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Rajasthan vs Chennai Live Commentary, Match 25, Indian Premier League, 2019, April 11, 2019

RR 151/7 (20)
Chennai Super Kings beat Rajasthan Royals by 4 wickets
CSK 155/6 (20)
Match over
Rajasthan Royals Inning Chennai Super Kings Inning
0.0 : A warm welcome to Match 25 of the Indian T20 League between Rajasthan and Chennai at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur. The hosts would like their big guns like Jos Buttler to fire and put a statement against the away side who are on top of the table. Ajinkya Rahane needs to start delivering as a skipper for the hosts. On their bowling, Dhawal Kulkarni's form is a concern for them. On the other hand, Chennai have all their bases covered except Watson and Raina's inconsistent form. Deepak Chah
TOSS - Chennai win the toss and elect to field first!
Chennai skipper, MS Dhoni, says that they will bowl first because the wicket remains good and it is difficult to defend here. He reckons that there is plenty of room for improvement especially in the fielding department and also in the match awareness. Informs that they have a couple of changes with Mitchell Santner and Shardul Thakur coming in.
Rajasthan skipper, Ajinkya Rahane, says they were also looking to bowl first. This one looks a different wicket and he believes it will remain the same through the game. He is not sure about the dew and he hopes his team can play well here. States they will look to play freely and play their best. Ends by saying that Samson is fit and back, Riyan Parag is making his debut and Unadkat is back.
Chennai XI - Shane Watson, Faf du Plessis, Suresh Raina, Ambati Rayudu, MS Dhoni (WK/C), Kedar Jadhav, Ravindra Jadeja, Deepak Chahar, Mitchell Santner (in), Shardul Thakur (in), Imran Tahir.
Rajasthan XI - Ajinkya Rahane (C), Jos Buttler (WK), Steven Smith, Sanju Samson (in), Rahul Tripathi, Ben Stokes, Riyan Parag (in), Jofra Archer, Shreyas Gopal, Jaydev Unadkat (in), Dhawal Kulkarni.
We are all set to begin. The Chennai players are out in the middle. Jos Buttler and Ajinkya Rahane will open the batting for Rajasthan. Deepak Chahar will start the proceedings for Chennai.
0.1 : D Chahar to A Rahane, Straightaway, Rajasthan are underway! Chahar looking for some shape away starts off on the leg pole. The ball though goes straight on. Rahane looks to flick but misses. The ball hits the pads and rolls towards square leg. A leg bye taken.
0.2 : D Chahar to Jos Buttler, On a good length on middle, Buttler punches it off the back foot to mid on.
0.3 : D Chahar to Jos Buttler, FOUR! What a shot to get off the mark! Takes a few steps ahead and then flicks it right off the middle and past the diving square leg fielder for a boundary. Lovely timing there by Jos the boss.
0.4 : D Chahar to Jos Buttler, On a good length on middle, Buttler comes down the track and looks to flick but gets hit high on the thigh pad. Chahar appeals for lbw but the umpire shakes his head. Probably height might have saved Jos here.
0.5 : D Chahar to Jos Buttler, SIX! STAND AND DELIVER! That shot just shows how powerfull this guy is. Not a bad delivery this, length and on off. Buttler stands tall and slaps it over the bowler's head. The timing is such that it carries all the way. Jos has started off really well here.
0.6 : D Chahar to Jos Buttler, On a good length on leg, Buttler comes forward to flick but gets hit on the pads. 11 runs have come from the first over. Great start from Rajasthan.
Mitchell Santner to bowl from he other end.
1.1 : M Santner to A Rahane, Tossed up on off, Rahane drives it back towards Santner where he does well to stop it.
1.2 : M Santner to A Rahane, Flighted delivery on middle, Rahane flicks it to mid-wicket.
1.3 : M Santner to A Rahane, FOUR! First boundary for Ajinkya Rahane. Tossed up on middle, Rahane comes down the track and flicks it over mid-wicket for a boundary.
1.4 : M Santner to A Rahane, FOUR! Another top shot by Rahane. This is even better than the last one. This time he steps out and also makes room. He maybe expected the ball to be outside off. It is and Rahane lofts it over the cover fielder for a boundary.
1.5 : M Santner to A Rahane, FIVE WIDES! The start keeps getting better for Rajasthan. The pressure telling on Santner. He fires this one down the leg side, Rahane looks to sweep but misses. Dhoni fails to collect the ball behind and races to the fine leg fence.
M Santner to A Rahane, Beauty of a delivery from Santner. Tosses it up just outside off, Rahane looks to defend but gets beaten due to the turn away on this one. Good comeback from Santner.
1.6 : M Santner to A Rahane, A single to end another excellent over for Rajasthan. 14 from it. Rahane works it with soft hands towards mid-wicket and takes one. Keeps the strike with that single.
2.1 : D Chahar to A Rahane, On a good length on middle, Rahane looks to flick but gets an inside edge onto the pads.
2.2 : D Chahar to A Rahane, FOUR! Excellent placement! Slightly short and outside off, Rahane stays back and punches it through the gap in the cover region. Dealing in boundaries are Rajasthan.
2.3 : D Chahar to A Rahane, On a good length and outside off, Rahane gets a leading edge towards covers for a run.
2.4 : D Chahar to Jos Buttler, Bowls full on middle, Buttler makes room and plays it towards mid on for a single.
Review time! Chahar feels he has got Rahane LBW, the umpire feels different. Deepak convinces his skipper to go for the review and Dhoni does so. It might just be umpire's call.
2.5 : D Chahar to A Rahane, OUT! It is not umpire's call, it is actually three reds. Rahane has been given the marching orders. The exciting start for Rajasthan has been cut short. All the credit here has to go to Chahar as he was the one who was adamant to take the review. It is a length ball and angling into the batsman. Rahane takes a few steps ahead and then looks to flick. He misses and gets hit on the pads. An appeal follows and then the umpire shakes his head. Deepak wants it to be reviewe
Sanju Samson is the new batsman in.
2.6 : D Chahar to S Samson, FOUR! That has been creamed! Chahar bowls it slightly short and Samson picks the length early, he goes back and nails the pull shot. It races to the square leg fence. Off the mark with a boundary. End of an action-packed over, 10 runs and a wicket from it.
Shardul Thakur is into the attack.
3.1 : S Thakur to Jos Buttler, FOUR! Welcome into the attack, Thakur! It is raining boundaries here. A short ball and on the body, Buttler goes deep inside the crease, gets on top of the bounce and pulls it to the fine leg fence. Chahar looks to stop it with a dive but fails to. He seems to have hurt himself in the process.
3.2 : S Thakur to Jos Buttler, FOUR! Three in a row for Rajasthan. This has been clobbered! Back of a length on off, Buttler stands tall and slaps it through extra cover. No stopping that.
