... The Run Chase ...

Anukul Roy is down for a quick chat. Anukul says he loves the purple colour. Adds that he was bowling with the new ball in the nets and therefore he got this role. Tells that there is a specific region he likes to field and on the pitch, he says there is nothing much on the wicket, the ball is coming slow with the spinners but nicely coming onto the bat with the pacers and informs there is no dew as well.

Now the target is not a big one but Kolkata's batting has not been in form., they are up against an in-form bowling attack of Rajasthan. They will need some of their big names to step up. Will that happen? We will find out.

Rajasthan just never got going, despite Jos Buttler and Sanju Samson getting starts they could not get into top gear. Not sure if that is due to the wicket or if Kolkata just bowled well. They needed someone like Buttler or Samson to strike big but both fell when they needed to step on the gas. Shimron Hetmyer though played a handy cameo towards the end which has taken his side to a competitive total.

The Kolkata bowlers began brilliantly, especially Umesh Yadav who kept it tight in the Powerplay and also got the early wicket. Tim Southee then was really good in the middle overs, he got the dangerous Jos Buttler and also did not leak a lot of runs along with Narine and Mavi. The key for Kolkata was their bowlers managed to pick wickets at regular intervals and that is what never let Rajasthan score freely.

Kolkata have done brilliantly to keep Rajasthan to around 150. Had they been given this score at the start, pretty sure they would have taken it. The skipper's decision to bowl first has been justified.

Shivam Mavi to Shimron Hetmyer, Full and outside off, Hetmyer heaves it through mid-wicket and the batters look for two again. The fielder in the deep attacks it but fumbles, allowing the second run. Rajasthan end with 152/5!

Shivam Mavi to Shimron Hetmyer, WIDE! Full and wide, a bit too wide though.

A run out appeal! Shimron Hetmyer had his bat inside his crease. Not out it is.

Shivam Mavi to Shimron Hetmyer, In the air...safe! Another well bowled slower delivery from Mavi, it is a bit fuller and well wide of the off stump. Shimron Hetmyer reaches out and ends up skying it around the mid off region. Anukul Roy runs in from the long off fence but the ball falls short. The batters race back for the second and a bullet of a throw comes in from Roy to the keeper's end. It is sent upstairs but Hetmyer is well in.

Shivam Mavi to Shimron Hetmyer, Another golden dot ball from Mavi! Slower again, a bit shorter and angled across the batter. Hetmyer swings across the line but is undone by the lack of pace.

Shivam Mavi to Shimron Hetmyer, No wide given and Hetmyer is standing there is disbelief. Hetmyer moves well past the off stump and Mavi follows him with a really wide ball. Hetmyer lets it go but he moved way too much and it will be a dot ball.

Shivam Mavi to Shimron Hetmyer, ! Shimron Hetmyer is bringing Rajasthan back in the game. Pace off, outside off and inviting the batter to hit to the longer side. Hetmyer does well to reach it and lift it over covers for a boundary.

Shivam Mavi to Ravichandran Ashwin, Slower delivery, floated upon the pads. Ashwin shuffles across a bit and tucks it past square leg for a single.

Tim Southee to Shimron Hetmyer, Fuller in length and well outside off, Hetmyer hits it hard and through cover-point. Andre Russell runs to his right from the cover fence and keeps it down to a couple. 20 came off the over, a good one for Rajasthan.

Tim Southee to Shimron Hetmyer, WIDE! Bouncer this time, a bit too high down the leg side as well. Hetmyer misses the pull shot and a wide is called.

Tim Southee to Shimron Hetmyer, Slanted across the off stump and this is slashed through the point region for a brace. Russell does well to get to the ball quickly from the cover fence.

Tim Southee to Ravichandran Ashwin, Back of a length, angled into the body and Ashwin pulls it towards deep mid-wicket for one.

Tim Southee to Shimron Hetmyer, Better from Southee, taking it away from the swinging arc of Hetmyer. Length, pushed wide of off stump. Hetmyer mistimes it towards mid off for a single.

Tim Southee to Shimron Hetmyer, WIDE! Short and down the leg side, Hetmyer looks to pull but misses and a wide is called. 

Tim Southee to Shimron Hetmyer, ! BOOM! Southee overcompensates by pitching it up and pays the price. On off, Shimron Hetmyer clears the front leg and smokes it high and handsome over the wide long on fence for a huge hit.

Tim Southee to Shimron Hetmyer, ! Hetmyer connects and connects well! This is bowled into the deck by Southee, on middle. The ball sits up nicely for the batter and he muscles it over the mid-wicket fence for a biggie. Rajasthan need a lot more of these in the remaining 11 deliveries.

Shivam Mavi to Shimron Hetmyer, Hardly ever do we see the Free Hits actually going to the fence and it hasn't happened here either. Mavi gets the wide yorker in and Hetmyer can only drill it down to long on for a single.

Shivam Mavi to Ravichandran Ashwin, No ball! Shivam Mavi with the cardinal sin and this might just spoil a really good over for him. A beamer on the hips and it just didn't dip enough. Ashwin pulls it down to fine leg for one. Free Hit to follow and Shimron Hetmyer will be on strike.

Shivam Mavi to Ravichandran Ashwin, This is angled into the pads, Ashwin heaves it in front of square on the leg side for a couple of runs.

Shivam Mavi to Shimron Hetmyer, Slower delivery, slanted across the left-hander. Shimron Hetmyer presses forward and pushes it towards covers for a quick single.

Shivam Mavi to Shimron Hetmyer, Full and straight, a bit slower in pace. Hetmyer blocks it out.

Shivam Mavi to Ravichandran Ashwin, Length ball, around off and nudged away onto the off side by Ashwin for a single.

Ravichandran Ashwin walks out to the middle.

Shivam Mavi to Sanju Samson, ! TAKEN! Rajasthan lose another wicket and it's a big one this time! Shivam Mavi bowls a fullish ball on the stumps and Sanju Samson just launches it into the night sky. The ball goes a long way up but Samson doesn't get much distance on it. It is also hit towards the long boundary as well. Rinku Singh at the mid-wicket fence settles under it and takes a very good catch. Samson departs after a good knock and Mavi gets his first wicket of the game.

Shimron Hetmyer comes in. Shivam Mavi is back into the attack as well.

Tim Southee to Riyan Parag, ! TAKEN! Anukul Roy won't drop those and Riyan Parag has to depart. Back of a length, at 122 clicks, around off. Parag looks to repeat the trick from the previous delivery and pulls it away. The ball is not timed as well and goes straight towards the cow corner fence. Roy takes a sharp catch and Tim Southee has the last laugh.

