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Chennai vs Punjab Live Commentary, Match 53, Indian Premier League, 2021, October 7, 2021

CSK 134/6 (20)
Punjab Kings beat Chennai Super Kings by 6 wickets
PBKS 139/4 (13)
Match over
Chennai Super Kings Inning Punjab Kings Inning
0.0 : .... Match Day ....
One team has got the ice cream and wants a cherry on the top while the other team is still struggling to get hold of the ice cream. That's the situation of Chennai (eyeing the top 2 finish) and Punjab (hoping for a backdoor entry to the playoffs) currently on the table of the 2021 Indian T20 League. To be inconsistent has become second nature to Punjab and the UAE leg has been no different. For Chennai, they seem to have taken their foot off the pedal slightly in the last two games. It's hard to
Pitch report - Pommie Mbangwa is down there inspecting the conditions. The Zimbabwean starts by informing the obvious - It's very hot! He shares that they are using pitch number 3 for this encounter, which means they are moving away from the centre - 60m boundary on one side and 73m on the other. The batters will have to smartly pick their areas for the big shots. Batters will enjoy this, reckons Pommie.
Toss - MS Dhoni and KL Rahul are in the middle. The former flips the coin, Rahul calls Heads and it has come down as Heads. PUNJAB ELECT TO FIELD!
KL Rahul, the captain of Punjab, says that they are bowling first as that will allow them to know the target. Adds that the middle order has tried its best but has not delivered at times and it has not been able to soak the pressure. Tells that they are a talented bunch of players and as a young group, this is something they can learn and improve on. Informs that Chris Jordan is replacing Nicholas Pooran in the XI.
MS Dhoni, the skipper of Chennai, says that it's tough to maintain fitness but it looks good and there are no concerns as such. Informs that they are playing the same XI as the wicket looks good and heat is a factor and they would have batted first anyway. On playing for Chennai next season, Dhoni smiles and says that we will see him in yellow, playing or not, he is not sure, as there are a lot of uncertainties coming up, two new teams are coming and they don't know the retention policy. Hope
Punjab (Playing XI) - KL Rahul (C/WK), Mayank Agarwal, Aiden Markram, Sarfaraz Khan, Shahrukh Khan, Moises Henriques, Harpreet Brar, Chris Jordan (In for Nicholas Pooran), Mohammed Shami, Arshdeep Singh, Ravi Bishnoi.
Chennai (Unchanged Playing XI) - Ruturaj Gaikwad, Faf du Plessis, Moeen Ali, Ambati Rayudu, Robin Uthappa, MS Dhoni (C/WK), Ravindra Jadeja, Dwayne Bravo, Shardul Thakur, Deepak Chahar, Josh Hazlewood.
We are set for the game to begin! The players of Punjab are in a huddle before dispersing on the field! Ruturaj Gaikwad and Faf du Plessis are the opening batters for Chennai who are at the crease! Mohammed Shami to start the proceedings with the ball. Here we go...
0.1 : Mohammed Shami to Ruturaj Gaikwad, Chennai are away straightaway! Shami starts with a delivery that is a little too straight in line, on a length and angling down, Ruturaj Gaikwad clips it off his pads to deep backward square leg for a single.
0.2 : Mohammed Shami to Faf du Plessis, Du Plessis also opens his account immediately. Fuller and on middle, Faf bunts it down in front of mid on and scampers across to the other end.
0.3 : Mohammed Shami to Ruturaj Gaikwad, Lands it on a length close to off, shaping in a bit, Ruturaj Gaikwad tries to defend close to his body but gets an inside edge onto the pads.
0.4 : Mohammed Shami to Ruturaj Gaikwad, Again an inside edge. Shami goes fuller and serves it on off, Gaikwad looks to defend but it takes the inside edge. The ball deflects off his pads to covers.
0.5 : Mohammed Shami to Ruturaj Gaikwad, Unconvincing from Ruturaj Gaikwad. Short and around middle, Gaikwad walks down to work it away but fails to middle his shot. The ball kisses the gloves and falls safely behind square leg. They cross. 
0.6 : Mohammed Shami to Faf du Plessis, Full and on middle, angling in, du Plessis gets behind the line and blocks it safely. 3 from the first over!
1.1 : Harpreet Brar to Ruturaj Gaikwad, FOUR! Straightaway Ruturaj Gaikwad is on the attack. Full and flighted on middle, Gaikwad skips down the track and smashes it over wide mid on. Chris Jordan gives the chase, tries his best to pull it back but fails to do so cleanly. The ball has touched the fence. 
1.2 : Harpreet Brar to Ruturaj Gaikwad, Short in length, around off, Ruturaj Gaikwad steps back to cut but finds the point fielder. Either side of that fielder and that would have been a boundary. They cross.
1.3 : Harpreet Brar to Faf du Plessis, Fires in a quicker one, on middle and leg, angling down, du Plessis fails to keep it out and is hit on the pads.
1.4 : Harpreet Brar to Faf du Plessis, Two wides! Another one skidding down the leg side, the latter fails to work it around and the keeper also fumbles. Ruturaj Gaikwad calls his partner for a run.
Harpreet Brar to Ruturaj Gaikwad, Aerial but safe! Flatter and fuller around middle, Ruturaj Gaikwad top-edges his attempted sweep shot. The ball loops in the air but doesn't carry to short fine leg.
1.5 : Harpreet Brar to Ruturaj Gaikwad, Flatter and on the pads, tucked behind square leg for a single.
1.6 : Harpreet Brar to Faf du Plessis, Quicker and fuller on off, Faf du Plessis walks forward and drives but finds the extra cover fielder. A good comeback by Brar.
2.1 : Mohammed Shami to Ruturaj Gaikwad, Slightly short and around off, angling in, Gaikwad defends it from the back foot to point.
0.0 : Harpreet Brar will bowl from the other end.
2.2 : Mohammed Shami to Ruturaj Gaikwad, Shortish and on off, Gaikwad pushes it with an angled bat to backward point.
2.3 : Mohammed Shami to Ruturaj Gaikwad, Around middle and leg, on a length, it's easily worked around the corner for a single at square leg.
