We are back for the chase!

... THE RUN CHASE ...

Bengaluru endured a challenging start as their bowlers struggled to find their lines, bearing the brunt of Phil Salt's aggressive onslaught early on. However, Mohammed Siraj, making his return to the side, provided some respite by bowling tightly and eventually dismissing the dangerous Salt. Yash Dayal then made an immediate impact, claiming two wickets in his second over to further halt Kolkata's momentum. Cameron Green added to Bengaluru's fightback by snaring another crucial wicket, tipping

Ramandeep Singh is down for a quick chat. He says that he just wants to back himself and luckily it went well in this game. Adds that the off-pace deliveries are hard to hit and that is what they are going to try. Credits Abhishek Nayar for his batting role and says that their practice sessions are like match situations and that helps him to play accordingly.

A quickfire 43-run partnership between Ramandeep Singh and Andre Russell has catapulted Kolkata's total to a formidable 222 runs at the conclusion of the first innings. After being put in to bat first, Kolkata got off to an explosive start courtesy of Phil Salt, who launched into the Bengaluru bowlers from the outset. While Sunil Narine struggled to find his timing, Salt compensated with a barrage of attacking strokes, keeping the scoreboard ticking despite occasional dot balls at the other

Yash Dayal to Ramandeep Singh, ! Ramandeep Singh ends with a flurry! Yash Dayal continues with his off-pace short delivery, on middle, Ramandeep Singh waits for it this time, and upper cuts it over the keeper's head for another boundary. Kolkata finishes on 222/6

Yash Dayal to Andre Russell, 1 run.

Yash Dayal to Andre Russell, Yash Dayal goes for the slower bouncer now, on off, Andre Russell winds up for the ramp but misses it. It is given as a fair delivery but Andre Russell takes the review. The replay shows that it is just over the head of the batter. Wide called!

Yash Dayal to Ramandeep Singh, 1 run.

Yash Dayal to Andre Russell, Yash Dayal nails the yorker now, on middle, angling in, Andre Russell digs it out off the inner half of the bat towards short fine leg for one.

Yash Dayal to Andre Russell, MORE! This is the slower one, short of a length and on off, Andre Russell waits for it and swats it away wide of long on for another boundary.

Yash Dayal to Andre Russell, ! Nice shot!

Mohammed Siraj to Andre Russell, Mohammed Siraj sees the batter make room and serves this full, outside off, Andre Russell reaches for it and only manages to squeeze it towards deep point for one. 20 runs off the over! 

Mohammed Siraj to Ramandeep Singh, Pitches it up, on middle, angling in, Ramandeep Singh miscues his slog off the toe end towards deep mid-wicket for one.

Mohammed Siraj to Andre Russell, Tries to bowl the bouncer but this is way down the leg side, Andre Russell leaves it alone. It is called a wide.

Mohammed Siraj to Ramandeep Singh, Mohammed Siraj takes pace off this time, short of a length and on middle, Ramandeep Singh goes through his pull early and misses.

Mohammed Siraj to Ramandeep Singh, Wide!

Mohammed Siraj to Ramandeep Singh, ! A bit streaky but Kolkata won't mind that! Mohammed Siraj bowls a good yorker, outside off, Ramandeep Singh throws his bat it, gets an outside edge that flies just wide of short third man for a boundary now.

Mohammed Siraj to Ramandeep Singh, MORE! Virat Kohli is watching it sail over his head! Mohammed Siraj serves this full and around off, slower too, Ramandeep Singh crouches it low, thrashes it with the full face of the bat over long off for another maximum.

Mohammed Siraj to Ramandeep Singh, ! Up, up and away! Ramandeep Singh joins the party now! Mohammed Siraj bowls this on a good length and around off, Ramandeep Singh steps across a bit and whacks it way over the deep mid-wicket fence for a biggie.

Cameron Green to Andre Russell, ! Gets it in the gap this time! Cameron Green bangs this short again, on middle, but this one sits up nicely, Andre Russell gets on top of the bounce and heaves it wide of deep mid-wicket for a boundary.

Cameron Green to Ramandeep Singh, 1 run.

Cameron Green to Andre Russell, Short of a length and on off, Andre Russell pulls it towards deep mid-wicket for a run.

Cameron Green to Ramandeep Singh, Fuller one and on middle, Ramandeep Singh nudges it through mid-wicket for a single.

Ramandeep Singh walks out to bat next for Kolkata. 

Cameron Green to Shreyas Iyer, ! TAKEN IN THE DEEP! Cameron Green gets his second wicket and it is another fantastic catch in the deep.

Cameron Green to Andre Russell, In the blockhole, on middle, shaping in, Andre Russell misses his flick as the ball goes off his pads towards square leg. A leg bye is taken.

Cameron Green to Andre Russell, Cameron Green bangs this one short, angling into leg, Andre Russell ducks under it. It is given as wide but Bengaluru takes a review here.

Change

Yash Dayal to Shreyas Iyer, ! BOOM! Shreyas Iyer goes big now! Yash Dayal takes pace off, short of a length and on off, Shreyas Iyer picks it up early, waits for and slaps it over the long off fence for a biggie.

Yash Dayal to Shreyas Iyer, Four!

Yash Dayal to Shreyas Iyer, No run.

Yash Dayal to Shreyas Iyer, Yash Dayal is struggling with his line here, pitches it up way outside off, Shreyas Iyer offers no shot at it. Another wide!

Yash Dayal to Andre Russell, Yash Dayal gets away with it! He bangs this short and on off, takes pace off, Andre Russell mistimes his cut in the air towards extra covers where Faf du Plessis grabs it. A single is taken.

Yash Dayal to Andre Russell, Wide!

Yash Dayal to Andre Russell, FIVE WIDES! Oh..no wait! The buzzer goes off and it is a No Ball!

Yash Dayal to Andre Russell, Goes wide yorker this time, outside off, Andre Russell swing wildly at it but misses it.

Yash Dayal to Andre Russell, ! Put away! Yash Dayal serves a juicy full toss, outside off, Andre Russell backs away and smacks it through extra covers for a boundary.

Strategic break! Despite the setbacks of losing wickets, Kolkata continues to maintain an impressive run rate of over 9 runs per over. As the innings enter its final phase with just four overs remaining, much hinges on this batting pair to launch an assault for a substantial finish. Bengaluru will have their sights set on snaring these two key wickets, aiming to contain Kolkata to a total below the 180-run mark.

