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Kings XI Punjab vs Bangalore Live Commentary, Match 28, Indian Premier League, 2019, April 13, 2019

KXIP 173/4 (20)
Royal Challengers Bangalore beat Kings XI Punjab by 8 wickets
RCB 174/2 (19.2)
Match over
Kings XI Punjab Inning Royal Challengers Bangalore Inning
0.0 : Welcome back, folks. Time for game number 28 of the 2019 Indian T20 League and Bangalore are in Mohali to face Punjab. The visiting team has been going through a miserable phase after losing all their matches this season and another defeat can very well end all their hopes of qualifying to the next round. They are down in the dumps currently and need an inspirational performance to lift themselves up. A 5-day break would have freshen them up and let's see how they fare against Punjab this evenin
Toss - Bangalore win the toss and elect to field!
Bangalore skipper, Virat Kohli says that there is a lot of dew later on and they like chasing as a team. States that he is backing his batting to do the job. Adds that they have no option but to come out and fight every day. Wants his players to play fearless cricket and enjoy every moment. Informs that they are playing with three overseas players as Umesh Yadav replaces Tim Southee. Also mentions that they expect others to step up and do the job and personally he wants to give his 120 percent e
Punjab skipper, Ravichandran Ashwin says that they have to try and string wins together. Admits that they have been a bit patchy but also says that they have played some good cricket in between also. Wants to keep ticking all the boxes. Informs that they have four changes - Andrew Tye, Murugan Ashwin, Mayank Agarwal and Nicholas Pooran come in for Hardus Viljoen (down with flu), Ankit Rajpoot, Karun Nair and David Miller.
Bangalore (Playing XI) - Parthiv Patel(WK), Virat Kohli(C), AB de Villiers, Marcus Stoinis, Moeen Ali, Akshdeep Nath, Pawan Negi, Umesh Yadav (In for Tim Southee), Yuzvendra Chahal, Navdeep Saini, Mohammed Siraj.
Punjab (Playing XI) - KL Rahul, Chris Gayle, Mayank Agarwal (In for Karun Nair), Sarfaraz Khan, Nicholas Pooran(WK) (In for David Miller), Mandeep Singh, Sam Curran, Ravichandran Ashwin(C), Andrew Tye (In for Hardus Viljoen), Mohammed Shami, Murugan Ashwin (In for Ankit Rajpoot).
We are all set for the action to begin! The Bangalore players make their way out to the middle. The dynamic opening pair of KL Rahul and Chris Gayle follow them. The new ball has been given to Umesh Yadav. Here we go...
0.1 : U Yadav to L Rahul, Right off the middle from Rahul to begin with. Just a single though. Full, looking for some swing. There ain't any. Rahul strokes it back towards the bowler who gets a hand to it and saves three for his side. First run.
0.2 : U Yadav to C Gayle, Good length and angling away from the batter. Gayle plays inside the line and lets it be.
0.3 : U Yadav to C Gayle, Good length again and it is outside off, Gayle leaves it alone again.
0.4 : U Yadav to C Gayle, BEATEN! Good nut that! Full and outside off, Gayle looks to drive but ends up playing inside the line and gets beaten.
0.5 : U Yadav to C Gayle, A huge shout but not given! The in-dipper on middle, Gayle looks to work it on the leg side but misses. The ball hits the pads, an appeal follows but the umpire shakes his head. The ball seems to be going down leg. Now then, that is not going down leg, it is actually crashing into the leg pole. Why did not Bangalore review? Gayle's wicket, it is surely worth taking a chance, right?
0.6 : U Yadav to C Gayle, A single to end! Another inswinger, this time Gayle does not plant his front foot across and hence, he works it to mid on for a quick run. He is underway. A good tight over by Yadav.
Who will bowl from the other end? A spinner or a pacer? It's Navdeep Saini. Chris Gayle in front of him. The young man will feel the pressure surely, let's see how it goes...
1.1 : N Saini to C Gayle, Excellent start by the pacer! He lands it on a length and around off, angles away from the batsman. Gayle once again plays inside the line and lets it be.
1.2 : N Saini to C Gayle, Once again this is angled away from the batter, Gayle plays inside the line and lets it be.
1.3 : N Saini to C Gayle, Outside off this time, a leave by Gayle.
1.4 : N Saini to C Gayle, FOUR! Enough of sighters for the big man! He winds up and goes for the slog. The ball goes off the inner half through square leg for the first boundary.
1.5 : N Saini to C Gayle, Sensible batting now! He guides it towards point and takes one.
1.6 : N Saini to L Rahul, The right length and line, just outside off, Rahul lets it be. A decent first over by Saini too.
2.1 : U Yadav to C Gayle, FOUR! Hammered! Slightly short and Gayle picks the length early. He pulls it with utmost power and through mid-wicket for a boundary. Good start to the third over.
2.2 : U Yadav to C Gayle, SIX! High and handsome! This is right in the zone of Gayle. Full and on off, Chris lofts it over the long on fence with ease. 10 from the first two balls.
2.3 : U Yadav to C Gayle, Finesse from Gayle this time. He just opens the face of the bat, uses the pace of the bowler as it races past point. Two taken.
2.4 : U Yadav to C Gayle, Back of a length on off, Gayle opens the face of the bat and guides it down to third man for a single.
2.5 : U Yadav to L Rahul, Length again and on off, Rahul goes back and punches it to covers. Rahul this season has been quite happy to play second fiddle and it is the West Indian who is taking up the responsibility to go after the bowlers. Seeing something similar till now.
2.6 : U Yadav to L Rahul, Again, he gently looks to punch it off the back foot but the ball flies off the outside edge and down to third man for a run. Just the single from the last two balls but 14 from it.
3.1 : N Saini to L Rahul, Right off the middle again but straight to the fielder. Rahul strokes it on the up to the man at mid off.
3.2 : N Saini to L Rahul, Back of a length again, Rahul opens the face of the bat and guides it to point.
3.3 : N Saini to L Rahul, Slightly fuller in length on off, Rahul looks to drive but ends up playing outside the line, it goes off the inner half towards mid-wicket.
3.4 : N Saini to L Rahul, Was that just short or has that been dropped? Rahul would have surely had his heart in his mouth. Rahul takes a few steps ahead and looks to hit it over mid off. It goes right off the bottom towards Ali there. He runs across to his right and then looks to take it with a slide but it lands just short. He does not stop it cleanly also and a run is taken.
3.5 : N Saini to C Gayle, Good bowling! Bangs it short and outside off, Gayle looks to pull but then bails out since it was pretty quick.