2.4 : Mohammed Shami to Faf du Plessis, Play and a miss! Faf du Plessis tries to be adventurous but fails to execute his shot. On a length and outside off at 133 clicks, Faf shuffles across for the paddle scoop but it beats his bat.
2.5 : Mohammed Shami to Faf du Plessis, A 139.6 kph yorker around off, Faf du Plessis digs it out back to the bowler.
2.6 : Mohammed Shami to Faf du Plessis, Streaky! Shami delivers it on a length around off, du Plessis clears his front leg to heave it over the leg side but only manages an outside edge. It goes to third man and they take a run. 3 good overs from Punjab!
3.1 : Arshdeep Singh to Faf du Plessis, Back of a length around middle and off, du Plessis stands across inside the crease and tickles it behind square leg for a single.
0.0 : Arshdeep Singh comes into the attack now. He replaces Harpreet Brar.
3.2 : Arshdeep Singh to Ruturaj Gaikwad, This one is served around middle and leg, Ruturaj Gaikwad flicks it wide of short fine leg and takes a couple of runs.
3.3 : Arshdeep Singh to Ruturaj Gaikwad, Angling away from the batsman, on a length, Gaikwad taps it down in front of point and takes a single.
3.4 : Arshdeep Singh to Faf du Plessis, Faf uses his feet for this delivery. The length is short and the line is on middle and off, du Plessis mistimes his shot to mid off for a single.
3.5 : Arshdeep Singh to Ruturaj Gaikwad, OUT! Gaikwad has been bounced out yet again! Arshdeep provides Punjab with the first breakthrough. Digs in a short delivery, around off and climbing onto the batsman at 131 clicks, Ruturaj Gaikwad tries to pull but it takes the top edge and flies to mid-wicket. Shahrukh Khan is waiting there with open arms. He catches it with ease and Chennai lose their first wicket.
Moeen Ali walks out to bat.
3.6 : Arshdeep Singh to Faf du Plessis, A touch short and close to off, angling away from the batsman, du Plessis plays late and guides it towards short third man. Mayank Agarwal makes a diving stop and prevents a boundary. A single to end a successful over for Arshdeep Singh. 
4.1 : Mohammed Shami to Faf du Plessis, Shortish and on middle, Faf du Plessis uses his wrists to work it towards square leg. It's straight towards the fielder but they still cross for a risky run. 
4.2 : Mohammed Shami to Moeen Ali, Around off on a length, Moeen stays on the back foot and defends it down on the surface.
4.3 : Mohammed Shami to Moeen Ali, Moeen gets hurried up! Shami bangs it in short, around off, Ali mistimes his pull shot in the air. Luckily for him, the ball doesn't carry to mid on.
4.4 : Mohammed Shami to Moeen Ali, Back of a length around off, at 138.4 kph, Moeen defends it from the back foot to extra cover.
4.5 : Mohammed Shami to Moeen Ali, A bit uppish. Full in length around off, angling away, Moeen drives it on the up but fails to find the gap. It goes rolling to extra cover.
4.6 : Mohammed Shami to Moeen Ali, Slower one, on middle and off at 119.4 kph, Moeen plays late and taps it down to point. Superb over.
5.1 : Arshdeep Singh to Faf du Plessis, FOUR! Glorious! Fuller in length, around middle and off, du Plessis stays leg-side of this delivery and crunches it down the ground through mid off for a boundary.
5.2 : Arshdeep Singh to Faf du Plessis, FOUR! Faf du Plessis has started to motor along now. Arshdeep responds with a short delivery after getting hit for a boundary on the last ball, Faf du Plessis anticipates it well and pulls it powerfully to the deep mid-wicket fence.
5.3 : Arshdeep Singh to Faf du Plessis, Arshdeep switches to 'round the wicket and angles in a full ball on off, Faf du Plessis pushes it to covers and takes a single.
0.0 : There is a slight halt in play as Faf du Plessis is having an issue with the sightscreen! It is sorted now and we are good to go!
5.4 : Arshdeep Singh to Moeen Ali, OUT! CAUGHT BEHIND! Well bowled by Arshdeep Singh. Perfect line and length from him, just around off with a lovely seam presentation. He clocks 133.5 kph and gets it to move away a bit too with some extra bounce. Moeen stands back and probably tries to play late to explore the third man region. But all he manages is an outside edge to the keeper. KL Rahul grabs it safely and Chennai are two down inside the Powerplay. 
5.5 : Arshdeep Singh to Robin Uthappa, On a length around off, at 130.5 kph, Robin Uthappa plays it down from the crease to point.
5.4 : Robin Uthappa is the new man in.
5.6 : Arshdeep Singh to Robin Uthappa, Identical to the last delivery, this time Robin Uthappa guides it down to third man for a single. At the end of the Powerplay, Chennai are 30/2.
6.1 : Chris Jordan to Robin Uthappa, Good start by Jordan! Back of a length, outside off, Robin Uthappa pokes at it tentatively and the ball just misses the outside edge of his blade on its way to the keeper.
0.0 : Chris Jordan comes to bowl.
6.2 : Chris Jordan to Robin Uthappa, Length ball, on the stumps, Robin Uthappa works it towards the long on fielder for a single.
6.3 : Chris Jordan to Faf du Plessis, On a length, outside off, Faf du Plessis guides it towards point for a single.
6.4 : Chris Jordan to Robin Uthappa, Back of a length, on middle, Robin Uthappa pushes it off the back foot towards the mid on area. DOT BALL!
6.5 : Chris Jordan to Robin Uthappa, OUT! Chris Jordan strikes in his first over! Short and wide around off, Robin Uthappa goes for the pull shot but miscues it. Gets a top edge as the ball flies towards the deep mid-wicket region and Harpreet Brar runs across to his left in the deep to complete a great tumbling catch. Chennai are now three down and in trouble.
6.6 : Chris Jordan to Faf du Plessis, Back of a length, jagging back in sharply from middle. Faf du Plessis taps it to backward point and collects a single. Just 3 runs and a wicket off this over!
Ambati Rayudu is in next.
7.1 : Ravi Bishnoi to Faf du Plessis, Bishnoi tosses this one up, outside off. Faf du Plessis stays back and taps it past point to take a run.
