Right then! MS Dhoni's boys finally started off with the bat today and have piled up 167 runs on the board. They have a task on their hands as Hyderabad's top 4 batters are very dangerous and they will need quick wickets to pile some pressure on Hyderabad. Who comes out on top? Will Warner and co. chase this down or do the bowlers of Chennai have something else planned in store for us? Join us for the chase in a bit!ÂÂ
Brad Haddin, one of the assistant coaches of Hyderabad, is caught for a quick chat. Starts by saying that he thinks it is a good score as at the start, they were thinking about keeping them to 170. Feels they gave away a few more towards the end. Tells that he was surprised seeing Curran coming to open instead of Watson but was happy seeing that. Finishes by saying that it could be an interesting run chase.
Talking about Hyderabad, with the ball, Sandeep Sharma was the standout performer. He scalped 2 wickets and also conceded just 19 runs off his quota of 4 overs. Khaleel and Natarajan too picked up two wickets but were on the expensive side. Rashid Khan went wicket-less today. Overall, it was a decent bowling performance by Warner's boys.
Chennai started off with a blow as Faf du Plessis was sent packing right on his first ball. Sam Curran was the man to open the innings with him and he had to walk back shortly after. It was Rayudu and Watson who stitched a good partnership and kept the scoreboard ticking for Chennai. Towards the end, some good shots by Dhoni and Jadeja helped Chennai to a good total of 167.
Hyderabad were on course to end the innings well but short cameos from Dhoni and especially Jadeja towards the end of the innings and also good contributions from Watson and Rayudu at the start has propelled Chennai to a challenging total of 167.ÂÂ
Khaleel Ahmed to Ravindra Jadeja, A couple to end the over! Full and outside off, Jadeja strokes it through mid on and gets two. 15 off the last over. Chennai end with 167/6.
Khaleel Ahmed to Ravindra Jadeja, ! Drilled down the ground! Full and outside off, Jadeja drills it through mid off. The long off fielder runs to his left and dives but fails to stop the ball.
Khaleel Ahmed to Ravindra Jadeja, ! Jadeja with a body blow! That wasn't too far from the fielder though. A full toss on middle, Jadeja pumps it towards deep mid-wicket and manages to clear the fielder by just. Important six.
Khaleel Ahmed to Deepak Chahar, Length ball on middle, Chahar looks to slog but misses to get hit on the body. They cross for a leg bye.
Khaleel Ahmed to Deepak Chahar, Full and outside off, Chahar lifts it over mid off. Warner runs to his right and makes a sliding stop. Two taken.
Who will walk out to bat for Chennai? It will be Deepak Chahar.
Dwayne Bravo is the new man in for Chennai. Khaleel Ahmed will bowl the final over of the innings for Hyderabad. His figures so far are 3-0-31-1.
Khaleel Ahmed to Dwayne Bravo, ! Cleaned him up! Golden duck for Bravo! Excellent delivery from Khaleel to begin the last over. It is the slower one that has done the trick here. A good length ball around off, the slower one. Bravo looks to slog it on the leg side but he is deceived big time. The ball goes behind and the zing bails light up. Perfect start of the last over for Hyderabad.
T Natarajan to MS Dhoni, ! CAUGHT! Dhoni departs next ball. A low full toss, just outside off, Dhoni looks to launch it again but this time the ball hits the toe end of the bat and goes to Williamson at extra cover. Natarajan ends his spell with a wicket.
T Natarajan to MS Dhoni, ! HUGE! That's that Dhoni we know! We have seen these so many times! Vintage MS! Natarajan misses his yorker by just but it is good enough for MS. He gets under it and pumps it over long on for a massive six. 102 meters!
T Natarajan to Ravindra Jadeja, One more single! Full and on middle, flicked down to deep mid-wicket for a single.
T Natarajan to MS Dhoni, Wide yorker this time! Dhoni can only jam it towards the off side. A quick single taken. Natarajan got to the ball quickly and wanted to have a shy at the non-striker's end but there was no one for backup so he bailed out.
T Natarajan to Ravindra Jadeja, Slower one this time. It is on middle on a good length, Jadeja reads it and tucks it towards mid-wicket for a run.
T Natarajan to Ravindra Jadeja, ! Smart batting! Jadeja knows that there is no one square of the wicket on the off side. And to his good luck, Natarajan bowls it short and outside off, he waits and then runs it between short third man and point to find the fence.
T Natarajan to Ravindra Jadeja, WIDE! Natarajan tries the yorker but slips it down the leg side. Jadeja lets it be. Wided.
Sandeep Sharma to MS Dhoni, Two to end the over! A full ball on middle, Dhoni flicks it through mid-wicket and scampers back for a couple before the fielder from long on can get to the ball. Sandeep finishes with 2/19.
Sandeep Sharma to MS Dhoni, Dropped but that was a superb effort from Sandeep. Looks like he has hurt himself here. A length ball, Sandeep rolls his fingers on it. Dhoni looks to punch but he is a bit too early in the shot. He ended up getting a leading edge. It lobbed to the left of Sandeep. He went full stretch. Got to the ball but couldn't hold on. A terrific effort though.
Sandeep Sharma to Ravindra Jadeja, Outside off on a length, pushed to third man for a run.
Sandeep Sharma to Ravindra Jadeja, ! Finds the gap nicely! A bit short and just outside off, Jadeja waits for the ball and then forces it through the gap between point and short third man. The point fielder dives to his right but fails to stop it.
Chennai still have MS Dhoni out there.
Sandeep Sharma to MS Dhoni, Slower one! Good length and around off, Dhoni eases a single through mid off.
Sandeep Sharma to Ravindra Jadeja, A length ball on the pads, Jadeja tucks it to fine leg for a run.
Sandeep Sharma is back on. His figures so far read 3-0-10-2.
T Natarajan to MS Dhoni, A slower good length ball outside off, Dhoni looks to play at this but does not connect bat with ball. Chennai collect 10 runs off this over and will look for a couple more big overs before the end of the innings.
T Natarajan to MS Dhoni, ! POWER! This one was smashed! What a shot! Natarajan goes to bowl another full toss outside off, Dhoni hammers this one wide of the man at deep point and the power is immense and it will cross the fence for a boundary.
T Natarajan to MS Dhoni, ! Another full toss but Dhoni punishes this time around! Can we see some more from Captain Cool? Dishes a full toss around middle, Dhoni does well to swivel and pull this one towards the deep square leg region. Rashid runs to his left but fails to stop the ball.
T Natarajan to Ravindra Jadeja, Back of a length delivery around off, Jadeja cuts this one fine towards the point region for a single.
Ravindra Jadeja is the new man in!
T Natarajan to Shane Watson, ! CAUGHT! Another full toss bowled, another wicket for Hyderabad! Shane Watson has looked good so far but then he gives his wicket away here! Things might be a little difficult for Chennai as now they have two new batters out in the middle. Bowls a full toss outside off, Watson looks for the big shot over covers but does not time this well. It is Manish Pandey in the deep, who is not going to drop these chances. Another good breakthrough for Hyderabad!ÂÂ
Who will bowl the 17th over? T Natarajan will. 2-0-17-0 from him so far.
T Natarajan to MS Dhoni, Back of a length delivery around middle, Dhoni tucks this one towards the square leg region to exchange ends with Watson.ÂÂ
Khaleel Ahmed to MS Dhoni, On a good length around off, Dhoni drives this one towards the cover region to retain the strike for the next over.ÂÂ
Khaleel Ahmed to MS Dhoni, This is a short ball around off, Dhoni thinks about the pull but then backs out and leaves it alone. A dot is good towards the end of the innings.ÂÂ
Khaleel Ahmed to Shane Watson, On a full length around off, Watson plays this down the ground towards long off for one.ÂÂ
MS Dhoni is the new man in! Can he launch a few out of the park and take his side towards a good score in these final overs?
Khaleel Ahmed to MS Dhoni, Dhoni is off the mark straightaway! Bowls a good length ball around middle, Dhoni works this one towards the long on region for a single.
Khaleel Ahmed to Ambati Rayudu, ! CAUGHT! Rayudu holes out! Khaleel has struck and the change has worked out for Warner! Rayudu can be dangerous towards the end and Khaleel has done well to get rid of him. Ahmed bowls a full toss around off, Rayudu looks to go big but does not time this one well and it does not have the required distance as he holed out to David Warner who is stationed at long off and he takes a good catch.
Change in bowling! Khaleel Ahmed returns! He was hammered by Sam Curran in his previous spell. Interesting to see how he finishes.
Khaleel Ahmed to Ambati Rayudu, Good start by Khaleel! He bowls a full length ball outside off, Rayudu makes room and reached out to play this one but misses.ÂÂ
Rashid Khan to Ambati Rayudu, Flatter around middle, Rayudu works this one to the leg side for a single to end the over. 14 runs off the last over by Rashid.ÂÂ
Rashid Khan to Ambati Rayudu, ! This is another huge six! Chennai are turning it on now! Loopy around off, Rayudu gets on his knees and slog sweeps this one over the fence at deep mid-wicket.
Rashid will bowl out here! Hasn't been able to get a wicket in this game but has kept things really tight. Hyderbad would be really happy if he can manage to break this stand though.
Rashid Khan to Ambati Rayudu, Flatter ball around off, Ambati cuts this one but straight to the short third man fielder and is sent back by Watson who says no for the single.
Rashid Khan to Ambati Rayudu, Short ball around off, Rayudu defends this one off his back foot.ÂÂ
Rashid Khan to Shane Watson, Flatter on middle, Watson pulls this one towards the mid-wicket region for one.ÂÂ
Rashid Khan to Shane Watson, ! That is a massive six! That looked effortless from Watson! Loopy on middle, Watson hammers this one towards the long off region for a biggie.ÂÂ
DRINKS! 102/2 in 14 overs. How many would Chennai want? They have got two set batters out in the middle and plenty of wickets in the bank. It is time for them to get going and smash a few balls out of the park. Hyderabad have manged to keep things tight so far but they have not managed to keep getting wickets at regular intervals. However, they will hope that the bowlers will continue to keep the batters at bay in the final 6 overs as well. Let's see how it pans out!
T Natarajan to Shane Watson, A single to end the over as this good length ball around off is lofted towards the deep cover region. The batters collect a single. 10 runs from this over for Chennai.ÂÂ
T Natarajan to Ambati Rayudu, LEG BYE! Back of a length ball around middle and leg, Rayudu looks to flick this one but misses and it comes off his body to the leg side. The batters collect a leg bye.
T Natarajan to Ambati Rayudu, ! Easy pickings for Rayudu! You can't bowl such deliveries and not be smashed! This is a full toss way outside off, Rayudu hammers this one over the point region for a boundary. 100 up for Chennai.
T Natarajan to Shane Watson, On a full length around middle, Watson works this one towards the long off region for a single run.
T Natarajan to Ambati Rayudu, Full and just outisde off, Rayudu drives it towards covers where the fielder dives to his left and makes a half stop. Single taken.
T Natarajan is back on. 1-0-8-0 from him so far.
T Natarajan to Ambati Rayudu, IN THE AIR..SAFE! Good fortune for Rayudu as he is safe this time around! Natarajan bowls a good length ball around off, Rayudu dances down the track and looks to heave this one but it takes the outside edge and goes over towards the point region but it is safe. Two runs taken.
Rashid Khan to Shane Watson, Dot to end! Just 7 off the over. Remember, the first ball went for a biggie. Excellent comeback from the Afghan. Shortish and just outside off, Watson cuts but finds short third man.
Rashid Khan to Shane Watson, Flatter and around off, Watson looks to flick but gets an inside edge on the pad.
Rashid Khan to Ambati Rayudu, Full and outside off, this one is swept to deep mid-wicket for a run.
Rashid Khan to Ambati Rayudu, Beaten! Bowls a quicker one just outside off, Rayudu looks to force it on the off side but misses.
Rashid Khan to Shane Watson, Flatter and on middle, tucked towards the leg side for a run.
Rashid Khan to Shane Watson, ! Take that! Watson connects it well this time around. Rashid tosses this full and around off, it is in the slot of Watson. He smokes it over long on for a huge six.
Has Manish Pandey taken a stunner at long on? He is not sure himself. The soft signal is not out though. Let's see what the replays have got to show. Well, no, the ball has bounced. So, Watson is safe.
Shahbaz Nadeem to Ambati Rayudu, ! Rayudu has got his dancing shoes on tonight and he is putting them to show! Loopy on middle, Rayudu dances down the track and smacks it over the bowler's head for a biggie. A good end to this over for Chennai.
Shahbaz Nadeem to Shane Watson, NOT ! This was a terrific effort by Manish Pandey but he does not quite complete the catch. This is bowled flatter around off and middle, Watson pulls this one hard towards the long on region and Manish Pandey is brilliant as he runs in and dives forward to try to scalp this one. He takes the catch and he looks like he is not sure if this is a clean catch. The umpires call in the third umpire and their soft signal is not out. Replays show that this was
Shahbaz Nadeem to Ambati Rayudu, Flighted around off and middle, Rayudu dances down the track and pushes this one towards the long on region for a single.
Shahbaz Nadeem to Shane Watson, Flatter delivery around off, Watson works this towards deep covers for a single.
Shahbaz Nadeem to Shane Watson, On off, Watson pushes this to the man at covers.
The physio is out in the middle. Rashid tried to catch the ball but it hit his finger and went to long off. He is fine now and is ready to bowl.
Shahbaz Nadeem to Ambati Rayudu, Short ball outside off, Rayudu cuts this one towards deep point for one.
Rashid Khan to Shane Watson, Floated ball around off and middle, Watson gets on his knees and sweeps this one on the up towards the deep mid-wicket region. The fielder does well in the deep to dive and save his side two runs. The batters take a couple.ÂÂ
Rashid Khan to Ambati Rayudu, Tossed up ball on middle, Rayudu pushes this one towards the long on region for one.ÂÂ
Rashid Khan to Shane Watson, Loopy ball around off, Watson plays this one hard past the bowler and it goes towards the long off region for a single.ÂÂ
Rashid Khan to Ambati Rayudu, Flighted ball around off, Rayudu sweeps this one towards the square leg region for a single run.