3.6 : N Saini to C Gayle, FOUR! Spoils what was a brilliant over till now! Still though it is an excellent one! Length and on the body, Gayle lofts it over mid on and it goes for a one bounce boundary.
4.1 : U Yadav to L Rahul, FOUR! Easy pickings! This should get Rahul going. Full and down the leg side, Rahul flicks it through backward square leg and it races away. Ideal start to the over, need to make it count though.
4.2 : U Yadav to L Rahul, FOUR! Aerial but safe! Full and on middle, stopping a bit onto the batsman, Rahul leans forward and across to play the flick shot but his bottom hand comes off the handle and it goes a bit uppishly towards mid on. Siraj there puts in a full length dive to his left but it sneaks past him for a boundary.
4.3 : U Yadav to L Rahul, Full and straight, KL pushes it down the ground. Siraj moves across to his left from mid on to stop the ball and the batsmen cross for a run.
4.4 : U Yadav to C Gayle, Sliding down the leg side, on a length, Gayle calmly taps it down towards square leg for a run.
4.5 : U Yadav to L Rahul, Good length ball on off, Rahul flicks it to mid-wicket and looks for a run. His partner sends him back as it has gone straight to the fielder.
4.6 : U Yadav to L Rahul, DROPPED! Still, a brilliant effort by AB de Villiers. Back of a length ball on off, probably once again stopping onto the batsman, Rahul checks his back foot punch at the last moment and ends up hitting it aerially towards extra cover. De Villiers flies to his right but fails to hang onto the catch. It deflects behind and Siraj, running across from mid off, reacts well to stop and dive to his right to stop the ball. End of an eventful over.
Mohammed Siraj is into the attack.
5.1 : M Siraj to C Gayle, FOUR! Welcome into the attack, Siraj. He feeds room to Gayle outside off and the West Indian powers it over wide mid off for a cracking boundary.
5.2 : M Siraj to C Gayle, SIX! Once again, that has gone all the way! Gayle is dealing in boundaries here. It is short and on the body, Gayle clears his front leg and then sends it over the long on fence.
5.3 : M Siraj to C Gayle, FOUR! SLAPPED! 14 from the first three balls. The slower ball and it is outside off, Gayle slaps it through covers. 50 up and Gayle has 38 off it.
5.4 : M Siraj to C Gayle, Good delivery! Gets this one to land on off and then leave the batsman. Gayle looks to guide it down to third man but misses.
5.5 : M Siraj to C Gayle, SIX! Brute! That has been dismissed! A nothing delivery to be honest. Short and it bounces at the height of the batsman's chest. Gayle says thank you very much as he pulls it into the mid-wicket stands. 20 from the over with a ball to go.
5.6 : M Siraj to C Gayle, FOUR! Make that 24 from the over! Siraj has been taken to the cleaners. The Powerplay which started off slowly, has ended with the bang. Punjab are 60 for no loss after it. Siraj strays down the leg side, that is criminal with fine leg in the rin. Gayle flicks it through that region and bags a boundary.
Strategic break has been signaled! Also, Chahal is into the attack. Virat Kohli turns to his best bowler. Can he get him a wicket?
6.1 : Y Chahal to L Rahul, SIX! Rahul gets into the act now! What a shot that is! It is slightly full and on middle, Rahul just lofts it over the long on fence for a biggie. Ideal start after the break too.
6.2 : Y Chahal to L Rahul, OUT! STUMPED! Chahal does what he was brought on for. He has broken the opening stand. He gets his revenge. The shot though can be questioned. Having got a maximum on the last ball, was this needed? Well, such is the format, the batsman feels he needs to keep going and Rahul perishes in the attempt to do so. He dances down the track but does not get to the pitch of the ball. He still swings but misses due to the away turn. Patel behind makes no mistake. Rahul has been d
Mayank Agarwal comes out to bat.
6.3 : Y Chahal to M Agarwal, The slider on the pads, it is worked on the leg side for a run.
6.4 : Y Chahal to C Gayle, The leg spinner on the pads, Gayle looks to flick but misses. The ball brushes the pads and rolls towards fine leg. No one there so two leg byes taken.
6.5 : Y Chahal to C Gayle, The googly on the leg stump, Gayle blocks it out.
6.6 : Y Chahal to C Gayle, The quicker one on the stumps, Gayle is happy to block it out. So a brilliant comeback from Chahal after going for a biggie on the first ball, just the three runs after that and a wicket, that too an important one.
Moeen Ali to bowl...
7.1 : M Ali to M Agarwal, Just short but a brilliant effort by de Villiers. If he could not get, there not many would have. This is short and on middle, Mayank goes back and pull is uppishly towards deep mid-wicket. AB runs in but then realizes he is not going to get there so does well to stop it. A single taken.
7.2 : M Ali to C Gayle, On the off pole, Gayle pushes it through covers for a run.
7.3 : M Ali to M Agarwal, Flatter and on off, Agarwal pushes it to covers.
7.4 : M Ali to M Agarwal, Uses his feet but does not get to the pitch of the ball, still goes ahead with the shot but toe-ends it to the bowler.
7.5 : M Ali to M Agarwal, FOUR! Deft! Mayank goes down on one knee and plays the paddle sweep. He plays it fine enough and the outfield is very quick. Another boundary.
7.6 : M Ali to M Agarwal, A couple to end! Short and on middle, Agarwal goes back and pulls it through mid-wicket. AB de Villiers in the deep runs to his right and stops it. Two taken.
8.1 : Y Chahal to C Gayle, 50 for Gayle, consecutive fifties for him but he needs to convert this one into a big score. His 27th in this League. He works this through square leg to get to that milestone. He raises the bat as his teammates are on their feet applauding the effort.
8.2 : Y Chahal to M Agarwal, The slider on off, MA pushes it through covers and takes one.
8.3 : Y Chahal to C Gayle, Not taking any risks against Chahal. Once again calmly works it through mid-wicket for a single.
8.4 : Y Chahal to M Agarwal, SIX! That is probably the shot of the match! Wow! This is tossed up outside off, Agarwal goes down on one knee, reaches out for it and lofts it over the covers fence. A very difficult shot that but he has made it look very easy.
8.5 : Y Chahal to M Agarwal, OUT! BOWLED 'EM! What a delivery this is! You hit Chahal for a maximum and he would get you on the very next ball. That is exactly what he has done on two occasions here. This though is a rippa. This is flatter and it pitches on middle, Agarwal expecting it to come in with the angle tries to flick. That proves to be his undoing. The ball turns a little, Mayank then tries to adjust and defend but it is too late. It beats the bat and hits the stumps. Chahal is pumped up
Sarfaraz Khan is the number 4 batsman. It's looking more like Bangalore are facing an army of their own ex-players.
