Â
Mohammed Siraj to Chris Gayle, The Universe Boss gets off the mark on his first ball! A full toss, on middle, flicked through mid-wicket for one.Â
Mohammed Siraj to KL Rahul, Another good length ball outside off, Rahul eases this one through backward point, for a single.Â
Mohammed Siraj to KL Rahul, Angles in a length ball around off, Rahul gently gives the ball back to Siraj, with a push.Â
Kyle Jamieson to KL Rahul, This is around off, KL hops and helps this one through square leg for one. A very good start by Jamieson!Â
Kyle Jamieson to KL Rahul, Slightly behind the good length and around off, Rahul nudges this one to the mid-wicket region. Rahul wanted the single but when the Universe Boss says no for the single, you just head back into your crease.Â
Kyle Jamieson to KL Rahul, WIDE. Down the leg side and KL misses his tuck away.Â
Kyle Jamieson to KL Rahul, Short of a length ball on off, KL blocks it out.Â
Kyle Jamieson to Prabhsimran Singh, ! CAUGHT! The extra bounce gets the trick done and the new opening stand for Punjab does not work out. Singh looks to be extra aggressive but it does not work out and he heads back now. This is the short ball, around off, the ball bounces more than what Singh anticipated probably as he made some room and looked to slap it away. The ball takes the top part of the blade and lobs towards the cover region. Virat Kohli is the fielder there and he will tak
The Universe Boss, Chris Gayle is in now.Â
Kyle Jamieson to Prabhsimran Singh, Around off, tapped to the short third man fielder.Â
Kyle Jamieson to KL Rahul, Well hit but well fielded by the fielder too. A length ball, around off, KL Rahul drives this one nicely through extra cover, but Virat Kohli does incredibly well to dive to his right and stop the ball. Saved three runs for his side.Â
Bowling change. Kyle Jamieson has been introduced into the attack.Â
Daniel Sams to Prabhsimran Singh, Outside off, slapped to the fielder at covers. Even though Sams gave away a boundary, just the 5 runs off the over.Â
Daniel Sams to Prabhsimran Singh, ! What a good stroke by Singh. Will give him some confidence. A length ball, around off, Prabhsimran Singh plants his front foot ahead and lofts this one over the bowler's head and the ball takes a bounce and goes past the ropes.Â
Daniel Sams to Prabhsimran Singh, The slowish length ball on off this time around. Singh taps this to the off side.Â
Daniel Sams to KL Rahul, Same line and length as the last ball, Rahul goes back and punches this one through point and gives the strike to Singh.Â
Daniel Sams to KL Rahul, Slightly behind the good length and around the off pole, Rahul works this one to covers, but it is straight to the fielder.Â
Daniel Sams to KL Rahul, Angles in a length ball across the right-hander, KL looks to slash this one away to the off side but misses.Â
Mohammed Siraj to Prabhsimran Singh, This is the short ball, around off. Prabhsimran Singh does not connect with it too well but hits it well enough in the gap at mid-wicket for a couple.Â
Mohammed Siraj to KL Rahul, Siraj was looking for the yorker but ends up dishing a low full toss on middle, Rahul pushes this to mid on for a quick run. A shy by the fielder at the non-striker's end but it is missed.Â
Mohammed Siraj to KL Rahul, Around off, nudged to the leg side.Â
Mohammed Siraj to KL Rahul, Siraj does well here. He sees that Rahul is making room to the leg side and follows him with a back of a length delivery. Rahul works this one to covers.Â
Mohammed Siraj to KL Rahul, ! The first biggie of the evening and it is the Punjab skipper, KL Rahul who has got it. Has hit that very cleanly. A back of a length ball, around off, this is slightly pacy but KL does not care. He whacks this one over the deep mid-wicket fence.Â
Mohammed Siraj to KL Rahul, Closer to the off pole and on a good length, KL pushes this one to the fielder at point.Â
Mohammed Siraj to KL Rahul, WIDE! Slips this length ball down the leg side, KL looks to flick but misses. Wide signalled. An appeal by Siraj, for caught behind, but the umpire does not agree.Â
Will it be Mohammed Siraj from the other end? Yes, it is Siraj!Â
Daniel Sams to KL Rahul, A single to end a very good first over from Sams! A length ball, outside off, this is slapped through point by Rahul. Just 3 off the opening over!Â
