LSG vs RCB Highlights, IPL 2026: Lucknow stay alive in playoffs race after thrilling win vs Bengaluru

Friday night in Delhi - Up next, the action moves to the capital on Friday, 8th May, as the Delhi Capitals take on the Kolkata Knight Riders. KKR come into the contest on the back of three consecutive wins, while DC have just a solitary win from their last 5 matches. The game will begin at 7.30 pm IST (2 pm GMT), but as always, you can join us early for all the build-up. Take care and goodbye.

PLAYER OF THE MATCH - Mitchell Marsh wins the award for his scintillating knock of 111 runs from 56 balls. Marsh says that it feels nice to get a win here as it's been a disappointing season, but they have all to play for. Mentions that a few of the Indian players told him that the pitch looked better today, and that's why he tried to maximise the Powerplay and have an impact on the game, and feels that the Powerplay has been an area which they haven't quite gotten right. Further, he says that in Mumbai, they were 10-15 runs short, but tonight the bowlers did a fine job, and it feels good to get a win.

The captain of the Lucknow Super Giants - Rishabh Pant says it was a really good game for them and admits that this win means a lot to the side. He mentions that the team has been trying a lot of things in search of a win. Pant also acknowledges that it has been a tough season for the side, but adds that sometimes you just have to go through the grind.

Time for the presentation ceremony...

Marsh's headline act - Earlier in the night, the toss fell RCB's way and, coming off a break, a bit of rustiness showed in the way they started. With Josh Inglis injured, a fifth different opening pair of the season walked out for LSG. Despite the multiple rain stoppages and Arshin Kulkarni struggling for fluency at the other end, Mitchell Marsh remained completely unflustered and put on a show with a 49-ball hundred. Nicholas Pooran and Rishabh Pant played their part too in helping Lucknow post 209. With the rain arriving for the third time during the LSG innings and the game reduced to 19 overs a side, the target was revised to 213 for RCB.

LSG survive a late scare - Rishabh Pant turned to Prince Yadav, and the pacer delivered in a big way with a double strike. Shahbaz Ahamad chipped in with a wicket of his own as from 104/2, RCB slipped to 112/5. The likes of Tim David, Krunal Pandya and Romario Shepherd kept the flame of the chase alive for RCB on what was arguably one of the better batting surfaces seen in Lucknow this season, but LSG did just enough at the death to close out the game.

RCB fight back after early jolts - Mohammad Shami and Prince Yadav set the tone brilliantly with the new ball for the home side, reducing RCB to 9/2 early in the chase. Devdutt Padikkal responded by fighting fire with fire, while Rajat Patidar was tested early on before gradually coming into his own during the middle phase of the innings. Once Patidar clicked into gear, 59 runs came off just four overs (7-10), with LSG left scratching their heads in search of a breakthrough.

A quick word with LSG's star pacer - Prince Yadav starts by talking about the passage of play from his misfield to the catch and then the wicket of Kohli, and he says that he did misfield, but he got it quickly off his mind and started to focus on the next delivery. On the wicket of Kohli, he adds that he was trying to hold his length and says that it was Virat Kohli who had actually given him that advice the last time they played. On the season, he says that he's personally had a good season, but the team hasn't had the best of times, and they will try to do well in the remaining matches.

The captain of the Royal Challengers Bengaluru - Rajat Patidar says that they were confident about the target and the boys played really well, but were just a bit short. Adds that the pitch was good, and the ball was coming onto the bat nicely and feels that he needs a bit of time to analyse the game. Further mentions that they are taking it one game at a time. On Mitchell Marsh's innings, Patidar says that the way he played in the Powerplay kept them on their toes and even after the Powerplay, he wasn't sure which bowler to bring on. Ends by saying that their batters showed great intent and the players are in a positive state of mind, but feels that they could be a bit more clinical in the Powerplay.

LSG live to fight another day - Responsibility taken, nerves held, and Digvesh Singh wins it for Lucknow. It is finally a win at home for LSG after what must have felt like an eternity, having come into tonight on the back of 8 consecutive defeats here in Lucknow. With this win, they hang on by a thread in the playoff race. Good to see Rishabh Pant walk up to Romario Shepherd, who looks absolutely gutted after falling short of taking his team over the line.

18.6: Digvesh Singh to Romario Shepherd, Lucknow Super Giants finally manage to hold on and win a game. The six-game drought is over and they win by 9 runs (DLS method). Very full and outside off, hit away along the turf and down to long off for a single.

18.5: Digvesh Singh to Romario Shepherd, That should do it for LSG and Digvesh Singh has already started celebrating. A bit shorter again, angled into the batter, Shepherd doesn't get a hold of the slog and hits it aerially to the left of deep square leg. Mayank Yadav mops things up and keeps it down to two runs.

18.4: Digvesh Singh to Romario Shepherd, FOUR! A couple of sixes to tie the game. Shortish length at the batter, swung away towards deep backward square leg for a boundary. 13 needed now off 2 balls.

18.4: Digvesh Singh to Romario Shepherd, WIDE! Way too short and wide outside off, Shepherd reaches out to hit but fails to connect. Rishabh Pant is lightning quick to dislodge the bails but Shepherd is well in. Just a wide then.

