IPL 2024, RCB vs PBKS Highlights: Virat Kohli, Dinesh Karthik guide RCB to first win of season

Right then, that is it from this exciting encounter where Bengaluru got their first points on the board while Punjab failed to make it consecutive wins. The action in the Indian T20 League continues as the defending champions Chennai take on last season's finalists Gujarat. That game will be played on 26th March, Tuesday at 7.30 pm IST (2 pm GMT), but as you know, you can always join us early for all the build-up to the match. Until then, cheers and goodbye!

Virat Kohli is the PLAYER OF THE MATCH for his outstanding knock. He starts by acknowledging the loyal Bengaluru fans and says to not get over-excited as it has been only two games. Tells that the way they have supported the team throughout their journey is something he will never forget. Adds that in sport it is not about the stats but the memories which is exactly what Rahul Dravid says in the Indian dressing room. Mentions that here he is opening and trying to give a blazing start to the team but when the wicket falls on the other end, he plays the situation. Further adds that he was disappointed as he could not finish the game. Says that he knows that his name is often used to promote T20 cricket in some parts but he still has it. Talking about the two-month break, he says that it was a surreal experience for his family as they were away from all the noise and led a normal life. He says it was amazing to be another person and he enjoyed the break. Ends by saying that he doesn't play for the Caps anymore and that it is just another opportunity and he can promise that he will keep turning up for this franchise.

Faf du Plessis, the victorious skipper of Bengaluru says he was cool on the outside but not much on the inside but it was great to see the boys show such composure. Adds that he knew that with the impact player, they knew they had Mahipal Lomror who has great power to finish things off and it makes things a bit easier. Appreciates Dinesh Karthik for the way he is playing and the experience he brings in finishing games batting at the back end. Mentions that they tried to find that DNA in the team at the auction to make an impact at this home ground and it's tough for any bowler and it wasn't the regular wicket in this game and credits Virat for the way he batted and how he remains fresh and motivated.

Shikhar Dhawan, the captain of Punjab says that it was a good game and they pulled the game back a bit but were 15 runs short and should have capitalized in the first 6 overs. Adds that the dropped catch of Virat who went on to score 70 odd runs proved crucial. Mentions that the wicket was slightly two-paced and sticky and spinning a bit too. States that he is happy with his performance but could've played faster in the first 6 overs. Concludes that Harpreet Brar is bowling well especially to the left-handers on such small ground, soaking pressure and it is commendable.

Presentation Time...

Dinesh Karthik, the man of the moment is up for a quick chat. He says that he is still not quite completely in control of his batting but is getting there. Adds that Anuj Rawat batted well in the last game but his dismissal put pressure on DK. However, Mahipal Lomror took the pressure off him with his batting and the six of Arshdeep Singh was crucial. Tells that it is difficult to scoop Harshal Patel as he has a dipping slower one that can cause trouble. Says that he just told Lomror to stay calm and not get carried away after hitting a maximum and praises the youngster for his knock.

Earlier in the game, Punjab posted a fighting total on the board with most of their batters getting off to starts but not converting them. Skipper Shikhar Dhawan top-scorer with 45 while Shashank Singh played a quick-fire cameo of 21 off just 8 balls at the death. Mohammed Siraj was excellent for Bengaluru picking up a couple of wickets while Glenn Maxwell also got two. Yash Dayal and Alzarri Joseph chipped in with one each. While chasing it was almost a Virat Kohli masterclass but in the end, they needed some fireworks from Dinesh Karthik and Mahipal Lomror to get their first win of the season.

Punjab, on the other hand, will be disappointed as they had this game in their grasp at one point in time but let it go. They had the golden opportunity to send Virat Kohli for a duck in the first over but Jonny Bairstow spilled that chance and he struck four boundaries in the first over. Kagiso Rabada pulled things back for them by dismissing Faf du Plessis and Cameron Green but they couldn't contain Kohli at the other end. However, Harpreet Brar had other ideas and was absolutely sensational in the middle overs picking up two crucial wickets and giving away just 13 runs to keep his side in the game. They knew that as long as Kohli was out there, the hosts had the advantage but a perfectly set-up plan from Harshal Patel outfoxed him and the momentum shifted once again. Sam Curran also followed it up with the wicket of Anuj Rawat and put even more pressure on the home team. After that, their bowlers lost their lines and gave away a few losses deliveries which ultimately cost them the match.

Bengaluru got off to a flier with Virat Kohli going all guns blazing after he was dropped on not by Jonny Bairstow. Skipper Faf du Plessis couldn't make much impact while Cameron Green too went back for a low score. However, Kohli made sure to utilise the Powerplay and didn't change his attacking approach at all. He found good support from Rajat Patidar as they stitched up a good partnership that provided a solid base for this chase. Just as when they were looking comfortable, Patidar lost his wicket and Glenn Maxwell followed suit putting them slightly on the back foot. Kohli though kept chipping away with the runs and notched up his 51st half-century in the Indian T20 League. It was looking like another Kohli chase masterclass but unfortunately was dismissed for 77 off just 49 balls. They lost Anuj Rawat soon after that and the pressure was back on them. Then came Mahipal Lomror as the Impact Player for them and along with DK played some lusty blows when they needed over 40 runs in the last four overs. Both of them were brilliant and in the end it was Dinesh Karthik who finished things off with four balls to spare.

DK, take a bow! He is the coolest man in the stadium right now as he takes his side over the line. The crowd at the M. Chinnaswamy has gone wild as the home team opens their account for the season. With that, the record of the hosts winning all the matches in this edition remains intact. Punjab did manage to pull things back towards the end, but the Impact Player for Bengaluru, Mahipal Lomror along with Dinesh Karthik made sure that they grabbed all the points here.

19.2: Arshdeep Singh to Dinesh Karthik, FOUR! What a way to finish things off! Bengaluru wins their first game of this season by 4 wickets. The home team continues to dominate in this Indian T20 League! A fuller delivery outside off, Dinesh Karthik plants his front leg ahead and drills it over the bowler's head for a boundary. 

19.2: Arshdeep Singh to Dinesh Karthik, WIDE! Oh no, Arshdeep Singh! Attempts for the wide yorker and bowls it fuller and well outside that tramline on off, Dinesh Karthik looks to reach but the ball goes further away for a wide.

19.1: Arshdeep Singh to Dinesh Karthik, SIX! Dinesh Karthik doing justice to his finisher role! Arshdeep Singh drops it a touch short and outside off, Dinesh Karthik gets across the line and scoops it over fine leg for a maximum. Just 4 more needed to win now.

It will be Arshdeep Singh to bowl the last over. Can he defend 9 runs here?

18.6: Harshal Patel to Dinesh Karthik, Bowls a low full toss, on off, Dinesh Karthik drills it to long on for one. 13 runs come of that over.

18.5: Harshal Patel to Dinesh Karthik, SIX! DK you beauty! Harshal Patel drops the length short, on middle, Dinesh Karthik swivels across and nails the pull over fine leg for a maximum. Bengaluru now just need 11 off 7 balls. 

18.4: Harshal Patel to Dinesh Karthik, An appeal for LBW, but the umpire stays unmoved. Bowls a low full toss, angling into the right-hander, Dinesh Karthik looks to flick but misses. The ball thuds him on the front pad. Mahipal Lomror sets off for the run but is sent back in time by DK.

18.3: Harshal Patel to Dinesh Karthik, FOUR! DK goes straight and this is a welcome boundary for Bengaluru! Bowls this fuller but not too full to trouble the batter, on off, Dinesh Karthik stays back and wacks it straight over the bowler's head for a boundary. 

18.2: Harshal Patel to Dinesh Karthik, Good delivery! Angles it in on a hard length, just outside off, Dinesh Karthik looks to push it through covers but gets beaten on the outside edge. 

18.2: Harshal Patel to Dinesh Karthik, WIDE! Not too many runs to play with now. Bowls this fuller and down leg, Dinesh Karthik looks to flick it away but misses. The umpire calls it a wide. 

18.1: Harshal Patel to Mahipal Lomror, Goes fuller and on off, Mahipal Lomror drives it to long off for one. A good start by Harshal Patel.

Harshal Patel (3-0-32-1) to bowl the penultimate over.

17.6: Arshdeep Singh to Mahipal Lomror, A good over for Bengaluru as they rack 13 runs off it. Arshdeep Singh bowls a low full toss on the pads, Mahipal Lomror flicks it straight to the fielder at square leg for one. 23 needed off the last two overs now.