7.2 : Ravi Bishnoi to Ambati Rayudu, A googly, landing on leg and turning sharply. Ambati Rayudu misses his tickle to fine leg and Punjab appeal. KL Rahul thinks he has got his man here but the umpire is unmoved. Not called a wide and Ambati Rayudu is not happy.
7.3 : Ravi Bishnoi to Ambati Rayudu, Flatter ball, outside off. Ambati Rayudu cuts it to deep point for a single.
7.4 : Ravi Bishnoi to Faf du Plessis, Quicker ball, on a length, outside off. Faf du Plessis cuts it towards sweeper cover for a single.
7.5 : Ravi Bishnoi to Ambati Rayudu, Floated, around off. Ambati Rayudu presses forward and taps it to the right of the backward point fielder for one.
7.6 : Ravi Bishnoi to Faf du Plessis, Wide! Full and too wide, outside off. Faf du Plessis leaves it alone. Wide called by the umpire.
Ravi Bishnoi to Faf du Plessis, Tossed up, on middle and leg. Faf du Plessis works it to deep mid-wicket to collect a run and he will keep the strike for the next over.
8.1 : Chris Jordan to Faf du Plessis, Length ball, wide, outside off, Faf du Plessis cuts it to sweeper cover for a single.
8.2 : Chris Jordan to Ambati Rayudu, Almost chopped on there! On a length, nipping into Ambati Rayudu who looks to cut but gets an inside edge just away from the off stump towards the fine leg area for a couple.
8.3 : Chris Jordan to Ambati Rayudu, OUT! Another good running catch in the deep! Jordan has two in the match now. The Englishman bowls it short and around off, at 138.3 kph, Rayudu steps back and forward to slap it over the infield on the off side. He doesn't get it from the middle of the bat and it flies to deep point. Arshdeep Singh sprints across to his left and takes a fantastic catch. Rayudu returns and Chennai are four down now.
Strategic Time-Out! Punjab are all over Chennai at the moment. They have removed the cream of their batting and have them on the mat. Can Punjab keep the upper hand? Here comes MS Dhoni to partner du Plessis.  
8.4 : Chris Jordan to MS Dhoni, Back of a length, outside off, MS Dhoni guides it towards the third man region for a single. He is off the mark!
8.5 : Chris Jordan to Faf du Plessis, WIDE! Chris Jordan drags it down the leg side. Faf du Plessis leaves it alone as the ball goes away to the keeper.
Chris Jordan to Faf du Plessis, Shout for a caught behind! Not given. Length ball, outside off, Faf du Plessis looks to cut it but the ball misses his blade by just a whisker. KL Rahul collects and they appeal unsuccessfully. Punjab are thinking about the review as there's some noise but decide otherwise. Nothing on the UltraEdge.
8.6 : Chris Jordan to Faf du Plessis, On a length, on middle, Faf du Plessis works it towards the mid-wicket region. DOT BALL AGAIN!
9.1 : Ravi Bishnoi to MS Dhoni, FOUR! Punished by MS Dhoni! A juicy full toss, outside off. Dhoni skips down and hits it past the point fielder for a boundary.
9.2 : Ravi Bishnoi to MS Dhoni, Well bowled! Bishnoi sees Dhoni advancing down the track, he drags his length back, on off. MS Dhoni blocks it out.
9.3 : Ravi Bishnoi to MS Dhoni, BEATEN! Flatter ball, turning away sharply after landing, outside off. MS Dhoni presses forward to block but the ball zips past his outside edge.
9.4 : Ravi Bishnoi to MS Dhoni, Tossed up, outside off. MS Dhoni drives it through covers to collect a single.
9.5 : Ravi Bishnoi to Faf du Plessis, FOUR! Nicely done! A half-tracker, outside off. Faf du Plessis stays back and cuts it hard past the sweeper cover for a boundary.
9.6 : Ravi Bishnoi to Faf du Plessis, Fuller in length, around off. Faf du Plessis digs it out back to the bowler.
10.1 : Harpreet Brar to MS Dhoni, Fuller, outside off, MS Dhoni drives it to the cover fielder in the ring.
10.2 : Harpreet Brar to MS Dhoni, Flatter, on the pads, MS Dhoni looks to work it away towards the on side but misses and gets hit on the pads.
10.3 : Harpreet Brar to MS Dhoni, Shorter length, on off, MS Dhoni skips down the track and looks to defend it. He does but not convincingly.
10.4 : Harpreet Brar to MS Dhoni, Fuller, outside off, MS Dhoni pushes it towards the off side. Another dot ball!
10.5 : Harpreet Brar to MS Dhoni, Flatter ball, shorter, MS Dhoni works it towards the mid-wicket area for a single.
10.6 : Harpreet Brar to Faf du Plessis, Wide! Skidding down the leg side, Faf du Plessis tries to flick but misses.
Harpreet Brar to Faf du Plessis, Full and around off, pushed back towards the bowler who made a diving stop.
11.1 : Ravi Bishnoi to MS Dhoni, FOUR! MS Dhoni means business! Tossed up, outside off. Dhoni reaches out and smacks it over covers. The ball goes into the fence, on the bounce!
11.2 : Ravi Bishnoi to MS Dhoni, Flatter ball, outside off. MS Dhoni guides it behind square on the off side.
11.3 : Ravi Bishnoi to MS Dhoni, Flatter and quicker, around middle. MS Dhoni blocks it out.
11.4 : Ravi Bishnoi to MS Dhoni, Tossed up, around off. MS Dhoni drills it down the ground for a single.
11.5 : Ravi Bishnoi to Faf du Plessis, Loopy ball, outside off. Faf du Plessis slaps it to long off to rotate the strike.
11.6 : Ravi Bishnoi to MS Dhoni, OUT! BOWLED! It is that man again, Ravi Bishnoi! And he gets the big fish this time! He bowls a googly that lands outside off, on a length. MS Dhoni reaches out and looks to have a slash at it but it takes the inside edge and the ball crashes onto his stumps. Excellent bowling from the young lad and Chennai are in deep, deep trouble now!
12.1 : Harpreet Brar to Faf du Plessis, Short in length and outside off, Faf cuts it through point and returns for the second run.