Daniel Sams to KL Rahul, Good length and outside off, Rahul strokes this one to the fielder at covers.Â
Daniel Sams to Prabhsimran Singh, Singh opens his account right on his first ball! This is again short of a length, on off, Singh fends this one to the right of mid off for a single.Â
Daniel Sams to KL Rahul, A back of a length ball, around off, angling in from Sams. KL taps this one to the leg side.Â
Daniel Sams to KL Rahul, What a good ball first up from Sams! Starts off with a fiery yorker on middle, KL does really well to dig this ball out. Right on the money straightaway!Â
Daniel Sams to KL Rahul, KL and Punjab open their account here! This is a length ball, around off, Rahul pushes this gently towards Kyle at mid off for a quick single.Â
Right then. We are done with all the pre-match formalities as the action is all set to begin. The two umpires make their way out into the middle now. They are followed by the openers for Punjab - a new pair as Mayank is not available and it is KL Rahul and Prabhsimran Singh who stride out. The Bangalore players are slowly spreading out too. Daniel Sams will begin with the ball. Let's gooooo!Â
Punjab (Playing XI) - KL Rahul (C/WK), Chris Gayle, Deepak Hooda, Nicholas Pooran, Prabhsimran Singh (IN PLACE OF MAYANK AGARWAL), Shahrukh Khan, Chris Jordan, Riley Meredith (IN PLACE OF MOISES HENRIQUES), Ravi Bishnoi, Mohammed Shami, Harpreet Brar (IN PLACE OF ARSHDEEP SINGH).Â
Bangalore (Playing XI) - Virat Kohli (C), Devdutt Padikkal, Rajat Patidar, Glenn Maxwell, AB de Villiers (WK), Shahbaz Ahmed (IN PLACE OF WASHINGTON SUNDAR), Daniel Sams, Kyle Jamieson, Harshal Patel, Mohammed Siraj, Yuzvendra Chahal.Â
KL Rahul, the Punjab captain, says that they have to go out there and put up a show. Informs that they have three changes as Moises Henriques, Arshdeep Singh, and Mayank Agarwal miss out and Riley Meredith, Prabhsimran Singh, and Harpreet Brar come in. Says that they are a young group of guys, with the exception of Gayle and they want to learn from their mistakes and play some good cricket.Â
The Bangalore skipper, Virat Kohli says they are going to bowl first as he saw the game last night and they are just one partnership away from putting pressure. Adds it looked tacky initially and then became a better wicket as the game progressed. Informs Shahbaz Ahmed comes in for Washington Sundar. Adds they just want to play good cricket, they are not looking at the table and just want to give their best. States the bowlers have been really good, he has quite a few options and they are execut
TOSS - Both the skippers, Virat Kohli and KL Rahul are out in the middle for the all important toss. Up goes the coin and it lands in the favor of Kohli! BANGALORE WILL BOWL!Â
PITCH REPORT - Simon Doull is in for the pitch report. He says that the turf is good and there is good grass coverage and you have to make the most of the new ball. Feels that the teams need to defend the short side of the pitch and ends by saying that if you bowl well during the Powerplay, then you can perform well.Â
One of India's most talented legends is facing off against one of India's most promising talents. Yes, it is the clashing of swords between Virat Kohli and KL Rahul, as Bangalore and Punjab battle it out. There is some sort of striking similarity between these two and watching them face off is never a dull affair. Both the teams are coming into this game, with contrasting form, as Bangalore sits in third place and have just lost one game so far, whereas, Punjab are in sixth place and seems to be
Right. Bangalore needs 180 to win and they will be rearing to come out and have a go at this Punjab bowling attack. The dew has not settled in yet and Bangalore will be hoping that it does. Punjab have finished well and will be looking to take that momentum into their bowling too. An exciting run chase is on the cards. Join us shortly for the same...
Shabaz Ahmed says it is a better wicket and the ball is coming onto the bat nicely, especially for the pacers and the spinnersâ ball is gripping a little but still a good wicket to bat on. Adds there is now dew right now but he hopes it comes in. Mentions they did well to pull things back but Punjab finished well but he feels it is a chasable total. Ends by saying the team management will decide where he bats.