8.6 : Y Chahal to S Khan, That was played late! Flatter and on off, Khan stays rooted to his crease and keeps it out.
9.1 : M Ali to C Gayle, Flighted and full on middle, defended off the front foot.
9.2 : M Ali to C Gayle, A touch short and outside off, Gayle punches from the crease but finds the cover fielder.
9.3 : M Ali to C Gayle, Loopy and on middle, defended back again. Three dots now.
9.4 : M Ali to C Gayle, Wide! Skidding down the leg side, Gayle tries to flick but misses.
M Ali to C Gayle, Quicker, flatter and fuller on leg, Gayle turns it in the gap at mid-wicket for one.
9.5 : M Ali to S Khan, An off spinner on the shorter side outside off, Sarfaraz goes back and strokes it down to long on for a run. Gets off the mark in a quiet manner.
9.6 : M Ali to C Gayle, Fullish and on off, Gayle gently pushes it to long off for a run. A tidy over from the Englishman. So, at the halfway mark, Punjab are 90/2!
10.1 : Y Chahal to C Gayle, The leg spinner on middle, Gayle works it through mid-wicket, it is in the gap so the batsmen take two.
10.2 : Y Chahal to C Gayle, On the leg stump again, Gayle works it to short fine leg.
10.3 : Y Chahal to C Gayle, This time it is down the leg side and it has been wided.
Y Chahal to C Gayle, On the stumps, Gayle pushes it down to long off and takes one.
10.4 : Y Chahal to S Khan, FOUR! Swept and swept fine! Sarfaraz likes this shot and he has played it well. Poor delivery though. It is down the leg side, Khan sweeps it through short fine leg and a boundary results.
10.5 : Y Chahal to S Khan, The slider now and this is eased down to long on for a run. Sensible batting.
10.6 : Y Chahal to C Gayle, From around the wicket, this is tossed up outside off, it turns back in. Gayle covers the stumps and defends it onto the ground.
11.1 : M Ali to S Khan, This is floated on off, Sarfaraz Khan pushes it to covers.
11.2 : M Ali to S Khan, Two dots to begin! This is fired on off, Khan plays the reverse sweep but straight to short third man.
11.3 : M Ali to S Khan, Three dots in a row now! Flighted on off, Sarfaraz pushes it back to the bowler.
11.4 : M Ali to S Khan, A single now as this is pushed through covers. 100 up for the hosts.
11.5 : M Ali to C Gayle, Gayle now pushes it down to long on and a run is taken.
11.6 : M Ali to S Khan, Gives it a little more air, Sarfaraz whips it through mid-wicket but just for a single. Good over by Ali, just the three from it.
Mohammed Siraj is back on. His last over went for 24. Can he bowl this one well?
12.1 : M Siraj to S Khan, Starts off well. A length ball and jagging back in from outside off, Sarfaraz guides it down to third man for a run.
12.2 : M Siraj to C Gayle, Two good balls to begin with! Slower one and on off, Gayle opens the face and guides it to point.
12.3 : M Siraj to C Gayle, Clears his front leg and powers it down to long off but only a run.
12.4 : M Siraj to S Khan, Top fielding! Sarfaraz hits it right off the middle towards covers. AB de Villiers there dives to his right and makes a very good stop.
12.5 : M Siraj to S Khan, SIX! Outrageous! A paddle scoop that goes all the way. This was on the cards though as it is one of his favourite shots. He goes down on one knee and then scoops a length ball in the line of the stumps. It is right from the middle of the bat and goes all the way at fine leg.
12.6 : M Siraj to S Khan, OUT! Well, well, well, for the third time tonight, a batsman hits a biggie and then is dismissed on the very next ball. That seems to be the trend in this game. Credit to the bowler also, he bowls a good short ball on the body of the batsman. It zips through. Sarfaraz looks to pull but the ball brushes his glove and goes into the mitts of the keeper. Patel takes it, appeals and Khan, in fact, is seen walking even before the finger goes up. So another timely wicket for B
Strategic break. Punjab are going at a good rate but at the same time also losing wickets at regular intervals. Looking at this pitch and the kind of start the home team got, if they fail to get a score around 180-190, they will be deeply disappointed. Chris Gayle is still unbeaten and all others need to do is hand the strike to the big man. For Bangalore, picking wickets is the best way to contain runs. A mouthwatering seven overs coming up. Sam Curran has come out to partner the Jamaican monst
13.1 : M Ali to C Gayle, This is worked through mid-wicket for a single.
13.2 : M Ali to Sam Curran, Flighted ball on middle, Curran flicks it to mid-wicket. The fielder misfields and a run is taken. Bangalore would not have wanted that, they would have loved to keep the new man on strike.
13.3 : M Ali to C Gayle, On the stumps, it is worked through mid-wicket for a single.
13.4 : M Ali to Sam Curran, The slider and it is coming in from outside off, Curran looks to hit it through the off side but gets it off the inner half back to the bowler.
13.5 : M Ali to Sam Curran, OUT! Two wickets in quick succession for the visitors and they are right back in the game. The promotion up the order has not worked. Sam goes for the reverse sweep but misses. It was the arm ball from Ali so it skids through. He is hit right in front, an appeal is made and the umpire raises his dreaded finger.
Mandeep Singh's turn to partner Chris Gayle.
13.6 : M Ali to M Singh, This is eased down to long on for an easy single. Just the 4 runs and a wicket from Moeen's last. End of a brilliant spell by him. He gave away only 19 and has taken a wicket too in his 4 overs.
Yuzvendra Chahal to bowl out!
14.1 : Y Chahal to M Singh, Tossed up ball outside off, Mandeep pushes it a bit aerially through extra cover for a run.
14.2 : Y Chahal to C Gayle, The batsman has flicked the ball off his pads. One run added to the total.
14.3 : Y Chahal to M Singh, Full and flighted in leg, it's knocked down to long on for one.
14.4 : Y Chahal to C Gayle, FOUR! Easy pickings! A leg spinner pitching down the leg side and further spinning down, Gayle manages to get some wood behind it and sends it whistling to the fine leg fence.
14.5 : Y Chahal to C Gayle, Hangs on the back foot to a flatter short ball and punches it to long off for one.
14.6 : Y Chahal to M Singh, Floated one, full and on off, Mandeep pushes it back and Chahal does well to stop it with a dive. He finishes his fantastic spell, 4-0-33-2!