3.3 : S Thakur to Jos Buttler, FOUR! Three in the over and four consecutive ones! Poor delivery, this! It is down the leg side. Buttler just helps it on its way to the fine leg fence.
3.4 : S Thakur to Jos Buttler, OUT! In the air... taken! Thakur has the last laugh. He has probably got Rajasthan's best batsman. Buttler is guilty of playing one shot too many here. Having already got three boundaries in the over, not sure if this was needed. He once again goes for the audacious back foot slap over covers. This time though the ball hits the higher portion of the bat and lobs up in the air towards covers. Rayudu there settles under it and takes it with ease. So the runs are flowi
Steven Smith is the new batsman in.
3.5 : S Thakur to S Samson, On a good length on off, Samson taps it to point.
3.6 : S Thakur to S Samson, Short of a length delivery on leg, Samson pulls it through square leg for a single. Big over for Rajasthan where 13 runs came from the over but a productive over for Chennai where they got the wicket of Jos Buttler.
4.1 : D Chahar to S Samson, Length delivery on off, Samson guides it towards third man for a run.
4.2 : D Chahar to S Smith, On a good length outside off, Smith punches it to point.
4.3 : D Chahar to S Smith, Short delivery outside off, Smith looks to pull but misses it.
4.4 : D Chahar to S Smith, FOUR! Save your legs, you need not run for those! Crunched! Slightly short and Smith is onto the back foot quickly, he pulls it through mid-wicket and it races away. 50 up for the hosts.
4.5 : D Chahar to S Smith, Slower delivery outside off, Smith looks to pull but he misses it because he was early into the shot.
4.6 : D Chahar to S Smith, Length delivery outside off, Smith comes forward and plays it to covers. Just 5 runs from this over.
Mitchell Santner is back on.
5.1 : M Santner to S Samson, This is fired on off, it turns away a little. Samson plays inside the line and gets an outside edge to point.
5.2 : M Santner to S Samson, OUT! Samson holes out! Not sure what the Rajasthan batsmen are doing here. They are only looking to hit the boundaries. Samson falls in the attempt to do so. He goes for the slog sweep but due to the extra bounce Santner gets, a top edge is induced. It goes uppishly towards deep mid-wicket. The substitute Shorey there runs in and takes it not in the first, not in the second but in the third attempt. A much-needed wicket for Santner as this will boost his confidence wh
Rahul Tripathi is the new batsman in.
5.3 : M Santner to S Smith, Floated on off, Smith drives it towards mid off for a run.
5.4 : M Santner to R Tripathi, Flighted delivery on off, Tripathi defends it out.
5.5 : M Santner to R Tripathi, BEATEN! There was slow turn on this delivery. Tossed up outside off, Tripathi looks to drive but misses it.
5.6 : M Santner to R Tripathi, Tossed up on middle, Rahul blocks it off his front foot. Very good over from Santner. Just 1 run and a wicket from it.
Ravindra Jadeja is on now.
6.1 : R Jadeja to S Smith, This is tossed up on middle, Smith eases it down to long on for a single.
6.2 : R Jadeja to R Tripathi, Plays this nicely as he brings out the paddle sweep. It goes towards fine leg for a single.
6.3 : R Jadeja to S Smith, On the middle pole, Smith leans into it and strokes it with the turn to covers.
6.4 : R Jadeja to S Smith, Uses his feet but does not get to the pitch of the ball, it is worked to mid-wicket.
6.5 : R Jadeja to S Smith, Tossed up on middle, Smith flicks it through mid-wicket for a single.
6.6 : R Jadeja to R Tripathi, Full on middle, Tripathi drives it towards mid on for a run. Good start from Jadeja. Just 4 runs have come from the over.
7.1 : M Santner to R Tripathi, Tossed up on middle, Smith flicks it through square leg. The batsmen pick up a couple.
7.2 : M Santner to R Tripathi, DROPPED! You do not see Dhoni drop these quite often, he just could not grab hold of it. This is fired in on off, it pitches and turns away. Tripathi looks to play it very late but ends up getting a faint outside edge which Dhoni fails to hold onto. RT now will want to make use of this life.
7.3 : M Santner to R Tripathi, Floated on middle and leg, Tripathi plays it towards long on for a single.
7.4 : M Santner to S Smith, Tossed up on off, Smith plays it towards covers for a run.
7.5 : M Santner to R Tripathi, Full on middle, Tripathi drives it towards mid off for a single.
7.6 : M Santner to S Smith, A single to end! Another tight over this. Santner bowls this slower, Smith waits for it and then strokes it down to long on for a single.
8.1 : R Jadeja to S Smith, Turn for Jadeja. It was tossed up on off, Smith looks to cut but misses it.
8.2 : R Jadeja to S Smith, Floated on off, Smith plays it towards covers for a run.
8.3 : R Jadeja to R Tripathi, Tossed up on off, Tripathi plays it to point.
8.4 : R Jadeja to R Tripathi, FOUR! Misfield! From another man who does not do it often, Faf du Plessis. Tripathi plays a very good shot against Jadeja. He goes inside out over covers. Faf runs to his left, dives and looks to stop the ball but pushes it onto the ropes.
8.5 : R Jadeja to R Tripathi, OUT! Another one bites the dust! An excellent catch by Jadhav. Tripathi fails to make the most of the reprieve. He looks to repeat what he did on the last ball, as he once again looks to hit it over covers. This time though there is a little turn on this one. It flies off the outside edge towards point. Jadhav there takes a couple of steps back and then stretches one hand up but the ball spills out. He though does really well to keep his eyes on the ball and take it
Strategic break! Rajasthan have been jolted not once, not twice but four times after being asked to bat first despite a flurry of boundaries at the start. The batsmen have played one shot too many and in the process, lost their wickets. Ben Stokes has walked out and joined Steven Smith in the middle. Chennai are well on top here and now will know that if they separate the Aussie-English duo of Smith and Stokes, they can dictate terms even further. The hosts, on the other hand, will need a big st
8.6 : R Jadeja to Ben Stokes, Tossed up on leg, Stokes flicks it through square leg for a couple. He straightaway gets off the mark. 7 runs and a wicket have come from the Jadeja over.
Imran Tahir is on now!
9.1 : I Tahir to S Smith, Slower through the air on middle, Smith lunges and blocks it out.
9.2 : I Tahir to S Smith, Stump-to-stump line again! Smith is solid in defense.
9.3 : I Tahir to S Smith, Full on middle, Smith flicks it through mid-wicket for a run.
9.4 : I Tahir to Ben Stokes, Bowls a googly outside off, Stokes leaves it alone.