The bowling by Bangalore was good at the start, and in the middle overs, but towards the end, they kind off lost the plot. Patel, who has been very reliable for them, was smashed for more than 50 runs in his 4 overs. Sams and Siraj were the pick of the lot but overall, Bangalore would feel that they could have done better in the backend of the innings.Â
It was a slow start by Punjab, as Rahul played slow as he does usually and Singh could not get going. It was at that point that the Universe Boss, Gayle comes out and accelerated and stitched an 80-run with Rahul. When Gayle fell, that is when Bangalore smelt blood and snared a couple of good wickets. But some lusty blows towards the end from Rahul and Brar, saw them reach the 180-run mark.Â
This has been a brilliant comeback by Bangalore after they were on the back foot, when Rahul and Gayle were going about their business, but Punjab will be very happy with the way they finished their innings off, with a bang courtesy of their skipper, KL Rahul. Though, Bangalore did not lose their heads and kept on probing but their heads will be slightly low as they conceded 47 runs in the last 3 overs.Â
Harshal Patel to Harpreet Brar, ! He won't be regretting that single now as Brar ends hare innings in style! What an innings this guy has played! This is full and on the pads, it is whipped well over the square leg fence for a maximum. PUNJAB END WITH 179!
Harshal Patel to KL Rahul, A single! Rahul won't be getting to his ton now. A short one and on middle, this is pulled towards deep square leg. Rahul did not want a run but in the end goes for it as Brar had almsot come next to him.
Harshal Patel to KL Rahul, ! Rahul into the 90s! He has two balls to score 10 runs. This was a lucky boundary but he won't mind. Gets down on one knee again and tries to paddle scoop it. It is a slower one, fuller and on off, it goes off the top edge and over the keeper for a boundary.
Harshal Patel to KL Rahul, ! This is outrageous! Brilliant! The fine leg is in the ring so he shuffles across, he is helped by a full toss so he paddle scoops it over the fine leg fence.
Harshal Patel to KL Rahul, ! In the gap! Rahul makes room to access the shorter side but Patel bowls a full toss on the pads, this is whipped wide of deep square leg for a boundary.
Will Virat Kohli stick with Harshal Patel or will he hand the ball to Kyle Jamieson? Virat trusts Harshal Patel. Interesting. Can he repay the faith placed by his skipper?
Harshal Patel to Harpreet Brar, Does the right thing! Full and on off, it is hit down to long off for one.
Mohammed Siraj to KL Rahul, ! An edgy boundary to end but still just the 7 the over. This is full and wide outside off. Rahul swings, it flies off the outside edge and down to the third man fence.
Mohammed Siraj to Harpreet Brar, Just the one. On middle, it is hit down to long on for one. Can he end the over well?
Mohammed Siraj to Harpreet Brar, Another dot! A bumper on middle, Brar is taken by surprise. He fails to put bat on ball.
Mohammed Siraj to KL Rahul, Rahul looks to play the paddle scoop. Moves right across and Siraj bowls it full and outside off. It goes off the toe-end towards the leg side for one.
Mohammed Siraj to Harpreet Brar, An appeal but the bowler is the only one doing so. Brar opens his front leg and Siraj bowls a yorker on the pads. Brar swings but misses to get hit on the boot. It goes on the leg side for a leg bye.
Who will bowl the penultimate over? It is Mohammed Siraj. 2-0-18-0 so far.Â
Mohammed Siraj to Harpreet Brar, A dot to begin! On the pads, Brar swings but misses to get hit on the pads.
Harshal Patel to KL Rahul, Two more! Shorter and on the body, Rahul pulls it behind square on the leg side for two.
Harshal Patel to KL Rahul, ! 18 from the over. 150 up and this is just what Punjab needed. Momentum shifts again. A short one and down the leg side. It is pulled past short fine leg and it races away to the fence.
Harshal Patel to Harpreet Brar, Now takes one! Good sensible batting. This is really full, not there to be hit. It is worked down to long on for one.
Harshal Patel to Harpreet Brar, ! Brar is playing a gem here! That was just timed, very nonchalant. Angling into middle, a slower one. Harpreet whips it over the mid-wicket fence for a biggie.
