We are back for the chase. The Kolkata players are out in the middle.
The Hyderabad bowling was not that great! Kumar, Sandeep Sharma and Shankar were taken to the cleaners. Natarajan too was not at his best. Rashid and Nabi were really good but overall, it is not what you would expect from a side whose strength is their bowling.
Now then, the total is a big one, Hyderabad will have to bat really well on a wicket which is holding up just a little. They do have the batters to do so but they are up against a good bowling attack. A good second essay awaits.
Rahul Tripathi is down for an interview. He says that the surface is holding up a bit. Adds that they have posted a strong total. Mentions that it is difficult to score if you bowl in the right areas. Further says that the bowlers will defend the total even if the dew comes in place as they have a good total on board.
End of a brilliant batting performance by Kolkata! Have to say they have got a score which is probably above par and it is all thanks to Rana and Tripathi! Yes, Shubman and Rana did get Kolkata off to a good start but it was the stand between Tripathi and Rana which got the game into Kolkata's tide. Both added above 90 with the two scroing half tons. However, wickets in heaps towards the end saw them finish below 200 but they still will be the happier side heading back into the hut.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Shakib Al Hasan, ! TAKEN! That is another very good catch by Samad! This is a slower one, it is outside off. Hasan is early in the stroke. He ends up hitting it up in the air. Samad at mid-wicket has a lot of work to do. He runs back and then stretches both his hands and hangs onto it. Lovely catch. A wicket to end but a very good last over for Kolkata! 16 runs from it and THEY END WITH 187!
Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Dinesh Karthik, One more short one, Karthik pulls, this time does not connect that well, it goes towards deep square leg for one.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Dinesh Karthik, Two more! This is full and angled into the pads, Karthik works it through mid-wicket. Two taken.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Dinesh Karthik, WIDE! Karthik initially looks to play the paddle scoop by moving in. Kumar bowls it wide outside off. It is left alone. Wided.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Dinesh Karthik, Two now! Karthik comes down the track, it is a short one. It is pulled towards deep mid-wicket for two.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Dinesh Karthik, ! Top edge and a boundary! Fortunate boundary! This is slightly short and outside off, Karthik looks to pull but gets a top edge. It goes over the keeper and into the fence.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar to bowl the final over of the innings.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Dinesh Karthik, ! That made a cracking sound off the bat! Kumar has not been at his best here! He bowls a slot ball, outside off. Karthik shuffles across and plays the sweep shot. Over the square leg fence. Excellent start for Kolkata.
T Natarajan to Dinesh Karthik, Brilliant from Natarajan! He watches the batter move right across and bowls it full and wide outside off. Karthik looks to sweep but it goes off the inner half towards mid-wicket for one. A really good penultimate over by Natarajan.
Shakib Al Hasan is the new batsman in.
T Natarajan to Dinesh Karthik, ! That is a welcome boundary! Really nicely played! Fuller and on middle, that was quite full. Karthik does really well to get under it and loft it down the ground towards the long off fence.
T Natarajan to Shakib Al Hasan, Just the one again! Singles won't harm Hyderabad! A yorker on middle, this is jammed out towards cover for one.
T Natarajan to Shakib Al Hasan, That is a superb nut! A yorker, just outside off. Shakib fails to jam it out. An small appeal but nothing from the umpire.
T Natarajan to Dinesh Karthik, Karthik moves right across and Natarajan bowls it full and wide outside off. It is hit down to long on for one.
T Natarajan to Shakib Al Hasan, Very full and on the pads, this is jammed down to long on for one.
T Natarajan to Shakib Al Hasan, WIDE! Starts off with one down the leg side, Shakib looks to flick but misses. Wided.
Mohammad Nabi to Shakib Al Hasan, On middle, Shakib flicks it through mid-wicket for a single.
Mohammad Nabi to Dinesh Karthik, Short delivery on off, Karthik pushes it through mid off for a single. Nabi does not get the hat-trick!
Mohammad Nabi to Nitish Rana, ! CAUGHT! Nabi gets his first wicket! Flighted delivery on off, Rana looks to go big but gets a leading edge. It goes towards long off where Shankar takes a comfortable catch.
Mohammad Nabi to Eoin Morgan, ! CAUGHT! Nabi gets two-in-two! Floated delivery on middle, Morgan sweeps it over square leg but does not get the distance on it. It goes towards the fielder where Abdul Samad takes a good catch in the deep.
Dinesh Karthik is the new batsman in.
Mohammad Nabi to Nitish Rana, Full on off, Rana drives it to covers.
Mohammad Nabi to Eoin Morgan, Flighted delivery on middle, Morgan pushes it towards covers for a single.
Mohammad Nabi is back on.
Rashid Khan to Eoin Morgan, On middle, this is worked through mid-wicket for one. Morgan is under way! That is an exceptional comeback from Rashid. Just the 7 from the over and a huge wicket. Extraordinary spell from him. He has figures of 4-0-24-2.
Rashid Khan to Nitish Rana, Just a single! Shorter and on middle, Rana pulls it through mid-wicket for one.
Rashid Khan to Nitish Rana, That is yet another dot! Still no runs scored off the bat in this over. This is the leg spinner, it lands on leg pole, Rana looks to flick but misses to get hit on the pads.
Rashid Khan to Nitish Rana, One more dot! On middle, Rana sweeps it towards short fine leg.
Eoin Morgan is the new batsman in.
Rashid Khan to Andre Russell, ! TAKEN! That is some catch from Manish Pandey and he had to hang onto it because it was of Russell. Rashid Khan was got on to get the big West Indian and he does get him. This is fuller and on middle, Russell looks to power it down the ground but fails to get the desired elevation. It goes flat and low to the left of Pandey at long on who runs there, dives forward and takes it inches above the ground. Hyderabad can keep Kolkata under 200 now.
Rashid Khan to Andre Russell, Another googly, this lands on middle and then spins back in. Russell looks to defend but gets an inside onto the pads.
Rashid Khan is back on.
Rashid Khan to Andre Russell, FIVE WIDES! Bonus runs for Kolkata! This lands on leg stump, it is the googly, turns away. Russell looks to defend but misses. Saha misses it too and it races away to the fence.
T Natarajan to Andre Russell, Full on middle, Russell flicks it through square leg for a single.
T Natarajan to Andre Russell, PLAY AND A MISS! Full and outside off, Russell looks to go for the slog it but misses it.
T Natarajan to Andre Russell, ! Good shot! Full delivery on leg, Russell flicks it towards fine leg for a boundary.
Andre Russell is the next batsman in.
T Natarajan to Nitish Rana, Full and outside off, Rana drives it through point for a single.
T Natarajan to Rahul Tripathi, ! CAUGHT! Natarajan breaks the partnership! Slower delivery on middle, Tripathi looks to slog it but gets a top edge. It goes towards the keeper where Saha takes the catch in the second attempt.
T Natarajan to Nitish Rana, Full and outside off, Rana slogs it through mid-wicket for a single.
T Natarajan is back on.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Rahul Tripathi, ! Fifty for Rahul Thirpati! Gets there in a streaky manner but he won't care. It has been a slod innings from him so far. Length and outside off, Rahul throws his bat at it, it goes off the outside edge and fine past the fielder at short third man. Another boundary.
DRINKS! Kolkata remain ahead in the game! They are well on course to score something above 180 and probably above 190 if Rana goes the full distance. Hyderabad, on the other hand, need wickets, they need to pick wickets at regular intervals. Can they fightback or will Kolkata continue to rule the roost?
Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Rahul Tripathi, A yorker now on middle, Rahul jams it back towards the bowler.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Rahul Tripathi, ! Showed power on the last ball and now a deft touch! This is a slower one outside off, Tripathi waits for it and then plays it fine on the off side. Third man is in the ring so it is another boundary.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Rahul Tripathi, ! This is out of here! That is colossal! Not sure the length is right from Kumar. It is a hit-me ball. Comes onto the bat nicely. Tripathi hammers it over the mid-wicket fence for a biggie.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Nitish Rana, One more slower one, this is shorter and on middle, it is pulled through mid-wicket for one.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Nitish Rana, ! That is timed beautifully! Kumar is also welcomed into the attack with a boundary! It is a slower one, shorter and outside off, Rana cuts it through point for a boundary.
Sandeep Sharma to Rahul Tripathi, Two to end! Shorter and on middle, Tripathi pulls it through mid-wicket. Calls for two straightaway and gets it. Sandeep continues to go for runs.
Sandeep Sharma to Nitish Rana, Rana comes down the track and this one is dragged down to long on for one.
Sandeep Sharma is back on. 2-0-23-0 are his figures so far.
Sandeep Sharma to Nitish Rana, A little too ambitious there! Tries to play the reverse sweep to the pacer who bowls it outside off. Missed.
Sandeep Sharma to Nitish Rana, ! Over the fence! A full toss, a gift and Rana hits it over the stand! He gets down on one knee and then hits it well over the square leg fence.
Sandeep Sharma to Rahul Tripathi, Rahul takes a few steps ahead! This is on a length and closer to the body of the batter. It is guided down to third man for one.
Sandeep Sharma to Rahul Tripathi, Very good running! A slower one on the pads, Tripathi works it through square leg with soft hands. Two taken.
Rashid Khan to Nitish Rana, On middle, Rana plays a reverse sweep to point.
Rashid Khan to Rahul Tripathi, Full delivery on off, Tripathi drives it through covers for a single.
Rashid Khan to Rahul Tripathi, ! What a shot! Tossed up delivery on middle, Tripathi lofts it over the bowler's head for a boundary.
Rashid Khan to Rahul Tripathi, Short delivery on middle, Tripathi pulls it through mid-wicket for a couple.
Rashid Khan to Nitish Rana, Googly on middle, Rana looks to drive but gets an inside edge onto the pads. It goes past the keeper's legs towards fine leg for a single.
Rashid Khan to Rahul Tripathi, Flighted delivery on off, Tripathi pushes it through point for a single.
Mohammad Nabi to Rahul Tripathi, A single to end! Another huge over for Kolkata! A yorker on middle, this is jammed out towards point for one.
Mohammad Nabi is back on. 2-0-16-0 are his figures so far.
Mohammad Nabi to Rahul Tripathi, Shorter and on middle, Tripathi pulls but to mid-wicket.
Mohammad Nabi to Nitish Rana, A single now as this is worked through mid-wicket.
Mohammad Nabi to Nitish Rana, ! That is huge! It is the shorter side but it has gone all the way! The slog sweep, it is on middle, Rana connects and does so nicely. It goes over the mid-wicket fence.
Mohammad Nabi to Rahul Tripathi, Shorter and outside off, this is slapped through covers for one.
Mohammad Nabi to Rahul Tripathi, ! 10 from the last two balls then! Tripathi gets into the act! This is down the leg side. Rahul sweeps it through backward square leg and it races away.
T Natarajan to Nitish Rana, ! Rana is on fire here! The last ball spoils the over completely! This is short and on the body, Rana swivels and pulls it well over the fine leg fence for a biggie.
T Natarajan to Nitish Rana, Had Natarajan picked that up cleanly, it would have been close! Rana makes room, Natarajan follows him with a low full toss. He drives it back to the right of the bowler. Rana is off for a run but then realizes it is stopped by Natarajan as he dives to his right. One more dot.
T Natarajan to Rahul Tripathi, One more yorker on middle, Tripathi jams it out towards mid-wicket for one more.
T Natarajan to Rahul Tripathi, A yorker as Tripathi makes room. He jams it out to covers. A rare dot.
T Natarajan to Nitish Rana, Shuffles across, Natarajan bowls it on off, it is guided down to third man for one more.
T Natarajan to Rahul Tripathi, Angled into the pads, this is worked through square leg for one.
T Natarajan is back on.
Vijay Shankar to Nitish Rana, ! 50 for Nitish Rana! It has been a solid innings from him. Short delivery on middle, Rana pulls it over square leg for a maximum.
Vijay Shankar to Rahul Tripathi, Slower delivery on off, Tripathi punches it through covers for a single.