Rashid Khan to Ambati Rayudu, Flatter outside off, Rayudu fends this one out as well.ÂÂ
Rashid Khan to Ambati Rayudu, This is defended well by Rayudu onto the off side.ÂÂ
Shahbaz Nadeem to Ambati Rayudu, A single to end the over as Rayudu works this one to the cover region to retain the strike.
Shahbaz Nadeem to Shane Watson, Another ball on the short length around middle, Watson works this one towards deep mid-wicket region for a single.ÂÂ
Shahbaz Nadeem to Shane Watson, Short ball on middle, Watson rocks on his back foot and pulls this one towards the deep mid-wicket region to run across for a couple.
Shahbaz Nadeem to Shane Watson, Flatter ball around middle and leg, Watson looks to pull this one but he does not connect and the ball hits him on his body.
Shahbaz Nadeem to Shane Watson, Short ball on middle, Watson plays this wide of the bowler and he does well to stop this one.
Shahbaz Nadeem to Ambati Rayudu, Flatter around off, Rayudu comes down the track and works this one to the deep point region for a single.
DRINKS! Hyderabad have started off well as they have removed two very dangerous batters in the form of Faf du Plessis and also Sam Curran, who was promoted up the order. Chennai, on the other hand, have Rayudu and Watson out there and their batting runs deep and they will look to build and post a big total.ÂÂ
Rashid Khan to Shane Watson, A dot to end the over as Watson cuts this one to the man stationed at short third man. A good over for Rashid to start off with as he concedes only 3 runs off it.
Rashid Khan to Ambati Rayudu, Flatter delivery around middle, Rayudu rocks on his back foot and pulls this one towards the deep mid-wicket region for a single run.
Rashid Khan to Shane Watson, Flighted ball around middle, Watson flicks this uppishly towards the mid on region but it lands safe. One run taken.ÂÂ
Rashid Khan to Ambati Rayudu, Loopy delivery around off and middle, Rayudu works this towards long on off his front foot for a single run.
Rashid Khan to Ambati Rayudu, Short ball on off, Rayudu pushes this back towards Rashid.ÂÂ
Bowling change! Spin from both ends now as Rashid Khan is into the attack.
Rashid Khan to Ambati Rayudu, Flatter around off to start off by Rashid, Rayudu pushes this to the cover region.ÂÂ
Shahbaz Nadeem to Ambati Rayudu, Flatter delivery around off, Rayudu dances down the track and works this one towards the deep point region and the batters collect a single before Rashid Khan cleans up in the deep.ÂÂ
Shahbaz Nadeem to Shane Watson, Short ball on middle, Watson plays this one off his back foot towards the long on region for a single.
Shahbaz Nadeem to Ambati Rayudu, Short ball on off, Rayudu drives this through the cover region for one run.ÂÂ
Shahbaz Nadeem to Shane Watson, Flatter around off, Watson cuts this one towards point for a single.ÂÂ
Shahbaz Nadeem to Shane Watson, ! This was played really well by Watson! Short ball around off, Watson cuts this one wide of the deep point region to bag a boundary.ÂÂ
Shahbaz Nadeem to Ambati Rayudu, SIDE EDGE BUT ! Flatter around off, Rayudu looks to cut this one but it takes an outside edge and the keeper spills this one. A misfield will fetch Chennai a single this time.ÂÂ
T Natarajan is into the attack now. He has been very good in the tournament so far. Let's see what he got up his sleeve in this game.
T Natarajan to Shane Watson, Good end to the over! A yorker around off, Watson keeps it out.
T Natarajan to Shane Watson, Good length ball around off, pushed towards point.
T Natarajan to Shane Watson, ! Easy peasy! You just don't give one in the slots for Watson. The cherry on the cake is the fact that it is on the pads. He whacks it over deep square leg and clears the fence. 50 up for Chennai.
T Natarajan to Ambati Rayudu, Good length and outside off, punched down to long on for a run.
T Natarajan to Shane Watson, Good length and just around off, Watson waits for the ball and cuts it really late. The ball goes to third man for a run.
T Natarajan to Shane Watson, Good length ball outside off, pushed towards mid off.
Shahbaz Nadeem to Ambati Rayudu, ! The last ball spoils a perfect over from Nadeem. He tosses it up and outside off, Rayudu jumps outside his crease and lifts it over extra cover. A boundary to end the Powerplay. 44/2 in the first 6 for Chennai.
Shahbaz Nadeem to Ambati Rayudu, Full and just outside off, Rayudu drills the drive but finds the fielder.
Shahbaz Nadeem to Ambati Rayudu, Quicker one and around off, pushed towards point.
Shahbaz Nadeem to Shane Watson, Another shortish one on middle, pushed through mid on for one.
Shahbaz Nadeem to Shane Watson, Flatter ball outside off, Watson punches it uppishly towards the bowler. Nadeem fumbles a bit but it costs him nothing.
Shahbaz Nadeem is introduced into the attack for Hyderabad.ÂÂ
Shahbaz Nadeem to Shane Watson, A short ball to begin from Nadeem. It is wide too. Watson cuts but finds the point fielder.
Sandeep Sharma to Ambati Rayudu, ! Rayudu doesn't want to waste any time! Full and outside off, he drills it over mid off and opens his account with a boundary. End of another successful over from Sandeep. 3-0-10-2 so far from him, excellent figures.
Sandeep Sharma to Ambati Rayudu, Good length ball just outside off, pushed towards the cover region.
Ambati Rayudu will be the No. 4 batter for Chennai.ÂÂ
Sandeep Sharma to Sam Curran, ! TIMBER! Sandeep strikes again! A beauty from Sandeep. Curran's party has been cut short. A length ball, this one is angled in to the left-hander. Curran looks to defend but plays it along the wrong line and misses. The ball though goes behind and the stumps behind is disturbed.
Sandeep Sharma to Shane Watson, Fullish and on middle, Watson flicks it over mid-wicket for a run.
Sandeep Sharma to Shane Watson, Around off on a good length, pushed back to the bowler.
Sandeep Sharma to Shane Watson, Good length ball around off, Watson defends it.
Khaleel Ahmed to Sam Curran, ! BOOM! Four to begin the over and six to end! Exactly what Chennai needed after a slow start. Khaleel returned back to bowling the shortish length. This one is outside off too. Curran launches it over the bowler's head for a biggie. This is a huge over for Chennai as they collect 22 runs off it.ÂÂ
Khaleel Ahmed to Shane Watson, On the pads of Watson, he looks to flick but mises to get hit on the pad. The ball rolls towards square leg and they take a leg bye.
Khaleel Ahmed to Sam Curran, Smartly tucks the next ball towards mid-wicket and gets to the other end. Also, Khaleel finally changed his pace on this ball and bowled it on a length.
Khaleel Ahmed to Sam Curran, ! A biggie now! Khaleel continues to bowl short. This is around off and middle, Curran waits for it and then pumps it over the long on fence. 14 from the first 3 balls.
Khaleel Ahmed to Sam Curran, ! Two-in-two now! Poor from Khaleel. A shortish ball on middle, it sits up nicely for Curran. He goes back and powers it over mid on for another boundary.
Khaleel Ahmed to Sam Curran, ! BOOM! Good start to the over. Shortish length and just around off, Curran slaps it to the left of the bowler powerfully and finds the fence.
Sandeep Sharma to Shane Watson, Huge appeal but turned down! Sandeep runs in and bowls the inswinger against Watson. The Aussie has had his share of struggle against the inswingers. He tries to flick but gets struck on the pad. They appeal but not out says the umpire. Probably it was doing a little too much.
Sandeep Sharma to Sam Curran, Just wide of the bowler. A length ball around off, Curran looks to drive but the ball taks the inner half and goes to the left of Sandeep uppishly. The pacer dives but he fails to catch. A single and Curran enters into the double digit.
Sandeep Sharma to Sam Curran, Another dot! Curran is not able to get going here. A length ball around off, pushed towards the off side.
Sandeep Sharma to Sam Curran, Driven nicely but straight to the fielder. Full and outside off, Curran drives it well but finds the cover fielder.
Sandeep Sharma to Shane Watson, Watson is up and running! Shortish and outside off, Watson goes back and pushes it towards third man for a run.
Shane Watson is the new batter in for Chennai.
Sandeep Sharma to Faf du Plessis, ! CAUGHT! Du Plessis goes first ball! Terrific from Sandeep. Faf has been waiting to face the first ball from the last two overs. He wanted to feel the ball and hence he went after this wide one. Also, Sandeep managed to bring the ball back in to the right-hander. It is a bit short too. Faf has a poke away from his body. He ends up getting an outside edge to the keeper. Bairstow is safe as a house behind the wicket.
Khaleel Ahmed to Sam Curran, Just clears mid on! A fuller one from Khaleel. It is on middle, Curran looks to slog but doesn't get all of it. Manages to clear the mid on fielder and gets a couple of runs.
Khaleel Ahmed to Sam Curran, Another dot! Just outside off on a good length, Curran pushes it towards point. Good over so far from Khaleel. A wide to begin and a boundary too but after that 4 dots so far. Can he finish it well?
Khaleel Ahmed to Sam Curran, Angled in from around off. It is on the shortish length a touch. Curran tucks it towards mid-wicket.
Khaleel Ahmed to Sam Curran, Good length ball around off, pushed towards covers.
Khaleel Ahmed to Sam Curran, ! Width offered this time and Curran slams it. Short and wide outside off, Curran thumps it over point and finds the first boundary of the match.
Khaleel Ahmed to Sam Curran, Corrects the line this time and bowls it just around off, Curran looks to punch but he is cramped for room and ends up playing it onto the pitch on the off side.
Khaleel Ahmed to Sam Curran, WIDE! A wayward start from Khaleel. Comes charging in but ends up bowling it way outside off, Curran throws his bat at it but fails to connect. Wided.
Who will bowl from the other end? It will be Khaleel Ahmed.ÂÂ
Sandeep Sharma to Sam Curran, Single to end the first over! A quality one from Sandeep. The last ball is bit outside off on a good length. Curran forces it through cover-point for a run.
Sandeep Sharma to Sam Curran, Another ripper! Excellent bowling. Sandeep is not offering any room to Curran. Another length ball around off, a gentle away movement. Curran looks to defend but is beaten convincingly.
Sandeep Sharma to Sam Curran, Play and a miss! Lovely bowling. This one is pitched around off and it goes away as Curran looks to drive but gets beaten.
Sandeep Sharma to Sam Curran, Curran and Chennai are up and running! Sandeep bowls this one on middle on a good length, Curran tucks it through mid-wicket. Doesn't go hard at the ball and that means it will not race away. Two taken.
Sandeep Sharma to Sam Curran, Another one around off on a good length, Curran pushes it towards point.
Sandeep Sharma to Sam Curran, Sandeep is on the money! A length ball just outside off, shapes a touch as Curran blocks it towards point.
Right! We are done and dusted with the pre-match formalities and it is time for the action! Both the umpires stride out to the middle and they are followed by Chennai's openers, Sam Curran and Faf du Plessis! A change in the openers for Chennai. David Warner has got his boys in the huddle near the ropes and sharing some advice with them before they can take their positions in the field. Sandeep Sharma will take the new ball for Hyderabad. Sam Curran to face. Here we go...
Chennai (Playing XI) - Shane Watson, Faf du Plessis, Ambati Rayudu, MS Dhoni (WK/C), Sam Curran, Ravindra Jadeja, Dwayne Bravo, Shardul Thakur, Deepak Chahar, Piyush Chawla (IN PLACE OF NARAYAN JAGADEESAN), Karn Sharma.
Hyderabad (Playing XI) - David Warner (C), Jonny Bairstow (WK), Manish Pandey, Kane Williamson, Vijay Shankar, Priyam Garg, Shahbaz Nadeem (IN PLACE OF ABHISHEK SHARMA), Rashid Khan, Sandeep Sharma, Khaleel Ahmed, T Natarajan.
The skipper of Chennai, MS Dhoni, starts off by saying that they wanted to bat first and they never got the oppurtunity but they will bat first now. Says that the thing with stats is that you can maneovur it the way you want to. Tells that it is a process and it is much quicker if the boys are ready for it and feels that there are always fresh challenges in every new game. Says that cricket is something that is close to life and it teaches you a lot of things. Adds that there is a single change
Hyderabad skipper, David Warner, tells that he would've batted as well but tells that they have got a good bowling lineup so he is not too disappointed. On their last game, Warner says that the easiest thing to do is forget that game and start afresh. Tells that he is enjoying the captaincy and says that he has got a lot of help around him in the form of Kane Williamson and Bairstow. Informs that Shahbaz Nadeem is playing this game in place of Abhishek Sharma.
PITCH REPORT - Kevin Pietersen and Michael Slater are out in the middle for the pitch report. Slater starts off by saying that if you do not bowl the perfect yorker, the bowlers might be punished. KP adds that the bowlers have started picking up the wickets. Adds that if you miss your length, then you are going to get tonked. Slater and Pietersen end by saying that it looks like an even contest between ball and bat and that this is going to be another humdinger of a clash.
TOSS - It is time for the flip of the coin! Both the skippers are out in the middle along with the match referee. Up it goes and it lands in Dhoni's favor! They will BAT FIRST.
Let's talk about Hyderabad first. With one more win than Chennai, Hyderabad is sitting on no. 5 in the points spreadsheet. They were pretty close to a convincing victory over Rajasthan in their last game but Rahul Tewatia and Riyan Parag's heroics meant that two points were taken away from them. They haven't been able to win matches consistently and would be eager to change that.
 MS Dhoni-led Chennai have lost 5 games so far and are finding it difficult to get going! They won their first game, lost three, won again and now have lost two in a row. They need some sort of miracle to turn things around. Inconsistent performances with the bat, the ability to win crucial moments with the ball and poor efforts in the field haven't helped them so far. One thing that will give them some confidence, is the fact that they have had an upper hand over the Orange army in the histo
Hello and welcome to our coverage of yet another game in the Indian T20 League. We are done with the first half of the tournament! Now, we move to the second! The race on the points table is still an interesting and lively one. The second half is being inaugurated by two southern sides, Hyderabad and Chennai.