9.5 : I Tahir to Ben Stokes, Tossed up on off, Stokes plays it towards point for a run.
9.6 : I Tahir to S Smith, Floated on middle, Steven drives it towards mid on for a run.
10.1 : R Jadeja to S Smith, Flatter and on off, Smith pushes it a little wide of the sweeper cover fielder for a couple. Good running.
10.2 : R Jadeja to S Smith, Flighted delivery outside off, Smith drives it through covers for a single.
10.3 : R Jadeja to Ben Stokes, Floated on leg, Stokes flicks it towards square leg. The batsmen change ends.
10.4 : R Jadeja to S Smith, Tossed up on middle, Smith defends it off the back foot.
10.5 : R Jadeja to S Smith, OUT! 100th wicket for Jadeja in this league! Half the side back in the hut! Smith is the man walking back now. A body blow, this, for the hosts as they would have hoped for him to anchor the innings. Another poor stroke. Smith brings out the slog sweep. It is not right off the middle and it goes straight to Ambati Rayudu at deep mid-wicket. He makes no mistake. Rajasthan slip further.
Riyan Parag is the new batsman in.
10.6 : R Jadeja to R Parag, Short and outside off, Parag cuts it towards point for a run.
11.1 : I Tahir to R Parag, Full on leg, Parag drives it towards mid on for a single.
11.2 : I Tahir to Ben Stokes, Floated on off, Stokes drives it towards covers. The batsmen cross ends.
11.3 : I Tahir to R Parag, Floated on leg, Parag flicks it towards square leg for a run.
11.4 : I Tahir to Ben Stokes, Full on off, Stokes drives it towards mid off for a run.
11.5 : I Tahir to R Parag, Flighted delivery on middle, Riyan drives it towards mid on for a run.
11.6 : I Tahir to Ben Stokes, Tossed up on off, Stokes plays it towards point for a run.
Mitchell Santner is back into the attack.
12.1 : M Santner to Ben Stokes, Tossed up on leg, Stokes flicks it towards mid-wicket for a single.
12.2 : M Santner to R Parag, Flighted delivery on middle, Parag tucks it towards the leg side for a run.
12.3 : M Santner to Ben Stokes, Tossed up on middle, Stokes nudges it to square leg.
12.4 : M Santner to Ben Stokes, Floated on off, Stokes looks to cut but gets a bottom edge on this one.
12.5 : M Santner to Ben Stokes, Full on off, Stokes drives it towards mid off for a run.
12.6 : M Santner to R Parag, Tossed up on middle, Parag defends it towards mid-wicket for a run. Santner has kept it tight and a good over from him. He finishes his spell with figures of 4-0-25-1.
13.1 : I Tahir to R Parag, FOUR! Full toss and it has been put away! Good shot, pikced the spot nicely. On the pads, Riyan flicks it over the mid-wicket fielder. No one in the deep and a boundary. Much-needed one.
13.2 : I Tahir to R Parag, The googly, it though is short. The batsman has enough time to go back and adjust. Parag guides it to the slip fielder.
13.3 : I Tahir to R Parag, FOUR! Could have easily been a caught and bowled. Tahir got wrong footed there. It is short and on middle, the ball seems to stop in the surface. Riyan looks to check his shot but till then the ball hits the bat. Goes to the right of Tahir who is moving to his left. The long on fielder too can't stop it and it results in a boundary. Second in the over.
13.4 : I Tahir to R Parag, Tossed up outside off, Parag looks to cut but gets beaten due to the away turn on this one.
13.5 : I Tahir to R Parag, Full on middle, Parag drives it towards mid on for a run.
13.6 : I Tahir to Ben Stokes, EDGED BUT SAFE! Tossed up on off, it is the googly. Stokes looks to defend but the ball turns away and takes the outside edge. He played it with soft hands and hence, it fell short of the first slip fielder. A productive over for the visitors.
Shardul Thakur is back.
14.1 : S Thakur to R Parag, Good length delivery on middle, Parag punches it towards mid on for a run.
14.2 : S Thakur to Ben Stokes, On a good length on off, Stokes plays it to point.
14.3 : S Thakur to Ben Stokes, WIDE! 100 up for Rajasthan. It has been hardwork for the batsmen. Bowls short and outside off, Stokes looks to chase that but misses it.
S Thakur to Ben Stokes, Full on middle, Stokes drives it towards long on. The batsmen get two runs.
14.4 : S Thakur to Ben Stokes, Full again on middle, Stokes plays it towards mid on for a single.
14.5 : S Thakur to R Parag, Short of a length delivery, Parag plays it to mid off.
14.6 : S Thakur to R Parag, OUT! The debutant's start has come to an end. A bit of a loose shot, really. It's a bit short and well outside off, Parag moves a step across and looks to heave it over the leg side. Only manages an edge behind which Dhoni takes comfortably. He sticks around for some reason, unsure of what exactly, but the umpire tells him to walk off.
Jofra Archer is the new batsman in.
15.1 : I Tahir to Ben Stokes, Tossed up on off, Stokes drives it towards mid off. The fielder goes for a direct hit at the bowler's end but misses it. The batsmen take a run.
15.2 : I Tahir to J Archer, Full on middle, Archer plays it towards mid on for a run.
15.3 : I Tahir to Ben Stokes, FOUR! Reverse sweep and it comes off! Stokes holds the key here. Stokes is down on one knee and hits it through short third man. It races away.
15.4 : I Tahir to Ben Stokes, Now watchfully hits it through mid-wicket for a run.
15.5 : I Tahir to J Archer, What was that now? This was way down the leg side, not sure why Archer looked to play it. The ball goes off the leading edge towards point for a single.
Run out appeal at the bowler's end! Archer the man in question but he might have just gotten home in time!
15.6 : I Tahir to Ben Stokes, NOT OUT! Archer is well in! A handy couple for the hosts. This is full and Stokes pushes it to the right of long off. They take one and then go for the second. The fielder fires a very good throw to the bowler who collects it and appeals. The umpire takes it upstairs and replays show that Archer has made it in. An expensive last over by Tahir. 10 from it. He goes wicket-less today as he finishes with figures of 4-0-28-0.
Strategic break! Rajasthan have not been able to pull away at all. They have been pegged back by wickets at regular intervals and despite most of their batsmen getting starts, they have not been able to convert them. Chennai, on the other hand, will be very happy with the way things have gone and would love to finish well with four overs remaining. The hosts, though, would like Stokes to smack a few out of the ground and take them as close to 150 as possible! Meanwhile, it is Jadeja to bowl afte
16.1 : R Jadeja to J Archer, Flatter and on off, Archer pushes it to covers.
16.2 : R Jadeja to J Archer, On the stumps, it is worked around the corner for a run. Gets Stokes on strike, he would fancy his chances vs the left-arm spinner.
