... The Run Chase ...

The bowling for Chennai was not that great in the Powerplay. However, they did manage to drag things back nicely through Jadeja and Thakur. The former was economical and the latter took wickets and also did not give away a lot of runs. The others though were a little disappointing, especially with how things ended. Sam Curran did not have a good return into the side and Hazlewood too leaked runs. Those spells could well cost Chennai the game.

Now the target is a stiff one! The wicket seems slow and it may get slower so it is not going to be an easy task for Chennai. They do have in-form batters so Kolkata can't relax. A good second essay awaits.

Shardul Thakur says that it is going well at the moment and he is happy to take the opportunity. Adds that they have a good chance of winning this game. Says that it was hot out there and the whole idea was to bowl in the right areas. Says that this afternoon games are always tricky and it is difficult to predict a score and it is too early to say right now.

Kolkata though got off to the worst start possible as they lost Gill in the very first over. Iyer and Tripathi then steadied the ship with a good stand. Rahul continued after Iyer fell but Morgan failed to make an impact yet again. Kolkata did lose their way in the middle overs but a strong finish courtesy Karthik and Rana has helped them to a total that is a little above par. 44 is what they managed to score in the last 3, they needed a strong finish and they got it.

A solid finish has seen Kolkata end with a really good total! David Hussey did mention they are looking for something around 170 and that is what they have got so one has to believe, they will be the happier side at the moment.

Josh Hazlewood to Nitish Rana, ! Poor communication in the deep and a good end for Kolkata. A length ball, on off. Rana punches it down the ground towards long off. The two fielders in the deep, one from long off and another from long on attack the ball at the same time. The man from long on puts in a dive but the ball goes through and ends up into the fence. If the communication would've been clearer between the two, this could've been stopped. Kolkata end their innings at 171/6.

Josh Hazlewood to Sunil Narine, NOT ! BYE! Chennai lose a review this time. A full-length ball, outside off. Narine stays back and swings hard but misses. MS Dhoni grabs the ball cleanly and has a shy at the non-striker's end. The batters take a single. Dhoni decides to take it upstairs for caught behind. The UltraEdge show that there is no spike as the ball passed the bat. Sunil Narine survives. The umpire signals a bye!

Another one! Chennai have taken a review for caught behind! Sunil Narine is the man in question. The UltraEdge shows no bat.

Sunil Narine is the next man in.

Josh Hazlewood to Dinesh Karthik, ! CAUGHT BEHIND! A good cameo by Karthik, that is what is side needed. A full-length ball, outside off. Karthik looks to push it out to the off side. He only manages to get the bottom end of the blade on it. The ball goes to the right of MS Dhoni. He moves to that side and grabs the catch. Josh Hazlewood puts in an appeal. The umpire does not raise his finger but takes it upstairs to confirm with the third umpire. The replays roll in and confirm the ba

Is that out? The umpires have taken it to the third umpire to check it is a catch or a bump ball. It looks close. The UltraEdge shows a clear spike as it passes the bat. Out will be the signal.

Josh Hazlewood to Dinesh Karthik, ! EDGY! It does not matter how the runs come at this time. A back-of-a-length ball, around leg. Karthik stays back and looks to pull it away. The ball goes off the glove and above the keeper's head. It goes into the boundary at third man.

Josh Hazlewood to Dinesh Karthik, A full-length ball, on leg. Karthik flicks it through mid-wicket. The fielder fumbles in the deep and the batters pick up two easily.

Josh Hazlewood to Nitish Rana, A length ball, on off. Rana punches it to long off for a single. He gets Karthik back on strike.

Josh Hazlewood to Nitish Rana, WIDE! Not a great start to the over by Hazlewood. A full-length ball, way outside off. Rana looks to chase it but could not reach it. Wide called.

Josh Hazlewood will bowl the final over. 

Sam Curran to Dinesh Karthik, ! Nicely played. A full-length ball, on off. Karthik paddles it towards fine leg. The ball ends up in the boundary. 19 runs off the over. He played that brilliantly. It was a slower one, he waited for it and right at the end managed to hit it past short fine leg. A huge over. Probably one which changes the momentum of the game completely.

Sam Curran to Nitish Rana, Curran fires in a yorker, on off. Rana digs it out towards cover for a single.

Sam Curran to Dinesh Karthik, Full and outside off. Karthik moves across and pushes it cover. The batters take off for a single. The fielder collects the ball there, but Curran asks him not to have a shy at the non-striker's end. Karthik was not even in the frame, the fielder must've gone for it. They get a single. Probably because there was no one to back up.

Sam Curran to Dinesh Karthik, Two more! Full and outside off. Karthik hits it straight back past Curran. The ball goes towards long off for a couple now.

Sam Curran to Dinesh Karthik, WIDE! A full-length ball, way outside off. Karthik looks to go after it but misses. Wide called by the umpire.

Sam Curran to Dinesh Karthik, ! Back-to-back boundaries for Karthik. This time on the off side. A length ball, outside off. Karthik throws his bat at it. The ball takes the outside edge and flies past short third man. The ball races away to the fence. Not good from Curran. He has a leg side field but this time goes wide outside off. 10 from the first two balls of this over. Curran under pressure. 170 now looks possible.

Sam Curran to Dinesh Karthik, ! Karthik is on the wheel. He is taking charge now. Curran serves a length ball, on off. Karthik clears his front leg and smokes it over the mid-wicket fence for a maximum. That was some shot, it was quite full, he did well to get the elevation he wanted.

Sam Curran will bowl the 19th over.

Deepak Chahar to Dinesh Karthik, A full-length ball, on middle. Karthik flicks it to deep mid-wicket for a single. 12 runs off the over. A nice over for Kolkata.

Deepak Chahar to Nitish Rana, A length ball, on the bodyline. Rana hangs back and pulls it to fine leg for a run.

Deepak Chahar to Nitish Rana, ! Back-to-back boundaries. Rana connecting well now. A full toss and on off. Rana comes down the track and lifts it over cover. The ball races away to the fence.

Deepak Chahar to Nitish Rana, ! A much-needed boundary. A length ball, on the pads. Rana skips down the track and flicks it through square leg. The ball races away to the boundary.

Deepak Chahar to Dinesh Karthik, A single again! A length ball, outside off. Karthik cuts it towards backward point for another single.

Deepak Chahar to Nitish Rana, Chahar hurls a full-length ball, around off. Rana pushes it to long off for a run.

Shardul Thakur to Nitish Rana, A low full toss, around middle. Rana goes back and pushes it through covers. The batters take another single. So, 9 runs and a wicket off the last two overs. Kolkata need to up the ante before it gets too late.

Shardul Thakur to Dinesh Karthik, Karthik gets off the mark with a single! Thakur serves a length ball, on the pads. Karthik tucks it towards fine leg. They take a single.

Dinesh Karthik is the next man out in the middle.

Shardul Thakur to Andre Russell, ! DRAGGED ON! Shardul Thakur gets the big man going. Andre Russell is not happy with himself. Shardul Thakur has been simply magical with the ball. He serves a full ball, outside off. Russell stays inside the crease and looks to hammer it down the ground. But the ball takes the inside edge and goes onto rattle the stumps. Kolkata slip further. Russell should have tried to hit it over the off side but since he looked to go a lot straighter, he went ont

Shardul Thakur to Nitish Rana, A length ball, outside off. Rana pushes it to mid off and takes a single.