17.5: Arshdeep Singh to Mahipal Lomror, Bowls this wider on off and on a fuller length, Mahipal Lomror looks for a big slog but gets beaten on the outside edge. 

17.4: Arshdeep Singh to Mahipal Lomror, FOUR! Impact player making an impact! Arshdeep Singh bowls this short and on off, with pace off, Mahipal Lomror pulls it off the outer half of the bat over short fine for a boundary. The Chinnaswamy erupts!

17.3: Arshdeep Singh to Mahipal Lomror, SIX! That will help! Served on a fuller length on off, Mahipal Lomror clears his front leg, keeps his head down and clubs it over long on for a biggie!

17.2: Arshdeep Singh to Dinesh Karthik, Bangs the shorter delivery on middle and off, Dinesh Karthik gets hurried a bit but manages to pull it to deep square leg for one.

17.1: Arshdeep Singh to Mahipal Lomror, BYES! Bangs it shorter in length outside off, Mahipal Lomror looks to play across the line and misses. The keeper behind the stumps fails to collect the ball well and the batters cross.

Arshdeep Singh is back on. He has conceded 17 runs in his two overs.

16.6: Sam Curran to Dinesh Karthik, Great running! Fuller and into the pads, Dinesh Karthik flicks it to fine leg and steals a couple of runs. Bengaluru need 36 off the last 3 overs now.

16.5: Sam Curran to Dinesh Karthik, FOUR! Gets off the mark with a boundary! Sam Curran takes pace off and bowls it on a length, down leg, Dinesh Karthik just tucks it fine and the ball races away to the fine leg fence for another boundary. 

16.4: Sam Curran to Mahipal Lomror, Fuller and on off, Mahipal Lomror taps it to backward point who misfields this as the batters cross for a run.

16.3: Sam Curran to Mahipal Lomror, FOUR! Good shot! Fuller and drifting into the pads, Mahipal Lomror flicks it beautifully through backward square leg for four runs. 

Mahipal Lomror comes out to the middle now. He is the Impact Player for Bengaluru and comes in place of Yash Dayal.

16.2: Sam Curran to Anuj Rawat, OUT! LBW! Oh dear, Bengaluru are losing the plot and Chinnaswamy has gone silent. A huge appeal for LBW and the umpire gives it OUT! Anuj Rawat sends it upstairs for the review. A fuller delivery angling into the batter on middle and leg, Anuj Rawat looks to play it across the line but misses. The ball thuds him flush on the front pad. The replays roll and the UltraEdge shows there was no spike. The Ball Tracking confirms that the pitch and impact were in line and the wickets were Umpire's calls. Bengaluru lose another and slip further down. 

16.1: Sam Curran to Anuj Rawat, Bowls this fuller and on off, Anuj Rawat taps it to mid off.

Strategic-Break! The crowd has gone silent here with that wicket of Virat Kohli. The momentum shifts again in this game as it is now on the shoulders of Anuj Rawat and the experienced Dinesh Karthik who is the new batter to take them out of trouble here. They did that in the first game while batting first but now they will have to do that chasing. Punjab have got the wicket at the right time and they will look to build on that now to get a few more to completely take control of the match. Also, Sam Curran to bowl after the break.

15.6: Harshal Patel to Virat Kohli, OUT! CAUGHT! Harshal Patel gets the better of Virat Kohli and Bengaluru are in trouble with half their side back in the hut! Harshal Patel bowls it fuller and outside off, Virat Kohli looks to carve it over point but gets it off the toe end of the bat towards Harpreet Brar at deep backward point. Brar rushes for it and takes a good low catch diving to his front. Kohli stands there in disbelief but he has to go now after a brilliant knock. Punjab are right back in this game now!

15.5: Harshal Patel to Virat Kohli, Bowls the yorker on off, Virat Kohli digs it to deep mid-wicket for a couple more.

15.5: Harshal Patel to Virat Kohli, WIDE! Looks for another bouncer and bangs it short but way too short and outside off, Virat Kohli leaves it alone. Harshal Patel feeling the nerves now. 

15.4: Harshal Patel to Virat Kohli, Digs this one short and over off, Virat Kohli hops and looks to ramp but misses out.

15.3: Harshal Patel to Virat Kohli, FOUR! Shot of the game so far! Back of a length, outside off, Virat Kohli reaches and slaps it up and over extra cover for another boundary. 

15.2: Harshal Patel to Virat Kohli, FOUR! Can't get any easier than that! Serves a low full toss on the pads, Virat Kohli picks it up and flicks it to square leg fence for a boundary. 

15.1: Harshal Patel to Anuj Rawat, Bangs it on a good length, on off, Anuj Rawat opens the blade face and steers it to wide of this man for one.

Harshal Patel (2-0-20-0) comes back into the attack.

14.6: Harpreet Brar to Anuj Rawat, Another fantastic over from Harpreet Brar! He flights this up, full and on off, Anuj Rawat goes down and sweeps it towards deep mid-wicket for just one. Brar finishes his spell with outstanding figures of 4-0-13-2. Bengaluru needs 59 runs in the last five overs now. This is going down to the wire.

14.5: Harpreet Brar to Virat Kohli, Darts this one full and on the leg stump line, Virat Kohli tries to paddle it away but misses as the ball goes off his pads to the leg side. A leg bye is taken.

14.4: Harpreet Brar to Virat Kohli, A bit short and on middle, Virat Kohli moves back and tucks it away with soft hands towards deep square leg and comes back for the second run. Excellent running!

14.3: Harpreet Brar to Anuj Rawat, Quicker, full and on middle, Anuj Rawat uses his feet and eases it towards long on for a single.

14.2: Harpreet Brar to Anuj Rawat, An appeal for LBW, but turned down! Harpreet Brar looks confident and convinces Shikhar Dhawan to take the review. This is flatter, full and on middle and leg, Anuj Rawat goes down to sweep it away but misses and gets hit on the pads. UltraEdge confirms no bat involved but Ball Tracking shows that it has pitched outside leg. Anuj Rawat gets a lucky escape!

14.1: Harpreet Brar to Anuj Rawat, Floated, short and on off, Anuj Rawat stabs it back to the bowler.

13.6: Kagiso Rabada to Virat Kohli, Fiery from Kagiso Rabada! He sees the batter make room and follows him with banged in delivery, on leg, Virat Kohli sways away and tries to ramp it but gets beaten on the outside edge due to the extra bounce.

13.5: Kagiso Rabada to Anuj Rawat, Back of a length and on off, Anuj Rawat punches it through cover-point for one.

13.4: Kagiso Rabada to Anuj Rawat, On a length and and on off, Anuj Rawat dabs it towards point.

13.3: Kagiso Rabada to Virat Kohli, Short of a length and on middle, Virat Kohli uses his feet and swats it towards deep mid-wicket for a run, he slips while turning for the second run and it will be just one.

13.2: Kagiso Rabada to Anuj Rawat, Fuller one and around off, Anuj Rawat pushes it through cover-point for a single.

13.1: Kagiso Rabada to Anuj Rawat, FOUR! A poor delivery and rightly punished! Kagiso Rabada errs in line and serves this on a good length, on the pads, Anuj Rawat gets enough bat on it to tickle it away towards the fine leg fence for a boundary.

Kagiso Rabada (3-0-16-2) comes to bowl his last over. 

12.6: Harpreet Brar to Virat Kohli, Flighted, full and on leg, Virat Kohli misses his flick and gets hit on the pads. Just three runs off the over and a big wicket of Glenn Maxwell.

12.5: Harpreet Brar to Anuj Rawat, Floated, full and on middle, Anuj Rawat clips it through square leg for one.

12.4: Harpreet Brar to Anuj Rawat, Almost dragged on! Harpreet Brar bowls this quicker, short and on off, Anuj Rawat tries to cut close from his body, but gets an inside edge onto the ground but this time the ball just goes past the stumps.

12.3: Harpreet Brar to Virat Kohli, Another short delivery, on off, Virat Kohli forces it down to long on for a run.

12.2: Harpreet Brar to Anuj Rawat, Short again and on off, Anuj Rawat stays back and punches it through covers for a single.

Anuj Rawat walks out to bat at number 6 for Bengaluru.

