We are back for Chennai's reply. 

... THE CHASE...

An exciting first innings filled with ebb and flow and the score on board is about par. Bangalore have quality bowlers in their ranks but the openers of Chennai have found a bit of momentum. It promises to be a fascinating encounter between bat and ball. Stay tuned for the chase.

Dwaine Pretorius to Dinesh Karthik, A searching yorker, turns out to be a low full toss. Dinesh Karthik doesn't get under it and only manages to dig it out towards mid-wicket. Dwaine Pretorius chases and slides to stop the ball. He slips slightly while getting up and the batters steal the second run as well. Bangalore end on 173/8!

Dwaine Pretorius to Dinesh Karthik, ! RUN OUT! It is given out in the end and Harshal Patel has to depart without playing a single delivery. This is full and around off stump. Dinesh Karthik drills it to long off and denies the run as he knows they won't be able to come back for the second but Harshal Patel is already halfway down the track. The throw is speared in from Devon Conway and the bails do come off at the bowler's end. The decision is checked by the third umpire and he che

Dwaine Pretorius to Dinesh Karthik, ! THUMPED! Dwaine Pretorius pitches it up right in the slot on off, Karthik hangs deep in his crease and opens his arms to pump the ball over the long on fence for another biggie. 

Mahipal Lomror (42 off 27 balls) is up for a quick chat. Says it feels good and he is happy to contribute to the team. Adds that when you have such big players, there is no shortage of motivation. Mentions the ball was gripping and sticking and it was two-paced as well and looking at the wicket, he feels they can defend the total.

Once the Bangalore innings fell flat on its face, Rajat Patidar and Mahipal Lomror attempted to revive it with a quickfire stand but the former was dismissed at the start of the 16th over. Bangalore did manage 50 runs in the last 5 but lost five wickets in the process as well, robbing them of some momentum. 

It was a fantastic start for Bangalore in the Powerplay as they amassed 57 runs and didn't lose a single wicket. The momentum was with them but the introduction of Chennai's spinners stifled their charge. Moeen Ali was in the thick of things, making a big impression in his comeback game and he claimed the wickets of both Faf du Plessis and Virat Kohli. The period after the Powerplay saw three wickets going down, including Glenn Maxwell's, and Chennai choked the flow of runs. Moeen and Jadeja com

What an electrifying end to this innings! 3 wickets in the penultimate over and then 16 runs in the final, punches were exchanged towards the end and Dinesh Karthik's stay ensures that Bangalore finish close to the 175-run mark.

A run out chance! Harshal Patel is out of his crease when the bails are rattled but the ball is not in the hand of Dwaine Pretorius at that moment. The ball touches the stumps after the deflection from the hand and the bails popped up at that time. Harshal Patel fails to make his ground and is the answer. 

Dwaine Pretorius to Dinesh Karthik, This is pitched up, around off. Karthik lifts it over the wide mid off region and picks up a couple of runs.

Dwaine Pretorius to Dinesh Karthik, Shout for an lbw! Close, but not close enough for Dwaine Pretorius. Pretorius delivers it from 'round the wicket and gets it in right at the toes of Dinesh Karthik who misses the whip and gets rapped on the pads. Huge appeal from the bowler and it is given. Karthik reviews it straightaway. There's nothing on UltraEdge but Ball Tracking shows it's just pitching outside leg. Karthik survives!

Dwaine Pretorius to Dinesh Karthik, ! HAMMERED AWAY! Dwaine Pretorius misses the yorker mark by a few inches and DK pounces onto it. It's around off, right in the slot, Karthik swings his big blade across the line and dispatches it over deep mid-wicket.

Harshal Patel walks out to the middle. 

Shahbaz Ahmed to face the hat-trick ball.

Maheesh Theekshana to Shahbaz Ahmed, ! Cleaned up! Too good for Shahbaz Ahmed and Maheesh Theekshana picks up three wickets in the 19th over! This is quick again, at 102 kph and around the off stump. Ahmed tries to drive away from the body but it is the carrom ball yet again and the ball turns in. It goes between bat and pad and goes on to rattle the stumps. What a game changer this over could prove to be!

Maheesh Theekshana to Dinesh Karthik, On middle, pushed down the ground for one.

Maheesh Theekshana to Wanindu Hasaranga, ! TAKEN! Ruturaj Gaikwad almost spills this one too but Maheesh Theekshana has two in no time! This is on off and Wanindu Hasaranga tries to smoke it over the long off fence. The Sri Lankan gets no timing on it whatsoever and Gaikwad runs in from the deep to dive forward and take it on the second attempt. Maheesh Theekshana is on a hat-trick now!

Maheesh Theekshana to Dinesh Karthik, Comprehensively beaten there, Dinesh Karthik! Short and outside off but it is the carrom ball. Karthik moves past the off stump and tries to work it on the leg side but gets beaten.

Maheesh Theekshana to Shahbaz Ahmed, This is full and quick, on off. Ahmed drives it down to long off for a single.

Wanindu Hasaranga comes in now.

Maheesh Theekshana to Mahipal Lomror, ! CAUGHT! Huge gamble from MS Dhoni but it has paid off! Maheesh Theekshana serves a low full toss on the middle stump line at around 101 clicks. It is fired in. Mahipal Lomror looks to take on the long on fielder but neither gets the elevation nor the power. The ball goes to Ruturaj Gaikwad and he takes the catch after almost making a meal of it. Lomror departs after a blistering knock.

Maheesh Theekshana to bowl the 19th over.

Dwaine Pretorius to Dinesh Karthik, Two more and that makes it 18 off the over! Full and at the toes, Karthik clips it in front of square on the leg side and picks up a couple of runs.

Dwaine Pretorius to Mahipal Lomror, Full and wide, Lomror reaches out and slices it behind point for a single.

Dwaine Pretorius to Mahipal Lomror, ! Wow! Just a slap for a maximum! This is in the slot outside off, Mahipal Lomror fetches it and hits it flat and hard over the wide long on fence. Top shot! The 150 is up for Bangalore.

Halt in play! Ravindra Jadeja has injured himself while trying to take the catch. The physio rushes out to assist him. He looks fine!

Dwaine Pretorius to Mahipal Lomror, That looked like a nasty fall! This is pitched up, around off. Mahipal Lomror looks to whack it through the line but miscues it high and towards the extra cover region. Ravindra Jadeja steams in from the fence and puts on the afterburners to get a hand on it but ends up spilling it. He takes a tumble and seems to have hurt his knee, hope he is fine. Two taken.

Dwaine Pretorius to Mahipal Lomror, WIDE! Pretorius trying to take away Lomror's swinging arc but spills it way beyond the tramline. Wide called.

Dwaine Pretorius to Mahipal Lomror, Change of pace and a change of length as well from Dwaine Pretorius. Full and slow, outside off. Lomror pushes it through extra cover and races back for the second run. Good running.

Dwaine Pretorius to Mahipal Lomror, ! Up and over! Short of a length, outside off. Mahipal Lomror frees his arms and muscles the ball over mid off for a boundary.

Maheesh Theekshana to Dinesh Karthik, A yorker to end the over, on middle and Dinesh Karthik can only squeeze it back to the bowler. 