Vijay Shankar to Nitish Rana, Short and outside off, Rana slaps it over point for a single.
Vijay Shankar to Rahul Tripathi, Length delivery on middle, Tripathi flicks it through square leg for a run.
Vijay Shankar to Rahul Tripathi, ! That is smashed! Short again on middle, Tripathi pulls it over square leg for a boundary.
Vijay Shankar to Nitish Rana, Short delivery outside off, Rana cuts it through point for a single.
DRINKS! It has been good going so far from Kolkata! Yes, they have lost Gill but Rana has looked nice and Tripathi has come out with a attacking mind-set and he is not letting the momentum the opening stand gathered slip away. Can they keep this going? Hyderabad, on the other hand, have done well to pull things back a little but they know, they need to keep taking wickets or this batting line-up is a long one and will make them pay. An interesting passage awaits.
Rashid Khan to Rahul Tripathi, On middle, Tripathi plays a slog sweep over mid-wicket. Vijay Shankar in the deep slides and does well to stop it before the ropes. Two runs taken.
Rashid Khan to Nitish Rana, Short delivery on off, Rana pushes it towards short third man for a run.
Rashid Khan to Rahul Tripathi, Full on middle, Tripathi lofts it over mid on for a single.
Rashid Khan to Rahul Tripathi, Googly on off, Tripathi looks to defend but gets an inside edge onto the pads.
Rashid Khan to Nitish Rana, Flighted delivery on middle, Rana pushes it through mid on for a single.
Rashid Khan to Rahul Tripathi, A huge, huge appeal and up goes the finger! Rana reviews and indicates he has hit that! NOT ! There is a big inside edge! That is the only thing that could save Rana! It is a full toss on middle, Rana looks to play the reverse sweep but he seems to have missed it initially. It hits his pad. An appeal and the finger is raised. Rana reviews and replays show that he survives to fight another day.
Mohammad Nabi to Rahul Tripathi, BEATEN! A good end but an expensive second by Nabi! Quicker and outside off, Tripathi looks to defend but is beaten.
Mohammad Nabi to Rahul Tripathi, Deft! Shorter and outside off, Rahul waits for it and then guides it fine on the off side for two.
Mohammad Nabi to Rahul Tripathi, ! That is huge! Wow! He just walked out to bat but has nailed that one. It is slightly fuller and around off, Tripathi lofts it high and well over the long off fence for a biggie.
Mohammad Nabi to Nitish Rana, Flatter and outside off, this is guided through point for one.
Mohammad Nabi to Rahul Tripathi, Catch it is the call but it is well away from the fielder! Tossed up outside off. Tripathi looks to drive it on the up but the ball grips, comes off slowly. It goes uppishly but wide of cover for one.
Mohammad Nabi to Nitish Rana, Fired into the pads, Rana works it through square leg for one.
Rahul Tripathi is the new batsman in.
Rashid Khan to Shubman Gill, ! BOWLED! Khan gets his first wicket! Googly on middle, Gill looks to play the slog sweep but misses it and gets bowled. He missed it completely.
Rashid Khan to Nitish Rana, Short delivery on middle, Rana punches it through mid on for a single.
Rashid Khan to Nitish Rana, Loopy delivery on middle, Rana keeps it out.
Rashid Khan to Nitish Rana, Floated delivery on middle, Rana flicks it towards the leg side and looks for a single. He is halfway down the track and Gill sends him back. The fielder goes for a direct hit at the keeper's end but misses it.
Rashid Khan to Shubman Gill, Short delivery on off, Gill punches it through point for a run.
Rashid Khan is on.
Rashid Khan to Nitish Rana, Short delivery on middle, Rana pulls it through mid-wicket for a single.
Mohammad Nabi to Shubman Gill, Loopy delivery on off, Gill punches it to covers. A tidy end to the Powerplay but a good start for Kolkata, solid start for them. They are 50 for 0 after the first 6.
Mohammad Nabi to Shubman Gill, Short delivery on off, Gill cuts it to point.
Mohammad Nabi to Nitish Rana, Floated delivery on off, Rana pushes it towards point for a single.
Mohammad Nabi to Nitish Rana, Loopy delivery on middle, Rana looks to play the reverse sweep but gets hit on the glove.
Mohammad Nabi to Nitish Rana, ! Good shot! Flighted delivery on middle, Rana plays a paddle sweep towards fine leg for a boundary.
Mohammad Nabi to Nitish Rana, Tossed up delivery on middle, Rana flicks it to mid-wicket.
Mohammad Nabi is into the attack.
T Natarajan to Nitish Rana, A single then to end the over! Rana takes a few steps ahead and this is a low full toss, it is hit to mid off for one. Natarajan too starts off expensively.
T Natarajan to Nitish Rana, ! Dragged away! This is angled into the middle pole, Rana hits it over mid-wicket. Gets the bottom hand in use and bags a boundary. It was not off the middle but got the result he wanted.
T Natarajan to Nitish Rana, Sharp work from Saha! Length and on off, Rana looks to drop it on the off side. He looks to play it late. It goes off the underedge towards the keeper. Gill is off for a run but is sent back. Shaa gets to the ball quickly and has a shy at the bowler's end but misses. Gill had to dive in there. He would have made it though.
T Natarajan to Nitish Rana, A yorker then and on middle, Rana jams it out towards mid on.
T Natarajan to Shubman Gill, A good slower one now, the length is dragged back. It is pushed towards cover for one.
T Natarajan to Shubman Gill, ! That is some shot! Some shot, have to say! Welcome into the attack, Natarajan! This is fuller and on middle, Gill shows the full face of the bat and lofts it well over the long on fence. Bowler under pressure. Not a good start by him.
T Natarajan is into the attack.
Sandeep Sharma to Shubman Gill, A single then to end! A good over for Kolkata and they are off to a flier. On middle, this is worked to mid-wicket for one.
Sandeep Sharma to Shubman Gill, Crunched! Gill now steps out. This is on a length. He cracks it but straight to covers.
Sandeep Sharma to Nitish Rana, A single now! Very full, almost a yorker. It is jammed out towards mid off for one.
Sandeep Sharma to Nitish Rana, ! Innovation at its best! That was premeditated and it was executed brilliantly! There is no one in the deep on the leg side. Rana goes down on one knee and drags this from outside off, over square leg for the third boundary in a row.
Sandeep Sharma to Nitish Rana, ! Sharma is leaking runs here! Rana is on the charge! He steps out and makes room. This is on a length, it is slapped through covers for a boundary.
Sandeep Sharma to Nitish Rana, ! Lovely from Rana! That is a wonderful shot. This is full and outside off. A slower one. Rana waits for it and then lofts it over the cover fielder. Goes for a one-bounce boundary. Another over which starts with a boundary.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Shubman Gill, So Kumar once again comes back strongly after going for a boundary on the first ball! A dot to end! On off, this is pushed to cover.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Nitish Rana, Good running! Fuller and on off, Rana pushes it towards mid off for one.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Nitish Rana, Another slower one. Rana waits for it and then guides it to point.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Nitish Rana, In the air... just short! Samad probably did not pick it! A slower one, it is on off. Rana is done in by the lack of pace. He is early in the shot. He ends up chipping it but it lands safe in the mid on region. Samad just did not run in quickly. That was in the air for some time.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Shubman Gill, Length now and on middle, Gill pushes it to mid on for one more.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Shubman Gill, ! That is glorious! Just used the pace of the bowler. Let the ball come to him, this one is on the pads. He works it through mid-wicket. Another boundary. Kolkata scoring their runs in boundaries.
Sandeep Sharma to Nitish Rana, This one stayed slightly low but both the batters are going after Sandeep here! This is slightly shorter in length and outside off. Rana looks to go big on the leg side but misses. A good over for Kolkata. 9 from it.
Sandeep Sharma to Nitish Rana, ! Smacked! Up and over! That was right off the middle. A slot ball. Full and on off, Rana lofts it over mid off. Races away to the fence.
Sandeep Sharma to Nitish Rana, Length again and on off, Rana guides it to point. He wants a run but is sent back.
Sandeep Sharma to Nitish Rana, ! Inside edge and a boundary! A fortunate boundary but Rana won't care! He too steps out. The length is shortened and it is on middle, Rana looks to heave it across the line but gets an inside edge. It goes off the inside edge past the leg pole and down to the fine leg fence. Second boundary for Rana.
Sandeep Sharma to Shubman Gill, Gill uses his feet once again, this makes into a relatively full ball, it is driven towards mid off for one. He is off the mark.
Sandeep Sharma to Shubman Gill, Gill straightaway steps out, he expects Sandeep Sharma to swing the ball. Sandeep had to bowl it shorter and hence, no swing. It is pushed to covers.
Sandeep Sharma to bowl from the other end.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Nitish Rana, A huge, huge appeal but nothing from the umpire! A little too straight, it is on the pads. Rana looks to flick but misses to get hit on the pads. That one pitched outside leg. So, a boundary on the first ball and then five dots.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Nitish Rana, One more dot! Another one on a length, Rana guides it to point. Good comeback from Kumar so far.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Nitish Rana, Fuller and on middle, Rana is solid in defense.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Nitish Rana, Beaten! Gets some movement this time, lands it on off and slants it away. Rana pushes at it but is beaten.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Nitish Rana, Drags his length back, straightens the line too. This is worked to mid-wicket.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Nitish Rana, ! That is an excellent way to get off the mark! However, Rana played that with no real foot movement. Kumar goes full, he looks for some swing but there ain't any. It is a half volley outside off. Rana creams it through covers. Boundary.
We are all set for the action to begin! The Hyderabad players make their way out to the middle. They are followed by the Kolkata openers, Shubman Gill and Nitish Rana, a new opening pair for Kolkata. They have gone for a left-hand, right-hand combination. Bhuvneshwar Kumar to start off. Here we go...
Andre Russell is down for an interview. He says he is always ready to bowl quick and he is in good shape and is looking forward for some good stuff. Mentions if he can bowl 4 overs, that gives his team a lot of balance and that is what he wants to do for his side putting his body on the line. Adds Morgan is a relaxed guy and gives the freedom to do what you want, DK was similar and he hopes he can do well for his skipper. Also says once they have the upper hand, they need to go for the kill, the
Eoin Morgan, Kolkata skipper, says he is loving it, the background staff and everybody have been good and he is delighted to be here and he hopes they can make it into the playoffs. Informs the four overseas players are Russell, Cummins, Shakib and himself.
Kolkata (Playing XI) - Shubman Gill, Rahul Tripathi, Nitish Rana, Eoin Morgan (C), Dinesh Karthik (WK), Andre Russell, Shakib Al Hasan, Pat Cummins, Harbhajan Singh, Prasidh Krishna, Varun Chakravarthy.
Hyderabad (Playing XI) - David Warner (C), Jonny Bairstow, Wriddhiman Saha (WK), Manish Pandey, Vijay Shankar, Abdul Samad, Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, T Natarajan, Sandeep Sharma.
David Warner, Hyderabad skipper, says this wicket looks a lot drier, it won't change a lot, there was not a lot of dew in the last training session but if there is, they will know what to chase and it is good for them. Informs the four foreign players are Nabi, Bairstow, Rashid and himself.
TOSS - It is time for the spin of the coin. Both the captains are out in the middle. Hyderabad win the toss and elect to field first!
Pitch Report - Lisa Sthalekar is down with the pitch report. She says that the dimensions of the ground are 60 m to the right and 71 m to the left. Murali Kartik says that there is grass on the surface. Adds that it is a black soil wicket. Mentions that the wind is blowing and it will be important how the spinners will bowl. Further says that the pitch will be effective for the spinners.
The action is back in Chennai as it is now time for game number 3 of this yearâs Indian T20 League. Hyderabad will be taking on Kolkata. Two sides with excellent bowing attacks will go head-to-head. Both will be eager to start off in a winning manner. Kolkata enjoy a better head to head record against Hyderabad but one has to believe the latter are slightly stronger on paper. Both the games so far has been won by the side chasing, is it going to be the same again? We will find out. Stay tuned
We are back for the chase. The Kolkata players are out in the middle.