Right then! MS Dhoni's boys finally started off with the bat today and have piled up 167 runs on the board. They have a task on their hands as Hyderabad's top 4 batters are very dangerous and they will need quick wickets to pile some pressure on Hyderabad. Who comes out on top? Will Warner and co. chase this down or do the bowlers of Chennai have something else planned in store for us? Join us for the chase in a bit!ÂÂ
Brad Haddin, one of the assistant coaches of Hyderabad, is caught for a quick chat. Starts by saying that he thinks it is a good score as at the start, they were thinking about keeping them to 170. Feels they gave away a few more towards the end. Tells that he was surprised seeing Curran coming to open instead of Watson but was happy seeing that. Finishes by saying that it could be an interesting run chase.
Talking about Hyderabad, with the ball, Sandeep Sharma was the standout performer. He scalped 2 wickets and also conceded just 19 runs off his quota of 4 overs. Khaleel and Natarajan too picked up two wickets but were on the expensive side. Rashid Khan went wicket-less today. Overall, it was a decent bowling performance by Warner's boys.
Chennai started off with a blow as Faf du Plessis was sent packing right on his first ball. Sam Curran was the man to open the innings with him and he had to walk back shortly after. It was Rayudu and Watson who stitched a good partnership and kept the scoreboard ticking for Chennai. Towards the end, some good shots by Dhoni and Jadeja helped Chennai to a good total of 167.
Hyderabad were on course to end the innings well but short cameos from Dhoni and especially Jadeja towards the end of the innings and also good contributions from Watson and Rayudu at the start has propelled Chennai to a challenging total of 167.ÂÂ
Khaleel Ahmed to Ravindra Jadeja, A couple to end the over! Full and outside off, Jadeja strokes it through mid on and gets two. 15 off the last over. Chennai end with 167/6.
Khaleel Ahmed to Ravindra Jadeja, ! Drilled down the ground! Full and outside off, Jadeja drills it through mid off. The long off fielder runs to his left and dives but fails to stop the ball.
Khaleel Ahmed to Ravindra Jadeja, ! Jadeja with a body blow! That wasn't too far from the fielder though. A full toss on middle, Jadeja pumps it towards deep mid-wicket and manages to clear the fielder by just. Important six.
Khaleel Ahmed to Deepak Chahar, Length ball on middle, Chahar looks to slog but misses to get hit on the body. They cross for a leg bye.
Khaleel Ahmed to Deepak Chahar, Full and outside off, Chahar lifts it over mid off. Warner runs to his right and makes a sliding stop. Two taken.
Who will walk out to bat for Chennai? It will be Deepak Chahar.
Dwayne Bravo is the new man in for Chennai. Khaleel Ahmed will bowl the final over of the innings for Hyderabad. His figures so far are 3-0-31-1.
Khaleel Ahmed to Dwayne Bravo, ! Cleaned him up! Golden duck for Bravo! Excellent delivery from Khaleel to begin the last over. It is the slower one that has done the trick here. A good length ball around off, the slower one. Bravo looks to slog it on the leg side but he is deceived big time. The ball goes behind and the zing bails light up. Perfect start of the last over for Hyderabad.
T Natarajan to MS Dhoni, ! CAUGHT! Dhoni departs next ball. A low full toss, just outside off, Dhoni looks to launch it again but this time the ball hits the toe end of the bat and goes to Williamson at extra cover. Natarajan ends his spell with a wicket.
T Natarajan to MS Dhoni, ! HUGE! That's that Dhoni we know! We have seen these so many times! Vintage MS! Natarajan misses his yorker by just but it is good enough for MS. He gets under it and pumps it over long on for a massive six. 102 meters!
T Natarajan to Ravindra Jadeja, One more single! Full and on middle, flicked down to deep mid-wicket for a single.
T Natarajan to MS Dhoni, Wide yorker this time! Dhoni can only jam it towards the off side. A quick single taken. Natarajan got to the ball quickly and wanted to have a shy at the non-striker's end but there was no one for backup so he bailed out.
T Natarajan to Ravindra Jadeja, Slower one this time. It is on middle on a good length, Jadeja reads it and tucks it towards mid-wicket for a run.
T Natarajan to Ravindra Jadeja, ! Smart batting! Jadeja knows that there is no one square of the wicket on the off side. And to his good luck, Natarajan bowls it short and outside off, he waits and then runs it between short third man and point to find the fence.
T Natarajan to Ravindra Jadeja, WIDE! Natarajan tries the yorker but slips it down the leg side. Jadeja lets it be. Wided.
Sandeep Sharma to MS Dhoni, Two to end the over! A full ball on middle, Dhoni flicks it through mid-wicket and scampers back for a couple before the fielder from long on can get to the ball. Sandeep finishes with 2/19.
Sandeep Sharma to MS Dhoni, Dropped but that was a superb effort from Sandeep. Looks like he has hurt himself here. A length ball, Sandeep rolls his fingers on it. Dhoni looks to punch but he is a bit too early in the shot. He ended up getting a leading edge. It lobbed to the left of Sandeep. He went full stretch. Got to the ball but couldn't hold on. A terrific effort though.
Sandeep Sharma to Ravindra Jadeja, Outside off on a length, pushed to third man for a run.
Sandeep Sharma to Ravindra Jadeja, ! Finds the gap nicely! A bit short and just outside off, Jadeja waits for the ball and then forces it through the gap between point and short third man. The point fielder dives to his right but fails to stop it.
Chennai still have MS Dhoni out there.
Sandeep Sharma to MS Dhoni, Slower one! Good length and around off, Dhoni eases a single through mid off.
Sandeep Sharma to Ravindra Jadeja, A length ball on the pads, Jadeja tucks it to fine leg for a run.
Sandeep Sharma is back on. His figures so far read 3-0-10-2.
T Natarajan to MS Dhoni, A slower good length ball outside off, Dhoni looks to play at this but does not connect bat with ball. Chennai collect 10 runs off this over and will look for a couple more big overs before the end of the innings.
T Natarajan to MS Dhoni, ! POWER! This one was smashed! What a shot! Natarajan goes to bowl another full toss outside off, Dhoni hammers this one wide of the man at deep point and the power is immense and it will cross the fence for a boundary.
T Natarajan to MS Dhoni, ! Another full toss but Dhoni punishes this time around! Can we see some more from Captain Cool? Dishes a full toss around middle, Dhoni does well to swivel and pull this one towards the deep square leg region. Rashid runs to his left but fails to stop the ball.
T Natarajan to Ravindra Jadeja, Back of a length delivery around off, Jadeja cuts this one fine towards the point region for a single.
Ravindra Jadeja is the new man in!
T Natarajan to Shane Watson, ! CAUGHT! Another full toss bowled, another wicket for Hyderabad! Shane Watson has looked good so far but then he gives his wicket away here! Things might be a little difficult for Chennai as now they have two new batters out in the middle. Bowls a full toss outside off, Watson looks for the big shot over covers but does not time this well. It is Manish Pandey in the deep, who is not going to drop these chances. Another good breakthrough for Hyderabad!ÂÂ
Who will bowl the 17th over? T Natarajan will. 2-0-17-0 from him so far.
T Natarajan to MS Dhoni, Back of a length delivery around middle, Dhoni tucks this one towards the square leg region to exchange ends with Watson.ÂÂ
Khaleel Ahmed to MS Dhoni, On a good length around off, Dhoni drives this one towards the cover region to retain the strike for the next over.ÂÂ
Khaleel Ahmed to MS Dhoni, This is a short ball around off, Dhoni thinks about the pull but then backs out and leaves it alone. A dot is good towards the end of the innings.ÂÂ
Khaleel Ahmed to Shane Watson, On a full length around off, Watson plays this down the ground towards long off for one.ÂÂ
MS Dhoni is the new man in! Can he launch a few out of the park and take his side towards a good score in these final overs?
Khaleel Ahmed to MS Dhoni, Dhoni is off the mark straightaway! Bowls a good length ball around middle, Dhoni works this one towards the long on region for a single.
Khaleel Ahmed to Ambati Rayudu, ! CAUGHT! Rayudu holes out! Khaleel has struck and the change has worked out for Warner! Rayudu can be dangerous towards the end and Khaleel has done well to get rid of him. Ahmed bowls a full toss around off, Rayudu looks to go big but does not time this one well and it does not have the required distance as he holed out to David Warner who is stationed at long off and he takes a good catch.
Change in bowling! Khaleel Ahmed returns! He was hammered by Sam Curran in his previous spell. Interesting to see how he finishes.
Khaleel Ahmed to Ambati Rayudu, Good start by Khaleel! He bowls a full length ball outside off, Rayudu makes room and reached out to play this one but misses.ÂÂ
Rashid Khan to Ambati Rayudu, Flatter around middle, Rayudu works this one to the leg side for a single to end the over. 14 runs off the last over by Rashid.ÂÂ
Rashid Khan to Ambati Rayudu, ! This is another huge six! Chennai are turning it on now! Loopy around off, Rayudu gets on his knees and slog sweeps this one over the fence at deep mid-wicket.
Rashid will bowl out here! Hasn't been able to get a wicket in this game but has kept things really tight. Hyderbad would be really happy if he can manage to break this stand though.
Rashid Khan to Ambati Rayudu, Flatter ball around off, Ambati cuts this one but straight to the short third man fielder and is sent back by Watson who says no for the single.
Rashid Khan to Ambati Rayudu, Short ball around off, Rayudu defends this one off his back foot.ÂÂ
Rashid Khan to Shane Watson, Flatter on middle, Watson pulls this one towards the mid-wicket region for one.ÂÂ
Rashid Khan to Shane Watson, ! That is a massive six! That looked effortless from Watson! Loopy on middle, Watson hammers this one towards the long off region for a biggie.ÂÂ
DRINKS! 102/2 in 14 overs. How many would Chennai want? They have got two set batters out in the middle and plenty of wickets in the bank. It is time for them to get going and smash a few balls out of the park. Hyderabad have manged to keep things tight so far but they have not managed to keep getting wickets at regular intervals. However, they will hope that the bowlers will continue to keep the batters at bay in the final 6 overs as well. Let's see how it pans out!
T Natarajan to Shane Watson, A single to end the over as this good length ball around off is lofted towards the deep cover region. The batters collect a single. 10 runs from this over for Chennai.ÂÂ
T Natarajan to Ambati Rayudu, LEG BYE! Back of a length ball around middle and leg, Rayudu looks to flick this one but misses and it comes off his body to the leg side. The batters collect a leg bye.
T Natarajan to Ambati Rayudu, ! Easy pickings for Rayudu! You can't bowl such deliveries and not be smashed! This is a full toss way outside off, Rayudu hammers this one over the point region for a boundary. 100 up for Chennai.
T Natarajan to Shane Watson, On a full length around middle, Watson works this one towards the long off region for a single run.
T Natarajan to Ambati Rayudu, Full and just outisde off, Rayudu drives it towards covers where the fielder dives to his left and makes a half stop. Single taken.
T Natarajan is back on. 1-0-8-0 from him so far.
T Natarajan to Ambati Rayudu, IN THE AIR..SAFE! Good fortune for Rayudu as he is safe this time around! Natarajan bowls a good length ball around off, Rayudu dances down the track and looks to heave this one but it takes the outside edge and goes over towards the point region but it is safe. Two runs taken.
Rashid Khan to Shane Watson, Dot to end! Just 7 off the over. Remember, the first ball went for a biggie. Excellent comeback from the Afghan. Shortish and just outside off, Watson cuts but finds short third man.
Rashid Khan to Shane Watson, Flatter and around off, Watson looks to flick but gets an inside edge on the pad.
Rashid Khan to Ambati Rayudu, Full and outside off, this one is swept to deep mid-wicket for a run.
Rashid Khan to Ambati Rayudu, Beaten! Bowls a quicker one just outside off, Rayudu looks to force it on the off side but misses.
Rashid Khan to Shane Watson, Flatter and on middle, tucked towards the leg side for a run.
Rashid Khan to Shane Watson, ! Take that! Watson connects it well this time around. Rashid tosses this full and around off, it is in the slot of Watson. He smokes it over long on for a huge six.
Has Manish Pandey taken a stunner at long on? He is not sure himself. The soft signal is not out though. Let's see what the replays have got to show. Well, no, the ball has bounced. So, Watson is safe.
Shahbaz Nadeem to Ambati Rayudu, ! Rayudu has got his dancing shoes on tonight and he is putting them to show! Loopy on middle, Rayudu dances down the track and smacks it over the bowler's head for a biggie. A good end to this over for Chennai.
Shahbaz Nadeem to Shane Watson, NOT ! This was a terrific effort by Manish Pandey but he does not quite complete the catch. This is bowled flatter around off and middle, Watson pulls this one hard towards the long on region and Manish Pandey is brilliant as he runs in and dives forward to try to scalp this one. He takes the catch and he looks like he is not sure if this is a clean catch. The umpires call in the third umpire and their soft signal is not out. Replays show that this was
Shahbaz Nadeem to Ambati Rayudu, Flighted around off and middle, Rayudu dances down the track and pushes this one towards the long on region for a single.
Shahbaz Nadeem to Shane Watson, Flatter delivery around off, Watson works this towards deep covers for a single.
Shahbaz Nadeem to Shane Watson, On off, Watson pushes this to the man at covers.
The physio is out in the middle. Rashid tried to catch the ball but it hit his finger and went to long off. He is fine now and is ready to bowl.
Shahbaz Nadeem to Ambati Rayudu, Short ball outside off, Rayudu cuts this one towards deep point for one.
Rashid Khan to Shane Watson, Floated ball around off and middle, Watson gets on his knees and sweeps this one on the up towards the deep mid-wicket region. The fielder does well in the deep to dive and save his side two runs. The batters take a couple.ÂÂ
Rashid Khan to Ambati Rayudu, Tossed up ball on middle, Rayudu pushes this one towards the long on region for one.ÂÂ
Rashid Khan to Shane Watson, Loopy ball around off, Watson plays this one hard past the bowler and it goes towards the long off region for a single.ÂÂ
Rashid Khan to Ambati Rayudu, Flighted ball around off, Rayudu sweeps this one towards the square leg region for a single run.