Tim Southee to Riyan Parag, ! Short again but not just short enough to trouble the batter and Parag has dispatched it! On middle, Parag muscles it well over the mid-wicket fence for a much-needed maximum.

Tim Southee to Riyan Parag, Excellent bumper this time from Tim Southee, over middle and at good height. Riyan Parag takes on the pull shot but is well beaten.

Tim Southee to Riyan Parag, This is short again and Parag fails to pull it away.

Tim Southee to Sanju Samson, Leg bye! Short ball, on the body. Samson gets cramped for room as he looks to pull it away but the ball goes off the pads towards backward square leg. They sneak in a leg bye.

Tim Southee to Sanju Samson, NOT ! Excellent review from Sanju Samson and he survives! Tim Southee angles it into the pads. Samson clears the front leg and looks to smoke it over mid-wicket but misses and gets rapped on the pads. Southee appeals and the finger is raised. Samson reviews it instantly and there is no spike on UltraEdge. Ball Tracking though shows that the ball is missing leg stump and Samson will carry on.

Drinks! Just 4 overs remaining now and if Rajasthan need a score around 160, they really need to push on the gas now. Kolkata will not argue much, they have been superb till now and will look to end in the same way. Also, Tim Southee is back into the attack.

Sunil Narine to Riyan Parag, Excellent end to the over from Sunil Narine and he finishes off his spell giving away just 19 runs in 4 overs. This is speared onto the pads and Riyan Parag fails to get it away.

Sunil Narine to Riyan Parag, Flatter delivery, at 102 kph and on middle. Parag miscues the pull shot straight towards mid-wicket.

Sunil Narine to Sanju Samson, Another single for Samson as this is knocked down to long off.

Sunil Narine to Riyan Parag, Quicker this time from Narine and sliding into the pads. Parag checks his heave a bit and gets it through mid-wicket for a run.

Sunil Narine to Sanju Samson, On a shorter length, on middle. Samson eases it down to long on for a single.

Sunil Narine to Sanju Samson, Around off and turning in a bit. Samson taps it towards cover-point.

Sunil Narine to bowl his last over now.

Umesh Yadav to Riyan Parag, ! Poor fielding from Aaron Finch at the third man fence and it ruins a perfectly good over. Short and around off, Parag ramps it over backward point and the fumble from Finch allows him to collect a boundary.

Umesh Yadav to Riyan Parag, Beauty! On a good length, very tight around off stump and zipping through. Parag hops and gets beaten past the outside edge.

Umesh Yadav to Sanju Samson, Full and straight, Samson looks to go big downtown but mistimes it badly towards long on for one.

Umesh Yadav to Sanju Samson, Three dots on the trot now and Umesh Yadav is mixing it up really well. Similar to the previous delivery but all the pace is taken off the ball. Samson tries to force it over point but gets undone by the lack of pace.

Umesh Yadav to Sanju Samson, Short of a good length, close to the off pole. Sanju Samson looks to run it down towards third man but misses.

Umesh Yadav to Sanju Samson, Right around the top of off, slight shape back into the batter. Samson defends it out towards point.

Umesh Yadav to end his spell now.

Anukul Roy to Riyan Parag, ! A flatter one on middle, Parag opens up and lofts it over long on for a maximum.

Anukul Roy to Sanju Samson, Shorter in length, Samson guides it to point and takes one.

Anukul Roy to Riyan Parag, On off, this is eased down to long off for one.

Anukul Roy to Sanju Samson, Another single as this is eased through covers. FIfty for Samson, classy innings from him but he needs to make most of it now. He has got off to starts in this tournament but not batted deep enough, needs to do that here.

Riyan Parag is a new man in.

Anukul Roy to Riyan Parag, On middle, Parag hits it down to long on and takes one.

Anukul Roy to Karun Nair, ! CAUGHT! A flatter one on off, slightly shorter, Nair tries to pull it over mid on but couldn't connect well and a good catch by Rinku Singh.  Pressure piling up for Rajasthan.

Tim Southee to Karun Nair, Fuller one on middle, Nair drives it straight. Southee puts his hand and saves some runs for his team. 

Tim Southee to Karun Nair, ! That is a cracking shot! Karun makes room, this is fuller and on off, he lofts it over covers and this one races away to the fence. Top shot.

Tim Southee to Sanju Samson, Another one! On middle, Samson pushes it down to long on and gets to the other end.

Tim Southee to Karun Nair, On the pads, Nair looks to flick but misses, it hits the pad and rolls on the leg side. A leg bye taken.

Tim Southee to Sanju Samson, Now follows the boundary with a single as this is pushed towards cover.

Tim Southee to Sanju Samson, ! A fuller one on leg, Samson flicks it towards fine leg. The keeper tries to stop but couldn't get it. The ball goes behind the ropes for a boundary.

Sunil Narine to Sanju Samson, Fuller one on middle, Samson pushes it towards mid on and gets a single. He keeps his strike.

Sunil Narine to Karun Nair, The sweep is out, it is more top edgish towards deep square leg for one.

Sunil Narine to Karun Nair, Karun makes room! This is flatter and on middle, Karun looks to loft it over covers but it goes off the inner half back to the bowler.

Sunil Narine to Sanju Samson, A flatter one on middle, Samson pushes it towards mid on and gets a single.

Sunil Narine to Sanju Samson, Flatter and on middle, this is played back to the bowler.

Sunil Narine to Karun Nair, Flatter one on middle, Nair plays it towards mid on and rotates the strike.

Shivam Mavi to Karun Nair, On a good length and on off, Nair eases it towards backward point and takes a single. He keeps his strike.

Shivam Mavi to Sanju Samson, Now takes one as this is eased down to long on.

Shivam Mavi to Sanju Samson, ! That has been beautifully hit! What a delightful stroke! shorter and outside off, Samson cuts it through point, it races away to the fence. Samson will have to play a long innings here. He holds the key for his side with Buttler gone.

Shivam Mavi to Sanju Samson, ! Fuller one on off, Samson drives it through covers. The ball goes behind the ropes for a boundary.

Shivam Mavi to Karun Nair, Nair makes room, this is on middle, it is hit down to long on for one.

Shivam Mavi to Sanju Samson, Full and outside off, this is carved through point for one.

Shivam Mavi is back on.

Anukul Roy to Sanju Samson, This is floated around leg stump, Samson makes room and drives it past the bowler towards long off for another single. Tidy over from Anukul Roy, just the four singles off it.

Anukul Roy to Sanju Samson, On off, pushed away towards covers.

Anukul Roy to Sanju Samson, Nicely bowled! A bit of an arm-ball, quicker and just darted into the pads. Sanju Samson hangs on the back foot and nudges it out on the off side.

Anukul Roy to Karun Nair, Just keeping the scoreboard ticking now these two. On middle, flicked through mid-wicket for a run.

