... The Run Chase ...

Right then, Delhi have their task cut, they need to bring their A-game and chase this down to push themselves up in the points table. However, Bengaluru will be hungry themselves with their campaign on the line. One loss can shatter their dreams. Do join us shortly for the second essay.

Rajat Patidar is down for a quick chat. He says that the wicket was a bit two-paced when he walked out to bat and the ball was holding a bit. Adds that he has targeted a few bowlers and tries to work smartly. Mentions that it is not easy to pick the lengths and tries to read the spinners off the hand. Reckons that the target is certainly defendable and if they bowl well, they will win.

Then once again, Delhi were pushed on the back foot when Will Jacks and Rajat Patidar joined hands and stitched a solid partnership to get them back in the contest. Although, there is always a mantra that a team follows when they are bowling and that is, one brings two. If they are able to send back a set-batter, maybe then things could change and that is what happened. After causing havoc, Patidar and Jacks fell in quick succession. Delhi kept believing in themselves and made sure to keep them

Bengaluru needed to start off with a flier, and they surely did that. It was Virat Kohli who took the matter into his own hands and set the tone for the innings, but there was lack of support from the other end, as Faf could hardly find his groove. Once this stand was broken, Delhi managed to capitalize on it and pick up another wicket shortly to see the back of Virat Kohli. 

Mukesh Kumar to Cameron Green, ! RUN OUT! Oh, dear! Where was Mohammed Siraj going there?

Mohammed Siraj is the new batter in.

Mukesh Kumar to Cameron Green, ! RUN OUT! They had to go for the second run and Karn Sharma has sacrificed his wicket here.

Mukesh Kumar to Cameron Green, Well bowled! Full and wide outside off, right in the blockhole, Cameron Green tries to get across and hit it leg side but gets an inside edge towards backward square leg and he denies the single as well.

Mukesh Kumar to Cameron Green, Another dot ball but Cameron Green reviews it for a wide. Mukesh Kumar sees Green charging down the track and fires it full and well wide of the off stump and Green is beaten all ends up. The replays show that the ball was well within Green's reach and it will stand as a fair delivery.

Mukesh Kumar to Karn Sharma, BYE! Banged in a bit over middle, slower too, swing and a miss from Karn Sharma but the batters manage to scamper through for a bye.

Mukesh Kumar to Karn Sharma, ! Nicely done! A bit too short and wide, Karn Sharma just opens the face of the blade and angles it over backward point for a much-needed boundary.

Rasikh Dar to Karn Sharma, Excellent penultimate over from Rasikh Dar and he is turning into a fine death bowler. Another full and straight one, angling it into the toes, Karn Sharma manages to flick it away through mid-wicket and picks up another single.

Rasikh Dar to Cameron Green, Gets the yorker in to Cameron Green bang on once again, this is on the stumps and Green can only jam it on the off side for a single.

Rasikh Dar to Karn Sharma, Hard length angling it onto middle, Karn Sharma pushes it down through mid on and collects a single.

Who will walk out?

Rasikh Dar to Swapnil Singh, ! CAUGHT! Another one bites the dust and Bengaluru are losing the plot here.

Rasikh Dar to Swapnil Singh, WIDE! Full and wide, this one is a bit wild and goes well beyond the tramline for a wide.

Rasikh Dar to Cameron Green, 1 run.

Rasikh Dar to Cameron Green, Rasikh Dar comes from around the stumps and angles across a yorker, slower too and gets it spot-on. Cameron Green stays deep and looks to heave across the line but misses.

Swapnil Singh is the new man in and he comes in as the Impact Player in place of Rajat Patidar.

Khaleel Ahmed to Dinesh Karthik, ! CAUGHT! Straight to the man and Khaleel Ahmed is pumped as he silences the home crowd with that double blow.

Khaleel Ahmed to Dinesh Karthik, Swing and a miss! Fullish length outside off and angling away, Dinesh Karthik looks to stay put and hammer it through covers but misses.

Khaleel Ahmed to Mahipal Lomror, ! TAKEN! Abishek Porel almost made a mess of that one but eventually, he hangs on to a fine catch. Khaleel Ahmed bowls it on a hard length over off and middle stump, Mahipal Lomror looks to get under it and hoick it leg side but is late on the shot and gets a top edge that flies back over the keeper's head. Three people go after it but it is the keeper, Porel who reverse cups the swirling ball and Delhi get a crucial wicket.

Who comes in next?

Khaleel Ahmed to Cameron Green, Back of a length, hitting the deck hard around off, Cameron Green stands tall and hits it away through covers for a run.

Khaleel Ahmed to Cameron Green, ! That went like a tracer bullet! Similar length but offers width this time and Cameron Green is able to free his arms and hammer it away well wide of long off for a boundary.

Khaleel Ahmed to Cameron Green, Beaten! Nagging length on off stump, getting the ball naturally to angle away from the right-hander. Cameron Green stays compact and looks to thrash it through covers but misses.

Kuldeep Yadav to Mahipal Lomror, ! 22 off Kuldeep's final over and Bengaluru are back in the driver's seat.

Kuldeep Yadav to Cameron Green, Leg bye! Flighted again, full and down the leg side, Cameron Green looks to sweep it away but gets it off the pads and the ball lobs up around short third. They get a leg bye.