Shardul Thakur to Nitish Rana, Two now! A full-length ball, on leg. Rana makes room and looks to flick it away. The ball takes the inside edge and goes towards fine leg. The batters take two comfortably.

Shardul Thakur returns into the attack. 3-1-14-1 are his figures so far.

Shardul Thakur to Andre Russell, A single now! Chennai have done really well in the last 7 balls or so. Thakur serves it full and outside off. Russell guides it towards third man. They take one.

Deepak Chahar to Nitish Rana, Just three runs off the over! Rana continues to struggle. A slower, length ball, outside off. Rana stays inside the crease and looks to play it across the line but misses. The ball goes to the keeper. 

Deepak Chahar to Nitish Rana, WIDE! A full toss, way outside off. Rana looks to go after it but misses. Wide called by the umpire.

Deepak Chahar to Nitish Rana, A dot now! A length ball, outside off. Rana walks across and looks to scoop it over the keeper's head, but he is finding it difficult to connect the bat with ball here.

Deepak Chahar to Andre Russell, A length ball, outside off. Russell stays back and pulls it to deep mid-wicket. They take one.

Deepak Chahar to Andre Russell, A yorker length ball, on leg. Russell hops back and looks to dig it out but misses.

Deepak Chahar to Nitish Rana, A length ball, down leg. Rana stays back and flicks it to short fine leg. The batters take a single.

Deepak Chahar comes back in. 2-0-17-0 for him so far.

Deepak Chahar to Nitish Rana, A length ball, just outside off. Rana looks to reverse sweep it but does not get any bat on it. The ball goes past the stumps, to the keeper.

Sam Curran to Andre Russell, ! That is a meaty blow! Good-length ball around off, Russell hammers it over long on for a biggie.

Sam Curran to Andre Russell, Short ball outside off, Russell looks to pull but misses.

Sam Curran to Andre Russell, ! Just over the point fielder! Good-length ball outside off, Russell stretches and then cuts it. It goes just over the point fielder who jumped to catch it but in vain. It races to the deep point fence.

Sam Curran to Andre Russell, On a length outside off, Russell underedges his cut back to the keeper.

Sam Curran to Andre Russell, ! No fine leg and Russell gets his first boundary! Length ball on the pads, Russell flicks it to fine leg for a boundary.

Sam Curran to Andre Russell, Good-length ball outside off, Russell looks to cut but it goes off the inner half back towards the keeper.

Time-Out! Chennai probably just ahead in the game at the moment but Kolkata have a platform laid. 6 overs to go now and they have all their big hitters out there and a couple to come. They will be looking for something around 160 whereas Chennai will hope they can keep them under that. An important phase of play awaits.

Josh Hazlewood to Andre Russell, Good-length ball on the pads, Russell flicks it to deep square leg for a single.

Josh Hazlewood to Nitish Rana, Full ball on off, Rana drives it to mid off for a single.

Josh Hazlewood to Nitish Rana, ! Rana has picked the bones out of that! Good-length ball around off, Rana smacks it over deep mid-wicket for a biggie.

Josh Hazlewood to Nitish Rana, WIDE! Short ball down the leg side, Rana looks to pull but misses. Wided.

Josh Hazlewood to Andre Russell, Shortish ball on middle, Russell looks to pull but gets cramped for room. It goes off the top edge to deep mid-wicket for one.

Josh Hazlewood to Andre Russell, Good-length ball on middle, Russell flicks it to mid-wicket.

Josh Hazlewood to Nitish Rana, Good-length ball on middle, Rana looks to flick but it goes off the thigh pad to cover. A leg bye taken as the ball goes to the off side.

Josh Hazlewood is back on! He has probably been got on to get Russell. Can he do so?

Ravindra Jadeja to Nitish Rana, Full ball on the pads, Rana flicks it to deep square leg for one.

Ravindra Jadeja to Andre Russell, Flatter ball on middle, Russell heaves it to long on for a single.

Ravindra Jadeja to Nitish Rana, Shortish ball on middle, Rana pulls it to deep square leg for a single.

Ravindra Jadeja to Andre Russell, Tossed up outside off, Russell drives it to deep cover for a single.

Andre Russell walks out to bat!

Ravindra Jadeja to Rahul Tripathi, ! TIMBER! Jadeja was bowling a wonderful spell so far and he has deserved this wicket. Tripathi was playing so well and he departs now. Kolkata would have wanted him to stay out there. Jadeja bowls a full ball on off, Tripathi gets his bat down to play the reverse paddle but misses and the ball goes onto hit the stumps. Kolkata are in a spot of bother now. He picked the wrong ball. It was a little too full. Timely wicket.

Ravindra Jadeja to Rahul Tripathi, Tossed up outside off, Tripathi drives it to cover.

Shardul Thakur to Nitish Rana, Good-length ball on off, Rana defends it to cover.

Shardul Thakur to Nitish Rana, Slower short ball around middle, Rana looks to pull but is early into the shot. He gets hit on the body and it rolls to the off side.

Shardul Thakur to Rahul Tripathi, Short ball on middle, Tripathi pulls it to deep square leg for a single.

Shardul Thakur to Nitish Rana, Fullish ball outside off, Rana opens the face of the bat and then guides it to third man for one.

Shardul Thakur to Nitish Rana, On a length on the pads, Rana works it to deep mid-wicket and before the fielder cuts it off, the batters pick up two runs.

Shardul Thakur to Rahul Tripathi, Good-length ball on middle, Tripathi nudges it down to long on for a single.

Ravindra Jadeja to Rahul Tripathi, Quicker ball outside off, Tripathi drives it to deep cover for a single.

Ravindra Jadeja to Nitish Rana, Fullish ball on the pads, clipped to deep square leg for a single.

Ravindra Jadeja to Rahul Tripathi, Floated outside off, Tripathi drives it to deep cover and crosses ends.

Ravindra Jadeja to Nitish Rana, Another single! Loopy ball on middle and leg, Rana sweeps it to deep square leg and a run is taken.

Ravindra Jadeja to Rahul Tripathi, Flatter ball outside off, Tripathi punches it to deep cover for a single.

Ravindra Jadeja to Nitish Rana, Floated on the pads, Rana flicks it to deep mid-wicket for a single.

Josh Hazlewood to Rahul Tripathi, A full-length ball, around middle and leg. Tripathi stays inside the crease and clips it through mid-wicket. Tripathi calls for two runs and gets two comfortably.

Josh Hazlewood to Nitish Rana, Rana gets off the mark! A length ball, on the pads. Rana hangs back and flicks it to mid-wicket. The batters take a single.

Josh Hazlewood to Rahul Tripathi, Slightly short, on off. Tripathi pulls it through mid-wicket for a single.

Josh Hazlewood to Rahul Tripathi, ! Top shot! A length ball, outside off. Tripathi stays back and cuts it past point. The ball races away to the boundary.

Josh Hazlewood to Rahul Tripathi, A length ball, around off. Tripathi pushes it to cover.

Nitish Rana is the next man in.