Lockie Ferguson to Andre Russell, Slower one now, full and on off, Andre Russell drills it wide of mid off, Faf du Plessis dives to his left to make a good stop and keeps down to one run. Six singles off the over then!

Lockie Ferguson to Shreyas Iyer, Short again and outside off, Shreyas Iyer cuts it on the bounce to deep backward point for one.

Lockie Ferguson to Andre Russell, Short of a length and on off again, Andre Russell backs away and ramps it towards third man for another run.

Lockie Ferguson to Shreyas Iyer, On a length and on off, Shreyas Iyer punches it towards sweeper covers for a run.

Lockie Ferguson to Andre Russell, In the air...safe! Lockie Ferguson bangs in a sharp bouncer, on middle, angling in, Andre Russell gets hurried onto his pull and mistimes it, the ball goes in the air but lands well in front of fine leg. They cross.

Lockie Ferguson to Shreyas Iyer, Back of a length and on off, Shreyas Iyer dabs it wide of short third man for a single. 150 up for Kolkata!

Karn Sharma to Shreyas Iyer, Fuller again and into the stumps, Shreyas Iyer tucks it to deep mid-wicket and rotates the strike over. 

Karn Sharma to Shreyas Iyer, Four!

Karn Sharma to Shreyas Iyer, No run.

Karn Sharma to Andre Russell, Fuller and drifting into leg, Andre Russell looks for the sweep towards square of the wicket on leg but gets a thin edge onto his pads and past the keeper for a single.

Karn Sharma to Andre Russell, Bangs this on a fuller length and gets the ball to drift and turn back in from middle, Andre Russell gets on the backfoot and stabs it back onto the deck. 

Karn Sharma to Shreyas Iyer, Bowls this fuller and into the stumps, Shreyas Iyer gets down to the pitch of the ball and tucks it to cover for a single. 

Karn Sharma to bowl out now.

Lockie Ferguson to Shreyas Iyer, A tad shorter in length over off, Shreyas Iyer makes room and flat bats it to deep point for a single to end the over. 

Lockie Ferguson to Shreyas Iyer, No run.

Lockie Ferguson to Andre Russell, Goes fuller and attacks the stumps, Andre Russell hops back and tucks it to deep square leg for a single. 

Lockie Ferguson to Shreyas Iyer, Takes pace off and bowls the good length over middle and leg, Shreyas Iyer looks to tuck it away but gets a thick outside edge over the bowler's head for a single. 

Lockie Ferguson to Andre Russell, Hurls this on a hard length and into middle and leg, Andre Russell is cramped for room and he only manages to clip it to mid-wicket for one run. 

Lockie Ferguson to Andre Russell, ! CAUGHT BEHIND! Looks to be above the waist height but is given out by the onfield umpire, Andre Russell sends it upstairs for a review!

Dre Russ walks out to bat now with a huge roar from the crowd.

Lockie Ferguson to Rinku Singh, ! CAUGHT! Change of fortunes for Lockie Ferguson as he gets a big fish! Kolkata lose half their side now! 

Cameron Green to Rinku Singh, ! Adding salt to the wound! Cameron Green bowls this on a length and on off, Rinku Singh shimmies down the track and lofts this over mid on for a boundary. 

Cameron Green to Shreyas Iyer, ! That's smart batting and ends the over well for Kolkata. Cameron Green drops the length short and over off, Shreyas Iyer waits back and ramps it over the keeper for four more runs to end the over. 

Cameron Green to Rinku Singh, 1 run.

Cameron Green to Shreyas Iyer, ! It was a tough chance but Cameron Green should have taken that! 

Cameron Green to Rinku Singh, Bowls this on a length and into the pads, Rinku Singh tucks it to deep square leg for a single. 

Cameron Green to Rinku Singh, Hurls in the bouncer, over middle and off, Rinku Singh advances down the track and looks to pull but gets beaten. 

Karn Sharma to Rinku Singh, Darts this fuller and flatter into the stumps, Rinku Singh steps out and looks for the heave but mistimes it to deep backward square leg for just a single. 

Karn Sharma to Rinku Singh, ! Much needed for Kolkata! Tossed up outside off and turning away further, Rinku Singh steps out and clubs it over the bowler's head for a maximum. 

Karn Sharma to Rinku Singh, 2 runs.

Karn Sharma to Shreyas Iyer, LEG BYES! Bowls this fuller and outside off, Shreyas Iyer looks for the reverse sweep but gets clipped on the front pad as the ball rolls over to the off side and the batters cross for a run. 

Karn Sharma to Rinku Singh, Floats this up on middle, Rinku Singh eases it to deep mid-wicket for one. 

Karn Sharma to Shreyas Iyer, Fuller and into the pads, Shreyas Iyer takes a step out and tucks it to mid-wicket region for a single.

Cameron Green to Shreyas Iyer, A direct hit and Shreyas Iyer would have had to walk back!

Cameron Green to Shreyas Iyer, ! Made it look so easy did Shreyas Iyer! Green bowls this on a length and over off, Shreyas Iyer covers the line and delicately flicks it wide of long on for four runs. 

Cameron Green to Shreyas Iyer, No run.

Cameron Green to Shreyas Iyer, No run.

Cameron Green to Shreyas Iyer, A top delivery from Cameron Green and there was a slight appeal for caught behind! Green drops the length short and hits the deck hard over off, Shreyas Iyer looks for the pull but misses out as the ball zips past the outside edge into the keeper's gloves. 

Cameron Green to Rinku Singh, Bowls this on a length and into the pads, Rinku Singh tucks it to deep square leg for a single. 

Cameron Green to Rinku Singh, WIDE! Looks for the bouncer and drops it a bit too short, over middle, Rinku Singh half ducks at it and leaves it alone for a wide. 

Karn Sharma to Shreyas Iyer, Brilliant effort in the deep! This is looped up, full and around middle, Shreyas Iyer changes his stance completely and plays the switch-hit wide of sweeper covers, Mohammed Siraj runs to his left and grabs it on the bounce with the ball skidding through. Two runs taken. This is also the first over without a boundary in this inning.

Karn Sharma to Shreyas Iyer, Flighted, full and outside off, Shreyas Iyer drills it straight to point.