Kuldeep Yadav to Cameron Green, The call is for two and they will get it with ease. Flatter one at the stumps, worked away in between mid on and mid-wicket for a brace. 15 off the over already.

Kuldeep Yadav to Cameron Green, ! BANG! Kuldeep Yadav tries to go quick and short at the batter but Cameron Green picks the length early and muscles the pull firmly over deep square leg for another big maximum.

Kuldeep Yadav to Cameron Green, ! Cameron Green takes matters into his own hands and gets a much-needed boundary for his side. Tossed up but a bit too full and outside off, Green uses his reach to get under the ball and lifts it over long off for a biggie.

Kuldeep Yadav to Mahipal Lomror, Nice bit of flight and tossed up outside the off stump, Mahipal Lomror gets low and thumps it down to long off for a single.

Strategic break! Well then, what a turnaround this has been from Delhi. They were missing catches left, right and center and the Bengaluru batters looked in command with some big hits but in the middle phase the visitors have been able to rally together and get wickets while also keeping the scoring rate down. Bengaluru will need a big finish now if they are to get to 200 and a lot will depend on Cameron Green.

Ishant Sharma to Mahipal Lomror, Ends well does Ishant Sharma and Rasikh Dar just about manages to make the stop in the deep.

Ishant Sharma to Cameron Green, Nice and full, almost gets it under the bat right on middle, Cameron Green walks down the pitch and hits it on the full to long on for one more.

Ishant Sharma to Mahipal Lomror, 1 run.

Ishant Sharma to Mahipal Lomror, WIDE! Goes full now but again, spills it down the leg side for a wide.

Ishant Sharma to Mahipal Lomror, WIDE! The attempted quick bumper, a bit too short and just down the leg side as well.

Ishant Sharma to Cameron Green, Oh, had that hit, Cameron Green would have been gone!

Ishant Sharma to Mahipal Lomror, Banged in shorter this time and outside off, Mahipal Lomror goes hard at the uppercut but gets it more of the top edge down to third man for a single.

Ishant Sharma to Mahipal Lomror, Just back of a length and on a tight line around off, Mahipal Lomror stays back, drops the hands and nicely dabs it wide of third man for a couple of runs.

Kuldeep Yadav to Cameron Green, Beaten! Nagging length on off stump, quicker through the air and going away sharply from the right-hander. Cameron Green looks to block off the front foot but the ball just beats the outside edge.

Mahipal Lomror is in next.

Kuldeep Yadav to Mahipal Lomror, Nicely tossed up, full on off stump and dipping as well, Mahipal Lomror leans on and drives it down to long on for a single.

Kuldeep Yadav to Will Jacks, ! CAUGHT! This was coming as Will Jacks was looking a bit patchy in the last few overs.

Kuldeep Yadav to Cameron Green, On the shorter side around off, Cameron Green rocks back and hits it down to long off for a run,

Kuldeep Yadav to Cameron Green, No run.

Kuldeep Yadav to Cameron Green, 2 runs.

Axar Patel to Cameron Green, Flatter one around off stump, punched away through covers for one more.

Axar Patel to Will Jacks, A tad fuller and thrown wide of the off stump, Will Jacks lifts it over covers for a single.

Axar Patel to Will Jacks, No run.

Axar Patel to Will Jacks, No run.

Axar Patel to Cameron Green, 1 run.

Axar Patel to Cameron Green, No run.

Rasikh Dar to Will Jacks, In the air but safe! Hard length around off, Cameron Green looks to go downtown and mistimes it straight over the bowler's head. Tristan Stubbs from long off runs across and does well to keep it down to a brace.

Rasikh Dar to Will Jacks, Four!

Rasikh Dar to Cameron Green, 1 run.

Who comes in next?

Rasikh Dar to Rajat Patidar, ! CAUGHT! Finally, Delhi hold on to one catch and what a stellar effort this is from Axar Patel.

Rasikh Dar to Rajat Patidar, WIDE! Full and wide, pushed beyond the tramline for a wide.

Rasikh Dar to Will Jacks, 1 run.

Rasikh Dar to Rajat Patidar, 1 run.

Khaleel Ahmed to Rajat Patidar, Slow and full outside the off stump, Rajat Patidar looks to go over covers but mistimes it towards long off for a single.

Khaleel Ahmed to Will Jacks, 1 run.

Khaleel Ahmed to Will Jacks, Three dots on the trot, good bowling from Khaleel Ahmed.

Khaleel Ahmed to Will Jacks, And again! Same line and same length from Khaleel Ahmed but the pace is taken off this time. Will Jacks with another swipe across the line and again he is well beaten.

Khaleel Ahmed to Rajat Patidar, 1 run.

Khaleel Ahmed to Will Jacks, No run.

Rasikh Dar to Will Jacks, ! Too full and straight, Will Jacks whips the ball to deep backward square leg and picks up a boundary.

Rasikh Dar to Will Jacks, Wide!

Rasikh Dar to Will Jacks, No run.

Rasikh Dar to Rajat Patidar, 1 run.

Rasikh Dar to Rajat Patidar, No run.

Rasikh Dar to Will Jacks, 1 run.

Rasikh Dar to Rajat Patidar, 1 run.

Khaleel Ahmed to Rajat Patidar, Fuller one, sprayed wide of off. Rajat Patidar reaches out and stabs it towards deep third for one.