16.3 : R Jadeja to Ben Stokes, Doesn't go for it this time. Happily works it through square leg for a run.
16.4 : R Jadeja to J Archer, Archer does what he has to do, pushes it down to long on and give the strike to Stokes.
16.5 : R Jadeja to Ben Stokes, This time Stokes looks to go after Jadeja. He though gets it off the inner half to the man at deep square leg for a single.
16.6 : R Jadeja to J Archer, A dot to end another excellent over and a fine spell by Jadeja. He has taken two wickets and given away only 20 runs. He bowls this on the stumps and Archer keeps it out.
17.1 : S Thakur to Ben Stokes, Archer was a goner! A risky run that! Stokes makes room and pushes towards sweeper cover. They take one, Stokes wants a second. Rayudu there throws it to the bowler who does not collect it. Had he done so, Archer was way out.
17.2 : S Thakur to Ben Stokes, Brilliant fielding! Excellent commitment by Faf! He makes up for the misfield early on. Stokes smashes this down towards the long on fence. Du Plessis makes a lot of ground to his right, dives and saves two.
17.3 : S Thakur to Ben Stokes, Full on off, Stokes drives it towards covers for a run.
17.4 : S Thakur to J Archer, Length delivery on off, Archer plays it towards point for a run.
17.5 : S Thakur to Ben Stokes, Bowls a slow short of a length delivery, Stokes pulls it towards mid-wicket for a run.
17.6 : S Thakur to J Archer, Short delivery on leg, Archer pulls it towards square leg for a single. 8 runs have come from the over but Rajasthan need a big one here.
Deepak Chahar to bowl from the other end.
18.1 : D Chahar to J Archer, Full and outside off, Archer drives it towards long on for a run.
18.2 : D Chahar to Ben Stokes, OUT! TIMBER! Any hopes of 150 now seems to have disappeared with that wicket. The slower ball does the trick for Chahar. It is on the stumps. Stokes throws the kitchen sink at it but the ball keeps low and rattles the stumps behind.
Shreyas Gopal is the new batsman in.
18.3 : D Chahar to S Gopal, Length delivery on middle, Gopal flicks it towards square leg for a run.
18.4 : D Chahar to J Archer, Short of a length delivery, Archer pulls it through mid-wicket for a run.
18.5 : D Chahar to S Gopal, FOUR! Up and over! Handy boundary, they would love a few more. Gopal makes room and picks the slower one. He waits for it and then lofts it over the mid off fielder. It bounces just before the ropes.
18.6 : D Chahar to S Gopal, Short of a length delivery outside off, Gopal plays an upper cut over Dhoni. However, third man is just fine and the batsmen take a run. 8 runs have come from the over and the wicket of Ben Stokes.
19.1 : S Thakur to S Gopal, Good fielding by Santner. Gopal lofts this over covers. Santner makes good ground to his right and he manages to push it back in. Saves two for his side.
19.2 : S Thakur to S Gopal, FOUR! 6 from the first two balls. A very good shot this. Gopal slaps this length ball on off over the bowler's head and it races to the fence.
19.3 : S Thakur to S Gopal, SIX! Gopal is turning on the heat here. What a cameo this is. 12 from the first three. Poor bowling though to be honest. With mid off up, this is right in the arc. Full and on off, Gopal lofts it over mid off. This time the connection is such that it carries all the way. Three balls to go, can they make it a 20 run over?
19.4 : S Thakur to S Gopal, Good change in length! Bowls it short and on middle, Gopal pulls it to deep square leg for a single.
19.5 : S Thakur to J Archer, FOUR! Archer gets into the act now! 150 up. 17 from the over with one ball to go. Another freebie. Short and on the body. Archer swivels and pulls it over the short fine leg fielder for a boundary.
19.6 : S Thakur to J Archer, A single to end! 18 from the over. A top nut to end. Not sure why he did not bowl this earlier. A yorker on middle, Archer jams it out towards covers for a single.
It was mostly Chennai through the innings, but that last Shardul Thakur over, which went for 18 runs, could just be the psychological edge Rajasthan need in the second half of the game. The hosts got off to a fast start with Buttler and Rahane firing away, but they kept losing wickets at regular intervals. After a point, the away side was on top, right up till the point where Thakur conceded 18 runs, with Gopal hitting the bulk of them.
It was a good bowling performance from the collective standpoint. Barring Tahir, who remained relatively economical, rest all chipped in with the wickets. Jadeja was the standout with his 2/20. The fielders were on it too as they backed their bowlers with their athleticism, but that final over would make them feel a little disheartened. Still, despite that, it's a good batting surface and Chennai will back themselves to chase this down. Let's see how it goes.
Ravindra Jadeja who is up for an interview says he is very happy with all his wickets in international cricket and he is enjoying his game. Further adds he is feeling great to be playing against his first Indian T20 League team. Mentions the crowd here is fantastic. He hopes they can continue the momentum and end on the winning side. States he wanted to get Smith out as he was looking for wickets and he did manage to get him. Ends by saying they have variety in their bowling and they did a good
0.0 : We are back for the chase. 152 to win, the two Chennai openers out in the middle are Faf du Plessis and Shane Watson. The home side fielders are in position as well, while the new ball is in the hands of Dhawal Kulkarni. Will Rajasthan be able to defend their total or will Chennai romp home? Time to find out!
0.1 : D Kulkarni to S Watson, Nearly gone first ball! A length ball outside off and some away movement, Watson looks to feel for the ball but it whizzes past his outside edge! Rajasthan would love that early wicket here.
0.2 : D Kulkarni to S Watson, Slightly back of a length on middle, pushed back towards mid on by Watson this time.
0.3 : D Kulkarni to S Watson, Outside off on a length, punched off the back foot by Watson to mid off.
0.4 : D Kulkarni to S Watson, OUT! Bowled 'em! Dhawal Kulkarni and the entire Rajasthan side is pumped up! A length ball landing on middle and shapes away at the last moment. Watson looks to flick it through mid-wicket but ends up playing down the wrong line. The stumps are rattled. Chennai one down before even adding a run on the board!
Suresh Raina walks in at number 3.
0.5 : D Kulkarni to S Raina, No room for Raina. Bowled slightly back of a length and at the body. Raina tucks it away towards mid-wicket.
0.6 : D Kulkarni to S Raina, Bouncer outside off to end the over. Raina sways out of the line and lets the ball go. A wicket-maiden to start off with!
Jaydev Unadkat to bowl from the other end.
1.1 : J Unadkat to du Plessis, Full and in the blockhole outside off, du Plessis keeps it out towards point.