0.0 : In walks Ravindra Jadeja. 
12.2 : Harpreet Brar to Faf du Plessis, Flatter and shorter, punched to covers where the fielder fumbled and they crossed.
12.3 : Harpreet Brar to Ravindra Jadeja, Quicker one, flat and short outside off, Ravindra Jadeja stays back and pushes it out to the off side.
12.4 : Harpreet Brar to Ravindra Jadeja, Gets behind the line of the delivery and helps it to the leg side. Harpreet Brar stops it to his left.
12.5 : Harpreet Brar to Ravindra Jadeja, Flatter on off, forced down towards mid off for a quick run.
12.6 : Harpreet Brar to Faf du Plessis, Loopy and full on middle, Faf du Plessis works it to deep square leg for a single.
13.1 : Moises Henriques to Faf du Plessis, Length ball, outside off. Faf du Plessis drives hard but finds the extra cover fielder.
0.0 : Moises Henriques comes into the attack.
13.2 : Moises Henriques to Faf du Plessis, Wide! Henriques spills this one down leg. Faf du Plessis misses his flick and KL Rahul fumbles behind the sticks. No harm done though!
Moises Henriques to Faf du Plessis, Back of a length, around off. Faf du Plessis hangs back and pulls it along the ground to deep mid-wicket for a single.
13.3 : Moises Henriques to Ravindra Jadeja, A full toss, outside off. Ravindra Jadeja pushes it to mid off and scampers through for a single. Chris Jordan collects the ball cleanly but he misses his shy at the non-striker's end.
13.4 : Moises Henriques to Faf du Plessis, Short of a length, outside off. Faf du Plessis cuts it to sweeper cover for a run.
13.5 : Moises Henriques to Ravindra Jadeja, FOUR! Clever batting this, from Ravindra Jadeja! Henriques serves a short ball, outside off. Jadeja hangs back and guides it past Mohammed Shami at short third man for a boundary.
13.6 : Moises Henriques to Ravindra Jadeja, Good-length ball, on leg. Jadeja tucks it to square leg for a run. 9 runs off the over!
14.1 : Harpreet Brar to Ravindra Jadeja, Shortish around leg, Jadeja nudges it to short fine leg, finds the fielder. Good call from Faf to turn down the single.
14.2 : Harpreet Brar to Ravindra Jadeja, Fuller and on middle, tickled to mid-wicket for a single.
14.3 : Harpreet Brar to Faf du Plessis, FOUR! Fine shot! Harpreet Brar drags his length short and delivers it on middle, du Plessis rocks back and pulls it powerfully to the deep mid-wicket fence. He holds the key for Chennai!
14.4 : Harpreet Brar to Faf du Plessis, Fires it flat and full on middle, Faf drills it down to long on for a single.
14.5 : Harpreet Brar to Ravindra Jadeja, Quicker and on middle, Jadeja eases it to deep mid-wicket and rotates the strike.
14.6 : Harpreet Brar to Faf du Plessis, Flatter arm ball on off, du Plessis steps back to cut but is cramped up for room. It rolls back to the bowler. 4-0-22-0, Harpreet Brar is done.
15.1 : Ravi Bishnoi to Ravindra Jadeja, Flatter ball, attacking the stumps, Jadeja has his bat down in time as he keeps it out in the gap at square leg. They cross.
15.2 : Ravi Bishnoi to Faf du Plessis, Flighted and full on off, defended back to the bowler.
0.0 : Ravi Bishnoi (3-0-21-1) comes back into the attack.
15.3 : Ravi Bishnoi to Faf du Plessis, Loopy and full on middle, du Plessis flicks it with gentle hands to deep mid-wicket and collects a couple.
15.4 : Ravi Bishnoi to Faf du Plessis, Play and a miss! Tossed up, around off and spinning away, du Plessis aims for an inside-out shot but misses.
15.5 : Ravi Bishnoi to Faf du Plessis, Flatter and on middle, du Plessis goes deep inside the crease and helps it behind square leg. They cross.
15.6 : Ravi Bishnoi to Ravindra Jadeja, Floated delivery, wide outside off, Jadeja tries to cut but misses. Ravi Bishnoi is also done with his four overs, 1/25.
Strategic Time-Out! Punjab are bossing this game going into the death overs and Chennai would be hoping that the batters at the crease take them deep and finish on a high! How much more will Chennai add to their total? Exciting last 4 overs coming up! Also, Arshdeep Singh (2-0-16-2) comes into the attack.
16.1 : Arshdeep Singh to Faf du Plessis, Slightly short in length on off, angling away, du Plessis keeps his weight on the back foot and forces it towards sweeper cover for a run.
16.2 : Arshdeep Singh to Ravindra Jadeja, On a length and angling into the left-hander, Jadeja moves back and plays it with soft hands towards mid on. He runs the first run hard as Arshdeep goes after the ball. The second run is turned down by du Plessis.
16.3 : Arshdeep Singh to Faf du Plessis, Wide! Arshdeep Singh alters his length to go short but it's way too over the head of the batter. Called a wide.
Arshdeep Singh to Faf du Plessis, FOUR! Streaky. They all count in the end overs. Singh fires across a length delivery outside off, Faf du Plessis clears his front leg for a big heave-ho over the leg side but edges it over short third man.
16.4 : Faf du Plessis is eyeing his fifty here. Chennai would be hoping that he lasts the distance.
Arshdeep Singh to Faf du Plessis, Put down! Slower one, on a length around off, Faf du Plessis goes hard at it but it takes the inside part and lobs back to the bowler. Arshdeep Singh fails to catch it in his followthrough.
16.5 : Arshdeep Singh to Faf du Plessis, Fuller and outside off, Faf lofts it over covers and bags a couple of runs.
16.3 : There is a slight halt in play as Faf du Plessis opts for a new pair of gloves!
16.6 : Arshdeep Singh to Faf du Plessis, A full toss around off, hit down the ground over mid on. A single to close the over, 10 from it.
17.1 : Chris Jordan to Faf du Plessis, Jordan begins his spell with a short ball around off, Faf du Plessis pulls it to deep mid-wicket for a single.
0.0 : Chris Jordan (2-0-8-2) comes back to bowl.