Anukul Roy to Sanju Samson, Roy shortens his length and bowls it on middle. Samson rocks back and pushes it down to long on for one more.

Anukul Roy to Karun Nair, Nicely drifted into middle and leg, Nair just eases it down to long on for a single.

Tim Southee to Karun Nair, On a good length and on off, Nair drives it towards covers and gets a single.

Tim Southee to Sanju Samson, On middle, this is pushed down to long on for one.

DRINKS! After a sedate start, Jos Buttler and Sanju Samson were building on a partnership with the skipper being the aggressor but the wicket of Buttler will certainly slow it down once again. Kolkata have done well so far to keep the scoring rate in check and getting rid of the dangerman will give them further confidence. There is still a long way to go but a couple of more wickets and Kolkata will have a good grip on the innings. Also, Karun Nair walks out to bat now.

Tim Southee to Karun Nair, Angled into the pads, this is worked down to fine leg for one.

Tim Southee to Jos Buttler, ! CAUGHT! A full-length delivery on middle, Buttler tries to flick it over long on but couldn't connect well. A brilliant catch by the fielder. Huge wicket and a timely one as Buttler was looking to get going.

Tim Southee to Jos Buttler, ! That is not a good effort by Narine and it is not for the first time in the gap! This is angled into the pads, Buttler goes for a hoick! It goes off the inner half towards backward square leg. Narine runs to his left from fine leg and just sticks a leg out. It hits the leg and goes over the fence for a boundary.

Sanju Samson pulled up a muscle as he turned to run on the last ball. The physio is out and Samson is receiving some treatment. The good news for Rajasthan is that he is back on his feet and is ready to continue. Also, Tim Southee is brought into the attack.

Tim Southee to Sanju Samson, A fuller one on middle, Samson eases it towards mid-wicket and gets a single.

Tim Southee to Sanju Samson, WIDE! Down the leg side to begin with! Wided.

Sunil Narine to Jos Buttler, Two to end! Buttler plays the paddle scoop, he plays it nice and fine. Anukul Roy at deep backward square leg, runs to his right, dives and pushes it back in. He though fails to pick it up cleanly and the ball is rolling towards the ropes. He does not let it hit it though and saves two for his side. They do take it upstairs to check but replays show he has done fine.

Sunil Narine to Sanju Samson, Angled into the pads, Samson works it through mid-wicket for one. He is holding his back and seems to be struggling a little.

Sunil Narine to Sanju Samson, Flatter and on middle, Samson pushes it back to the bowler.

Sunil Narine to Sanju Samson, Angled into the pads, Samson works it to mid-wicket.

Sunil Narine to Sanju Samson, ! That is a outstanding shot! Brilliant! Flatter and just outside off, not a lot of width on offer. Samson waits and then plays it behind point for a boundary.

Sunil Narine to Sanju Samson, Flatter and outside off, Samson looks to push at it, it goes off the outer half to the man at short third man.

Sunil Narine (1-0-5-0) comes back in to replace Anukul Roy.

Shivam Mavi to Sanju Samson, A yorker to end then! Full and outside off, Samson jams it through point for one.

Shivam Mavi to Jos Buttler, This one lands safe! This is what happens when you are in form, even the mis-hits fall in no man's land! A slower one on middle, Buttler is done in by the lack of pace. He mistimes it high up in the air but it lands safe in the mid on region. One taken.

Shivam Mavi to Jos Buttler, Timed well but does not find the gap! Length and on off, Buttler pushes it on the up but to covers.

Shivam Mavi to Jos Buttler, Kolkata have done well in the field! Good work from Russell this time! On the pads, Buttler works it through backward square leg. Russell in the deep, runs to his right, slides and keeps it down to two.

Shivam Mavi to Jos Buttler, He really looked to hit that hard! It was there to be hit though! Fuller and outside off, Buttler looks to go over covers but misses.

Shivam Mavi to Jos Buttler, Length and on off, Buttler pushes it to covers.

Anukul Roy to Sanju Samson, ! That is trademark Sanju Samson! What a shot. The last ball spoils the over but still, it is a good Powerplay for Kolkata. Rajasthan are 38 for 1 after it. Sanju makes room, this is bowled full and on middle, he lofts it nonchalantly over the cover fence for a biggie.

Shivam Mavi comes into the attack now.

Anukul Roy to Sanju Samson, Good work by Mavi again! On middle, this is chipped over the bowler's head. Mavi at long off, runs to his right, dives and keeps it down to two.

Anukul Roy to Jos Buttler, Good fielding! Buttler steps out and makes it into a full toss, it is hit to the right of long off who covers ground quickly and keeps it down to one.

Anukul Roy to Sanju Samson, Another single! Fuller and on off, this is eased down to long off for one.

Anukul Roy to Jos Buttler, Flatter and on middle, Buttler stays back and pushes it down to long off for one.

Anukul Roy (1-0-3-0) is back on to bowl the final over of the Powerplay.

Anukul Roy to Jos Buttler, Slightly shorter and around off, Buttler slaps it but to covers.

Umesh Yadav to Sanju Samson, Around off, pushed to covers. No run there.

Umesh Yadav to Sanju Samson, ! Just over! A length ball, outside off. Samson tries to go over mid off and gets enough elevation for the ball to travel over the leaping mid off fielder. A boundary. 

Umesh Yadav to Sanju Samson, ! Fullish delivery, outside off. Samson throws his bat at it and the ball goes off the cue end of the bat to the third man fence. 

Umesh Yadav to Sanju Samson, First bouncer we have seen in this innings, on middle. Samson evades it quite well. Okay, a no ball is given as Yadav has overstepped and now a Free-hit is coming up. 

Umesh Yadav to Jos Buttler, On middle, pulled away to deep square leg for one.

Umesh Yadav to Jos Buttler, Wide! An appeal for caught behind but not given! A length ball, angling down the leg side. Buttler misses his pull. Might have been the thigh pad there. Actually, there was nothing. 

Umesh Yadav to Jos Buttler, Yadav comes back by targeting the stumps and Buttler keeps it out.

Umesh Yadav to Jos Buttler, ! In the gap! Overpitched, outside off. Buttler leans into his shot as he drives it through covers for a boundary.

Sunil Narine to Sanju Samson, A solid back foot defense to end the over. 

Sunil Narine to Sanju Samson, ! Finally a boundary for Rajasthan and Samson is off the mark! Flatter and outside off. Samson punches it off the back foot through covers. Anukul Roy chases and dives but to no avail. 

Sunil Narine to Sanju Samson, Narine drops it short and outside off. Samson punches it straight to Russell at covers.