Rashid Khan to Ambati Rayudu, Flatter outside off, Rayudu fends this one out as well.ÂÂ
Rashid Khan to Ambati Rayudu, This is defended well by Rayudu onto the off side.ÂÂ
Shahbaz Nadeem to Ambati Rayudu, A single to end the over as Rayudu works this one to the cover region to retain the strike.
Shahbaz Nadeem to Shane Watson, Another ball on the short length around middle, Watson works this one towards deep mid-wicket region for a single.ÂÂ
Shahbaz Nadeem to Shane Watson, Short ball on middle, Watson rocks on his back foot and pulls this one towards the deep mid-wicket region to run across for a couple.
Shahbaz Nadeem to Shane Watson, Flatter ball around middle and leg, Watson looks to pull this one but he does not connect and the ball hits him on his body.
Shahbaz Nadeem to Shane Watson, Short ball on middle, Watson plays this wide of the bowler and he does well to stop this one.
Shahbaz Nadeem to Ambati Rayudu, Flatter around off, Rayudu comes down the track and works this one to the deep point region for a single.
DRINKS! Hyderabad have started off well as they have removed two very dangerous batters in the form of Faf du Plessis and also Sam Curran, who was promoted up the order. Chennai, on the other hand, have Rayudu and Watson out there and their batting runs deep and they will look to build and post a big total.ÂÂ
Rashid Khan to Shane Watson, A dot to end the over as Watson cuts this one to the man stationed at short third man. A good over for Rashid to start off with as he concedes only 3 runs off it.
Rashid Khan to Ambati Rayudu, Flatter delivery around middle, Rayudu rocks on his back foot and pulls this one towards the deep mid-wicket region for a single run.
Rashid Khan to Shane Watson, Flighted ball around middle, Watson flicks this uppishly towards the mid on region but it lands safe. One run taken.ÂÂ
Rashid Khan to Ambati Rayudu, Loopy delivery around off and middle, Rayudu works this towards long on off his front foot for a single run.
Rashid Khan to Ambati Rayudu, Short ball on off, Rayudu pushes this back towards Rashid.ÂÂ
Bowling change! Spin from both ends now as Rashid Khan is into the attack.
Rashid Khan to Ambati Rayudu, Flatter around off to start off by Rashid, Rayudu pushes this to the cover region.ÂÂ
Shahbaz Nadeem to Ambati Rayudu, Flatter delivery around off, Rayudu dances down the track and works this one towards the deep point region and the batters collect a single before Rashid Khan cleans up in the deep.ÂÂ
Shahbaz Nadeem to Shane Watson, Short ball on middle, Watson plays this one off his back foot towards the long on region for a single.
Shahbaz Nadeem to Ambati Rayudu, Short ball on off, Rayudu drives this through the cover region for one run.ÂÂ
Shahbaz Nadeem to Shane Watson, Flatter around off, Watson cuts this one towards point for a single.ÂÂ
Shahbaz Nadeem to Shane Watson, ! This was played really well by Watson! Short ball around off, Watson cuts this one wide of the deep point region to bag a boundary.ÂÂ
Shahbaz Nadeem to Ambati Rayudu, SIDE EDGE BUT ! Flatter around off, Rayudu looks to cut this one but it takes an outside edge and the keeper spills this one. A misfield will fetch Chennai a single this time.ÂÂ
T Natarajan is into the attack now. He has been very good in the tournament so far. Let's see what he got up his sleeve in this game.
T Natarajan to Shane Watson, Good end to the over! A yorker around off, Watson keeps it out.
T Natarajan to Shane Watson, Good length ball around off, pushed towards point.
T Natarajan to Shane Watson, ! Easy peasy! You just don't give one in the slots for Watson. The cherry on the cake is the fact that it is on the pads. He whacks it over deep square leg and clears the fence. 50 up for Chennai.
T Natarajan to Ambati Rayudu, Good length and outside off, punched down to long on for a run.
T Natarajan to Shane Watson, Good length and just around off, Watson waits for the ball and cuts it really late. The ball goes to third man for a run.
T Natarajan to Shane Watson, Good length ball outside off, pushed towards mid off.
Shahbaz Nadeem to Ambati Rayudu, ! The last ball spoils a perfect over from Nadeem. He tosses it up and outside off, Rayudu jumps outside his crease and lifts it over extra cover. A boundary to end the Powerplay. 44/2 in the first 6 for Chennai.
Shahbaz Nadeem to Ambati Rayudu, Full and just outside off, Rayudu drills the drive but finds the fielder.
Shahbaz Nadeem to Ambati Rayudu, Quicker one and around off, pushed towards point.
Shahbaz Nadeem to Shane Watson, Another shortish one on middle, pushed through mid on for one.
Shahbaz Nadeem to Shane Watson, Flatter ball outside off, Watson punches it uppishly towards the bowler. Nadeem fumbles a bit but it costs him nothing.
Shahbaz Nadeem is introduced into the attack for Hyderabad.ÂÂ
Shahbaz Nadeem to Shane Watson, A short ball to begin from Nadeem. It is wide too. Watson cuts but finds the point fielder.
Sandeep Sharma to Ambati Rayudu, ! Rayudu doesn't want to waste any time! Full and outside off, he drills it over mid off and opens his account with a boundary. End of another successful over from Sandeep. 3-0-10-2 so far from him, excellent figures.
Sandeep Sharma to Ambati Rayudu, Good length ball just outside off, pushed towards the cover region.
Ambati Rayudu will be the No. 4 batter for Chennai.ÂÂ
Sandeep Sharma to Sam Curran, ! TIMBER! Sandeep strikes again! A beauty from Sandeep. Curran's party has been cut short. A length ball, this one is angled in to the left-hander. Curran looks to defend but plays it along the wrong line and misses. The ball though goes behind and the stumps behind is disturbed.
Sandeep Sharma to Shane Watson, Fullish and on middle, Watson flicks it over mid-wicket for a run.
Sandeep Sharma to Shane Watson, Around off on a good length, pushed back to the bowler.
Sandeep Sharma to Shane Watson, Good length ball around off, Watson defends it.
Khaleel Ahmed to Sam Curran, ! BOOM! Four to begin the over and six to end! Exactly what Chennai needed after a slow start. Khaleel returned back to bowling the shortish length. This one is outside off too. Curran launches it over the bowler's head for a biggie. This is a huge over for Chennai as they collect 22 runs off it.ÂÂ
Khaleel Ahmed to Shane Watson, On the pads of Watson, he looks to flick but mises to get hit on the pad. The ball rolls towards square leg and they take a leg bye.
Khaleel Ahmed to Sam Curran, Smartly tucks the next ball towards mid-wicket and gets to the other end. Also, Khaleel finally changed his pace on this ball and bowled it on a length.
Khaleel Ahmed to Sam Curran, ! A biggie now! Khaleel continues to bowl short. This is around off and middle, Curran waits for it and then pumps it over the long on fence. 14 from the first 3 balls.
Khaleel Ahmed to Sam Curran, ! Two-in-two now! Poor from Khaleel. A shortish ball on middle, it sits up nicely for Curran. He goes back and powers it over mid on for another boundary.
Khaleel Ahmed to Sam Curran, ! BOOM! Good start to the over. Shortish length and just around off, Curran slaps it to the left of the bowler powerfully and finds the fence.
Sandeep Sharma to Shane Watson, Huge appeal but turned down! Sandeep runs in and bowls the inswinger against Watson. The Aussie has had his share of struggle against the inswingers. He tries to flick but gets struck on the pad. They appeal but not out says the umpire. Probably it was doing a little too much.
Sandeep Sharma to Sam Curran, Just wide of the bowler. A length ball around off, Curran looks to drive but the ball taks the inner half and goes to the left of Sandeep uppishly. The pacer dives but he fails to catch. A single and Curran enters into the double digit.
Sandeep Sharma to Sam Curran, Another dot! Curran is not able to get going here. A length ball around off, pushed towards the off side.
Sandeep Sharma to Sam Curran, Driven nicely but straight to the fielder. Full and outside off, Curran drives it well but finds the cover fielder.
Sandeep Sharma to Shane Watson, Watson is up and running! Shortish and outside off, Watson goes back and pushes it towards third man for a run.
Shane Watson is the new batter in for Chennai.
Sandeep Sharma to Faf du Plessis, ! CAUGHT! Du Plessis goes first ball! Terrific from Sandeep. Faf has been waiting to face the first ball from the last two overs. He wanted to feel the ball and hence he went after this wide one. Also, Sandeep managed to bring the ball back in to the right-hander. It is a bit short too. Faf has a poke away from his body. He ends up getting an outside edge to the keeper. Bairstow is safe as a house behind the wicket.
Khaleel Ahmed to Sam Curran, Just clears mid on! A fuller one from Khaleel. It is on middle, Curran looks to slog but doesn't get all of it. Manages to clear the mid on fielder and gets a couple of runs.
Khaleel Ahmed to Sam Curran, Another dot! Just outside off on a good length, Curran pushes it towards point. Good over so far from Khaleel. A wide to begin and a boundary too but after that 4 dots so far. Can he finish it well?
Khaleel Ahmed to Sam Curran, Angled in from around off. It is on the shortish length a touch. Curran tucks it towards mid-wicket.
Khaleel Ahmed to Sam Curran, Good length ball around off, pushed towards covers.
Khaleel Ahmed to Sam Curran, ! Width offered this time and Curran slams it. Short and wide outside off, Curran thumps it over point and finds the first boundary of the match.
Khaleel Ahmed to Sam Curran, Corrects the line this time and bowls it just around off, Curran looks to punch but he is cramped for room and ends up playing it onto the pitch on the off side.
Khaleel Ahmed to Sam Curran, WIDE! A wayward start from Khaleel. Comes charging in but ends up bowling it way outside off, Curran throws his bat at it but fails to connect. Wided.
Who will bowl from the other end? It will be Khaleel Ahmed.ÂÂ
Sandeep Sharma to Sam Curran, Single to end the first over! A quality one from Sandeep. The last ball is bit outside off on a good length. Curran forces it through cover-point for a run.
Sandeep Sharma to Sam Curran, Another ripper! Excellent bowling. Sandeep is not offering any room to Curran. Another length ball around off, a gentle away movement. Curran looks to defend but is beaten convincingly.
Sandeep Sharma to Sam Curran, Play and a miss! Lovely bowling. This one is pitched around off and it goes away as Curran looks to drive but gets beaten.
Sandeep Sharma to Sam Curran, Curran and Chennai are up and running! Sandeep bowls this one on middle on a good length, Curran tucks it through mid-wicket. Doesn't go hard at the ball and that means it will not race away. Two taken.
Sandeep Sharma to Sam Curran, Another one around off on a good length, Curran pushes it towards point.
Sandeep Sharma to Sam Curran, Sandeep is on the money! A length ball just outside off, shapes a touch as Curran blocks it towards point.
Right! We are done and dusted with the pre-match formalities and it is time for the action! Both the umpires stride out to the middle and they are followed by Chennai's openers, Sam Curran and Faf du Plessis! A change in the openers for Chennai. David Warner has got his boys in the huddle near the ropes and sharing some advice with them before they can take their positions in the field. Sandeep Sharma will take the new ball for Hyderabad. Sam Curran to face. Here we go...
Chennai (Playing XI) - Shane Watson, Faf du Plessis, Ambati Rayudu, MS Dhoni (WK/C), Sam Curran, Ravindra Jadeja, Dwayne Bravo, Shardul Thakur, Deepak Chahar, Piyush Chawla (IN PLACE OF NARAYAN JAGADEESAN), Karn Sharma.
Hyderabad (Playing XI) - David Warner (C), Jonny Bairstow (WK), Manish Pandey, Kane Williamson, Vijay Shankar, Priyam Garg, Shahbaz Nadeem (IN PLACE OF ABHISHEK SHARMA), Rashid Khan, Sandeep Sharma, Khaleel Ahmed, T Natarajan.
The skipper of Chennai, MS Dhoni, starts off by saying that they wanted to bat first and they never got the oppurtunity but they will bat first now. Says that the thing with stats is that you can maneovur it the way you want to. Tells that it is a process and it is much quicker if the boys are ready for it and feels that there are always fresh challenges in every new game. Says that cricket is something that is close to life and it teaches you a lot of things. Adds that there is a single change
Hyderabad skipper, David Warner, tells that he would've batted as well but tells that they have got a good bowling lineup so he is not too disappointed. On their last game, Warner says that the easiest thing to do is forget that game and start afresh. Tells that he is enjoying the captaincy and says that he has got a lot of help around him in the form of Kane Williamson and Bairstow. Informs that Shahbaz Nadeem is playing this game in place of Abhishek Sharma.
PITCH REPORT - Kevin Pietersen and Michael Slater are out in the middle for the pitch report. Slater starts off by saying that if you do not bowl the perfect yorker, the bowlers might be punished. KP adds that the bowlers have started picking up the wickets. Adds that if you miss your length, then you are going to get tonked. Slater and Pietersen end by saying that it looks like an even contest between ball and bat and that this is going to be another humdinger of a clash.
TOSS - It is time for the flip of the coin! Both the skippers are out in the middle along with the match referee. Up it goes and it lands in Dhoni's favor! They will BAT FIRST.
Let's talk about Hyderabad first. With one more win than Chennai, Hyderabad is sitting on no. 5 in the points spreadsheet. They were pretty close to a convincing victory over Rajasthan in their last game but Rahul Tewatia and Riyan Parag's heroics meant that two points were taken away from them. They haven't been able to win matches consistently and would be eager to change that.
 MS Dhoni-led Chennai have lost 5 games so far and are finding it difficult to get going! They won their first game, lost three, won again and now have lost two in a row. They need some sort of miracle to turn things around. Inconsistent performances with the bat, the ability to win crucial moments with the ball and poor efforts in the field haven't helped them so far. One thing that will give them some confidence, is the fact that they have had an upper hand over the Orange army in the histo
Hello and welcome to our coverage of yet another game in the Indian T20 League. We are done with the first half of the tournament! Now, we move to the second! The race on the points table is still an interesting and lively one. The second half is being inaugurated by two southern sides, Hyderabad and Chennai.