1.2 : J Unadkat to du Plessis, Beaten! A length ball outside off, du Plessis looks to feel for the ball but fails to put bat on ball. It swings away at the last moment and goes just inches past the outside edge!
1.3 : J Unadkat to du Plessis, The line is on the hips this time, Faf tucks it down to fine leg and gets to the other end.
1.4 : J Unadkat to S Raina, FOUR! Smacked! Raina does not even need to look at it after hitting the ball. Such was the conviction. A length ball outside off, the southpaw makes room and hits it through the covers uppishly but in the gap. The ball races away to the rope.
Raina is a goner! A direct hit at the non-striker's end and Raina seems to be short. The Rajasthan players are very confident here.
1.5 : J Unadkat to S Raina, OUT! Raina is indeed short! This is unforgiveable! A really soft dismissal at this level of cricket. Too casual. A length ball at the hips, tucked towards short fine leg by Raina and he sets off for a single. He though does not expect the throw at his end but Archer picks the ball and goes towards the bowler's end. Raina was ball watching but the fielder scores a direct hit. The on-field umpire takes it upstairs. The replays show that Raina is well short. Chennai have
Ambati Rayudu is the new man in.
1.6 : J Unadkat to du Plessis, Off the back foot and pushed to point by Faf. 5 runs and a wicket off this over.
2.1 : D Kulkarni to A Rayudu, Rayudu is off the mark straightaway. A length ball outside off, run down to third man for a single.
2.2 : D Kulkarni to du Plessis, On the pads, flicked away to deep square leg for a couple of runs by du Plessis.
2.3 : D Kulkarni to du Plessis, Good running! A length ball on top of off, du Plessis taps it on the surface and gets to the other end. Chennai need a stand here and this is the best way to build one.
2.4 : D Kulkarni to A Rayudu, Pushed towards wide mid on for a single by Rayudu.
2.5 : D Kulkarni to du Plessis, Faf feels he missed out there! A length ball on the pads, du Plessis looks to run it down fine on the leg side but finds the short fine leg fielder. Easily could have been a boundary.
2.6 : D Kulkarni to du Plessis, Punched off the back foot towards cover. Excellent over again from Kulkarni, just 5 runs off it in the end.
3.1 : J Unadkat to A Rayudu, Back of a length outside off, Rayudu can only push it towards extra cover as the ball hits him high on the bat.
3.2 : J Unadkat to A Rayudu, Direct hit but Rayudu is in! A length ball outside off, Rayudu pushes it towards mid off and sets off immediately. Buttler at mid off picks up the ball and scores a direct hit at the bowler's end. Excellent fielding but the batsman is well inside.
3.3 : J Unadkat to du Plessis, Excellent effort in the deep from Tripathi! Saves a run for his team. A length ball on middle, du Plessis lofts it over mid-wicket. Tripathi from square leg runs to his left and covers a long distance before putting in a full-length dive and pulling the ball inside. Replays show he has done well and saved a run for his team.
3.4 : J Unadkat to A Rayudu, Lovely bowling! Rayudu was beaten and missed the line of the delivery as it was bowled just outside off and he tried to run it down with a cute shot.
3.5 : J Unadkat to A Rayudu, Good running this time! Kept out off a length outside off, Rayudu sets off immediately.
3.6 : J Unadkat to du Plessis, OUT! Du Plessis will have to walk off now! A length ball on middle, he looks to pull it over deep mid-wicket but fails to time it well as it hits him high on the bat. It flies to deep mid-wicket where Tripathi covers good ground and holds on for an excellent take. 3 down within the Powerplay and Rajasthan firing on all cylinders here.
Kedar Jadhav is the new batsman in.
4.1 : D Kulkarni to K Jadhav, Jadhav is off the mark straightaway. A length ball on the hips, tucked towards fine leg for a single by the new batsman.
4.2 : D Kulkarni to A Rayudu, Rayudu defends it from within the crease.
4.3 : D Kulkarni to A Rayudu, Excellent fielding! A length ball on middle, Rayudu comes inside the line and looks to flick it through mid-wicket but Smith there stops the ball with a committed effort. Saves runs for his team.
4.4 : D Kulkarni to A Rayudu, Driven towards mid off on the front foot by Rayudu.
4.5 : D Kulkarni to A Rayudu, SIX! Pressure releaser! The pressure was mounting massively on Rayudu and Chennai as there were 3 dot balls prior to this one. This ball is on length and Ambati comes down the track before lifting it over long on for a maximum.
4.6 : D Kulkarni to A Rayudu, Good placement! On the hips from Kulkarni, worked behind square leg by Rayudu for a couple of runs. 9 runs off this over, a better one for Chennai.
Archer is into the attack.
5.1 : J Archer to K Jadhav, Starts off with a length ball outside off, left alone by Jadhav.
0.0 : Review time! It is for a caught behind. Jadhav looked to run it down but fails to put bat on ball. The keeper did not appeal but the bowler and Steven Smith did. They ask Rahane to take it upstairs. It did not look out to the naked eye though.
5.2 : J Archer to K Jadhav, NOT OUT! Jadhav has missed that ball by a mile. A length ball outside off, Kedar looked to keep it out towards point but missed it. Samson collects the ball cleanly but there is no reaction from him. The bowler, Archer and Steven Smith appeal and seem to have heard something there but there was nothing on it as the replays suggest once the review was taken. The review is lost but pressure is lots currrently on Chennai as the pacers are making the ball talk here.
5.3 : J Archer to K Jadhav, Excellent. The line and length are absolutely perfect. It's in the channel outside off, the batsman doesn't have room to free his arms. All he can do is defend it down on the off side. Well done, Jofra.
5.4 : J Archer to K Jadhav, Good length ball on the fourth stump line, Jadhav pushes it away on the off side.
5.5 : J Archer to K Jadhav, OUT! Superman Ben Stokes! You big, big beautiful man! What an unbelievable catch. This is incredible. Game on in Jaipur! Chennai are rocked early and it only isn't the heat that's being turned up here. Short and wide outside off, Jadhav flays it towards point. Stokes dives full stretch to his left and the ball just sticks in his hands. He's up and running and Rajasthan celebrate.
MS Dhoni is the next batsman in.
5.6 : J Archer to MS Dhoni, Sharp bumper from Archer to end a wicket-maiden for him. It's on middle and leg and Dhoni avoids it. That's the end of the Powerplay. Chennai are 24/4 while Rajasthan were 54/3. The visitors need 128 runs to win in 84 balls.
Riyan Parag into the attack now. Perfect time for the debutant to come on and show what he can do.
6.1 : R Parag to A Rayudu, Straighter one outside off, slightly short in length, Rayudu plays it away towards the man at point.
6.2 : R Parag to A Rayudu, The batsman flicks it away with a wristy shot. The batsmen have run through for a single.