Maheesh Theekshana to Dinesh Karthik, Around off, pushed to covers for no run. 

Maheesh Theekshana to Mahipal Lomror, Just over! Flighted ball, on middle, Mahipal Lomror tries to heave but is too late into his shot and the ball goes just over the leaping mid-wicket fielder for a single. 

Maheesh Theekshana to Dinesh Karthik, Too full and on off, worked away to covers for a single.

Maheesh Theekshana to Dinesh Karthik, ! Swept away! Tossed up, full and outside off. Dinesh Karthik drags it off the inner half and sweeps it to deep square leg for a boundary. 

Maheesh Theekshana to Dinesh Karthik, Flatter and outside off. Dinesh Karthik hangs back to work it on the leg side but ends up slicing it to point. 

Dwaine Pretorius to Mahipal Lomror, ! Wonderful shot to end the over! This is full and around off. Lomror gets low and across to sweep it behind square on the leg side for a boundary. 

Dwaine Pretorius to Dinesh Karthik, Tad fuller and on middle. Dinesh flicks it aerially but well wide of mid-wicket for a single. 

Dwaine Pretorius to Mahipal Lomror, Length and outside off. Mahipal punches it to deep cover for a single.

Dwaine Pretorius to Mahipal Lomror, Wide! Full ball outside off, away from the hitting arc but over the tramline. Lomror leaves it for a wide.

Strategic break! Just when Bangalore had regained lost momentum, a wicket has gone down but Mahipal Lomror has played enough deliveries to take his side to a decent score now. Chennai spinners kept a lid on the runs but once the batters got their eye in, they were hit for a few boundaries. The innings is very well poised and the remaining overs ought to be exciting.

Dwaine Pretorius to Dinesh Karthik, Angling on the pads, it is hit behind square on the leg side for a single.

Dwaine Pretorius to Rajat Patidar, ! TAKEN! Spectacular catch from Mukesh Choudhary! Fuller ball from around the wicket and on off. There was not much pace on offer and Patidar failed to read it. He tries to heave it but does not have much power behind the shot. The ball balloons towards square leg. Mukesh Choudhary charges forward from the fence and covers a lot of ground before putting in a big dive to catch it. Rajat Patidar goes after playing a fine knock. 

Dwaine Pretorius to Dinesh Karthik, On a length and on off. Karthik blocks it out.

Dwaine Pretorius to bowl for the first time tonight.

Maheesh Theekshana to Mahipal Lomror, ! Mahipal Lomror is turning it on! This stand moves to 44 and Bangalore have recovered well. Floated and full, around leg, Lomror kneels and smokes it over square leg for a maximum. 30 balls left in the innings, can Bangalore get close to 180?

Maheesh Theekshana to Mahipal Lomror, Skidding away, short in length, Maheesh Theekshana goes back to cut but mistimes it back towards the bowler.

Maheesh Theekshana to Rajat Patidar, Gets behind the line and punches it back. Maheesh Theekshana fails to stop it cleanly and parries it to mid-wicket. They cross.

Maheesh Theekshana to Rajat Patidar, ! Tossed up, full and on middle, Rajat Patidar throws all his power behind it and smacks it over the mid on region for a powerful boundary.

Maheesh Theekshana to Mahipal Lomror, Quicker on middle, skidding off the surface, Mahipal somehow keeps it out off the inner half. It rolls towards square leg and they cross.

Maheesh Theekshana to Rajat Patidar, A little short and on off, Rajat punches it down to wide long on for a run.

Maheesh Theekshana (1-0-6-0) is back on.

Moeen Ali to Rajat Patidar, Slower through the air, full and around off, Rajat Patidar works it towards square leg for one. Moeen is done with his spell, 4-0-28-2, a fantastic effort from him.

Moeen Ali to Mahipal Lomror, Goes on the back foot to a short ball around off and punches it to sweeper cover for a run.

Moeen Ali to Rajat Patidar, Allows the ball to spin back in from around off and nudges it behind square leg for a run.

Moeen Ali to Rajat Patidar, Wide! Spinning down the leg side, Rajat tries to flick but misses.

Moeen Ali to Rajat Patidar, AERIAL BUT SAFE! Flighted off spinner, around off, Rajat Patidar aims for a big shot but it takes the toe end of his bat and flies towards wide long on. It falls safely and they take a couple.

Will Moeen Ali bowl out as well? Yes, he will. Ali has figures of 3-0-17-2 so far.

Moeen Ali to Mahipal Lomror, Loopy and around off, pushed gently to covers for one.

Moeen Ali to Mahipal Lomror, ! Smashed away! Fuller and around middle, Mahipal Lomror uses his bottom hand to good effect and clobbers it straight down the ground for a boundary.

Ravindra Jadeja to Mahipal Lomror, Full and around off, driven through covers for a single.

Ravindra Jadeja to Mahipal Lomror, A touch short and on off, Mahipal turns it on the leg side but finds the fielder in front of square on the leg side.

Ravindra Jadeja to Rajat Patidar, Around off, tapped down to covers for a quick run.

Ravindra Jadeja to Mahipal Lomror, A fuller one on off, Mahipal Lomror cuts it through point and gets a single.

Ravindra Jadeja to Rajat Patidar, Fuller one on off, Rajat Patidar plays it a bit aerially but wide of the cover fielder. They cross.

Ravindra Jadeja to Mahipal Lomror, Quicker one, around off, Mahipal Lomror gets back and helps it off the inner half to square leg for one.

Ravindra Jadeja to bowl out.

Moeen Ali to Rajat Patidar, Full and floated, around off and turning in, Patidar tries to flick but misses. It goes off his pads to short fine leg and they cross for a leg bye. 11 from the over!

Moeen Ali to Mahipal Lomror, Flatter one on off, Mahipal Lomror eases it through mid off and rotates the strike.

Moeen Ali to Mahipal Lomror, Tossed up, around off, Mahipal Lomror pushes it with gentle hands towards cover-point and eyes a quick run. He is sent back.

Moeen Ali to Rajat Patidar, Fuller one on off, Rajat Patidar pushes it towards square leg and gets a single.

Moeen Ali to Rajat Patidar, Wide! Spinning down the leg side, Rajat lets it be to the keeper.

Moeen Ali to Rajat Patidar, ! Out of here! Floated delivery, landing full and around off, Rajat Patidar goes with the spin and punishes it over wide long on for a biggie. Bangalore will hope that this shot breaks the shackles.

Moeen Ali to Mahipal Lomror, Tossed-up delivery on off, Mahipal Lomror eases it through mid off and gets a single.

Ravindra Jadeja to Mahipal Lomror, Short and around off, Mahipal Lomror rocks back and cuts it to deep point for one. A lovely phase of play for Chennai!

Ravindra Jadeja to Mahipal Lomror, A fuller one on middle, Mahipal Lomror tries to cut it through covers but couldn't connect well. He mistimes it towards covers.

Ravindra Jadeja to Rajat Patidar, Quicker one, around off, Rajat Patidar pushes it in the gap at covers for a run.

Ravindra Jadeja to Mahipal Lomror, Flatter one and on off, Mahipal Lomror plays it towards point and gets a single.