Sunil Narine to Jos Buttler, A run after nine deliveries. Fuller ball, on middle, Buttler works it to mid on for a single. 

Sunil Narine to Jos Buttler, Tosses it up, full and on off, blocked back to the bowler.

Sunil Narine comes into the attack now.

Sunil Narine to Jos Buttler, Tossed up, on off, pushed to covers.

Umesh Yadav to Sanju Samson, A length ball, outside off. Samson punches it to cover-point. Buttler wants a quick single but is sent back on time. There is a shy at the bowler's end but the fielder misses. Brilliant over from Umesh Yadav, a wicket-maiden!

Umesh Yadav to Sanju Samson, Yadav keeps it tight by targeting the stumps, on middle. Samson turns it to square leg.

Umesh Yadav to Sanju Samson, Yadav serves a full ball, around off. Samson again keeps it out.

Umesh Yadav to Devdutt Padikkal, ! CAUGHT AND BOWLED! Umesh Yadav continues to be impressive this season. This is full and around off. Padikkal leans and tries to work it on the leg side but gets a leading edge straight back to Yadav. Umesh Yadav does ever so well to stretch his right hand out and the ball sticks nicely in his palms. He fumbles a bit but kept his eyes on the ball. Good start by Kolkata. 

Umesh Yadav to Sanju Samson, Tad fuller and outside off. Samson again blocks it out.

Umesh Yadav to Sanju Samson, A length ball, on off. Blocked out.

The skipper, Sanju Samson is in at number 3.

Anukul Roy to Jos Buttler, Another arm ball, full and around middle. Buttler takes the charge and tries to heave it but misses and gets hit on the pads. Good start by Anukul Roy.

Anukul Roy to Devdutt Padikkal, Touch short at 92 clicks. Padikkal nudges it to deep square leg for a single.

Anukul Roy to Jos Buttler, An arm ball, fuller and on middle. Buttler pushes it to long off for a single.

Anukul Roy to Devdutt Padikkal, Darted on the pads, it is flicked through mid-wicket for a single.

Anukul Roy, the left-arm off-spinner to start from the opposite end.

Anukul Roy to Devdutt Padikkal, Full, quicker now, around off. Padikkal pushes it to mid off.

Anukul Roy to Devdutt Padikkal, Tossed up, on off. Padikkal blocks it out.

Umesh Yadav to Jos Buttler, On middle, tucked to mid-wicket. 

Umesh Yadav to Jos Buttler, Beauty of a delivery! A length ball, in the channel of uncertainty, outside off. Buttler is made to play that as he tries to poke at it but the ball nips away off the deck and whizzes past the outside edge. 

Umesh Yadav to Jos Buttler, Length ball, around off. Buttler is a bit late as he looks to punch but gets an inside edge onto his thigh pads. 

Umesh Yadav to Jos Buttler, ! Pierces the gap! That was not intended to meet the boundary but that's how good Buttler is this season. Full ball, on off. Buttler looks to push on the off side but mistimes it past mid on. Tim Southee from mid off chases it back and puts in a dive but fails to keep it away from the fence.

Umesh Yadav to Jos Buttler, Touch fuller and around off. Buttler brings a straight bat down to defend on the off side.

Umesh Yadav to Jos Buttler, A length ball, outside off, bit of late swing there. Buttler shoulders arms to it. 

We are ready for play! The two umpires are out in the middle and they are followed by the players of Kolkata. Rajasthan openers Jos Buttler and Devdutt Padikkal stride out to the middle as well. Umesh Yadav has the new ball in hand and is raring to go. Let's play...

Shimron Hetmyer is down for a chat. Hetmyer says it is just about giving himself chance, earlier he was not taking time to get set but now he takes a couple of balls to see what the pitch is doing. Adds that his wife is his biggest supporter. Mentions that from Buttler, he tries to learn the reverse sweep and even the scoop. Shares that batting looks easy from the outside but he loves playing here and it is a nice ground for the batters.

Rajasthan skipper, Sanju Samson says that they are looking forward to winning a few matches on the trot now. Adds that the margin of error in this tournament is so small that even after playing good cricket, they lost the previous match. Informs that Karun Nair comes in place of Daryl Mitchell and the reason for the change is the combination of the side and also the conditions.

Shreyas Iyer, the skipper of Kolkata says they will bowl first as the pitch looks like a used one and considering the dew factor helping in the second innings. Tells that they have lost too many close games but they try to play positive cricket and now they'll try to play fearless cricket. Informs there are two changes. Mentions it's important to have the right combinations and are trying to give players as many games as possible.

Kolkata (Playing XI) - Aaron Finch, Baba Indrajith (WK), Shreyas Iyer (C), Rinku Singh, Nitish Rana, Andre Russell, Sunil Narine, Anukul Roy (In place of Anukul Roy), Umesh Yadav, Tim Southee and Shivam Mavi (in place of Harshit Rana).

Rajasthan (Playing XI) - Jos Buttler, Devdutt Padikkal, Sanju Samson (C/WK), Karun Nair (In place of Daryl Mitchell), Shimron Hetmyer, Riyan Parag, Trent Boult, Ravichandran Ashwin, Kuldeep Sen, Prasidh Krishna and Yuzvendra Chahal.

TOSS - The toss goes in the favour of Kolkata and they have elected to BOWL first.

... MATCH DAY ...

After a fascinating Super Sunday that saw Lucknow inch closer to sealing a playoffs spot and also saw the return of MS Dhoni as Chennai skipper, leading them to a win that keeps their hopes alive comes Manic Monday. In match number 47, a struggling Kolkata side squares off against a Rajasthan team that is looking to bounce back after their loss against Mumbai last time around. It promises to be a fascinating encounter as desperation does bring out the best in players. On that note, welcome to t

Kolkata had three wins from their first four games but an abysmal run of five straight losses has put them on the brink. They still are in the mix for a playoff spot but they need to start winning soon. Umesh Yadav has been one bright light for them but they need more consistent performances from the experienced bunch of Shreyas Iyer, Andre Russell and Sunil Narine. 

Rajasthan were going toe-to-toe with Gujarat at the top of the table but currently sit in the third position on the table and they too need a win here in order to keep the chasing pack at bay. Jos Buttler continues to lead the scoring charts but needs more support from those around him if Rajasthan are to go the distance because the bowling has generally been very consistent with two experienced spinners bossing play. So, will Kolkata recover from their slump? Or will Rajasthan get back to thei

PITCH REPORT - Matthew Hayden is near the pitch. He says it looks like a very hard surface and it's extremely dry. Adds that yesterday they saw a big total posted by Lucknow and with similar conditions, you can expect a high-scoring game tonight. Informs there will be a little bit of spin on offer and the captain winning the toss should elect to bat first.