Harshal Patel to Harpreet Brar, ! Shot! That is a boundary after a long, long time and it will help, not only Punjab but Rahul too. Pressure released. Fuller and on off, Brar lifts it over mid off for a boundary.
Harshal or Siraj? Or will Shahbaz Ahmed continue? It is Harshal Patel who will bowl now. 2-0-13-0 so far.Â
Harshal Patel to KL Rahul, Just the one! A full toss on the pads, it is worked towards deep mid-wicket for one.
Daniel Sams to Harpreet Brar, Just another one. A fuller one on off, it is guided to point for one.
Daniel Sams to KL Rahul, Direct hit and Rahul was a goner! A slower one on off, this is pushed to covers. Rahul wants strike and goes for one. The fielder to Rahul's luck, misses.Â
Daniel Sams to Harpreet Brar, A bumper on the body, it is ducked under. Rahul wants a wide bit not given.
Daniel Sams to Harpreet Brar, On middle, Brar does well by working it on the leg side and giving the strike to Rahul.
Daniel Sams to KL Rahul, Batting really sensibly is Rahul! Fuller and on off, this is hit down to long off for one.
Daniel Sams to KL Rahul, Two! Shorter and outside off, Rahul cuts it through point for a couple.
Chahal is done for the night. Who will bowl now? Daniel Sams comes back on.Â
Shahbaz Ahmed to Harpreet Brar, Really full and on middle, this is hit down to long on for one.
Shahbaz Ahmed to KL Rahul, On middle, this is pushed down to long off for one.
Shahbaz Ahmed to KL Rahul, Good running! On middle, this is worked with soft hands, wide of long on for two.
Strategic Time-Out! Bangalore have done well to come back here. Gayle and Rahul were motoring along very nicely but after Gayle fell, the other batters have just not been able to contribute. There is more onus on Rahul now to perform and Bangalore will want to close things out nicely.Â
Shahbaz Ahmed to Harpreet Brar, Bowled outside off, it is dragged through mid-wicket for one.
Shahbaz Ahmed to KL Rahul, In the air but safe. Ahmed follows Rahul as he makes room. Rahul looks to paddle sweep but the ball holds in the surface. It goes off the top edge. Lands safe on the leg side. Rahul was worried about it being a catch, he takes off late for a run but makes it in.
Shahbaz Ahmed to Harpreet Brar, Shorter and outside off, this is slapped through covers for one.
Yuzvendra Chahal to Harpreet Brar, Single to end! This is bowled on the pads, flicked through square leg for one. Chahal was very poor in his first two overs but has bounced back really well in his last two overs. Finishes with 4-0-34-1.Â
Yuzvendra Chahal to Harpreet Brar, The batsman has just watchfully blocked this out.
Who comes out now? It is Harpreet Brar!Â
Yuzvendra Chahal to Shahrukh Khan, ! 'BOWLED EM! Shahrukh goes back for a duck and Chahal gets in on the act! He has struggled so far in the League but he will be happy with how he has taken this wicket here. Will give him immense confidence. This is dragged back slightly and it is around off, the ball hits the deck and spins back as Shahrukh Khan goes back and looks to cut it away. He misses and you know the rest of the story. Punjab slipping further.Â
Yuzvendra Chahal to Shahrukh Khan, An appeal for LBW but turned down! This is floated and on middle and leg, Khan looks to block it out but he misses. An appeal but the umpire shakes his head. Was going down leg.Â
Yuzvendra Chahal to Shahrukh Khan, Tossed up and around off, pushed to the leg side.Â
Yuzvendra Chahal to KL Rahul, Flatter on middle, KL bunts this one to long on for a single.Â
Shahrukh Khan is the new batter in.Â
Shahbaz Ahmed to Deepak Hooda, ! TAKEN! Ahmed takes the wicket in his first over and this spells the end of Hooda's innings. Punjab are losing wickets quickly here and they will want to steady things now. This is flatter and around off, Deepak Hooda gets low and looks to bang this one over the deep square leg fence, but he does not quite nail the timing on this one and Rajat Patidar there, takes a good catch.Â
Shahbaz Ahmed to Deepak Hooda, On off, this is pushed back to the bowler.Â