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Sunrisers Hyderabad
147/8(20 Overs)
Right then! MS Dhoni's boys finally started off with the bat today and have piled up 167 runs on the board. They have a task on their hands as Hyderabad's top 4 batters are very dangerous and they will need quick wickets to pile some pressure on Hyderabad. Who comes out on top? Will Warner and co. chase this down or do the bowlers of Chennai have something else planned in store for us? Join us for the chase in a bit!ÂÂ
Brad Haddin, one of the assistant coaches of Hyderabad, is caught for a quick chat. Starts by saying that he thinks it is a good score as at the start, they were thinking about keeping them to 170. Feels they gave away a few more towards the end. Tells that he was surprised seeing Curran coming to open instead of Watson but was happy seeing that. Finishes by saying that it could be an interesting run chase.
Talking about Hyderabad, with the ball, Sandeep Sharma was the standout performer. He scalped 2 wickets and also conceded just 19 runs off his quota of 4 overs. Khaleel and Natarajan too picked up two wickets but were on the expensive side. Rashid Khan went wicket-less today. Overall, it was a decent bowling performance by Warner's boys.
Chennai started off with a blow as Faf du Plessis was sent packing right on his first ball. Sam Curran was the man to open the innings with him and he had to walk back shortly after. It was Rayudu and Watson who stitched a good partnership and kept the scoreboard ticking for Chennai. Towards the end, some good shots by Dhoni and Jadeja helped Chennai to a good total of 167.
Hyderabad were on course to end the innings well but short cameos from Dhoni and especially Jadeja towards the end of the innings and also good contributions from Watson and Rayudu at the start has propelled Chennai to a challenging total of 167.ÂÂ
Khaleel Ahmed to Ravindra Jadeja, A couple to end the over! Full and outside off, Jadeja strokes it through mid on and gets two. 15 off the last over. Chennai end with 167/6.
Khaleel Ahmed to Ravindra Jadeja, ! Drilled down the ground! Full and outside off, Jadeja drills it through mid off. The long off fielder runs to his left and dives but fails to stop the ball.
Khaleel Ahmed to Ravindra Jadeja, ! Jadeja with a body blow! That wasn't too far from the fielder though. A full toss on middle, Jadeja pumps it towards deep mid-wicket and manages to clear the fielder by just. Important six.
Khaleel Ahmed to Deepak Chahar, Length ball on middle, Chahar looks to slog but misses to get hit on the body. They cross for a leg bye.
Khaleel Ahmed to Deepak Chahar, Full and outside off, Chahar lifts it over mid off. Warner runs to his right and makes a sliding stop. Two taken.
Who will walk out to bat for Chennai? It will be Deepak Chahar.
Dwayne Bravo is the new man in for Chennai. Khaleel Ahmed will bowl the final over of the innings for Hyderabad. His figures so far are 3-0-31-1.
Khaleel Ahmed to Dwayne Bravo, ! Cleaned him up! Golden duck for Bravo! Excellent delivery from Khaleel to begin the last over. It is the slower one that has done the trick here. A good length ball around off, the slower one. Bravo looks to slog it on the leg side but he is deceived big time. The ball goes behind and the zing bails light up. Perfect start of the last over for Hyderabad.
T Natarajan to MS Dhoni, ! CAUGHT! Dhoni departs next ball. A low full toss, just outside off, Dhoni looks to launch it again but this time the ball hits the toe end of the bat and goes to Williamson at extra cover. Natarajan ends his spell with a wicket.
T Natarajan to MS Dhoni, ! HUGE! That's that Dhoni we know! We have seen these so many times! Vintage MS! Natarajan misses his yorker by just but it is good enough for MS. He gets under it and pumps it over long on for a massive six. 102 meters!
T Natarajan to Ravindra Jadeja, One more single! Full and on middle, flicked down to deep mid-wicket for a single.
T Natarajan to MS Dhoni, Wide yorker this time! Dhoni can only jam it towards the off side. A quick single taken. Natarajan got to the ball quickly and wanted to have a shy at the non-striker's end but there was no one for backup so he bailed out.
T Natarajan to Ravindra Jadeja, Slower one this time. It is on middle on a good length, Jadeja reads it and tucks it towards mid-wicket for a run.
T Natarajan to Ravindra Jadeja, ! Smart batting! Jadeja knows that there is no one square of the wicket on the off side. And to his good luck, Natarajan bowls it short and outside off, he waits and then runs it between short third man and point to find the fence.
T Natarajan to Ravindra Jadeja, WIDE! Natarajan tries the yorker but slips it down the leg side. Jadeja lets it be. Wided.
Sandeep Sharma to MS Dhoni, Two to end the over! A full ball on middle, Dhoni flicks it through mid-wicket and scampers back for a couple before the fielder from long on can get to the ball. Sandeep finishes with 2/19.
Sandeep Sharma to MS Dhoni, Dropped but that was a superb effort from Sandeep. Looks like he has hurt himself here. A length ball, Sandeep rolls his fingers on it. Dhoni looks to punch but he is a bit too early in the shot. He ended up getting a leading edge. It lobbed to the left of Sandeep. He went full stretch. Got to the ball but couldn't hold on. A terrific effort though.
Sandeep Sharma to Ravindra Jadeja, Outside off on a length, pushed to third man for a run.
Sandeep Sharma to Ravindra Jadeja, ! Finds the gap nicely! A bit short and just outside off, Jadeja waits for the ball and then forces it through the gap between point and short third man. The point fielder dives to his right but fails to stop it.
Chennai still have MS Dhoni out there.
Sandeep Sharma to MS Dhoni, Slower one! Good length and around off, Dhoni eases a single through mid off.
Sandeep Sharma to Ravindra Jadeja, A length ball on the pads, Jadeja tucks it to fine leg for a run.
Sandeep Sharma is back on. His figures so far read 3-0-10-2.
T Natarajan to MS Dhoni, A slower good length ball outside off, Dhoni looks to play at this but does not connect bat with ball. Chennai collect 10 runs off this over and will look for a couple more big overs before the end of the innings.
T Natarajan to MS Dhoni, ! POWER! This one was smashed! What a shot! Natarajan goes to bowl another full toss outside off, Dhoni hammers this one wide of the man at deep point and the power is immense and it will cross the fence for a boundary.
T Natarajan to MS Dhoni, ! Another full toss but Dhoni punishes this time around! Can we see some more from Captain Cool? Dishes a full toss around middle, Dhoni does well to swivel and pull this one towards the deep square leg region. Rashid runs to his left but fails to stop the ball.
T Natarajan to Ravindra Jadeja, Back of a length delivery around off, Jadeja cuts this one fine towards the point region for a single.
Ravindra Jadeja is the new man in!
T Natarajan to Shane Watson, ! CAUGHT! Another full toss bowled, another wicket for Hyderabad! Shane Watson has looked good so far but then he gives his wicket away here! Things might be a little difficult for Chennai as now they have two new batters out in the middle. Bowls a full toss outside off, Watson looks for the big shot over covers but does not time this well. It is Manish Pandey in the deep, who is not going to drop these chances. Another good breakthrough for Hyderabad!ÂÂ
Who will bowl the 17th over? T Natarajan will. 2-0-17-0 from him so far.
T Natarajan to MS Dhoni, Back of a length delivery around middle, Dhoni tucks this one towards the square leg region to exchange ends with Watson.ÂÂ
Khaleel Ahmed to MS Dhoni, On a good length around off, Dhoni drives this one towards the cover region to retain the strike for the next over.ÂÂ
Khaleel Ahmed to MS Dhoni, This is a short ball around off, Dhoni thinks about the pull but then backs out and leaves it alone. A dot is good towards the end of the innings.ÂÂ
Khaleel Ahmed to Shane Watson, On a full length around off, Watson plays this down the ground towards long off for one.ÂÂ
MS Dhoni is the new man in! Can he launch a few out of the park and take his side towards a good score in these final overs?
Khaleel Ahmed to MS Dhoni, Dhoni is off the mark straightaway! Bowls a good length ball around middle, Dhoni works this one towards the long on region for a single.
Khaleel Ahmed to Ambati Rayudu, ! CAUGHT! Rayudu holes out! Khaleel has struck and the change has worked out for Warner! Rayudu can be dangerous towards the end and Khaleel has done well to get rid of him. Ahmed bowls a full toss around off, Rayudu looks to go big but does not time this one well and it does not have the required distance as he holed out to David Warner who is stationed at long off and he takes a good catch.
Change in bowling! Khaleel Ahmed returns! He was hammered by Sam Curran in his previous spell. Interesting to see how he finishes.
Khaleel Ahmed to Ambati Rayudu, Good start by Khaleel! He bowls a full length ball outside off, Rayudu makes room and reached out to play this one but misses.ÂÂ
Rashid Khan to Ambati Rayudu, Flatter around middle, Rayudu works this one to the leg side for a single to end the over. 14 runs off the last over by Rashid.ÂÂ
Rashid Khan to Ambati Rayudu, ! This is another huge six! Chennai are turning it on now! Loopy around off, Rayudu gets on his knees and slog sweeps this one over the fence at deep mid-wicket.
Rashid will bowl out here! Hasn't been able to get a wicket in this game but has kept things really tight. Hyderbad would be really happy if he can manage to break this stand though.
Rashid Khan to Ambati Rayudu, Flatter ball around off, Ambati cuts this one but straight to the short third man fielder and is sent back by Watson who says no for the single.
Rashid Khan to Ambati Rayudu, Short ball around off, Rayudu defends this one off his back foot.ÂÂ
Rashid Khan to Shane Watson, Flatter on middle, Watson pulls this one towards the mid-wicket region for one.ÂÂ
Rashid Khan to Shane Watson, ! That is a massive six! That looked effortless from Watson! Loopy on middle, Watson hammers this one towards the long off region for a biggie.ÂÂ
DRINKS! 102/2 in 14 overs. How many would Chennai want? They have got two set batters out in the middle and plenty of wickets in the bank. It is time for them to get going and smash a few balls out of the park. Hyderabad have manged to keep things tight so far but they have not managed to keep getting wickets at regular intervals. However, they will hope that the bowlers will continue to keep the batters at bay in the final 6 overs as well. Let's see how it pans out!
T Natarajan to Shane Watson, A single to end the over as this good length ball around off is lofted towards the deep cover region. The batters collect a single. 10 runs from this over for Chennai.ÂÂ
T Natarajan to Ambati Rayudu, LEG BYE! Back of a length ball around middle and leg, Rayudu looks to flick this one but misses and it comes off his body to the leg side. The batters collect a leg bye.
T Natarajan to Ambati Rayudu, ! Easy pickings for Rayudu! You can't bowl such deliveries and not be smashed! This is a full toss way outside off, Rayudu hammers this one over the point region for a boundary. 100 up for Chennai.
T Natarajan to Shane Watson, On a full length around middle, Watson works this one towards the long off region for a single run.
T Natarajan to Ambati Rayudu, Full and just outisde off, Rayudu drives it towards covers where the fielder dives to his left and makes a half stop. Single taken.
T Natarajan is back on. 1-0-8-0 from him so far.
T Natarajan to Ambati Rayudu, IN THE AIR..SAFE! Good fortune for Rayudu as he is safe this time around! Natarajan bowls a good length ball around off, Rayudu dances down the track and looks to heave this one but it takes the outside edge and goes over towards the point region but it is safe. Two runs taken.
Rashid Khan to Shane Watson, Dot to end! Just 7 off the over. Remember, the first ball went for a biggie. Excellent comeback from the Afghan. Shortish and just outside off, Watson cuts but finds short third man.
Rashid Khan to Shane Watson, Flatter and around off, Watson looks to flick but gets an inside edge on the pad.
Rashid Khan to Ambati Rayudu, Full and outside off, this one is swept to deep mid-wicket for a run.
Rashid Khan to Ambati Rayudu, Beaten! Bowls a quicker one just outside off, Rayudu looks to force it on the off side but misses.
Rashid Khan to Shane Watson, Flatter and on middle, tucked towards the leg side for a run.
Rashid Khan to Shane Watson, ! Take that! Watson connects it well this time around. Rashid tosses this full and around off, it is in the slot of Watson. He smokes it over long on for a huge six.
Has Manish Pandey taken a stunner at long on? He is not sure himself. The soft signal is not out though. Let's see what the replays have got to show. Well, no, the ball has bounced. So, Watson is safe.
Shahbaz Nadeem to Ambati Rayudu, ! Rayudu has got his dancing shoes on tonight and he is putting them to show! Loopy on middle, Rayudu dances down the track and smacks it over the bowler's head for a biggie. A good end to this over for Chennai.
Shahbaz Nadeem to Shane Watson, NOT ! This was a terrific effort by Manish Pandey but he does not quite complete the catch. This is bowled flatter around off and middle, Watson pulls this one hard towards the long on region and Manish Pandey is brilliant as he runs in and dives forward to try to scalp this one. He takes the catch and he looks like he is not sure if this is a clean catch. The umpires call in the third umpire and their soft signal is not out. Replays show that this was
Shahbaz Nadeem to Ambati Rayudu, Flighted around off and middle, Rayudu dances down the track and pushes this one towards the long on region for a single.
Shahbaz Nadeem to Shane Watson, Flatter delivery around off, Watson works this towards deep covers for a single.
Shahbaz Nadeem to Shane Watson, On off, Watson pushes this to the man at covers.
The physio is out in the middle. Rashid tried to catch the ball but it hit his finger and went to long off. He is fine now and is ready to bowl.
Shahbaz Nadeem to Ambati Rayudu, Short ball outside off, Rayudu cuts this one towards deep point for one.
Rashid Khan to Shane Watson, Floated ball around off and middle, Watson gets on his knees and sweeps this one on the up towards the deep mid-wicket region. The fielder does well in the deep to dive and save his side two runs. The batters take a couple.ÂÂ
Rashid Khan to Ambati Rayudu, Tossed up ball on middle, Rayudu pushes this one towards the long on region for one.ÂÂ
Rashid Khan to Shane Watson, Loopy ball around off, Watson plays this one hard past the bowler and it goes towards the long off region for a single.ÂÂ
Rashid Khan to Ambati Rayudu, Flighted ball around off, Rayudu sweeps this one towards the square leg region for a single run.