Josh Hazlewood to Eoin Morgan, ! CAUGHT! Josh Hazlewood gets into the wicket's column. Thanks to the fabulous effort from Faf du Plessis in the deep. A length ball, on off. Eoin Morgan lifts it towards long on hoping to clear the fence. But he does not find the distance on it. Faf du Plessis in the deep collects the ball and realizes the momentum is taking him over the ropes. Faf du Plessis lobs the ball up, steps out, comes back in and takes it easily. They do take it upstairs to check

Is that a clean catch? Faf du Plessis is confident and even Eoin Morgan is walking off. It is a clean catch and Morgan has to go.

Strategic Time-Out! Kolkata had started in an attacking fashion but have now slowed down since the wicket of Venkatesh Iyer. Eoin Morgan is taking his time to settle while Rahul Tripathi has looked in fine touch again. Chennai, on the other hand, are doing a good job after the first 6 overs and they would look to continue the good work from hereon. Also, Josh Hazlewood is back on.

Ravindra Jadeja to Rahul Tripathi, Full and on off. Tripathi pushes it to cover.

Ravindra Jadeja to Eoin Morgan, Swept again! Looped up, on middle. Morgan sweeps it through square leg for another run.

Ravindra Jadeja to Eoin Morgan, Floated, full and on off. Morgan gets low and sweeps it towards deep square leg. The ball meet the fielder on a bounce there. The batters pick two runs.

Ravindra Jadeja to Rahul Tripathi, Full and on off. Tripathi sweeps it towards square leg for another single.

Ravindra Jadeja to Eoin Morgan, Floated, around off. Morgan works it to cover for another single.

Ravindra Jadeja to Rahul Tripathi, Full and on off. Tripathi pushes it to cover for a single.

Shardul Thakur to Eoin Morgan, A length ball, on the bodyline. Morgan stays back and looks to pull it away. The ball takes the inside edge and falls in front.

Shardul Thakur to Rahul Tripathi, A length ball, around off. Tripathi works it towards third man and gets a single.

Shardul Thakur to Rahul Tripathi, ! THUMPED! A short ball, outside off. Tripathi hangs back and cuts it through point. The ball races away to the boundary.

Shardul Thakur to Rahul Tripathi, Tripathi gets innovative now! A length ball, on off. Tripathi moves across and scoops it over the keeper's head. The batters take two before the keeper cuts it off.

Shardul Thakur to Eoin Morgan, A length ball, around middle and leg. Morgan makes room and looks to cut it away. The ball takes the inner half and goes towards square leg. They take one.

Shardul Thakur to Rahul Tripathi, A length ball, on off. Tripathi pushes it to mid off for a quick single.

Ravindra Jadeja to Eoin Morgan, Floated full and around off. Morgan reverse sweeps it through point. They take two.

Review time! Venkatesh Iyer has been given out caught behind and he has taken the review after consulting the partner. The UltraEdge shows a big spike and Iyer goes, taking the review with him.

Ravindra Jadeja to Eoin Morgan, Full and on off. Morgan works it to mid-wicket. Moeen Ali dives to his right to make a sharp stop.

Ravindra Jadeja to Rahul Tripathi, Full and on middle. Tripathi gets low again and sweeps it towards deep square leg for a single.

Ravindra Jadeja to Eoin Morgan, Flatter and around off. Morgan works it down the ground towards mid off for another single.

Ravindra Jadeja to Rahul Tripathi, Looped up, full and on leg. Tripathi gets low and sweeps it towards deep square leg. The batters take a single.

Ravindra Jadeja to Rahul Tripathi, Floated, full and on off. Tripathi defends it to cover.

Shardul Thakur to Eoin Morgan, Yes he does! A brilliant start for Shardul Thakur. A length ball, on off. Morgan pushes it to cover. Kolkata 50 for 2 at the end of the Powerplay.

Shardul Thakur to Eoin Morgan, A length ball, around off. Morgan stays back and puches it to cover, he cannot find the gap yet. Can Thakur make it a wicket maiden?

Shardul Thakur to Eoin Morgan, Good-length ball on off, Morgan defends it out.

Shardul Thakur to Eoin Morgan, On off, pushed to cover.

Shardul Thakur to Eoin Morgan, Good-length ball outside off, Morgan punches it to cover.

Eoin Morgan makes his way out to the middle.

Shardul Thakur to Venkatesh Iyer, ! CAUGHT BEHIND! Shardul Thakur comes into the attack and strikes on his very first ball. Venkatesh Iyer has to depart quite early. He was playing some clever shots but he did not play with a carefree attitude in this innings. Thakur serves a good-length ball, outside off. Venkatesh Iyer stays back and looks to heave it away, but only manages to get the thinnest of outside edges. The ball goes towards MS Dhoni who collects the ball easily. Thakur app

Shardul Thakur is into the attack.

Josh Hazlewood to Venkatesh Iyer, A single to end another good over for Kolkata! On the pads, this is whipped down to fine leg for one.

Josh Hazlewood to Venkatesh Iyer, On middle, Iyer works it to mid-wicket.

Josh Hazlewood to Venkatesh Iyer, ! Another excellent shot! Very clever! Short and on middle, Iyer hangs back and guides it over short third man for another boundary. Picking his spots really well.

Josh Hazlewood to Venkatesh Iyer, Iyer comes down the track but Josh shortens the length. It is slapped to mid off.

Josh Hazlewood to Venkatesh Iyer, ! Just wide! Outside off and on a length. Iyer guides it past short third man and this one races away again. Kolkata are off to a flier here.

Josh Hazlewood comes into the attack now. He replaces Deepak Chahar.

Josh Hazlewood to Rahul Tripathi, Shorter and on middle, this is worked through square leg for one.

Is that out?  The umpire is having a look at the No Ball. Just a little check. The catch was clear, no doubt about that. The TV umpire says the front foot is fine. So maybe, the problem is the second bouncer of the over. The ball can be seen going above Tripathi's head and the umpire signals a No Ball. Tripathi survives.

Sam Curran to Rahul Tripathi, A single to end but Curran has been way too expensive in his first two! On off, this is played towards cover for one.

Sam Curran to Rahul Tripathi, ! Rahul Tripathi pounces on the Free Hit! That is right in the slot and it is taken full toll of! Full and outside off, it is lofted high and over the cover fence for a biggie.

Sam Curran to Rahul Tripathi, NO BALL! That is indeed above the shoulder and it is the second bouncer in the over. Rahul Tripathi survives. A good short one and on middle, Tripathi looks to play the upper cut, it goes off the bottom towards Dhoni who leaps, stretches one hand up, he lobs it up and then takes it on the second attempt. Rahul starts walking back but he has been asked to wait. It is taken upstairs as the umpires feel it is the second bouncer of the over and indeed it is. Free H

Sam Curran to Venkatesh Iyer, Iyer skips down the track and then works it through mid-wicket for one.

Sam Curran to Rahul Tripathi, Well bowled! Sees Rahul come down the track and bangs it short. Tripathi is hurried into the pull, it goes off the splice towards mid off for one.

Sam Curran to Rahul Tripathi, ! Lovely shot! Good length and on off, this is timed through covers. Tripathi beats the diving mid off fielder and this one races away to the fence.

Sam Curran to Rahul Tripathi, A slower one outside off, Tripathi looks to go over covers but misses.