18.3: Digvesh Singh to Romario Shepherd, Digvesh Singh might just have bowled LSG to a win here, but he needs to hold on for one more ball. Slower through the air again, a bit full and angled into the legs. Shepherd sits down to slog sweep but misses. 18 needed now off 3.

18.2: Digvesh Singh to Krunal Pandya, Digvesh goes wide outside off, bowling it a bit short. Pandya reaches out and slaps it to deep point. Nicholas Pooran fumbles it a touch but it will only be a single. 18 needed now off 4 balls.

18.1: Digvesh Singh to Romario Shepherd, Slower through the air, on a fullish length and angled into the pads. It is the googly that spins in and Shepherd swings across the line, but misses. The ball goes off the pads to backward point and they get a leg bye.

Right, we are down to the final over then. It looks like Shahbaz Ahamad and Digvesh Singh are both eager to take responsibility here, and there seems to be a bit of convincing going on in the middle. Mitchell Marsh now joins the conversation as well. Rishabh Pant shows faith in Digvesh, who has gone for 41 runs in his 3 overs so far. A big call by the Lucknow skipper. Remember, LSG's season is on the line here. A defeat tonight and they will be out of the playoff race. RCB need 20 runs off the final over.

17.6: Prince Yadav to Romario Shepherd, Yadav holds his nerve and closes out the over well. 13 runs off it, 20 needed now off the final over. A wide yorker, outside off, Shepherd drags it across to wide long on for a single.

17.5: Prince Yadav to Romario Shepherd, SIX! You miss your mark even by an inch, and you get punished. Low full toss around middle, Romario Shepherd powers it across and gets it over cow corner for a biggie.

17.4: Prince Yadav to Romario Shepherd, That's gone through. Bowled on a good length and around off, the ball just skids through without bouncing much and Shepherd is taken aback. He swings across the line but is beaten past the inside edge.

17.3: Prince Yadav to Krunal Pandya, Much better from Prince. Full and just outside off, Pandya backs away a bit and jams it to the right of cover for a single.

17.2: Prince Yadav to Krunal Pandya, FOUR! Pandya is punishing the short balls right now. Dug in short over middle, KP goes deep in the crease again and forces the pull just behind square leg for a boundary.

17.1: Prince Yadav to Romario Shepherd, That should have been put away. A full toss aimed at the pads, Shepherd fails to swing it away leg side. The ball thuds his pads and rolls to the left of the keeper for a leg bye.

Surely Prince Yadav to bowl the penultimate over? Yep, it is going to be Prince, who has been the pick of the bowlers for LSG tonight. 

16.6: Mohammad Shami to Krunal Pandya, SIX! KP gets it away again, and RCB now need 33 off 12 balls. A short ball, aimed right at the batter. Pandya swivels back and swings with everything he's got, nailing it over deep square leg for a biggie.

16.5: Mohammad Shami to Krunal Pandya, SIX! Krunal Pandya provides just what RCB needed, keeping them in the hunt. Shami misses his mark and serves a full toss on off, Pandya gets a hold of it and hits it flat over long on for a six.

16.4: Mohammad Shami to Romario Shepherd, Goes full and straight now, does Shami. Shepherd pushes it down to long on for one. Just 2 runs off the first 4 balls, RCB need something to give here.

16.3: Mohammad Shami to Romario Shepherd, A touch slower at 127.8 kph, dug in short again and around off. Shepherd waits and hops up to uppercut but misses.

16.2: Mohammad Shami to Romario Shepherd, Oh, that's well bowled. A bit of a snorter this one, dug in short and around off, moves away a bit as well. Romario Shepherd leans back and sways his head away from the line of the ball.

16.1: Mohammad Shami to Krunal Pandya, Back of a length and outside off, Pandya taps it away through the point region and picks up a single.

Mohammad Shami (3-0-19-1) is back for his final over.

15.6: Shahbaz Ahamad to Romario Shepherd, Fired in quicker and wide outside off, just inside the tramline. Romario Shepherd leaves it alone in hopes of a wide, but won't get it. 47 needed now off 18 balls.

15.5: Shahbaz Ahamad to Romario Shepherd, FOUR MORE! Short and wide outside off yet again, Shepherd rocks back and cuts it hard behind poit for another boundary.

15.4: Shahbaz Ahamad to Romario Shepherd, FOUR! Nicely done. Way too short and outside off, Romario Shepherd hangs back in the crease and just angles it nicely between backward point and short third for a boundary.

LSG can't breathe easy just yet. Romario Shepherd makes his way out to bat.

15.3: Shahbaz Ahamad to Tim David, OUT! CAUGHT! Shahbaz Ahamad gets the big fish now. This is bowled short and wide outside off, Tim David reaches out and goes after it, but ends up hitting it straight to the fielder. It was there to be hit, but David snatched at it and hit it straight to Digvesh Singh at point, who makes no mistake, and RCB lose their 6th wicket.

15.2: Shahbaz Ahamad to Tim David, SIX! Up, up and away! Dragged length on middle, Tim David pivots onto the back foot and launches it straight down the ground for a biggie.