Rashid Khan to Ambati Rayudu, Flatter outside off, Rayudu fends this one out as well.ÂÂ
Rashid Khan to Ambati Rayudu, This is defended well by Rayudu onto the off side.ÂÂ
Shahbaz Nadeem to Ambati Rayudu, A single to end the over as Rayudu works this one to the cover region to retain the strike.
Shahbaz Nadeem to Shane Watson, Another ball on the short length around middle, Watson works this one towards deep mid-wicket region for a single.ÂÂ
Shahbaz Nadeem to Shane Watson, Short ball on middle, Watson rocks on his back foot and pulls this one towards the deep mid-wicket region to run across for a couple.
Shahbaz Nadeem to Shane Watson, Flatter ball around middle and leg, Watson looks to pull this one but he does not connect and the ball hits him on his body.
Shahbaz Nadeem to Shane Watson, Short ball on middle, Watson plays this wide of the bowler and he does well to stop this one.
Shahbaz Nadeem to Ambati Rayudu, Flatter around off, Rayudu comes down the track and works this one to the deep point region for a single.
DRINKS! Hyderabad have started off well as they have removed two very dangerous batters in the form of Faf du Plessis and also Sam Curran, who was promoted up the order. Chennai, on the other hand, have Rayudu and Watson out there and their batting runs deep and they will look to build and post a big total.ÂÂ
Rashid Khan to Shane Watson, A dot to end the over as Watson cuts this one to the man stationed at short third man. A good over for Rashid to start off with as he concedes only 3 runs off it.
Rashid Khan to Ambati Rayudu, Flatter delivery around middle, Rayudu rocks on his back foot and pulls this one towards the deep mid-wicket region for a single run.
Rashid Khan to Shane Watson, Flighted ball around middle, Watson flicks this uppishly towards the mid on region but it lands safe. One run taken.ÂÂ
Rashid Khan to Ambati Rayudu, Loopy delivery around off and middle, Rayudu works this towards long on off his front foot for a single run.
Rashid Khan to Ambati Rayudu, Short ball on off, Rayudu pushes this back towards Rashid.ÂÂ
Bowling change! Spin from both ends now as Rashid Khan is into the attack.
Rashid Khan to Ambati Rayudu, Flatter around off to start off by Rashid, Rayudu pushes this to the cover region.ÂÂ
Shahbaz Nadeem to Ambati Rayudu, Flatter delivery around off, Rayudu dances down the track and works this one towards the deep point region and the batters collect a single before Rashid Khan cleans up in the deep.ÂÂ
Shahbaz Nadeem to Shane Watson, Short ball on middle, Watson plays this one off his back foot towards the long on region for a single.
Shahbaz Nadeem to Ambati Rayudu, Short ball on off, Rayudu drives this through the cover region for one run.ÂÂ
Shahbaz Nadeem to Shane Watson, Flatter around off, Watson cuts this one towards point for a single.ÂÂ
Shahbaz Nadeem to Shane Watson, ! This was played really well by Watson! Short ball around off, Watson cuts this one wide of the deep point region to bag a boundary.ÂÂ
Shahbaz Nadeem to Ambati Rayudu, SIDE EDGE BUT ! Flatter around off, Rayudu looks to cut this one but it takes an outside edge and the keeper spills this one. A misfield will fetch Chennai a single this time.ÂÂ
T Natarajan is into the attack now. He has been very good in the tournament so far. Let's see what he got up his sleeve in this game.
T Natarajan to Shane Watson, Good end to the over! A yorker around off, Watson keeps it out.
T Natarajan to Shane Watson, Good length ball around off, pushed towards point.
T Natarajan to Shane Watson, ! Easy peasy! You just don't give one in the slots for Watson. The cherry on the cake is the fact that it is on the pads. He whacks it over deep square leg and clears the fence. 50 up for Chennai.
T Natarajan to Ambati Rayudu, Good length and outside off, punched down to long on for a run.
T Natarajan to Shane Watson, Good length and just around off, Watson waits for the ball and cuts it really late. The ball goes to third man for a run.
T Natarajan to Shane Watson, Good length ball outside off, pushed towards mid off.
Shahbaz Nadeem to Ambati Rayudu, ! The last ball spoils a perfect over from Nadeem. He tosses it up and outside off, Rayudu jumps outside his crease and lifts it over extra cover. A boundary to end the Powerplay. 44/2 in the first 6 for Chennai.
Shahbaz Nadeem to Ambati Rayudu, Full and just outside off, Rayudu drills the drive but finds the fielder.
Shahbaz Nadeem to Ambati Rayudu, Quicker one and around off, pushed towards point.
Shahbaz Nadeem to Shane Watson, Another shortish one on middle, pushed through mid on for one.
Shahbaz Nadeem to Shane Watson, Flatter ball outside off, Watson punches it uppishly towards the bowler. Nadeem fumbles a bit but it costs him nothing.
Shahbaz Nadeem is introduced into the attack for Hyderabad.ÂÂ
Shahbaz Nadeem to Shane Watson, A short ball to begin from Nadeem. It is wide too. Watson cuts but finds the point fielder.
Sandeep Sharma to Ambati Rayudu, ! Rayudu doesn't want to waste any time! Full and outside off, he drills it over mid off and opens his account with a boundary. End of another successful over from Sandeep. 3-0-10-2 so far from him, excellent figures.
Sandeep Sharma to Ambati Rayudu, Good length ball just outside off, pushed towards the cover region.
Ambati Rayudu will be the No. 4 batter for Chennai.ÂÂ
Sandeep Sharma to Sam Curran, ! TIMBER! Sandeep strikes again! A beauty from Sandeep. Curran's party has been cut short. A length ball, this one is angled in to the left-hander. Curran looks to defend but plays it along the wrong line and misses. The ball though goes behind and the stumps behind is disturbed.
Sandeep Sharma to Shane Watson, Fullish and on middle, Watson flicks it over mid-wicket for a run.
Sandeep Sharma to Shane Watson, Around off on a good length, pushed back to the bowler.
Sandeep Sharma to Shane Watson, Good length ball around off, Watson defends it.
Khaleel Ahmed to Sam Curran, ! BOOM! Four to begin the over and six to end! Exactly what Chennai needed after a slow start. Khaleel returned back to bowling the shortish length. This one is outside off too. Curran launches it over the bowler's head for a biggie. This is a huge over for Chennai as they collect 22 runs off it.ÂÂ
Khaleel Ahmed to Shane Watson, On the pads of Watson, he looks to flick but mises to get hit on the pad. The ball rolls towards square leg and they take a leg bye.
Khaleel Ahmed to Sam Curran, Smartly tucks the next ball towards mid-wicket and gets to the other end. Also, Khaleel finally changed his pace on this ball and bowled it on a length.
Khaleel Ahmed to Sam Curran, ! A biggie now! Khaleel continues to bowl short. This is around off and middle, Curran waits for it and then pumps it over the long on fence. 14 from the first 3 balls.
Khaleel Ahmed to Sam Curran, ! Two-in-two now! Poor from Khaleel. A shortish ball on middle, it sits up nicely for Curran. He goes back and powers it over mid on for another boundary.
Khaleel Ahmed to Sam Curran, ! BOOM! Good start to the over. Shortish length and just around off, Curran slaps it to the left of the bowler powerfully and finds the fence.
Sandeep Sharma to Shane Watson, Huge appeal but turned down! Sandeep runs in and bowls the inswinger against Watson. The Aussie has had his share of struggle against the inswingers. He tries to flick but gets struck on the pad. They appeal but not out says the umpire. Probably it was doing a little too much.
Sandeep Sharma to Sam Curran, Just wide of the bowler. A length ball around off, Curran looks to drive but the ball taks the inner half and goes to the left of Sandeep uppishly. The pacer dives but he fails to catch. A single and Curran enters into the double digit.
Sandeep Sharma to Sam Curran, Another dot! Curran is not able to get going here. A length ball around off, pushed towards the off side.
Sandeep Sharma to Sam Curran, Driven nicely but straight to the fielder. Full and outside off, Curran drives it well but finds the cover fielder.
Sandeep Sharma to Shane Watson, Watson is up and running! Shortish and outside off, Watson goes back and pushes it towards third man for a run.
Shane Watson is the new batter in for Chennai.
Sandeep Sharma to Faf du Plessis, ! CAUGHT! Du Plessis goes first ball! Terrific from Sandeep. Faf has been waiting to face the first ball from the last two overs. He wanted to feel the ball and hence he went after this wide one. Also, Sandeep managed to bring the ball back in to the right-hander. It is a bit short too. Faf has a poke away from his body. He ends up getting an outside edge to the keeper. Bairstow is safe as a house behind the wicket.
Khaleel Ahmed to Sam Curran, Just clears mid on! A fuller one from Khaleel. It is on middle, Curran looks to slog but doesn't get all of it. Manages to clear the mid on fielder and gets a couple of runs.
Khaleel Ahmed to Sam Curran, Another dot! Just outside off on a good length, Curran pushes it towards point. Good over so far from Khaleel. A wide to begin and a boundary too but after that 4 dots so far. Can he finish it well?
Khaleel Ahmed to Sam Curran, Angled in from around off. It is on the shortish length a touch. Curran tucks it towards mid-wicket.
Khaleel Ahmed to Sam Curran, Good length ball around off, pushed towards covers.
Khaleel Ahmed to Sam Curran, ! Width offered this time and Curran slams it. Short and wide outside off, Curran thumps it over point and finds the first boundary of the match.
Khaleel Ahmed to Sam Curran, Corrects the line this time and bowls it just around off, Curran looks to punch but he is cramped for room and ends up playing it onto the pitch on the off side.
Khaleel Ahmed to Sam Curran, WIDE! A wayward start from Khaleel. Comes charging in but ends up bowling it way outside off, Curran throws his bat at it but fails to connect. Wided.
Who will bowl from the other end? It will be Khaleel Ahmed.ÂÂ
Sandeep Sharma to Sam Curran, Single to end the first over! A quality one from Sandeep. The last ball is bit outside off on a good length. Curran forces it through cover-point for a run.
Sandeep Sharma to Sam Curran, Another ripper! Excellent bowling. Sandeep is not offering any room to Curran. Another length ball around off, a gentle away movement. Curran looks to defend but is beaten convincingly.
Sandeep Sharma to Sam Curran, Play and a miss! Lovely bowling. This one is pitched around off and it goes away as Curran looks to drive but gets beaten.
Sandeep Sharma to Sam Curran, Curran and Chennai are up and running! Sandeep bowls this one on middle on a good length, Curran tucks it through mid-wicket. Doesn't go hard at the ball and that means it will not race away. Two taken.
Sandeep Sharma to Sam Curran, Another one around off on a good length, Curran pushes it towards point.
Sandeep Sharma to Sam Curran, Sandeep is on the money! A length ball just outside off, shapes a touch as Curran blocks it towards point.
Right! We are done and dusted with the pre-match formalities and it is time for the action! Both the umpires stride out to the middle and they are followed by Chennai's openers, Sam Curran and Faf du Plessis! A change in the openers for Chennai. David Warner has got his boys in the huddle near the ropes and sharing some advice with them before they can take their positions in the field. Sandeep Sharma will take the new ball for Hyderabad. Sam Curran to face. Here we go...
Chennai (Playing XI) - Shane Watson, Faf du Plessis, Ambati Rayudu, MS Dhoni (WK/C), Sam Curran, Ravindra Jadeja, Dwayne Bravo, Shardul Thakur, Deepak Chahar, Piyush Chawla (IN PLACE OF NARAYAN JAGADEESAN), Karn Sharma.
Hyderabad (Playing XI) - David Warner (C), Jonny Bairstow (WK), Manish Pandey, Kane Williamson, Vijay Shankar, Priyam Garg, Shahbaz Nadeem (IN PLACE OF ABHISHEK SHARMA), Rashid Khan, Sandeep Sharma, Khaleel Ahmed, T Natarajan.
The skipper of Chennai, MS Dhoni, starts off by saying that they wanted to bat first and they never got the oppurtunity but they will bat first now. Says that the thing with stats is that you can maneovur it the way you want to. Tells that it is a process and it is much quicker if the boys are ready for it and feels that there are always fresh challenges in every new game. Says that cricket is something that is close to life and it teaches you a lot of things. Adds that there is a single change
Hyderabad skipper, David Warner, tells that he would've batted as well but tells that they have got a good bowling lineup so he is not too disappointed. On their last game, Warner says that the easiest thing to do is forget that game and start afresh. Tells that he is enjoying the captaincy and says that he has got a lot of help around him in the form of Kane Williamson and Bairstow. Informs that Shahbaz Nadeem is playing this game in place of Abhishek Sharma.
PITCH REPORT - Kevin Pietersen and Michael Slater are out in the middle for the pitch report. Slater starts off by saying that if you do not bowl the perfect yorker, the bowlers might be punished. KP adds that the bowlers have started picking up the wickets. Adds that if you miss your length, then you are going to get tonked. Slater and Pietersen end by saying that it looks like an even contest between ball and bat and that this is going to be another humdinger of a clash.
TOSS - It is time for the flip of the coin! Both the skippers are out in the middle along with the match referee. Up it goes and it lands in Dhoni's favor! They will BAT FIRST.
Let's talk about Hyderabad first. With one more win than Chennai, Hyderabad is sitting on no. 5 in the points spreadsheet. They were pretty close to a convincing victory over Rajasthan in their last game but Rahul Tewatia and Riyan Parag's heroics meant that two points were taken away from them. They haven't been able to win matches consistently and would be eager to change that.
 MS Dhoni-led Chennai have lost 5 games so far and are finding it difficult to get going! They won their first game, lost three, won again and now have lost two in a row. They need some sort of miracle to turn things around. Inconsistent performances with the bat, the ability to win crucial moments with the ball and poor efforts in the field haven't helped them so far. One thing that will give them some confidence, is the fact that they have had an upper hand over the Orange army in the histo
Hello and welcome to our coverage of yet another game in the Indian T20 League. We are done with the first half of the tournament! Now, we move to the second! The race on the points table is still an interesting and lively one. The second half is being inaugurated by two southern sides, Hyderabad and Chennai.