6.3 : R Parag to MS Dhoni, Tossed up delivery on off, Dhoni reaches forward and pushes it to mid off.
6.4 : R Parag to MS Dhoni, Quick, flat and fired outside off, Dhoni looks to cut it away but fails to make connection. Buttler can't collect cleanly either but Smith at first slip backs up well.
6.5 : R Parag to MS Dhoni, Floats it up there, spinning in from around off, Dhoni blocks it with the full face.
6.6 : R Parag to MS Dhoni, On the leg stump line, it's paddled fine down the leg side for a couple of runs.
Shreyas Gopal to roll his arm over.
7.1 : S Gopal to A Rayudu, Slower through the air, landed on middle and leg, it's turned away on the leg side for a run.
7.2 : S Gopal to MS Dhoni, Flat, short and in line of the stumps, Dhoni skips out and helps the pull behind square leg. The man in the deep mops it up as the batsmen cross over.
7.3 : S Gopal to A Rayudu, The leg break on a driving length, served on middle and off, Ambati defends from inside the crease.
7.4 : S Gopal to A Rayudu, Rocks onto the back foot this time and pulls it towards wide long on for one.
7.5 : S Gopal to MS Dhoni, Turning away from outside off, shorter in length, punched through to sweeper cover for a single.
7.6 : S Gopal to A Rayudu, The batsman has punched the ball off the back foot to long on. They pick up a single.
8.1 : R Parag to A Rayudu, Quicker through the air, full on the stumps. It skids off the deck as Rayudu plays it off the inner half in front of square leg. A single is collected.
8.2 : R Parag to MS Dhoni, This short ball is pulled through square leg for one run.
8.3 : R Parag to A Rayudu, In the air but it's just wide. The ball sticks off the surface as Parag gives it some air. Rayudu is early into the shot and ends up chipping the drive, just wide of extra cover to his fortune. It rolls down to long off and the batsmen take two.
8.4 : R Parag to A Rayudu, Hits it down the ground again, towards wide long off, and Rayudu gets two more to his name.
8.5 : R Parag to A Rayudu, Closes the face of his bat and turns it through the gap in the mid-wicket area for a run.
8.6 : R Parag to MS Dhoni, Quick and fuller, outside the line of off stump, Dhoni dabs it towards the covers. Straight to the fielder though.
Strategic break. Chennai have been given a rude shock in the first part of their chase here. The Rajasthan bowlers have been on the money and their fielders have backed them up as well. In fact, two of the four wickets to have fallen belong to the brilliance on the field by Archer and Stokes. Chennai need a big stand between the current duo of MS Dhoni and Ambati Rayudu to come back in the game whereas the hosts would love a wicket or two more soon to strengthen their hold on the game further!
9.1 : S Gopal to A Rayudu, Shorter delivery in line of the stumps, Rayudu shifts on the back foot and clubs it to long on to rotate strike.
9.2 : S Gopal to MS Dhoni, SIX! When Dhoni hits 'em, they stay hit! The calm character calmly dispatching this. It's tossed up and right in his arc, Dhoni jumps out of his crease and smokes it deep into the wide long on stands. The fielder there is a mere spectator.
9.3 : S Gopal to MS Dhoni, Spinning away from around off, it's dabbed square on the off side for one.
9.4 : S Gopal to A Rayudu, Punched off the back foot by Rayudu and he finds long off. The batsmen pick up a single.
9.5 : S Gopal to MS Dhoni, Stays rooted inside the crease and slaps it through covers for one.
9.6 : S Gopal to A Rayudu, Shorter in length once more, on the stumps, Rayudu goes deep inside the crease and whips it to deep mid-wicket for a single. 11 off the over, a productive one for Chennai. They need 102 to win off 60 deliveries.
10.1 : R Parag to A Rayudu, Good running. Rayudu works this short ball through the mid-wicket region. It's a big gap out there, the batsmen come back for the second by the time the fielder from wide long on comes across to his right to cut it off.
10.2 : R Parag to A Rayudu, A bit of flight on this occasion, Rayudu drives it firmly but can't beat Rahane at extra cover.
10.3 : R Parag to A Rayudu, Full on middle stump, eased down to long off for a run.
10.4 : R Parag to MS Dhoni, SIX! It bounces just on the rope. Lovely shot from MSD. He picks his spot and dispatches it perfectly. Full, fast and flat on off, Dhoni kneels down and unfurls the slog sweep. Gets it off the middle and he hits the boundary rope. A flat hit.
10.5 : R Parag to MS Dhoni, Gets low once more, paddle it fine down the leg side but finds short fine leg. The batsmen manage to take a quick single though.
10.6 : R Parag to A Rayudu, FOUR! Fine way to end the over. Chennai picking up the pace now. 11 off the last over, 14 off this time. Rayudu smashes this full ball straight back past the bowler, bisecting the two men in the deep. A boundary results.
Jofra Archer returns.
11.1 : J Archer to MS Dhoni, Big mix-up in the middle. Could have been gone, but Rayudu survives. Dhoni taps this length ball down in front of point and Ambati is off in no time. He's sent back, as Stokes is quick to get to the ball. He fires a throw at the bowler's end, but misses.
11.2 : J Archer to MS Dhoni, Length ball on middle and off, Dhoni moves inside the line and works it in front of square leg. One run to the total.
11.3 : J Archer to A Rayudu, Just outside off, a length delivery which skids off the deck. Rayudu opens the face slightly and defends.
11.4 : J Archer to A Rayudu, Walks across his stumps, opens the bat face once more and guides it down to third man for a single.
11.5 : J Archer to MS Dhoni, Short of a good length in line of the stumps, MSD helps the pull square on the leg side and jogs across to the other end.
11.6 : J Archer to A Rayudu, Easily works this to mid-wicket by getting behind the line and a single is pinched. Just 4 runs off the over, nice comeback from Archer after the previous two went for plenty.
Shreyas Gopal with a change of ends.
12.1 : S Gopal to A Rayudu, Brilliant fielding from Stokes! A drag down on middle, Rayudu pulls it wide of mid-wicket to his left but Stokes runs to his left, gets hold of the ball and then releases it immediately. A run only can be taken!
12.2 : S Gopal to MS Dhoni, Pushed on the front foot to deep cover for a single by Dhoni.
12.3 : S Gopal to A Rayudu, Cut away to deep cover for another run.
12.4 : S Gopal to MS Dhoni, Outside off and flatter this time, chopped towards cover by the Chennai skipper.
12.5 : S Gopal to MS Dhoni, SIX! Clean! Really clean! A flighted leg spinner outside off, Dhoni reaches out for the ball and slogs it way over wide long on for a maximum. Huge! The power of this man. GOSH!