The Hyderabad bowling was not that great! Kumar, Sandeep Sharma and Shankar were taken to the cleaners. Natarajan too was not at his best. Rashid and Nabi were really good but overall, it is not what you would expect from a side whose strength is their bowling.
Now then, the total is a big one, Hyderabad will have to bat really well on a wicket which is holding up just a little. They do have the batters to do so but they are up against a good bowling attack. A good second essay awaits.
Rahul Tripathi is down for an interview. He says that the surface is holding up a bit. Adds that they have posted a strong total. Mentions that it is difficult to score if you bowl in the right areas. Further says that the bowlers will defend the total even if the dew comes in place as they have a good total on board.
End of a brilliant batting performance by Kolkata! Have to say they have got a score which is probably above par and it is all thanks to Rana and Tripathi! Yes, Shubman and Rana did get Kolkata off to a good start but it was the stand between Tripathi and Rana which got the game into Kolkata's tide. Both added above 90 with the two scroing half tons. However, wickets in heaps towards the end saw them finish below 200 but they still will be the happier side heading back into the hut.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Shakib Al Hasan, ! TAKEN! That is another very good catch by Samad! This is a slower one, it is outside off. Hasan is early in the stroke. He ends up hitting it up in the air. Samad at mid-wicket has a lot of work to do. He runs back and then stretches both his hands and hangs onto it. Lovely catch. A wicket to end but a very good last over for Kolkata! 16 runs from it and THEY END WITH 187!
Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Dinesh Karthik, One more short one, Karthik pulls, this time does not connect that well, it goes towards deep square leg for one.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Dinesh Karthik, Two more! This is full and angled into the pads, Karthik works it through mid-wicket. Two taken.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Dinesh Karthik, WIDE! Karthik initially looks to play the paddle scoop by moving in. Kumar bowls it wide outside off. It is left alone. Wided.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Dinesh Karthik, Two now! Karthik comes down the track, it is a short one. It is pulled towards deep mid-wicket for two.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Dinesh Karthik, ! Top edge and a boundary! Fortunate boundary! This is slightly short and outside off, Karthik looks to pull but gets a top edge. It goes over the keeper and into the fence.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar to bowl the final over of the innings.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Dinesh Karthik, ! That made a cracking sound off the bat! Kumar has not been at his best here! He bowls a slot ball, outside off. Karthik shuffles across and plays the sweep shot. Over the square leg fence. Excellent start for Kolkata.
T Natarajan to Dinesh Karthik, Brilliant from Natarajan! He watches the batter move right across and bowls it full and wide outside off. Karthik looks to sweep but it goes off the inner half towards mid-wicket for one. A really good penultimate over by Natarajan.
Shakib Al Hasan is the new batsman in.
T Natarajan to Dinesh Karthik, ! That is a welcome boundary! Really nicely played! Fuller and on middle, that was quite full. Karthik does really well to get under it and loft it down the ground towards the long off fence.
T Natarajan to Shakib Al Hasan, Just the one again! Singles won't harm Hyderabad! A yorker on middle, this is jammed out towards cover for one.
T Natarajan to Shakib Al Hasan, That is a superb nut! A yorker, just outside off. Shakib fails to jam it out. An small appeal but nothing from the umpire.
T Natarajan to Dinesh Karthik, Karthik moves right across and Natarajan bowls it full and wide outside off. It is hit down to long on for one.
T Natarajan to Shakib Al Hasan, Very full and on the pads, this is jammed down to long on for one.
T Natarajan to Shakib Al Hasan, WIDE! Starts off with one down the leg side, Shakib looks to flick but misses. Wided.
Mohammad Nabi to Shakib Al Hasan, On middle, Shakib flicks it through mid-wicket for a single.
Mohammad Nabi to Dinesh Karthik, Short delivery on off, Karthik pushes it through mid off for a single. Nabi does not get the hat-trick!
Mohammad Nabi to Nitish Rana, ! CAUGHT! Nabi gets his first wicket! Flighted delivery on off, Rana looks to go big but gets a leading edge. It goes towards long off where Shankar takes a comfortable catch.
Mohammad Nabi to Eoin Morgan, ! CAUGHT! Nabi gets two-in-two! Floated delivery on middle, Morgan sweeps it over square leg but does not get the distance on it. It goes towards the fielder where Abdul Samad takes a good catch in the deep.
Dinesh Karthik is the new batsman in.
Mohammad Nabi to Nitish Rana, Full on off, Rana drives it to covers.
Mohammad Nabi to Eoin Morgan, Flighted delivery on middle, Morgan pushes it towards covers for a single.
Mohammad Nabi is back on.
Rashid Khan to Eoin Morgan, On middle, this is worked through mid-wicket for one. Morgan is under way! That is an exceptional comeback from Rashid. Just the 7 from the over and a huge wicket. Extraordinary spell from him. He has figures of 4-0-24-2.
Rashid Khan to Nitish Rana, Just a single! Shorter and on middle, Rana pulls it through mid-wicket for one.
Rashid Khan to Nitish Rana, That is yet another dot! Still no runs scored off the bat in this over. This is the leg spinner, it lands on leg pole, Rana looks to flick but misses to get hit on the pads.
Rashid Khan to Nitish Rana, One more dot! On middle, Rana sweeps it towards short fine leg.
Eoin Morgan is the new batsman in.
Rashid Khan to Andre Russell, ! TAKEN! That is some catch from Manish Pandey and he had to hang onto it because it was of Russell. Rashid Khan was got on to get the big West Indian and he does get him. This is fuller and on middle, Russell looks to power it down the ground but fails to get the desired elevation. It goes flat and low to the left of Pandey at long on who runs there, dives forward and takes it inches above the ground. Hyderabad can keep Kolkata under 200 now.
Rashid Khan to Andre Russell, Another googly, this lands on middle and then spins back in. Russell looks to defend but gets an inside onto the pads.
Rashid Khan is back on.
Rashid Khan to Andre Russell, FIVE WIDES! Bonus runs for Kolkata! This lands on leg stump, it is the googly, turns away. Russell looks to defend but misses. Saha misses it too and it races away to the fence.
T Natarajan to Andre Russell, Full on middle, Russell flicks it through square leg for a single.
T Natarajan to Andre Russell, PLAY AND A MISS! Full and outside off, Russell looks to go for the slog it but misses it.
T Natarajan to Andre Russell, ! Good shot! Full delivery on leg, Russell flicks it towards fine leg for a boundary.
Andre Russell is the next batsman in.
T Natarajan to Nitish Rana, Full and outside off, Rana drives it through point for a single.
T Natarajan to Rahul Tripathi, ! CAUGHT! Natarajan breaks the partnership! Slower delivery on middle, Tripathi looks to slog it but gets a top edge. It goes towards the keeper where Saha takes the catch in the second attempt.
T Natarajan to Nitish Rana, Full and outside off, Rana slogs it through mid-wicket for a single.
T Natarajan is back on.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Rahul Tripathi, ! Fifty for Rahul Thirpati! Gets there in a streaky manner but he won't care. It has been a slod innings from him so far. Length and outside off, Rahul throws his bat at it, it goes off the outside edge and fine past the fielder at short third man. Another boundary.
DRINKS! Kolkata remain ahead in the game! They are well on course to score something above 180 and probably above 190 if Rana goes the full distance. Hyderabad, on the other hand, need wickets, they need to pick wickets at regular intervals. Can they fightback or will Kolkata continue to rule the roost?
Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Rahul Tripathi, A yorker now on middle, Rahul jams it back towards the bowler.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Rahul Tripathi, ! Showed power on the last ball and now a deft touch! This is a slower one outside off, Tripathi waits for it and then plays it fine on the off side. Third man is in the ring so it is another boundary.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Rahul Tripathi, ! This is out of here! That is colossal! Not sure the length is right from Kumar. It is a hit-me ball. Comes onto the bat nicely. Tripathi hammers it over the mid-wicket fence for a biggie.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Nitish Rana, One more slower one, this is shorter and on middle, it is pulled through mid-wicket for one.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Nitish Rana, ! That is timed beautifully! Kumar is also welcomed into the attack with a boundary! It is a slower one, shorter and outside off, Rana cuts it through point for a boundary.
Sandeep Sharma to Rahul Tripathi, Two to end! Shorter and on middle, Tripathi pulls it through mid-wicket. Calls for two straightaway and gets it. Sandeep continues to go for runs.
Sandeep Sharma to Nitish Rana, Rana comes down the track and this one is dragged down to long on for one.
Sandeep Sharma is back on. 2-0-23-0 are his figures so far.
Sandeep Sharma to Nitish Rana, A little too ambitious there! Tries to play the reverse sweep to the pacer who bowls it outside off. Missed.
Sandeep Sharma to Nitish Rana, ! Over the fence! A full toss, a gift and Rana hits it over the stand! He gets down on one knee and then hits it well over the square leg fence.
Sandeep Sharma to Rahul Tripathi, Rahul takes a few steps ahead! This is on a length and closer to the body of the batter. It is guided down to third man for one.
Sandeep Sharma to Rahul Tripathi, Very good running! A slower one on the pads, Tripathi works it through square leg with soft hands. Two taken.
Rashid Khan to Nitish Rana, On middle, Rana plays a reverse sweep to point.
Rashid Khan to Rahul Tripathi, Full delivery on off, Tripathi drives it through covers for a single.
Rashid Khan to Rahul Tripathi, ! What a shot! Tossed up delivery on middle, Tripathi lofts it over the bowler's head for a boundary.
Rashid Khan to Rahul Tripathi, Short delivery on middle, Tripathi pulls it through mid-wicket for a couple.
Rashid Khan to Nitish Rana, Googly on middle, Rana looks to drive but gets an inside edge onto the pads. It goes past the keeper's legs towards fine leg for a single.
Rashid Khan to Rahul Tripathi, Flighted delivery on off, Tripathi pushes it through point for a single.
Mohammad Nabi to Rahul Tripathi, A single to end! Another huge over for Kolkata! A yorker on middle, this is jammed out towards point for one.
Mohammad Nabi is back on. 2-0-16-0 are his figures so far.
Mohammad Nabi to Rahul Tripathi, Shorter and on middle, Tripathi pulls but to mid-wicket.
Mohammad Nabi to Nitish Rana, A single now as this is worked through mid-wicket.
Mohammad Nabi to Nitish Rana, ! That is huge! It is the shorter side but it has gone all the way! The slog sweep, it is on middle, Rana connects and does so nicely. It goes over the mid-wicket fence.
Mohammad Nabi to Rahul Tripathi, Shorter and outside off, this is slapped through covers for one.
Mohammad Nabi to Rahul Tripathi, ! 10 from the last two balls then! Tripathi gets into the act! This is down the leg side. Rahul sweeps it through backward square leg and it races away.
T Natarajan to Nitish Rana, ! Rana is on fire here! The last ball spoils the over completely! This is short and on the body, Rana swivels and pulls it well over the fine leg fence for a biggie.
T Natarajan to Nitish Rana, Had Natarajan picked that up cleanly, it would have been close! Rana makes room, Natarajan follows him with a low full toss. He drives it back to the right of the bowler. Rana is off for a run but then realizes it is stopped by Natarajan as he dives to his right. One more dot.
T Natarajan to Rahul Tripathi, One more yorker on middle, Tripathi jams it out towards mid-wicket for one more.
T Natarajan to Rahul Tripathi, A yorker as Tripathi makes room. He jams it out to covers. A rare dot.
T Natarajan to Nitish Rana, Shuffles across, Natarajan bowls it on off, it is guided down to third man for one more.
T Natarajan to Rahul Tripathi, Angled into the pads, this is worked through square leg for one.
T Natarajan is back on.
Vijay Shankar to Nitish Rana, ! 50 for Nitish Rana! It has been a solid innings from him. Short delivery on middle, Rana pulls it over square leg for a maximum.
Vijay Shankar to Rahul Tripathi, Slower delivery on off, Tripathi punches it through covers for a single.