Right then! MS Dhoni's boys finally started off with the bat today and have piled up 167 runs on the board. They have a task on their hands as Hyderabad's top 4 batters are very dangerous and they will need quick wickets to pile some pressure on Hyderabad. Who comes out on top? Will Warner and co. chase this down or do the bowlers of Chennai have something else planned in store for us? Join us for the chase in a bit!ÂÂ
Brad Haddin, one of the assistant coaches of Hyderabad, is caught for a quick chat. Starts by saying that he thinks it is a good score as at the start, they were thinking about keeping them to 170. Feels they gave away a few more towards the end. Tells that he was surprised seeing Curran coming to open instead of Watson but was happy seeing that. Finishes by saying that it could be an interesting run chase.
Talking about Hyderabad, with the ball, Sandeep Sharma was the standout performer. He scalped 2 wickets and also conceded just 19 runs off his quota of 4 overs. Khaleel and Natarajan too picked up two wickets but were on the expensive side. Rashid Khan went wicket-less today. Overall, it was a decent bowling performance by Warner's boys.
Chennai started off with a blow as Faf du Plessis was sent packing right on his first ball. Sam Curran was the man to open the innings with him and he had to walk back shortly after. It was Rayudu and Watson who stitched a good partnership and kept the scoreboard ticking for Chennai. Towards the end, some good shots by Dhoni and Jadeja helped Chennai to a good total of 167.
Hyderabad were on course to end the innings well but short cameos from Dhoni and especially Jadeja towards the end of the innings and also good contributions from Watson and Rayudu at the start has propelled Chennai to a challenging total of 167.ÂÂ
Khaleel Ahmed to Ravindra Jadeja, A couple to end the over! Full and outside off, Jadeja strokes it through mid on and gets two. 15 off the last over. Chennai end with 167/6.
Khaleel Ahmed to Ravindra Jadeja, ! Drilled down the ground! Full and outside off, Jadeja drills it through mid off. The long off fielder runs to his left and dives but fails to stop the ball.
Khaleel Ahmed to Ravindra Jadeja, ! Jadeja with a body blow! That wasn't too far from the fielder though. A full toss on middle, Jadeja pumps it towards deep mid-wicket and manages to clear the fielder by just. Important six.
Khaleel Ahmed to Deepak Chahar, Length ball on middle, Chahar looks to slog but misses to get hit on the body. They cross for a leg bye.
Khaleel Ahmed to Deepak Chahar, Full and outside off, Chahar lifts it over mid off. Warner runs to his right and makes a sliding stop. Two taken.
Who will walk out to bat for Chennai? It will be Deepak Chahar.
Dwayne Bravo is the new man in for Chennai. Khaleel Ahmed will bowl the final over of the innings for Hyderabad. His figures so far are 3-0-31-1.
Khaleel Ahmed to Dwayne Bravo, ! Cleaned him up! Golden duck for Bravo! Excellent delivery from Khaleel to begin the last over. It is the slower one that has done the trick here. A good length ball around off, the slower one. Bravo looks to slog it on the leg side but he is deceived big time. The ball goes behind and the zing bails light up. Perfect start of the last over for Hyderabad.
T Natarajan to MS Dhoni, ! CAUGHT! Dhoni departs next ball. A low full toss, just outside off, Dhoni looks to launch it again but this time the ball hits the toe end of the bat and goes to Williamson at extra cover. Natarajan ends his spell with a wicket.
T Natarajan to MS Dhoni, ! HUGE! That's that Dhoni we know! We have seen these so many times! Vintage MS! Natarajan misses his yorker by just but it is good enough for MS. He gets under it and pumps it over long on for a massive six. 102 meters!
T Natarajan to Ravindra Jadeja, One more single! Full and on middle, flicked down to deep mid-wicket for a single.
T Natarajan to MS Dhoni, Wide yorker this time! Dhoni can only jam it towards the off side. A quick single taken. Natarajan got to the ball quickly and wanted to have a shy at the non-striker's end but there was no one for backup so he bailed out.
T Natarajan to Ravindra Jadeja, Slower one this time. It is on middle on a good length, Jadeja reads it and tucks it towards mid-wicket for a run.
T Natarajan to Ravindra Jadeja, ! Smart batting! Jadeja knows that there is no one square of the wicket on the off side. And to his good luck, Natarajan bowls it short and outside off, he waits and then runs it between short third man and point to find the fence.
T Natarajan to Ravindra Jadeja, WIDE! Natarajan tries the yorker but slips it down the leg side. Jadeja lets it be. Wided.
Sandeep Sharma to MS Dhoni, Two to end the over! A full ball on middle, Dhoni flicks it through mid-wicket and scampers back for a couple before the fielder from long on can get to the ball. Sandeep finishes with 2/19.
Sandeep Sharma to MS Dhoni, Dropped but that was a superb effort from Sandeep. Looks like he has hurt himself here. A length ball, Sandeep rolls his fingers on it. Dhoni looks to punch but he is a bit too early in the shot. He ended up getting a leading edge. It lobbed to the left of Sandeep. He went full stretch. Got to the ball but couldn't hold on. A terrific effort though.
Sandeep Sharma to Ravindra Jadeja, Outside off on a length, pushed to third man for a run.
Sandeep Sharma to Ravindra Jadeja, ! Finds the gap nicely! A bit short and just outside off, Jadeja waits for the ball and then forces it through the gap between point and short third man. The point fielder dives to his right but fails to stop it.
Chennai still have MS Dhoni out there.
Sandeep Sharma to MS Dhoni, Slower one! Good length and around off, Dhoni eases a single through mid off.
Sandeep Sharma to Ravindra Jadeja, A length ball on the pads, Jadeja tucks it to fine leg for a run.
Sandeep Sharma is back on. His figures so far read 3-0-10-2.
T Natarajan to MS Dhoni, A slower good length ball outside off, Dhoni looks to play at this but does not connect bat with ball. Chennai collect 10 runs off this over and will look for a couple more big overs before the end of the innings.
T Natarajan to MS Dhoni, ! POWER! This one was smashed! What a shot! Natarajan goes to bowl another full toss outside off, Dhoni hammers this one wide of the man at deep point and the power is immense and it will cross the fence for a boundary.
T Natarajan to MS Dhoni, ! Another full toss but Dhoni punishes this time around! Can we see some more from Captain Cool? Dishes a full toss around middle, Dhoni does well to swivel and pull this one towards the deep square leg region. Rashid runs to his left but fails to stop the ball.
T Natarajan to Ravindra Jadeja, Back of a length delivery around off, Jadeja cuts this one fine towards the point region for a single.
Ravindra Jadeja is the new man in!
T Natarajan to Shane Watson, ! CAUGHT! Another full toss bowled, another wicket for Hyderabad! Shane Watson has looked good so far but then he gives his wicket away here! Things might be a little difficult for Chennai as now they have two new batters out in the middle. Bowls a full toss outside off, Watson looks for the big shot over covers but does not time this well. It is Manish Pandey in the deep, who is not going to drop these chances. Another good breakthrough for Hyderabad!ÂÂ
Who will bowl the 17th over? T Natarajan will. 2-0-17-0 from him so far.
T Natarajan to MS Dhoni, Back of a length delivery around middle, Dhoni tucks this one towards the square leg region to exchange ends with Watson.ÂÂ
Khaleel Ahmed to MS Dhoni, On a good length around off, Dhoni drives this one towards the cover region to retain the strike for the next over.ÂÂ
Khaleel Ahmed to MS Dhoni, This is a short ball around off, Dhoni thinks about the pull but then backs out and leaves it alone. A dot is good towards the end of the innings.ÂÂ
Khaleel Ahmed to Shane Watson, On a full length around off, Watson plays this down the ground towards long off for one.ÂÂ
MS Dhoni is the new man in! Can he launch a few out of the park and take his side towards a good score in these final overs?
Khaleel Ahmed to MS Dhoni, Dhoni is off the mark straightaway! Bowls a good length ball around middle, Dhoni works this one towards the long on region for a single.
Khaleel Ahmed to Ambati Rayudu, ! CAUGHT! Rayudu holes out! Khaleel has struck and the change has worked out for Warner! Rayudu can be dangerous towards the end and Khaleel has done well to get rid of him. Ahmed bowls a full toss around off, Rayudu looks to go big but does not time this one well and it does not have the required distance as he holed out to David Warner who is stationed at long off and he takes a good catch.
Change in bowling! Khaleel Ahmed returns! He was hammered by Sam Curran in his previous spell. Interesting to see how he finishes.
Khaleel Ahmed to Ambati Rayudu, Good start by Khaleel! He bowls a full length ball outside off, Rayudu makes room and reached out to play this one but misses.ÂÂ
Rashid Khan to Ambati Rayudu, Flatter around middle, Rayudu works this one to the leg side for a single to end the over. 14 runs off the last over by Rashid.ÂÂ
Rashid Khan to Ambati Rayudu, ! This is another huge six! Chennai are turning it on now! Loopy around off, Rayudu gets on his knees and slog sweeps this one over the fence at deep mid-wicket.
Rashid will bowl out here! Hasn't been able to get a wicket in this game but has kept things really tight. Hyderbad would be really happy if he can manage to break this stand though.
Rashid Khan to Ambati Rayudu, Flatter ball around off, Ambati cuts this one but straight to the short third man fielder and is sent back by Watson who says no for the single.
Rashid Khan to Ambati Rayudu, Short ball around off, Rayudu defends this one off his back foot.ÂÂ
Rashid Khan to Shane Watson, Flatter on middle, Watson pulls this one towards the mid-wicket region for one.ÂÂ
Rashid Khan to Shane Watson, ! That is a massive six! That looked effortless from Watson! Loopy on middle, Watson hammers this one towards the long off region for a biggie.ÂÂ
DRINKS! 102/2 in 14 overs. How many would Chennai want? They have got two set batters out in the middle and plenty of wickets in the bank. It is time for them to get going and smash a few balls out of the park. Hyderabad have manged to keep things tight so far but they have not managed to keep getting wickets at regular intervals. However, they will hope that the bowlers will continue to keep the batters at bay in the final 6 overs as well. Let's see how it pans out!
T Natarajan to Shane Watson, A single to end the over as this good length ball around off is lofted towards the deep cover region. The batters collect a single. 10 runs from this over for Chennai.ÂÂ
T Natarajan to Ambati Rayudu, LEG BYE! Back of a length ball around middle and leg, Rayudu looks to flick this one but misses and it comes off his body to the leg side. The batters collect a leg bye.
T Natarajan to Ambati Rayudu, ! Easy pickings for Rayudu! You can't bowl such deliveries and not be smashed! This is a full toss way outside off, Rayudu hammers this one over the point region for a boundary. 100 up for Chennai.
T Natarajan to Shane Watson, On a full length around middle, Watson works this one towards the long off region for a single run.
T Natarajan to Ambati Rayudu, Full and just outisde off, Rayudu drives it towards covers where the fielder dives to his left and makes a half stop. Single taken.
T Natarajan is back on. 1-0-8-0 from him so far.
T Natarajan to Ambati Rayudu, IN THE AIR..SAFE! Good fortune for Rayudu as he is safe this time around! Natarajan bowls a good length ball around off, Rayudu dances down the track and looks to heave this one but it takes the outside edge and goes over towards the point region but it is safe. Two runs taken.
Rashid Khan to Shane Watson, Dot to end! Just 7 off the over. Remember, the first ball went for a biggie. Excellent comeback from the Afghan. Shortish and just outside off, Watson cuts but finds short third man.
Rashid Khan to Shane Watson, Flatter and around off, Watson looks to flick but gets an inside edge on the pad.
Rashid Khan to Ambati Rayudu, Full and outside off, this one is swept to deep mid-wicket for a run.
Rashid Khan to Ambati Rayudu, Beaten! Bowls a quicker one just outside off, Rayudu looks to force it on the off side but misses.
Rashid Khan to Shane Watson, Flatter and on middle, tucked towards the leg side for a run.
Rashid Khan to Shane Watson, ! Take that! Watson connects it well this time around. Rashid tosses this full and around off, it is in the slot of Watson. He smokes it over long on for a huge six.
Has Manish Pandey taken a stunner at long on? He is not sure himself. The soft signal is not out though. Let's see what the replays have got to show. Well, no, the ball has bounced. So, Watson is safe.
Shahbaz Nadeem to Ambati Rayudu, ! Rayudu has got his dancing shoes on tonight and he is putting them to show! Loopy on middle, Rayudu dances down the track and smacks it over the bowler's head for a biggie. A good end to this over for Chennai.
Shahbaz Nadeem to Shane Watson, NOT ! This was a terrific effort by Manish Pandey but he does not quite complete the catch. This is bowled flatter around off and middle, Watson pulls this one hard towards the long on region and Manish Pandey is brilliant as he runs in and dives forward to try to scalp this one. He takes the catch and he looks like he is not sure if this is a clean catch. The umpires call in the third umpire and their soft signal is not out. Replays show that this was
Shahbaz Nadeem to Ambati Rayudu, Flighted around off and middle, Rayudu dances down the track and pushes this one towards the long on region for a single.
Shahbaz Nadeem to Shane Watson, Flatter delivery around off, Watson works this towards deep covers for a single.
Shahbaz Nadeem to Shane Watson, On off, Watson pushes this to the man at covers.
The physio is out in the middle. Rashid tried to catch the ball but it hit his finger and went to long off. He is fine now and is ready to bowl.
Shahbaz Nadeem to Ambati Rayudu, Short ball outside off, Rayudu cuts this one towards deep point for one.
Rashid Khan to Shane Watson, Floated ball around off and middle, Watson gets on his knees and sweeps this one on the up towards the deep mid-wicket region. The fielder does well in the deep to dive and save his side two runs. The batters take a couple.ÂÂ
Rashid Khan to Ambati Rayudu, Tossed up ball on middle, Rayudu pushes this one towards the long on region for one.ÂÂ
Rashid Khan to Shane Watson, Loopy ball around off, Watson plays this one hard past the bowler and it goes towards the long off region for a single.ÂÂ
Rashid Khan to Ambati Rayudu, Flighted ball around off, Rayudu sweeps this one towards the square leg region for a single run.