Karn Sharma to Shreyas Iyer, Slows it up, full and on middle, Shreyas Iyer strides out and blocks it out.

Karn Sharma to Rinku Singh, Quicker, short and on leg, Rinku Singh nudges it towards short fine leg for a quick run.

Karn Sharma to Shreyas Iyer, Floated, short and on middle, turns away, Shreyas Iyer stays back and flicks it towards deep mid-wicket for a run.

Karn Sharma to Rinku Singh, Tossed up, full and on middle, Rinku Singh clips it through mid-wicket for a single.

Cameron Green to Rinku Singh, Slower one, short and around leg again, Rinku Singh hooks it towards fine leg for one.

Cameron Green to Rinku Singh, ! Good shot to get off the mark!

Cameron Green to Rinku Singh, On a length and on middle, Rinku Singh blocks it out.

Cameron Green to Rinku Singh, Another bouncer and around off, Rinku Singh leaves it alone.

Rinku Singh walks out to bat at number 6 for Kolkata. 

Cameron Green to Venkatesh Iyer, ! TAKEN! Cameron Green has the last laugh here!

Cameron Green to Venkatesh Iyer, ! Venkatesh Iyer greets Cameron Green with a boundary! This one is pitched up and around middle, Venkatesh Iyer steps across and times his flick beautifully wide of mid on for four runs.

Cameron Green is introduced into the attack now. 

Karn Sharma to Shreyas Iyer, Good comeback by Karn Sharma! He tosses it up, full and on off, grips and turns away sharply, Shreyas Iyer prods forward to block but gets beaten on the outside edge.

Karn Sharma to Shreyas Iyer, ! Short and punished!

Karn Sharma to Shreyas Iyer, No run.

Karn Sharma to Shreyas Iyer, ! Nicely played! This is flatter, full but down the leg side, Shreyas Iyer goes down on one knee, uses the pace of the ball, and paddles it towards the fine leg fence, Mahipal Lomror runs to his right and dives but the ball wins the race to the boundary.

Karn Sharma to Venkatesh Iyer, Floated, full and on leg, Venkatesh Iyer tucks it through mid-wicket for a run.

Karn Sharma to Shreyas Iyer, Karn Sharma starts with a loopy full toss, on middle, Shreyas Iyer flicks it towards deep mid-wicket for a single.

Karn Sharma comes into the attack. 

Lockie Ferguson to Shreyas Iyer, Short of a length and outside off, Shreyas Iyer cuts it to deep point for one.

Lockie Ferguson to Shreyas Iyer, Hard-length delivery, on middle, Shreyas Iyer pats it down to the right of the bowler.

Lockie Ferguson to Venkatesh Iyer, Lockie Ferguson sees the batter advance and hits the hard length, on leg, Venkatesh Iyer gets cramped up and chips it towards mid-wicket for another run.

Lockie Ferguson to Shreyas Iyer, ! Classy from the skipper! Lockie Ferguson pitches it up, on middle, angling in, Shreyas Iyer presents the full face of the bat and drives it gloriously down the ground past mid on for a boundary.

Lockie Ferguson to Shreyas Iyer, Back of a length and on middle, Shreyas Iyer clips it through square leg for a run and gets off the mark.

Lockie Ferguson to Venkatesh Iyer, Fuller one and on off, Venkatesh Iyer pushes it through covers for a single.

Strategic break! After an explosive start led by Phil Salt, Bengaluru's bowlers showcased resilience, staging a remarkable comeback by dismissing the top three Kolkata batters. With momentum swinging in their favour, Bengaluru will now aim to maintain the pressure, preventing the new batters from finding their rhythm. Meanwhile, Kolkata will face the task of rebuilding, emphasizing the urgency to forge a partnership and capitalize on the promising foundation laid earlier in the innings. The sk

Yash Dayal to Angkrish Raghuvanshi, ! GREEN WITH A BLINDER! That is an unbelievable catch and probably the only man out there who could have taken that.

Yash Dayal to Venkatesh Iyer, Back of a length and on off, Venkatesh Iyer guides it through point for a single.

Yash Dayal to Venkatesh Iyer, ! TWO IN TWO! Top shot! Another pitched-up delivery, on off, Venkatesh Iyer leans onto his drive nicely and creams it past mid off for another boundary.

Yash Dayal to Venkatesh Iyer, ! Venkatesh Iyer gets off the mark in style! Yash Dayal goes full again and around middle, Venkatesh Iyer charges down the track and thumps it over mid off for a boundary.

Venkatesh Iyer walks out to bat at number 4 for Kolkata. 

Yash Dayal to Sunil Narine, ! TAKEN! Yash Dayal gets the big wicket! The plan has worked for Bengaluru and Sunil Narine goes back now.

Yash Dayal to Angkrish Raghuvanshi, Just over! This is full and on off, Angkrish Raghuvanshi mistimes his lofted shot, it teases Faf du Plessis at mid off and goes just over him. However, he chases well after it and dives to flick it back inside. Three runs taken.

Mohammed Siraj to Angkrish Raghuvanshi, LEG BYES! There was a loud appeal for LBW but it looked to be drifting down leg! 

Mohammed Siraj to Sunil Narine, Another fuller delivery, on middle and off, Sunil Narine digs it out to cover for a single. 

Mohammed Siraj to Sunil Narine, Four!

Mohammed Siraj to Angkrish Raghuvanshi, LEG BYES! Hurls this on a length and into the pads, Angkrish Raghuvanshi looks to tuck it on leg but misses out. The ball brushes his front pad and rolls to short fine leg while the batters cross for a run. 

Angkrish Raghuvanshi walks out to bat at number 3.

Mohammed Siraj to Phil Salt, ! CAUGHT! A fine innings comes to an end and Bengaluru can finally breathe a sigh of relief! 

Mohammed Siraj to Sunil Narine, Steams from over the wicket and bangs the deck on a hard length, on middle and leg, Sunil Narine mistimes his heave to deep square leg for a single. 

Mohammed Siraj to bowl his third over in the Powerplay.

Lockie Ferguson to Phil Salt, ! Oh dear, it just got hotter in the kitchen for Bengaluru! 28 runs come off it. Lockie Ferguson goes fuller and into the stumps, Phil Salt takes his front leg away and clobbers it over the bowler's head for another boundary to end the over. 

Lockie Ferguson to Phil Salt, Four!