... The Run Chase ...

Anukul Roy is down for a quick chat. Anukul says he loves the purple colour. Adds that he was bowling with the new ball in the nets and therefore he got this role. Tells that there is a specific region he likes to field and on the pitch, he says there is nothing much on the wicket, the ball is coming slow with the spinners but nicely coming onto the bat with the pacers and informs there is no dew as well.

Now the target is not a big one but Kolkata's batting has not been in form., they are up against an in-form bowling attack of Rajasthan. They will need some of their big names to step up. Will that happen? We will find out.

Rajasthan just never got going, despite Jos Buttler and Sanju Samson getting starts they could not get into top gear. Not sure if that is due to the wicket or if Kolkata just bowled well. They needed someone like Buttler or Samson to strike big but both fell when they needed to step on the gas. Shimron Hetmyer though played a handy cameo towards the end which has taken his side to a competitive total.

The Kolkata bowlers began brilliantly, especially Umesh Yadav who kept it tight in the Powerplay and also got the early wicket. Tim Southee then was really good in the middle overs, he got the dangerous Jos Buttler and also did not leak a lot of runs along with Narine and Mavi. The key for Kolkata was their bowlers managed to pick wickets at regular intervals and that is what never let Rajasthan score freely.

Kolkata have done brilliantly to keep Rajasthan to around 150. Had they been given this score at the start, pretty sure they would have taken it. The skipper's decision to bowl first has been justified.

Shivam Mavi to Shimron Hetmyer, Full and outside off, Hetmyer heaves it through mid-wicket and the batters look for two again. The fielder in the deep attacks it but fumbles, allowing the second run. Rajasthan end with 152/5!

Shivam Mavi to Shimron Hetmyer, WIDE! Full and wide, a bit too wide though.

A run out appeal! Shimron Hetmyer had his bat inside his crease. Not out it is.

Shivam Mavi to Shimron Hetmyer, In the air...safe! Another well bowled slower delivery from Mavi, it is a bit fuller and well wide of the off stump. Shimron Hetmyer reaches out and ends up skying it around the mid off region. Anukul Roy runs in from the long off fence but the ball falls short. The batters race back for the second and a bullet of a throw comes in from Roy to the keeper's end. It is sent upstairs but Hetmyer is well in.

Shivam Mavi to Shimron Hetmyer, Another golden dot ball from Mavi! Slower again, a bit shorter and angled across the batter. Hetmyer swings across the line but is undone by the lack of pace.

Shivam Mavi to Shimron Hetmyer, No wide given and Hetmyer is standing there is disbelief. Hetmyer moves well past the off stump and Mavi follows him with a really wide ball. Hetmyer lets it go but he moved way too much and it will be a dot ball.

Shivam Mavi to Shimron Hetmyer, ! Shimron Hetmyer is bringing Rajasthan back in the game. Pace off, outside off and inviting the batter to hit to the longer side. Hetmyer does well to reach it and lift it over covers for a boundary.

Shivam Mavi to Ravichandran Ashwin, Slower delivery, floated upon the pads. Ashwin shuffles across a bit and tucks it past square leg for a single.

Tim Southee to Shimron Hetmyer, Fuller in length and well outside off, Hetmyer hits it hard and through cover-point. Andre Russell runs to his right from the cover fence and keeps it down to a couple. 20 came off the over, a good one for Rajasthan.

Tim Southee to Shimron Hetmyer, WIDE! Bouncer this time, a bit too high down the leg side as well. Hetmyer misses the pull shot and a wide is called.

Tim Southee to Shimron Hetmyer, Slanted across the off stump and this is slashed through the point region for a brace. Russell does well to get to the ball quickly from the cover fence.

Tim Southee to Ravichandran Ashwin, Back of a length, angled into the body and Ashwin pulls it towards deep mid-wicket for one.

Tim Southee to Shimron Hetmyer, Better from Southee, taking it away from the swinging arc of Hetmyer. Length, pushed wide of off stump. Hetmyer mistimes it towards mid off for a single.

Tim Southee to Shimron Hetmyer, WIDE! Short and down the leg side, Hetmyer looks to pull but misses and a wide is called. 

Tim Southee to Shimron Hetmyer, ! BOOM! Southee overcompensates by pitching it up and pays the price. On off, Shimron Hetmyer clears the front leg and smokes it high and handsome over the wide long on fence for a huge hit.

Tim Southee to Shimron Hetmyer, ! Hetmyer connects and connects well! This is bowled into the deck by Southee, on middle. The ball sits up nicely for the batter and he muscles it over the mid-wicket fence for a biggie. Rajasthan need a lot more of these in the remaining 11 deliveries.

Shivam Mavi to Shimron Hetmyer, Hardly ever do we see the Free Hits actually going to the fence and it hasn't happened here either. Mavi gets the wide yorker in and Hetmyer can only drill it down to long on for a single.

Shivam Mavi to Ravichandran Ashwin, No ball! Shivam Mavi with the cardinal sin and this might just spoil a really good over for him. A beamer on the hips and it just didn't dip enough. Ashwin pulls it down to fine leg for one. Free Hit to follow and Shimron Hetmyer will be on strike.

Shivam Mavi to Ravichandran Ashwin, This is angled into the pads, Ashwin heaves it in front of square on the leg side for a couple of runs.

Shivam Mavi to Shimron Hetmyer, Slower delivery, slanted across the left-hander. Shimron Hetmyer presses forward and pushes it towards covers for a quick single.

Shivam Mavi to Shimron Hetmyer, Full and straight, a bit slower in pace. Hetmyer blocks it out.

Shivam Mavi to Ravichandran Ashwin, Length ball, around off and nudged away onto the off side by Ashwin for a single.

Ravichandran Ashwin walks out to the middle.

Shivam Mavi to Sanju Samson, ! TAKEN! Rajasthan lose another wicket and it's a big one this time! Shivam Mavi bowls a fullish ball on the stumps and Sanju Samson just launches it into the night sky. The ball goes a long way up but Samson doesn't get much distance on it. It is also hit towards the long boundary as well. Rinku Singh at the mid-wicket fence settles under it and takes a very good catch. Samson departs after a good knock and Mavi gets his first wicket of the game.

Shimron Hetmyer comes in. Shivam Mavi is back into the attack as well.

Tim Southee to Riyan Parag, ! TAKEN! Anukul Roy won't drop those and Riyan Parag has to depart. Back of a length, at 122 clicks, around off. Parag looks to repeat the trick from the previous delivery and pulls it away. The ball is not timed as well and goes straight towards the cow corner fence. Roy takes a sharp catch and Tim Southee has the last laugh.