12.6 : S Gopal to MS Dhoni, Darted in really fast on off stump. Dhoni wanted to smash it too but this time can only hit it down to long on for a single and keeps strike.
Ben Stokes to bowl now.
13.1 : Ben Stokes to MS Dhoni, Short of a length on the hips, pulled away to deep square leg for a single by Dhoni.
13.2 : Ben Stokes to A Rayudu, SIX! That is a brilliant shot! Excellent thinking and reading of the slower ball. Wide outside off, Rayudu tracks down the wicket and reaches out before smashing it way over long off for a biggie.
13.3 : Ben Stokes to A Rayudu, Huge appeal from Stokes but that is surely missing leg stump. A length ball on middle and leg, going straight down with the angle. Rayudu misses his flick and gets rapped on the thigh pad. A leg bye is stolen.
13.4 : Ben Stokes to MS Dhoni, Pushed down to long on for a single by the Chennai skipper.
Stokes pulls out of the run up at the last moment...
13.5 : Ben Stokes to A Rayudu, That is insane reactions from Samson! A full toss outside off, Rayudu looks to drive it but gets a thick outside edge that runs fast to the right of the keeper. Samson is really quick to react and stop that one. Saves four runs!
13.6 : Ben Stokes to A Rayudu, Wide! Stokes sprays his slower ball down the leg side. Wide signalled.
Ben Stokes to A Rayudu, Lovely commitment from Stokes! A length ball on middle, Rayudu can only manage to get it back to the left of the bowler. Stokes reaches the ball and stops it by stretching his arm wide. He then flicks the ball and scores a direct hit at the striker's end but Rayudu keeps his bat back down in time.
Strategic break. This game is shaping up for an exciting finish. Dhoni and Rayudu are scoring the runs, despite Rajasthan's efforts to contain them. The visitors will need much more though. The ball very much in the hosts' court, but anything can happen with MS Dhoni still there. Also, Jaydev Unadkat back into the attack.
14.1 : J Unadkat to MS Dhoni, Back of a length just outside off, run down to short third man by Dhoni and a single is taken.
14.2 : J Unadkat to A Rayudu, Fuller length on middle, Rayudu flicks it away through square leg for a single.
14.3 : J Unadkat to MS Dhoni, Pushed with soft hands to the right of point for a single.
14.4 : J Unadkat to A Rayudu, SIX! A mishit but it clears the rope! Such is the power of 'Bahubali' Rayudu. On a length on middle, Ambati runs down the track and lifts the ball way over wide long on. Huge! Removes the pressure that was building there!
14.5 : J Unadkat to A Rayudu, Easy single not taken! A length ball outside off, pushed towards the right of point but Dhoni sends Rayudu back as he was not interested in the single.
14.6 : J Unadkat to A Rayudu, FOUR! Fifty for Rayudu! His 18th in the Indian T20 League! And what a way to get there too! A length ball on middle, Rayudu sits on one knee and pulls it away through mid-wicket and finds the gap as well. Reaches the rope in a jiffy!
Shreyas Gopal is back on.
15.1 : S Gopal to MS Dhoni, Really full on the middle stump line, Dhoni digs this out. It was a seam up delivery.
15.2 : S Gopal to MS Dhoni, Worked off the pads behind square leg for a single by MS.
15.3 : S Gopal to A Rayudu, Low full toss on middle, Rayudu slogs but fails to connect cleanly. A single is taken towards deep mid-wicket.
15.4 : S Gopal to MS Dhoni, Darted in outside off, taken on the full and driven away to deep cover for a single by the Chennai skipper.
15.5 : S Gopal to A Rayudu, A zooter from Gopal this time on the pads of Rayudu, he pulls it uppishly towards deep square leg for a single. Just 4 runs off this one so far, how will Gopal finish?
15.6 : S Gopal to MS Dhoni, He finishes brilliantly! Concedes just a single off this one and five off the entire over! 4-0-31-0 are his figures. The equation is now 46 off 24.
Jofra Archer is back into the attack.
16.1 : J Archer to MS Dhoni, On a length outside off, MS Dhoni cuts it away to deep cover for a run.
16.2 : J Archer to A Rayudu, Excellent ball! In the blockhole and aimed at the base of the batsman, Rayudu misses the ball as he tries to flick and gets hit on the toe. The ball runs fine to the right of the keeper as he was wrong-footed. A couple of leg byes taken.
16.3 : J Archer to A Rayudu, Another full one aimed at the toes of the batsman, it is driven back along the ground to long on by AR.
16.4 : J Archer to MS Dhoni, Ouch! That pings off the helmet! A bouncer on middle, Dhoni did not expect that and before he could react, gets hit on the helmet. The ball lobs towards the keeper and a leg bye is taken. No reaction of any pain from MS though, as calm as ever.
16.5 : J Archer to A Rayudu, Dabbed towards the right of short third man for a single by Rayudu to this ball on a length outside off.
16.6 : J Archer to MS Dhoni, Really full outside off, kept out towards cover by Dhoni calmly for a single. Just 7 runs off this over, an excellent over at this stage! The pressure is back on Chennai with the equation 39 off 18 balls.
Ben Stokes to bowl now. He has figures of 1-0-9-0 so far.
17.1 : Ben Stokes to MS Dhoni, Dot ball to begin things. Stokes bowls it just ahead of a length, on middle and off, MSD plays it back to the bowler.
17.2 : Ben Stokes to MS Dhoni, FOUR! Much-needed for Dhoni and Chennai. Short ball into the body, the Chennai skipper swivels inside his crease and pulls it aerially through backward square leg for a boundary.
17.3 : Ben Stokes to MS Dhoni, Wide! Goes for the yorker but ends up spilling it down the leg side, the umpire signals wide.
Ben Stokes to MS Dhoni, Hits the deck hard, bangs it in short. Dhoni pulls it with control to deep mid-wicket and crosses over.
17.4 : Ben Stokes to A Rayudu, OUT! Ben Stokes with the breakthrough. Makes sure that the 95-run stand comes to a close at the most crucial of times. Cleverly disguises the slower one as he bowls it on a back of a length. Rayudu backs away and pulls it high over mid-wicket. Gopal out in the deep runs back and takes a sliding catch as the ball comes above his shoulder. Superb. Stokes applauds that. Could be the moment that wins Rajasthan the game. Chennai still need 33 runs in 14 balls.
Ravindra Jadeja walks out to bat at number 7.
17.5 : Ben Stokes to MS Dhoni, Full delivery aiming the base of off stump, Dhoni pushes it to covers and takes a single.
17.6 : Ben Stokes to R Jadeja, The slower one, quite full in length and on middle stump. Jadeja drills it down the ground as Unadkat at long on moves to his right and cuts it off. Two runs taken. Terrific over from Ben Stokes. Conceded just 9 and gets the prized wicket of Rayudu as well.