Lockie Ferguson to Phil Salt, ! That's the best of them all and Phil Salt is taking the attack on Lockie Ferguson! Another fuller delivery on off, Phil Salt clears his front leg and clubs it over mid off for a maximum. 

Lockie Ferguson to Phil Salt, Four!

Lockie Ferguson to Phil Salt, Four!

Lockie Ferguson to Phil Salt, ! Easy pickings for Phil Salt! Lockie Ferguson starts from over the wicket and bowls the shorter delivery which was not short enough, outside off, Phil Salt waits on and nails the pull over square leg for a maximum. 

Lockie Ferguson replaces Yash Dayal.

Mohammed Siraj to Sunil Narine, Finishes the over with a dot! Bangs the shorter length delivery, angling it away from middle and off, Sunil Narine looks for the ramp but misses out again. 

Mohammed Siraj to Sunil Narine, Goes fuller and outside off again, Sunil Narine didn't seem to be anticipating this delivery as he lets this one go through to the keeper. 

Mohammed Siraj to Sunil Narine, Hits the deck hard, and drops the length short, over middle and leg, Sunil Narine swivels across and looks for the pull but gets beaten by the pace on it. 

Mohammed Siraj to Sunil Narine, ! A freebie for Sunil Narine as he gets off the mark after 8 deliveries! Mohammed Siraj attempts for a wide yorker but lands a juicy full toss outside off, Sunil Narine wacks it through covers for four runs. 

Mohammed Siraj to Sunil Narine, And again! Two dots in a row and Sunil Narine is yet to connect one! Siraj bowls this even further outside off on a fuller length and Sunil Narine misses out again. 

Mohammed Siraj to Sunil Narine, Comes from over the wicket and bowls this full and outside off stumps line, Sunil Narine with no foot movement looks to reach for it but misses out on any connection. 

Yash Dayal to Phil Salt, Pitches this on a good length and into the pads, Phil Salt tucks it to deep mid-wicket region and gets a couple of runs. Another productive over for Kolkata! 

Yash Dayal to Phil Salt, ! This is even better. Another fuller length delivery, into middle and leg, Phil Salt takes a couple of steps down to take it on the full and drives it past mid off for another boundary. 

Yash Dayal to Phil Salt, ! Top shot! Lands this full and into middle and leg, with some inward movement, Phil Salt makes room to open up the off side and cuts it through point for four runs. 

Yash Dayal to Sunil Narine, LEG BYES! yet again. Bowls this full and into the pads, cramping Sunil Narine for room as he looks to flick. The ball clips his front leg and goes to the leg side and the batters scamper for a single. 

Yash Dayal to Sunil Narine, Tries for another yorker, this time attacking the stumps, but lands a very low full toss. Sunil Narine toe ends it to mid on for no run. 

Halt! Sunil Narine looks in some pain after getting hit right on the toe. They physio is in to check on him. He is fine to continue for now.

Yash Dayal to Sunil Narine, Starts with a perfect delivery! Sunil Narine looks in pain! Steams from over the wicket and bowls the toe-crushing yorker right at the front boot of the left-hander. Sunil Narine misses the ball completely and gets hit flush on the boot. That will sting a bit!

Yash Dayal to share the attack.

Mohammed Siraj to Sunil Narine, Leg bye.

Mohammed Siraj to Sunil Narine, Continues from over the wicket and bowls a fuller delivery, outside off, Sunil Narine holds his bat up and leaves this one alone. 

Mohammed Siraj to Phil Salt, LEG BYES! Hurls this on a hard length and angles it into the right-hander from middle and leg, Phil Salt looks to tuck it away but gets beaten onto his pads. The ball rolls over to the off side and the batters cross for a quick run. 

Mohammed Siraj to Phil Salt, ! In full control this time! A tad shorter in length by Siraj over off, Phil Salt picks the length perfectly whipping it over mid-wicket for four more runs. 

Mohammed Siraj to Phil Salt, ! What a way to get off the mark. Not exactly where he intended to but they all count! Mohammed Siraj bowls this on a nagging length and on off, Phil Salt looks for the flick but gets an outside edge that flies over the keeper's head for a maximum. 

Mohammed Siraj to Phil Salt, Starts from over the wicket and hits the deck hard, on a length, outside off, Phil Salt whips it off the inner half of the bat to short mid-wicket. 

Andy Flower rings the bell at the Eden Gardens and we are all set to begin! The two umpires make their way out to the middle followed by the Bengaluru players who spread out to take their respective field positions. Phil Salt and Sunil Narine are the two openers for Kolkata. Mohammed Siraj has the new ball in hand and is raring to go. Let's play...

Shreyas Iyer, the captain of Kolkata says that they would have bowled first as well. Adds that it looks like the wicket will be a bit slow. Tells that they tried to keep things simple and it is not important how you start but how you end. Mentions that they need to assess the pitch and then bat accordingly to set up a target. Informs they are unchanged.

Faf du Plessis, the skipper of Bengaluru says they will bowl first. Adds that this has been a chasing ground and they look to bat second. Mentions that they were here the previous day at around the same time and the temperature sort of cooled down unlike in Chennai or Bengaluru. States that the teams are batting strongly and 60-70 runs in the powerplay is the new norm and the key will be to take wickets despite the teams scoring. Mentions that Green, Siraj and Karn Sharma come back into the si

Impact Players for Kolkata - Suyash Sharma, Anukul Roy, Manish Pandey, Vaibhav Arora, Rahmanullah Gurbaz.  

Kolkata (Playing XI) - Phil Salt (WK), Sunil Narine, Angkrish Raghuvanshi, Shreyas Iyer (C), Andre Russell, Rinku Singh, Venkatesh Iyer, Ramandeep Singh, Mitchell Starc, Varun Chakaravarthy, Harshit Rana.

Impact Players for Bengaluru - Suyash Prabhudessai, Anuj Rawat, Himanshu Sharma, Vijaykumar Vyshak, Swapnil Singh.

Bengaluru (Playing XI) - Faf du Plessis (C), Virat Kohli, Will Jacks, Rajat Patidar, Cameron Green, Dinesh Karthik (WK), Mahipal Lomror, Karn Sharma, Lockie Ferguson, Yash Dayal, Mohammed Siraj.

TOSS - The coin lands in favour of Faf du Plessis and Bengaluru have elected to BOWL first.