12.1: Harpreet Brar to Glenn Maxwell, OUT! DRAGGED ON! Harpreet Brar gets another huge wicket! Glenn Maxwell fails to make much of an impact here. This is short and around middle, Glenn Maxwell makes room and tries to cut it away, but only manages to get a bottom edge onto the ground and then onto the stumps. He is disappointed with that dismissal but has to walk back now.

11.6: Harshal Patel to Virat Kohli, FOUR! Powered away! Harshal Patel lands this back of a length and just around off, Virat Kohli skips down the track and flat-bats it powerfully wide of mid off for a boundary.

11.5: Harshal Patel to Glenn Maxwell, Fuller one and on leg, Glenn Maxwell flicks it towards deep mid-wicket for one.

11.5: Harshal Patel to Glenn Maxwell, Goes for a slower bouncer but this one is too high, on middle, Glenn Maxwell leavesit alone. Wided.

11.4: Harshal Patel to Virat Kohli, Touch fuller and on off, Virat Kohli mistimes his drives towards long on for another run.

11.3: Harshal Patel to Glenn Maxwell, On a length and around off, Glenn Maxwell guides it through backward point for a run.

11.2: Harshal Patel to Virat Kohli, Short of a length and slower this time, on off, Virat Kohli mistimes his pull in the air, the ball lands well in front of long on as the batters get a single.

11.1: Harshal Patel to Virat Kohli, SIX! Just over! Harshal Patel bangs this one short and around middle, takes off a bit, Virat Kohli gets hurried a bit as he goes for the pull shot, the fielder at deep square leg thinks he is in the game but the ball has just enough legs to go over him for a biggie.

10.6: Harpreet Brar to Glenn Maxwell, Quicker, full and on leg, Glenn Maxwell tucks it towards short mid-wicket.

10.5: Harpreet Brar to Virat Kohli, A bit short and on middle, Virat Kohli stays back and clips it through square leg for a run.

10.4: Harpreet Brar to Glenn Maxwell, Flighted, full and on off, Glenn Maxwell steers it towards short third man for a quick singe.

Glenn Maxwell walks out to bat next for Bengaluru. 

10.3: Harpreet Brar to Rajat Patidar, OUT! TIMBER! Harpreet Brar strikes! Just when Punjab needed it and Shikhar Dhawan is pumped up here. This one is fired in full and on middle, angling in, Rajat Patidar gets down on one knee to slog it away but loses his shape and plays all over it as the ball goes through to shatter the stumps. Bengaluru three down now!

10.2: Harpreet Brar to Virat Kohli, Tossed up, full and on middle, turns away a bit, Virat Kohli goes down to sweep it away but misses as Jitesh Sharma also fails to stop it, the ball pops off his gloves behind. A bye is taken.

10.1: Harpreet Brar to Virat Kohli, Floated, short and on leg, angling in, Virat Kohli moves back to flick it away but misses and gets hit high on the pads as the ball goes nowhere.

9.6: Kagiso Rabada to Rajat Patidar, An absolute peach! Hurls this on a nagging length just outside off, Rajat Patidar looks to poke at it but gets beaten on the outside edge.

9.5: Kagiso Rabada to Rajat Patidar, On a length, over off, Rajat Patidar stabs it back onto the deck.

9.4: Kagiso Rabada to Rajat Patidar, FOUR LEG BYES! Runs flowing thick and fast for Bengaluru. Bowls it on a length and on leg, Rajat Patidar looks to tuck it on the leg side but misses out. The ball brushes his thigh pad and evades the diving keeper towards the fence for a boundary. 

9.4: Kagiso Rabada to Rajat Patidar, WIDE! Drops the length short and hits the deck hard over middle and leg, Rajat Patidar ducks and leaves it for a wide.

9.3: Kagiso Rabada to Virat Kohli, Fifty for Virat Kohli. His 51st in the Indian T20 League! Fuller and on the pads, Virat Kohli flicks it square of the wicket for a single.

9.2: Kagiso Rabada to Virat Kohli, Goes fuller and just outside off, Virat Kohli opens his bat face and cuts it uppishly to deep backward point for a couple of runs. 

9.1: Kagiso Rabada to Virat Kohli, Steams from over the wicket and follows Virat Kohli who steps away on the leg side looking for the big slog. Bowls it fuller and on leg, Virat Kohli misses out on connection as the ball zips through to the keeper.

Strategic-Break! Bengaluru are going at a pretty good rate and with Virat Kohli in this type of form, they have the upper hand in this chase. They just need to keep things simple and avoid losing wickets in clumps. Punjab needs wickets and they need them quickly to get back in this game. Their spin department needs to step up in this middle overs to stop the run-flow and get crucial breakthroughs as well. An exciting phase of cricket awaits us. Also, Kagiso Rabada to bowl after the break.

8.6: Rahul Chahar to Rajat Patidar, Misses out on that one! Flatter and fuller on middle and leg, Rajat Patidar looks to slog sweep but wears it on his pads as the ball rolls back onto the deck.

8.5: Rahul Chahar to Virat Kohli, Shorter and on off again, Virat Kohli taps it to sweeper cover for a single.

8.4: Rahul Chahar to Virat Kohli, SIX! Stand and deliver stuff from King Kohli! Fuller delivery on off, Virat Kohli prods ahead and with his brilliant wrists wacks it over covers for a maximum. 

8.3: Rahul Chahar to Rajat Patidar, Fuller and on leg, Rajat Patidar tucks it to mid-wicket for a single.

8.2: Rahul Chahar to Rajat Patidar, SIX! Up, up and over Sam Curran! Tossed up on off, Rajat Patidar frees his arms and clubs it straight over to long off. Sam Curran stretches behind attempting to get to the ball but fails to keep it in as the ball falls behind him for half a dozen.

8.1: Rahul Chahar to Rajat Patidar, Starts from over the wicket and drops this short, outside off, Rajat Patidar extends his arms and whips it over the bowler's head for a couple of runs.

Rahul Chahar replaces Harpreet Brar.

7.6: Harshal Patel to Rajat Patidar, Fuller and on off, Rajat Patidar leans on it and drives it through covers for a single.

7.5: Harshal Patel to Rajat Patidar, Beaten! Bowls it nice and full outside off and gets the ball to nip away off the deck, Rajat Patidar looks to cut it square on off but gets beaten on the outside edge. 

7.4: Harshal Patel to Virat Kohli, Drops it short and over middle and off, Virat Kohli pulls it off the inner half od the bat to deep mid-wicket for one.

7.3: Harshal Patel to Virat Kohli, Good effort in the deep again. Fuller delivery, outside off, Virat Kohli extends his arms and cuts it to right of deep point where the fielder sprints and cuts it keeping it down to just two. 

7.2: Harshal Patel to Rajat Patidar, Shorter and on middle, Rajat Patidar pulls it square of the wicket on leg for a single.

7.1: Harshal Patel to Rajat Patidar, Starts from over the wicket and hurls it fuller in the blockhole attacking the stumps, Rajat Patidar manages to dig it out on the leg side.

6.6: Harpreet Brar to Virat Kohli, Drops the length short and on off, Virat Kohli cuts it to point.

6.5: Harpreet Brar to Rajat Patidar, Tap and run! Tossed up on off, Rajat Patidar tucks it on the off side and steals a quick run.

6.4: Harpreet Brar to Virat Kohli, Fuller again on middle and off, Virat Kohli nudges it to long leg for one.

6.3: Harpreet Brar to Rajat Patidar, Fuller and on middle and leg, Rajat Patidar tucks it to square leg for a single.

6.2: Harpreet Brar to Rajat Patidar, TWO LEG BYES! Bowls it fuller and on leg, Rajat Patidar looks to tuck it on the leg side but misses. The ball clips him high on the pads and rolls away to fine leg for a couple of runs.

6.1: Harpreet Brar to Virat Kohli, Starts with a shorter delivery on off, Virat Kohli rocks back and cuts it to deep cover for one. 

We will see some spin now as Harpreet Brar comes into that attack now.

5.6: Sam Curran to Virat Kohli, Top effort from Kagiso Rabada to stop that one. Too much happening at the moment. A length delivery outside off, Virat Kohli crisply cuts it to the right of Rabada at short third. He presses to his right and throws a dive to cut it off for just a single. 

5.5: Sam Curran to Virat Kohli, Misses out on that one does Virat Kohli! lands this on a good length, on middle and leg, Virat Kohli looks to whip it across the line but misses out. 