Khaleel Ahmed to Will Jacks, Will Jacks stays back to this length ball and punches it to covers for a single.

Khaleel Ahmed to Will Jacks, IN THE AIR AGAIN! It lands safely again. This has been the story since the last few overs. A bumper, on middle. Jacks goes back and cuts it hard over covers. Tristan Stubbs is travelling backwards and eventually the ball lands safely. They collect two runs.

Khaleel Ahmed to Will Jacks, ! Will Jacks gives himself some room and scores a boundary. It is a short ball, on leg stump. Will Jacks backs away, frees his arms and carves it over covers for four runs.

Khaleel Ahmed to Rajat Patidar, Short one, outside off, angling across. Patidar rocks back and cuts it to deep point for one.

Khaleel Ahmed to Rajat Patidar, Back of a length, outside off. Rajat Patidar goes for the pull shot, but it flies off the outside edge. Goes towards deep third but it lands safely. Two runs taken. 

Strategic break! This has been an entertaining 9 overs so far and Delhi will be devastated with those dropped chances in the last over. Bengaluru have a set platform to go big and would want to keep going in the middle phase. Let's see how the innings unfolds.

Kuldeep Yadav to Will Jacks, A googly this time, outside off. Will Jacks looks to push it away but gets beaten on the outside edge.

Kuldeep Yadav to Rajat Patidar, 1 run.

Kuldeep Yadav to Rajat Patidar, Wide!

Kuldeep Yadav to Rajat Patidar, Rajat Patidar pulls this short ball to deep square leg for a brace this time.

Kuldeep Yadav to Will Jacks, ! Will Jacks goes for another maximum but he ends up hitting it high in the air off the top-edge. It was the top-spinner from Kuldeep Yadav. It was Axar Patel who called for it and rushes towards mid on, but the ball just slips through his hands. One run taken.

Kuldeep Yadav to Will Jacks, ! Sixes galore. It is full, on leg. Will Jacks sits down on one knee and smokes it over the mid-on fence for a maximum.

Kuldeep Yadav to Rajat Patidar, Darted on the pads, Patidar flicks it into the leg side for a single.

Axar Patel to Rajat Patidar, ! Rajat Patidar is doing what Virat Kohli did against the new ball. Tear the bowlers apart. Short ball, on off. This one sits up nicely. Rajat Patidar goes back and smokes it over the mid-wicket fence. 

Axar Patel to Rajat Patidar, Fuller one, on off. Patidar pushes it to covers for one.

Axar Patel to Will Jacks, 1 run.

Axar Patel to Rajat Patidar, On the pads, Patidar clips it to deep mid-wicket for one.

Axar Patel to Will Jacks, Shortish, outside off. Jacks punches it into the off side for one.

Axar Patel to Rajat Patidar, Quicker one, outside off. Rajat Patidar taps it to point for one.

Kuldeep Yadav to Rajat Patidar, Loops it up, on off. Patidar tucks it to mid on for a single. 15 runs come from this over.

Kuldeep Yadav to Will Jacks, 1 run.

Kuldeep Yadav to Will Jacks, ! Kuldeep Yadav serves it too full and ends up in the arc of Will Jacks. He gets low and smokes it over the long on fence.

Kuldeep Yadav to Rajat Patidar, Rajat Patidar clips this full ball to mid-wicket for one.

Kuldeep Yadav to Rajat Patidar, Six!

Kuldeep Yadav to Rajat Patidar, No run.

Axar Patel to Will Jacks, Tosses it up, full and outside off. Will Jacks goes over covers for two runs.

Axar Patel to Rajat Patidar, 1 run.

Axar Patel to Rajat Patidar, Six!

Axar Patel to Rajat Patidar, An arm ball, on the stumps. Rajat Patidar defends it from inside the crease.

Axar Patel to Will Jacks, A single now as Jacks pushes this full ball into covers.

Axar Patel to Will Jacks, Floated and full, on off, blocked.

Mukesh Kumar to Rajat Patidar, An expensive over from Mukesh Kumar comes to an end. It is a full one, outside off. Patidar pushes it to cover. 14 runs come from this over and Bengaluru have 50 on the board as well.

Mukesh Kumar to Rajat Patidar, ! This time he attacks the leg side and finds his third boundary of the over. Back of a length, on middle and leg. Rajat Patidar hangs back and pulls it over mid-wicket for four runs.

Mukesh Kumar to Rajat Patidar, ! Wonderful shot. Fuller one, outside off. Patidar punches it through covers for a cracking boundary.

Mukesh Kumar to Rajat Patidar, Mukesh Kumar serves a bumper this time, outside off. Rajat Patidar becomes restless after playing that cover drive and goes with the hook shot. The ball flies off the top-edge, but luckily for him it lands safely at fine leg. Two runs taken.

Mukesh Kumar to Rajat Patidar, Mukesh Kumar hits the hard length this time, on off. This one just holds in the surface a bit. Rajat Patidar looks to defend it out but it flies off the top of the blade. No run.

Mukesh Kumar to Rajat Patidar, Four!

Ishant Sharma to Rajat Patidar, Fuller one, angled into the pads. Patidar clips it to mid on for a single.

Ishant Sharma to Rajat Patidar, Shorter one, on off. Rajat Patidar blocks it out solidly.