Ravindra Jadeja to Rajat Patidar, On middle, worked through square leg for a run.

Ravindra Jadeja to Mahipal Lomror, On a good length and on middle, Mahipal Lomror flicks it towards square leg and gets a single.

Moeen Ali to Rajat Patidar, Gets behind the line and defends it to the bowler. At the halfway mark, Bangalore are 79/3!

Rajat Patidar walks in at number 5.

Moeen Ali to Virat Kohli, ! BOWLED! Moeen is turning on the heat in his comeback game! It's a well-tossed up delivery, landing full around off and turning back in sharply. Virat Kohli strides forward, attempting to flick but misses and it goes right through the gate to rattle the stumps. A massive breakthrough for Chennai, Kohli falls after a slow knock.

Moeen Ali to Virat Kohli, Wide! Spinning down the leg side, Kohli tries to flick but misses.

Moeen Ali to Virat Kohli, Beaten! Skidding away after landing on a shorter length outside off, Kohli tries to cut but misses.

Moeen Ali to Virat Kohli, Loopy and on off, flicked on the leg side but straight to square leg.

Moeen Ali to Mahipal Lomror, Floated and full, around off, Lomror plays it with soft hands to the off side and looks for a run. He is sent back. A wayward throw at the striker's end and this time the batters cross.

Moeen Ali to Virat Kohli, A flatter one on leg, Virat Kohli eases it towards square leg and rotates the strike.

Strategic Break! The wicket of Glenn Maxwell has just pulled back Bangalore on the back foot. After a good opening stand, Bangalore have lost two quick wickets and will look upto Virat Kohli to handle the innings now. Chennai did not have the best of starts but the spinners have done really well to put a lid on the runs. Mahipal Lomror joins Kohli in the middle.

Ravindra Jadeja to Virat Kohli, ! RUN OUT! A small moment of indecision has cost Glenn Maxwell his wicket. Tossed up, around off, Kohli eases it down to covers and sets off for a run. Glenn also takes off but stutters a bit before racing away. Robin Uthappa, in the meantime, attacks the ball and sends across a good throw to the keeper. MS Dhoni breaks the stumps and Maxwell is short of the crease. The replays also confirm the same and the Aussie will have to go. 

Run out appeal! Just one replay is enough for the TV umpire to make the decision. Glenn Maxwell is a goner. 

Ravindra Jadeja to Virat Kohli, ! Short in length and outside off, Virat Kohli opens up and cuts it towards backward point for a boundary.

Ravindra Jadeja to Virat Kohli, A touch flatter and on middle, pushed back to the bowler.

Ravindra Jadeja to Glenn Maxwell, Fires it full and around leg, Glenn nudges it through square leg and rotates the strike.

Ravindra Jadeja to Virat Kohli, Leans forward and pushes it gently towards point for a quick run.

Ravindra Jadeja to Virat Kohli,  LEG BYES! A flatter one on leg, Virat Kohli tries to flick it but misses. It hits his pads and the ball goes behind the ropes for a boundary in the fine leg region.

Moeen Ali to Virat Kohli, Close to the off pole, Kohli hangs back and stabs it towards short third man for a quick single.

Moeen Ali to Glenn Maxwell, Tossed up a bit, around off. Maxwell presses forward and pushes it down to long off for another single.

Moeen Ali to Virat Kohli, Shorter delivery, on middle. Kohli turns it through mid on for a single.

Glenn Maxwell is the new man in.

Moeen Ali to Glenn Maxwell, Pitched up, on off. Maxwell drives it down to long on and gets off the mark with a single.

Moeen Ali to Faf du Plessis, ! CAUGHT! Moeen Ali comes into the attack and breaks the opening stand! This is a bit of a long hop, around off. It is there to be hit and Faf du Plessis takes it on. Du Plessis rocks back but doesn't quite go through with the swing of his bat. Faf ends up hitting it towards the mid-wicket fence where Ravindra Jadeja takes a simple catch. Du Plessis departs but he has provided Bangalore a good start!

Moeen Ali to Faf du Plessis, Moeen comes into the attack. He begins with a fullish delivery, around off and there's just a hint of turn into the right-hander. Faf du Plessis keeps it out on the off side.

Ravindra Jadeja to Faf du Plessis, This is speared into off, Faf drives it down to long off and picks up a run.

Ravindra Jadeja to Virat Kohli, On middle, eased through square leg for a single.

Ravindra Jadeja to Virat Kohli, Just a bit shorter in length and outside off. Kohli dabs it down towards backward point.

Ravindra Jadeja to Faf du Plessis, This one just holds a bit on the surface. On middle, du Plessis nudges it past square leg for a run.

Ravindra Jadeja to Virat Kohli, Flatter, on middle, flicked through mid-wicket for one more.

Ravindra Jadeja is into the attack.

Ravindra Jadeja to Faf du Plessis, On a length, around off. Du Plessis cuts it in front of square on the off side for one.

Maheesh Theekshana to Faf du Plessis, This is a bit shorter and angled into the leg stump. Du Plessis moves past the leg stump and works it through mid-wicket to make it six singles in the over. At the end of the Powerplay, Bangalore are at 57/0, a good start from them.

Spin for the first time as Maheesh Theekshana comes to bowl the final over of the Powerplay.

Maheesh Theekshana to Virat Kohli, A bit fuller and around middle, Kohli leans in and works it down to long on to rotate the strike.

Maheesh Theekshana to Faf du Plessis, This is smart batting from these two, just milking the strike bowler. On middle and leg, worked around the corner for a single.

Maheesh Theekshana to Virat Kohli, Flatter and quicker, on middle. Virat Kohli wrists it towards mid-wicket for one more.

Maheesh Theekshana to Faf du Plessis, Around middle, Faf nudges it towards wide mid on. The bowler chases it down and the batters settle for a single.

Maheesh Theekshana to Virat Kohli, Theekshana starts off with a quicker delivery, short of a length and around off. Kohli smashes it off the back foot but it is well stopped at covers. Single taken.

Mukesh Choudhary to Faf du Plessis, ! 50 up for Bangalore! FInally, their openers are off to a superb start! This is full and on off, Faf du Plessis gets low, clears his front leg and slams it over long on for a maximum. 18 runs off the over. 

Mukesh Choudhary to Faf du Plessis, Fuller ball outside off. Du Plessis looks to go over covers but it goes off the splice and over the point fielder for a couple of runs. 

Mukesh Choudhary to Faf du Plessis, On the pads, it is flicked to deep backward square leg for a couple of runs. 

Mukesh Choudhary to Faf du Plessis, ! Second boundary off the over! Too full and outside off. Du Plessis looks to drive but gets a thick outside edge. No slip this time and the ball races away to the third man fence. 

We are all set for the play to begin! The two umpires make their way out to the middle followed by the players of Chennai. The Bangalore skipper Faf du Plessis joins Virat Kohli to open the innings. Mukesh Choudhary has the new ball in hand and is raring to go. Let's play...

Mukesh Choudhary to Faf du Plessis, Angles a length ball across and Faf du Plessis is beaten as he tries to cut it away. 