Rashid Khan to Ambati Rayudu, Flatter outside off, Rayudu fends this one out as well.ÂÂ
Rashid Khan to Ambati Rayudu, This is defended well by Rayudu onto the off side.ÂÂ
Shahbaz Nadeem to Ambati Rayudu, A single to end the over as Rayudu works this one to the cover region to retain the strike.
Shahbaz Nadeem to Shane Watson, Another ball on the short length around middle, Watson works this one towards deep mid-wicket region for a single.ÂÂ
Shahbaz Nadeem to Shane Watson, Short ball on middle, Watson rocks on his back foot and pulls this one towards the deep mid-wicket region to run across for a couple.
Shahbaz Nadeem to Shane Watson, Flatter ball around middle and leg, Watson looks to pull this one but he does not connect and the ball hits him on his body.
Shahbaz Nadeem to Shane Watson, Short ball on middle, Watson plays this wide of the bowler and he does well to stop this one.
Shahbaz Nadeem to Ambati Rayudu, Flatter around off, Rayudu comes down the track and works this one to the deep point region for a single.
DRINKS! Hyderabad have started off well as they have removed two very dangerous batters in the form of Faf du Plessis and also Sam Curran, who was promoted up the order. Chennai, on the other hand, have Rayudu and Watson out there and their batting runs deep and they will look to build and post a big total.ÂÂ
Rashid Khan to Shane Watson, A dot to end the over as Watson cuts this one to the man stationed at short third man. A good over for Rashid to start off with as he concedes only 3 runs off it.
Rashid Khan to Ambati Rayudu, Flatter delivery around middle, Rayudu rocks on his back foot and pulls this one towards the deep mid-wicket region for a single run.
Rashid Khan to Shane Watson, Flighted ball around middle, Watson flicks this uppishly towards the mid on region but it lands safe. One run taken.ÂÂ
Rashid Khan to Ambati Rayudu, Loopy delivery around off and middle, Rayudu works this towards long on off his front foot for a single run.
Rashid Khan to Ambati Rayudu, Short ball on off, Rayudu pushes this back towards Rashid.ÂÂ
Bowling change! Spin from both ends now as Rashid Khan is into the attack.
Rashid Khan to Ambati Rayudu, Flatter around off to start off by Rashid, Rayudu pushes this to the cover region.ÂÂ
Shahbaz Nadeem to Ambati Rayudu, Flatter delivery around off, Rayudu dances down the track and works this one towards the deep point region and the batters collect a single before Rashid Khan cleans up in the deep.ÂÂ
Shahbaz Nadeem to Shane Watson, Short ball on middle, Watson plays this one off his back foot towards the long on region for a single.
Shahbaz Nadeem to Ambati Rayudu, Short ball on off, Rayudu drives this through the cover region for one run.ÂÂ
Shahbaz Nadeem to Shane Watson, Flatter around off, Watson cuts this one towards point for a single.ÂÂ
Shahbaz Nadeem to Shane Watson, ! This was played really well by Watson! Short ball around off, Watson cuts this one wide of the deep point region to bag a boundary.ÂÂ
Shahbaz Nadeem to Ambati Rayudu, SIDE EDGE BUT ! Flatter around off, Rayudu looks to cut this one but it takes an outside edge and the keeper spills this one. A misfield will fetch Chennai a single this time.ÂÂ
T Natarajan is into the attack now. He has been very good in the tournament so far. Let's see what he got up his sleeve in this game.
T Natarajan to Shane Watson, Good end to the over! A yorker around off, Watson keeps it out.
T Natarajan to Shane Watson, Good length ball around off, pushed towards point.
T Natarajan to Shane Watson, ! Easy peasy! You just don't give one in the slots for Watson. The cherry on the cake is the fact that it is on the pads. He whacks it over deep square leg and clears the fence. 50 up for Chennai.
T Natarajan to Ambati Rayudu, Good length and outside off, punched down to long on for a run.
T Natarajan to Shane Watson, Good length and just around off, Watson waits for the ball and cuts it really late. The ball goes to third man for a run.
T Natarajan to Shane Watson, Good length ball outside off, pushed towards mid off.
Shahbaz Nadeem to Ambati Rayudu, ! The last ball spoils a perfect over from Nadeem. He tosses it up and outside off, Rayudu jumps outside his crease and lifts it over extra cover. A boundary to end the Powerplay. 44/2 in the first 6 for Chennai.
Shahbaz Nadeem to Ambati Rayudu, Full and just outside off, Rayudu drills the drive but finds the fielder.
Shahbaz Nadeem to Ambati Rayudu, Quicker one and around off, pushed towards point.
Shahbaz Nadeem to Shane Watson, Another shortish one on middle, pushed through mid on for one.
Shahbaz Nadeem to Shane Watson, Flatter ball outside off, Watson punches it uppishly towards the bowler. Nadeem fumbles a bit but it costs him nothing.
Shahbaz Nadeem is introduced into the attack for Hyderabad.ÂÂ
Shahbaz Nadeem to Shane Watson, A short ball to begin from Nadeem. It is wide too. Watson cuts but finds the point fielder.
Sandeep Sharma to Ambati Rayudu, ! Rayudu doesn't want to waste any time! Full and outside off, he drills it over mid off and opens his account with a boundary. End of another successful over from Sandeep. 3-0-10-2 so far from him, excellent figures.
Sandeep Sharma to Ambati Rayudu, Good length ball just outside off, pushed towards the cover region.
Ambati Rayudu will be the No. 4 batter for Chennai.ÂÂ
Sandeep Sharma to Sam Curran, ! TIMBER! Sandeep strikes again! A beauty from Sandeep. Curran's party has been cut short. A length ball, this one is angled in to the left-hander. Curran looks to defend but plays it along the wrong line and misses. The ball though goes behind and the stumps behind is disturbed.
Sandeep Sharma to Shane Watson, Fullish and on middle, Watson flicks it over mid-wicket for a run.
Sandeep Sharma to Shane Watson, Around off on a good length, pushed back to the bowler.
Sandeep Sharma to Shane Watson, Good length ball around off, Watson defends it.
Khaleel Ahmed to Sam Curran, ! BOOM! Four to begin the over and six to end! Exactly what Chennai needed after a slow start. Khaleel returned back to bowling the shortish length. This one is outside off too. Curran launches it over the bowler's head for a biggie. This is a huge over for Chennai as they collect 22 runs off it.ÂÂ
Khaleel Ahmed to Shane Watson, On the pads of Watson, he looks to flick but mises to get hit on the pad. The ball rolls towards square leg and they take a leg bye.
Khaleel Ahmed to Sam Curran, Smartly tucks the next ball towards mid-wicket and gets to the other end. Also, Khaleel finally changed his pace on this ball and bowled it on a length.
Khaleel Ahmed to Sam Curran, ! A biggie now! Khaleel continues to bowl short. This is around off and middle, Curran waits for it and then pumps it over the long on fence. 14 from the first 3 balls.
Khaleel Ahmed to Sam Curran, ! Two-in-two now! Poor from Khaleel. A shortish ball on middle, it sits up nicely for Curran. He goes back and powers it over mid on for another boundary.
Khaleel Ahmed to Sam Curran, ! BOOM! Good start to the over. Shortish length and just around off, Curran slaps it to the left of the bowler powerfully and finds the fence.
Sandeep Sharma to Shane Watson, Huge appeal but turned down! Sandeep runs in and bowls the inswinger against Watson. The Aussie has had his share of struggle against the inswingers. He tries to flick but gets struck on the pad. They appeal but not out says the umpire. Probably it was doing a little too much.
Sandeep Sharma to Sam Curran, Just wide of the bowler. A length ball around off, Curran looks to drive but the ball taks the inner half and goes to the left of Sandeep uppishly. The pacer dives but he fails to catch. A single and Curran enters into the double digit.
Sandeep Sharma to Sam Curran, Another dot! Curran is not able to get going here. A length ball around off, pushed towards the off side.
Sandeep Sharma to Sam Curran, Driven nicely but straight to the fielder. Full and outside off, Curran drives it well but finds the cover fielder.
Sandeep Sharma to Shane Watson, Watson is up and running! Shortish and outside off, Watson goes back and pushes it towards third man for a run.
Shane Watson is the new batter in for Chennai.
Sandeep Sharma to Faf du Plessis, ! CAUGHT! Du Plessis goes first ball! Terrific from Sandeep. Faf has been waiting to face the first ball from the last two overs. He wanted to feel the ball and hence he went after this wide one. Also, Sandeep managed to bring the ball back in to the right-hander. It is a bit short too. Faf has a poke away from his body. He ends up getting an outside edge to the keeper. Bairstow is safe as a house behind the wicket.
Khaleel Ahmed to Sam Curran, Just clears mid on! A fuller one from Khaleel. It is on middle, Curran looks to slog but doesn't get all of it. Manages to clear the mid on fielder and gets a couple of runs.
Khaleel Ahmed to Sam Curran, Another dot! Just outside off on a good length, Curran pushes it towards point. Good over so far from Khaleel. A wide to begin and a boundary too but after that 4 dots so far. Can he finish it well?
Khaleel Ahmed to Sam Curran, Angled in from around off. It is on the shortish length a touch. Curran tucks it towards mid-wicket.
Khaleel Ahmed to Sam Curran, Good length ball around off, pushed towards covers.
Khaleel Ahmed to Sam Curran, ! Width offered this time and Curran slams it. Short and wide outside off, Curran thumps it over point and finds the first boundary of the match.
Khaleel Ahmed to Sam Curran, Corrects the line this time and bowls it just around off, Curran looks to punch but he is cramped for room and ends up playing it onto the pitch on the off side.
Khaleel Ahmed to Sam Curran, WIDE! A wayward start from Khaleel. Comes charging in but ends up bowling it way outside off, Curran throws his bat at it but fails to connect. Wided.
Who will bowl from the other end? It will be Khaleel Ahmed.ÂÂ
Sandeep Sharma to Sam Curran, Single to end the first over! A quality one from Sandeep. The last ball is bit outside off on a good length. Curran forces it through cover-point for a run.
Sandeep Sharma to Sam Curran, Another ripper! Excellent bowling. Sandeep is not offering any room to Curran. Another length ball around off, a gentle away movement. Curran looks to defend but is beaten convincingly.
Sandeep Sharma to Sam Curran, Play and a miss! Lovely bowling. This one is pitched around off and it goes away as Curran looks to drive but gets beaten.
Sandeep Sharma to Sam Curran, Curran and Chennai are up and running! Sandeep bowls this one on middle on a good length, Curran tucks it through mid-wicket. Doesn't go hard at the ball and that means it will not race away. Two taken.
Sandeep Sharma to Sam Curran, Another one around off on a good length, Curran pushes it towards point.
Sandeep Sharma to Sam Curran, Sandeep is on the money! A length ball just outside off, shapes a touch as Curran blocks it towards point.
Right! We are done and dusted with the pre-match formalities and it is time for the action! Both the umpires stride out to the middle and they are followed by Chennai's openers, Sam Curran and Faf du Plessis! A change in the openers for Chennai. David Warner has got his boys in the huddle near the ropes and sharing some advice with them before they can take their positions in the field. Sandeep Sharma will take the new ball for Hyderabad. Sam Curran to face. Here we go...
Chennai (Playing XI) - Shane Watson, Faf du Plessis, Ambati Rayudu, MS Dhoni (WK/C), Sam Curran, Ravindra Jadeja, Dwayne Bravo, Shardul Thakur, Deepak Chahar, Piyush Chawla (IN PLACE OF NARAYAN JAGADEESAN), Karn Sharma.
Hyderabad (Playing XI) - David Warner (C), Jonny Bairstow (WK), Manish Pandey, Kane Williamson, Vijay Shankar, Priyam Garg, Shahbaz Nadeem (IN PLACE OF ABHISHEK SHARMA), Rashid Khan, Sandeep Sharma, Khaleel Ahmed, T Natarajan.
The skipper of Chennai, MS Dhoni, starts off by saying that they wanted to bat first and they never got the oppurtunity but they will bat first now. Says that the thing with stats is that you can maneovur it the way you want to. Tells that it is a process and it is much quicker if the boys are ready for it and feels that there are always fresh challenges in every new game. Says that cricket is something that is close to life and it teaches you a lot of things. Adds that there is a single change
Hyderabad skipper, David Warner, tells that he would've batted as well but tells that they have got a good bowling lineup so he is not too disappointed. On their last game, Warner says that the easiest thing to do is forget that game and start afresh. Tells that he is enjoying the captaincy and says that he has got a lot of help around him in the form of Kane Williamson and Bairstow. Informs that Shahbaz Nadeem is playing this game in place of Abhishek Sharma.
PITCH REPORT - Kevin Pietersen and Michael Slater are out in the middle for the pitch report. Slater starts off by saying that if you do not bowl the perfect yorker, the bowlers might be punished. KP adds that the bowlers have started picking up the wickets. Adds that if you miss your length, then you are going to get tonked. Slater and Pietersen end by saying that it looks like an even contest between ball and bat and that this is going to be another humdinger of a clash.
TOSS - It is time for the flip of the coin! Both the skippers are out in the middle along with the match referee. Up it goes and it lands in Dhoni's favor! They will BAT FIRST.
Let's talk about Hyderabad first. With one more win than Chennai, Hyderabad is sitting on no. 5 in the points spreadsheet. They were pretty close to a convincing victory over Rajasthan in their last game but Rahul Tewatia and Riyan Parag's heroics meant that two points were taken away from them. They haven't been able to win matches consistently and would be eager to change that.
 MS Dhoni-led Chennai have lost 5 games so far and are finding it difficult to get going! They won their first game, lost three, won again and now have lost two in a row. They need some sort of miracle to turn things around. Inconsistent performances with the bat, the ability to win crucial moments with the ball and poor efforts in the field haven't helped them so far. One thing that will give them some confidence, is the fact that they have had an upper hand over the Orange army in the histo
Hello and welcome to our coverage of yet another game in the Indian T20 League. We are done with the first half of the tournament! Now, we move to the second! The race on the points table is still an interesting and lively one. The second half is being inaugurated by two southern sides, Hyderabad and Chennai.