Ishant Sharma to Virat Kohli, ! CAUGHT BEHIND! Ishant Sharma with a huge wicket. He gets rid of the big fish. Kohlu was looking solid. He was scoring runs for fun out there, but the veteran gets the better of him. It is a short ball, nipping away a touch. It takes the outside edge, goes towards the wicket-keeper and Abishek Porel makes no mistake behind the stumps. 

Who comes in next?

Ishant Sharma to Virat Kohli, WIDE! Ishant Sharma errs in his line this time and the umpire signals a wide as the ball goes down the leg side.

Ishant Sharma to Virat Kohli, Shortish, outside off. Kohli throws his hands at it but misses.

Ishant Sharma to Virat Kohli, ! This is huge. Kohli is making sure that the party continues at home. This is his third maximum of the game. Fuller one, on off. Kohli gets a hold of it and smokes it over the wide long on fence for a biggie.

Ishant Sharma to Virat Kohli, ! EDGED! Back of a length, outside off. Kohli looks to cut it away. It catches the outside edge and flies past the keeper for four runs.

Mukesh Kumar to Will Jacks, Mukesh Kumar serves it on a back length, just outside off. Will Jacks gets behind and blocks it solidly.

Mukesh Kumar to Virat Kohli, Virat Kohli uses his feet this time to the full ball and whips it towards deep mid-wicket for just a single. 

Mukesh Kumar to Virat Kohli, Good length, around off, blocked.

Mukesh Kumar to Will Jacks, Will Jacks is off the mark instantly.

Mukesh Kumar to Faf du Plessis, ! CAUGHT! Begaluru lose their first wicket and it is their skipper.

Who comes in next?

Khaleel Ahmed to Virat Kohli, ! BOOM! Virat Kohli ends another over with a maximum. This one is his signature shot though. Pleasing to the eyes. Pitched up, outside off. Virat Kohli opens up his body and launches this one over the long off fence for a maximum.

Mukesh Kumar to Faf du Plessis, Back of a length, outside off, swinging away. Faf du Plessis looks to chase it but gets beaten on the outside edge.

Khaleel Ahmed to Faf du Plessis, A length ball, on the pads. Faf du Plessis looks to flick it away but gets an inside edge on his pads. One taken.

Khaleel Ahmed to Virat Kohli, Virat Kohli guides this length ball to deep third for one.

Khaleel Ahmed to Faf du Plessis, Leg bye.

Khaleel Ahmed to Faf du Plessis, ! Faf du Plessis now gets into the act. Way too short, width on offer as well. Faf du Plessis hangs back and crunches it through point for four runs.

Khaleel Ahmed to Faf du Plessis, Back of a length, angled across, outside off. Faf du Plessis punches it into covers for no run.

Who will bowl from the other end?

Ishant Sharma to Virat Kohli, ! This one sits up nicely and Virat Kohli gets the first maximum of the night. He stays back and smokes it over the mid-wicket fence.

Ishant Sharma to Virat Kohli, 2 runs.

Ishant Sharma to Virat Kohli, A bit short this time, outside off. This one flies off the deck. Virat Kohli dances down the track and looks to heave it down the park but misses it.

Ishant Sharma to Faf du Plessis, Ishant Sharma serves it full, wide of off. Faf du Plessis pushes it towards point for one.

Ishant Sharma to Virat Kohli, On a good length this time, outside off, nipping in. Virat Kohli dabs it towards backward point and crosses. 

Ishant Sharma to Virat Kohli, A solid start from Ishant Sharma. He hurls this one on a length, outside off. This one jags back in sharply. Virat Kohli gets on his front foot and jams it into the deck off the outer half.

All in readiness for this crunch encounter to get underway. The umpires are out in the middle and so are the players of Delhi who take their places on the field. The duo of skipper Faf du Plessis and Virat Kohli is the usual opening pair for Bengaluru and they get a rousing welcome from the home crowd. Ishant Sharma has been handed the new ball and is raring to go. Let's play...

Faf du Plessis, the captain of Bengaluru says that they would have bowled had well and reckons that there is some green grass mixed with some brown grass as well. Adds that they are playing some good cricket and are looking forward to it but it is a new game tonight. Mentions that they fought to get this confidence from the start and now that they have got it, they want to keep it that way and inform that they are going with the same team.

Axar Patel, the stand-in captain of Delhi informs that they will bowl first. Says that the wicket is always nice in Bengaluru. Adds that it is always better to chase here. States that when they start well then end up dominating the game really well. Informs that Pant was a bit angry with the decision, although he is here with the squad and will be trying his best to motivate us. Ends by saying that Kumar Kushagra will be coming in for Rishabh Pant.

Impact subs nominated by Delhi - David Warner, Sumit Kumar, Ricky Bhui, Vicky Ostwal, Pravin Dubey.

Delhi (Playing XI) - Abishek Porel (WK), Jake Fraser-McGurk, Shai Hope, Tristan Stubbs, Kumar Kushagra (In for Rishabh Pant), Axar Patel (C), Kuldeep Yadav, Rasikh Dar, Ishant Sharma, Khaleel Ahmed, Mukesh Kumar.

Impact subs nominated by Bengaluru - Swapnil Singh, Anuj Rawat, Suyash Prabhudessai, Vijaykumar Vyshak, Himanshu Sharma.

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

TOSS - The flip of the coin lands in favor of Delhi. The stand-in captain Axar Patel says that they will BOWL first.