Tim Southee to Riyan Parag, ! Short again but not just short enough to trouble the batter and Parag has dispatched it! On middle, Parag muscles it well over the mid-wicket fence for a much-needed maximum.

Tim Southee to Riyan Parag, Excellent bumper this time from Tim Southee, over middle and at good height. Riyan Parag takes on the pull shot but is well beaten.

Tim Southee to Riyan Parag, This is short again and Parag fails to pull it away.

Tim Southee to Sanju Samson, Leg bye! Short ball, on the body. Samson gets cramped for room as he looks to pull it away but the ball goes off the pads towards backward square leg. They sneak in a leg bye.

Tim Southee to Sanju Samson, NOT ! Excellent review from Sanju Samson and he survives! Tim Southee angles it into the pads. Samson clears the front leg and looks to smoke it over mid-wicket but misses and gets rapped on the pads. Southee appeals and the finger is raised. Samson reviews it instantly and there is no spike on UltraEdge. Ball Tracking though shows that the ball is missing leg stump and Samson will carry on.

Drinks! Just 4 overs remaining now and if Rajasthan need a score around 160, they really need to push on the gas now. Kolkata will not argue much, they have been superb till now and will look to end in the same way. Also, Tim Southee is back into the attack.

Sunil Narine to Riyan Parag, Excellent end to the over from Sunil Narine and he finishes off his spell giving away just 19 runs in 4 overs. This is speared onto the pads and Riyan Parag fails to get it away.

Sunil Narine to Riyan Parag, Flatter delivery, at 102 kph and on middle. Parag miscues the pull shot straight towards mid-wicket.

Sunil Narine to Sanju Samson, Another single for Samson as this is knocked down to long off.

Sunil Narine to Riyan Parag, Quicker this time from Narine and sliding into the pads. Parag checks his heave a bit and gets it through mid-wicket for a run.

Sunil Narine to Sanju Samson, On a shorter length, on middle. Samson eases it down to long on for a single.

Sunil Narine to Sanju Samson, Around off and turning in a bit. Samson taps it towards cover-point.

Sunil Narine to bowl his last over now.

Umesh Yadav to Riyan Parag, ! Poor fielding from Aaron Finch at the third man fence and it ruins a perfectly good over. Short and around off, Parag ramps it over backward point and the fumble from Finch allows him to collect a boundary.

Umesh Yadav to Riyan Parag, Beauty! On a good length, very tight around off stump and zipping through. Parag hops and gets beaten past the outside edge.

Umesh Yadav to Sanju Samson, Full and straight, Samson looks to go big downtown but mistimes it badly towards long on for one.

Umesh Yadav to Sanju Samson, Three dots on the trot now and Umesh Yadav is mixing it up really well. Similar to the previous delivery but all the pace is taken off the ball. Samson tries to force it over point but gets undone by the lack of pace.

Umesh Yadav to Sanju Samson, Short of a good length, close to the off pole. Sanju Samson looks to run it down towards third man but misses.

Umesh Yadav to Sanju Samson, Right around the top of off, slight shape back into the batter. Samson defends it out towards point.

Umesh Yadav to end his spell now.

Anukul Roy to Riyan Parag, ! A flatter one on middle, Parag opens up and lofts it over long on for a maximum.

Anukul Roy to Sanju Samson, Shorter in length, Samson guides it to point and takes one.

Anukul Roy to Riyan Parag, On off, this is eased down to long off for one.

Anukul Roy to Sanju Samson, Another single as this is eased through covers. FIfty for Samson, classy innings from him but he needs to make most of it now. He has got off to starts in this tournament but not batted deep enough, needs to do that here.

Riyan Parag is a new man in.

Anukul Roy to Riyan Parag, On middle, Parag hits it down to long on and takes one.

Anukul Roy to Karun Nair, ! CAUGHT! A flatter one on off, slightly shorter, Nair tries to pull it over mid on but couldn't connect well and a good catch by Rinku Singh.  Pressure piling up for Rajasthan.

Tim Southee to Karun Nair, Fuller one on middle, Nair drives it straight. Southee puts his hand and saves some runs for his team. 

Tim Southee to Karun Nair, ! That is a cracking shot! Karun makes room, this is fuller and on off, he lofts it over covers and this one races away to the fence. Top shot.

Tim Southee to Sanju Samson, Another one! On middle, Samson pushes it down to long on and gets to the other end.

Tim Southee to Karun Nair, On the pads, Nair looks to flick but misses, it hits the pad and rolls on the leg side. A leg bye taken.

Tim Southee to Sanju Samson, Now follows the boundary with a single as this is pushed towards cover.

Tim Southee to Sanju Samson, ! A fuller one on leg, Samson flicks it towards fine leg. The keeper tries to stop but couldn't get it. The ball goes behind the ropes for a boundary.

Sunil Narine to Sanju Samson, Fuller one on middle, Samson pushes it towards mid on and gets a single. He keeps his strike.

Sunil Narine to Karun Nair, The sweep is out, it is more top edgish towards deep square leg for one.

Sunil Narine to Karun Nair, Karun makes room! This is flatter and on middle, Karun looks to loft it over covers but it goes off the inner half back to the bowler.

Sunil Narine to Sanju Samson, A flatter one on middle, Samson pushes it towards mid on and gets a single.

Sunil Narine to Sanju Samson, Flatter and on middle, this is played back to the bowler.

Sunil Narine to Karun Nair, Flatter one on middle, Nair plays it towards mid on and rotates the strike.

Shivam Mavi to Karun Nair, On a good length and on off, Nair eases it towards backward point and takes a single. He keeps his strike.

Shivam Mavi to Sanju Samson, Now takes one as this is eased down to long on.

Shivam Mavi to Sanju Samson, ! That has been beautifully hit! What a delightful stroke! shorter and outside off, Samson cuts it through point, it races away to the fence. Samson will have to play a long innings here. He holds the key for his side with Buttler gone.

Shivam Mavi to Sanju Samson, ! Fuller one on off, Samson drives it through covers. The ball goes behind the ropes for a boundary.

Shivam Mavi to Karun Nair, Nair makes room, this is on middle, it is hit down to long on for one.

Shivam Mavi to Sanju Samson, Full and outside off, this is carved through point for one.

Shivam Mavi is back on.

Anukul Roy to Sanju Samson, This is floated around leg stump, Samson makes room and drives it past the bowler towards long off for another single. Tidy over from Anukul Roy, just the four singles off it.

Anukul Roy to Sanju Samson, On off, pushed away towards covers.

Anukul Roy to Sanju Samson, Nicely bowled! A bit of an arm-ball, quicker and just darted into the pads. Sanju Samson hangs on the back foot and nudges it out on the off side.

Anukul Roy to Karun Nair, Just keeping the scoreboard ticking now these two. On middle, flicked through mid-wicket for a run.