Vijay Shankar to Nitish Rana, Short and outside off, Rana slaps it over point for a single.
Vijay Shankar to Rahul Tripathi, Length delivery on middle, Tripathi flicks it through square leg for a run.
Vijay Shankar to Rahul Tripathi, ! That is smashed! Short again on middle, Tripathi pulls it over square leg for a boundary.
Vijay Shankar to Nitish Rana, Short delivery outside off, Rana cuts it through point for a single.
DRINKS! It has been good going so far from Kolkata! Yes, they have lost Gill but Rana has looked nice and Tripathi has come out with a attacking mind-set and he is not letting the momentum the opening stand gathered slip away. Can they keep this going? Hyderabad, on the other hand, have done well to pull things back a little but they know, they need to keep taking wickets or this batting line-up is a long one and will make them pay. An interesting passage awaits.
Rashid Khan to Rahul Tripathi, On middle, Tripathi plays a slog sweep over mid-wicket. Vijay Shankar in the deep slides and does well to stop it before the ropes. Two runs taken.
Rashid Khan to Nitish Rana, Short delivery on off, Rana pushes it towards short third man for a run.
Rashid Khan to Rahul Tripathi, Full on middle, Tripathi lofts it over mid on for a single.
Rashid Khan to Rahul Tripathi, Googly on off, Tripathi looks to defend but gets an inside edge onto the pads.
Rashid Khan to Nitish Rana, Flighted delivery on middle, Rana pushes it through mid on for a single.
Rashid Khan to Rahul Tripathi, A huge, huge appeal and up goes the finger! Rana reviews and indicates he has hit that! NOT ! There is a big inside edge! That is the only thing that could save Rana! It is a full toss on middle, Rana looks to play the reverse sweep but he seems to have missed it initially. It hits his pad. An appeal and the finger is raised. Rana reviews and replays show that he survives to fight another day.
Mohammad Nabi to Rahul Tripathi, BEATEN! A good end but an expensive second by Nabi! Quicker and outside off, Tripathi looks to defend but is beaten.
Mohammad Nabi to Rahul Tripathi, Deft! Shorter and outside off, Rahul waits for it and then guides it fine on the off side for two.
Mohammad Nabi to Rahul Tripathi, ! That is huge! Wow! He just walked out to bat but has nailed that one. It is slightly fuller and around off, Tripathi lofts it high and well over the long off fence for a biggie.
Mohammad Nabi to Nitish Rana, Flatter and outside off, this is guided through point for one.
Mohammad Nabi to Rahul Tripathi, Catch it is the call but it is well away from the fielder! Tossed up outside off. Tripathi looks to drive it on the up but the ball grips, comes off slowly. It goes uppishly but wide of cover for one.
Mohammad Nabi to Nitish Rana, Fired into the pads, Rana works it through square leg for one.
Rahul Tripathi is the new batsman in.
Rashid Khan to Shubman Gill, ! BOWLED! Khan gets his first wicket! Googly on middle, Gill looks to play the slog sweep but misses it and gets bowled. He missed it completely.
Rashid Khan to Nitish Rana, Short delivery on middle, Rana punches it through mid on for a single.
Rashid Khan to Nitish Rana, Loopy delivery on middle, Rana keeps it out.
Rashid Khan to Nitish Rana, Floated delivery on middle, Rana flicks it towards the leg side and looks for a single. He is halfway down the track and Gill sends him back. The fielder goes for a direct hit at the keeper's end but misses it.
Rashid Khan to Shubman Gill, Short delivery on off, Gill punches it through point for a run.
Rashid Khan is on.
Rashid Khan to Nitish Rana, Short delivery on middle, Rana pulls it through mid-wicket for a single.
Mohammad Nabi to Shubman Gill, Loopy delivery on off, Gill punches it to covers. A tidy end to the Powerplay but a good start for Kolkata, solid start for them. They are 50 for 0 after the first 6.
Mohammad Nabi to Shubman Gill, Short delivery on off, Gill cuts it to point.
Mohammad Nabi to Nitish Rana, Floated delivery on off, Rana pushes it towards point for a single.
Mohammad Nabi to Nitish Rana, Loopy delivery on middle, Rana looks to play the reverse sweep but gets hit on the glove.
Mohammad Nabi to Nitish Rana, ! Good shot! Flighted delivery on middle, Rana plays a paddle sweep towards fine leg for a boundary.
Mohammad Nabi to Nitish Rana, Tossed up delivery on middle, Rana flicks it to mid-wicket.
Mohammad Nabi is into the attack.
T Natarajan to Nitish Rana, A single then to end the over! Rana takes a few steps ahead and this is a low full toss, it is hit to mid off for one. Natarajan too starts off expensively.
T Natarajan to Nitish Rana, ! Dragged away! This is angled into the middle pole, Rana hits it over mid-wicket. Gets the bottom hand in use and bags a boundary. It was not off the middle but got the result he wanted.
T Natarajan to Nitish Rana, Sharp work from Saha! Length and on off, Rana looks to drop it on the off side. He looks to play it late. It goes off the underedge towards the keeper. Gill is off for a run but is sent back. Shaa gets to the ball quickly and has a shy at the bowler's end but misses. Gill had to dive in there. He would have made it though.
T Natarajan to Nitish Rana, A yorker then and on middle, Rana jams it out towards mid on.
T Natarajan to Shubman Gill, A good slower one now, the length is dragged back. It is pushed towards cover for one.
T Natarajan to Shubman Gill, ! That is some shot! Some shot, have to say! Welcome into the attack, Natarajan! This is fuller and on middle, Gill shows the full face of the bat and lofts it well over the long on fence. Bowler under pressure. Not a good start by him.
T Natarajan is into the attack.
Sandeep Sharma to Shubman Gill, A single then to end! A good over for Kolkata and they are off to a flier. On middle, this is worked to mid-wicket for one.
Sandeep Sharma to Shubman Gill, Crunched! Gill now steps out. This is on a length. He cracks it but straight to covers.
Sandeep Sharma to Nitish Rana, A single now! Very full, almost a yorker. It is jammed out towards mid off for one.
Sandeep Sharma to Nitish Rana, ! Innovation at its best! That was premeditated and it was executed brilliantly! There is no one in the deep on the leg side. Rana goes down on one knee and drags this from outside off, over square leg for the third boundary in a row.
Sandeep Sharma to Nitish Rana, ! Sharma is leaking runs here! Rana is on the charge! He steps out and makes room. This is on a length, it is slapped through covers for a boundary.
Sandeep Sharma to Nitish Rana, ! Lovely from Rana! That is a wonderful shot. This is full and outside off. A slower one. Rana waits for it and then lofts it over the cover fielder. Goes for a one-bounce boundary. Another over which starts with a boundary.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Shubman Gill, So Kumar once again comes back strongly after going for a boundary on the first ball! A dot to end! On off, this is pushed to cover.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Nitish Rana, Good running! Fuller and on off, Rana pushes it towards mid off for one.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Nitish Rana, Another slower one. Rana waits for it and then guides it to point.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Nitish Rana, In the air... just short! Samad probably did not pick it! A slower one, it is on off. Rana is done in by the lack of pace. He is early in the shot. He ends up chipping it but it lands safe in the mid on region. Samad just did not run in quickly. That was in the air for some time.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Shubman Gill, Length now and on middle, Gill pushes it to mid on for one more.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Shubman Gill, ! That is glorious! Just used the pace of the bowler. Let the ball come to him, this one is on the pads. He works it through mid-wicket. Another boundary. Kolkata scoring their runs in boundaries.
Sandeep Sharma to Nitish Rana, This one stayed slightly low but both the batters are going after Sandeep here! This is slightly shorter in length and outside off. Rana looks to go big on the leg side but misses. A good over for Kolkata. 9 from it.
Sandeep Sharma to Nitish Rana, ! Smacked! Up and over! That was right off the middle. A slot ball. Full and on off, Rana lofts it over mid off. Races away to the fence.
Sandeep Sharma to Nitish Rana, Length again and on off, Rana guides it to point. He wants a run but is sent back.
Sandeep Sharma to Nitish Rana, ! Inside edge and a boundary! A fortunate boundary but Rana won't care! He too steps out. The length is shortened and it is on middle, Rana looks to heave it across the line but gets an inside edge. It goes off the inside edge past the leg pole and down to the fine leg fence. Second boundary for Rana.
Sandeep Sharma to Shubman Gill, Gill uses his feet once again, this makes into a relatively full ball, it is driven towards mid off for one. He is off the mark.
Sandeep Sharma to Shubman Gill, Gill straightaway steps out, he expects Sandeep Sharma to swing the ball. Sandeep had to bowl it shorter and hence, no swing. It is pushed to covers.
Sandeep Sharma to bowl from the other end.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Nitish Rana, A huge, huge appeal but nothing from the umpire! A little too straight, it is on the pads. Rana looks to flick but misses to get hit on the pads. That one pitched outside leg. So, a boundary on the first ball and then five dots.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Nitish Rana, One more dot! Another one on a length, Rana guides it to point. Good comeback from Kumar so far.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Nitish Rana, Fuller and on middle, Rana is solid in defense.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Nitish Rana, Beaten! Gets some movement this time, lands it on off and slants it away. Rana pushes at it but is beaten.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Nitish Rana, Drags his length back, straightens the line too. This is worked to mid-wicket.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Nitish Rana, ! That is an excellent way to get off the mark! However, Rana played that with no real foot movement. Kumar goes full, he looks for some swing but there ain't any. It is a half volley outside off. Rana creams it through covers. Boundary.
We are all set for the action to begin! The Hyderabad players make their way out to the middle. They are followed by the Kolkata openers, Shubman Gill and Nitish Rana, a new opening pair for Kolkata. They have gone for a left-hand, right-hand combination. Bhuvneshwar Kumar to start off. Here we go...
Andre Russell is down for an interview. He says he is always ready to bowl quick and he is in good shape and is looking forward for some good stuff. Mentions if he can bowl 4 overs, that gives his team a lot of balance and that is what he wants to do for his side putting his body on the line. Adds Morgan is a relaxed guy and gives the freedom to do what you want, DK was similar and he hopes he can do well for his skipper. Also says once they have the upper hand, they need to go for the kill, the
Eoin Morgan, Kolkata skipper, says he is loving it, the background staff and everybody have been good and he is delighted to be here and he hopes they can make it into the playoffs. Informs the four overseas players are Russell, Cummins, Shakib and himself.
Kolkata (Playing XI) - Shubman Gill, Rahul Tripathi, Nitish Rana, Eoin Morgan (C), Dinesh Karthik (WK), Andre Russell, Shakib Al Hasan, Pat Cummins, Harbhajan Singh, Prasidh Krishna, Varun Chakravarthy.
Hyderabad (Playing XI) - David Warner (C), Jonny Bairstow, Wriddhiman Saha (WK), Manish Pandey, Vijay Shankar, Abdul Samad, Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, T Natarajan, Sandeep Sharma.
David Warner, Hyderabad skipper, says this wicket looks a lot drier, it won't change a lot, there was not a lot of dew in the last training session but if there is, they will know what to chase and it is good for them. Informs the four foreign players are Nabi, Bairstow, Rashid and himself.
TOSS - It is time for the spin of the coin. Both the captains are out in the middle. Hyderabad win the toss and elect to field first!
Pitch Report - Lisa Sthalekar is down with the pitch report. She says that the dimensions of the ground are 60 m to the right and 71 m to the left. Murali Kartik says that there is grass on the surface. Adds that it is a black soil wicket. Mentions that the wind is blowing and it will be important how the spinners will bowl. Further says that the pitch will be effective for the spinners.
The action is back in Chennai as it is now time for game number 3 of this yearâs Indian T20 League. Hyderabad will be taking on Kolkata. Two sides with excellent bowing attacks will go head-to-head. Both will be eager to start off in a winning manner. Kolkata enjoy a better head to head record against Hyderabad but one has to believe the latter are slightly stronger on paper. Both the games so far has been won by the side chasing, is it going to be the same again? We will find out. Stay tuned
12
Diabytes
Sunrisers Hyderabad
177/5(20 Overs)
We are back for the chase. The Kolkata players are out in the middle.