... The Run Chase ...

Right then, Delhi have their task cut, they need to bring their A-game and chase this down to push themselves up in the points table. However, Bengaluru will be hungry themselves with their campaign on the line. One loss can shatter their dreams. Do join us shortly for the second essay.

Rajat Patidar is down for a quick chat. He says that the wicket was a bit two-paced when he walked out to bat and the ball was holding a bit. Adds that he has targeted a few bowlers and tries to work smartly. Mentions that it is not easy to pick the lengths and tries to read the spinners off the hand. Reckons that the target is certainly defendable and if they bowl well, they will win.

Then once again, Delhi were pushed on the back foot when Will Jacks and Rajat Patidar joined hands and stitched a solid partnership to get them back in the contest. Although, there is always a mantra that a team follows when they are bowling and that is, one brings two. If they are able to send back a set-batter, maybe then things could change and that is what happened. After causing havoc, Patidar and Jacks fell in quick succession. Delhi kept believing in themselves and made sure to keep them

Bengaluru needed to start off with a flier, and they surely did that. It was Virat Kohli who took the matter into his own hands and set the tone for the innings, but there was lack of support from the other end, as Faf could hardly find his groove. Once this stand was broken, Delhi managed to capitalize on it and pick up another wicket shortly to see the back of Virat Kohli. 

Mukesh Kumar to Cameron Green, ! RUN OUT! Oh, dear! Where was Mohammed Siraj going there?

Mohammed Siraj is the new batter in.

Mukesh Kumar to Cameron Green, ! RUN OUT! They had to go for the second run and Karn Sharma has sacrificed his wicket here.

Mukesh Kumar to Cameron Green, Well bowled! Full and wide outside off, right in the blockhole, Cameron Green tries to get across and hit it leg side but gets an inside edge towards backward square leg and he denies the single as well.

Mukesh Kumar to Cameron Green, Another dot ball but Cameron Green reviews it for a wide. Mukesh Kumar sees Green charging down the track and fires it full and well wide of the off stump and Green is beaten all ends up. The replays show that the ball was well within Green's reach and it will stand as a fair delivery.

Mukesh Kumar to Karn Sharma, BYE! Banged in a bit over middle, slower too, swing and a miss from Karn Sharma but the batters manage to scamper through for a bye.

Mukesh Kumar to Karn Sharma, ! Nicely done! A bit too short and wide, Karn Sharma just opens the face of the blade and angles it over backward point for a much-needed boundary.

Rasikh Dar to Karn Sharma, Excellent penultimate over from Rasikh Dar and he is turning into a fine death bowler. Another full and straight one, angling it into the toes, Karn Sharma manages to flick it away through mid-wicket and picks up another single.

Rasikh Dar to Cameron Green, Gets the yorker in to Cameron Green bang on once again, this is on the stumps and Green can only jam it on the off side for a single.

Rasikh Dar to Karn Sharma, Hard length angling it onto middle, Karn Sharma pushes it down through mid on and collects a single.

Who will walk out?

Rasikh Dar to Swapnil Singh, ! CAUGHT! Another one bites the dust and Bengaluru are losing the plot here.

Rasikh Dar to Swapnil Singh, WIDE! Full and wide, this one is a bit wild and goes well beyond the tramline for a wide.

Rasikh Dar to Cameron Green, 1 run.

Rasikh Dar to Cameron Green, Rasikh Dar comes from around the stumps and angles across a yorker, slower too and gets it spot-on. Cameron Green stays deep and looks to heave across the line but misses.

Swapnil Singh is the new man in and he comes in as the Impact Player in place of Rajat Patidar.

Khaleel Ahmed to Dinesh Karthik, ! CAUGHT! Straight to the man and Khaleel Ahmed is pumped as he silences the home crowd with that double blow.

Khaleel Ahmed to Dinesh Karthik, Swing and a miss! Fullish length outside off and angling away, Dinesh Karthik looks to stay put and hammer it through covers but misses.

Khaleel Ahmed to Mahipal Lomror, ! TAKEN! Abishek Porel almost made a mess of that one but eventually, he hangs on to a fine catch. Khaleel Ahmed bowls it on a hard length over off and middle stump, Mahipal Lomror looks to get under it and hoick it leg side but is late on the shot and gets a top edge that flies back over the keeper's head. Three people go after it but it is the keeper, Porel who reverse cups the swirling ball and Delhi get a crucial wicket.

Who comes in next?

Khaleel Ahmed to Cameron Green, Back of a length, hitting the deck hard around off, Cameron Green stands tall and hits it away through covers for a run.

Khaleel Ahmed to Cameron Green, ! That went like a tracer bullet! Similar length but offers width this time and Cameron Green is able to free his arms and hammer it away well wide of long off for a boundary.

Khaleel Ahmed to Cameron Green, Beaten! Nagging length on off stump, getting the ball naturally to angle away from the right-hander. Cameron Green stays compact and looks to thrash it through covers but misses.

Kuldeep Yadav to Mahipal Lomror, ! 22 off Kuldeep's final over and Bengaluru are back in the driver's seat.

Kuldeep Yadav to Cameron Green, Leg bye! Flighted again, full and down the leg side, Cameron Green looks to sweep it away but gets it off the pads and the ball lobs up around short third. They get a leg bye.