Mukesh Choudhary to Faf du Plessis, ! Good shot! Touch fuller and around off. Du Plessis punches it swiftly past mid off for a boundary. 

Simarjeet Singh to Virat Kohli, ! Short in length and room given outside off. Virat Kohli swings his bat hard and hammers it over covers for a biggie. 

Simarjeet Singh to Virat Kohli, Around off, on a length. Virat knocks it to covers. 

Simarjeet Singh to Virat Kohli, Bangs a bouncer, on middle. Virat Kohli misses his hook. 

Simarjeet Singh to Faf du Plessis, Three taken! Length ball, on middle. Du Plessis tucks it past square leg. Fast outfield here and the batters will take three runs. 

Simarjeet Singh to Faf du Plessis, ! Bangalore are finding a way to snatch a boundary every over. Not the best of shots again from du Plessis. Length ball, way outside off. Du Plessis throws his bat at it. The ball goes off the outer half of the bat and over short third man for a boundary. 

Simarjeet Singh to Faf du Plessis, Length and on off. Kept out by du Plessis.

Mukesh Choudhary to Virat Kohli, A widish yorker, just outside off. Kohli jams it out to cover-point. Good bowling from Mukesh Choudhary, keeping it tight. 

Mukesh Choudhary to Virat Kohli, Wide! Spills this one way outside off, over the tramline. A wide called.

Mukesh Choudhary to Virat Kohli, Around off, it is hit in front of point for no run.

Mukesh Choudhary to Virat Kohli, Length ball on off. Virat drops it to backward point. Straight to the fielder.

Mukesh Choudhary to Faf du Plessis, Outside off, dabbed away to third man for a run.

Mukesh Choudhary to Faf du Plessis, A length ball, angling across, outside off. Du Plessis swings his bat at it but misses.

Mukesh Choudhary to Faf du Plessis, ! Edged, this time from the bat of Faf! Good shape again from Choudhary, on a length and around off, Faf du Plessis hangs back to punch it but gets an inside edge, past the leg stump for a boundary at fine leg. 

Simarjeet Singh to Virat Kohli, Easy couple! Length ball, slanting on the pads. Kohli nudges it past square leg for two runs. 

Simarjeet Singh to Virat Kohli, Angling on middle, it is hit to mid-wicket.

Simarjeet Singh to Virat Kohli, Length ball, outside off, this one nips away. Kohli this time defends it watchfully. 

Simarjeet Singh to Virat Kohli, ! Edged away for a boundary! A length ball, outside off, shaping away. Kohli is drawn forward to drive this but gets a thick outside edge, past the second slip fielder and to the third man fence. 

Simarjeet Singh to Virat Kohli, On middle, on a length, tucked to mid-wicket.

Simarjeet Singh to Faf du Plessis, Short of a length and on the hips, du Plessis glances it to square leg for a single. 

Simarjeet Singh to Faf du Plessis, Wide! Full ball down the leg side, du Plessis misses his flick. 

Simarjeet Singh to bowl from the opposite end.

Mukesh Choudhary to Virat Kohli, Aggression from Mukesh! This is on a length and around off. Kohli steps forward and blocks it back to the bowler. Mukesh Choudhary collects and has a shy across but hits the batter instead. Choudhary apologizes immediately.

Mukesh Choudhary to Virat Kohli, ! First one of the innings! Too straight, on the pads. Kohli just helps it away fine to fine leg for a boundary. 

Mukesh Choudhary to Virat Kohli, Choudhary continues to bowl on a length, around middle. Virat defends by getting a straight bat down.

Mukesh Choudhary to Virat Kohli, On a length, around off, shaping in. Kohli taps it gently to covers.

Mukesh Choudhary to Faf du Plessis, Shape again there, fuller ball and around middle, du Plessis nudges it to deep square leg to get off the mark with a single.

Mukesh Choudhary to Virat Kohli, Starts with a full ball, shaping into the batter, on the pads. Kohli leans and flicks it to deep square leg for a single. With that, Kohli and Bangalore are off the mark.

Glenn Maxwell is up for a chat. Shares that he has been hitting the ball well, he feels there's a big score around the corner. Adds that they played nicely in the last game but were unlucky, the wicket of Tewatia would have been a different game. Further says that there is good energy around. Tells that each match is exciting and hopes for a great contest here.

MS Dhoni, the skipper of Chennai says that they will bowl first. Adds that the ball stops a bit initially here and the dew comes in pretty late, so it doesn't make much of a difference. Mentions that the wicket looks good and they want to play good cricket. Informs that Moeen Ali comes in for Mitchell Santner. Adds that they want to be more consistent with the batting and not give away a big over at crucial stages while bowling and hopes to improve upon the fielding as well.

Faf du Plessis, the captain of Bangalore says even he wasn't sure of the wicket and he was considering batting first. Adds that the previous match had a good batting performance and he wants his team to play the same way. Informs they are going with the same XI.

Bangalore (Unchanged playing XI) - Virat Kohli, Faf du Plessis (C), Rajat Patidar, Glenn Maxwell, Dinesh Karthik (WK), Shahbaz Ahmed, Mahipal Lomror, Wanindu Hasaranga, Harshal Patel, Josh Hazlewood, Mohammed Siraj. 

Chennai (Playing XI) - Ruturaj Gaikwad, Devon Conway, Robin Uthappa, Ambati Rayudu, Moeen Ali (In for Mitchell Santner), MS Dhoni (C/WK), Ravindra Jadeja, Simarjeet Singh, Dwaine Pretorius, Mukesh Choudhary, Maheesh Theekshana.

Toss - Chennai have won the toss and they have elected to BOWL first!

... MATCH DAY ...

Last night we saw Gujarat lose their second game of the season after five consecutive wins which also meant that Punjab got back in the mix for the playoffs race. Tonight, in match number 49 we will witness the reverse fixture between Chennai and Bangalore. The last time these two sides met, we saw an entertaining and high-scoring encounter that Chennai edged thanks to a big score on the board. Expect some more fireworks tonight and on that note, we welcome you to the coverage.

PITCH REPORT - Danny Morrison is pitchside. Danny says it's the third time they are playing on this pitch and it is dry, the grass has come off a bit more. Adds that the spinners will enjoy more and the pacers will have to vary their pace and bowl into the deck more. Suggests that the pacers should also look to bowl more yorkers.

In their last game, MS Dhoni took on the reigns back from Ravindra Jadeja and the former Chennai skipper rallied his troops to a much-needed win thanks to some explosive batting from Ruturaj Gaikwad and Devon Conway at the top. Chennai are still pretty further down in the table but a win here will all of a sudden get them level on points with a couple of sides above them. Also, on a personal milestone, MS Dhoni will be playing his 200th Indian T20 League game for Chennai.

Bangalore, on the other hand, are on a three-match losing streak and even though Virat Kohli scored a half-century last time it wasn't quite vintage Virat. Rajat Patidar, Glenn Maxwell and even Mahipal Lomror were good in the middle order but Kohli and du Plessis need to get their side off to a flying start so that those big-hitters can come into play more. They are in desperate need of a win tonight or else they will just keep falling behind in the playoffs race. So, both teams need a win bi

We are back for Chennai's reply. 