Deepak Chahar to Venkatesh Iyer, ! He can't as the last ball is guided away! Really nicely played! Deft touch! Outside off, Iyer opens the face of the bat and guides it past short third man. This one races away to the fence.

Deepak Chahar to Venkatesh Iyer, And again! A defensive push to this ball on off, he wants a run but is sent back. Can Chahar end the over well?

Deepak Chahar to Venkatesh Iyer, Good length and on off, defended. So after the fall of the wicket, Iyer has taken a cautious approach.

Faf du Plessis is going off. He has injured his finger on the last ball and he is going out to get some treatment. Chennai will hope that he is fine.

Deepak Chahar to Rahul Tripathi, Quick run! On middle, this is worked to mid on. They go for a run. The fielder has a shy at the bowler's end but misses. Had he hit, it would have been another run out.

Deepak Chahar to Venkatesh Iyer, Has that been put down? It was a tough chance, Faf du Plessis put in a really good effort. A slower one on the pads, Iyer looks to flick but is early in the shot. It goes off the leading edge towards mid on. Faf runs in and dives forward but he could only manage to get his fingertips on it. A single taken. Faf du Plessis is in a little pain, he might have jammed his fingers into the ground.

Deepak Chahar to Rahul Tripathi, Angled into the pads, this is worked through square leg for one.

Sam Curran to Rahul Tripathi, Length ball around off, Tripathi guides it to short third man for a single. Jadeja has a shy at the bowler's end but misses.

Sam Curran to Rahul Tripathi, ! Excellently played by Tripathi! Shortish ball around middle, Tripathi dances down the track and pulls it to deep mid-wicket for a boundary.

Sam Curran to Venkatesh Iyer, Good-length ball on the pads, Iyer flicks it to deep mid-wicket for a single.

Sam Curran to Venkatesh Iyer, PLAY AND A MISS! Sam Curran rolls his fingers and bowls it outside off, Iyer dances down the track and looks to flick but misses.

Sam Curran to Rahul Tripathi, Good shot! Fullish ball outside off, Tripathi drives but finds the cover fielder. A single taken.

Sam Curran to Venkatesh Iyer, On a length outside off, Iyer punches it to point.

Deepak Chahar to Shubman Gill, ! RUN OUT! This time nothing can save Gill! A huge mix-up! Also, brilliant from Rayudu! Early wicket for Chennai and the good start for Kolkata has been cut short. This is angled into the pads, Gill works it towards mid-wicket. He sets off. Iyer takes a start but then sends his partner back. Rayudu at mid-wicket gets to the ball quickly. He needed to hit the stumps as there was nobody to collect the ball. He does so and the dive also does not save Gill.

Rahul Tripathi walks out at number 3 for Kolkata. Also, Sam Curran comes into the attack now to bowl from the other end.

Sam Curran to Venkatesh Iyer, WIDE! Curran starts with a wayward delivery down the leg side, Iyer looks to flick but misses. Wided.

Review time! Shubman Gill decides to take it upstairs for an lbw. The on-field decision is out. The UltraEdge shows the bat is absent. The Ball Tracker shows the ball is missing the wickets. The decision has to be overturned and the final decision is not out.

Deepak Chahar to Shubman Gill, NOT ! That is going over! A good review from Gill, he took it straightaway! This is angled into the pads, Gill looks to flick but misses to get hit high on the pads. An appeal, a loud one from the bowler and the finger is raised. Gill reviews and the Ball Tracker shows it is going over. Gill survives.

Deepak Chahar to Shubman Gill, ! Lovely! Yes, it is another gift, it is way too full but still has to be put away. Outside off, Gill creams it through covers for a boundary.

Deepak Chahar to Shubman Gill, ! Thumped away! One sighter was all Gill needed! He skips down the track and makes into a half volley, it is hit hard past mid off for the first boundary of the game. These two are oozing with confidence and this shot just shows that.

Deepak Chahar to Venkatesh Iyer, Iyer is underway too! A good confident stride forward to this length delivery around off, it is pushed through covers for one.

Deepak Chahar to Shubman Gill, Kolkata and Gill are underway! Chahar angles it into the pads, looks to shape it away but no swing on this one, it is worked through square leg for one.

The game is set to begin. Chennai players are seen to be in a huddle, before they spread out to their respective fielding positions. Followed by Shubman Gill and Venkatesh Iyer who come out to open for Kolkata. Deepak Chahar to start with the ball.

Chennai (Playing XI) - Faf du Plessis, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Moeen Ali, Suresh Raina, Ambati Rayudu, Ravindra Jadeja, Sam Curran (In for Dwayne Bravo), MS Dhoni (WK/C), Shardul Thakur, Deepak Chahar, Josh Hazlewood.

Kolkata (Unchanged Playing XI) - Shubman Gill, Venkatesh Iyer, Nitish Rana, Rahul Tripathi, Eoin Morgan (C), Dinesh Karthik (WK), Sunil Narine, Andre Russell, Lockie Ferguson, Varun Chakravarthy, Prasidh Krishna.

MS Dhoni, the skipper of Chennai, is up for a chat. He says, they have one change. Bravo makes way for Sam Curran. Adds, the support staff is really important to make sure the players get the rest required. Also, in the Indian T20 League the side has to keep shuffling and try various combinations, does not mean a player has not performed in a game and hence makes his way out. 

Eoin Morgan, the skipper of Kolkata, is up for a chat. He starts by informing they are unchanged, they have started well in the second phase of the tournament, it is a new day though and he feels the same XI is good enough. Adds there was more pace last year on the wicket and he believes this will get slower in this heat as the game progresses.

TOSS – Eoin Morgan strides to the middle along with MS Dhoni for the toss. MS Dhoni flips the coin and it lands in favour of Kolkata. KOLKATA WILL BAT FIRST.

PITCH REPORT - Ajit Agarkar says the wicket looks good, however, this year, it seems to be sticking in the surface a lot more and it might be a little more tackier in the afternoon game and team winning the toss may want to bat first. Ends by saying, it is not a 200 wicket, 160 should be a good score.

Two teams who have had a super start to the second leg of the Indian T20 League come face to face in match 38. Yes, you guessed it right, it is Chennai vs Kolkata. Both teams have won both their games in the second leg so far and while Chennai will be fighting to regain the top spot in the points table, Kolkata will be looking to consolidate their position inside the top four. With that, allow us to welcome you to our coverage for the clash between Chennai and Kolkata. 

Kolkata had a poor first leg but they have looked a different unit this time around. They have played cricket their coach, Brendon McCullum wanted them to play, that is aggressive cricket and it has worked wonders. Venkatesh Iyer - the new star in the block, has looked at ease and has played wonderfully while everything is coming together for them at the right time.

Chennai, on the other hand, had a poor season in 2020 here in UAE but this time, they have made a terrific start, winning 2-in-2 and are looking a side which is at top of their game at the moment. Their batting is doing well and their bowling has kept getting better and better as each game has progressed. It favours Chennai at the moment but the way Kolkata have been playing, it promises to be an exciting contest.

Also, just so you missed it, the Indian Women's Team has broken the winning streak of the Australians in ODIs. It was their first loss after 26 games. The streak began against India and it was India who ended it.

... MATCH DAY ... 