5.4: Sam Curran to Rajat Patidar, On a length, on off, Rajat Patidar cuts it to third man for one.

5.3: Sam Curran to Virat Kohli, Oh dear, almost carried to Rahul Chahar! Virat Kohli is riding his luck here. A fuller delivery on middle, Virat Kohli flicks it to the left of Chahar at short mid-wicket who throws a full stretched dive to his left and gets a hand to it but it doesn't stick. The batters cross. 

5.2: Sam Curran to Virat Kohli, Goes fuller and on off, Virat Kohli drives it beautifully but straight to mid off.

5.1: Sam Curran to Virat Kohli, Good start to the over. Takes pace off and bowls it on a fuller length on middle, Virat Kohli tucks it back onto the pitch just away from the stumps.

Sam Curran (1-0-16-0) comes back into the attack. 

4.6: Kagiso Rabada to Rajat Patidar, FOUR! A glorious way to get off the mark! Kagiso Rabada overpitches it this time, on off, Rajat Patidar takes his front foot towards the ball and caresses it through extra covers for a boundary.

4.5: Kagiso Rabada to Rajat Patidar, On a length and on middle, Rajat Patidar blocks it out.

Rajat Patidar walks out to bat next for Bengaluru.

4.4: Kagiso Rabada to Cameron Green, OUT! CAUGHT BEHIND! Kagiso Rabada strikes again! The big Aussie is back in the hut as well. Rabada cleverly changes the pace of the ball and bowls this on hard length, outside off, Cameron Green goes through his big slog across the line early and only gets a slight nick behind, Jitesh Sharma dives forward and claims the catch. The umpire sends it upstairs to check and the replay shows that Jitesh Sharma has taken that cleanly. Green has to go and Bengaluru lose their second in the Powerplay!

4.3: Kagiso Rabada to Virat Kohli, Buzzers! Kagiso Rabada lands this on a good length and on middle, skids through as well, Virat Kohli tries to heave it away but misses as the ball goes off his pads towards short third man, he sets off but is sent back as Arshdeep Singh hits the stumps at the batter's end. The ball deflects away towards square leg and now the batters get the leg bye,

4.2: Kagiso Rabada to Cameron Green, Back of a length and on off, Cameron Green chops it down towards short third man for a quick single.

4.1: Kagiso Rabada to Cameron Green, This is on a hard length and on middle, jags back in sharply, Cameron Green looks to play it but misses and gets hit on the thigh pads.

3.6: Arshdeep Singh to Virat Kohli, FOUR! Deft touch! Arshdeep Singh lands this back of a length and around off, slower too, Virat Kohli waits for it, opens the face of the bat and steers it past first slip for four more runs. 13 runs off the over!

3.5: Arshdeep Singh to Virat Kohli, Short of a length and around off, Virat Kohli mistimes his pull towards short mid-wicket.

3.4: Arshdeep Singh to Virat Kohli, FOUR! The drop proving really costly for Punjab here! Arshdeep Singh errs in line again and serves this full, on leg, Virat Kohli uses his strong wrists to whip it over to the vacant deep mid-wicket fence for another boundary.

3.4: Arshdeep Singh to Virat Kohli, Pitched up and on middle, shaping into leg, Virat Kohli misses his flick. Wided.

3.3: Arshdeep Singh to Virat Kohli, Goes much fuller and on off, Virat Kohli drives it crisply wide of mid off where the fielder dives to his right to make a fine stop.

3.2: Arshdeep Singh to Virat Kohli, FOUR! Vintage Virat! Arshdeep Singh lands this on a good length and just around off, not a bad delivery at all, but Virat Kohli dances down the track, gets his hands through the ball and belts it over and wide of mid off for a boundary.

3.1: Arshdeep Singh to Virat Kohli, On a length and on off, Virat Kohli dabs it down to backward point.

2.6: Kagiso Rabada to Cameron Green, Another fuller one and on off, Cameron Green eyes the big one over mid off but gets an inside edge onto his boots as the ball goes nowhere.

2.5: Kagiso Rabada to Cameron Green, Overpitched on middle, shaping in, Cameron Green drills it wide of mid on as Sam Curran chases after it and keeps it down to two runs.

Cameron Green walks out to bat at number 3 for Bengaluru. 

2.4: Kagiso Rabada to Faf du Plessis, OUT! TAKEN! Kagiso Rabada draws first blood! The skipper falls for a low score here and Punjab are right back in it. This one is fuller and on middle, Faf du Plessis backs away and tries to loft it down the ground but gets it from the toe-end of the bat, the ball flies high in the air towards mid on where Sam Curran backtracks and pouches it safely. He is pumped and so is Rabada as Punjab gets their first breakthrough.

2.3: Kagiso Rabada to Faf du Plessis, Swing and a miss! Kagiso Rabada lands this on a hard length and outside off, shaping away, Faf du Plessis has slash at it but fails to connect.

2.2: Kagiso Rabada to Virat Kohli, Fuller one and on off, Virat Kohli drills it through covers for a single.

2.1: Kagiso Rabada to Virat Kohli, FOUR! Oh..my! What a shot! Kagiso Rabada starts with a good-length delivery on middle, Virat Kohli uses his feet to go a bit inside out and smacks it off the middle of the bat over mid off for a boundary.

Kagiso Rabada comes into the attack.

1.6: Arshdeep Singh to Faf du Plessis, Fuller one and on middle, swinging in sharply, Faf du Plessis gets cramped up for room and tucks it towards short mid-wicket.

1.5: Arshdeep Singh to Faf du Plessis, Back of a length and around off, Faf du Plessis punches it through covers for a couple of runs.

1.4: Arshdeep Singh to Virat Kohli, Pitched up again and on middle and leg, shaping in, Virat Kohli fails to work it away as the ball goes off his pads towards square leg. A leg bye is taken. There is also an appeal for LBW, but turned down.

1.4: Arshdeep Singh to Virat Kohli, Goes fuller this time but down the leg side, Virat Kohli misses his flick and is not happy wth himself as there was a boundary for the taking. Wided.

1.3: Arshdeep Singh to Faf du Plessis, Risky run! This is on a good length and on off, Faf du Plessis stabs it in front of short covers and sets off for the run, Harpreet Brar quickly collects and has a shy at the bowler's end in one motion but misses. Faf du Plessis puts in a desperate dive in but he was a goner if it was a direct hit.

1.2: Arshdeep Singh to Faf du Plessis, On a length and on off, Faf du Plessis taps it towards covers.

1.1: Arshdeep Singh to Faf du Plessis, Arshdeep Singh begins with a good-length delivery, on off, angling away, Faf du Plessis withdraws his bat at the last moment.

Arshdeep Singh to share the new ball from the other end.

0.6: Sam Curran to Virat Kohli, FOUR MORE! Bengaluru are off to a flier here! Sam Curran continues with his fuller length and once again on off, Virat Kohli goes a but early through his drive but controls it well, the ball goes aerially but between mid off and extra covers for the fourth boundary of the over. 16 runs off the first over then!

0.5: Sam Curran to Virat Kohli, Bowls it straighter this time, on a good length, over middle, Virat Kohli dabs it to the off side. 

0.4: Sam Curran to Virat Kohli, FOUR! Easy pickings! Sam Curran loses his line time and lands this on a good length, but on the pads, Virat Kohli glances it nicely as the ball races to the fine leg fence for four more runs.

0.3: Sam Curran to Virat Kohli, FOUR! Classic Virat Kohli! Sam Curran pitches it up and on off again, Virat Kohli this time leans onto his drive nicely and creams it with utmost timing through covers for another boundary.

0.2: Sam Curran to Virat Kohli, DROPPED AND FOUR! A huge let-off for Virat Kohli! Sam Curran goes full again and in that channel outside off, Virat Kohli goes for the drive away from his body but gets an outside edge towards first slip, Jonny Bairstow fails to react quickly as he leaps up but fails to grab it and the ball races to the third man fence for a boundary. Early life for Kohli and this could cost Punjab a lot here!

0.1: Sam Curran to Virat Kohli, Sam Curran starts with a full delivery around off, angling away, Virat Kohli tries to push it away but gets an outside edge along the ground towards short third man.