The Hyderabad bowling was not that great! Kumar, Sandeep Sharma and Shankar were taken to the cleaners. Natarajan too was not at his best. Rashid and Nabi were really good but overall, it is not what you would expect from a side whose strength is their bowling.
Now then, the total is a big one, Hyderabad will have to bat really well on a wicket which is holding up just a little. They do have the batters to do so but they are up against a good bowling attack. A good second essay awaits.
Rahul Tripathi is down for an interview. He says that the surface is holding up a bit. Adds that they have posted a strong total. Mentions that it is difficult to score if you bowl in the right areas. Further says that the bowlers will defend the total even if the dew comes in place as they have a good total on board.
End of a brilliant batting performance by Kolkata! Have to say they have got a score which is probably above par and it is all thanks to Rana and Tripathi! Yes, Shubman and Rana did get Kolkata off to a good start but it was the stand between Tripathi and Rana which got the game into Kolkata's tide. Both added above 90 with the two scroing half tons. However, wickets in heaps towards the end saw them finish below 200 but they still will be the happier side heading back into the hut.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Shakib Al Hasan, ! TAKEN! That is another very good catch by Samad! This is a slower one, it is outside off. Hasan is early in the stroke. He ends up hitting it up in the air. Samad at mid-wicket has a lot of work to do. He runs back and then stretches both his hands and hangs onto it. Lovely catch. A wicket to end but a very good last over for Kolkata! 16 runs from it and THEY END WITH 187!
Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Dinesh Karthik, One more short one, Karthik pulls, this time does not connect that well, it goes towards deep square leg for one.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Dinesh Karthik, Two more! This is full and angled into the pads, Karthik works it through mid-wicket. Two taken.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Dinesh Karthik, WIDE! Karthik initially looks to play the paddle scoop by moving in. Kumar bowls it wide outside off. It is left alone. Wided.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Dinesh Karthik, Two now! Karthik comes down the track, it is a short one. It is pulled towards deep mid-wicket for two.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Dinesh Karthik, ! Top edge and a boundary! Fortunate boundary! This is slightly short and outside off, Karthik looks to pull but gets a top edge. It goes over the keeper and into the fence.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar to bowl the final over of the innings.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Dinesh Karthik, ! That made a cracking sound off the bat! Kumar has not been at his best here! He bowls a slot ball, outside off. Karthik shuffles across and plays the sweep shot. Over the square leg fence. Excellent start for Kolkata.
T Natarajan to Dinesh Karthik, Brilliant from Natarajan! He watches the batter move right across and bowls it full and wide outside off. Karthik looks to sweep but it goes off the inner half towards mid-wicket for one. A really good penultimate over by Natarajan.
Shakib Al Hasan is the new batsman in.
T Natarajan to Dinesh Karthik, ! That is a welcome boundary! Really nicely played! Fuller and on middle, that was quite full. Karthik does really well to get under it and loft it down the ground towards the long off fence.
T Natarajan to Shakib Al Hasan, Just the one again! Singles won't harm Hyderabad! A yorker on middle, this is jammed out towards cover for one.
T Natarajan to Shakib Al Hasan, That is a superb nut! A yorker, just outside off. Shakib fails to jam it out. An small appeal but nothing from the umpire.
T Natarajan to Dinesh Karthik, Karthik moves right across and Natarajan bowls it full and wide outside off. It is hit down to long on for one.
T Natarajan to Shakib Al Hasan, Very full and on the pads, this is jammed down to long on for one.
T Natarajan to Shakib Al Hasan, WIDE! Starts off with one down the leg side, Shakib looks to flick but misses. Wided.
Mohammad Nabi to Shakib Al Hasan, On middle, Shakib flicks it through mid-wicket for a single.
Mohammad Nabi to Dinesh Karthik, Short delivery on off, Karthik pushes it through mid off for a single. Nabi does not get the hat-trick!
Mohammad Nabi to Nitish Rana, ! CAUGHT! Nabi gets his first wicket! Flighted delivery on off, Rana looks to go big but gets a leading edge. It goes towards long off where Shankar takes a comfortable catch.
Mohammad Nabi to Eoin Morgan, ! CAUGHT! Nabi gets two-in-two! Floated delivery on middle, Morgan sweeps it over square leg but does not get the distance on it. It goes towards the fielder where Abdul Samad takes a good catch in the deep.
Dinesh Karthik is the new batsman in.
Mohammad Nabi to Nitish Rana, Full on off, Rana drives it to covers.
Mohammad Nabi to Eoin Morgan, Flighted delivery on middle, Morgan pushes it towards covers for a single.
Mohammad Nabi is back on.
Rashid Khan to Eoin Morgan, On middle, this is worked through mid-wicket for one. Morgan is under way! That is an exceptional comeback from Rashid. Just the 7 from the over and a huge wicket. Extraordinary spell from him. He has figures of 4-0-24-2.
Rashid Khan to Nitish Rana, Just a single! Shorter and on middle, Rana pulls it through mid-wicket for one.
Rashid Khan to Nitish Rana, That is yet another dot! Still no runs scored off the bat in this over. This is the leg spinner, it lands on leg pole, Rana looks to flick but misses to get hit on the pads.
Rashid Khan to Nitish Rana, One more dot! On middle, Rana sweeps it towards short fine leg.
Eoin Morgan is the new batsman in.
Rashid Khan to Andre Russell, ! TAKEN! That is some catch from Manish Pandey and he had to hang onto it because it was of Russell. Rashid Khan was got on to get the big West Indian and he does get him. This is fuller and on middle, Russell looks to power it down the ground but fails to get the desired elevation. It goes flat and low to the left of Pandey at long on who runs there, dives forward and takes it inches above the ground. Hyderabad can keep Kolkata under 200 now.
Rashid Khan to Andre Russell, Another googly, this lands on middle and then spins back in. Russell looks to defend but gets an inside onto the pads.
Rashid Khan is back on.
Rashid Khan to Andre Russell, FIVE WIDES! Bonus runs for Kolkata! This lands on leg stump, it is the googly, turns away. Russell looks to defend but misses. Saha misses it too and it races away to the fence.
T Natarajan to Andre Russell, Full on middle, Russell flicks it through square leg for a single.
T Natarajan to Andre Russell, PLAY AND A MISS! Full and outside off, Russell looks to go for the slog it but misses it.
T Natarajan to Andre Russell, ! Good shot! Full delivery on leg, Russell flicks it towards fine leg for a boundary.
Andre Russell is the next batsman in.
T Natarajan to Nitish Rana, Full and outside off, Rana drives it through point for a single.
T Natarajan to Rahul Tripathi, ! CAUGHT! Natarajan breaks the partnership! Slower delivery on middle, Tripathi looks to slog it but gets a top edge. It goes towards the keeper where Saha takes the catch in the second attempt.
T Natarajan to Nitish Rana, Full and outside off, Rana slogs it through mid-wicket for a single.
T Natarajan is back on.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Rahul Tripathi, ! Fifty for Rahul Thirpati! Gets there in a streaky manner but he won't care. It has been a slod innings from him so far. Length and outside off, Rahul throws his bat at it, it goes off the outside edge and fine past the fielder at short third man. Another boundary.
DRINKS! Kolkata remain ahead in the game! They are well on course to score something above 180 and probably above 190 if Rana goes the full distance. Hyderabad, on the other hand, need wickets, they need to pick wickets at regular intervals. Can they fightback or will Kolkata continue to rule the roost?
Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Rahul Tripathi, A yorker now on middle, Rahul jams it back towards the bowler.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Rahul Tripathi, ! Showed power on the last ball and now a deft touch! This is a slower one outside off, Tripathi waits for it and then plays it fine on the off side. Third man is in the ring so it is another boundary.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Rahul Tripathi, ! This is out of here! That is colossal! Not sure the length is right from Kumar. It is a hit-me ball. Comes onto the bat nicely. Tripathi hammers it over the mid-wicket fence for a biggie.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Nitish Rana, One more slower one, this is shorter and on middle, it is pulled through mid-wicket for one.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Nitish Rana, ! That is timed beautifully! Kumar is also welcomed into the attack with a boundary! It is a slower one, shorter and outside off, Rana cuts it through point for a boundary.
Sandeep Sharma to Rahul Tripathi, Two to end! Shorter and on middle, Tripathi pulls it through mid-wicket. Calls for two straightaway and gets it. Sandeep continues to go for runs.
Sandeep Sharma to Nitish Rana, Rana comes down the track and this one is dragged down to long on for one.
Sandeep Sharma is back on. 2-0-23-0 are his figures so far.
Sandeep Sharma to Nitish Rana, A little too ambitious there! Tries to play the reverse sweep to the pacer who bowls it outside off. Missed.
Sandeep Sharma to Nitish Rana, ! Over the fence! A full toss, a gift and Rana hits it over the stand! He gets down on one knee and then hits it well over the square leg fence.
Sandeep Sharma to Rahul Tripathi, Rahul takes a few steps ahead! This is on a length and closer to the body of the batter. It is guided down to third man for one.
Sandeep Sharma to Rahul Tripathi, Very good running! A slower one on the pads, Tripathi works it through square leg with soft hands. Two taken.
Rashid Khan to Nitish Rana, On middle, Rana plays a reverse sweep to point.
Rashid Khan to Rahul Tripathi, Full delivery on off, Tripathi drives it through covers for a single.
Rashid Khan to Rahul Tripathi, ! What a shot! Tossed up delivery on middle, Tripathi lofts it over the bowler's head for a boundary.
Rashid Khan to Rahul Tripathi, Short delivery on middle, Tripathi pulls it through mid-wicket for a couple.
Rashid Khan to Nitish Rana, Googly on middle, Rana looks to drive but gets an inside edge onto the pads. It goes past the keeper's legs towards fine leg for a single.
Rashid Khan to Rahul Tripathi, Flighted delivery on off, Tripathi pushes it through point for a single.
Mohammad Nabi to Rahul Tripathi, A single to end! Another huge over for Kolkata! A yorker on middle, this is jammed out towards point for one.
Mohammad Nabi is back on. 2-0-16-0 are his figures so far.
Mohammad Nabi to Rahul Tripathi, Shorter and on middle, Tripathi pulls but to mid-wicket.
Mohammad Nabi to Nitish Rana, A single now as this is worked through mid-wicket.
Mohammad Nabi to Nitish Rana, ! That is huge! It is the shorter side but it has gone all the way! The slog sweep, it is on middle, Rana connects and does so nicely. It goes over the mid-wicket fence.
Mohammad Nabi to Rahul Tripathi, Shorter and outside off, this is slapped through covers for one.
Mohammad Nabi to Rahul Tripathi, ! 10 from the last two balls then! Tripathi gets into the act! This is down the leg side. Rahul sweeps it through backward square leg and it races away.
T Natarajan to Nitish Rana, ! Rana is on fire here! The last ball spoils the over completely! This is short and on the body, Rana swivels and pulls it well over the fine leg fence for a biggie.
T Natarajan to Nitish Rana, Had Natarajan picked that up cleanly, it would have been close! Rana makes room, Natarajan follows him with a low full toss. He drives it back to the right of the bowler. Rana is off for a run but then realizes it is stopped by Natarajan as he dives to his right. One more dot.
T Natarajan to Rahul Tripathi, One more yorker on middle, Tripathi jams it out towards mid-wicket for one more.
T Natarajan to Rahul Tripathi, A yorker as Tripathi makes room. He jams it out to covers. A rare dot.
T Natarajan to Nitish Rana, Shuffles across, Natarajan bowls it on off, it is guided down to third man for one more.
T Natarajan to Rahul Tripathi, Angled into the pads, this is worked through square leg for one.
T Natarajan is back on.
Vijay Shankar to Nitish Rana, ! 50 for Nitish Rana! It has been a solid innings from him. Short delivery on middle, Rana pulls it over square leg for a maximum.
Vijay Shankar to Rahul Tripathi, Slower delivery on off, Tripathi punches it through covers for a single.