Shahbaz Ahmed to KL Rahul, Ahmed sees Rahul coming down the track and holds the ball back and bowls a slower wider one outside off, KL slaps this one through covers for one.Â
Shahbaz Ahmed to Deepak Hooda, Shortish and on off, Hooda works this through cover-point for a single.Â
Shahbaz Ahmed to KL Rahul, Drags his length back and bowls it on leg, KL goes back and eases this one to mid on for a single.Â
Shahbaz Ahmed to Deepak Hooda, Flatter and on middle, Hooda goes back and flicks it to square leg for one.Â
Yuzvendra Chahal to Deepak Hooda, Flatter ball on off, Deepak punches this through point for one. Chahal will be happy with this over, just 4 off it!Â
Yuzvendra Chahal to KL Rahul, Flighted on middle, Rahul makes room and pushes this through mid off for a single.Â
Yuzvendra Chahal to KL Rahul, Attacks the sticks with a shortish delivery, KL pushes this to covers.Â
Yuzvendra Chahal to Deepak Hooda, Tosses this one up and lands it on middle, Hooda gets low and just about in time, he gets his bat down and pushes it to the leg side, for a single.Â
Yuzvendra Chahal to Deepak Hooda, Presses forward to this full ball and defends.Â
Yuzvendra Chahal to KL Rahul, Flatter on middle, pushed through mid off for a single.Â
Kyle Jamieson to KL Rahul, A length ball on middle, pushed through mid on for a single. A very good over by Kyle!Â
Kyle Jamieson to Deepak Hooda, A length ball on middle, tucked through mid-wicket for a single.Â
Kyle Jamieson to Deepak Hooda, Around off, pushed to point.Â
Here's Deepak Hooda!Â
Kyle Jamieson to Nicholas Pooran, ! CAUGHT! Another disappointing outing for Pooran as he departs for a 3-ball duck. He has not found his mojo in this edition of the League and he does not even open his account in this game. Jamieson bowls a short ball, around off, Nicholas Pooran hops and looks to push the ball away, but the ball takes the shoulder of the bat and lobs towards the point fielder, where Shahbaz Ahmed takes the catch.Â
Kyle Jamieson to KL Rahul, A short ball on middle, KL pulls this one to fine leg region. Fifty for KL Rahul and he will look to amp it up now and will want to help Punjab post a big total.Â
Kyle Jamieson to KL Rahul, ! When he goes over cover, you know that Rahul is confident. A length ball, around off, it is slightly slower and KL Rahul thrashes this one over the extra cover fence for a biggie.Â
Daniel Sams to Nicholas Pooran, Around off, length, pushed to the cover fielder.Â
Daniel Sams to Nicholas Pooran, WIDE. Short ball, down the leg side and it is wided.Â
Daniel Sams to Nicholas Pooran, A length ball around off, Pooran pushes it back to the bowler.Â
Nicholas Pooran comes out!Â
Daniel Sams to KL Rahul, Around off, pushed through point for a single.Â
Daniel Sams to Chris Gayle, ! CAUGHT! The stand has been broken as Sams gets the big, big wicket of Gayle. He has set the platform for Punjab and it will be because of him, that they can end up on a good total. This is the short ball, it is on the body, Chris Gayle looks to pull but the ball takes the top edge and lobs towards AB de Villiers, who makes no mistake. Bangalore have opened the door slightly now and will look to make inroads.Â
Daniel Sams to KL Rahul, ! Yet another biggie for Rahul! A length ball, around off, KL Rahul whacks this one over the long off fence for a biggie.Â
Daniel Sams to Chris Gayle, This is on middle, flicked through square leg for one.Â
Daniel Sams to Chris Gayle, WIDE! Shortish outside off, Gayle leaves it alone. Wide signalled.Â
Harshal Patel to Chris Gayle, So not a bad over from Harshal again despite going for a boundary! On off, the last ball is pushed to covers for one.
Harshal Patel to KL Rahul, Just the one again! Shorter and on middle, it is pulled through square leg for one more.
Harshal Patel to Chris Gayle, Gets away with that one! On the pads, Gayle looks to flick but misses to get hit on the pads. The keeper dives to his right and stops it.
Harshal Patel to Chris Gayle, A single! On middle, this is worked towards mid-wicket for one.