17.2 : Chris Jordan to Ravindra Jadeja, Fractionally short and on off, at 113.5 kph, Ravindra Jadeja hangs on the back foot and pulls it over mid-wicket. He also gets a single.
17.3 : Chris Jordan to Faf du Plessis, A low full toss around off, at 142 kph, du Plessis pushes it out to mid off for a run. FIFTY FOR DU PLESSIS! Can he finish it well for Chennai?
17.4 : Chris Jordan to Ravindra Jadeja, Shortish and on off, Jadeja hammers it from the back foot to deep mid-wicket for a single. 100 up!
17.5 : Chris Jordan to Faf du Plessis, FOUR! A much-needed boundary for Chennai! Short in length around off, at 123.2 kph, du Plessis stays back and pulls it powerfully in front of square leg for a boundary.
17.6 : Chris Jordan to Faf du Plessis, FOUR! What a shot! A very full delivery, around off, Faf du Plessis gets low and bludgeons it back past the bowler for a boundary down the ground. 12 from this over!
18.1 : Arshdeep Singh to Ravindra Jadeja, Fuller in length and outside off, Jadeja drives it to deep cover for a single.
0.0 : Arshdeep Singh will bowl the penultimate over of the innings.
18.2 : Arshdeep Singh to Faf du Plessis, Swing and a miss! Arshdeep Singh digs it in short and around off, angling away at 130.6 kph, Faf du Plessis tries to pull but misses.
18.3 : Arshdeep Singh to Faf du Plessis, A yorker-length delivery, around off, du Plessis squeezes it out through cover-point for a single.
Review time! KL Rahul has opted for a review as Ravindra Jadeja has been struck low on his pads.
18.4 : Arshdeep Singh to Ravindra Jadeja, NOT OUT! Arshdeep fires in a full toss, around middle and leg, Jadeja tries to whip it across the line but misses. He is thudded on the back leg and the ball rolls behind. The bowler is appealing and the batters cross. The umpire shows no interest and KL Rahul takes a late decision to refer it. Ball Tracker shows that it's clipping the leg stump. Umpire's call. The 50-run stand comes up.
18.5 : Arshdeep Singh to Faf du Plessis, SIX! Nailed it! Arshdeep misses his mark and delivers right in the slot for the batter, Faf du Plessis clears his front leg and muscles it over long on for a maximum.
18.6 : Arshdeep Singh to Faf du Plessis, Full and outside off, Faf keeps it out to covers for a single.
19.1 : Mohammed Shami to Faf du Plessis, FOUR! Time to attack! Short in length, around off, Faf du Plessis rocks back and hammer-pulls it to the deep mid-wicket fence.
18.6 : Mohammed Shami (3-0-6-0) comes back to bowl the last over of the innings.
19.2 : Mohammed Shami to Faf du Plessis, SIX! Faf du Plessis is providing a rollicking finish to Chennai. Back of a length, outside off, du Plessis clears his front leg, opens his arms and powers it over long on. The ball lands flush on the rope.
19.3 : Mohammed Shami to Faf du Plessis, OUT! Shami gets rid of Faf du Plessis. It's short and around off at 142 kph, du Plessis tries to pull but only manages a top edge. It flies behind and KL Rahul runs forward to his left to complete the catch. End of a fabulous knock and could prove to be the match-winning one.
Dwayne Bravo walks out to bat.
19.4 : Mohammed Shami to Ravindra Jadeja, Very full and outside off, Jadeja whips it in front of square leg for a single.
19.5 : Mohammed Shami to Dwayne Bravo, Wide! Attempted slower one from Shami but he has delivered it way wide outside off, Bravo allows it through.
Mohammed Shami to Dwayne Bravo, FOUR! The birthday boy scores a boundary. A low full toss outside off, Bravo lifts it cleanly over covers for a boundary.
19.6 : Mohammed Shami to Dwayne Bravo, Dot to end proceedings. Short and around off, Bravo aims to pull but fails to connect. Chennai finish on 134/6.
Good recovery towards the end from Chennai. 48 runs in the last 4 overs and Chennai have posted a total that could be tricky to chase down on this sluggish surface.
Having opted to bowl first, it was a fantastic bowling effort from Punjab and they would be delighted to have restricted Chennai to a score that is below par. Chennai's innings never really got going but they have finished well, courtesy of some clean ball striking by Faf du Plessis at the fag end of the innings.
Chennai did not start well with the bat as they lost their in-form batter, Ruturaj Gaikwad early on in the innings. Moeen Ali, Robin Uthappa and Ambati Rayudu fell cheaply and Chennai were in a spot of bother at 42-4. Faf du Plessis hung in there but he too was finding it hard to time the ball. MS Dhoni came out with intent but he too perished after hitting a couple of boundaries. It was Faf du Plessis who took the attack to the opposition at the fag end and that helped his team to post a compet
Punjab were excellent with the ball and they justified their skipper's decision of bowling first. Mohammed Shami was brilliant in the Powerplay as he conceded just 6 runs from his first 3 overs and that set the tone for the bowlers to follow. Arshdeep Singh and Chris Jordan got 2 wickets apiece. Ravi Bishnoi took the big wicket of MS Dhoni and Chennai slipped even further. All in all, it was a very good bowling effort and KL Rahul would be pleased with the way his boys have fared, especially in
Chris Jordan comes up for a quick chat. He says that the conditions are very hot and they have done a very good job to restrict Chennai to 134. Tells that they would have taken this total at the beginning of the innings. Feels that everyone did a good job for the team. Mentions that he felt in a good rhythm. Mentions that bowling short to the Chennai batters worked for them.
Right then! Punjab have to get 135 runs from 20 overs! But hang on, if they are to go past Kolkata in the points table, they have to chase it down in just 17 balls, which is impossible. The pitch isn't that easy to bat on and Punjab's batters need to plan their chase cleverly and go hard in the Powerplay. Do join us for the chase then which begins shortly.
....THE RUN CHASE....
0.1 : Deepak Chahar to KL Rahul, Starts with a pitched up delivery, around off at 128.2 kph, Rahul drives it to the left of mid off and opens his account with a single.