Vijay Shankar to Nitish Rana, Short and outside off, Rana slaps it over point for a single.
Vijay Shankar to Rahul Tripathi, Length delivery on middle, Tripathi flicks it through square leg for a run.
Vijay Shankar to Rahul Tripathi, ! That is smashed! Short again on middle, Tripathi pulls it over square leg for a boundary.
Vijay Shankar to Nitish Rana, Short delivery outside off, Rana cuts it through point for a single.
DRINKS! It has been good going so far from Kolkata! Yes, they have lost Gill but Rana has looked nice and Tripathi has come out with a attacking mind-set and he is not letting the momentum the opening stand gathered slip away. Can they keep this going? Hyderabad, on the other hand, have done well to pull things back a little but they know, they need to keep taking wickets or this batting line-up is a long one and will make them pay. An interesting passage awaits.
Rashid Khan to Rahul Tripathi, On middle, Tripathi plays a slog sweep over mid-wicket. Vijay Shankar in the deep slides and does well to stop it before the ropes. Two runs taken.
Rashid Khan to Nitish Rana, Short delivery on off, Rana pushes it towards short third man for a run.
Rashid Khan to Rahul Tripathi, Full on middle, Tripathi lofts it over mid on for a single.
Rashid Khan to Rahul Tripathi, Googly on off, Tripathi looks to defend but gets an inside edge onto the pads.
Rashid Khan to Nitish Rana, Flighted delivery on middle, Rana pushes it through mid on for a single.
Rashid Khan to Rahul Tripathi, A huge, huge appeal and up goes the finger! Rana reviews and indicates he has hit that! NOT ! There is a big inside edge! That is the only thing that could save Rana! It is a full toss on middle, Rana looks to play the reverse sweep but he seems to have missed it initially. It hits his pad. An appeal and the finger is raised. Rana reviews and replays show that he survives to fight another day.
Mohammad Nabi to Rahul Tripathi, BEATEN! A good end but an expensive second by Nabi! Quicker and outside off, Tripathi looks to defend but is beaten.
Mohammad Nabi to Rahul Tripathi, Deft! Shorter and outside off, Rahul waits for it and then guides it fine on the off side for two.
Mohammad Nabi to Rahul Tripathi, ! That is huge! Wow! He just walked out to bat but has nailed that one. It is slightly fuller and around off, Tripathi lofts it high and well over the long off fence for a biggie.
Mohammad Nabi to Nitish Rana, Flatter and outside off, this is guided through point for one.
Mohammad Nabi to Rahul Tripathi, Catch it is the call but it is well away from the fielder! Tossed up outside off. Tripathi looks to drive it on the up but the ball grips, comes off slowly. It goes uppishly but wide of cover for one.
Mohammad Nabi to Nitish Rana, Fired into the pads, Rana works it through square leg for one.
Rahul Tripathi is the new batsman in.
Rashid Khan to Shubman Gill, ! BOWLED! Khan gets his first wicket! Googly on middle, Gill looks to play the slog sweep but misses it and gets bowled. He missed it completely.
Rashid Khan to Nitish Rana, Short delivery on middle, Rana punches it through mid on for a single.
Rashid Khan to Nitish Rana, Loopy delivery on middle, Rana keeps it out.
Rashid Khan to Nitish Rana, Floated delivery on middle, Rana flicks it towards the leg side and looks for a single. He is halfway down the track and Gill sends him back. The fielder goes for a direct hit at the keeper's end but misses it.
Rashid Khan to Shubman Gill, Short delivery on off, Gill punches it through point for a run.
Rashid Khan is on.
Rashid Khan to Nitish Rana, Short delivery on middle, Rana pulls it through mid-wicket for a single.
Mohammad Nabi to Shubman Gill, Loopy delivery on off, Gill punches it to covers. A tidy end to the Powerplay but a good start for Kolkata, solid start for them. They are 50 for 0 after the first 6.
Mohammad Nabi to Shubman Gill, Short delivery on off, Gill cuts it to point.
Mohammad Nabi to Nitish Rana, Floated delivery on off, Rana pushes it towards point for a single.
Mohammad Nabi to Nitish Rana, Loopy delivery on middle, Rana looks to play the reverse sweep but gets hit on the glove.
Mohammad Nabi to Nitish Rana, ! Good shot! Flighted delivery on middle, Rana plays a paddle sweep towards fine leg for a boundary.
Mohammad Nabi to Nitish Rana, Tossed up delivery on middle, Rana flicks it to mid-wicket.
Mohammad Nabi is into the attack.
T Natarajan to Nitish Rana, A single then to end the over! Rana takes a few steps ahead and this is a low full toss, it is hit to mid off for one. Natarajan too starts off expensively.
T Natarajan to Nitish Rana, ! Dragged away! This is angled into the middle pole, Rana hits it over mid-wicket. Gets the bottom hand in use and bags a boundary. It was not off the middle but got the result he wanted.
T Natarajan to Nitish Rana, Sharp work from Saha! Length and on off, Rana looks to drop it on the off side. He looks to play it late. It goes off the underedge towards the keeper. Gill is off for a run but is sent back. Shaa gets to the ball quickly and has a shy at the bowler's end but misses. Gill had to dive in there. He would have made it though.
T Natarajan to Nitish Rana, A yorker then and on middle, Rana jams it out towards mid on.
T Natarajan to Shubman Gill, A good slower one now, the length is dragged back. It is pushed towards cover for one.
T Natarajan to Shubman Gill, ! That is some shot! Some shot, have to say! Welcome into the attack, Natarajan! This is fuller and on middle, Gill shows the full face of the bat and lofts it well over the long on fence. Bowler under pressure. Not a good start by him.
T Natarajan is into the attack.
Sandeep Sharma to Shubman Gill, A single then to end! A good over for Kolkata and they are off to a flier. On middle, this is worked to mid-wicket for one.
Sandeep Sharma to Shubman Gill, Crunched! Gill now steps out. This is on a length. He cracks it but straight to covers.
Sandeep Sharma to Nitish Rana, A single now! Very full, almost a yorker. It is jammed out towards mid off for one.
Sandeep Sharma to Nitish Rana, ! Innovation at its best! That was premeditated and it was executed brilliantly! There is no one in the deep on the leg side. Rana goes down on one knee and drags this from outside off, over square leg for the third boundary in a row.
Sandeep Sharma to Nitish Rana, ! Sharma is leaking runs here! Rana is on the charge! He steps out and makes room. This is on a length, it is slapped through covers for a boundary.
Sandeep Sharma to Nitish Rana, ! Lovely from Rana! That is a wonderful shot. This is full and outside off. A slower one. Rana waits for it and then lofts it over the cover fielder. Goes for a one-bounce boundary. Another over which starts with a boundary.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Shubman Gill, So Kumar once again comes back strongly after going for a boundary on the first ball! A dot to end! On off, this is pushed to cover.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Nitish Rana, Good running! Fuller and on off, Rana pushes it towards mid off for one.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Nitish Rana, Another slower one. Rana waits for it and then guides it to point.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Nitish Rana, In the air... just short! Samad probably did not pick it! A slower one, it is on off. Rana is done in by the lack of pace. He is early in the shot. He ends up chipping it but it lands safe in the mid on region. Samad just did not run in quickly. That was in the air for some time.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Shubman Gill, Length now and on middle, Gill pushes it to mid on for one more.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Shubman Gill, ! That is glorious! Just used the pace of the bowler. Let the ball come to him, this one is on the pads. He works it through mid-wicket. Another boundary. Kolkata scoring their runs in boundaries.
Sandeep Sharma to Nitish Rana, This one stayed slightly low but both the batters are going after Sandeep here! This is slightly shorter in length and outside off. Rana looks to go big on the leg side but misses. A good over for Kolkata. 9 from it.
Sandeep Sharma to Nitish Rana, ! Smacked! Up and over! That was right off the middle. A slot ball. Full and on off, Rana lofts it over mid off. Races away to the fence.
Sandeep Sharma to Nitish Rana, Length again and on off, Rana guides it to point. He wants a run but is sent back.
Sandeep Sharma to Nitish Rana, ! Inside edge and a boundary! A fortunate boundary but Rana won't care! He too steps out. The length is shortened and it is on middle, Rana looks to heave it across the line but gets an inside edge. It goes off the inside edge past the leg pole and down to the fine leg fence. Second boundary for Rana.
Sandeep Sharma to Shubman Gill, Gill uses his feet once again, this makes into a relatively full ball, it is driven towards mid off for one. He is off the mark.
Sandeep Sharma to Shubman Gill, Gill straightaway steps out, he expects Sandeep Sharma to swing the ball. Sandeep had to bowl it shorter and hence, no swing. It is pushed to covers.
Sandeep Sharma to bowl from the other end.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Nitish Rana, A huge, huge appeal but nothing from the umpire! A little too straight, it is on the pads. Rana looks to flick but misses to get hit on the pads. That one pitched outside leg. So, a boundary on the first ball and then five dots.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Nitish Rana, One more dot! Another one on a length, Rana guides it to point. Good comeback from Kumar so far.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Nitish Rana, Fuller and on middle, Rana is solid in defense.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Nitish Rana, Beaten! Gets some movement this time, lands it on off and slants it away. Rana pushes at it but is beaten.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Nitish Rana, Drags his length back, straightens the line too. This is worked to mid-wicket.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Nitish Rana, ! That is an excellent way to get off the mark! However, Rana played that with no real foot movement. Kumar goes full, he looks for some swing but there ain't any. It is a half volley outside off. Rana creams it through covers. Boundary.
We are all set for the action to begin! The Hyderabad players make their way out to the middle. They are followed by the Kolkata openers, Shubman Gill and Nitish Rana, a new opening pair for Kolkata. They have gone for a left-hand, right-hand combination. Bhuvneshwar Kumar to start off. Here we go...
Andre Russell is down for an interview. He says he is always ready to bowl quick and he is in good shape and is looking forward for some good stuff. Mentions if he can bowl 4 overs, that gives his team a lot of balance and that is what he wants to do for his side putting his body on the line. Adds Morgan is a relaxed guy and gives the freedom to do what you want, DK was similar and he hopes he can do well for his skipper. Also says once they have the upper hand, they need to go for the kill, the
Eoin Morgan, Kolkata skipper, says he is loving it, the background staff and everybody have been good and he is delighted to be here and he hopes they can make it into the playoffs. Informs the four overseas players are Russell, Cummins, Shakib and himself.
Kolkata (Playing XI) - Shubman Gill, Rahul Tripathi, Nitish Rana, Eoin Morgan (C), Dinesh Karthik (WK), Andre Russell, Shakib Al Hasan, Pat Cummins, Harbhajan Singh, Prasidh Krishna, Varun Chakravarthy.
Hyderabad (Playing XI) - David Warner (C), Jonny Bairstow, Wriddhiman Saha (WK), Manish Pandey, Vijay Shankar, Abdul Samad, Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, T Natarajan, Sandeep Sharma.
David Warner, Hyderabad skipper, says this wicket looks a lot drier, it won't change a lot, there was not a lot of dew in the last training session but if there is, they will know what to chase and it is good for them. Informs the four foreign players are Nabi, Bairstow, Rashid and himself.
TOSS - It is time for the spin of the coin. Both the captains are out in the middle. Hyderabad win the toss and elect to field first!
Pitch Report - Lisa Sthalekar is down with the pitch report. She says that the dimensions of the ground are 60 m to the right and 71 m to the left. Murali Kartik says that there is grass on the surface. Adds that it is a black soil wicket. Mentions that the wind is blowing and it will be important how the spinners will bowl. Further says that the pitch will be effective for the spinners.
The action is back in Chennai as it is now time for game number 3 of this yearâs Indian T20 League. Hyderabad will be taking on Kolkata. Two sides with excellent bowing attacks will go head-to-head. Both will be eager to start off in a winning manner. Kolkata enjoy a better head to head record against Hyderabad but one has to believe the latter are slightly stronger on paper. Both the games so far has been won by the side chasing, is it going to be the same again? We will find out. Stay tuned
We are back for the chase. The Kolkata players are out in the middle.