... THE CHASE...

An exciting first innings filled with ebb and flow and the score on board is about par. Bangalore have quality bowlers in their ranks but the openers of Chennai have found a bit of momentum. It promises to be a fascinating encounter between bat and ball. Stay tuned for the chase.

Dwaine Pretorius to Dinesh Karthik, A searching yorker, turns out to be a low full toss. Dinesh Karthik doesn't get under it and only manages to dig it out towards mid-wicket. Dwaine Pretorius chases and slides to stop the ball. He slips slightly while getting up and the batters steal the second run as well. Bangalore end on 173/8!

Dwaine Pretorius to Dinesh Karthik, ! RUN OUT! It is given out in the end and Harshal Patel has to depart without playing a single delivery. This is full and around off stump. Dinesh Karthik drills it to long off and denies the run as he knows they won't be able to come back for the second but Harshal Patel is already halfway down the track. The throw is speared in from Devon Conway and the bails do come off at the bowler's end. The decision is checked by the third umpire and he che

Dwaine Pretorius to Dinesh Karthik, ! THUMPED! Dwaine Pretorius pitches it up right in the slot on off, Karthik hangs deep in his crease and opens his arms to pump the ball over the long on fence for another biggie. 

Mahipal Lomror (42 off 27 balls) is up for a quick chat. Says it feels good and he is happy to contribute to the team. Adds that when you have such big players, there is no shortage of motivation. Mentions the ball was gripping and sticking and it was two-paced as well and looking at the wicket, he feels they can defend the total.

Once the Bangalore innings fell flat on its face, Rajat Patidar and Mahipal Lomror attempted to revive it with a quickfire stand but the former was dismissed at the start of the 16th over. Bangalore did manage 50 runs in the last 5 but lost five wickets in the process as well, robbing them of some momentum. 

It was a fantastic start for Bangalore in the Powerplay as they amassed 57 runs and didn't lose a single wicket. The momentum was with them but the introduction of Chennai's spinners stifled their charge. Moeen Ali was in the thick of things, making a big impression in his comeback game and he claimed the wickets of both Faf du Plessis and Virat Kohli. The period after the Powerplay saw three wickets going down, including Glenn Maxwell's, and Chennai choked the flow of runs. Moeen and Jadeja com

What an electrifying end to this innings! 3 wickets in the penultimate over and then 16 runs in the final, punches were exchanged towards the end and Dinesh Karthik's stay ensures that Bangalore finish close to the 175-run mark.

A run out chance! Harshal Patel is out of his crease when the bails are rattled but the ball is not in the hand of Dwaine Pretorius at that moment. The ball touches the stumps after the deflection from the hand and the bails popped up at that time. Harshal Patel fails to make his ground and is the answer. 

Dwaine Pretorius to Dinesh Karthik, This is pitched up, around off. Karthik lifts it over the wide mid off region and picks up a couple of runs.

Dwaine Pretorius to Dinesh Karthik, Shout for an lbw! Close, but not close enough for Dwaine Pretorius. Pretorius delivers it from 'round the wicket and gets it in right at the toes of Dinesh Karthik who misses the whip and gets rapped on the pads. Huge appeal from the bowler and it is given. Karthik reviews it straightaway. There's nothing on UltraEdge but Ball Tracking shows it's just pitching outside leg. Karthik survives!

Dwaine Pretorius to Dinesh Karthik, ! HAMMERED AWAY! Dwaine Pretorius misses the yorker mark by a few inches and DK pounces onto it. It's around off, right in the slot, Karthik swings his big blade across the line and dispatches it over deep mid-wicket.

Harshal Patel walks out to the middle. 

Shahbaz Ahmed to face the hat-trick ball.

Maheesh Theekshana to Shahbaz Ahmed, ! Cleaned up! Too good for Shahbaz Ahmed and Maheesh Theekshana picks up three wickets in the 19th over! This is quick again, at 102 kph and around the off stump. Ahmed tries to drive away from the body but it is the carrom ball yet again and the ball turns in. It goes between bat and pad and goes on to rattle the stumps. What a game changer this over could prove to be!

Maheesh Theekshana to Dinesh Karthik, On middle, pushed down the ground for one.

Maheesh Theekshana to Wanindu Hasaranga, ! TAKEN! Ruturaj Gaikwad almost spills this one too but Maheesh Theekshana has two in no time! This is on off and Wanindu Hasaranga tries to smoke it over the long off fence. The Sri Lankan gets no timing on it whatsoever and Gaikwad runs in from the deep to dive forward and take it on the second attempt. Maheesh Theekshana is on a hat-trick now!

Maheesh Theekshana to Dinesh Karthik, Comprehensively beaten there, Dinesh Karthik! Short and outside off but it is the carrom ball. Karthik moves past the off stump and tries to work it on the leg side but gets beaten.

Maheesh Theekshana to Shahbaz Ahmed, This is full and quick, on off. Ahmed drives it down to long off for a single.

Wanindu Hasaranga comes in now.

Maheesh Theekshana to Mahipal Lomror, ! CAUGHT! Huge gamble from MS Dhoni but it has paid off! Maheesh Theekshana serves a low full toss on the middle stump line at around 101 clicks. It is fired in. Mahipal Lomror looks to take on the long on fielder but neither gets the elevation nor the power. The ball goes to Ruturaj Gaikwad and he takes the catch after almost making a meal of it. Lomror departs after a blistering knock.

Maheesh Theekshana to bowl the 19th over.

Dwaine Pretorius to Dinesh Karthik, Two more and that makes it 18 off the over! Full and at the toes, Karthik clips it in front of square on the leg side and picks up a couple of runs.

Dwaine Pretorius to Mahipal Lomror, Full and wide, Lomror reaches out and slices it behind point for a single.

Dwaine Pretorius to Mahipal Lomror, ! Wow! Just a slap for a maximum! This is in the slot outside off, Mahipal Lomror fetches it and hits it flat and hard over the wide long on fence. Top shot! The 150 is up for Bangalore.

Halt in play! Ravindra Jadeja has injured himself while trying to take the catch. The physio rushes out to assist him. He looks fine!

Dwaine Pretorius to Mahipal Lomror, That looked like a nasty fall! This is pitched up, around off. Mahipal Lomror looks to whack it through the line but miscues it high and towards the extra cover region. Ravindra Jadeja steams in from the fence and puts on the afterburners to get a hand on it but ends up spilling it. He takes a tumble and seems to have hurt his knee, hope he is fine. Two taken.

Dwaine Pretorius to Mahipal Lomror, WIDE! Pretorius trying to take away Lomror's swinging arc but spills it way beyond the tramline. Wide called.

Dwaine Pretorius to Mahipal Lomror, Change of pace and a change of length as well from Dwaine Pretorius. Full and slow, outside off. Lomror pushes it through extra cover and races back for the second run. Good running.

Dwaine Pretorius to Mahipal Lomror, ! Up and over! Short of a length, outside off. Mahipal Lomror frees his arms and muscles the ball over mid off for a boundary.

Maheesh Theekshana to Dinesh Karthik, A yorker to end the over, on middle and Dinesh Karthik can only squeeze it back to the bowler. 