15.2: Shahbaz Ahamad to Tim David, WIDE! Oh, that's actually spun a bit. Fullish length, wide outside off, turns away and stays a bit low. David looks to cut but misses.

15.2: Shahbaz Ahamad to Tim David, Wide! Pushed through but this goes just beyond the tramline. David lets it be.

15.1: Shahbaz Ahamad to Tim David, Keeps the line wide outside off, and bowls it on a good length. David reaches out to hit it through the off side but ends up jamming it off the inner half of the blade.

The required rate for RCB before the previous over was 16 runs an over and they managed to get 17 off the 15th over. 

14.6: Mayank Yadav to Tim David, 150 comes up for RCB. Mayank takes pace off and bowls it on a shortish length. David tries to flay it away but it goes off an outside edge to deep third. Single taken. 63 runs needed off 24 balls.

14.5: Mayank Yadav to Tim David, SIX! Tim David repeats the dose! Mayank Yadav sticks to the short ball, but once again, this sits up to be hit, over off and middle. David stays on the back foot and nails the pull flat to the right of deep mid-wicket for half a dozen.

14.4: Mayank Yadav to Tim David, SIX! Outta here! Mayank Yadav digs it in short, over middle. The height does not trouble the batter as it comes around his shoulder. Tim takes a step back and pummels it over square leg for a biggie.

14.3: Mayank Yadav to Tim David, Bashes the deck, near the tramline. Tim David shuffles across and throws his hands at the ball. It kicks up to go past the flailing blade.

14.2: Mayank Yadav to Tim David, At 144.2 kph, similar length but this time, Mayank tucks the batter up for room. David is beaten for pace as he swings across and wears it high on the thigh pad.

14.1: Mayank Yadav to Tim David, FOUR! Stand and deliver! Mayank hits the back of a length, on off. David hangs deep in the crease and plays it on the rise by getting on top of the bounce. He hits it firmly to the right of the man at cover and it races away.

Bowling change? Yes. Mayank Yadav is back on to finish his spell. 3 overs, none for 33 for him thus far.

13.6: Shahbaz Ahamad to Krunal Pandya, FOUR! Gets it through! A bit too short whilst staying wide, Pandya takes a step across and hammers it to the right of the diving cover-point fielder for a boundary. RCB need 80 runs in 30 balls.

13.5: Shahbaz Ahamad to Krunal Pandya, Bowled into the surface and quicker too, Pandya chops it down to backward point from the crease.

13.4: Shahbaz Ahamad to Krunal Pandya, Floated up, fuller and on middle. Krunal Pandya goes for the reverse and connects but can't beat backward point.

13.3: Shahbaz Ahamad to Tim David, Drops it short now and outside off. David slaps it to deep extra cover and crosses over.

13.3: Shahbaz Ahamad to Tim David, Wide! This is quicker but beyond the tramline on off. Tim lets it be.

13.2: Shahbaz Ahamad to Tim David, FOUR! One bounce and over the ropes! A bit of turn, on a length, sticks to the wide line. Tim David brings his long levers into play and powers it down the ground to the right of long off. 

13.1: Shahbaz Ahamad to Krunal Pandya, Top work! That was destined for a boundary. Short and wide on off. Krunal Pandya picks the bones out of it as he slaps it hard to cover-point. Arshin Kulkarni flings himself to his right and lays a hand on it, saving a certain boundary. Just a single.

STRATEGIC BREAK! Lucknow Super Giants have got a real stranglehold on the game at the moment, and Royal Challengers Bengaluru have really let things get away after setting things up nicely with that 95-run stand between Devdutt Padikkal and Rajat Patidar. For LSG, it is about a couple of more wickets, which will expose the RCB tail, whereas for RCB, it is all about if someone like Tim David can take on the spinners and go ballistic. Lucknow only have 3 overs of their frontline pacers left, so we should continue to see a bit more spin right now. 

12.6: Digvesh Singh to Krunal Pandya, Loopy ball, on off, Pandya advances and hits it hard to long off for just a single. 91 runs needed from 36 balls.

12.5: Digvesh Singh to Tim David, Shorter and wider on off, David spanks it from the crease to deep cover for another single.

12.4: Digvesh Singh to Krunal Pandya, Tossed up, on off, driven to long off for a single.

12.3: Digvesh Singh to Tim David, Keeps it short, on middle, David mistimes the pull to long on for one more.

12.2: Digvesh Singh to Tim David, FOUR! Edgy! Sliding onto the pads, on a length. David hops back to whip it away. Gets an inside edge through short fine leg for a boundary.

12.1: Digvesh Singh to Krunal Pandya, A mix-up but they get away with it. Sliding across, short and near the tramline. Pandya cuts it wide of point, where Mitchell Marsh dives to his right to cut it off. Pandya is caught ball watching as David sets off for the run. Krunal eventually gets across and makes his ground as Marsh misses the stumps and Digvesh is not up to the stumps to collect the throw.

Digvesh Singh (2-0-32-0) is brought back into the attack.

11.6: Shahbaz Ahamad to Krunal Pandya, Slows it down a bit, on a good length, closer to the off stump. This is punched to long off for one.