We are back for the chase! The two umpires walk out to the middle followed by the Punjab fielders who are taking the field. The Chinnaswamy Stadium erupts as Virat Kohli walks out alongside Faf du Plessis to open for Bengaluru. Arshdeep Singh comes in as an impact substitute for Prabhsimran Singh. Sam Curran is handed the new ball and will start the proceedings for Punjab. Here we go.. 

... THE RUN CHASE ...

On the flip side, Punjab commenced their innings with caution, gradually building momentum before Jonny Bairstow's early departure halted their progress. Shikhar Dhawan, adopting a circumspect approach, found a capable partner in the aggressive Prabhsimran Singh. Together, they orchestrated a steady 55-run partnership before Singh's dismissal altered the course of play. Despite a promising start, both Liam Livingstone and well-set Shikhar Dhawan succumbed to consecutive deliveries, temporarily putting Punjab on the back foot. However, Sam Curran continued his stellar form from the previous game, finding support in the resilient Jitesh Sharma, as they weathered the storm to construct a sturdy partnership of 52 runs before their dismissals. In the dying embers of the innings, a blistering cameo from Shashank Singh, scoring 21 runs off just 8 deliveries, injected crucial impetus, propelling Punjab's total to 176 runs. While deemed competitive for this ground, defending against Bengaluru's formidable batting lineup will necessitate exceptional bowling prowess from Punjab. Can they successfully defend this one? Or will Bengaluru batters gun it down to get their first win of this season? We shall soon find out as the chase comes to you in a bit. 

Sam Curran the orange cap holder is down for a quick chat. He says that 176 is probably slightly under par. Adds that the wicket is not that easy as there is something for the bowlers too. Tells that they will need to stick to their plans. Mentions that Bengaluru bowled well with the new ball and the first six overs in this chase will be key. Ends by saying that he has his fingers crossed and hopes that they will defend this one.

After winning the toss and opting to bowl first, Bengaluru set the stage ablaze with an impressive start. Spearheaded by the disciplined bowling of Mohammed Siraj and Yash Dayal, they applied pressure right from the onset, resulting in the pivotal dismissal of Jonny Bairstow by Siraj in just the third over. Despite maintaining their lines and lengths admirably, Bengaluru's bowlers found themselves momentarily stunned by a resilient second-wicket partnership that began to flourish for Punjab. However, the masterstroke of bringing in Glenn Maxwell proved decisive, as he swiftly dismantled the burgeoning partnership by claiming the wicket of Prabhsimran Singh. Alzarri Joseph then joined the fray, swiftly removing the dangerous Liam Livingstone, before Maxwell struck again, dismissing the well-set batter Shikhar Dhawan on the very next delivery. Just when Bengaluru seemed to be tightening their grip on the game, a spirited new partnership emerged for Punjab, frustrating the bowlers and adding a significant 52 runs to their total. However, Yash Dayal's precision finally broke the partnership, culminating in his impressive figures of 1 for 23 in his spell of 4 overs. With additional contributions from the bowlers apart from that last over which went for 20 runs, Bengaluru curtailed Punjab's innings, restricting them to a modest total of 176 runs.

Wow, Shashank Singh's late cameo has provided Punjab with a much-needed boost, propelling them to a respectable total of 176 runs. While it may fall slightly short of their desired target, the valuable runs added by Singh in the closing stages of the innings has injected a sense of optimism into Punjab's camp. 

19.6: Alzarri Joseph to Shashank Singh, Only a single to end the innings then! Alzarri Joseph bowls this on a good length and on off, Shashank Singh miscues his heave off the toe-end of the bat towards long on for just one more. 20 runs off the last over and Punjab finishes on 176/6!

19.6: Alzarri Joseph to Harpreet Brar, Alzarri Joseph loses his line again and serves this full but down the leg side, Harpreet Brar steps across and misses his flick. It is called a wide again and Bengaluru takes the review. However, this time the third umpire gives it as a wide. Also, the batters stole a bye in between all of these.

19.5: Alzarri Joseph to Shashank Singh, Goes fuller and around off, Shashank Singh lofts it over extra covers for one.

19.4: Alzarri Joseph to Shashank Singh, FOUR MORE! 16 runs already from the over! Alzarri Joseph lands this short of a length and outside off, Shashank Singh slashes hard at it and gets an outside edge over short third man for a boundary now.

19.3: Alzarri Joseph to Shashank Singh, SIX! Wow..what a shot! Alzarri Joseph bangs this one short and on middle, slower too, Shashank Singh waits for it this time, and whacks it over the deep mid-wicket fence for another maximum.

19.2: Alzarri Joseph to Shashank Singh, Back of a length and outside off, Shashank Singh moves across to cut it away but misses. It is called a wide. Bengaluru reviews the decision and the third umpire deems that the movement of the batter is enough for it to be fair delivery. The on-field is changed.

19.1: Alzarri Joseph to Shashank Singh, SIX! Up, up and away! Alzarri Joseph serves this full and on middle, angling in, Shashank Singh easily picks it up, uses the flick of the wrists to deposit it over the deep square leg fence for a biggie. Good start to the over for Punjab!

18.6: Mohammed Siraj to Harpreet Brar, A low full toss, outside off, Harpreet Brar backs away and tries to ramp it but misses it completely. Brilliant over from Mohammed Siraj as he picks up a wicket and concedes just four runs in the 19th over.

18.5: Mohammed Siraj to Harpreet Brar, Overpithched and on middle, Harpreet Brar nudges it towards deep mid-wicket for a couple of runs.

Harpreet Brar walks out to bat next for Punjab.

18.4: Mohammed Siraj to Jitesh Sharma, OUT! TAKEN! Mohammed Siraj strikes again! The two-bouncer rule is coming into play again. Siraj bangs in a quick bouncer now around off, gets some extra bounce again, Jitesh Sharma tries to swat it away but is no position to play that shot. He mistimes it badly as the ball goes high in the air towards the point region, Anuj Rawat calls for it and runs to his right to take another good catch. There is a check to see if the ball hit the wire of the Spider-Cam or not as if this is the case then it will be a dead-ball. However, the replay shows that it hasn't and Jitesh Sharma has to walk back to the hut. Punjab six down now!

18.3: Mohammed Siraj to Shashank Singh, Short of a length and on off, Shashank Singh miscues his pull towards long on for a run.

18.2: Mohammed Siraj to Jitesh Sharma, A full toss again, on middle, Jitesh Sharma mistimes his slog on the bounce to long on for a single.

18.1: Mohammed Siraj to Jitesh Sharma, Mohammed Siraj bowls this full and well outside off, Jitesh Sharma stays in his crease and leaves it thinking it will be wide but the umpire says no. Punjab takes a review but the replay shows that some part of the ball is inside the tramline. A dot!

17.6: Yash Dayal to Shashank Singh, Fuller one and on middle, Shashank Singh clips it through mid-wicket and turns around for the second run, the fielder picks up and has a shy at the bowler's end but misses with Jitesh Sharma nowhere near the crease, the ball hits his boots and deflects to the deep but no extra runs.

Shashank Singh walks out to bat next for Punjab.

17.5: Yash Dayal to Sam Curran, OUT! CAUGHT BEHIND! A fantastic catch behind the stumps! Yash Dayal bends his back and bangs in a sharp bouncer this time, on middle and leg, Sam Curran tries to hook it but gets hurried by the pace and only manages to glove it behind where Anuj Rawat keeps his eyes on the ball, leaps high and plucks it out of thin air with his outstretched right glove. Splendid effort from the youngster. Punjab lose half their side now!

17.4: Yash Dayal to Sam Curran, FOUR! Easy pickings! Yash Dayal once again misses his yorker and bowls a full toss, on leg with no protection in the deep, Sam Curran comfortably swipes it away towards the deep mid-wicket fence for another boundary.

17.4: Yash Dayal to Sam Curran, A slower bouncer now, outside off and too high for the batter, Sam Curran decides to let it go to the keeper. It is called a wide.

17.3: Yash Dayal to Sam Curran, Good comeback from Yash Dayal! He nails the wide yorker this time, Sam Curran tries to reach for it but fails to dig it out.

17.2: Yash Dayal to Sam Curran, FOUR! Poor delivery and rightly punished! Yash Dayal goes for the yorker again but loses his grip and serves a high full toss, on middle, Sam Curran stays in his crease and smashes it over and wide of mid off for a boundary.

17.2: Yash Dayal to Sam Curran, Tries the wide yorker but bowls this way outside off, Sam Curran leaves it alone. Wided.