... The Run Chase ...

The bowling for Chennai was not that great in the Powerplay. However, they did manage to drag things back nicely through Jadeja and Thakur. The former was economical and the latter took wickets and also did not give away a lot of runs. The others though were a little disappointing, especially with how things ended. Sam Curran did not have a good return into the side and Hazlewood too leaked runs. Those spells could well cost Chennai the game.

Now the target is a stiff one! The wicket seems slow and it may get slower so it is not going to be an easy task for Chennai. They do have in-form batters so Kolkata can't relax. A good second essay awaits.

Shardul Thakur says that it is going well at the moment and he is happy to take the opportunity. Adds that they have a good chance of winning this game. Says that it was hot out there and the whole idea was to bowl in the right areas. Says that this afternoon games are always tricky and it is difficult to predict a score and it is too early to say right now.

Kolkata though got off to the worst start possible as they lost Gill in the very first over. Iyer and Tripathi then steadied the ship with a good stand. Rahul continued after Iyer fell but Morgan failed to make an impact yet again. Kolkata did lose their way in the middle overs but a strong finish courtesy Karthik and Rana has helped them to a total that is a little above par. 44 is what they managed to score in the last 3, they needed a strong finish and they got it.

A solid finish has seen Kolkata end with a really good total! David Hussey did mention they are looking for something around 170 and that is what they have got so one has to believe, they will be the happier side at the moment.

Josh Hazlewood to Nitish Rana, ! Poor communication in the deep and a good end for Kolkata. A length ball, on off. Rana punches it down the ground towards long off. The two fielders in the deep, one from long off and another from long on attack the ball at the same time. The man from long on puts in a dive but the ball goes through and ends up into the fence. If the communication would've been clearer between the two, this could've been stopped. Kolkata end their innings at 171/6.

Josh Hazlewood to Sunil Narine, NOT ! BYE! Chennai lose a review this time. A full-length ball, outside off. Narine stays back and swings hard but misses. MS Dhoni grabs the ball cleanly and has a shy at the non-striker's end. The batters take a single. Dhoni decides to take it upstairs for caught behind. The UltraEdge show that there is no spike as the ball passed the bat. Sunil Narine survives. The umpire signals a bye!

Another one! Chennai have taken a review for caught behind! Sunil Narine is the man in question. The UltraEdge shows no bat.

Sunil Narine is the next man in.

Josh Hazlewood to Dinesh Karthik, ! CAUGHT BEHIND! A good cameo by Karthik, that is what is side needed. A full-length ball, outside off. Karthik looks to push it out to the off side. He only manages to get the bottom end of the blade on it. The ball goes to the right of MS Dhoni. He moves to that side and grabs the catch. Josh Hazlewood puts in an appeal. The umpire does not raise his finger but takes it upstairs to confirm with the third umpire. The replays roll in and confirm the ba

Is that out? The umpires have taken it to the third umpire to check it is a catch or a bump ball. It looks close. The UltraEdge shows a clear spike as it passes the bat. Out will be the signal.

Josh Hazlewood to Dinesh Karthik, ! EDGY! It does not matter how the runs come at this time. A back-of-a-length ball, around leg. Karthik stays back and looks to pull it away. The ball goes off the glove and above the keeper's head. It goes into the boundary at third man.

Josh Hazlewood to Dinesh Karthik, A full-length ball, on leg. Karthik flicks it through mid-wicket. The fielder fumbles in the deep and the batters pick up two easily.

Josh Hazlewood to Nitish Rana, A length ball, on off. Rana punches it to long off for a single. He gets Karthik back on strike.

Josh Hazlewood to Nitish Rana, WIDE! Not a great start to the over by Hazlewood. A full-length ball, way outside off. Rana looks to chase it but could not reach it. Wide called.

Josh Hazlewood will bowl the final over. 

Sam Curran to Dinesh Karthik, ! Nicely played. A full-length ball, on off. Karthik paddles it towards fine leg. The ball ends up in the boundary. 19 runs off the over. He played that brilliantly. It was a slower one, he waited for it and right at the end managed to hit it past short fine leg. A huge over. Probably one which changes the momentum of the game completely.

Sam Curran to Nitish Rana, Curran fires in a yorker, on off. Rana digs it out towards cover for a single.

Sam Curran to Dinesh Karthik, Full and outside off. Karthik moves across and pushes it cover. The batters take off for a single. The fielder collects the ball there, but Curran asks him not to have a shy at the non-striker's end. Karthik was not even in the frame, the fielder must've gone for it. They get a single. Probably because there was no one to back up.

Sam Curran to Dinesh Karthik, Two more! Full and outside off. Karthik hits it straight back past Curran. The ball goes towards long off for a couple now.

Sam Curran to Dinesh Karthik, WIDE! A full-length ball, way outside off. Karthik looks to go after it but misses. Wide called by the umpire.

Sam Curran to Dinesh Karthik, ! Back-to-back boundaries for Karthik. This time on the off side. A length ball, outside off. Karthik throws his bat at it. The ball takes the outside edge and flies past short third man. The ball races away to the fence. Not good from Curran. He has a leg side field but this time goes wide outside off. 10 from the first two balls of this over. Curran under pressure. 170 now looks possible.

Sam Curran to Dinesh Karthik, ! Karthik is on the wheel. He is taking charge now. Curran serves a length ball, on off. Karthik clears his front leg and smokes it over the mid-wicket fence for a maximum. That was some shot, it was quite full, he did well to get the elevation he wanted.

Sam Curran will bowl the 19th over.

Deepak Chahar to Dinesh Karthik, A full-length ball, on middle. Karthik flicks it to deep mid-wicket for a single. 12 runs off the over. A nice over for Kolkata.

Deepak Chahar to Nitish Rana, A length ball, on the bodyline. Rana hangs back and pulls it to fine leg for a run.

Deepak Chahar to Nitish Rana, ! Back-to-back boundaries. Rana connecting well now. A full toss and on off. Rana comes down the track and lifts it over cover. The ball races away to the fence.

Deepak Chahar to Nitish Rana, ! A much-needed boundary. A length ball, on the pads. Rana skips down the track and flicks it through square leg. The ball races away to the boundary.

Deepak Chahar to Dinesh Karthik, A single again! A length ball, outside off. Karthik cuts it towards backward point for another single.

Deepak Chahar to Nitish Rana, Chahar hurls a full-length ball, around off. Rana pushes it to long off for a run.

Shardul Thakur to Nitish Rana, A low full toss, around middle. Rana goes back and pushes it through covers. The batters take another single. So, 9 runs and a wicket off the last two overs. Kolkata need to up the ante before it gets too late.

Shardul Thakur to Dinesh Karthik, Karthik gets off the mark with a single! Thakur serves a length ball, on the pads. Karthik tucks it towards fine leg. They take a single.

Dinesh Karthik is the next man out in the middle.

Shardul Thakur to Andre Russell, ! DRAGGED ON! Shardul Thakur gets the big man going. Andre Russell is not happy with himself. Shardul Thakur has been simply magical with the ball. He serves a full ball, outside off. Russell stays inside the crease and looks to hammer it down the ground. But the ball takes the inside edge and goes onto rattle the stumps. Kolkata slip further. Russell should have tried to hit it over the off side but since he looked to go a lot straighter, he went ont

Shardul Thakur to Nitish Rana, A length ball, outside off. Rana pushes it to mid off and takes a single.