18.1 : J Archer to MS Dhoni, Fuller in length and slower in pace, Dhoni comes half forward and pushes it square on the off side. The batsmen take a quick run.
18.2 : J Archer to R Jadeja, Switches to around the wicket for Jadeja and angles it in on leg. The left-hander tries to flick it fine but it goes off his pads and falls on the leg side. A leg bye is pinched.
18.3 : J Archer to MS Dhoni, Dhoni will feel he's missed out. High full toss on the pads from over the wicket, the batter works it through backward square leg. Runs the first one hard and comes back for the second.
18.4 : J Archer to MS Dhoni, Another two. Fifty up for MS Dhoni, his 22nd in the Indian T20 League. This length ball is punched through point and the batsmen come back for the second.
18.5 : J Archer to MS Dhoni, Add two more to the total. This is really testing Dhoni's fitness. Slower short ball outside off, the Chennai captain hits it through covers. Big gap out there, so he rushes back again to complete the second.
Dhoni is down on his haunches. Really being pushed fitness-wise, and the heat isn't doing him any favours. Slight halt in play as the physio comes out to stretch him out a bit and he'll use this chance to get some fluids in too. So will the other players on the pitch.
18.6 : J Archer to MS Dhoni, FOUR! Lucky runs, but Chennai will need all they can get. Nothing wrong with the delivery, it's right in the blockhole, on leg. Dhoni looks to slog but it goes off the inside edge and across the fine leg fence.
Ben Stokes to bowl the final over of the game. He has 17 runs to defend.
19.1 : Ben Stokes to R Jadeja, SIX! That's a ridiculous shot. What power from 'Sir' Jadeja. Stokes is stunned, we're stunned! Spectacular. Full and wide outside off, Jadeja reaches out, throws his bat wildly at it and falls over to the ground as he hammers it down the ground. It clears the fence and that's a maximum.
19.2 : Ben Stokes to R Jadeja, No ball! That's a Free Hit! Not looking good for Rajasthan here. Stokes oversteps as he bowls a back of a length ball well outside off, Jadeja slaps it to sweeper cover and gets to the other end.
Ben Stokes to MS Dhoni, Takes the pace off this one as he bowls it on a back of a length, Dhoni slaps it down to long on and despite his struggle to run, he completes two runs. 8 needed off 4 now.
19.3 : Ben Stokes to MS Dhoni, OUT! When the time's come to step up, Ben Stokes isn't one to shy away. What a comeback delivery. Inch perfect. Couldn't be any more perfect and he needed that as there's no margin for error against someone like Dhoni. The Englishman comes charging in and fires in the yorker on middle, Dhoni makes room to smash this but can't do anything about it as the stumps are rattled.
Mitchell Santner walks out to bat with 8 runs needed off 3 balls.
19.4 : Ben Stokes to M Santner, No ball! Or is it? The umpire signals it, but then the square leg umpire says that isn't the case. The batsmen take two as Santner mistimes the pull off the high full toss towards wide long on. I'm seeing this for the first time here. Dhoni, from the dugout, has come out in the middle to talk to the umpires. In the end, the no ball isn't given. A double is taken.
19.5 : Ben Stokes to M Santner, Fuller length ball on off stump, Santner lofts it down to long on for a couple of runs. 4 needed off the final ball. What will happen?
19.6 : Ben Stokes to M Santner, Wide! Are we in for a Super Over? Can it be? Can it really be? Stokes fires it well outside off, Santner reaches out to play but it goes from the other side of the tramline. Wide signalled.
Ben Stokes to M Santner, SIX! And Santner finishes it off in style! What a stunning victory. Stunning. Chahar rushes out in ecstasy to celebrate with his mates. Incredible scenes out there in the middle. Santner gets this full ball in his arc and he lofts it high and handsome over the long on fence for a biggie. CHENNAI WIN BY 4 WICKETS!
Unbelievable scenes here at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur! Mitchell Santner, you beauty! He has come into the team and taken it across the line when he was given the opportunity. That is the might of this side, someone or the other always ends up putting their hand up and taking Chennai to victory! That is also MS Dhoni's 100th win as a skipper in the Indian T20 League!
Starting the chase, Chennai were in dire straits as they were at 24/4 at one stage. The home side's bowlers and the fielders were on fire, putting the visitors under the pump. Then came a magnificent and match-resurrecting stand of 95 runs between MS Dhoni and Ambati Rayudu. Both of them got to their half centuries and ensured that their side was still in the game as it neared the close. Even as Rayudu fell, Dhoni continued finding the boundaries and departed in the last over with 8 needed off 3
Coming to the hosts' bowling, there was a standout performer in Jofra Archer. Dhawal Kulkarni bowled well upfront but the rest of the bowlers came under pressure and suffered while the Rayudu-Dhoni duo was out in the middle. Stokes especially bowled a no ball and a wide in the last over and almost another no ball, which he was lucky to get away with. He failed to defend the 17 runs in the bank for the final over and Rajasthan continue to remain with just a single win. Earlier in the evening, a d
Rajasthan captain, Ajinkya Rahane, says that he wouldn't have done anything differently. Mentions that 151 was a low total as they should have had at least 20 runs more. Adds that he still feels disappointed having conceded 18 runs in the final over. States that they did well in the field, but there are plenty of areas to improve. Continues saying that the team changes happen based on the conditions and the opponents. Feels that captaincy is a different challenge and he is relishing it.
Ambati Rayudu is also caught for a chat. He says that the wicket was on the slower side but is happy he was able to score some runs and get into the groove of things. Reckons that him and Dhoni are experienced players and they always felt they could get the job done. Feels that there's no pressure on him at all and it's all about what happens on the day. Stresses that no matter the situation, they always felt they could do it as there's a lot of experience in the side which helps. On Ravindra Ja
Chennai captain and Man of the Match, MS Dhoni, (On him being animated towards the end) has a laugh and asks whether Murali Kartik is asking about the last tense over or him going on the field and having a talk with the umpires (Regarding the no ball fiasco). Mentions that credit should be given to Rajasthan for putting pressure on his side with the ball. Emphasizes that it's important to identify the regular mistakes and rectify them as quickly as possible. States that the ball was coming nicel
Another night gone by in the Indian T20 League, another nail-biting encounter as well! Surely, by the end of this tournament, a few of us are going to end up having high blood pressure. Nevertheless, the tournament continues to roll on in its merry way and we head to the eastern part of the country for the game on Friday! Kolkata host Delhi and that one will begin at 2000 local (1430 GMT). Join us for that. Till then, goodbye from us. Take care and cheers!