17.1: Yash Dayal to Jitesh Sharma, A low full toss and around off, Jitesh Sharma drills it wide of mid off where Glenn Maxwell dives to his left to stop it. They cross. Jitesh Sharma is not happy with himself as this was there to be put away.

Yash Dayal (3-0-10-0) comes back into the attack for his final over.

16.6: Alzarri Joseph to Jitesh Sharma, Back of a length and around leg, Jitesh Sharma hooks it towards deep backward square leg for one.

16.5: Alzarri Joseph to Sam Curran, On a length and on leg, Sam Curran nudges it through mid-wicket for a run.

16.4: Alzarri Joseph to Jitesh Sharma, Pitches it up, on middle, Jitesh Sharma clips it on the bounce to wide long on for a single.

16.3: Alzarri Joseph to Jitesh Sharma, Short of a length and outside off, takes off a bit, Jitesh Sharma slashes at it but misses.

16.2: Alzarri Joseph to Jitesh Sharma, LUCKY FOUR! Alzarri Joseph serves this full and on middle, angling in, Jitesh Sharma has swing across the line but gets an inside edge just past the stumps and towards the fine leg fence for a boundary.

16.1: Alzarri Joseph to Jitesh Sharma, Fuller one and around off, Jitesh Sharma pushes it straight to short covers.

Strategic break! Bengaluru has staged a remarkable comeback by snatching those crucial wickets, but the duo of Sam Curran and Jitesh Sharma has shown resilience amidst the storm. As the match enters its decisive phase with just four overs remaining, all eyes are on these two batters to elevate their game and accelerate the scoring rate. Bengaluru, however, remains resolute in their quest to dismiss them swiftly and maintain their dominance by dismantling the opposition's middle-order. Let's see how the final 4 pans out!

15.6: Mohammed Siraj to Sam Curran, Wonderful over from Mohammed Siraj! He goes very full again and on middle, Sam Curran only manages to drill it back to the bowler where Siraj makes a half stop. He exchanges a few words with Curran and things are heating up in Bengaluru.

15.5: Mohammed Siraj to Sam Curran, Another slower bouncer from Mohammed Siraj, on middle, Sam Curran goes through his pull shot early and fails to connect.

15.4: Mohammed Siraj to Jitesh Sharma, Goes fuller now, on middle, Jitesh Sharma whips it away towards deep mid-wicket for another run.

15.3: Mohammed Siraj to Sam Curran, Mohammed Siraj bowls the slower bouncer now, on middle, angling away, Sam Curran lets it go to the keeper where Anuj Rawat fumbles and allows a bye.

15.2: Mohammed Siraj to Jitesh Sharma, Mohammed Siraj hits the length hard again, on middle, Jitesh Sharma uses his feet but gets hurried and slices it through cover-point for a run.

15.1: Mohammed Siraj to Sam Curran, This is on a hard length and around off, Sam Curran punches it through covers for a single.

Mohammed Siraj (2-0-19-1) is back on.

14.6: Mayank Dagar to Jitesh Sharma, Fuller and on middle and off, Jitesh Sharma stays leg side of the ball and drives it to sweeper cover for a couple more. 17 runs come off that over.

14.5: Mayank Dagar to Jitesh Sharma, SIX! Make that two in a row!  Jitesh Sharma is turning the heat on now. A tad shorter in length and on middle and leg, Jitesh Sharma rocks back and picks it up beautifully to pull it over square leg fence for another half a dozen. 

14.4: Mayank Dagar to Jitesh Sharma, SIX! Wow, that's some shot! Floated on a fuller length on middle, Jitesh Sharma takes a step out and with a dead-straight bat smokes it straight over the bowlers head for a biggie!

14.3: Mayank Dagar to Jitesh Sharma, Quicker this time on a fuller length, just outside off, Jitesh Sharma mistimes his slash through off to cover.

14.2: Mayank Dagar to Sam Curran, Goes wider on off again, on a fuller length, Sam Curran cuts it to deep cover for just a single.

14.1: Mayank Dagar to Sam Curran, Bowls this fuller and wider on off, Sam Curran slaps it to Virat Kohli at sweeper cover for a couple of runs. 

13.6: Cameron Green to Jitesh Sharma, Straighter and fuller, on off, Jitesh Sharma taps it back to Cameron Green.

13.5: Cameron Green to Sam Curran, Drops the length short again on middle and leg, Sam Curran tucks it to mid-wicket region for a single.

13.4: Cameron Green to Sam Curran, FOUR! Pulled away nicely on the shorter side of the boundary! Green bowls a bouncer on middle, Sam Curran picks the length right and nails the pull square of the wicket on the leg side for four runs. A much needed boundary this for Punjab.

13.3: Cameron Green to Sam Curran, Bangs the deck on a length, on middle and leg, Sam Curran tucks it to deep mid-wicket for a couple of runs.

13.2: Cameron Green to Jitesh Sharma, Goes fuller and outside off, Jitesh Sharma leans on it and drives it to deep point for a single.

13.1: Cameron Green to Sam Curran, Bowls it fuller and into the pads, Sam Curran flicks it straight to deep fine for just a single.

Cameron Green comes back into the attack now. He conceded 10 runs in his first over.

12.6: Glenn Maxwell to Sam Curran, A great over this from Glenn Maxwell. 4 runs and a wicket off it. Tosses this up on middle and off, Sam Curran tucks it to deep mid-wicket and gets a single.

12.5: Glenn Maxwell to Jitesh Sharma, Lands this fuller and on off, Jitesh Sharma drives it to sweeper cover for a single.

12.4: Glenn Maxwell to Jitesh Sharma, Fuller and on middle and leg, Jitesh Sharma tucks it to short mid-wicket.

12.3: Glenn Maxwell to Sam Curran, Brings up the 100 runs for Punjab! Bangs this on a fuller length, on middle, Sam Curran punches it to deep mid-wicket for a single to get off the mark too.

12.2: Glenn Maxwell to Jitesh Sharma, Bowls this fuller and on off, Jitesh Sharma eases it to long on and gets a single.

Jitesh Sharma walks out to bat now with Punjab in a spot of bother.

12.1: Glenn Maxwell to Shikhar Dhawan, OUT! CAUGHT! Two-in-two for Bengaluru and they have pulled this game back. Glenn Maxwell tosses this one fuller and on off, gets the ball to drift and spin away a bit. Shikhar Dhawan takes a couple of steps out and looks to heave it through covers but gets it off the toe end of the bat straight to Virat Kohli at long off. Punjab lose both set batters in quick succession here.

Sam Curran is the next man in.

11.6: Alzarri Joseph to Liam Livingstone, OUT! CAUGHT BEHIND! Alzarri Joseph has produced a big, big wicket for Bengaluru. The dangerous Liam Livingstone has to walk back. Joseph drops the length short and hits the deck hard outside off, Liam Livingstone stays put and extends his arms to slash it over off but only manages to get a thick outside edge straight into the safe custody of Anuj Rawat behind the stumps. 

11.5: Alzarri Joseph to Shikhar Dhawan, Hurls this on a shorter length and into the bodyline, Shikhar Dhawan mistimes his pull to short fine leg for one.

11.4: Alzarri Joseph to Liam Livingstone, Digs it shorter again, on off, Liam Livingstone gets early on the pull but manages to get it to deep square leg for a single. 

11.4: Alzarri Joseph to Liam Livingstone, WIDE! Bangs the deck hard on a shorter length outside off and well outside that tramline. Liam Livingstone leaves it alone for a wide.

11.3: Alzarri Joseph to Liam Livingstone, Missed out on that one did Liam Livingstone! A back-of-a-length delivery on middle, Liam Livingstone looks to pull but misses to make any connection. 

11.2: Alzarri Joseph to Liam Livingstone, Spears a yorker into the stumps, Liam Livingstone jams it to mid-wicket region and gets a couple of quick runs.

11.1: Alzarri Joseph to Shikhar Dhawan, Hurls it on a good length, on middle and off, Shikhar Dhawan tucks it to backward point and squeezes a quick single.

10.6: Glenn Maxwell to Liam Livingstone, SIX! Makes it look so easy! Tossed up on middle and off, Liam Livingstone watches the ball and just picks the length to wack it over deep mid-wicket who was well ahead of the ropes for a maximum.

10.5: Glenn Maxwell to Liam Livingstone, Quicker and fuller on off, Liam Livingstone rocks back and punches it to cover.