Harshal Patel to Chris Gayle, BEATEN! Length and on off, this one holds its line. Gayle is beaten as he tries to block.
Harshal Patel to Chris Gayle, ! Poor ball with fine leg up and Gayle tickles it away. On the pads, Gayle plays it fine and bags a boundary.
Yuzvendra Chahal to KL Rahul, ! What a shot that is! Rahul makes room and this is quicker and on off, Rahul manages to cut it late and through point for a boundary.
Yuzvendra Chahal to KL Rahul, ! Bang! Over the ropes. Rahul now has stepped on the gas. Another expensive over from Chahal. The slog sweep is out and it is nailed. Well over the square leg fence for a biggie.
Yuzvendra Chahal to Chris Gayle, Slightly slower again and on the pads, this is hit through square leg for one.
Yuzvendra Chahal to Chris Gayle, Slower but the length is shorter, it is pushed back to the bowler.
Yuzvendra Chahal to KL Rahul, Quicker and on middle, Rahul pushes it through covers for one.
Yuzvendra Chahal to Chris Gayle, On the pads. This is worked around the corner for one.
Harshal Patel to Chris Gayle, A single to end! So despite the boundary, just 6 from the over. On the pads, this is worked through square leg for one.
Harshal Patel to KL Rahul, Fifty run stand up! A superb one. Gayle has been the mainstay but this partnership has laid the foundation for Punjab to score big. Rahul leans into this one and strokes it through covers for one.
Harshal Patel to KL Rahul, Swing and a miss! Outside off, Rahul looks to go over covers but misses.
Harshal Patel to KL Rahul, One more dot! On middle, it is pushed back to the bowler.
Harshal Patel to KL Rahul, ! Rahul now gets into the act! This is short and wide outside off, Rahul goes after it, this time he connects and it goes wide of third man for a boundary.
Harshal Patel to KL Rahul, Well bowled! Bends his back on this one and lands it on a length outside off, Rahul does go after it but is beaten by the extra bounce.
Strategic Time-Out! What seemed to be a good start for Bangalore has been turned on its head by Gayle in the past two overs. It looks like we are in for a Gayle storm here and if he continues in the same manner, then Kohli has a long night ahead of him. Bangalore will be hoping that they can break this stand and send Gayle back firstly, and then take some more wickets to push Punjab back. Also, the Purple Cap holder, Harshal Patel will have a crack now.Â
Yuzvendra Chahal to Chris Gayle, Well bowled! The googly and quicker on middle, defended.
Yuzvendra Chahal to Chris Gayle, A block! That came out of nowhere. Floated up on off, defended.
Yuzvendra Chahal to Chris Gayle, Deft from Gayle! The paddle sweep comes out. It is hit fine on the leg side for two.
Yuzvendra Chahal to Chris Gayle, ! That is hit as flat as one could and it clears the ropes. Raw power. Chahal tosses it up and on off, it is powered down the ground and it goes over the long off fence. Gayle storm alert here!
Yuzvendra Chahal to Chris Gayle, ! Gayle is in the mood here. Punjab are off to a complete flier thanks to that man. This too is right in his arc. Full and on off, Gayle lifts it well over the long off fence.
Yuzvendra Chahal to KL Rahul, On middle, this is hit down to long on for one.
Bowling change. Yuzvendra Chahal has been introduced into the attack.Â
Kyle Jamieson to Chris Gayle, ! 20 from the over then! That ends a superb Powerplay for Punjab. They started off slowly but finish with 49! This is short and it sits up to be hit. Gayle slaps it through covers for another boundary.Â
Kyle Jamieson to Chris Gayle, That could have well been 5 in a row! Gayle misses out. It is a full toss on off, Gayle hits it but to covers. He may have been surprised by this.
Kyle Jamieson to Chris Gayle, ! Make that 4 in a row! This is raw power. The ball though is in the slot. Fuller and on middle, it is hammered towards long on. There is a fielder at the boundary but he has no chance.
Kyle Jamieson to Chris Gayle, ! Over mid on now. Three boundaries in a row and this slow start has got good now. This is fuller again and on middle, it is hit over mid on for another boundary.
Kyle Jamieson to Chris Gayle, ! Through mid-wicket. This was coming and Gayle knew it. It is short and on middle, Gayle was ready for it, he pulls it through mid-wicket for consecutive boundaries.