11.5: Shahbaz Ahamad to Krunal Pandya, Fired across, short and wide, Pandya flashes but the ball goes under the blade.

11.4: Shahbaz Ahamad to Krunal Pandya, Wide on off, on the shorter side, this is guided to backward point.

Oh, it's all tumbling down quickly for RCB right now as they lose 3 wickets in the space of 9 balls. Krunal Pandya now walks in to bat at number 7.

11.3: Shahbaz Ahamad to Rajat Patidar, OUT! CAUGHT! A couple of overs back, LSG seem to have no answers to stop the onslaught, and all of a sudden, three wickets in quick succession, and they are right on top. Shahbaz keeps the line near the tramline and on a nagging length. Patidar reaches out, looking to go down the ground with a horizontal bat. Hits it flat down to long off, where Aiden Markram moves across to his left and snaffles it around his waist. 104/2 becomes 112/5 for RCB.

11.2: Shahbaz Ahamad to Tim David, Pushed through, short and flat, David swings hard at it. Chops it down in front of cover and crosses over.

11.1: Shahbaz Ahamad to Tim David, FOUR! Hit hard and wide enough! Floated up, on off. David presses onto the front foot and drills it all along the ground wide of long off. Aiden Markram sprints to his left and puts in a dive but his effort goes in vain.

Shahbaz Ahamad comes into the attack now.

10.6: Prince Yadav to Tim David, Hurls it on a length, on middle and leg. That is flicked off the back foot through mid-wicket for a run.

Prince Yadav is having the time of his life out there. RCB use their Impact Sub now, bringing on Tim David for Suyash Sharma.

Suyash Sharma is substituted by Tim David

10.5: Prince Yadav to Jitesh Sharma, OUT! CAUGHT BEHIND! A double strike for Prince Yadav. Build a castle for the Prince, quips Alan Wilkins on air, and the LSG fans will certainly be in agreement. A well-directed short ball, around the right shoulder. Jitesh tries to take on the short ball but he is not in a position to do so. He swivels but is rushed and the ball gets big on him too. It goes straight up off a top edge behind the wickets. Rishabh Pant turns around and takes a couple of steps over his right shoulder to take a safe catch. Another low score for Jitesh this season. RCB are now 4 down for 106.

10.4: Prince Yadav to Rajat Patidar, Bashes the surface, on off. Rajat Patidar gets his hands high to unleash the pull but toe-ends it to long on for a run.

10.3: Prince Yadav to Jitesh Sharma, Very full, on leg. Sharma wrists it wide of mid-wicket and gets off the mark with a single.

10.2: Prince Yadav to Jitesh Sharma, Honing in at the stumps, on a good length. This skids through and keeps a shade low too but Jitesh keeps it out.

What a time to get a wicket, and that brings Jitesh Sharma to the crease.

10.1: Prince Yadav to Devdutt Padikkal, OUT! CAUGHT AND BOWLED! Prince Yadav answers the skipper's call as he breaks this blossoming stand. At 134.7 kph, bowled on a good length, on off and middle. Padikkal hangs back and looks to force it down the ground with an angled bat. He looks to play it more towards long on but ends up chipping it back towards the bowler. Prince reacts well on his follow-through as he takes the catch at head height to his left. The 95-run stand has been broken. RCB are 104/3, needing 109 runs in 53 balls.

Rishabh Pant turns to Prince Yadav in search of a breakthrough. 2-0-18-1 so far for Prince.

9.6: Mayank Yadav to Rajat Patidar, Back of a length this time, Patidar stays upright and slaps it down between long on and deep mid-wicket for a couple of runs. 109 needed now off 54 balls.

9.5: Mayank Yadav to Devdutt Padikkal, Slower one into the pitch, Padikkal looks to pull but is early into his shot and cue-ends it into the off side for another single.

9.4: Mayank Yadav to Rajat Patidar, Short of a good length, angled into the batter. Patidar gets rushed a bit and ends up getting a top edge around the vacant mid-wicket region for a single.

9.3: Mayank Yadav to Rajat Patidar, SIX! Wow, that's even better. Good-length delivery, around the top of off and middle, this time Rajat Patidar holds his shape and just smashes it over mid-wicket for a 101-meter maximum. 100 UP FOR RCB.

9.2: Mayank Yadav to Rajat Patidar, SIX! Rajat Patidar has gone berserk here and he brings up his FIFTY in 26 balls. Fractionally short and angled in from around off, Patidar just walks inside the line of the ball and clobbers it deep over the square leg fence for a biggie, his fifth of this innings.

9.2: Mayank Yadav to Rajat Patidar, WIDE! Too high. Banged in halfway down the pitch, over off and middle and this one flies over the batter's head.

9.1: Mayank Yadav to Devdutt Padikkal, Slower ball, full and angled across off, Padikkal stays leg side of the ball and reaches out, guiding it down to deep third for a single.

Mayank Yadav to continue.

8.6: Digvesh Singh to Rajat Patidar, SIX! What a sound off the bat! A googly now, on middle and angling in. Rajat Patidar walks inside the line and thwacks it across the line, well over the square leg fence for another biggie. 17 off the over, 32 in total for Digvesh Singh in his 2 overs so far.