10.4: Glenn Maxwell to Liam Livingstone, Fuller delivery on off, Liam Livingstone eases it to deep mid-wicket for a couple of runs.

10.3: Glenn Maxwell to Liam Livingstone, FOUR! Top, top shot from Liam Livingstone. Maxwell drops the length a bit over middle and leg, Liam Livingstone quickly gets back and pulls it through mid-wicket for four runs.

10.2: Glenn Maxwell to Shikhar Dhawan, Goes fuller and into the pads, Shikhar Dhawan clips it square of the wicket on leg side for a single.

10.1: Glenn Maxwell to Liam Livingstone, Fuller and on off, Liam Livingstone tucks it to long on for one. 

9.6: Mayank Dagar to Shikhar Dhawan, FOUR! Just wide! Mayank Dagar drags his length back now, outside off, Shikhar Dhawan moves back to cut but is not in control of his shot. However, luckily for him, the ball flies wide of the diving Yash Dayal at point and races to the fence for a boundary.

9.5: Mayank Dagar to Shikhar Dhawan, Darts in a low full toss, outside off, Shikhar Dhawan jams it out on the bounce to extra covers. No runs.

9.4: Mayank Dagar to Liam Livingstone, Short and around off, Liam Livingstone moves back and punches it towards sweeper covers for a run.

9.3: Mayank Dagar to Liam Livingstone, RIPPER! Mayank Dagar flights this up, full and on off, grips and turns away sharply, Liam Livingstone strides out to push it away but gets beaten on the outside edge, Anuj Rawat collects and breaks the stumps. The umpire sends it upstairs to check but the replay shows nohting.

9.2: Mayank Dagar to Liam Livingstone, Floated, full and around off, Liam Livingstone guides it towards point.

9.1: Mayank Dagar to Shikhar Dhawan, Tossed up, full and on off, Shikhar Dhawan clips it through mid-wicket for a single.

8.6: Glenn Maxwell to Liam Livingstone, Another quick delivery, short and on off, turns in, Liam Livingstone moves across to work it away but misses to get hit on the pads.

Liam Livingstone walks out to bat at number 4 for Punjab.

8.5: Glenn Maxwell to Prabhsimran Singh, OUT! IN THE AIR AND GONE! Glenn Maxwell strikes here! A much-needed breakthrough for Bengaluru. This one is bowled quicker and into the pitch, on middle, gets some extra bounce, Prabhsimran Singh moves back to pull it away but gets a top edge due to the extra bounce. The ball goes high in the air, Anuj Rawat moves to his left and pouches it safely into his gloves. Prabhsimran Singh goes after a nice little cameo!

8.4: Glenn Maxwell to Prabhsimran Singh, SIX! BOOM! Glenn Maxwell fires this one full and on the pads, Prabhsimran Singh once again picks it up and smacks it over the deep square leg fence for a biggie.

8.3: Glenn Maxwell to Prabhsimran Singh, Flatter, full and on middle, angling in, Prabhsimran Singh goes for the sweep but misses and gets hit on the pads. An appeal for LBW, but turned down.

8.2: Glenn Maxwell to Shikhar Dhawan, Tossed up, full and on middle, Shikhar Dhawan eases it towards long on for a single.

8.1: Glenn Maxwell to Shikhar Dhawan, FOUR! Cut away! Glenn Maxwell starts with a short delivery, outside off, Shikhar Dhawan gets the opportunity to free his arms and crunches it through point for a lovely boundary.

Strategic break! Despite the early setback of losing Jonny Bairstow's wicket, Punjab has shown resilience and strategic acumen by opting for calculated risks, taking on the Bengaluru bowlers aggressively. Both Shikhar Dhawan and Prabhsimran Singh have laid a solid foundation with their promising starts, setting the stage for a potentially explosive partnership. However, for Bengaluru, breaking this formidable alliance is imperative to regain momentum and swing the game back in their favour. A couple of quick wickets could be just what they need to disrupt Punjab's momentum and assert their dominance. With that Glenn Maxwell is introduced into the attack now. 

7.6: Mayank Dagar to Shikhar Dhawan, Fires this one full and on off again, Shikhar Dhawan drives it through covers for one more.

7.5: Mayank Dagar to Shikhar Dhawan, SIX! INTO THE STANDS! Mayank Dagar gives this one some air and on off, Shikhar Dhawan dances down the track, has to fetch it but does that well and smokes it way over the long on fence for a biggie.

7.4: Mayank Dagar to Prabhsimran Singh, Flatter, short and around middle, Prabhsimran Singh goes down this time and paddles it towards deep square leg for one.

7.3: Mayank Dagar to Shikhar Dhawan, Flighted, full and on off, Shikhar Dhawan goes down to sweep but gets an inside edge towards square leg for another run.

7.2: Mayank Dagar to Prabhsimran Singh, Tossed up, full and on middle, Prabhsimran Singh uses his feet and lofts it wide of long on for a run.

7.1: Mayank Dagar to Shikhar Dhawan, Mayank Dagar begins with a floated delivery, full and on middle, Shikhar Dhawan tucks it through mid-wicket for a single.

Mayank Dagar comes into the attack now.

6.6: Cameron Green to Shikhar Dhawan, Pitched up and on off, Shikhar Dhawan tries to go hard at it but gets an inside edge towards deep mid-wicket for one. 50 up for Punjab!

6.5: Cameron Green to Prabhsimran Singh, On a length and on off, Prabhsimran Singh steers it through point for a run.

6.4: Cameron Green to Prabhsimran Singh, SIX! BANG! Prabhsimran Singh connects this time alright! Cameron Green bowls a half-volley angling into the pads, Prabhsimran Singh steps across, picks it up from the middle stump and whips it over the deep square leg fence for the first maximum of the match.

6.3: Cameron Green to Prabhsimran Singh, Swing and a miss! Cameron Green pulls his length back a bit now, on off, shaping away, Prabhsimran Singh uses his feet and tries to go over mid off but misses it.

6.2: Cameron Green to Shikhar Dhawan, Back of a length and outside off,, Shikhar Dhawan throws his hands hard at it and slices it wide of deep point for a brace.

6.2: Cameron Green to Shikhar Dhawan, Cameron Green errs in his line this time and serves this full and way outside off, Shikhar Dhawan leaves it alone. Wided.

6.1: Cameron Green to Shikhar Dhawan, Cameron Green starts with a good-length delivery, on off, Shikhar Dhawan stabs it down towards short covers.

Cameron Green is introduced into the attack. 

5.6: Yash Dayal to Shikhar Dhawan, Short of a length and around off, Shikhar Dhawan punches it through cover-point for a run. Another fine over from Yash Dayal. He has conceded just 10 runs in his 3 overs with all of them coming in the Powerplay.

5.5: Yash Dayal to Shikhar Dhawan, A slower one now, fullish and angling into leg, Shikhar Dhawan comes forward to flick it but misses and the ball lobs off his pads to the right of the bowler.

5.4: Yash Dayal to Shikhar Dhawan, JAFFA! Yash Dayal lands this back of a length and on middle, angles in and straightens off the deck with extra bounce, Shikhar Dhawan gets squared up as the ball carries through to the keeper.

5.3: Yash Dayal to Prabhsimran Singh, On a length and on middle, Prabhsimran Singh uses his feet and tucks it towards mid-wicket, he sets off for the run as Virat Kohli picks up and hits the stumps at the bowler's end. Singh has made his ground comfortably here.

5.2: Yash Dayal to Prabhsimran Singh, FOUR! Good shot! Yash Dayal pitches this up again and outside off, Prabhsimran Singh shuffles across a bit and slices it off the higher part of the bat. The ball has enough power to go over extra covers and roll to the fence for a boundary.

5.1: Yash Dayal to Prabhsimran Singh, Swing and a miss! Yash Dayal serves this full and outside off, angling away, Prabhsimran Singh has a wild swing at it but fails to connect.

4.6: Alzarri Joseph to Shikhar Dhawan, Great effort in the deep by Yash Dayal! Slightly shorter in length, outside off, Shikhar Dhawan opens the bat face and pushes it past short third. Yash Dayal from deep backward point sprints to the ball and dives to cut the ball and keep it down to just two runs. 

4.5: Alzarri Joseph to Shikhar Dhawan, FOUR! Precisely timed! Another fuller delivery on off, Shikhar Dhawan just punches it to the left of mid off for four more runs. 