Shardul Thakur to Nitish Rana, Two now! A full-length ball, on leg. Rana makes room and looks to flick it away. The ball takes the inside edge and goes towards fine leg. The batters take two comfortably.

Shardul Thakur returns into the attack. 3-1-14-1 are his figures so far.

Shardul Thakur to Andre Russell, A single now! Chennai have done really well in the last 7 balls or so. Thakur serves it full and outside off. Russell guides it towards third man. They take one.

Deepak Chahar to Nitish Rana, Just three runs off the over! Rana continues to struggle. A slower, length ball, outside off. Rana stays inside the crease and looks to play it across the line but misses. The ball goes to the keeper. 

Deepak Chahar to Nitish Rana, WIDE! A full toss, way outside off. Rana looks to go after it but misses. Wide called by the umpire.

Deepak Chahar to Nitish Rana, A dot now! A length ball, outside off. Rana walks across and looks to scoop it over the keeper's head, but he is finding it difficult to connect the bat with ball here.

Deepak Chahar to Andre Russell, A length ball, outside off. Russell stays back and pulls it to deep mid-wicket. They take one.

Deepak Chahar to Andre Russell, A yorker length ball, on leg. Russell hops back and looks to dig it out but misses.

Deepak Chahar to Nitish Rana, A length ball, down leg. Rana stays back and flicks it to short fine leg. The batters take a single.

Deepak Chahar comes back in. 2-0-17-0 for him so far.

Deepak Chahar to Nitish Rana, A length ball, just outside off. Rana looks to reverse sweep it but does not get any bat on it. The ball goes past the stumps, to the keeper.

Sam Curran to Andre Russell, ! That is a meaty blow! Good-length ball around off, Russell hammers it over long on for a biggie.

Sam Curran to Andre Russell, Short ball outside off, Russell looks to pull but misses.

Sam Curran to Andre Russell, ! Just over the point fielder! Good-length ball outside off, Russell stretches and then cuts it. It goes just over the point fielder who jumped to catch it but in vain. It races to the deep point fence.

Sam Curran to Andre Russell, On a length outside off, Russell underedges his cut back to the keeper.

Sam Curran to Andre Russell, ! No fine leg and Russell gets his first boundary! Length ball on the pads, Russell flicks it to fine leg for a boundary.

Sam Curran to Andre Russell, Good-length ball outside off, Russell looks to cut but it goes off the inner half back towards the keeper.

Time-Out! Chennai probably just ahead in the game at the moment but Kolkata have a platform laid. 6 overs to go now and they have all their big hitters out there and a couple to come. They will be looking for something around 160 whereas Chennai will hope they can keep them under that. An important phase of play awaits.

Josh Hazlewood to Andre Russell, Good-length ball on the pads, Russell flicks it to deep square leg for a single.

Josh Hazlewood to Nitish Rana, Full ball on off, Rana drives it to mid off for a single.

Josh Hazlewood to Nitish Rana, ! Rana has picked the bones out of that! Good-length ball around off, Rana smacks it over deep mid-wicket for a biggie.

Josh Hazlewood to Nitish Rana, WIDE! Short ball down the leg side, Rana looks to pull but misses. Wided.

Josh Hazlewood to Andre Russell, Shortish ball on middle, Russell looks to pull but gets cramped for room. It goes off the top edge to deep mid-wicket for one.

Josh Hazlewood to Andre Russell, Good-length ball on middle, Russell flicks it to mid-wicket.

Josh Hazlewood to Nitish Rana, Good-length ball on middle, Rana looks to flick but it goes off the thigh pad to cover. A leg bye taken as the ball goes to the off side.

Josh Hazlewood is back on! He has probably been got on to get Russell. Can he do so?

Ravindra Jadeja to Nitish Rana, Full ball on the pads, Rana flicks it to deep square leg for one.

Ravindra Jadeja to Andre Russell, Flatter ball on middle, Russell heaves it to long on for a single.

Ravindra Jadeja to Nitish Rana, Shortish ball on middle, Rana pulls it to deep square leg for a single.

Ravindra Jadeja to Andre Russell, Tossed up outside off, Russell drives it to deep cover for a single.

Andre Russell walks out to bat!

Ravindra Jadeja to Rahul Tripathi, ! TIMBER! Jadeja was bowling a wonderful spell so far and he has deserved this wicket. Tripathi was playing so well and he departs now. Kolkata would have wanted him to stay out there. Jadeja bowls a full ball on off, Tripathi gets his bat down to play the reverse paddle but misses and the ball goes onto hit the stumps. Kolkata are in a spot of bother now. He picked the wrong ball. It was a little too full. Timely wicket.

Ravindra Jadeja to Rahul Tripathi, Tossed up outside off, Tripathi drives it to cover.

Shardul Thakur to Nitish Rana, Good-length ball on off, Rana defends it to cover.

Shardul Thakur to Nitish Rana, Slower short ball around middle, Rana looks to pull but is early into the shot. He gets hit on the body and it rolls to the off side.

Shardul Thakur to Rahul Tripathi, Short ball on middle, Tripathi pulls it to deep square leg for a single.

Shardul Thakur to Nitish Rana, Fullish ball outside off, Rana opens the face of the bat and then guides it to third man for one.

Shardul Thakur to Nitish Rana, On a length on the pads, Rana works it to deep mid-wicket and before the fielder cuts it off, the batters pick up two runs.

Shardul Thakur to Rahul Tripathi, Good-length ball on middle, Tripathi nudges it down to long on for a single.

Ravindra Jadeja to Rahul Tripathi, Quicker ball outside off, Tripathi drives it to deep cover for a single.

Ravindra Jadeja to Nitish Rana, Fullish ball on the pads, clipped to deep square leg for a single.

Ravindra Jadeja to Rahul Tripathi, Floated outside off, Tripathi drives it to deep cover and crosses ends.

Ravindra Jadeja to Nitish Rana, Another single! Loopy ball on middle and leg, Rana sweeps it to deep square leg and a run is taken.

Ravindra Jadeja to Rahul Tripathi, Flatter ball outside off, Tripathi punches it to deep cover for a single.

Ravindra Jadeja to Nitish Rana, Floated on the pads, Rana flicks it to deep mid-wicket for a single.

Josh Hazlewood to Rahul Tripathi, A full-length ball, around middle and leg. Tripathi stays inside the crease and clips it through mid-wicket. Tripathi calls for two runs and gets two comfortably.

Josh Hazlewood to Nitish Rana, Rana gets off the mark! A length ball, on the pads. Rana hangs back and flicks it to mid-wicket. The batters take a single.

Josh Hazlewood to Rahul Tripathi, Slightly short, on off. Tripathi pulls it through mid-wicket for a single.

Josh Hazlewood to Rahul Tripathi, ! Top shot! A length ball, outside off. Tripathi stays back and cuts it past point. The ball races away to the boundary.

Josh Hazlewood to Rahul Tripathi, A length ball, around off. Tripathi pushes it to cover.

Nitish Rana is the next man in.