8.5: Digvesh Singh to Rajat Patidar, Angled into the pads, Patidar tries to play a cute shot, fine of short fine leg but misses out.

8.4: Digvesh Singh to Rajat Patidar, SIX! Rajat Patidar is known as a spin basher for a reason. Length ball attacking the stumps, Patidar rocks back a touch and just lays into it, launching it down the ground and just over the ropes for a six.

8.3: Digvesh Singh to Devdutt Padikkal, Flatter delivery around middle and leg, jammed away from the crease towards cow corner for a single.

8.2: Digvesh Singh to Devdutt Padikkal, Gets away with this one, does Digvesh. Quicker and shorter, down leg, Padikkal looks to pull it fine but fails to get a bat on it and the ball just clips his pads.

8.1: Digvesh Singh to Devdutt Padikkal, FOUR! Stroked away for a boundary. Floated up, wide outside off, DDP leans on and times it superbly, hitting it over covers for a boundary.

7.6: Mayank Yadav to Rajat Patidar, Yadav goes back to bowling short and bowls it just outside off, angling it in. Patidar leans back to ramp it away but misses. 9 off the over.

7.5: Mayank Yadav to Rajat Patidar, SIX! Now, that's an excellent shot from the RCB skipper. Good length at nearly 146 kph, Patidar walks inside the line of the ball and uses those quick hands to short-arm jab it wide of long on for a six.

7.4: Mayank Yadav to Rajat Patidar, Slower ball, at 108.1 kph, and bowled full and outside off. Patidar goes after it but gets it off the toe end of the bat and down to long off for a couple of runs.

7.3: Mayank Yadav to Rajat Patidar, That's on the money from Yadav. Short again, at over 144 clicks and right at the batter. The ball jumps off the deck and so does Patidar, who does well to keep it down. That's hit the handle of the bat.

7.2: Mayank Yadav to Rajat Patidar, A proper short ball now, just outside off. Rajat Patidar expects it to be quicker than it actually is and ends up playing an awkward hook shot, failing to connect.

7.1: Mayank Yadav to Devdutt Padikkal, Mayank bashes a hard length and angles it across middle and leg, Padikkal hangs back and plays it late, guiding the ball down to deep third for a single.

STRATEGIC BREAK! Rishabh Pant presses the button as the Lucknow Super Giants take the timeout in a bid to regroup. The pressure created by the pacers through those two early strikes has eased a bit now. Rajat Patidar, after looking a touch uncomfortable against the seamers early on, has begun to settle into his innings and find his rhythm, while Devdutt Padikkal has looked busy right from the start. LSG will need the likes of Mayank Yadav, Shahbaz Ahamad and Digvesh Singh to step up and build pressure through the middle phase. Mayank returns to the attack after the break.

6.6: Digvesh Singh to Rajat Patidar, FOUR! Excellent placement from Rajat Patidar and 15 runs come off the over. Fractionally short and outside off, Patidar waits back well and cuts it firmly behind backward point for a boundary. The 50-run stand is also up between these two.

6.5: Digvesh Singh to Devdutt Padikkal, Short ball around leg, bowled quicker at 99.5 kph. Padikkal pulls it off the back foot but straight to deep square leg for one.

6.4: Digvesh Singh to Devdutt Padikkal, Nagging length, angled well across the off stump. Padikkal stays low and punches it down past point and races back for the second run. Good, positive running.

6.3: Digvesh Singh to Rajat Patidar, Fuller this time, on middle and leg, clipped away through mid on for a single.

6.2: Digvesh Singh to Rajat Patidar, SIX! Rajat Patidar opens his arms now. A half-tracker on off, Patidar picks it early, rocks back and tonks it over deep mid-wicket for a biggie. 50 UP FOR RCB.

6.1: Digvesh Singh to Devdutt Padikkal, Well-fielded! Dragged length, wide outside off, Padikkal has to reach for it and he angles it wide of the short third fielder. Prince Yadav over there scampers to his left and stops it with an outstretched left hand, keeping it down to a single.

Time for spin as Digvesh Singh comes on.

5.6: Prince Yadav to Devdutt Padikkal, Dug in short again, but slower and around leg stump. DDP controls the pull well and gets it down to deep backward square leg for a single. 168 more needed off 78 balls.

5.5: Prince Yadav to Devdutt Padikkal, FOUR! Hammered away. Prince goes short and digs it in just outside off, Devdutt Padikkal goes deep in the crease and leans back before flat-batting it over the mid-wicket region for a boundary.

5.4: Prince Yadav to Rajat Patidar, A single to end the Powerplay, and RCB are 40/2 after 5.4 overs. Back of a length, in the channel outside off, Patidar hangs back and pushes it down behind point for a run.

5.3: Prince Yadav to Devdutt Padikkal, Hard length, angled across off, Padikkal comes forward and glides it down to deep third for a single.

5.2: Prince Yadav to Devdutt Padikkal, That's gone high and into the vacant spaces in the outfield. Fullish length on the pads, Padikkal flicks it off the legs but gets it off the inner half of the blade. The ball goes high but not long enough, landing well to the right of the long leg fielder. Two taken.