0.2 : Deepak Chahar to Mayank Agarwal, A near-yorker outside off at 130.6 kph, Agarwal reaches out and pushes it to covers.
0.3 : Deepak Chahar to Mayank Agarwal, On a length and close to off, at 132 kph, Agarwal drives it a bit aerially but safely towards backward point.
0.4 : Deepak Chahar to Mayank Agarwal, A touch short and on off, at 132.3 kph, Agarwal allows the ball to come to him and deflects it late down to third man for a run.
0.5 : Deepak Chahar to KL Rahul, FOUR! Here comes the first boundary of the chase. Full in length and outside off at 133.6 kph, KL Rahul opts for the aerial route and lofts it over covers. He has not connected it properly but it's enough to clear the infield and find the fence.
0.6 : Deepak Chahar to KL Rahul, Wide! A 133.5 kph delivery, full and down the leg side, KL tries to flick but misses. Dhoni dives across to his left to collect the ball.
Deepak Chahar to KL Rahul, FOUR! Edgy! Chahar serves it on a length around off at 131.9 kph, Rahul looks for another lofted shot over the off side but this time it takes the outside edge and flies over short third man for a boundary. 11 from the opening over!
1.1 : Josh Hazlewood to Mayank Agarwal, Beauty from Josh! Delivers it on a length and close to off, it straightens a bit with extra bounce and squares up Agarwal in defense. Beats the outside edge by a whisker.
0.6 : Josh Hazlewood will bowl from the other end.
1.2 : Josh Hazlewood to Mayank Agarwal, Goes full and around off at 139.5 kph, Mayank steps back to make room and plays a mistimed drive to mid off. They pinch a single.
1.3 : Josh Hazlewood to KL Rahul, Full and on off, angling in, Rahul plays close to his body and defends it to the off side.
1.4 : Josh Hazlewood to KL Rahul, Bang on the helmet! Josh Hazlewood lands it a bit short and around off at 136.3 kph, KL Rahul tries to step down and pull but it takes the top edge and deflects onto the helmet. Nasty hit.
1.5 : Josh Hazlewood to KL Rahul, Back of a length on off, at 135.9 kph, KL sticks back and plays it down to third man for a single.
1.6 : Josh Hazlewood to KL Rahul, Aerial but safe! Width on offer outside off, short in length at 140.9 kph, KL Rahul flashes his bat at it and edges it wide of the diving backward point fielder. A single is taken.
2.1 : Deepak Chahar to KL Rahul, SIX! What a shot! Short in length and angling down the leg side, Rahul picks it up off his pads and smacks it all the way over backward square leg for a biggie.
0.0 : The physio is out as per the concussion protocol as KL Rahul has been hit hard on the grill of his helmet. He looks fine and we are good to resume.
2.2 : Deepak Chahar to KL Rahul, Shortish and on off, at 133.7 kph, KL sticks back and pulls it over mid-wicket for a couple of runs.
2.3 : Deepak Chahar to KL Rahul, On a length around middle, Rahul nudges it in front of square leg for a single.
2.4 : Deepak Chahar to Mayank Agarwal, Excellent bouncer, around off at 133.3 kph, Mayank Agarwal tries to pull but it bounces over his blade.
2.5 : Deepak Chahar to Mayank Agarwal, FOUR! Connects and connects well this time. A touch short and around off, at 131.7 kph, Mayank Agarwal stays on the back foot and heaves it over mid-wicket. It races away to the fence.
2.6 : Deepak Chahar to Mayank Agarwal, Short again but the line is wide outside off, at 135.2 kph, Mayank slaps it to deep cover for a single.
3.1 : Josh Hazlewood to Mayank Agarwal, Good stop by Ambati Rayudu! On a length around off, Mayank Agarwal pushes it to covers and sets off for a run. Rayudu dives across to his left to stop the racing ball. Mayank is sent back as Rayudu misses his shy at the striker's end. Now, they cross for an overthrow. 
3.2 : Josh Hazlewood to KL Rahul, FOUR! Superb shot! Good length, around off, KL Rahul stays back and lofts it elegantly over mid off for a boundary.
3.3 : Josh Hazlewood to KL Rahul, FOUR! Lovely! Short and around middle and leg, KL Rahul gets on top of the bounce and pulls it with full control to fine leg for a boundary.
3.4 : Josh Hazlewood to KL Rahul, The batsman has just blocked that from his crease.
3.5 : Josh Hazlewood to KL Rahul, SIX! Wow, KL Rahul is oozing class. Short and around off, at 137 clicks, KL picks up the length early, gets into the position quickly and smokes it over deep square leg. Towards the longest part of the ground but still, it has gone all the way with ease.
3.6 : Josh Hazlewood to KL Rahul, Darts it in, on a length, Rahul defends it from the back foot to the off side. 15 from the over, Punjab are off to a flying start, yet again.
Shardul Thakur comes into the attack now.
4.1 : Shardul Thakur to Mayank Agarwal, FOUR! It's raining boundaries at the moment for Punjab. This one is a lucky one though. On a length around off at 132.1 kph, Mayank tries to heave it over the leg side but gets an outside edge over short third man.
4.2 : Shardul Thakur to Mayank Agarwal, In the air... safe! Back of a length, around off, Agarwal is early into the pull shot and mistimes it in the air towards mid on. Doesn't carry to the fielder.
4.3 : Shardul Thakur to Mayank Agarwal, OUT! Mayank is gone, LBW! A wicket against the run of play. Shardul delivers it on a length around middle and gets it to angle in, Mayank Agarwal shuffles across the stumps slightly as he tries to flick but misses. He is rapped on the pads, they appeal and the finger has gone up. Agarwal has a shocked look on his face, looks at his partner and they eventually spend all the time discussing. No DRS taken. Punjab have lost a wicket. Hang on, the Ball Tracker
4.4 : Shardul Thakur to Sarfaraz Khan, Outside off, pushed to the off side and the point fielder stops it well.
4.5 : Shardul Thakur to Sarfaraz Khan, Good length, on middle, Khan tucks it on the leg side but finds mid-wicket.
4.3 : Sarfaraz Khan is the new man in.