We are back for the chase!

... THE RUN CHASE ...

Bengaluru endured a challenging start as their bowlers struggled to find their lines, bearing the brunt of Phil Salt's aggressive onslaught early on. However, Mohammed Siraj, making his return to the side, provided some respite by bowling tightly and eventually dismissing the dangerous Salt. Yash Dayal then made an immediate impact, claiming two wickets in his second over to further halt Kolkata's momentum. Cameron Green added to Bengaluru's fightback by snaring another crucial wicket, tipping

Ramandeep Singh is down for a quick chat. He says that he just wants to back himself and luckily it went well in this game. Adds that the off-pace deliveries are hard to hit and that is what they are going to try. Credits Abhishek Nayar for his batting role and says that their practice sessions are like match situations and that helps him to play accordingly.

A quickfire 43-run partnership between Ramandeep Singh and Andre Russell has catapulted Kolkata's total to a formidable 222 runs at the conclusion of the first innings. After being put in to bat first, Kolkata got off to an explosive start courtesy of Phil Salt, who launched into the Bengaluru bowlers from the outset. While Sunil Narine struggled to find his timing, Salt compensated with a barrage of attacking strokes, keeping the scoreboard ticking despite occasional dot balls at the other

Yash Dayal to Ramandeep Singh, ! Ramandeep Singh ends with a flurry! Yash Dayal continues with his off-pace short delivery, on middle, Ramandeep Singh waits for it this time, and upper cuts it over the keeper's head for another boundary. Kolkata finishes on 222/6

Yash Dayal to Andre Russell, 1 run.

Yash Dayal to Andre Russell, Yash Dayal goes for the slower bouncer now, on off, Andre Russell winds up for the ramp but misses it. It is given as a fair delivery but Andre Russell takes the review. The replay shows that it is just over the head of the batter. Wide called!

Yash Dayal to Ramandeep Singh, 1 run.

Yash Dayal to Andre Russell, Yash Dayal nails the yorker now, on middle, angling in, Andre Russell digs it out off the inner half of the bat towards short fine leg for one.

Yash Dayal to Andre Russell, MORE! This is the slower one, short of a length and on off, Andre Russell waits for it and swats it away wide of long on for another boundary.

Yash Dayal to Andre Russell, ! Nice shot!

Mohammed Siraj to Andre Russell, Mohammed Siraj sees the batter make room and serves this full, outside off, Andre Russell reaches for it and only manages to squeeze it towards deep point for one. 20 runs off the over! 

Mohammed Siraj to Ramandeep Singh, Pitches it up, on middle, angling in, Ramandeep Singh miscues his slog off the toe end towards deep mid-wicket for one.

Mohammed Siraj to Andre Russell, Tries to bowl the bouncer but this is way down the leg side, Andre Russell leaves it alone. It is called a wide.

Mohammed Siraj to Ramandeep Singh, Mohammed Siraj takes pace off this time, short of a length and on middle, Ramandeep Singh goes through his pull early and misses.

Mohammed Siraj to Ramandeep Singh, Wide!

Mohammed Siraj to Ramandeep Singh, ! A bit streaky but Kolkata won't mind that! Mohammed Siraj bowls a good yorker, outside off, Ramandeep Singh throws his bat it, gets an outside edge that flies just wide of short third man for a boundary now.

Mohammed Siraj to Ramandeep Singh, MORE! Virat Kohli is watching it sail over his head! Mohammed Siraj serves this full and around off, slower too, Ramandeep Singh crouches it low, thrashes it with the full face of the bat over long off for another maximum.

Mohammed Siraj to Ramandeep Singh, ! Up, up and away! Ramandeep Singh joins the party now! Mohammed Siraj bowls this on a good length and around off, Ramandeep Singh steps across a bit and whacks it way over the deep mid-wicket fence for a biggie.

Cameron Green to Andre Russell, ! Gets it in the gap this time! Cameron Green bangs this short again, on middle, but this one sits up nicely, Andre Russell gets on top of the bounce and heaves it wide of deep mid-wicket for a boundary.

Cameron Green to Ramandeep Singh, 1 run.

Cameron Green to Andre Russell, Short of a length and on off, Andre Russell pulls it towards deep mid-wicket for a run.

Cameron Green to Ramandeep Singh, Fuller one and on middle, Ramandeep Singh nudges it through mid-wicket for a single.

Ramandeep Singh walks out to bat next for Kolkata. 

Cameron Green to Shreyas Iyer, ! TAKEN IN THE DEEP! Cameron Green gets his second wicket and it is another fantastic catch in the deep.

Cameron Green to Andre Russell, In the blockhole, on middle, shaping in, Andre Russell misses his flick as the ball goes off his pads towards square leg. A leg bye is taken.

Cameron Green to Andre Russell, Cameron Green bangs this one short, angling into leg, Andre Russell ducks under it. It is given as wide but Bengaluru takes a review here.

Change

Yash Dayal to Shreyas Iyer, ! BOOM! Shreyas Iyer goes big now! Yash Dayal takes pace off, short of a length and on off, Shreyas Iyer picks it up early, waits for and slaps it over the long off fence for a biggie.

Yash Dayal to Shreyas Iyer, Four!

Yash Dayal to Shreyas Iyer, No run.

Yash Dayal to Shreyas Iyer, Yash Dayal is struggling with his line here, pitches it up way outside off, Shreyas Iyer offers no shot at it. Another wide!

Yash Dayal to Andre Russell, Yash Dayal gets away with it! He bangs this short and on off, takes pace off, Andre Russell mistimes his cut in the air towards extra covers where Faf du Plessis grabs it. A single is taken.

Yash Dayal to Andre Russell, Wide!

Yash Dayal to Andre Russell, FIVE WIDES! Oh..no wait! The buzzer goes off and it is a No Ball!

Yash Dayal to Andre Russell, Goes wide yorker this time, outside off, Andre Russell swing wildly at it but misses it.

Yash Dayal to Andre Russell, ! Put away! Yash Dayal serves a juicy full toss, outside off, Andre Russell backs away and smacks it through extra covers for a boundary.

Strategic break! Despite the setbacks of losing wickets, Kolkata continues to maintain an impressive run rate of over 9 runs per over. As the innings enter its final phase with just four overs remaining, much hinges on this batting pair to launch an assault for a substantial finish. Bengaluru will have their sights set on snaring these two key wickets, aiming to contain Kolkata to a total below the 180-run mark.