5.1: Prince Yadav to Rajat Patidar, Good running. Good-length delivery at 138.8 kph, darting back into the stumps. Patidar taps it to mid off and pinches a quick single.

Prince Yadav is back on.

4.6: Mohammad Shami to Devdutt Padikkal, Into the surface, on off. DDP pats it to mid off from the crease.

4.5: Mohammad Shami to Devdutt Padikkal, FOUR! A shot of high quality. Bowled on a good length, on middle from around the wicket. Padikkal shimmies down the track a bit and also backs away to open up the off side. He slams it over wide mid off for a boundary.

4.4: Mohammad Shami to Rajat Patidar, Around the off stump, on the shorter side. Rajat steers it behind point and crosses over.

4.3: Mohammad Shami to Rajat Patidar, How did that miss the stumps? With an upright seam, on a nagging length, just outside the off stump. Patidar looks to play this one off the back foot but the ball shoots through to go under the vertical bat and sneaks past the off pole.

4.2: Mohammad Shami to Rajat Patidar, A loose shot but Patidar gets away with it. Shami drags the length back and this is outside off. A tentative prod by Rajat and he is lucky not to nick this one behind.

4.1: Mohammad Shami to Rajat Patidar, FOUR! Lovely shot! This is on a length, on off. Patidar leans into the shot and plays a punchy drive. He times it well and beats the cover-point fielder to his left to pick up a boundary.

Mohammad Shami to continue...

3.6: Mayank Yadav to Rajat Patidar, Tight single! Hits the hard length, on off. Patidar drops it with soft hands in front of point and hurries to the other end. Nicholas Pooran picks it up and has a shy at the batting end. He misses the stumps but the ball catches Padikkal on the leg, who falls over after completing the run.

3.5: Mayank Yadav to Rajat Patidar, FOUR! Not in complete control, but Patidar will take it. Mayank serves the bumper, over the right shoulder. Patidar gets his hands high and just swings across ungainly, having taken his eyes off the ball. It is aerial for a moment but in the gap to the left of deep backward square leg.

3.4: Mayank Yadav to Rajat Patidar, Fuller and attacking the front pad, this is flicked to mid-wicket.

3.3: Mayank Yadav to Rajat Patidar, Beaten! In the corridor of uncertainty, skidding through, on a nagging length. Patidar stays leg side and looks to run it down but misses.

3.2: Mayank Yadav to Devdutt Padikkal, Dug in short now under the right armpit. Padikkal gets on his toes and gets on top of the bounce to fend it beside the strip on the leg side for one.

3.1: Mayank Yadav to Devdutt Padikkal, Oh, that kept a bit low. 150.1 kph first up by Mayank, angling across, on a back of a length. Devdutt Padikkal flashes but the ball goes under the bat and surprisingly, does not carry to Rishabh Pant, who collects it on the bounce.

Time for some blistering pace as Mayank Yadav has now been handed the ball. Just his second outing this season.

2.6: Mohammad Shami to Devdutt Padikkal, Nice and tight, bowled on a hard length, over off. Devdutt stands tall and works it to the right of backward point for another single.

2.5: Mohammad Shami to Devdutt Padikkal, Goes wide on the crease and serves it on a short of a length, outside off. DDP steers it straight to the man at short third.

2.4: Mohammad Shami to Rajat Patidar, Keeps it in and around the off stump. Patidar rides the bounce and guides it behind point for a single.

2.3: Mohammad Shami to Rajat Patidar, Fuller and coming back in, on middle. Rajat punches it to cover.

2.2: Mohammad Shami to Rajat Patidar, A jaffa from Shami! Bowled with an upright seam, slanting in, on a back of a length, over off. Patidar has a feel for the delivery and the ball holds its line to go past the outside edge.

2.1: Mohammad Shami to Devdutt Padikkal, Hurls it at 140.4 kph, on a short of a length, outside off. Padikkal gets on his toes and steers it to deep backward point for a run.

1.6: Prince Yadav to Devdutt Padikkal, Going across the left-hander, DDP walks down the track and runs it down to deep third for a single.

1.5: Prince Yadav to Devdutt Padikkal, SIX! Have some of that, says Devdutt. Fractionally short but the line is a bit too straight, at the hips. Fast hands from Padikkal as he hops and shovels it over backward square leg for a biggie.

1.4: Prince Yadav to Devdutt Padikkal, Pulls the length back a bit, shaping back in, on middle and leg. Devdutt Padikkal clips it to mid-wicket.

1.3: Prince Yadav to Rajat Patidar, Curving away a bit, on a length. Patidar taps it through point and gets off the mark with a single.

Prince gets the King and RCB are in early trouble here. Skipper, Rajat Patidar, is in next.

1.2: Prince Yadav to Virat Kohli, OUT! TIMBER! The off stump has been uprooted. Prince Yadav is thrilled to bits, and why wouldn't he be? He gets the prized scalp of the chase master. At 140.4 kph, on a good length, landing just outside the line of the off stump. Kohli hangs back to deal with it and looks to play the line by getting his hands out in front. The ball lands on the seam and nips back to beat Virat on the inside edge before clattering into the off stump. A two-ball duck for Kohli.