Maheesh Theekshana to Dinesh Karthik, Around off, pushed to covers for no run. 

Maheesh Theekshana to Mahipal Lomror, Just over! Flighted ball, on middle, Mahipal Lomror tries to heave but is too late into his shot and the ball goes just over the leaping mid-wicket fielder for a single. 

Maheesh Theekshana to Dinesh Karthik, Too full and on off, worked away to covers for a single.

Maheesh Theekshana to Dinesh Karthik, ! Swept away! Tossed up, full and outside off. Dinesh Karthik drags it off the inner half and sweeps it to deep square leg for a boundary. 

Maheesh Theekshana to Dinesh Karthik, Flatter and outside off. Dinesh Karthik hangs back to work it on the leg side but ends up slicing it to point. 

Dwaine Pretorius to Mahipal Lomror, ! Wonderful shot to end the over! This is full and around off. Lomror gets low and across to sweep it behind square on the leg side for a boundary. 

Dwaine Pretorius to Dinesh Karthik, Tad fuller and on middle. Dinesh flicks it aerially but well wide of mid-wicket for a single. 

Dwaine Pretorius to Mahipal Lomror, Length and outside off. Mahipal punches it to deep cover for a single.

Dwaine Pretorius to Mahipal Lomror, Wide! Full ball outside off, away from the hitting arc but over the tramline. Lomror leaves it for a wide.

Strategic break! Just when Bangalore had regained lost momentum, a wicket has gone down but Mahipal Lomror has played enough deliveries to take his side to a decent score now. Chennai spinners kept a lid on the runs but once the batters got their eye in, they were hit for a few boundaries. The innings is very well poised and the remaining overs ought to be exciting.

Dwaine Pretorius to Dinesh Karthik, Angling on the pads, it is hit behind square on the leg side for a single.

Dwaine Pretorius to Rajat Patidar, ! TAKEN! Spectacular catch from Mukesh Choudhary! Fuller ball from around the wicket and on off. There was not much pace on offer and Patidar failed to read it. He tries to heave it but does not have much power behind the shot. The ball balloons towards square leg. Mukesh Choudhary charges forward from the fence and covers a lot of ground before putting in a big dive to catch it. Rajat Patidar goes after playing a fine knock. 

Dwaine Pretorius to Dinesh Karthik, On a length and on off. Karthik blocks it out.

Dwaine Pretorius to bowl for the first time tonight.

Maheesh Theekshana to Mahipal Lomror, ! Mahipal Lomror is turning it on! This stand moves to 44 and Bangalore have recovered well. Floated and full, around leg, Lomror kneels and smokes it over square leg for a maximum. 30 balls left in the innings, can Bangalore get close to 180?

Maheesh Theekshana to Mahipal Lomror, Skidding away, short in length, Maheesh Theekshana goes back to cut but mistimes it back towards the bowler.

Maheesh Theekshana to Rajat Patidar, Gets behind the line and punches it back. Maheesh Theekshana fails to stop it cleanly and parries it to mid-wicket. They cross.

Maheesh Theekshana to Rajat Patidar, ! Tossed up, full and on middle, Rajat Patidar throws all his power behind it and smacks it over the mid on region for a powerful boundary.

Maheesh Theekshana to Mahipal Lomror, Quicker on middle, skidding off the surface, Mahipal somehow keeps it out off the inner half. It rolls towards square leg and they cross.

Maheesh Theekshana to Rajat Patidar, A little short and on off, Rajat punches it down to wide long on for a run.

Maheesh Theekshana (1-0-6-0) is back on.

Moeen Ali to Rajat Patidar, Slower through the air, full and around off, Rajat Patidar works it towards square leg for one. Moeen is done with his spell, 4-0-28-2, a fantastic effort from him.

Moeen Ali to Mahipal Lomror, Goes on the back foot to a short ball around off and punches it to sweeper cover for a run.

Moeen Ali to Rajat Patidar, Allows the ball to spin back in from around off and nudges it behind square leg for a run.

Moeen Ali to Rajat Patidar, Wide! Spinning down the leg side, Rajat tries to flick but misses.

Moeen Ali to Rajat Patidar, AERIAL BUT SAFE! Flighted off spinner, around off, Rajat Patidar aims for a big shot but it takes the toe end of his bat and flies towards wide long on. It falls safely and they take a couple.

Will Moeen Ali bowl out as well? Yes, he will. Ali has figures of 3-0-17-2 so far.

Moeen Ali to Mahipal Lomror, Loopy and around off, pushed gently to covers for one.

Moeen Ali to Mahipal Lomror, ! Smashed away! Fuller and around middle, Mahipal Lomror uses his bottom hand to good effect and clobbers it straight down the ground for a boundary.

Ravindra Jadeja to Mahipal Lomror, Full and around off, driven through covers for a single.

Ravindra Jadeja to Mahipal Lomror, A touch short and on off, Mahipal turns it on the leg side but finds the fielder in front of square on the leg side.

Ravindra Jadeja to Rajat Patidar, Around off, tapped down to covers for a quick run.

Ravindra Jadeja to Mahipal Lomror, A fuller one on off, Mahipal Lomror cuts it through point and gets a single.

Ravindra Jadeja to Rajat Patidar, Fuller one on off, Rajat Patidar plays it a bit aerially but wide of the cover fielder. They cross.

Ravindra Jadeja to Mahipal Lomror, Quicker one, around off, Mahipal Lomror gets back and helps it off the inner half to square leg for one.

Ravindra Jadeja to bowl out.

Moeen Ali to Rajat Patidar, Full and floated, around off and turning in, Patidar tries to flick but misses. It goes off his pads to short fine leg and they cross for a leg bye. 11 from the over!

Moeen Ali to Mahipal Lomror, Flatter one on off, Mahipal Lomror eases it through mid off and rotates the strike.

Moeen Ali to Mahipal Lomror, Tossed up, around off, Mahipal Lomror pushes it with gentle hands towards cover-point and eyes a quick run. He is sent back.

Moeen Ali to Rajat Patidar, Fuller one on off, Rajat Patidar pushes it towards square leg and gets a single.

Moeen Ali to Rajat Patidar, Wide! Spinning down the leg side, Rajat lets it be to the keeper.

Moeen Ali to Rajat Patidar, ! Out of here! Floated delivery, landing full and around off, Rajat Patidar goes with the spin and punishes it over wide long on for a biggie. Bangalore will hope that this shot breaks the shackles.

Moeen Ali to Mahipal Lomror, Tossed-up delivery on off, Mahipal Lomror eases it through mid off and gets a single.

Ravindra Jadeja to Mahipal Lomror, Short and around off, Mahipal Lomror rocks back and cuts it to deep point for one. A lovely phase of play for Chennai!

Ravindra Jadeja to Mahipal Lomror, A fuller one on middle, Mahipal Lomror tries to cut it through covers but couldn't connect well. He mistimes it towards covers.

Ravindra Jadeja to Rajat Patidar, Quicker one, around off, Rajat Patidar pushes it in the gap at covers for a run.

Ravindra Jadeja to Mahipal Lomror, Flatter one and on off, Mahipal Lomror plays it towards point and gets a single.