Navdeep Saini is back on!
15.1 : N Saini to C Gayle, A good short one to begin with! Gayle looks to pull but misses. There is a late appeal from the bowler but nothing doing.
15.2 : N Saini to C Gayle, Just over! Another good short ball and it is on the body. Gayle awkwardly looks to pull but only manages a top edge which balloons over the square leg fielder for a single.
15.3 : N Saini to M Singh, On the shorter side and outside off, Singh guides it to sweeper cover and a run is taken. Just the two runs from the first three balls.
15.4 : N Saini to C Gayle, Just the two from the 4 balls bowled now! Top stuff from Saini. He bowls the slower one on a back of a length. Gayle looks to pull but misses.
15.5 : N Saini to C Gayle, Another single! Bangalore won't mind singles. Short and outside off, Gayle looks to cut but mistimes it towards cover for a single.
15.6 : N Saini to M Singh, Lovely fielding! Keeps it down to two. So just the 5 runs from the over. Excellent. Short and outside off, Mandeep guides it towards point. Negi dives to his right and makes a half-stop. Saves two for his side.
Mohammed Siraj is back on.
16.1 : M Siraj to C Gayle, Good slower one. It is fuller in length. Gayle swings but it goes off the inner half, onto the pads and then towards the keeper. A single taken. Gayle seems to be struggling to find his timing at the moment.
16.2 : M Siraj to M Singh, Cramps the batsman for room by bowling it on the body, Singh pushes it down to long on and takes one.
16.3 : M Siraj to C Gayle, SIX! Scratch what I wrote last, he has timed that to perfection. That is colossal. HUGE! Short and on middle, Gayle goes back and pulls it right off the middle, it goes deep into the mid-wicket stands where a spectator takes it with one hand. He is definitely going to get rich tonight. Punjab would hope this should probably get them going now.
16.4 : M Siraj to C Gayle, Perfect comeback! Nothing you can do about that ball. A yorker on middle, Gayle jams it out towards mid on for a single.
16.5 : M Siraj to M Singh, This is crunched but straight to the man at sweeper cover for a single. Mandeep too needs to find the fence.
16.6 : M Siraj to C Gayle, A single to end! A low full toss on middle, Gayle hits it down towards long on where Kohli does well to keep it down to one. So 11 from the over. Punjab need to keep going.
17.1 : N Saini to C Gayle, WIDE! The slower one but it is way too far outside off. Gayle does go after it but misses. Wided.
N Saini to C Gayle, Almost an action replay of the last ball, this one though is inside the tramline.
17.2 : N Saini to C Gayle, Get out of the way, non-striker! But Mandeep could not. It was not hit with a lot of power though. Length and on off, Gayle flat-bats it towards his partner. It hits Mandeep and rolls towards long off for a single.
17.3 : N Saini to M Singh, Excellent bowling! Full, fast and on the pads. Mandeep is beaten for pace as he looks for the hoick but misses to get hit on the pads.
17.4 : N Saini to M Singh, FOUR! Mandeep gets hold of one this time and it is in the gap! The short ball and it is the slower one. Mandeep waits for it and pulls it away from deep square leg. De Villiers runs to his right and gets a hand to it but can't stop it.
17.5 : N Saini to M Singh, BEATEN! Closer to the off pole, Mandeep looks to cut but that shot was never on as the ball was way too close. Misses.
17.6 : N Saini to M Singh, A couple to end! A top spell by Saini comes to an end. He ends wicket-less but has only give away 23 in his 4. Short and it is slower in pace again. Mandeep pulls it over mid-wicket. Not off the middle but collects two.
Umesh Yadav is back on.
18.1 : U Yadav to C Gayle, FOUR! It is in the gap and a boundary! Boundary on the very first ball of the over, pressure on the bowler. A low full toss on middle, Gayle flicks it towards the deep mid-wicket fence. It bounces once and crosses the ropes. 150 is up! 11 balls to go, how many more can they add?
18.2 : U Yadav to C Gayle, This time it is fuller, Gayle does not get under it. He mistimes it towards deep mid-wicket for only a run.
18.3 : U Yadav to M Singh, WIDE! Down the leg side, Mandeep looks to sweep but misses.
U Yadav to M Singh, Well bowled! Very full again, not a lot you can do with that. It is hit through covers for a single.
18.4 : U Yadav to C Gayle, DROPPED! The Bangalore skipper drops Gayle with 8 balls to go. How costly will this prove? It was coming to him quickly but should have been taken. A low full toss, Gayle smashes it flat towards long on. Kohli runs in and gets two hands to it but fails to grab it. The batsmen take a run.
18.5 : U Yadav to M Singh, On the shorter side and this is pulled through mid-wicket for a single.
18.6 : U Yadav to C Gayle, WIDE! Down the leg side, Gayle leaves it. Will the extra ball now cost Umesh?
U Yadav to C Gayle, SIX! You bet, it has! Deposited into the stands! 16 from the over. Misses the yorker, ends up bowling a full toss. Gayle won't miss out. He hoicks it into the mid-wicket stands.
Mohammed Siraj to bowl the last over. 18 more needed for 180. Will Punjab get it or not?
19.1 : M Siraj to M Singh, On the shorter side, Mandeep pulls it all along the ground to deep mid-wicket for a single. Gayle is on strike, he is on 90 and he needs 10 in the 5 balls remaining to get to a ton. That single though brings the 50-run stand up. An important one as they had lost a couple of wickets quickly when the two joined association.
19.2 : M Siraj to C Gayle, A single again! Slower ball, Gayle swings, it flies off the inner half towards deep mid-wicket for a run.
19.3 : M Siraj to M Singh, Another single so the first half of the last over belongs to Bangalore. Short and on the body, Mandeep pulls it to deep mid-wicket for a single.
19.4 : M Siraj to C Gayle, FOUR! Carved over point! The second half of the over has started well for the hosts. A full toss outside off, Gayle carves it over the point fielder and a boundary results. On 95, 2 balls to go.
19.5 : M Siraj to C Gayle, Brilliant bowling! A yorker outside off, Gayle looks to put bat on ball but misses. Now Gayle needs a biggie to get to his ton. Will he do so?
19.6 : M Siraj to C Gayle, FOUR! He does not, he ends up on 99. However, a boundary to end the innings! Full and wide again outside off, Gayle throws his bat at it. He gets it through backward point and a boundary results. 11 from the last over and PUNJAB FINISH ON 173/4!