1.1: Prince Yadav to Virat Kohli, Right on the money! Hits the top of off first up, does Prince. Kohli covers the line and makes a watchful block.

A productive first over for Shami and LSG. It will be Prince Yadav to bowl from the other end. Also, just to remind everyone of the revised playing conditions, the Powerplay will last for 5.4 overs, instead of 6 overs.

0.6: Mohammad Shami to Devdutt Padikkal, Goes past the bat! Moving away, fractionally short. Padikkal has a waft away from his body and is beaten on the outside edge.

Jacob Bethell's lean run in the IPL continues. Devdutt Padikkal walks out to bat now, at number 3.

0.5: Mohammad Shami to Jacob Bethell, OUT! IN THE AIR AND GONE! Mohammad Shami strikes early. Not the best of catching technique, but it gets the job done for Prince Yadav and LSG. Seam-up ball, bowled on a good length, outside off. Bethell extends his hands and looks to go down the ground, more over mid on. He swings at it but ends up slicing it off the outer half. It is skied towards deep backward point, where Prince moves to his left and settles under it. Neither hands pointing upwards nor downwards, something in between but he manages to grab it close to his chest.

0.4: Mohammad Shami to Jacob Bethell, FOUR! Untidy by Prince Yadav. Shami delivers it on a short of a length, Bethell lets the ball come to him and gets on top of the bounce. He plays it late and dabs it with an open bat face behind point. Prince Yadav moves to his left and gets low to make the stop. The ball bursts through his hands and trickles behind into the fence.

0.3: Mohammad Shami to Jacob Bethell, Slightly too straight, on a good length. Bethell walks down the track to negate the swing. He misses out on the tickle and the ball goes off the pads to deep fine leg for a couple of leg byes.

0.3: Mohammad Shami to Jacob Bethell, Wide! Pushes the length up and finds a bit of away shape but this goes beyond the tramline. Bethell goes hard on the drive but fails to connect.

0.2: Mohammad Shami to Jacob Bethell, Closer to the off stump at 138.2 kph, on a back of a length. Bethell gets on his toes to punch it away but ends up bunting it beside the strip on the off side.

0.2: Mohammad Shami to Jacob Bethell, Wide! Shami errs again as this is well wide on off, on the shorter side. Jacob throws his hands at the ball but misses.

0.1: Mohammad Shami to Jacob Bethell, An absolute ripper from Shami! Goes wide on the crease on the around-the-wicket angle. Angled in on the off pole, on a nagging length. Bethell presents a straight bat for the block but the ball straightens enough to go past the outside edge.

0.1: Mohammad Shami to Jacob Bethell, Wide! RCB are on the board with this extra. Shami bashes the hard length, a bit too wide, Bethell flashes but fails to connect.

We are back for the chase. The umpires are back in the middle and the players of Lucknow can be seen forming a huddle before spreading out on the field. It seems like Jacob Bethell is fit enough to open the innings alongside Virat Kohli for RCB and it is now confirmed that 213 is the DLS adjusted target. Also, LSG have used their Impact Sub, bringing in Mayank Yadav in place of Himmat Singh. Mohammad Shami to get proceedings underway with the ball. Let's go...

... The Run Chase ...

A tough task ahead for the defending champions - Generally, the pitch at the Ekana favours the bowlers and the RCB bowlers came in with a set plan, but the pitch played much better and soon enough, someone like Josh Hazlewood was put off his length by Mitchell Marsh. Rasikh Salam too failed to bowl consistent lines and lengths as only Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Krunal Pandya seemed to show some control with the ball in hand. However, RCB are a chasing side and they won't be too flustered with this target, but will need a big Powerplay in order to get ahead of the game. The likes of Mohammad Shami and Prince Yadav will be looking to hit their strides right away and pick up early wickets. All in all, an exciting chase is on the cards, stay tuned.

Marsh goes ballistic - Amidst all the rain intervals and another change in opening partner, Mitchell Marsh remained focused and his stellar century has now given LSG a big boost in keeping their campaign alive. He took matters into his own hands right from the start and built a 95-run opening stand with young Arshin Kulkarni, who scored only 17 of those runs. Marsh went on to score 111 big runs before getting out. Nicholas Pooran then came in and built on his return to form in the last match as Rishabh Pant laid the finishing touches with a sensational unbeaten 32 off just 10 balls, taking LSG to a commanding total of 209 runs.

End of a long, long first innings - Three rain breaks and plenty of time later, we come to the end of the first innings in this 19-overs-a-side contest. Lucknow Super Giants will certainly be the happier of the two teams heading into the innings interval as they have a big score on board, and they will also be aided a bit more with DLS coming into play. According to Alan Wilkins on-air, the DLS target for Royal Challengers Bengaluru will be 213 runs, but we will confirm that.

18.6: Rasikh Salam to Rishabh Pant, SIX! Incredible shot. Rishabh Pant finishes the innings with a flourish. Salam stays full and attacks the sticks. Pant stands with an open stance and gets low to get under the ball. Plays the reverse over backward point, and it goes all the way. 16 runs off the final over. LSG finish with 209/3.