Ravindra Jadeja to Rajat Patidar, On middle, worked through square leg for a run.

Ravindra Jadeja to Mahipal Lomror, On a good length and on middle, Mahipal Lomror flicks it towards square leg and gets a single.

Moeen Ali to Rajat Patidar, Gets behind the line and defends it to the bowler. At the halfway mark, Bangalore are 79/3!

Rajat Patidar walks in at number 5.

Moeen Ali to Virat Kohli, ! BOWLED! Moeen is turning on the heat in his comeback game! It's a well-tossed up delivery, landing full around off and turning back in sharply. Virat Kohli strides forward, attempting to flick but misses and it goes right through the gate to rattle the stumps. A massive breakthrough for Chennai, Kohli falls after a slow knock.

Moeen Ali to Virat Kohli, Wide! Spinning down the leg side, Kohli tries to flick but misses.

Moeen Ali to Virat Kohli, Beaten! Skidding away after landing on a shorter length outside off, Kohli tries to cut but misses.

Moeen Ali to Virat Kohli, Loopy and on off, flicked on the leg side but straight to square leg.

Moeen Ali to Mahipal Lomror, Floated and full, around off, Lomror plays it with soft hands to the off side and looks for a run. He is sent back. A wayward throw at the striker's end and this time the batters cross.

Moeen Ali to Virat Kohli, A flatter one on leg, Virat Kohli eases it towards square leg and rotates the strike.

Strategic Break! The wicket of Glenn Maxwell has just pulled back Bangalore on the back foot. After a good opening stand, Bangalore have lost two quick wickets and will look upto Virat Kohli to handle the innings now. Chennai did not have the best of starts but the spinners have done really well to put a lid on the runs. Mahipal Lomror joins Kohli in the middle.

Ravindra Jadeja to Virat Kohli, ! RUN OUT! A small moment of indecision has cost Glenn Maxwell his wicket. Tossed up, around off, Kohli eases it down to covers and sets off for a run. Glenn also takes off but stutters a bit before racing away. Robin Uthappa, in the meantime, attacks the ball and sends across a good throw to the keeper. MS Dhoni breaks the stumps and Maxwell is short of the crease. The replays also confirm the same and the Aussie will have to go. 

Run out appeal! Just one replay is enough for the TV umpire to make the decision. Glenn Maxwell is a goner. 

Ravindra Jadeja to Virat Kohli, ! Short in length and outside off, Virat Kohli opens up and cuts it towards backward point for a boundary.

Ravindra Jadeja to Virat Kohli, A touch flatter and on middle, pushed back to the bowler.

Ravindra Jadeja to Glenn Maxwell, Fires it full and around leg, Glenn nudges it through square leg and rotates the strike.

Ravindra Jadeja to Virat Kohli, Leans forward and pushes it gently towards point for a quick run.

Ravindra Jadeja to Virat Kohli,  LEG BYES! A flatter one on leg, Virat Kohli tries to flick it but misses. It hits his pads and the ball goes behind the ropes for a boundary in the fine leg region.

Moeen Ali to Virat Kohli, Close to the off pole, Kohli hangs back and stabs it towards short third man for a quick single.

Moeen Ali to Glenn Maxwell, Tossed up a bit, around off. Maxwell presses forward and pushes it down to long off for another single.

Moeen Ali to Virat Kohli, Shorter delivery, on middle. Kohli turns it through mid on for a single.

Glenn Maxwell is the new man in.

Moeen Ali to Glenn Maxwell, Pitched up, on off. Maxwell drives it down to long on and gets off the mark with a single.

Moeen Ali to Faf du Plessis, ! CAUGHT! Moeen Ali comes into the attack and breaks the opening stand! This is a bit of a long hop, around off. It is there to be hit and Faf du Plessis takes it on. Du Plessis rocks back but doesn't quite go through with the swing of his bat. Faf ends up hitting it towards the mid-wicket fence where Ravindra Jadeja takes a simple catch. Du Plessis departs but he has provided Bangalore a good start!

Moeen Ali to Faf du Plessis, Moeen comes into the attack. He begins with a fullish delivery, around off and there's just a hint of turn into the right-hander. Faf du Plessis keeps it out on the off side.

Ravindra Jadeja to Faf du Plessis, This is speared into off, Faf drives it down to long off and picks up a run.

Ravindra Jadeja to Virat Kohli, On middle, eased through square leg for a single.

Ravindra Jadeja to Virat Kohli, Just a bit shorter in length and outside off. Kohli dabs it down towards backward point.

Ravindra Jadeja to Faf du Plessis, This one just holds a bit on the surface. On middle, du Plessis nudges it past square leg for a run.

Ravindra Jadeja to Virat Kohli, Flatter, on middle, flicked through mid-wicket for one more.

Ravindra Jadeja is into the attack.

Ravindra Jadeja to Faf du Plessis, On a length, around off. Du Plessis cuts it in front of square on the off side for one.

Maheesh Theekshana to Faf du Plessis, This is a bit shorter and angled into the leg stump. Du Plessis moves past the leg stump and works it through mid-wicket to make it six singles in the over. At the end of the Powerplay, Bangalore are at 57/0, a good start from them.

Spin for the first time as Maheesh Theekshana comes to bowl the final over of the Powerplay.

Maheesh Theekshana to Virat Kohli, A bit fuller and around middle, Kohli leans in and works it down to long on to rotate the strike.

Maheesh Theekshana to Faf du Plessis, This is smart batting from these two, just milking the strike bowler. On middle and leg, worked around the corner for a single.

Maheesh Theekshana to Virat Kohli, Flatter and quicker, on middle. Virat Kohli wrists it towards mid-wicket for one more.

Maheesh Theekshana to Faf du Plessis, Around middle, Faf nudges it towards wide mid on. The bowler chases it down and the batters settle for a single.

Maheesh Theekshana to Virat Kohli, Theekshana starts off with a quicker delivery, short of a length and around off. Kohli smashes it off the back foot but it is well stopped at covers. Single taken.

Mukesh Choudhary to Faf du Plessis, ! 50 up for Bangalore! FInally, their openers are off to a superb start! This is full and on off, Faf du Plessis gets low, clears his front leg and slams it over long on for a maximum. 18 runs off the over. 

Mukesh Choudhary to Faf du Plessis, Fuller ball outside off. Du Plessis looks to go over covers but it goes off the splice and over the point fielder for a couple of runs. 

Mukesh Choudhary to Faf du Plessis, On the pads, it is flicked to deep backward square leg for a couple of runs. 

Mukesh Choudhary to Faf du Plessis, ! Second boundary off the over! Too full and outside off. Du Plessis looks to drive but gets a thick outside edge. No slip this time and the ball races away to the third man fence. 

We are all set for the play to begin! The two umpires make their way out to the middle followed by the players of Chennai. The Bangalore skipper Faf du Plessis joins Virat Kohli to open the innings. Mukesh Choudhary has the new ball in hand and is raring to go. Let's play...

Mukesh Choudhary to Faf du Plessis, Angles a length ball across and Faf du Plessis is beaten as he tries to cut it away. 