Kyle Jamieson to Chris Gayle, ! Up and over! First boundary for Gayle! That was in his slot. Full and outside off, he lifts it over extra cover for a boundary.
Mohammed Siraj to Chris Gayle, Around off, tapped to the off side for one more run to end the over.Â
Mohammed Siraj to KL Rahul, Flicked to mid-wicket for a single.Â
Mohammed Siraj to KL Rahul, ! SHOT! What a top stroke this was. This is what Rahul can do! A length ball, around off, KL Rahul shows the full face of the blade and creams this one through mid on. The ball runs away to the ropes.Â
Mohammed Siraj to Chris Gayle, The Universe Boss gets off the mark on his first ball! A full toss, on middle, flicked through mid-wicket for one.Â
Mohammed Siraj to KL Rahul, Another good length ball outside off, Rahul eases this one through backward point, for a single.Â
Mohammed Siraj to KL Rahul, Angles in a length ball around off, Rahul gently gives the ball back to Siraj, with a push.Â
Kyle Jamieson to KL Rahul, This is around off, KL hops and helps this one through square leg for one. A very good start by Jamieson!Â
Kyle Jamieson to KL Rahul, Slightly behind the good length and around off, Rahul nudges this one to the mid-wicket region. Rahul wanted the single but when the Universe Boss says no for the single, you just head back into your crease.Â
Kyle Jamieson to KL Rahul, WIDE. Down the leg side and KL misses his tuck away.Â
Kyle Jamieson to KL Rahul, Short of a length ball on off, KL blocks it out.Â
Kyle Jamieson to Prabhsimran Singh, ! CAUGHT! The extra bounce gets the trick done and the new opening stand for Punjab does not work out. Singh looks to be extra aggressive but it does not work out and he heads back now. This is the short ball, around off, the ball bounces more than what Singh anticipated probably as he made some room and looked to slap it away. The ball takes the top part of the blade and lobs towards the cover region. Virat Kohli is the fielder there and he will tak
The Universe Boss, Chris Gayle is in now.Â
Kyle Jamieson to Prabhsimran Singh, Around off, tapped to the short third man fielder.Â
Kyle Jamieson to KL Rahul, Well hit but well fielded by the fielder too. A length ball, around off, KL Rahul drives this one nicely through extra cover, but Virat Kohli does incredibly well to dive to his right and stop the ball. Saved three runs for his side.Â
Bowling change. Kyle Jamieson has been introduced into the attack.Â
Daniel Sams to Prabhsimran Singh, Outside off, slapped to the fielder at covers. Even though Sams gave away a boundary, just the 5 runs off the over.Â
Daniel Sams to Prabhsimran Singh, ! What a good stroke by Singh. Will give him some confidence. A length ball, around off, Prabhsimran Singh plants his front foot ahead and lofts this one over the bowler's head and the ball takes a bounce and goes past the ropes.Â
Daniel Sams to Prabhsimran Singh, The slowish length ball on off this time around. Singh taps this to the off side.Â
Daniel Sams to KL Rahul, Same line and length as the last ball, Rahul goes back and punches this one through point and gives the strike to Singh.Â
Daniel Sams to KL Rahul, Slightly behind the good length and around the off pole, Rahul works this one to covers, but it is straight to the fielder.Â
Daniel Sams to KL Rahul, Angles in a length ball across the right-hander, KL looks to slash this one away to the off side but misses.Â
Mohammed Siraj to Prabhsimran Singh, This is the short ball, around off. Prabhsimran Singh does not connect with it too well but hits it well enough in the gap at mid-wicket for a couple.Â
Mohammed Siraj to KL Rahul, Siraj was looking for the yorker but ends up dishing a low full toss on middle, Rahul pushes this to mid on for a quick run. A shy by the fielder at the non-striker's end but it is missed.Â
Mohammed Siraj to KL Rahul, Around off, nudged to the leg side.Â
Mohammed Siraj to KL Rahul, Siraj does well here. He sees that Rahul is making room to the leg side and follows him with a back of a length delivery. Rahul works this one to covers.Â
Mohammed Siraj to KL Rahul, ! The first biggie of the evening and it is the Punjab skipper, KL Rahul who has got it. Has hit that very cleanly. A back of a length ball, around off, this is slightly pacy but KL does not care. He whacks this one over the deep mid-wicket fence.Â