Kuldeep Yadav to Cameron Green, The call is for two and they will get it with ease. Flatter one at the stumps, worked away in between mid on and mid-wicket for a brace. 15 off the over already.

Kuldeep Yadav to Cameron Green, ! BANG! Kuldeep Yadav tries to go quick and short at the batter but Cameron Green picks the length early and muscles the pull firmly over deep square leg for another big maximum.

Kuldeep Yadav to Cameron Green, ! Cameron Green takes matters into his own hands and gets a much-needed boundary for his side. Tossed up but a bit too full and outside off, Green uses his reach to get under the ball and lifts it over long off for a biggie.

Kuldeep Yadav to Mahipal Lomror, Nice bit of flight and tossed up outside the off stump, Mahipal Lomror gets low and thumps it down to long off for a single.

Strategic break! Well then, what a turnaround this has been from Delhi. They were missing catches left, right and center and the Bengaluru batters looked in command with some big hits but in the middle phase the visitors have been able to rally together and get wickets while also keeping the scoring rate down. Bengaluru will need a big finish now if they are to get to 200 and a lot will depend on Cameron Green.

Ishant Sharma to Mahipal Lomror, Ends well does Ishant Sharma and Rasikh Dar just about manages to make the stop in the deep.

Ishant Sharma to Cameron Green, Nice and full, almost gets it under the bat right on middle, Cameron Green walks down the pitch and hits it on the full to long on for one more.

Ishant Sharma to Mahipal Lomror, 1 run.

Ishant Sharma to Mahipal Lomror, WIDE! Goes full now but again, spills it down the leg side for a wide.

Ishant Sharma to Mahipal Lomror, WIDE! The attempted quick bumper, a bit too short and just down the leg side as well.

Ishant Sharma to Cameron Green, Oh, had that hit, Cameron Green would have been gone!

Ishant Sharma to Mahipal Lomror, Banged in shorter this time and outside off, Mahipal Lomror goes hard at the uppercut but gets it more of the top edge down to third man for a single.

Ishant Sharma to Mahipal Lomror, Just back of a length and on a tight line around off, Mahipal Lomror stays back, drops the hands and nicely dabs it wide of third man for a couple of runs.

Kuldeep Yadav to Cameron Green, Beaten! Nagging length on off stump, quicker through the air and going away sharply from the right-hander. Cameron Green looks to block off the front foot but the ball just beats the outside edge.

Mahipal Lomror is in next.

Kuldeep Yadav to Mahipal Lomror, Nicely tossed up, full on off stump and dipping as well, Mahipal Lomror leans on and drives it down to long on for a single.

Kuldeep Yadav to Will Jacks, ! CAUGHT! This was coming as Will Jacks was looking a bit patchy in the last few overs.

Kuldeep Yadav to Cameron Green, On the shorter side around off, Cameron Green rocks back and hits it down to long off for a run,

Kuldeep Yadav to Cameron Green, No run.

Kuldeep Yadav to Cameron Green, 2 runs.

Axar Patel to Cameron Green, Flatter one around off stump, punched away through covers for one more.

Axar Patel to Will Jacks, A tad fuller and thrown wide of the off stump, Will Jacks lifts it over covers for a single.

Axar Patel to Will Jacks, No run.

Axar Patel to Will Jacks, No run.

Axar Patel to Cameron Green, 1 run.

Axar Patel to Cameron Green, No run.

Rasikh Dar to Will Jacks, In the air but safe! Hard length around off, Cameron Green looks to go downtown and mistimes it straight over the bowler's head. Tristan Stubbs from long off runs across and does well to keep it down to a brace.

Rasikh Dar to Will Jacks, Four!

Rasikh Dar to Cameron Green, 1 run.

Who comes in next?

Rasikh Dar to Rajat Patidar, ! CAUGHT! Finally, Delhi hold on to one catch and what a stellar effort this is from Axar Patel.

Rasikh Dar to Rajat Patidar, WIDE! Full and wide, pushed beyond the tramline for a wide.

Rasikh Dar to Will Jacks, 1 run.

Rasikh Dar to Rajat Patidar, 1 run.

Khaleel Ahmed to Rajat Patidar, Slow and full outside the off stump, Rajat Patidar looks to go over covers but mistimes it towards long off for a single.

Khaleel Ahmed to Will Jacks, 1 run.

Khaleel Ahmed to Will Jacks, Three dots on the trot, good bowling from Khaleel Ahmed.

Khaleel Ahmed to Will Jacks, And again! Same line and same length from Khaleel Ahmed but the pace is taken off this time. Will Jacks with another swipe across the line and again he is well beaten.

Khaleel Ahmed to Rajat Patidar, 1 run.

Khaleel Ahmed to Will Jacks, No run.

Rasikh Dar to Will Jacks, ! Too full and straight, Will Jacks whips the ball to deep backward square leg and picks up a boundary.

Rasikh Dar to Will Jacks, Wide!

Rasikh Dar to Will Jacks, No run.

Rasikh Dar to Rajat Patidar, 1 run.

Rasikh Dar to Rajat Patidar, No run.

Rasikh Dar to Will Jacks, 1 run.

Rasikh Dar to Rajat Patidar, 1 run.

Khaleel Ahmed to Rajat Patidar, Fuller one, sprayed wide of off. Rajat Patidar reaches out and stabs it towards deep third for one.