Mukesh Choudhary to Faf du Plessis, ! Good shot! Touch fuller and around off. Du Plessis punches it swiftly past mid off for a boundary. 

Simarjeet Singh to Virat Kohli, ! Short in length and room given outside off. Virat Kohli swings his bat hard and hammers it over covers for a biggie. 

Simarjeet Singh to Virat Kohli, Around off, on a length. Virat knocks it to covers. 

Simarjeet Singh to Virat Kohli, Bangs a bouncer, on middle. Virat Kohli misses his hook. 

Simarjeet Singh to Faf du Plessis, Three taken! Length ball, on middle. Du Plessis tucks it past square leg. Fast outfield here and the batters will take three runs. 

Simarjeet Singh to Faf du Plessis, ! Bangalore are finding a way to snatch a boundary every over. Not the best of shots again from du Plessis. Length ball, way outside off. Du Plessis throws his bat at it. The ball goes off the outer half of the bat and over short third man for a boundary. 

Simarjeet Singh to Faf du Plessis, Length and on off. Kept out by du Plessis.

Mukesh Choudhary to Virat Kohli, A widish yorker, just outside off. Kohli jams it out to cover-point. Good bowling from Mukesh Choudhary, keeping it tight. 

Mukesh Choudhary to Virat Kohli, Wide! Spills this one way outside off, over the tramline. A wide called.

Mukesh Choudhary to Virat Kohli, Around off, it is hit in front of point for no run.

Mukesh Choudhary to Virat Kohli, Length ball on off. Virat drops it to backward point. Straight to the fielder.

Mukesh Choudhary to Faf du Plessis, Outside off, dabbed away to third man for a run.

Mukesh Choudhary to Faf du Plessis, A length ball, angling across, outside off. Du Plessis swings his bat at it but misses.

Mukesh Choudhary to Faf du Plessis, ! Edged, this time from the bat of Faf! Good shape again from Choudhary, on a length and around off, Faf du Plessis hangs back to punch it but gets an inside edge, past the leg stump for a boundary at fine leg. 

Simarjeet Singh to Virat Kohli, Easy couple! Length ball, slanting on the pads. Kohli nudges it past square leg for two runs. 

Simarjeet Singh to Virat Kohli, Angling on middle, it is hit to mid-wicket.

Simarjeet Singh to Virat Kohli, Length ball, outside off, this one nips away. Kohli this time defends it watchfully. 

Simarjeet Singh to Virat Kohli, ! Edged away for a boundary! A length ball, outside off, shaping away. Kohli is drawn forward to drive this but gets a thick outside edge, past the second slip fielder and to the third man fence. 

Simarjeet Singh to Virat Kohli, On middle, on a length, tucked to mid-wicket.

Simarjeet Singh to Faf du Plessis, Short of a length and on the hips, du Plessis glances it to square leg for a single. 

Simarjeet Singh to Faf du Plessis, Wide! Full ball down the leg side, du Plessis misses his flick. 

Simarjeet Singh to bowl from the opposite end.

Mukesh Choudhary to Virat Kohli, Aggression from Mukesh! This is on a length and around off. Kohli steps forward and blocks it back to the bowler. Mukesh Choudhary collects and has a shy across but hits the batter instead. Choudhary apologizes immediately.

Mukesh Choudhary to Virat Kohli, ! First one of the innings! Too straight, on the pads. Kohli just helps it away fine to fine leg for a boundary. 

Mukesh Choudhary to Virat Kohli, Choudhary continues to bowl on a length, around middle. Virat defends by getting a straight bat down.

Mukesh Choudhary to Virat Kohli, On a length, around off, shaping in. Kohli taps it gently to covers.

Mukesh Choudhary to Faf du Plessis, Shape again there, fuller ball and around middle, du Plessis nudges it to deep square leg to get off the mark with a single.

Mukesh Choudhary to Virat Kohli, Starts with a full ball, shaping into the batter, on the pads. Kohli leans and flicks it to deep square leg for a single. With that, Kohli and Bangalore are off the mark.

Glenn Maxwell is up for a chat. Shares that he has been hitting the ball well, he feels there's a big score around the corner. Adds that they played nicely in the last game but were unlucky, the wicket of Tewatia would have been a different game. Further says that there is good energy around. Tells that each match is exciting and hopes for a great contest here.

MS Dhoni, the skipper of Chennai says that they will bowl first. Adds that the ball stops a bit initially here and the dew comes in pretty late, so it doesn't make much of a difference. Mentions that the wicket looks good and they want to play good cricket. Informs that Moeen Ali comes in for Mitchell Santner. Adds that they want to be more consistent with the batting and not give away a big over at crucial stages while bowling and hopes to improve upon the fielding as well.

Faf du Plessis, the captain of Bangalore says even he wasn't sure of the wicket and he was considering batting first. Adds that the previous match had a good batting performance and he wants his team to play the same way. Informs they are going with the same XI.

Bangalore (Unchanged playing XI) - Virat Kohli, Faf du Plessis (C), Rajat Patidar, Glenn Maxwell, Dinesh Karthik (WK), Shahbaz Ahmed, Mahipal Lomror, Wanindu Hasaranga, Harshal Patel, Josh Hazlewood, Mohammed Siraj. 

Chennai (Playing XI) - Ruturaj Gaikwad, Devon Conway, Robin Uthappa, Ambati Rayudu, Moeen Ali (In for Mitchell Santner), MS Dhoni (C/WK), Ravindra Jadeja, Simarjeet Singh, Dwaine Pretorius, Mukesh Choudhary, Maheesh Theekshana.

Toss - Chennai have won the toss and they have elected to BOWL first!

... MATCH DAY ...

Last night we saw Gujarat lose their second game of the season after five consecutive wins which also meant that Punjab got back in the mix for the playoffs race. Tonight, in match number 49 we will witness the reverse fixture between Chennai and Bangalore. The last time these two sides met, we saw an entertaining and high-scoring encounter that Chennai edged thanks to a big score on the board. Expect some more fireworks tonight and on that note, we welcome you to the coverage.

PITCH REPORT - Danny Morrison is pitchside. Danny says it's the third time they are playing on this pitch and it is dry, the grass has come off a bit more. Adds that the spinners will enjoy more and the pacers will have to vary their pace and bowl into the deck more. Suggests that the pacers should also look to bowl more yorkers.

In their last game, MS Dhoni took on the reigns back from Ravindra Jadeja and the former Chennai skipper rallied his troops to a much-needed win thanks to some explosive batting from Ruturaj Gaikwad and Devon Conway at the top. Chennai are still pretty further down in the table but a win here will all of a sudden get them level on points with a couple of sides above them. Also, on a personal milestone, MS Dhoni will be playing his 200th Indian T20 League game for Chennai.

Bangalore, on the other hand, are on a three-match losing streak and even though Virat Kohli scored a half-century last time it wasn't quite vintage Virat. Rajat Patidar, Glenn Maxwell and even Mahipal Lomror were good in the middle order but Kohli and du Plessis need to get their side off to a flying start so that those big-hitters can come into play more. They are in desperate need of a win tonight or else they will just keep falling behind in the playoffs race. So, both teams need a win bi