The Hyderabad bowling was not that great! Kumar, Sandeep Sharma and Shankar were taken to the cleaners. Natarajan too was not at his best. Rashid and Nabi were really good but overall, it is not what you would expect from a side whose strength is their bowling.
Now then, the total is a big one, Hyderabad will have to bat really well on a wicket which is holding up just a little. They do have the batters to do so but they are up against a good bowling attack. A good second essay awaits.
Rahul Tripathi is down for an interview. He says that the surface is holding up a bit. Adds that they have posted a strong total. Mentions that it is difficult to score if you bowl in the right areas. Further says that the bowlers will defend the total even if the dew comes in place as they have a good total on board.
End of a brilliant batting performance by Kolkata! Have to say they have got a score which is probably above par and it is all thanks to Rana and Tripathi! Yes, Shubman and Rana did get Kolkata off to a good start but it was the stand between Tripathi and Rana which got the game into Kolkata's tide. Both added above 90 with the two scroing half tons. However, wickets in heaps towards the end saw them finish below 200 but they still will be the happier side heading back into the hut.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Shakib Al Hasan, ! TAKEN! That is another very good catch by Samad! This is a slower one, it is outside off. Hasan is early in the stroke. He ends up hitting it up in the air. Samad at mid-wicket has a lot of work to do. He runs back and then stretches both his hands and hangs onto it. Lovely catch. A wicket to end but a very good last over for Kolkata! 16 runs from it and THEY END WITH 187!
Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Dinesh Karthik, One more short one, Karthik pulls, this time does not connect that well, it goes towards deep square leg for one.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Dinesh Karthik, Two more! This is full and angled into the pads, Karthik works it through mid-wicket. Two taken.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Dinesh Karthik, WIDE! Karthik initially looks to play the paddle scoop by moving in. Kumar bowls it wide outside off. It is left alone. Wided.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Dinesh Karthik, Two now! Karthik comes down the track, it is a short one. It is pulled towards deep mid-wicket for two.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Dinesh Karthik, ! Top edge and a boundary! Fortunate boundary! This is slightly short and outside off, Karthik looks to pull but gets a top edge. It goes over the keeper and into the fence.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar to bowl the final over of the innings.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Dinesh Karthik, ! That made a cracking sound off the bat! Kumar has not been at his best here! He bowls a slot ball, outside off. Karthik shuffles across and plays the sweep shot. Over the square leg fence. Excellent start for Kolkata.
T Natarajan to Dinesh Karthik, Brilliant from Natarajan! He watches the batter move right across and bowls it full and wide outside off. Karthik looks to sweep but it goes off the inner half towards mid-wicket for one. A really good penultimate over by Natarajan.
Shakib Al Hasan is the new batsman in.
T Natarajan to Dinesh Karthik, ! That is a welcome boundary! Really nicely played! Fuller and on middle, that was quite full. Karthik does really well to get under it and loft it down the ground towards the long off fence.
T Natarajan to Shakib Al Hasan, Just the one again! Singles won't harm Hyderabad! A yorker on middle, this is jammed out towards cover for one.
T Natarajan to Shakib Al Hasan, That is a superb nut! A yorker, just outside off. Shakib fails to jam it out. An small appeal but nothing from the umpire.
T Natarajan to Dinesh Karthik, Karthik moves right across and Natarajan bowls it full and wide outside off. It is hit down to long on for one.
T Natarajan to Shakib Al Hasan, Very full and on the pads, this is jammed down to long on for one.
T Natarajan to Shakib Al Hasan, WIDE! Starts off with one down the leg side, Shakib looks to flick but misses. Wided.
Mohammad Nabi to Shakib Al Hasan, On middle, Shakib flicks it through mid-wicket for a single.
Mohammad Nabi to Dinesh Karthik, Short delivery on off, Karthik pushes it through mid off for a single. Nabi does not get the hat-trick!
Mohammad Nabi to Nitish Rana, ! CAUGHT! Nabi gets his first wicket! Flighted delivery on off, Rana looks to go big but gets a leading edge. It goes towards long off where Shankar takes a comfortable catch.
Mohammad Nabi to Eoin Morgan, ! CAUGHT! Nabi gets two-in-two! Floated delivery on middle, Morgan sweeps it over square leg but does not get the distance on it. It goes towards the fielder where Abdul Samad takes a good catch in the deep.
Dinesh Karthik is the new batsman in.
Mohammad Nabi to Nitish Rana, Full on off, Rana drives it to covers.
Mohammad Nabi to Eoin Morgan, Flighted delivery on middle, Morgan pushes it towards covers for a single.
Mohammad Nabi is back on.
Rashid Khan to Eoin Morgan, On middle, this is worked through mid-wicket for one. Morgan is under way! That is an exceptional comeback from Rashid. Just the 7 from the over and a huge wicket. Extraordinary spell from him. He has figures of 4-0-24-2.
Rashid Khan to Nitish Rana, Just a single! Shorter and on middle, Rana pulls it through mid-wicket for one.
Rashid Khan to Nitish Rana, That is yet another dot! Still no runs scored off the bat in this over. This is the leg spinner, it lands on leg pole, Rana looks to flick but misses to get hit on the pads.
Rashid Khan to Nitish Rana, One more dot! On middle, Rana sweeps it towards short fine leg.
Eoin Morgan is the new batsman in.
Rashid Khan to Andre Russell, ! TAKEN! That is some catch from Manish Pandey and he had to hang onto it because it was of Russell. Rashid Khan was got on to get the big West Indian and he does get him. This is fuller and on middle, Russell looks to power it down the ground but fails to get the desired elevation. It goes flat and low to the left of Pandey at long on who runs there, dives forward and takes it inches above the ground. Hyderabad can keep Kolkata under 200 now.
Rashid Khan to Andre Russell, Another googly, this lands on middle and then spins back in. Russell looks to defend but gets an inside onto the pads.
Rashid Khan is back on.
Rashid Khan to Andre Russell, FIVE WIDES! Bonus runs for Kolkata! This lands on leg stump, it is the googly, turns away. Russell looks to defend but misses. Saha misses it too and it races away to the fence.
T Natarajan to Andre Russell, Full on middle, Russell flicks it through square leg for a single.
T Natarajan to Andre Russell, PLAY AND A MISS! Full and outside off, Russell looks to go for the slog it but misses it.
T Natarajan to Andre Russell, ! Good shot! Full delivery on leg, Russell flicks it towards fine leg for a boundary.
Andre Russell is the next batsman in.
T Natarajan to Nitish Rana, Full and outside off, Rana drives it through point for a single.
T Natarajan to Rahul Tripathi, ! CAUGHT! Natarajan breaks the partnership! Slower delivery on middle, Tripathi looks to slog it but gets a top edge. It goes towards the keeper where Saha takes the catch in the second attempt.
T Natarajan to Nitish Rana, Full and outside off, Rana slogs it through mid-wicket for a single.
T Natarajan is back on.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Rahul Tripathi, ! Fifty for Rahul Thirpati! Gets there in a streaky manner but he won't care. It has been a slod innings from him so far. Length and outside off, Rahul throws his bat at it, it goes off the outside edge and fine past the fielder at short third man. Another boundary.
DRINKS! Kolkata remain ahead in the game! They are well on course to score something above 180 and probably above 190 if Rana goes the full distance. Hyderabad, on the other hand, need wickets, they need to pick wickets at regular intervals. Can they fightback or will Kolkata continue to rule the roost?
Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Rahul Tripathi, A yorker now on middle, Rahul jams it back towards the bowler.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Rahul Tripathi, ! Showed power on the last ball and now a deft touch! This is a slower one outside off, Tripathi waits for it and then plays it fine on the off side. Third man is in the ring so it is another boundary.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Rahul Tripathi, ! This is out of here! That is colossal! Not sure the length is right from Kumar. It is a hit-me ball. Comes onto the bat nicely. Tripathi hammers it over the mid-wicket fence for a biggie.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Nitish Rana, One more slower one, this is shorter and on middle, it is pulled through mid-wicket for one.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Nitish Rana, ! That is timed beautifully! Kumar is also welcomed into the attack with a boundary! It is a slower one, shorter and outside off, Rana cuts it through point for a boundary.
Sandeep Sharma to Rahul Tripathi, Two to end! Shorter and on middle, Tripathi pulls it through mid-wicket. Calls for two straightaway and gets it. Sandeep continues to go for runs.
Sandeep Sharma to Nitish Rana, Rana comes down the track and this one is dragged down to long on for one.
Sandeep Sharma is back on. 2-0-23-0 are his figures so far.
Sandeep Sharma to Nitish Rana, A little too ambitious there! Tries to play the reverse sweep to the pacer who bowls it outside off. Missed.
Sandeep Sharma to Nitish Rana, ! Over the fence! A full toss, a gift and Rana hits it over the stand! He gets down on one knee and then hits it well over the square leg fence.
Sandeep Sharma to Rahul Tripathi, Rahul takes a few steps ahead! This is on a length and closer to the body of the batter. It is guided down to third man for one.
Sandeep Sharma to Rahul Tripathi, Very good running! A slower one on the pads, Tripathi works it through square leg with soft hands. Two taken.
Rashid Khan to Nitish Rana, On middle, Rana plays a reverse sweep to point.
Rashid Khan to Rahul Tripathi, Full delivery on off, Tripathi drives it through covers for a single.
Rashid Khan to Rahul Tripathi, ! What a shot! Tossed up delivery on middle, Tripathi lofts it over the bowler's head for a boundary.
Rashid Khan to Rahul Tripathi, Short delivery on middle, Tripathi pulls it through mid-wicket for a couple.
Rashid Khan to Nitish Rana, Googly on middle, Rana looks to drive but gets an inside edge onto the pads. It goes past the keeper's legs towards fine leg for a single.
Rashid Khan to Rahul Tripathi, Flighted delivery on off, Tripathi pushes it through point for a single.
Mohammad Nabi to Rahul Tripathi, A single to end! Another huge over for Kolkata! A yorker on middle, this is jammed out towards point for one.
Mohammad Nabi is back on. 2-0-16-0 are his figures so far.
Mohammad Nabi to Rahul Tripathi, Shorter and on middle, Tripathi pulls but to mid-wicket.
Mohammad Nabi to Nitish Rana, A single now as this is worked through mid-wicket.
Mohammad Nabi to Nitish Rana, ! That is huge! It is the shorter side but it has gone all the way! The slog sweep, it is on middle, Rana connects and does so nicely. It goes over the mid-wicket fence.
Mohammad Nabi to Rahul Tripathi, Shorter and outside off, this is slapped through covers for one.
Mohammad Nabi to Rahul Tripathi, ! 10 from the last two balls then! Tripathi gets into the act! This is down the leg side. Rahul sweeps it through backward square leg and it races away.
T Natarajan to Nitish Rana, ! Rana is on fire here! The last ball spoils the over completely! This is short and on the body, Rana swivels and pulls it well over the fine leg fence for a biggie.
T Natarajan to Nitish Rana, Had Natarajan picked that up cleanly, it would have been close! Rana makes room, Natarajan follows him with a low full toss. He drives it back to the right of the bowler. Rana is off for a run but then realizes it is stopped by Natarajan as he dives to his right. One more dot.
T Natarajan to Rahul Tripathi, One more yorker on middle, Tripathi jams it out towards mid-wicket for one more.
T Natarajan to Rahul Tripathi, A yorker as Tripathi makes room. He jams it out to covers. A rare dot.
T Natarajan to Nitish Rana, Shuffles across, Natarajan bowls it on off, it is guided down to third man for one more.
T Natarajan to Rahul Tripathi, Angled into the pads, this is worked through square leg for one.
T Natarajan is back on.
Vijay Shankar to Nitish Rana, ! 50 for Nitish Rana! It has been a solid innings from him. Short delivery on middle, Rana pulls it over square leg for a maximum.
Vijay Shankar to Rahul Tripathi, Slower delivery on off, Tripathi punches it through covers for a single.