Lockie Ferguson to Andre Russell, Slower one now, full and on off, Andre Russell drills it wide of mid off, Faf du Plessis dives to his left to make a good stop and keeps down to one run. Six singles off the over then!

Lockie Ferguson to Shreyas Iyer, Short again and outside off, Shreyas Iyer cuts it on the bounce to deep backward point for one.

Lockie Ferguson to Andre Russell, Short of a length and on off again, Andre Russell backs away and ramps it towards third man for another run.

Lockie Ferguson to Shreyas Iyer, On a length and on off, Shreyas Iyer punches it towards sweeper covers for a run.

Lockie Ferguson to Andre Russell, In the air...safe! Lockie Ferguson bangs in a sharp bouncer, on middle, angling in, Andre Russell gets hurried onto his pull and mistimes it, the ball goes in the air but lands well in front of fine leg. They cross.

Lockie Ferguson to Shreyas Iyer, Back of a length and on off, Shreyas Iyer dabs it wide of short third man for a single. 150 up for Kolkata!

Karn Sharma to Shreyas Iyer, Fuller again and into the stumps, Shreyas Iyer tucks it to deep mid-wicket and rotates the strike over. 

Karn Sharma to Shreyas Iyer, Four!

Karn Sharma to Shreyas Iyer, No run.

Karn Sharma to Andre Russell, Fuller and drifting into leg, Andre Russell looks for the sweep towards square of the wicket on leg but gets a thin edge onto his pads and past the keeper for a single.

Karn Sharma to Andre Russell, Bangs this on a fuller length and gets the ball to drift and turn back in from middle, Andre Russell gets on the backfoot and stabs it back onto the deck. 

Karn Sharma to Shreyas Iyer, Bowls this fuller and into the stumps, Shreyas Iyer gets down to the pitch of the ball and tucks it to cover for a single. 

Karn Sharma to bowl out now.

Lockie Ferguson to Shreyas Iyer, A tad shorter in length over off, Shreyas Iyer makes room and flat bats it to deep point for a single to end the over. 

Lockie Ferguson to Shreyas Iyer, No run.

Lockie Ferguson to Andre Russell, Goes fuller and attacks the stumps, Andre Russell hops back and tucks it to deep square leg for a single. 

Lockie Ferguson to Shreyas Iyer, Takes pace off and bowls the good length over middle and leg, Shreyas Iyer looks to tuck it away but gets a thick outside edge over the bowler's head for a single. 

Lockie Ferguson to Andre Russell, Hurls this on a hard length and into middle and leg, Andre Russell is cramped for room and he only manages to clip it to mid-wicket for one run. 

Lockie Ferguson to Andre Russell, ! CAUGHT BEHIND! Looks to be above the waist height but is given out by the onfield umpire, Andre Russell sends it upstairs for a review!

Dre Russ walks out to bat now with a huge roar from the crowd.

Lockie Ferguson to Rinku Singh, ! CAUGHT! Change of fortunes for Lockie Ferguson as he gets a big fish! Kolkata lose half their side now! 

Cameron Green to Rinku Singh, ! Adding salt to the wound! Cameron Green bowls this on a length and on off, Rinku Singh shimmies down the track and lofts this over mid on for a boundary. 

Cameron Green to Shreyas Iyer, ! That's smart batting and ends the over well for Kolkata. Cameron Green drops the length short and over off, Shreyas Iyer waits back and ramps it over the keeper for four more runs to end the over. 

Cameron Green to Rinku Singh, 1 run.

Cameron Green to Shreyas Iyer, ! It was a tough chance but Cameron Green should have taken that! 

Cameron Green to Rinku Singh, Bowls this on a length and into the pads, Rinku Singh tucks it to deep square leg for a single. 

Cameron Green to Rinku Singh, Hurls in the bouncer, over middle and off, Rinku Singh advances down the track and looks to pull but gets beaten. 

Karn Sharma to Rinku Singh, Darts this fuller and flatter into the stumps, Rinku Singh steps out and looks for the heave but mistimes it to deep backward square leg for just a single. 

Karn Sharma to Rinku Singh, ! Much needed for Kolkata! Tossed up outside off and turning away further, Rinku Singh steps out and clubs it over the bowler's head for a maximum. 

Karn Sharma to Rinku Singh, 2 runs.

Karn Sharma to Shreyas Iyer, LEG BYES! Bowls this fuller and outside off, Shreyas Iyer looks for the reverse sweep but gets clipped on the front pad as the ball rolls over to the off side and the batters cross for a run. 

Karn Sharma to Rinku Singh, Floats this up on middle, Rinku Singh eases it to deep mid-wicket for one. 

Karn Sharma to Shreyas Iyer, Fuller and into the pads, Shreyas Iyer takes a step out and tucks it to mid-wicket region for a single.

Cameron Green to Shreyas Iyer, A direct hit and Shreyas Iyer would have had to walk back!

Cameron Green to Shreyas Iyer, ! Made it look so easy did Shreyas Iyer! Green bowls this on a length and over off, Shreyas Iyer covers the line and delicately flicks it wide of long on for four runs. 

Cameron Green to Shreyas Iyer, No run.

Cameron Green to Shreyas Iyer, No run.

Cameron Green to Shreyas Iyer, A top delivery from Cameron Green and there was a slight appeal for caught behind! Green drops the length short and hits the deck hard over off, Shreyas Iyer looks for the pull but misses out as the ball zips past the outside edge into the keeper's gloves. 

Cameron Green to Rinku Singh, Bowls this on a length and into the pads, Rinku Singh tucks it to deep square leg for a single. 

Cameron Green to Rinku Singh, WIDE! Looks for the bouncer and drops it a bit too short, over middle, Rinku Singh half ducks at it and leaves it alone for a wide. 

Karn Sharma to Shreyas Iyer, Brilliant effort in the deep! This is looped up, full and around middle, Shreyas Iyer changes his stance completely and plays the switch-hit wide of sweeper covers, Mohammed Siraj runs to his left and grabs it on the bounce with the ball skidding through. Two runs taken. This is also the first over without a boundary in this inning.

Karn Sharma to Shreyas Iyer, Flighted, full and outside off, Shreyas Iyer drills it straight to point.