Outstanding knock by Christopher Henry Gayle and Punjab have posted a very challenging total on the board. Bangalore, though, will feel that they have pulled things back a shade towards the end. Just a reminder, Gayle was trapped lbw on nought but was not given and Virat Kohli didn't review the decision. It has cost them 99 runs and that also provided Punjab a big start in the Powerplay.
Punjab were going great guns at one stage but after losing KL Rahul, they slowed down just a bit. Bangalore managed to pick a few wickets at regular intervals and tried to choke the flow of runs through their spinners but the presence of Chris Gayle meant that they failed to gain the upper hand at any time. As mentioned, Bangalore's spinners did a commendable job in their combined eight overs and Navdeep Saini also left his mark by bowling four economical overs. Umesh Yadav and Mohammed Siraj we
Yuzvendra Chahal (when asked about bowling to Gayle) says that it sometimes gets hard to bowl to Gayle as he hits it everywhere. Further adds that they did not want to take a chance to bowl him in the powerplay as Gayle was still on the pitch and his balls would have been easier to him. Adds up that he got Rahul in his very first over so he was happy about it. Reckons that Punjab played good shots.Ends up saying that as there was grass on the pitch he was happy to bowl so good on this surface an
Right then, the target for Bangalore is 174. They have been unsuccessful in the run chases twice this season, while going after targets of 188 and 232. This time it's looking gettable on a belter of a surface but it did show signs of slowing down in the latter stage. What will be the script tonight? Will Bangalore taste their first success? Or will it be Punjab achieving their fourth win in a row at home? Do join us in a short while to find out.
0.0 : We are back for the chase! The Punjab team is in a huddle and now make its way out to the middle. They are followed by the Bangalore openers, Virat Kohli and Parthiv Patel. The left-hander will be on strike and he will face Sam Curran who has the new ball in hand. Here we go...
0.1 : Sam Curran to P Patel, FOUR! What a start to the run chase for the visitors. Curran bowls a half volley outside off. Patel says thank you very much, he strokes it through covers and the ball races away.
0.2 : Sam Curran to P Patel, Very straight this time and Patel works it through backward square leg for a single.
0.3 : Sam Curran to V Kohli, Drags his length back and lands it on off, Kohli guides it to point.
0.4 : Sam Curran to V Kohli, In the air... but on the bounce! A little too straight this time, Kohli looks to flick but closes the face of the bat early. He gets a leading edge which goes on the bounce to mid on.
0.5 : Sam Curran to V Kohli, On the off pole, Kohli taps it towards cover and takes one. He is off the mark.
0.6 : Sam Curran to P Patel, A dot to end! So a good start for the visitors. Length and on off, Patel guides it to point.
Mohammed Shami to bowl from the other end.
1.1 : M Shami to V Kohli, FOUR! That's classic Kohli. Shami starts with a full ball on off, Kohli just shows the full face of the bat and drives it straight past mid off for a boundary.
1.2 : M Shami to V Kohli, FOUR! Make that two in two. Shami bowls this fuller on the pads, Kohli flicks it through mid-wicket and finds the gap with perfection.
1.3 : M Shami to V Kohli, On a back of a length outside off, Kohli moves across and flicks it on the leg side for a single.
1.4 : M Shami to P Patel, FOUR! Parthiv gets into the act now. Shami bowls it fuller to Parthiv, on his pads, Parthiv whips it with ease and through mid-wicket for an easy boundary.
1.5 : M Shami to P Patel, Changes length and bowls it shorter, Parthiv cuts it to point and changes strike.
1.6 : M Shami to V Kohli, Ends up with a short ball outside off, Kohli goes on the back foot and opens the face of the bat. The ball goes to third man as they pick up a run. 15 runs from Shami's first. An expensive one to begin with.
2.1 : Sam Curran to V Kohli, FOUR! Lovely shot! There is not a lot wrong with that delivery. This is a length ball on off, Kohli strokes it on the up and past the diving mid off fielder for a boundary.
2.2 : Sam Curran to V Kohli, Slower ball and it is shorter in length, Kohli stands tall and guides it to point. He is disappointed with himself a little as he felt he should have found the gap.
2.3 : Sam Curran to V Kohli, Direct hit needed but misses! Would have been close. Kohli works this through mid-wicket. They taken one, go for the second. Mandeep has a shy at the non-striker's end but misses.
2.4 : Sam Curran to V Kohli, Back of a length on off, once again Kohli closes the face of the bat way too early, a soft leading edge towards mid off for a single.
2.5 : Sam Curran to P Patel, FOUR! Dealing in boundaries are Bangalore! Top shot. Full and on off, Patel smashes it past the bowler and into the fence.
2.6 : Sam Curran to P Patel, FOUR! 15 from this over! 4th boundary for Parthiv. This is short and on the body, Patel helps it on its way over the short fine leg fielder and into the fence. 138 more needed in 102.
Ravichandran Ashwin is introduced into the attack.
3.1 : R Ashwin to V Kohli, Starts with a tossed up ball on middle, Kohli flicks it to mid-wicket for a run.
3.2 : R Ashwin to P Patel, Flatter through the air, Parthiv flicks it past mid-wicket and another run added to the total.
3.3 : R Ashwin to V Kohli, FOUR! That's his bottom hand power. Ashwin bowls it flat and on off, Kohli drives it hard to the right of the bowler and into the long on fence.
3.4 : R Ashwin to V Kohli, This is worked through mid-wicket for a single.
3.5 : R Ashwin to P Patel, OUT! In the air... taken! The skipper takes it on himself and delivers the goods. Excellent bowling, this. He slows it up and gives it a lot more air. Parthiv comes down the track and looks to go big but he does not get to the pitch of the ball. Still goes ahead with the shot. Only manages more height than distance. Agarwal at long off takes it. A much-needed wicket for the hosts. They would now want to build on this.
AB de Villiers is the new man in.
3.6 : R Ashwin to V Kohli, This is tossed up on middle, Kohli flicks it through mid-wicket and keeps strike for the next over. End of a successful over for the home team.
Mohammed Shami changes ends.
4.1 : M Shami to V Kohli, Starts with a short ball outside off, Kohli guides it towards point and takes a run.
4.2 : M Shami to de Villiers, FOUR! Just short and AB has punished it with ease. Shami bowls a short ball outside off, de Villiers is already on the back foot as he punches it through the gap at covers. The ball races to the fence with ease.
4.3 : M Shami to de Villiers, Excellent change of lengths here by Shami. He bowls a yorker on off, de Villiers could do nothing but dig it out.