Anukul Roy to Sanju Samson, Roy shortens his length and bowls it on middle. Samson rocks back and pushes it down to long on for one more.

Anukul Roy to Karun Nair, Nicely drifted into middle and leg, Nair just eases it down to long on for a single.

Tim Southee to Karun Nair, On a good length and on off, Nair drives it towards covers and gets a single.

Tim Southee to Sanju Samson, On middle, this is pushed down to long on for one.

DRINKS! After a sedate start, Jos Buttler and Sanju Samson were building on a partnership with the skipper being the aggressor but the wicket of Buttler will certainly slow it down once again. Kolkata have done well so far to keep the scoring rate in check and getting rid of the dangerman will give them further confidence. There is still a long way to go but a couple of more wickets and Kolkata will have a good grip on the innings. Also, Karun Nair walks out to bat now.

Tim Southee to Karun Nair, Angled into the pads, this is worked down to fine leg for one.

Tim Southee to Jos Buttler, ! CAUGHT! A full-length delivery on middle, Buttler tries to flick it over long on but couldn't connect well. A brilliant catch by the fielder. Huge wicket and a timely one as Buttler was looking to get going.

Tim Southee to Jos Buttler, ! That is not a good effort by Narine and it is not for the first time in the gap! This is angled into the pads, Buttler goes for a hoick! It goes off the inner half towards backward square leg. Narine runs to his left from fine leg and just sticks a leg out. It hits the leg and goes over the fence for a boundary.

Sanju Samson pulled up a muscle as he turned to run on the last ball. The physio is out and Samson is receiving some treatment. The good news for Rajasthan is that he is back on his feet and is ready to continue. Also, Tim Southee is brought into the attack.

Tim Southee to Sanju Samson, A fuller one on middle, Samson eases it towards mid-wicket and gets a single.

Tim Southee to Sanju Samson, WIDE! Down the leg side to begin with! Wided.

Sunil Narine to Jos Buttler, Two to end! Buttler plays the paddle scoop, he plays it nice and fine. Anukul Roy at deep backward square leg, runs to his right, dives and pushes it back in. He though fails to pick it up cleanly and the ball is rolling towards the ropes. He does not let it hit it though and saves two for his side. They do take it upstairs to check but replays show he has done fine.

Sunil Narine to Sanju Samson, Angled into the pads, Samson works it through mid-wicket for one. He is holding his back and seems to be struggling a little.

Sunil Narine to Sanju Samson, Flatter and on middle, Samson pushes it back to the bowler.

Sunil Narine to Sanju Samson, Angled into the pads, Samson works it to mid-wicket.

Sunil Narine to Sanju Samson, ! That is a outstanding shot! Brilliant! Flatter and just outside off, not a lot of width on offer. Samson waits and then plays it behind point for a boundary.

Sunil Narine to Sanju Samson, Flatter and outside off, Samson looks to push at it, it goes off the outer half to the man at short third man.

Sunil Narine (1-0-5-0) comes back in to replace Anukul Roy.

Shivam Mavi to Sanju Samson, A yorker to end then! Full and outside off, Samson jams it through point for one.

Shivam Mavi to Jos Buttler, This one lands safe! This is what happens when you are in form, even the mis-hits fall in no man's land! A slower one on middle, Buttler is done in by the lack of pace. He mistimes it high up in the air but it lands safe in the mid on region. One taken.

Shivam Mavi to Jos Buttler, Timed well but does not find the gap! Length and on off, Buttler pushes it on the up but to covers.

Shivam Mavi to Jos Buttler, Kolkata have done well in the field! Good work from Russell this time! On the pads, Buttler works it through backward square leg. Russell in the deep, runs to his right, slides and keeps it down to two.

Shivam Mavi to Jos Buttler, He really looked to hit that hard! It was there to be hit though! Fuller and outside off, Buttler looks to go over covers but misses.

Shivam Mavi to Jos Buttler, Length and on off, Buttler pushes it to covers.

Anukul Roy to Sanju Samson, ! That is trademark Sanju Samson! What a shot. The last ball spoils the over but still, it is a good Powerplay for Kolkata. Rajasthan are 38 for 1 after it. Sanju makes room, this is bowled full and on middle, he lofts it nonchalantly over the cover fence for a biggie.

Shivam Mavi comes into the attack now.

Anukul Roy to Sanju Samson, Good work by Mavi again! On middle, this is chipped over the bowler's head. Mavi at long off, runs to his right, dives and keeps it down to two.

Anukul Roy to Jos Buttler, Good fielding! Buttler steps out and makes it into a full toss, it is hit to the right of long off who covers ground quickly and keeps it down to one.

Anukul Roy to Sanju Samson, Another single! Fuller and on off, this is eased down to long off for one.

Anukul Roy to Jos Buttler, Flatter and on middle, Buttler stays back and pushes it down to long off for one.

Anukul Roy (1-0-3-0) is back on to bowl the final over of the Powerplay.

Anukul Roy to Jos Buttler, Slightly shorter and around off, Buttler slaps it but to covers.

Umesh Yadav to Sanju Samson, Around off, pushed to covers. No run there.

Umesh Yadav to Sanju Samson, ! Just over! A length ball, outside off. Samson tries to go over mid off and gets enough elevation for the ball to travel over the leaping mid off fielder. A boundary. 

Umesh Yadav to Sanju Samson, ! Fullish delivery, outside off. Samson throws his bat at it and the ball goes off the cue end of the bat to the third man fence. 

Umesh Yadav to Sanju Samson, First bouncer we have seen in this innings, on middle. Samson evades it quite well. Okay, a no ball is given as Yadav has overstepped and now a Free-hit is coming up. 

Umesh Yadav to Jos Buttler, On middle, pulled away to deep square leg for one.

Umesh Yadav to Jos Buttler, Wide! An appeal for caught behind but not given! A length ball, angling down the leg side. Buttler misses his pull. Might have been the thigh pad there. Actually, there was nothing. 

Umesh Yadav to Jos Buttler, Yadav comes back by targeting the stumps and Buttler keeps it out.

Umesh Yadav to Jos Buttler, ! In the gap! Overpitched, outside off. Buttler leans into his shot as he drives it through covers for a boundary.

Sunil Narine to Sanju Samson, A solid back foot defense to end the over. 

Sunil Narine to Sanju Samson, ! Finally a boundary for Rajasthan and Samson is off the mark! Flatter and outside off. Samson punches it off the back foot through covers. Anukul Roy chases and dives but to no avail. 

Sunil Narine to Sanju Samson, Narine drops it short and outside off. Samson punches it straight to Russell at covers.