Karn Sharma to Shreyas Iyer, Slows it up, full and on middle, Shreyas Iyer strides out and blocks it out.

Karn Sharma to Rinku Singh, Quicker, short and on leg, Rinku Singh nudges it towards short fine leg for a quick run.

Karn Sharma to Shreyas Iyer, Floated, short and on middle, turns away, Shreyas Iyer stays back and flicks it towards deep mid-wicket for a run.

Karn Sharma to Rinku Singh, Tossed up, full and on middle, Rinku Singh clips it through mid-wicket for a single.

Cameron Green to Rinku Singh, Slower one, short and around leg again, Rinku Singh hooks it towards fine leg for one.

Cameron Green to Rinku Singh, ! Good shot to get off the mark!

Cameron Green to Rinku Singh, On a length and on middle, Rinku Singh blocks it out.

Cameron Green to Rinku Singh, Another bouncer and around off, Rinku Singh leaves it alone.

Rinku Singh walks out to bat at number 6 for Kolkata. 

Cameron Green to Venkatesh Iyer, ! TAKEN! Cameron Green has the last laugh here!

Cameron Green to Venkatesh Iyer, ! Venkatesh Iyer greets Cameron Green with a boundary! This one is pitched up and around middle, Venkatesh Iyer steps across and times his flick beautifully wide of mid on for four runs.

Cameron Green is introduced into the attack now. 

Karn Sharma to Shreyas Iyer, Good comeback by Karn Sharma! He tosses it up, full and on off, grips and turns away sharply, Shreyas Iyer prods forward to block but gets beaten on the outside edge.

Karn Sharma to Shreyas Iyer, ! Short and punished!

Karn Sharma to Shreyas Iyer, No run.

Karn Sharma to Shreyas Iyer, ! Nicely played! This is flatter, full but down the leg side, Shreyas Iyer goes down on one knee, uses the pace of the ball, and paddles it towards the fine leg fence, Mahipal Lomror runs to his right and dives but the ball wins the race to the boundary.

Karn Sharma to Venkatesh Iyer, Floated, full and on leg, Venkatesh Iyer tucks it through mid-wicket for a run.

Karn Sharma to Shreyas Iyer, Karn Sharma starts with a loopy full toss, on middle, Shreyas Iyer flicks it towards deep mid-wicket for a single.

Karn Sharma comes into the attack. 

Lockie Ferguson to Shreyas Iyer, Short of a length and outside off, Shreyas Iyer cuts it to deep point for one.

Lockie Ferguson to Shreyas Iyer, Hard-length delivery, on middle, Shreyas Iyer pats it down to the right of the bowler.

Lockie Ferguson to Venkatesh Iyer, Lockie Ferguson sees the batter advance and hits the hard length, on leg, Venkatesh Iyer gets cramped up and chips it towards mid-wicket for another run.

Lockie Ferguson to Shreyas Iyer, ! Classy from the skipper! Lockie Ferguson pitches it up, on middle, angling in, Shreyas Iyer presents the full face of the bat and drives it gloriously down the ground past mid on for a boundary.

Lockie Ferguson to Shreyas Iyer, Back of a length and on middle, Shreyas Iyer clips it through square leg for a run and gets off the mark.

Lockie Ferguson to Venkatesh Iyer, Fuller one and on off, Venkatesh Iyer pushes it through covers for a single.

Strategic break! After an explosive start led by Phil Salt, Bengaluru's bowlers showcased resilience, staging a remarkable comeback by dismissing the top three Kolkata batters. With momentum swinging in their favour, Bengaluru will now aim to maintain the pressure, preventing the new batters from finding their rhythm. Meanwhile, Kolkata will face the task of rebuilding, emphasizing the urgency to forge a partnership and capitalize on the promising foundation laid earlier in the innings. The sk

Yash Dayal to Angkrish Raghuvanshi, ! GREEN WITH A BLINDER! That is an unbelievable catch and probably the only man out there who could have taken that.

Yash Dayal to Venkatesh Iyer, Back of a length and on off, Venkatesh Iyer guides it through point for a single.

Yash Dayal to Venkatesh Iyer, ! TWO IN TWO! Top shot! Another pitched-up delivery, on off, Venkatesh Iyer leans onto his drive nicely and creams it past mid off for another boundary.

Yash Dayal to Venkatesh Iyer, ! Venkatesh Iyer gets off the mark in style! Yash Dayal goes full again and around middle, Venkatesh Iyer charges down the track and thumps it over mid off for a boundary.

Venkatesh Iyer walks out to bat at number 4 for Kolkata. 

Yash Dayal to Sunil Narine, ! TAKEN! Yash Dayal gets the big wicket! The plan has worked for Bengaluru and Sunil Narine goes back now.

Yash Dayal to Angkrish Raghuvanshi, Just over! This is full and on off, Angkrish Raghuvanshi mistimes his lofted shot, it teases Faf du Plessis at mid off and goes just over him. However, he chases well after it and dives to flick it back inside. Three runs taken.

Mohammed Siraj to Angkrish Raghuvanshi, LEG BYES! There was a loud appeal for LBW but it looked to be drifting down leg! 

Mohammed Siraj to Sunil Narine, Another fuller delivery, on middle and off, Sunil Narine digs it out to cover for a single. 

Mohammed Siraj to Sunil Narine, Four!

Mohammed Siraj to Angkrish Raghuvanshi, LEG BYES! Hurls this on a length and into the pads, Angkrish Raghuvanshi looks to tuck it on leg but misses out. The ball brushes his front pad and rolls to short fine leg while the batters cross for a run. 

Angkrish Raghuvanshi walks out to bat at number 3.

Mohammed Siraj to Phil Salt, ! CAUGHT! A fine innings comes to an end and Bengaluru can finally breathe a sigh of relief! 

Mohammed Siraj to Sunil Narine, Steams from over the wicket and bangs the deck on a hard length, on middle and leg, Sunil Narine mistimes his heave to deep square leg for a single. 

Mohammed Siraj to bowl his third over in the Powerplay.

Lockie Ferguson to Phil Salt, ! Oh dear, it just got hotter in the kitchen for Bengaluru! 28 runs come off it. Lockie Ferguson goes fuller and into the stumps, Phil Salt takes his front leg away and clobbers it over the bowler's head for another boundary to end the over. 

Lockie Ferguson to Phil Salt, Four!