4.4 : M Shami to de Villiers, FOUR! Cheeky! If the previous boundary was power, this one was deft and cheeky. Shami bowls it on a length on the fifth stump line, de Villiers opens the bat face and guides it to the third man fence. Shami is leaking a lot of runs here. 50 up for Bangalore, this is the quickest they have reached that mark in this season.
4.5 : M Shami to de Villiers, Full ball on middle, driven straight to mid off.
4.6 : M Shami to de Villiers, Ends it with a length ball outside off, de Villiers punches it through the off side and takes a run.
Murugan Ashwin is on now!
5.1 : M Ashwin to de Villiers, Starts off with a shorter one outside off, de Villiers cuts but finds point.
5.2 : M Ashwin to de Villiers, Now this is eased down to long off for an easy single.
5.3 : M Ashwin to V Kohli, Almost drags it on! Close shave that was! A poor delivery to be honest. It is short and outside off, spinning away big time, Kohli looks to drag his pull but only manages an inside edge which goes just wide of the leg pole.
5.4 : M Ashwin to V Kohli, FOUR! Poor ball and put away! Short and wide outside off, Kohli goes back and cuts it through point. The timing is such that there is no chance for the fielder to chase it down.
5.5 : M Ashwin to V Kohli, FOUR! Consecutive boundaries! Top shot, this. Slightly short and it is the googly, Kohli picks it and whips it through mid-wicket. The fielder in the deep slides and looks to stop it but only manages to push it on the ropes.
5.6 : M Ashwin to V Kohli, A dot to end! A very full ball on middle, Kohli jams it out to covers. 9 from the last over of the Powerplay and Bangalore are cruising. They are 63 for 1 and need another 111 in 84.
Andrew Tye is into the attack now.
6.1 : A Tye to de Villiers, Starts with a full ball on off, AB drives it straight back to the bowler.
6.2 : A Tye to de Villiers, Slower ball this time, short and outside off, de Villiers pulls it with soft hands towards mid-wicket for a single.
6.3 : A Tye to V Kohli, Full and on the pads, Kohli flicks it to mid-wicket for a single.
6.4 : A Tye to de Villiers, Lucky! De Villiers could have easily dragged it onto his stumps. Tye bowls it fuller and on the pads, AB goes for the flick but the ball takes the inside edge onto his pads. The ball then falls to the ground near de Villiers' shoes as he goes searching for it. Luckily for him the ball did not roll on the stumps.
6.5 : A Tye to de Villiers, Fuller outside off, AB moves across and flicks it through mid-wicket for a brace.
6.6 : A Tye to de Villiers, FOUR! Slapped and Slapped hard. Tye ends the over with a short ball outside off, de Villiers' rocks back and slaps it hard over the covers and into the fence for a boundary. Third boundary for him and 8 runs off the over.
7.1 : M Ashwin to V Kohli, Flighted outside off, Kohli throws his bat at it but mistimes it to covers.
7.2 : M Ashwin to V Kohli, The googly outside off, Kohli looks to guide it down to third man against the turn but misses.
7.3 : M Ashwin to V Kohli, A low full toss outside off, this is hit through covers for a run.
7.4 : M Ashwin to de Villiers, Floated on off, de Villiers chips it on the bounce to long off for a run.
7.5 : M Ashwin to V Kohli, Given nice amount of air, Kohli strokes it towards cover who dives to his right and saves a run. Every run is important at the moment, need such efforts in the field to build pressure.
7.6 : M Ashwin to V Kohli, Tosses it up on middle, this is hit down to long on for a run. A tight over by Murugan, just the three from it.
Ravichandran Ashwin is back into the attack.
8.1 : R Ashwin to V Kohli, Flatter ball outside off, Kohli pushes it to long on and changes strike.
8.2 : R Ashwin to de Villiers, Slower through the air and on middle, AB whips it to mid-wicket and takes a run.
8.3 : R Ashwin to V Kohli, Fuller on the pads, Kohli flicks it on the leg side and takes a single.
8.4 : R Ashwin to de Villiers, Bowls a half tracker to which de Villiers plays the pull towards mid-wicket and a single results.
8.5 : R Ashwin to V Kohli, Tossed up outside off, driven through the covers by Kohli for a single.
8.6 : R Ashwin to de Villiers, Six singles from this over. Punjab won't mind though but if they get these two out, they would be happier. Fuller and on middle, de Villiers flicks it to square leg to keep the strike for the next over.
The strategic break has been signaled! Bangalore are cruising at the moment. They have their best batters out there who are going along nicely. They would hope the two to continue. Punjab on the other hand, need to break this stand as quickly as possible and get into the fragile middle order of the visitors. It was from a similar position from where Bangalore started slowing things down and Punjab will hope they can do the same.
9.1 : M Ashwin to de Villiers, FOUR! Poor fielding. That's a gift from Rahul to Bangalore. Ashwin bowls it fuller outside off, de Villiers drives it through the covers. Rahul from long off runs to his left and then makes a mess of it as the ball goes through him and into the fence.
9.2 : M Ashwin to de Villiers, Flatter on the pads, flicked to mid-wicket for a run.
9.3 : M Ashwin to V Kohli, Slower one outside off, Kohli drives it through mid on and completes a quick brace.
9.4 : M Ashwin to V Kohli, Tossed up of off, Virat drives it straight to cover.
9.5 : M Ashwin to V Kohli, Flighted on middle, Kohli flicks it to square leg.
9.6 : M Ashwin to V Kohli, Ends with a full ball outside off, Kohli punches it on the off side and takes a run.
10.1 : R Ashwin to V Kohli, This is fired down the leg side and Kohli lets it be. Wided.
R Ashwin to V Kohli, FOUR! Short and wide and it has been put away! The batter goes back and cuts it through point. The 50-run stand is up, half the job is done and half is left.
10.2 : R Ashwin to V Kohli, Sensible batting! Got a boundary on the last ball and now this is eased down to long off for a run.
10.3 : R Ashwin to de Villiers, De Villiers now hits it through covers for another single.
10.4 : R Ashwin to V Kohli, Gives it a lot of air on off, Kohli strokes it down to long off and a run is taken.
10.5 : R Ashwin to de Villiers, A single through covers for de Villiers this time.
10.6 : R Ashwin to V Kohli, Fifty for Kohli. His 36th in this League. Leading from the front is the skipper but he needs to hang in there. The job is not yet done. He strokes it down to long on to get to that milestone. 10 from the over with no risks taken. 76 needed in 54 balls.
Bowling change. Andrew Tye comes back into the attack.
11.1 : A Tye to V Kohli, Length ball outside off, Kohli reads the line early as he shuffles across and flicks it through mid-wicket for an easy brace.