4.6 : Shardul Thakur to Sarfaraz Khan, OUT! CAUGHT! Sarfaraz Khan falls cheaply and Shardul Thakur has two wickets in the over. He angles in a full ball around off at 137.5 kph, Sarfaraz Khan decides to flick it on the leg side but fails to close the face of his bat in time. It flies off the leading edge to mid off where Faf du Plessis moves across to his right to take the catch safely.
5.1 : Josh Hazlewood to KL Rahul, FOUR! KL Rahul will continue to play his shots! Full and outside off, Rahul plays an elegant shot again, lofts it clinically over wide mid off for a boundary.
5.2 : Josh Hazlewood to KL Rahul, The batsman has just blocked that from his crease.
5.3 : Josh Hazlewood to KL Rahul, Fuller and on off, it's guided down to third man for a single.
0.0 : Shahrukh Khan walks out to bat now.
5.4 : Josh Hazlewood to Shahrukh Khan, Sharp delivery, a bit short at 138 kph, Khan tries to defend but it takes his gloves and rolls to mid-wicket.
5.5 : Josh Hazlewood to Shahrukh Khan, Swing and a miss! Short in length and outside off at 140.2 kph, Shahrukh Khan stands tall and attempts to pull but fails to connect.
5.6 : Josh Hazlewood to Shahrukh Khan, Another swing, another miss. At 140.9 kph, Josh Hazlewood serves it on a length around off, Khan tries to heave but misses. Three dots to end the over, Punjab are 51/2 at the end of the Powerplay, 84 needed off 84 balls.
6.1 : Shardul Thakur to KL Rahul, Good-length ball, on off. KL Rahul pushes it to covers off the front foot.
6.2 : Shardul Thakur to KL Rahul, Length ball, around off. KL Rahul drives it back to the bowler.
6.3 : Shardul Thakur to KL Rahul, SIX! Glorious! KL Rahul is on a roll! Full ball, darted on the pads. KL whips it off his pads way over deep square leg for a biggie!
6.4 : Shardul Thakur to KL Rahul, FOUR! WOW! Back of a length, around off. KL Rahul stands tall and drives on the up past the point fielder for a boundary now.
6.5 : Shardul Thakur to KL Rahul, Length ball, angling in from middle. KL Rahul pushes it back to the bowler.
6.6 : Shardul Thakur to KL Rahul, Good-length ball, outside off. KL Rahul presses forward and carves it to sweeper cover for a single.
7.1 : Ravindra Jadeja to KL Rahul, Full ball, on the leg stump, KL Rahul flicks it to long on for a single. 50 for Rahul!
7.2 : Ravindra Jadeja to Shahrukh Khan, Flatter, on middle, Shahrukh Khan pushes it back to the bowler.
0.0 : Ravindra Jadeja comes into the attack.
7.3 : Ravindra Jadeja to Shahrukh Khan, Flatter, on the pads, Shahrukh Khan clips it to backward square leg for a single.
7.4 : Ravindra Jadeja to KL Rahul, Goes back to a shortish ball and punches it to sweeper cover for one.
7.5 : Ravindra Jadeja to Shahrukh Khan, SIX! Smoked away! That's the reputation of this batsman. Flatter delivery, around middle, Shahrukh Khan gives it the full whack of his bat and towers it over wide long on for a maximum.
7.6 : Ravindra Jadeja to Shahrukh Khan, Ravindra Jadeja fires this flatter, on the stumps. Shahrukh Khan looks to cut but ends up hitting it back to the bowler as he gets the inside half of his bat on that one.
Deepak Chahar comes back to bowl.
8.1 : Deepak Chahar to KL Rahul, Full ball, way outside off. KL Rahul reaches out and drives it to sweeper cover for a run.
8.2 : Deepak Chahar to Shahrukh Khan, BEATEN! Good-length ball, outside off. Shahrukh Khan looks to poke at it but the ball zips past the outside edge.
8.3 : Deepak Chahar to Shahrukh Khan, Good-length ball, on middle. Shahrukh Khan works it down the ground for a run.
8.4 : Deepak Chahar to KL Rahul, SIX! KL Rahul is unstoppable at the moment. Chahar delivers it on a length around off, at 129.8 kph, KL Rahul walks across the stumps and smashes it over fine leg for a biggie.
8.5 : Deepak Chahar to KL Rahul, Length ball, outside off. KL Rahul looks to play a similar kind of shot but he miscues it and the ball goes over mid-wicket for a run.
8.6 : Deepak Chahar to Shahrukh Khan, OUT! Shahrukh Khan holes out! Deepak Chahar opts for the short delivery and bowls it wide outside off at 132.1 kph, Khan has to fetch it from there as he attempts to play the pull shot. The bounce though gets big on him and it takes the top edge. The birthday boy, Dwayne Bravo, is underneath it at long on and takes the catch safely. 55 needed off 66 balls.
9.1 : Dwayne Bravo to KL Rahul, In the air but wide of Dhoni. A low full toss down the leg side, Rahul spoons it in the air towards fine leg and takes a couple of runs.
9.2 : Dwayne Bravo to KL Rahul, Mishit but safe! Bravo bowls a slower delivery, short in length around leg, Rahul plays a mistimed pull shot down to fine leg. They take one.
9.3 : Dwayne Bravo to Aiden Markram, Fuller and on middle, Markram eases it down to long on for a single.
0.0 : Strategic Time-out! KL Rahul is looking in a hurry to finish the game as early as possible but he is losing partners at the other end. Chennai need to keep picking up wickets if they are to win this game as they are not left with many runs to play with! Dwayne Bravo comes to bowl now. Also, Aiden Markram is the new batter.
9.4 : Dwayne Bravo to KL Rahul, Slower one, on middle at 105 kph, Rahul helps it through mid-wicket and takes a single.
9.5 : Dwayne Bravo to Aiden Markram, SIX! Markram has sent this one packing! Short and around off at 128.1 kph, Aiden stays on the back foot to ride the bounce and muscles his pull over mid-wicket. Absolutely nailed.
9.6 : Dwayne Bravo to Aiden Markram, Shortish and outside off, Aiden pushes it from the toe end of his bat to mid off for a run. 11 from Bravo's first over. 43 needed off 60 balls.