Vijay Shankar to Nitish Rana, Short and outside off, Rana slaps it over point for a single.
Vijay Shankar to Rahul Tripathi, Length delivery on middle, Tripathi flicks it through square leg for a run.
Vijay Shankar to Rahul Tripathi, ! That is smashed! Short again on middle, Tripathi pulls it over square leg for a boundary.
Vijay Shankar to Nitish Rana, Short delivery outside off, Rana cuts it through point for a single.
DRINKS! It has been good going so far from Kolkata! Yes, they have lost Gill but Rana has looked nice and Tripathi has come out with a attacking mind-set and he is not letting the momentum the opening stand gathered slip away. Can they keep this going? Hyderabad, on the other hand, have done well to pull things back a little but they know, they need to keep taking wickets or this batting line-up is a long one and will make them pay. An interesting passage awaits.
Rashid Khan to Rahul Tripathi, On middle, Tripathi plays a slog sweep over mid-wicket. Vijay Shankar in the deep slides and does well to stop it before the ropes. Two runs taken.
Rashid Khan to Nitish Rana, Short delivery on off, Rana pushes it towards short third man for a run.
Rashid Khan to Rahul Tripathi, Full on middle, Tripathi lofts it over mid on for a single.
Rashid Khan to Rahul Tripathi, Googly on off, Tripathi looks to defend but gets an inside edge onto the pads.
Rashid Khan to Nitish Rana, Flighted delivery on middle, Rana pushes it through mid on for a single.
Rashid Khan to Rahul Tripathi, A huge, huge appeal and up goes the finger! Rana reviews and indicates he has hit that! NOT ! There is a big inside edge! That is the only thing that could save Rana! It is a full toss on middle, Rana looks to play the reverse sweep but he seems to have missed it initially. It hits his pad. An appeal and the finger is raised. Rana reviews and replays show that he survives to fight another day.
Mohammad Nabi to Rahul Tripathi, BEATEN! A good end but an expensive second by Nabi! Quicker and outside off, Tripathi looks to defend but is beaten.
Mohammad Nabi to Rahul Tripathi, Deft! Shorter and outside off, Rahul waits for it and then guides it fine on the off side for two.
Mohammad Nabi to Rahul Tripathi, ! That is huge! Wow! He just walked out to bat but has nailed that one. It is slightly fuller and around off, Tripathi lofts it high and well over the long off fence for a biggie.
Mohammad Nabi to Nitish Rana, Flatter and outside off, this is guided through point for one.
Mohammad Nabi to Rahul Tripathi, Catch it is the call but it is well away from the fielder! Tossed up outside off. Tripathi looks to drive it on the up but the ball grips, comes off slowly. It goes uppishly but wide of cover for one.
Mohammad Nabi to Nitish Rana, Fired into the pads, Rana works it through square leg for one.
Rahul Tripathi is the new batsman in.
Rashid Khan to Shubman Gill, ! BOWLED! Khan gets his first wicket! Googly on middle, Gill looks to play the slog sweep but misses it and gets bowled. He missed it completely.
Rashid Khan to Nitish Rana, Short delivery on middle, Rana punches it through mid on for a single.
Rashid Khan to Nitish Rana, Loopy delivery on middle, Rana keeps it out.
Rashid Khan to Nitish Rana, Floated delivery on middle, Rana flicks it towards the leg side and looks for a single. He is halfway down the track and Gill sends him back. The fielder goes for a direct hit at the keeper's end but misses it.
Rashid Khan to Shubman Gill, Short delivery on off, Gill punches it through point for a run.
Rashid Khan is on.
Rashid Khan to Nitish Rana, Short delivery on middle, Rana pulls it through mid-wicket for a single.
Mohammad Nabi to Shubman Gill, Loopy delivery on off, Gill punches it to covers. A tidy end to the Powerplay but a good start for Kolkata, solid start for them. They are 50 for 0 after the first 6.
Mohammad Nabi to Shubman Gill, Short delivery on off, Gill cuts it to point.
Mohammad Nabi to Nitish Rana, Floated delivery on off, Rana pushes it towards point for a single.
Mohammad Nabi to Nitish Rana, Loopy delivery on middle, Rana looks to play the reverse sweep but gets hit on the glove.
Mohammad Nabi to Nitish Rana, ! Good shot! Flighted delivery on middle, Rana plays a paddle sweep towards fine leg for a boundary.
Mohammad Nabi to Nitish Rana, Tossed up delivery on middle, Rana flicks it to mid-wicket.
Mohammad Nabi is into the attack.
T Natarajan to Nitish Rana, A single then to end the over! Rana takes a few steps ahead and this is a low full toss, it is hit to mid off for one. Natarajan too starts off expensively.
T Natarajan to Nitish Rana, ! Dragged away! This is angled into the middle pole, Rana hits it over mid-wicket. Gets the bottom hand in use and bags a boundary. It was not off the middle but got the result he wanted.
T Natarajan to Nitish Rana, Sharp work from Saha! Length and on off, Rana looks to drop it on the off side. He looks to play it late. It goes off the underedge towards the keeper. Gill is off for a run but is sent back. Shaa gets to the ball quickly and has a shy at the bowler's end but misses. Gill had to dive in there. He would have made it though.
T Natarajan to Nitish Rana, A yorker then and on middle, Rana jams it out towards mid on.
T Natarajan to Shubman Gill, A good slower one now, the length is dragged back. It is pushed towards cover for one.
T Natarajan to Shubman Gill, ! That is some shot! Some shot, have to say! Welcome into the attack, Natarajan! This is fuller and on middle, Gill shows the full face of the bat and lofts it well over the long on fence. Bowler under pressure. Not a good start by him.
T Natarajan is into the attack.
Sandeep Sharma to Shubman Gill, A single then to end! A good over for Kolkata and they are off to a flier. On middle, this is worked to mid-wicket for one.
Sandeep Sharma to Shubman Gill, Crunched! Gill now steps out. This is on a length. He cracks it but straight to covers.
Sandeep Sharma to Nitish Rana, A single now! Very full, almost a yorker. It is jammed out towards mid off for one.
Sandeep Sharma to Nitish Rana, ! Innovation at its best! That was premeditated and it was executed brilliantly! There is no one in the deep on the leg side. Rana goes down on one knee and drags this from outside off, over square leg for the third boundary in a row.
Sandeep Sharma to Nitish Rana, ! Sharma is leaking runs here! Rana is on the charge! He steps out and makes room. This is on a length, it is slapped through covers for a boundary.
Sandeep Sharma to Nitish Rana, ! Lovely from Rana! That is a wonderful shot. This is full and outside off. A slower one. Rana waits for it and then lofts it over the cover fielder. Goes for a one-bounce boundary. Another over which starts with a boundary.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Shubman Gill, So Kumar once again comes back strongly after going for a boundary on the first ball! A dot to end! On off, this is pushed to cover.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Nitish Rana, Good running! Fuller and on off, Rana pushes it towards mid off for one.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Nitish Rana, Another slower one. Rana waits for it and then guides it to point.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Nitish Rana, In the air... just short! Samad probably did not pick it! A slower one, it is on off. Rana is done in by the lack of pace. He is early in the shot. He ends up chipping it but it lands safe in the mid on region. Samad just did not run in quickly. That was in the air for some time.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Shubman Gill, Length now and on middle, Gill pushes it to mid on for one more.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Shubman Gill, ! That is glorious! Just used the pace of the bowler. Let the ball come to him, this one is on the pads. He works it through mid-wicket. Another boundary. Kolkata scoring their runs in boundaries.
Sandeep Sharma to Nitish Rana, This one stayed slightly low but both the batters are going after Sandeep here! This is slightly shorter in length and outside off. Rana looks to go big on the leg side but misses. A good over for Kolkata. 9 from it.
Sandeep Sharma to Nitish Rana, ! Smacked! Up and over! That was right off the middle. A slot ball. Full and on off, Rana lofts it over mid off. Races away to the fence.
Sandeep Sharma to Nitish Rana, Length again and on off, Rana guides it to point. He wants a run but is sent back.
Sandeep Sharma to Nitish Rana, ! Inside edge and a boundary! A fortunate boundary but Rana won't care! He too steps out. The length is shortened and it is on middle, Rana looks to heave it across the line but gets an inside edge. It goes off the inside edge past the leg pole and down to the fine leg fence. Second boundary for Rana.
Sandeep Sharma to Shubman Gill, Gill uses his feet once again, this makes into a relatively full ball, it is driven towards mid off for one. He is off the mark.
Sandeep Sharma to Shubman Gill, Gill straightaway steps out, he expects Sandeep Sharma to swing the ball. Sandeep had to bowl it shorter and hence, no swing. It is pushed to covers.
Sandeep Sharma to bowl from the other end.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Nitish Rana, A huge, huge appeal but nothing from the umpire! A little too straight, it is on the pads. Rana looks to flick but misses to get hit on the pads. That one pitched outside leg. So, a boundary on the first ball and then five dots.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Nitish Rana, One more dot! Another one on a length, Rana guides it to point. Good comeback from Kumar so far.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Nitish Rana, Fuller and on middle, Rana is solid in defense.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Nitish Rana, Beaten! Gets some movement this time, lands it on off and slants it away. Rana pushes at it but is beaten.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Nitish Rana, Drags his length back, straightens the line too. This is worked to mid-wicket.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Nitish Rana, ! That is an excellent way to get off the mark! However, Rana played that with no real foot movement. Kumar goes full, he looks for some swing but there ain't any. It is a half volley outside off. Rana creams it through covers. Boundary.
We are all set for the action to begin! The Hyderabad players make their way out to the middle. They are followed by the Kolkata openers, Shubman Gill and Nitish Rana, a new opening pair for Kolkata. They have gone for a left-hand, right-hand combination. Bhuvneshwar Kumar to start off. Here we go...
Andre Russell is down for an interview. He says he is always ready to bowl quick and he is in good shape and is looking forward for some good stuff. Mentions if he can bowl 4 overs, that gives his team a lot of balance and that is what he wants to do for his side putting his body on the line. Adds Morgan is a relaxed guy and gives the freedom to do what you want, DK was similar and he hopes he can do well for his skipper. Also says once they have the upper hand, they need to go for the kill, the
Eoin Morgan, Kolkata skipper, says he is loving it, the background staff and everybody have been good and he is delighted to be here and he hopes they can make it into the playoffs. Informs the four overseas players are Russell, Cummins, Shakib and himself.
Kolkata (Playing XI) - Shubman Gill, Rahul Tripathi, Nitish Rana, Eoin Morgan (C), Dinesh Karthik (WK), Andre Russell, Shakib Al Hasan, Pat Cummins, Harbhajan Singh, Prasidh Krishna, Varun Chakravarthy.
Hyderabad (Playing XI) - David Warner (C), Jonny Bairstow, Wriddhiman Saha (WK), Manish Pandey, Vijay Shankar, Abdul Samad, Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, T Natarajan, Sandeep Sharma.
David Warner, Hyderabad skipper, says this wicket looks a lot drier, it won't change a lot, there was not a lot of dew in the last training session but if there is, they will know what to chase and it is good for them. Informs the four foreign players are Nabi, Bairstow, Rashid and himself.
TOSS - It is time for the spin of the coin. Both the captains are out in the middle. Hyderabad win the toss and elect to field first!
Pitch Report - Lisa Sthalekar is down with the pitch report. She says that the dimensions of the ground are 60 m to the right and 71 m to the left. Murali Kartik says that there is grass on the surface. Adds that it is a black soil wicket. Mentions that the wind is blowing and it will be important how the spinners will bowl. Further says that the pitch will be effective for the spinners.
The action is back in Chennai as it is now time for game number 3 of this yearâs Indian T20 League. Hyderabad will be taking on Kolkata. Two sides with excellent bowing attacks will go head-to-head. Both will be eager to start off in a winning manner. Kolkata enjoy a better head to head record against Hyderabad but one has to believe the latter are slightly stronger on paper. Both the games so far has been won by the side chasing, is it going to be the same again? We will find out. Stay tuned