Josh Hazlewood to Eoin Morgan, ! CAUGHT! Josh Hazlewood gets into the wicket's column. Thanks to the fabulous effort from Faf du Plessis in the deep. A length ball, on off. Eoin Morgan lifts it towards long on hoping to clear the fence. But he does not find the distance on it. Faf du Plessis in the deep collects the ball and realizes the momentum is taking him over the ropes. Faf du Plessis lobs the ball up, steps out, comes back in and takes it easily. They do take it upstairs to check

Is that a clean catch? Faf du Plessis is confident and even Eoin Morgan is walking off. It is a clean catch and Morgan has to go.

Strategic Time-Out! Kolkata had started in an attacking fashion but have now slowed down since the wicket of Venkatesh Iyer. Eoin Morgan is taking his time to settle while Rahul Tripathi has looked in fine touch again. Chennai, on the other hand, are doing a good job after the first 6 overs and they would look to continue the good work from hereon. Also, Josh Hazlewood is back on.

Ravindra Jadeja to Rahul Tripathi, Full and on off. Tripathi pushes it to cover.

Ravindra Jadeja to Eoin Morgan, Swept again! Looped up, on middle. Morgan sweeps it through square leg for another run.

Ravindra Jadeja to Eoin Morgan, Floated, full and on off. Morgan gets low and sweeps it towards deep square leg. The ball meet the fielder on a bounce there. The batters pick two runs.

Ravindra Jadeja to Rahul Tripathi, Full and on off. Tripathi sweeps it towards square leg for another single.

Ravindra Jadeja to Eoin Morgan, Floated, around off. Morgan works it to cover for another single.

Ravindra Jadeja to Rahul Tripathi, Full and on off. Tripathi pushes it to cover for a single.

Shardul Thakur to Eoin Morgan, A length ball, on the bodyline. Morgan stays back and looks to pull it away. The ball takes the inside edge and falls in front.

Shardul Thakur to Rahul Tripathi, A length ball, around off. Tripathi works it towards third man and gets a single.

Shardul Thakur to Rahul Tripathi, ! THUMPED! A short ball, outside off. Tripathi hangs back and cuts it through point. The ball races away to the boundary.

Shardul Thakur to Rahul Tripathi, Tripathi gets innovative now! A length ball, on off. Tripathi moves across and scoops it over the keeper's head. The batters take two before the keeper cuts it off.

Shardul Thakur to Eoin Morgan, A length ball, around middle and leg. Morgan makes room and looks to cut it away. The ball takes the inner half and goes towards square leg. They take one.

Shardul Thakur to Rahul Tripathi, A length ball, on off. Tripathi pushes it to mid off for a quick single.

Ravindra Jadeja to Eoin Morgan, Floated full and around off. Morgan reverse sweeps it through point. They take two.

Review time! Venkatesh Iyer has been given out caught behind and he has taken the review after consulting the partner. The UltraEdge shows a big spike and Iyer goes, taking the review with him.

Ravindra Jadeja to Eoin Morgan, Full and on off. Morgan works it to mid-wicket. Moeen Ali dives to his right to make a sharp stop.

Ravindra Jadeja to Rahul Tripathi, Full and on middle. Tripathi gets low again and sweeps it towards deep square leg for a single.

Ravindra Jadeja to Eoin Morgan, Flatter and around off. Morgan works it down the ground towards mid off for another single.

Ravindra Jadeja to Rahul Tripathi, Looped up, full and on leg. Tripathi gets low and sweeps it towards deep square leg. The batters take a single.

Ravindra Jadeja to Rahul Tripathi, Floated, full and on off. Tripathi defends it to cover.

Shardul Thakur to Eoin Morgan, Yes he does! A brilliant start for Shardul Thakur. A length ball, on off. Morgan pushes it to cover. Kolkata 50 for 2 at the end of the Powerplay.

Shardul Thakur to Eoin Morgan, A length ball, around off. Morgan stays back and puches it to cover, he cannot find the gap yet. Can Thakur make it a wicket maiden?

Shardul Thakur to Eoin Morgan, Good-length ball on off, Morgan defends it out.

Shardul Thakur to Eoin Morgan, On off, pushed to cover.

Shardul Thakur to Eoin Morgan, Good-length ball outside off, Morgan punches it to cover.

Eoin Morgan makes his way out to the middle.

Shardul Thakur to Venkatesh Iyer, ! CAUGHT BEHIND! Shardul Thakur comes into the attack and strikes on his very first ball. Venkatesh Iyer has to depart quite early. He was playing some clever shots but he did not play with a carefree attitude in this innings. Thakur serves a good-length ball, outside off. Venkatesh Iyer stays back and looks to heave it away, but only manages to get the thinnest of outside edges. The ball goes towards MS Dhoni who collects the ball easily. Thakur app

Shardul Thakur is into the attack.

Josh Hazlewood to Venkatesh Iyer, A single to end another good over for Kolkata! On the pads, this is whipped down to fine leg for one.

Josh Hazlewood to Venkatesh Iyer, On middle, Iyer works it to mid-wicket.

Josh Hazlewood to Venkatesh Iyer, ! Another excellent shot! Very clever! Short and on middle, Iyer hangs back and guides it over short third man for another boundary. Picking his spots really well.

Josh Hazlewood to Venkatesh Iyer, Iyer comes down the track but Josh shortens the length. It is slapped to mid off.

Josh Hazlewood to Venkatesh Iyer, ! Just wide! Outside off and on a length. Iyer guides it past short third man and this one races away again. Kolkata are off to a flier here.

Josh Hazlewood comes into the attack now. He replaces Deepak Chahar.

Josh Hazlewood to Rahul Tripathi, Shorter and on middle, this is worked through square leg for one.

Is that out?  The umpire is having a look at the No Ball. Just a little check. The catch was clear, no doubt about that. The TV umpire says the front foot is fine. So maybe, the problem is the second bouncer of the over. The ball can be seen going above Tripathi's head and the umpire signals a No Ball. Tripathi survives.

Sam Curran to Rahul Tripathi, A single to end but Curran has been way too expensive in his first two! On off, this is played towards cover for one.

Sam Curran to Rahul Tripathi, ! Rahul Tripathi pounces on the Free Hit! That is right in the slot and it is taken full toll of! Full and outside off, it is lofted high and over the cover fence for a biggie.

Sam Curran to Rahul Tripathi, NO BALL! That is indeed above the shoulder and it is the second bouncer in the over. Rahul Tripathi survives. A good short one and on middle, Tripathi looks to play the upper cut, it goes off the bottom towards Dhoni who leaps, stretches one hand up, he lobs it up and then takes it on the second attempt. Rahul starts walking back but he has been asked to wait. It is taken upstairs as the umpires feel it is the second bouncer of the over and indeed it is. Free H

Sam Curran to Venkatesh Iyer, Iyer skips down the track and then works it through mid-wicket for one.

Sam Curran to Rahul Tripathi, Well bowled! Sees Rahul come down the track and bangs it short. Tripathi is hurried into the pull, it goes off the splice towards mid off for one.

Sam Curran to Rahul Tripathi, ! Lovely shot! Good length and on off, this is timed through covers. Tripathi beats the diving mid off fielder and this one races away to the fence.

Sam Curran to Rahul Tripathi, A slower one outside off, Tripathi looks to go over covers but misses.