Khaleel Ahmed to Will Jacks, Will Jacks stays back to this length ball and punches it to covers for a single.

Khaleel Ahmed to Will Jacks, IN THE AIR AGAIN! It lands safely again. This has been the story since the last few overs. A bumper, on middle. Jacks goes back and cuts it hard over covers. Tristan Stubbs is travelling backwards and eventually the ball lands safely. They collect two runs.

Khaleel Ahmed to Will Jacks, ! Will Jacks gives himself some room and scores a boundary. It is a short ball, on leg stump. Will Jacks backs away, frees his arms and carves it over covers for four runs.

Khaleel Ahmed to Rajat Patidar, Short one, outside off, angling across. Patidar rocks back and cuts it to deep point for one.

Khaleel Ahmed to Rajat Patidar, Back of a length, outside off. Rajat Patidar goes for the pull shot, but it flies off the outside edge. Goes towards deep third but it lands safely. Two runs taken. 

Strategic break! This has been an entertaining 9 overs so far and Delhi will be devastated with those dropped chances in the last over. Bengaluru have a set platform to go big and would want to keep going in the middle phase. Let's see how the innings unfolds.

Kuldeep Yadav to Will Jacks, A googly this time, outside off. Will Jacks looks to push it away but gets beaten on the outside edge.

Kuldeep Yadav to Rajat Patidar, 1 run.

Kuldeep Yadav to Rajat Patidar, Wide!

Kuldeep Yadav to Rajat Patidar, Rajat Patidar pulls this short ball to deep square leg for a brace this time.

Kuldeep Yadav to Will Jacks, ! Will Jacks goes for another maximum but he ends up hitting it high in the air off the top-edge. It was the top-spinner from Kuldeep Yadav. It was Axar Patel who called for it and rushes towards mid on, but the ball just slips through his hands. One run taken.

Kuldeep Yadav to Will Jacks, ! Sixes galore. It is full, on leg. Will Jacks sits down on one knee and smokes it over the mid-on fence for a maximum.

Kuldeep Yadav to Rajat Patidar, Darted on the pads, Patidar flicks it into the leg side for a single.

Axar Patel to Rajat Patidar, ! Rajat Patidar is doing what Virat Kohli did against the new ball. Tear the bowlers apart. Short ball, on off. This one sits up nicely. Rajat Patidar goes back and smokes it over the mid-wicket fence. 

Axar Patel to Rajat Patidar, Fuller one, on off. Patidar pushes it to covers for one.

Axar Patel to Will Jacks, 1 run.

Axar Patel to Rajat Patidar, On the pads, Patidar clips it to deep mid-wicket for one.

Axar Patel to Will Jacks, Shortish, outside off. Jacks punches it into the off side for one.

Axar Patel to Rajat Patidar, Quicker one, outside off. Rajat Patidar taps it to point for one.

Kuldeep Yadav to Rajat Patidar, Loops it up, on off. Patidar tucks it to mid on for a single. 15 runs come from this over.

Kuldeep Yadav to Will Jacks, 1 run.

Kuldeep Yadav to Will Jacks, ! Kuldeep Yadav serves it too full and ends up in the arc of Will Jacks. He gets low and smokes it over the long on fence.

Kuldeep Yadav to Rajat Patidar, Rajat Patidar clips this full ball to mid-wicket for one.

Kuldeep Yadav to Rajat Patidar, Six!

Kuldeep Yadav to Rajat Patidar, No run.

Axar Patel to Will Jacks, Tosses it up, full and outside off. Will Jacks goes over covers for two runs.

Axar Patel to Rajat Patidar, 1 run.

Axar Patel to Rajat Patidar, Six!

Axar Patel to Rajat Patidar, An arm ball, on the stumps. Rajat Patidar defends it from inside the crease.

Axar Patel to Will Jacks, A single now as Jacks pushes this full ball into covers.

Axar Patel to Will Jacks, Floated and full, on off, blocked.

Mukesh Kumar to Rajat Patidar, An expensive over from Mukesh Kumar comes to an end. It is a full one, outside off. Patidar pushes it to cover. 14 runs come from this over and Bengaluru have 50 on the board as well.

Mukesh Kumar to Rajat Patidar, ! This time he attacks the leg side and finds his third boundary of the over. Back of a length, on middle and leg. Rajat Patidar hangs back and pulls it over mid-wicket for four runs.

Mukesh Kumar to Rajat Patidar, ! Wonderful shot. Fuller one, outside off. Patidar punches it through covers for a cracking boundary.

Mukesh Kumar to Rajat Patidar, Mukesh Kumar serves a bumper this time, outside off. Rajat Patidar becomes restless after playing that cover drive and goes with the hook shot. The ball flies off the top-edge, but luckily for him it lands safely at fine leg. Two runs taken.

Mukesh Kumar to Rajat Patidar, Mukesh Kumar hits the hard length this time, on off. This one just holds in the surface a bit. Rajat Patidar looks to defend it out but it flies off the top of the blade. No run.

Mukesh Kumar to Rajat Patidar, Four!

Ishant Sharma to Rajat Patidar, Fuller one, angled into the pads. Patidar clips it to mid on for a single.

Ishant Sharma to Rajat Patidar, Shorter one, on off. Rajat Patidar blocks it out solidly.