Lockie Ferguson to Phil Salt, ! That's the best of them all and Phil Salt is taking the attack on Lockie Ferguson! Another fuller delivery on off, Phil Salt clears his front leg and clubs it over mid off for a maximum. 

Lockie Ferguson to Phil Salt, Four!

Lockie Ferguson to Phil Salt, Four!

Lockie Ferguson to Phil Salt, ! Easy pickings for Phil Salt! Lockie Ferguson starts from over the wicket and bowls the shorter delivery which was not short enough, outside off, Phil Salt waits on and nails the pull over square leg for a maximum. 

Lockie Ferguson replaces Yash Dayal.

Mohammed Siraj to Sunil Narine, Finishes the over with a dot! Bangs the shorter length delivery, angling it away from middle and off, Sunil Narine looks for the ramp but misses out again. 

Mohammed Siraj to Sunil Narine, Goes fuller and outside off again, Sunil Narine didn't seem to be anticipating this delivery as he lets this one go through to the keeper. 

Mohammed Siraj to Sunil Narine, Hits the deck hard, and drops the length short, over middle and leg, Sunil Narine swivels across and looks for the pull but gets beaten by the pace on it. 

Mohammed Siraj to Sunil Narine, ! A freebie for Sunil Narine as he gets off the mark after 8 deliveries! Mohammed Siraj attempts for a wide yorker but lands a juicy full toss outside off, Sunil Narine wacks it through covers for four runs. 

Mohammed Siraj to Sunil Narine, And again! Two dots in a row and Sunil Narine is yet to connect one! Siraj bowls this even further outside off on a fuller length and Sunil Narine misses out again. 

Mohammed Siraj to Sunil Narine, Comes from over the wicket and bowls this full and outside off stumps line, Sunil Narine with no foot movement looks to reach for it but misses out on any connection. 

Yash Dayal to Phil Salt, Pitches this on a good length and into the pads, Phil Salt tucks it to deep mid-wicket region and gets a couple of runs. Another productive over for Kolkata! 

Yash Dayal to Phil Salt, ! This is even better. Another fuller length delivery, into middle and leg, Phil Salt takes a couple of steps down to take it on the full and drives it past mid off for another boundary. 

Yash Dayal to Phil Salt, ! Top shot! Lands this full and into middle and leg, with some inward movement, Phil Salt makes room to open up the off side and cuts it through point for four runs. 

Yash Dayal to Sunil Narine, LEG BYES! yet again. Bowls this full and into the pads, cramping Sunil Narine for room as he looks to flick. The ball clips his front leg and goes to the leg side and the batters scamper for a single. 

Yash Dayal to Sunil Narine, Tries for another yorker, this time attacking the stumps, but lands a very low full toss. Sunil Narine toe ends it to mid on for no run. 

Halt! Sunil Narine looks in some pain after getting hit right on the toe. They physio is in to check on him. He is fine to continue for now.

Yash Dayal to Sunil Narine, Starts with a perfect delivery! Sunil Narine looks in pain! Steams from over the wicket and bowls the toe-crushing yorker right at the front boot of the left-hander. Sunil Narine misses the ball completely and gets hit flush on the boot. That will sting a bit!

Yash Dayal to share the attack.

Mohammed Siraj to Sunil Narine, Leg bye.

Mohammed Siraj to Sunil Narine, Continues from over the wicket and bowls a fuller delivery, outside off, Sunil Narine holds his bat up and leaves this one alone. 

Mohammed Siraj to Phil Salt, LEG BYES! Hurls this on a hard length and angles it into the right-hander from middle and leg, Phil Salt looks to tuck it away but gets beaten onto his pads. The ball rolls over to the off side and the batters cross for a quick run. 

Mohammed Siraj to Phil Salt, ! In full control this time! A tad shorter in length by Siraj over off, Phil Salt picks the length perfectly whipping it over mid-wicket for four more runs. 

Mohammed Siraj to Phil Salt, ! What a way to get off the mark. Not exactly where he intended to but they all count! Mohammed Siraj bowls this on a nagging length and on off, Phil Salt looks for the flick but gets an outside edge that flies over the keeper's head for a maximum. 

Mohammed Siraj to Phil Salt, Starts from over the wicket and hits the deck hard, on a length, outside off, Phil Salt whips it off the inner half of the bat to short mid-wicket. 

Andy Flower rings the bell at the Eden Gardens and we are all set to begin! The two umpires make their way out to the middle followed by the Bengaluru players who spread out to take their respective field positions. Phil Salt and Sunil Narine are the two openers for Kolkata. Mohammed Siraj has the new ball in hand and is raring to go. Let's play...

Shreyas Iyer, the captain of Kolkata says that they would have bowled first as well. Adds that it looks like the wicket will be a bit slow. Tells that they tried to keep things simple and it is not important how you start but how you end. Mentions that they need to assess the pitch and then bat accordingly to set up a target. Informs they are unchanged.

Faf du Plessis, the skipper of Bengaluru says they will bowl first. Adds that this has been a chasing ground and they look to bat second. Mentions that they were here the previous day at around the same time and the temperature sort of cooled down unlike in Chennai or Bengaluru. States that the teams are batting strongly and 60-70 runs in the powerplay is the new norm and the key will be to take wickets despite the teams scoring. Mentions that Green, Siraj and Karn Sharma come back into the si

Impact Players for Kolkata - Suyash Sharma, Anukul Roy, Manish Pandey, Vaibhav Arora, Rahmanullah Gurbaz.  

Kolkata (Playing XI) - Phil Salt (WK), Sunil Narine, Angkrish Raghuvanshi, Shreyas Iyer (C), Andre Russell, Rinku Singh, Venkatesh Iyer, Ramandeep Singh, Mitchell Starc, Varun Chakaravarthy, Harshit Rana.

Impact Players for Bengaluru - Suyash Prabhudessai, Anuj Rawat, Himanshu Sharma, Vijaykumar Vyshak, Swapnil Singh.

Bengaluru (Playing XI) - Faf du Plessis (C), Virat Kohli, Will Jacks, Rajat Patidar, Cameron Green, Dinesh Karthik (WK), Mahipal Lomror, Karn Sharma, Lockie Ferguson, Yash Dayal, Mohammed Siraj.

TOSS - The coin lands in favour of Faf du Plessis and Bengaluru have elected to BOWL first.