Deepak Chahar to Venkatesh Iyer, ! He can't as the last ball is guided away! Really nicely played! Deft touch! Outside off, Iyer opens the face of the bat and guides it past short third man. This one races away to the fence.

Deepak Chahar to Venkatesh Iyer, And again! A defensive push to this ball on off, he wants a run but is sent back. Can Chahar end the over well?

Deepak Chahar to Venkatesh Iyer, Good length and on off, defended. So after the fall of the wicket, Iyer has taken a cautious approach.

Faf du Plessis is going off. He has injured his finger on the last ball and he is going out to get some treatment. Chennai will hope that he is fine.

Deepak Chahar to Rahul Tripathi, Quick run! On middle, this is worked to mid on. They go for a run. The fielder has a shy at the bowler's end but misses. Had he hit, it would have been another run out.

Deepak Chahar to Venkatesh Iyer, Has that been put down? It was a tough chance, Faf du Plessis put in a really good effort. A slower one on the pads, Iyer looks to flick but is early in the shot. It goes off the leading edge towards mid on. Faf runs in and dives forward but he could only manage to get his fingertips on it. A single taken. Faf du Plessis is in a little pain, he might have jammed his fingers into the ground.

Deepak Chahar to Rahul Tripathi, Angled into the pads, this is worked through square leg for one.

Sam Curran to Rahul Tripathi, Length ball around off, Tripathi guides it to short third man for a single. Jadeja has a shy at the bowler's end but misses.

Sam Curran to Rahul Tripathi, ! Excellently played by Tripathi! Shortish ball around middle, Tripathi dances down the track and pulls it to deep mid-wicket for a boundary.

Sam Curran to Venkatesh Iyer, Good-length ball on the pads, Iyer flicks it to deep mid-wicket for a single.

Sam Curran to Venkatesh Iyer, PLAY AND A MISS! Sam Curran rolls his fingers and bowls it outside off, Iyer dances down the track and looks to flick but misses.

Sam Curran to Rahul Tripathi, Good shot! Fullish ball outside off, Tripathi drives but finds the cover fielder. A single taken.

Sam Curran to Venkatesh Iyer, On a length outside off, Iyer punches it to point.

Deepak Chahar to Shubman Gill, ! RUN OUT! This time nothing can save Gill! A huge mix-up! Also, brilliant from Rayudu! Early wicket for Chennai and the good start for Kolkata has been cut short. This is angled into the pads, Gill works it towards mid-wicket. He sets off. Iyer takes a start but then sends his partner back. Rayudu at mid-wicket gets to the ball quickly. He needed to hit the stumps as there was nobody to collect the ball. He does so and the dive also does not save Gill.

Rahul Tripathi walks out at number 3 for Kolkata. Also, Sam Curran comes into the attack now to bowl from the other end.

Sam Curran to Venkatesh Iyer, WIDE! Curran starts with a wayward delivery down the leg side, Iyer looks to flick but misses. Wided.

Review time! Shubman Gill decides to take it upstairs for an lbw. The on-field decision is out. The UltraEdge shows the bat is absent. The Ball Tracker shows the ball is missing the wickets. The decision has to be overturned and the final decision is not out.

Deepak Chahar to Shubman Gill, NOT ! That is going over! A good review from Gill, he took it straightaway! This is angled into the pads, Gill looks to flick but misses to get hit high on the pads. An appeal, a loud one from the bowler and the finger is raised. Gill reviews and the Ball Tracker shows it is going over. Gill survives.

Deepak Chahar to Shubman Gill, ! Lovely! Yes, it is another gift, it is way too full but still has to be put away. Outside off, Gill creams it through covers for a boundary.

Deepak Chahar to Shubman Gill, ! Thumped away! One sighter was all Gill needed! He skips down the track and makes into a half volley, it is hit hard past mid off for the first boundary of the game. These two are oozing with confidence and this shot just shows that.

Deepak Chahar to Venkatesh Iyer, Iyer is underway too! A good confident stride forward to this length delivery around off, it is pushed through covers for one.

Deepak Chahar to Shubman Gill, Kolkata and Gill are underway! Chahar angles it into the pads, looks to shape it away but no swing on this one, it is worked through square leg for one.

The game is set to begin. Chennai players are seen to be in a huddle, before they spread out to their respective fielding positions. Followed by Shubman Gill and Venkatesh Iyer who come out to open for Kolkata. Deepak Chahar to start with the ball.

Chennai (Playing XI) - Faf du Plessis, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Moeen Ali, Suresh Raina, Ambati Rayudu, Ravindra Jadeja, Sam Curran (In for Dwayne Bravo), MS Dhoni (WK/C), Shardul Thakur, Deepak Chahar, Josh Hazlewood.

Kolkata (Unchanged Playing XI) - Shubman Gill, Venkatesh Iyer, Nitish Rana, Rahul Tripathi, Eoin Morgan (C), Dinesh Karthik (WK), Sunil Narine, Andre Russell, Lockie Ferguson, Varun Chakravarthy, Prasidh Krishna.

MS Dhoni, the skipper of Chennai, is up for a chat. He says, they have one change. Bravo makes way for Sam Curran. Adds, the support staff is really important to make sure the players get the rest required. Also, in the Indian T20 League the side has to keep shuffling and try various combinations, does not mean a player has not performed in a game and hence makes his way out. 

Eoin Morgan, the skipper of Kolkata, is up for a chat. He starts by informing they are unchanged, they have started well in the second phase of the tournament, it is a new day though and he feels the same XI is good enough. Adds there was more pace last year on the wicket and he believes this will get slower in this heat as the game progresses.

TOSS – Eoin Morgan strides to the middle along with MS Dhoni for the toss. MS Dhoni flips the coin and it lands in favour of Kolkata. KOLKATA WILL BAT FIRST.

PITCH REPORT - Ajit Agarkar says the wicket looks good, however, this year, it seems to be sticking in the surface a lot more and it might be a little more tackier in the afternoon game and team winning the toss may want to bat first. Ends by saying, it is not a 200 wicket, 160 should be a good score.

Two teams who have had a super start to the second leg of the Indian T20 League come face to face in match 38. Yes, you guessed it right, it is Chennai vs Kolkata. Both teams have won both their games in the second leg so far and while Chennai will be fighting to regain the top spot in the points table, Kolkata will be looking to consolidate their position inside the top four. With that, allow us to welcome you to our coverage for the clash between Chennai and Kolkata. 

Kolkata had a poor first leg but they have looked a different unit this time around. They have played cricket their coach, Brendon McCullum wanted them to play, that is aggressive cricket and it has worked wonders. Venkatesh Iyer - the new star in the block, has looked at ease and has played wonderfully while everything is coming together for them at the right time.

Chennai, on the other hand, had a poor season in 2020 here in UAE but this time, they have made a terrific start, winning 2-in-2 and are looking a side which is at top of their game at the moment. Their batting is doing well and their bowling has kept getting better and better as each game has progressed. It favours Chennai at the moment but the way Kolkata have been playing, it promises to be an exciting contest.

Also, just so you missed it, the Indian Women's Team has broken the winning streak of the Australians in ODIs. It was their first loss after 26 games. The streak began against India and it was India who ended it.

... MATCH DAY ...