4.4: Alzarri Joseph to Shikhar Dhawan, Bangs it on a fuller length and on off, Shikhar Dhawan drives it beautifully but straight to the fielder at point. 

4.3: Alzarri Joseph to Shikhar Dhawan, Better line! Bowls it on a length, on off, Shikhar Dhawan tucks it to short cover.

4.2: Alzarri Joseph to Shikhar Dhawan, FOUR! Shikhar Dhawan is very strong on the off side and he proves it time and again. A fuller delivery, on off, Shikhar Dhawan opens the bat face enough to loft it over covers for a boundary. 

4.1: Alzarri Joseph to Shikhar Dhawan, Starts from around the wicket and bowls this wider on off, on a fuller length, Shikhar Dhawan drives it off the upper half of the bat straight to mid off. 

Alzarri Joseph replaces Mohammed Siraj.

3.6: Yash Dayal to Prabhsimran Singh, Another top over from Yash Dayal. Bangs this one on a length, outside off, Prabhsimran Singh punches it to the fielder at short cover.

3.5: Yash Dayal to Shikhar Dhawan, Bowls this fuller and on off, Shikhar Dhawan pushes it to long off for one. 

3.4: Yash Dayal to Prabhsimran Singh, Bowls it fuller and outside off, Prabhsimran Singh opens the bat face and steers it wider of deep third man for a single. 

3.3: Yash Dayal to Prabhsimran Singh, Lands this on a hard length and on middle and leg, angling across the right-hander, Prabhsimran Singh tucks it to the fielder at point. 

3.2: Yash Dayal to Shikhar Dhawan, On a shorter length, on off, Shikhar Dhawan steps out and dabs it to deep backward point for a single. 

3.1: Yash Dayal to Shikhar Dhawan, Left alone! A length delivery, shaping away off the deck, outside off, Shikhar Dhawan takes a step out and holds his bat high leaving the ball to go through to the keeper.

2.6: Mohammed Siraj to Prabhsimran Singh, Hurls on a shorter length, on off, Prabhsimran Singh blocks it to the left of the bowler.

2.5: Mohammed Siraj to Prabhsimran Singh, FOUR! How good was the timing in that one? Fuller delivery on middle and off, Prabhsimran Singh with full face of the bat just taps it past the bowler for four runs to get off the mark. 

2.4: Mohammed Siraj to Prabhsimran Singh, Bangs this on a shorter length, on off, Prabhsimran Singh with an angled bat punches it to cover.

Prabhsimran Singh walks out to bat at number 3.

2.3: Mohammed Siraj to Jonny Bairstow, OUT! CAUGHT! Mohammed Siraj has the last laugh and Jonny Bairstow has to walk back with another low score. Siraj bowls this on a good length and angles it in on middle and off, Jonny Bairstow looks to heave it over mid off but ends up chopping it straight to mid-wicket. Virat Kohli from cover gets in and takes the catch in front of Glenn Maxwell who was stationed at mid off. 

2.2: Mohammed Siraj to Jonny Bairstow, FOUR! This is crisp! Banged on a fuller length, outside off, Jonny Bairstow slashes it through cover for another boundary.

2.1: Mohammed Siraj to Jonny Bairstow, FOUR! Gets off the mark with that boundary! Overpitched in length, on middle and off, Jonny Bairstow takes his front leg out and picks it perfectly over wide mid on for a boundary. 

1.6: Yash Dayal to Jonny Bairstow, LEG BYES! An excellent over this from Yash Dayal. Just two come of it. Bangs this on a nagging length and on middle and leg, Jonny Bairstow takes a step out but gets cramped for room as the ball clips him high on the waist and rolls to the off side. The batters cross.

1.5: Yash Dayal to Shikhar Dhawan, Tap and run! Banged in a touch shorter on middle, Shikhar Dhawan stabs it to the off side and steals a single.

1.4: Yash Dayal to Shikhar Dhawan, Four dots in a row! Bangs it on a good length and on middle and off, Shikhar Dhawan tucks it to short cover.

1.3: Yash Dayal to Shikhar Dhawan, Beats that outside edge! Bangs it on a good length, on that fourth stump line, Shikhar Dhawan flirts with that one as the ball whizzes past the outside edge. 

1.2: Yash Dayal to Shikhar Dhawan, Swings it away from a fuller length, outside off, Shikhar Dhawan leaves this one too. We don't see a lot of balls being left alone these days, do we? 

1.1: Yash Dayal to Shikhar Dhawan, Starts from over the wicket and bowls it just outside off, on a length, Shikhar Dhawan holds his bat high and leaves it alone for the keeper to collect. 

Yash Dayal to share the attack.

0.6: Mohammed Siraj to Jonny Bairstow, Continues that fuller length, on off, Jonny Bairstow taps it to cover. A good start this for Punjab!

0.5: Mohammed Siraj to Jonny Bairstow, Some away movement on that one! Pitched on a fuller length, on off, Jonny Bairstow taps it to mid off. 

0.4: Mohammed Siraj to Shikhar Dhawan, And again! Bowls it into the pads on a fuller length, Shikhar Dhawan clips it square of the wicket on leg side for a single to get to the other end. 

0.3: Mohammed Siraj to Shikhar Dhawan, Goes fuller and on the pads, Shikhar Dhawan clips it to deep mid-wicket for a couple of runs. 

0.2: Mohammed Siraj to Shikhar Dhawan, Bowls this straighter on middle and off, Shikhar Dhawan stabs it back onto the deck. 

0.1: Mohammed Siraj to Shikhar Dhawan, FOUR! Not the ideal start from Bengaluru. Glenn Maxwell makes a mess of this in the field and lets it go through to the fence. Fuller delivery on middle and off, Shikhar Dhawan punches it to the right of Glenn Maxwell at mid off who reaches the ball but is slow in getting down as the ball gets through his hands towards the cover fence for four runs. Shikhar Dhawan and Punjab are up and running straightaway!

We are all set to begin! The crowd is making a huge noise as the home side Bengaluru walks out to the middle and spreads out to take their respective field positions. Jonny Bairstow and Shikhar Dhawan are the two openers for Punjab.  Mohammed Siraj has the new ball in hand and is raring to go. Let's play...

Shikhar Dhawan, the captain of Punjab says they would have bowled first as well but it's fine. Adds that they look forward to bat and it is about playing sensible cricket which they did in the first game. Says that they are looking to improve game by game. Informs they have the same team as well.

Faf du Plessis, the captain of Bengaluru says that it looks like a good wicket and they want to stick to their strength of chasing. Mentions that the boys are excited after the women's team won the trophy and they are looking forward to it. States that they will look to rectify what went wrong in the previous game losing a few wickets quickly and will look to perform better. Concludes that they go with the same team for this game with one or two different options for changes later on.

Impact Players for Punjab - Arshdeep Singh, Rilee Rossouw, Tanay Thyagarajann, Harpreet Singh, Vidwath Kaverappa.

Punjab (Playing XI) - Shikhar Dhawan (C), Jonny Bairstow, Prabhsimran Singh, Sam Curran, Jitesh Sharma (WK), Liam Livingstone, Shashank Singh, Harpreet Brar, Harshal Patel, Kagiso Rabada, Rahul Chahar.

Impact Players for Bengaluru - Suyash Prabhudessai, Mahipal Lomror, Karn Sharma, Vijaykumar Vyshak, Swapnil Singh.  

Bengaluru (Playing XI) - Faf du Plessis (C), Virat Kohli, Rajat Patidar, Glenn Maxwell, Cameron Green, Dinesh Karthik, Anuj Rawat (WK), Alzarri Joseph, Mayank Dagar, Mohammed Siraj, Yash Dayal.

TOSS - The coin has landed in favour of Faf du Plessis and Bengaluru have elected to BOWL first.

PITCH REPORT - Deep Dasgupta says that this venue has always been a high-scoring one and the pitch used for this game is the one right in the centre with either side being 60 meters and straight down being 70 meters. Adds that it has a few cracks which are superficial and look patchy and could be two-paced. Simon Katich joins him and says that the deck looks rock hard and has a bit of grass on it. Mentions that the average first-inning score is 196 runs from the previous year. Says that the ball will be flying everywhere and this being King Kohli's backyard, his scores here speak volumes. Concludes that the trend this season so far is that the home team wins games.