11.2 : A Tye to V Kohli, Fuller on the pads, Kohli pushes it straight to mid on.
11.3 : A Tye to V Kohli, FOUR! Poor line from Tye and he gets punished. He bowls it on a length on the pads, Kohli has to just put bat on ball and he does better, as he flicks it over backward square leg for a boundary.
11.4 : A Tye to V Kohli, A direct hit and de Villiers was a goner! These half chances have to be taken at the moment. Length ball and on middle, Kohli works it with soft hands towards mid-wicket. The batters take one and go for the second. The fielder runs in and fires it to the bowler who fails to collect it. Replays later on show, had Tye collected it, de Villiers would have been short.
11.5 : A Tye to V Kohli, Fuller on middle and leg, Kohli goes down the track and flicks it to mid-wicket for a single.
11.6 : A Tye to de Villiers, Slower one on middle, de Villiers plays it to mid on. 9 runs from the over.
Sam Curran is back on!
12.1 : Sam Curran to V Kohli, Short ball to begin the over, Kohli goes on the back foot and pulls it to deep mid-wicket for an easy couple.
12.2 : Sam Curran to V Kohli, Fuller on the pads, Kohli flicks it again to mid-wicket and calls for a couple but the fielder was quick on the ball as he keeps them down to one.
12.3 : Sam Curran to de Villiers, Full and on middle, AB drives it to mid on and takes a run.
12.4 : Sam Curran to V Kohli, Excellent fielding by the big man. Curran bowls it on Kohli's pads who flicks it behind square on the leg side. Gayle there does well to stop it and keep it down to one.
12.5 : Sam Curran to de Villiers, FOUR! That's Mr. 360 for you. Curran bowls a back of a length ball on the leg side, de Villiers was already across and then he paddle scoops it behind to the fine leg fence for a boundary.
12.6 : Sam Curran to de Villiers, Full and on the pads, AB whips it towards mid-wicket and takes a run.
The strategic break has been signaled! The story is the same as it was in the last break - Bangalore in control, if Punjab do not get wickets quickly, this game is going to slip away. Will there be a change in the story or will the visitors chase this down easily?
13.1 : A Tye to de Villiers, A length delivery drifting down the leg side, de Villiers works it in front of square leg and takes on Shami in the deep. An easy couple in the end.
13.2 : A Tye to de Villiers, Back of a length ball on off, de Villiers rocks on the back foot and forces it down through mid-wicket for a run.
13.3 : A Tye to V Kohli, Straighter in line yet again, it's been eased through square leg for a single. Extremely easy going for Bangalore at the moment.
13.4 : A Tye to de Villiers, A slower delivery but there is plenty of width on offer, it's slapped down to long off for one.
13.5 : A Tye to V Kohli, Bouncer, the batsman leaves it thinking it to be a wide for height. Kohli is furious as the square leg umpire stands still and doesn't signal anything. The replays show that it was wayy over. Hmm...
13.6 : A Tye to V Kohli, Shows the full face of the bat and defends the ball off the back foot.
Murugan Ashwin is back on.
14.1 : M Ashwin to de Villiers, Short and outside off, AB goes deep inside the crease and pulls it to mid-wicket for a run.
14.2 : M Ashwin to V Kohli, Strides forward to a full ball and drives it with the spin, finds the cover fielder.
14.3 : M Ashwin to V Kohli, The length is on the shorter side outside off, it's bowled through the flatter trajectory, Kohli cuts it through cover-point for a run. Ashwin knows that Kohli very rarely plays sweep, so he has square leg up and point in the deep. Smart captaincy.
14.4 : M Ashwin to de Villiers, De Villiers has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery.
14.5 : M Ashwin to de Villiers, A googly, turning back in from outside off, AB gets back and punches it down the ground to long on for a single.
14.6 : M Ashwin to V Kohli, Loopy and full outside off, Kohli plays the inside-out drive over covers for a run. 9 runs in the last two overs, 48 needed more off 30 balls. Punjab require wickets desperately.
Mohammed Shami is back into the attack.
15.1 : M Shami to V Kohli, Extra bounce from a good length around middle, Kohli hits it early and it goes off the upper half of his bat. Goes down through mid on and they switch ends.
15.2 : M Shami to de Villiers, Quick single. Short in length and on off, de Villiers tries to pull but gets an inside edge onto the pads. It rolls near the surface and Kohli calls his partner for a sharp single. Shami also rushes forward and deflects it onto the stumps with his boot but Kohli is safely in by then.
15.3 : M Shami to V Kohli, OUT! A wicket out of nowhere! Kohli is dismissed and he is looking shell-shocked. A short delivery again by Shami, this time Virat takes on the challenge to play the pull shot but ends up playing it flat and straight towards Murugan Ashwin at deep mid-wicket who jumps and takes it brilliantly over his head. The fielder is standing quite inside the rope there, not sure whether it's a plan or not but it has certainly worked. 46 needed off 27 balls. This match is not over
Marcus Stoinis is the new batsman.
15.4 : M Shami to M Stoinis, Angles in a back of a length ball on off, Stoinis goes on his toes and defends it on the leg side.
15.5 : M Shami to M Stoinis, Marcus Stoinis opens the face of the bat and helps it to third man. The batsmen have run through for a single.
15.6 : M Shami to de Villiers, Fantastic yorker by Shami, de Villiers digs it out towards long on for one. 4 runs and a wicket from the over, 13/1 in the last three overs. Punjab applying good pressure.
Ravichandran Ashwin to bowl his last over.
16.1 : R Ashwin to de Villiers, This is flatter and on off, de Villiers pushes it down to long off for a single.
16.2 : R Ashwin to M Stoinis, Goes wide of the crease and bowls it on the stumps, Stoinis keeps it out.
16.3 : R Ashwin to M Stoinis, A couple now! Short and outside off, this is cut past the fielder at point for a couple.
16.4 : R Ashwin to M Stoinis, Another dot! Flatter and on off, Stoinis pushes it to covers.
16.5 : R Ashwin to M Stoinis, DROPPED! Or is it? However, it is a misfield and a couple is taken. This is short and flatter outside off, the batsman hits it hard towards covers. Not sure if it carried but the fielder lets it through his hands and two taken.
16.6 : R Ashwin to M Stoinis, A single to end! Just 6 from the over. Run rate needed above 12 now. This is eased down to long on for a run. 38 in 18.
Andrew Tye is back into the attack.
17.1 : A Tye to M Stoinis, FOUR! Tye has been poor all evening. Starts with a full ball on the pads, easy pickings for any batsman, Stoinis picks it up and flicks it behind square leg for a boundary. Is this the over that Bangalore will target?