10.1 : Deepak Chahar to Aiden Markram, Slower ball, banged into the deck, around off. Aiden Markram drags it to long on to collect a single.
10.2 : Deepak Chahar to KL Rahul, Wide! Chahar spills this one way outside off. KL Rahul lets it be. Wided!
Deepak Chahar to KL Rahul, SIX! WOW, JUST WOW! Take that, says KL Rahul! Length ball, around off. KL stays back and lofts it over the bowler's head for a maximum. It went many a mile!
10.3 : Deepak Chahar to KL Rahul, Slower ball, on a length, outside off. KL Rahul drives it to sweeper cover for one.
10.4 : Deepak Chahar to Aiden Markram, In the air...safe! Slower ball, shorter in length, outside off. Aiden Markram stays back and lofts it over cover-point. Two taken!
10.5 : Deepak Chahar to Aiden Markram, Another slower ball, on a length, around middle. Aiden Markram gets deceived by the change of pace and he checks his drive to mid on for a run.
10.6 : Deepak Chahar to KL Rahul, Wide! Too wide, outside off. KL Rahul looks to reach out for it but he misses. Wide called by the umpire.
Deepak Chahar to KL Rahul, Back of a length, around off. KL Rahul stays back and flat-bats it to long on for a single. 29 runs needed off 54 balls!
11.1 : Dwayne Bravo to KL Rahul, Bravo bowls it slow and short around leg, Rahul pulls it to the left of deep square leg for a couple of runs.
11.2 : Dwayne Bravo to KL Rahul, SIX! KL Rahul continues to impress! A full toss, around leg, KL Rahul brings his wrists into play, picks it off his pads and dumps it over backward square leg for a biggie. Effortless.
11.3 : Dwayne Bravo to KL Rahul, Wide! Full toss again, slower one, but it's down the leg side, Rahul leaves.
Dwayne Bravo to KL Rahul, SIX! Take that! Fuller in length, around off and angling away from the batsman, Rahul finds it in his slot and lifts it over the bowler's head. Terrific swing of his bat and the ball is deposited over long on.
11.4 : Dwayne Bravo to KL Rahul, Slower length ball around middle, Rahul gently works it in the mid-wicket region for a couple.
11.5 : Dwayne Bravo to KL Rahul, Wide! Short and wide outside off, Rahul leaves it. 11 to win, KL is 13 away from his century.
Dwayne Bravo to KL Rahul, Too full and on middle, Rahul clips it to deep mid-wicket for a single.
11.6 : Dwayne Bravo to Aiden Markram, Bravo again bowls it slow, on a length around leg, Aiden steps back and clips it to deep mid-wicket. Another run taken, 20 from the over, 9 needed more.
Shardul Thakur comes back into the attack.
12.1 : Shardul Thakur to Aiden Markram, OUT! CAUGHT BEHIND! Shardul Thakur gets his man! He serves it on a length, just outside off. Aiden Markram looks to loft it over covers but it takes the outside edge and the ball goes straight to MS Dhoni, behind the sticks, who takes a simple catch. Moises Henriques is in next.
12.2 : Shardul Thakur to Moises Henriques, Length ball, outside off. Moises Henriques moves across and looks to scoop but he fails to connect it and the ball lands in front of the bowler off his pads.
12.3 : Shardul Thakur to Moises Henriques, Good-length ball, outside off. Moises Henriques heaves it wide of deep mid-wicket and takes a couple of runs.
12.4 : Shardul Thakur to Moises Henriques, Back of a length, outside off. Moises Henriques hangs back and guides it to third man for a single.
12.5 : Shardul Thakur to KL Rahul, FOUR! Sloppy from the birthday boy, Dwayne Bravo at long on! Back of a length, around off. KL Rahul smacks it wide of long on. Dwayne Bravo runs there but fails to grab it and he concedes a boundary.
12.6 : Shardul Thakur to KL Rahul, SIX! BANG! KL Rahul finishes things off in style with a maximum! Thakur bangs it into the deck, outside off. Rahul stays back and pulls it high in the air and over the deep mid-wicket fielder for a massive biggie! PUNJAB WIN THE MATCH BY 6 WICKETS!
It was a tricky target on this pitch and Punjab adopted the aggressive approach in the Powerplay. Once again, their opening pair of KL Rahul and Mayank Agarwal did a fabulous job and for a change, the former was the aggressor. After the departure of Mayank, Punjab lost Sarfaraz Khan quickly but the presence of Rahul in the middle meant that there was no pressure. With Shahrukh Khan and Aiden Markram, KL formed two crucial stands and eventually put the chase to bed in 13 overs. Amidst all the
On a surface where KL Rahul put on a batting show, Chennai struggled big time as a unit. Their innings struggled for momentum and it was due to Faf du Plessis' lone fight, they managed to put a respectable total on the board. Picking early wickets could have made the chase interesting but the bowling unit leaked too many boundaries and as a result, there was no pressure on Punjab. 
Presentation time...
MS Dhoni, the captain of Chennai, starts by saying that they have to cope up at the mental level. He adds that they played good cricket to reach this position in the tournament. Admits that they have lost a few games but this is a part and parcel of the tournament like this but accepts that they need to fine-tune their preparation a bit. Talking about motivation, MS replies that it is not the factor and guys are highly motivated. He cheekily adds that it would have looked worse if they have ba
Aiden Markram is up for a quick chat. He says that it has been a brilliant experience and they have a good bunch of boys. Tells that it was an unbelievable batting effort from KL Rahul and the teammates were celebrating every six from the pavilion. Says that he hopes that KL celebrates his knock tonight. Goes on to say that he looks to learn from the best in the business and he certainly got to learn a lot by watching how Faf du Plessis and KL Rahul played.
Punjab have decimated the target in front of them with 7 overs to spare and handed Chennai their third defeat in a row. The chase was all about KL Rahul's extraordinary knock as he finished unbeaten on 98 and kept Punjab's slim chance to qualify for the playoffs still alive. 
No prizes for guessing, KL Rahul is the choice for the Man of the Match award.
That's it from this game. But don't go too far away as the most important clash of the day involving Kolkata and Rajasthan will get underway soon at 6 pm local (2 pm GMT). Switch tabs and do join us for all the action. Cheers!