Sunil Narine to Jos Buttler, A run after nine deliveries. Fuller ball, on middle, Buttler works it to mid on for a single. 

Sunil Narine to Jos Buttler, Tosses it up, full and on off, blocked back to the bowler.

Sunil Narine comes into the attack now.

Sunil Narine to Jos Buttler, Tossed up, on off, pushed to covers.

Umesh Yadav to Sanju Samson, A length ball, outside off. Samson punches it to cover-point. Buttler wants a quick single but is sent back on time. There is a shy at the bowler's end but the fielder misses. Brilliant over from Umesh Yadav, a wicket-maiden!

Umesh Yadav to Sanju Samson, Yadav keeps it tight by targeting the stumps, on middle. Samson turns it to square leg.

Umesh Yadav to Sanju Samson, Yadav serves a full ball, around off. Samson again keeps it out.

Umesh Yadav to Devdutt Padikkal, ! CAUGHT AND BOWLED! Umesh Yadav continues to be impressive this season. This is full and around off. Padikkal leans and tries to work it on the leg side but gets a leading edge straight back to Yadav. Umesh Yadav does ever so well to stretch his right hand out and the ball sticks nicely in his palms. He fumbles a bit but kept his eyes on the ball. Good start by Kolkata. 

Umesh Yadav to Sanju Samson, Tad fuller and outside off. Samson again blocks it out.

Umesh Yadav to Sanju Samson, A length ball, on off. Blocked out.

The skipper, Sanju Samson is in at number 3.

Anukul Roy to Jos Buttler, Another arm ball, full and around middle. Buttler takes the charge and tries to heave it but misses and gets hit on the pads. Good start by Anukul Roy.

Anukul Roy to Devdutt Padikkal, Touch short at 92 clicks. Padikkal nudges it to deep square leg for a single.

Anukul Roy to Jos Buttler, An arm ball, fuller and on middle. Buttler pushes it to long off for a single.

Anukul Roy to Devdutt Padikkal, Darted on the pads, it is flicked through mid-wicket for a single.

Anukul Roy, the left-arm off-spinner to start from the opposite end.

Anukul Roy to Devdutt Padikkal, Full, quicker now, around off. Padikkal pushes it to mid off.

Anukul Roy to Devdutt Padikkal, Tossed up, on off. Padikkal blocks it out.

Umesh Yadav to Jos Buttler, On middle, tucked to mid-wicket. 

Umesh Yadav to Jos Buttler, Beauty of a delivery! A length ball, in the channel of uncertainty, outside off. Buttler is made to play that as he tries to poke at it but the ball nips away off the deck and whizzes past the outside edge. 

Umesh Yadav to Jos Buttler, Length ball, around off. Buttler is a bit late as he looks to punch but gets an inside edge onto his thigh pads. 

Umesh Yadav to Jos Buttler, ! Pierces the gap! That was not intended to meet the boundary but that's how good Buttler is this season. Full ball, on off. Buttler looks to push on the off side but mistimes it past mid on. Tim Southee from mid off chases it back and puts in a dive but fails to keep it away from the fence.

Umesh Yadav to Jos Buttler, Touch fuller and around off. Buttler brings a straight bat down to defend on the off side.

Umesh Yadav to Jos Buttler, A length ball, outside off, bit of late swing there. Buttler shoulders arms to it. 

We are ready for play! The two umpires are out in the middle and they are followed by the players of Kolkata. Rajasthan openers Jos Buttler and Devdutt Padikkal stride out to the middle as well. Umesh Yadav has the new ball in hand and is raring to go. Let's play...

Shimron Hetmyer is down for a chat. Hetmyer says it is just about giving himself chance, earlier he was not taking time to get set but now he takes a couple of balls to see what the pitch is doing. Adds that his wife is his biggest supporter. Mentions that from Buttler, he tries to learn the reverse sweep and even the scoop. Shares that batting looks easy from the outside but he loves playing here and it is a nice ground for the batters.

Rajasthan skipper, Sanju Samson says that they are looking forward to winning a few matches on the trot now. Adds that the margin of error in this tournament is so small that even after playing good cricket, they lost the previous match. Informs that Karun Nair comes in place of Daryl Mitchell and the reason for the change is the combination of the side and also the conditions.

Shreyas Iyer, the skipper of Kolkata says they will bowl first as the pitch looks like a used one and considering the dew factor helping in the second innings. Tells that they have lost too many close games but they try to play positive cricket and now they'll try to play fearless cricket. Informs there are two changes. Mentions it's important to have the right combinations and are trying to give players as many games as possible.

Kolkata (Playing XI) - Aaron Finch, Baba Indrajith (WK), Shreyas Iyer (C), Rinku Singh, Nitish Rana, Andre Russell, Sunil Narine, Anukul Roy (In place of Anukul Roy), Umesh Yadav, Tim Southee and Shivam Mavi (in place of Harshit Rana).

Rajasthan (Playing XI) - Jos Buttler, Devdutt Padikkal, Sanju Samson (C/WK), Karun Nair (In place of Daryl Mitchell), Shimron Hetmyer, Riyan Parag, Trent Boult, Ravichandran Ashwin, Kuldeep Sen, Prasidh Krishna and Yuzvendra Chahal.

TOSS - The toss goes in the favour of Kolkata and they have elected to BOWL first.

... MATCH DAY ...

After a fascinating Super Sunday that saw Lucknow inch closer to sealing a playoffs spot and also saw the return of MS Dhoni as Chennai skipper, leading them to a win that keeps their hopes alive comes Manic Monday. In match number 47, a struggling Kolkata side squares off against a Rajasthan team that is looking to bounce back after their loss against Mumbai last time around. It promises to be a fascinating encounter as desperation does bring out the best in players. On that note, welcome to t

Kolkata had three wins from their first four games but an abysmal run of five straight losses has put them on the brink. They still are in the mix for a playoff spot but they need to start winning soon. Umesh Yadav has been one bright light for them but they need more consistent performances from the experienced bunch of Shreyas Iyer, Andre Russell and Sunil Narine. 

Rajasthan were going toe-to-toe with Gujarat at the top of the table but currently sit in the third position on the table and they too need a win here in order to keep the chasing pack at bay. Jos Buttler continues to lead the scoring charts but needs more support from those around him if Rajasthan are to go the distance because the bowling has generally been very consistent with two experienced spinners bossing play. So, will Kolkata recover from their slump? Or will Rajasthan get back to thei

PITCH REPORT - Matthew Hayden is near the pitch. He says it looks like a very hard surface and it's extremely dry. Adds that yesterday they saw a big total posted by Lucknow and with similar conditions, you can expect a high-scoring game tonight. Informs there will be a little bit of spin on offer and the captain winning the toss should elect to bat first.