17.2 : A Tye to M Stoinis, FOUR! One more in the over. 8 off the first two balls, all the pressure built in the last four overs getting released. Short and wide outside off, Marcus rocks back and whacks it through backward point. Tye is looking dejected. 30 needed off 16 balls.
17.3 : A Tye to M Stoinis, DROPPED BY MURUGAN! A wicket at this stage would have surely made Bangalore nervous. Tye serves a back of a length delivery outside off, Stoinis tries pulling it but gets a big top edge. It goes way up high in the air, Murugan is underneath it and he drops. A single is taken, bringing de Villiers on strike.
17.4 : A Tye to de Villiers, SIX! Bowl there to this batsman and he will hit you every single time, even in his sleep. Short and wide outside off, begging to be hit, de Villiers latches onto it and plunders it over covers for a maximum. 23 needed more off 14 balls.
Have Punjab got de Villiers? A run out appeal at the non-striker's end has been taken upstairs. De Villiers looks relaxed though.
17.5 : A Tye to de Villiers, NOT OUT! AB de Villiers is well in. Tye gets away with a really bad delivery. Plenty of width on this one, AB smashes it through the line but finds Ravichandran Ashwin on the edge of the box at extra cover. They scamper across for a quick single as the Punjab skipper has a shy at the bowler's end. It appears to be a direct hit in one go as the umpire refers it upstairs. The replays come and they show that the ball missed the stumps, hit Tye's hands and then gets defle
17.6 : A Tye to M Stoinis, The batsman has played the square drive. Two runs added to the total. 18 from the over and this has changed the complexion of this chase. 20 needed off 12 balls.
Mohammed Shami to bowl the 19th over.
18.1 : M Shami to de Villiers, Fuller and on middle, de Villiers hits it through mid-wicket and rushes back for the second run.
18.2 : M Shami to de Villiers, On a length and outside off, de Villiers slices his attempted lofted drive over covers to deep cover-point. A single taken.
18.3 : M Shami to M Stoinis, Lands it on a good length around off, Stoinis pushes it from the back foot but finds extra cover. 17 needed off 9 balls.
18.4 : M Shami to M Stoinis, FOUR! Fine, fine shot! Shami misses his yorker by a few inches and ends up serving a low full toss on off. Stoinis manages to get under that delivery and pumps it down to long off for a boundary. The fielder was standing up, so it's a safe shot.
18.5 : M Shami to M Stoinis, Full and angling in on middle, Marcus drills t down to long on for one. 12 needed off 7 balls.
18.6 : M Shami to de Villiers, SIX! Mr 360 goes full throttle and brings down the equation to 6 off 6! A low full toss yet again by Shami, de Villiers jumps across the thumps and spanks it over fine leg for a biggie. 14 from the over, 32 in the last two. The last two overs have put Bangalore on the cusp of their first win of the season.
Surprise, surprise! It is not Sam Curran who is bowling the last over, it is Sarfaraz Khan.
19.1 : S Khan to M Stoinis, FOUR! Two more needed. Sarfaraz bowls it flat and short on middle, Stoinis hops back to make room and bludgeons it over the bowler's head for a boundary. Kohli is pumped up in the dugout.
19.2 : S Khan to M Stoinis, STOP THE PRESS! BANGALORE HAVE WON! Another short delivery outside off, Stoinis slaps it down to wide long off and steals two runs. Smiles return in the Bangalore camp, they finally taste their first victory of 2019. A comprehensive win here by 8 wickets and they are off the mark on the points table.
Winning really does taste sweet! Bangalore tried, tried and tried but without any success in the last six games. Then, they got a 5-day break, rejuvenated and have come out trumps in this match! They will be really delighted at the moment after getting the monkey off their back. Bangalore will like to believe that this is the start of their resurgence and from hereon, they will go on a roll. Remember, it has reached to do-or-die situation for them and probably that's the kick they needed to get
Earlier in the game, Punjab put on a powerful show with the bat in the Powerplay and courtesy Chris Gayle's excellent knock, they posted a very challenging total on the board. Although, the kind of start they had, they should have got at least 20-25 runs more. Credit should be given to the Bangalore bowlers, especially their spin pair, for putting the brakes on the scoring rate and playing a big role in this win.
Bangalore started their chase in a brisk manner through the 43-run stand between Virat Kohli and Parthiv Patel. After that, their most loved batting pair, Kohli-de Villiers, combined to raise an 85-run partnership that put them on the front foot. After the second strategic break, Punjab tried to make a comeback and bowled a few quiet overs which resulted in the wicket of the Bangalore skipper. Thereafter, the required run rate started to jump but then the 18-run 18th over came followed by 14 run
Punjab skipper, Ravichandran Ashwin (on giving Sarfaraz Khan the final over) says that with just 6 runs to play with and the ball sliding on nicely, he wanted a leggie to bowl. Admits they tried to take the two big wickets but the pair of Kohli and de Villiers played smartly. States they were not up to the mark in the field as they dropped a few catches. Reckons the wicket was dry in the first half and it got better to bat on. Further adds that he backed his best bowlers to do the job at the dea
Marcus Stoinis also gives a quick interview. Says that he was fortunate it was his night tonight. Tells that he enjoyed batting with the best player of their generation (AB de Villiers). Mentions he is very happy to get the two points and credits the way the Bangalore bowlers bounced back after the Powerplay.
Victorious Bangalore skipper, Virat Kohli says the most pleasing thing is interviewing after winning a game. Mentions they have been unlucky in a few games but he is pleased to win this one. States the bowlers were really good tonight and it was a great effort to restrict them to 170. Talks about their bowling in the middle phase where they picked up four wicket in 8 overs for 60 odd runs which he feels was an outstanding effort.
Man of the Match, AB de Villiers is very happy to get the first win of the season. Adds that it's still a small step in the right direction. States that he has got too much respect of the game to get upset about it, or to get ahead of himself. Mentions that he was just one knock away from finding his best form and hopes to maintain that now. Terms it a fantastic move to get in Dale Steyn and is delighted to have a bowler of his caliber in the team.
Done with both the matches! It turned out to be a fantastic day for the low-keyed teams in the points table with Rajasthan and Bangalore punching above their weight. Do join us now on Sunday where we have two matches lined up for you once again. Kolkata will be hosting Chennai at 1600 local (1030 GMT) followed by the clash between Hyderabad and Delhi at 2000 local (1430 GMT). Until we meet again, it's goodbye from us. Cheers!