Mohammed Siraj to KL Rahul, Closer to the off pole and on a good length, KL pushes this one to the fielder at point.Â
Mohammed Siraj to KL Rahul, WIDE! Slips this length ball down the leg side, KL looks to flick but misses. Wide signalled. An appeal by Siraj, for caught behind, but the umpire does not agree.Â
Will it be Mohammed Siraj from the other end? Yes, it is Siraj!Â
Daniel Sams to KL Rahul, A single to end a very good first over from Sams! A length ball, outside off, this is slapped through point by Rahul. Just 3 off the opening over!Â
Daniel Sams to KL Rahul, Good length and outside off, Rahul strokes this one to the fielder at covers.Â
Daniel Sams to Prabhsimran Singh, Singh opens his account right on his first ball! This is again short of a length, on off, Singh fends this one to the right of mid off for a single.Â
Daniel Sams to KL Rahul, A back of a length ball, around off, angling in from Sams. KL taps this one to the leg side.Â
Daniel Sams to KL Rahul, What a good ball first up from Sams! Starts off with a fiery yorker on middle, KL does really well to dig this ball out. Right on the money straightaway!Â
Daniel Sams to KL Rahul, KL and Punjab open their account here! This is a length ball, around off, Rahul pushes this gently towards Kyle at mid off for a quick single.Â
Right then. We are done with all the pre-match formalities as the action is all set to begin. The two umpires make their way out into the middle now. They are followed by the openers for Punjab - a new pair as Mayank is not available and it is KL Rahul and Prabhsimran Singh who stride out. The Bangalore players are slowly spreading out too. Daniel Sams will begin with the ball. Let's gooooo!Â
Punjab (Playing XI) - KL Rahul (C/WK), Chris Gayle, Deepak Hooda, Nicholas Pooran, Prabhsimran Singh (IN PLACE OF MAYANK AGARWAL), Shahrukh Khan, Chris Jordan, Riley Meredith (IN PLACE OF MOISES HENRIQUES), Ravi Bishnoi, Mohammed Shami, Harpreet Brar (IN PLACE OF ARSHDEEP SINGH).Â
Bangalore (Playing XI) - Virat Kohli (C), Devdutt Padikkal, Rajat Patidar, Glenn Maxwell, AB de Villiers (WK), Shahbaz Ahmed (IN PLACE OF WASHINGTON SUNDAR), Daniel Sams, Kyle Jamieson, Harshal Patel, Mohammed Siraj, Yuzvendra Chahal.Â
KL Rahul, the Punjab captain, says that they have to go out there and put up a show. Informs that they have three changes as Moises Henriques, Arshdeep Singh, and Mayank Agarwal miss out and Riley Meredith, Prabhsimran Singh, and Harpreet Brar come in. Says that they are a young group of guys, with the exception of Gayle and they want to learn from their mistakes and play some good cricket.Â
The Bangalore skipper, Virat Kohli says they are going to bowl first as he saw the game last night and they are just one partnership away from putting pressure. Adds it looked tacky initially and then became a better wicket as the game progressed. Informs Shahbaz Ahmed comes in for Washington Sundar. Adds they just want to play good cricket, they are not looking at the table and just want to give their best. States the bowlers have been really good, he has quite a few options and they are execut
TOSS - Both the skippers, Virat Kohli and KL Rahul are out in the middle for the all important toss. Up goes the coin and it lands in the favor of Kohli! BANGALORE WILL BOWL!Â
PITCH REPORT - Simon Doull is in for the pitch report. He says that the turf is good and there is good grass coverage and you have to make the most of the new ball. Feels that the teams need to defend the short side of the pitch and ends by saying that if you bowl well during the Powerplay, then you can perform well.Â
One of India's most talented legends is facing off against one of India's most promising talents. Yes, it is the clashing of swords between Virat Kohli and KL Rahul, as Bangalore and Punjab battle it out. There is some sort of striking similarity between these two and watching them face off is never a dull affair. Both the teams are coming into this game, with contrasting form, as Bangalore sits in third place and have just lost one game so far, whereas, Punjab are in sixth place and seems to be