Ishant Sharma to Virat Kohli, ! CAUGHT BEHIND! Ishant Sharma with a huge wicket. He gets rid of the big fish. Kohlu was looking solid. He was scoring runs for fun out there, but the veteran gets the better of him. It is a short ball, nipping away a touch. It takes the outside edge, goes towards the wicket-keeper and Abishek Porel makes no mistake behind the stumps. 

Who comes in next?

Ishant Sharma to Virat Kohli, WIDE! Ishant Sharma errs in his line this time and the umpire signals a wide as the ball goes down the leg side.

Ishant Sharma to Virat Kohli, Shortish, outside off. Kohli throws his hands at it but misses.

Ishant Sharma to Virat Kohli, ! This is huge. Kohli is making sure that the party continues at home. This is his third maximum of the game. Fuller one, on off. Kohli gets a hold of it and smokes it over the wide long on fence for a biggie.

Ishant Sharma to Virat Kohli, ! EDGED! Back of a length, outside off. Kohli looks to cut it away. It catches the outside edge and flies past the keeper for four runs.

Mukesh Kumar to Will Jacks, Mukesh Kumar serves it on a back length, just outside off. Will Jacks gets behind and blocks it solidly.

Mukesh Kumar to Virat Kohli, Virat Kohli uses his feet this time to the full ball and whips it towards deep mid-wicket for just a single. 

Mukesh Kumar to Virat Kohli, Good length, around off, blocked.

Mukesh Kumar to Will Jacks, Will Jacks is off the mark instantly.

Mukesh Kumar to Faf du Plessis, ! CAUGHT! Begaluru lose their first wicket and it is their skipper.

Who comes in next?

Khaleel Ahmed to Virat Kohli, ! BOOM! Virat Kohli ends another over with a maximum. This one is his signature shot though. Pleasing to the eyes. Pitched up, outside off. Virat Kohli opens up his body and launches this one over the long off fence for a maximum.

Mukesh Kumar to Faf du Plessis, Back of a length, outside off, swinging away. Faf du Plessis looks to chase it but gets beaten on the outside edge.

Khaleel Ahmed to Faf du Plessis, A length ball, on the pads. Faf du Plessis looks to flick it away but gets an inside edge on his pads. One taken.

Khaleel Ahmed to Virat Kohli, Virat Kohli guides this length ball to deep third for one.

Khaleel Ahmed to Faf du Plessis, Leg bye.

Khaleel Ahmed to Faf du Plessis, ! Faf du Plessis now gets into the act. Way too short, width on offer as well. Faf du Plessis hangs back and crunches it through point for four runs.

Khaleel Ahmed to Faf du Plessis, Back of a length, angled across, outside off. Faf du Plessis punches it into covers for no run.

Who will bowl from the other end?

Ishant Sharma to Virat Kohli, ! This one sits up nicely and Virat Kohli gets the first maximum of the night. He stays back and smokes it over the mid-wicket fence.

Ishant Sharma to Virat Kohli, 2 runs.

Ishant Sharma to Virat Kohli, A bit short this time, outside off. This one flies off the deck. Virat Kohli dances down the track and looks to heave it down the park but misses it.

Ishant Sharma to Faf du Plessis, Ishant Sharma serves it full, wide of off. Faf du Plessis pushes it towards point for one.

Ishant Sharma to Virat Kohli, On a good length this time, outside off, nipping in. Virat Kohli dabs it towards backward point and crosses. 

Ishant Sharma to Virat Kohli, A solid start from Ishant Sharma. He hurls this one on a length, outside off. This one jags back in sharply. Virat Kohli gets on his front foot and jams it into the deck off the outer half.

All in readiness for this crunch encounter to get underway. The umpires are out in the middle and so are the players of Delhi who take their places on the field. The duo of skipper Faf du Plessis and Virat Kohli is the usual opening pair for Bengaluru and they get a rousing welcome from the home crowd. Ishant Sharma has been handed the new ball and is raring to go. Let's play...

Faf du Plessis, the captain of Bengaluru says that they would have bowled had well and reckons that there is some green grass mixed with some brown grass as well. Adds that they are playing some good cricket and are looking forward to it but it is a new game tonight. Mentions that they fought to get this confidence from the start and now that they have got it, they want to keep it that way and inform that they are going with the same team.

Axar Patel, the stand-in captain of Delhi informs that they will bowl first. Says that the wicket is always nice in Bengaluru. Adds that it is always better to chase here. States that when they start well then end up dominating the game really well. Informs that Pant was a bit angry with the decision, although he is here with the squad and will be trying his best to motivate us. Ends by saying that Kumar Kushagra will be coming in for Rishabh Pant.

Impact subs nominated by Delhi - David Warner, Sumit Kumar, Ricky Bhui, Vicky Ostwal, Pravin Dubey.

Delhi (Playing XI) - Abishek Porel (WK), Jake Fraser-McGurk, Shai Hope, Tristan Stubbs, Kumar Kushagra (In for Rishabh Pant), Axar Patel (C), Kuldeep Yadav, Rasikh Dar, Ishant Sharma, Khaleel Ahmed, Mukesh Kumar.

Impact subs nominated by Bengaluru - Swapnil Singh, Anuj Rawat, Suyash Prabhudessai, Vijaykumar Vyshak, Himanshu Sharma.

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

TOSS - The flip of the coin lands in favor of Delhi. The stand-in captain Axar Patel says that they will BOWL first.