18.5: Rasikh Salam to Rishabh Pant, FOUR! That went to the fence in a flash. Salam goes full this time but fails to get the yorker in. Mid off is inside the circle and Pant gives himself a bit of room to hammer it to the right of mid off for four more. 200 UP FOR LSG.

18.4: Rasikh Salam to Rishabh Pant, FOUR! Nicely done! Salam drags the length back a bit and tries to tuck the batter up for room. Pant has a heave across the line and picks the gap between deep square leg and deep backward square leg for a boundary.

18.3: Rasikh Salam to Aiden Markram, Pace taken off, on a nagging length, outside off. Markram reaches out and hits it to the left of extra cover for one.

Krunal Pandya makes no mistake this time. Aiden Markram walks out to bat. Just 4 balls to go. Can LSG get past 200?

18.2: Rasikh Salam to Nicholas Pooran, OUT! CAUGHT! Krunal Pandya just about hangs onto it. Angled into the left-hander from around the wicket, on a good length. Pooran gets the front leg out of the way and swings away on the leg side with the angle of the ball. This comes off the bottom half of the bat and Nicholas does not get the desired distance. Hits it only as far as deep backward square leg, where Krunal Pandya gets low and takes the catch in front of the ropes. The ball threatens to pop out of his grasp but he holds onto it.

18.1: Rasikh Salam to Rishabh Pant, Dug in short, pace taken off, outside off. Pant gets his hands high and slaps it to deep cover. Just a single.

Rasikh Salam to bowl the final over of the innings.

17.6: Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Nicholas Pooran, Keeps it nice and full, wide on off, Pooran frees his hands and slams it to the left of deep backward point for a couple of runs.

17.5: Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Rishabh Pant, Full and pushed across, Pant swings a bit too hard and loses his shape. He swings himself off his feet and it is miscued to long on for one.

17.4: Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Nicholas Pooran, DROPPED! A tough chance but a chance nonetheless. Very full, wide on off. Pooran reaches out and throws his hands at the ball. Slices it off the outer half to deep backward point, where Krunal Pandya charges across to his left and dives but can't cling on. They cross.

17.3: Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Nicholas Pooran, FOUR! Off the edge! Low full toss, near the tramline. Pooran flashes and flashes hard at the ball. It goes off the outside edge and beats the diving Josh Hazlewood at short third to his left.

17.2: Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Nicholas Pooran, Gets the yorker in spot-on, flirting with the tramline. Pooran fails to squeeze it out. He has a word with Rishabh Pant at the other end but eventually decides against the review.

17.1: Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Nicholas Pooran, Full and on off, this is smacked wide of extra cover to his right. The sub fielder, Jordan Cox sprints to his left in the deep and puts in a dive to save a couple of runs for his side.

16.6: Josh Hazlewood to Rishabh Pant, SIX! All the way! Josh Hazlewood gets the yorker wrong again. It is a low full toss, on off. Rishabh swings hard to go big on the off side. Carves it over extra cover and it lands on the boundary cushions on the full.

What a start from the LSG skipper. Josh Hazlewood is under some pressure here.

16.6: Josh Hazlewood to Rishabh Pant, Wide! Down leg, on the shorter side, Pant swivels to get it away but misses.

16.5: Josh Hazlewood to Rishabh Pant, A superb effort from Jacob Bethell! Full marks for the commitment. Low full toss by Hazlewood, on middle. Pant hangs low and heaves it away to deep mid-wicket. It goes flat towards Bethell, who runs in off the ropes and dives forward. The ball drops just under his hands. It clips his fingertips and rolls to his left. Two runs taken. Looks like he has suffered a cut on the fingertips and trudges off to receive medical attention.

16.5: Josh Hazlewood to Rishabh Pant, Wide! Dug in short, over middle and leg. Rishabh Pant attempts the hook but misses. Too high for the umpire's liking. Wide given for height.

16.4: Josh Hazlewood to Rishabh Pant, FOUR! The bat goes one way and the ball the other. Across off, full toss, Rishabh Pant swings with all his might. He loses the grip on the bat and it flies out of his hand behind square leg. The ball gets skewed off the outer half and past backward point for four more.

16.3: Josh Hazlewood to Rishabh Pant, FOUR! Gets it away! Low full toss, on the pads, a poor delivery by Hazlewood and it gets the treatment. Pant gets low for the sweep and gets it fine down to deep fine leg for a boundary.

16.2: Josh Hazlewood to Rishabh Pant, Into the surface, over middle. Rishabh Pant gives the bowler the charge and has a swipe across the line but the ball skids through to go under the blade.

That is the end of Mitchell Marsh. The skipper, Rishabh Pant, replaces the centurion at the crease.

16.1: Josh Hazlewood to Mitchell Marsh, OUT! CAUGHT! Mitchell Marsh holes out! He throws his head back and has a wry smile on his face. Hazlewood goes searching for the yorker but it comes out as a low full toss, outside off. Mitchell reaches out and takes it on the full. He connects well, but neither is there any elevation, nor is it in the gap. Hits it flat and straight down the throat of deep point, where Jacob Bethell takes a reverse cup catch. End of a top knock from 'The Bison.'

STRATEGIC BREAK! Two overs after the rain break and LSG have managed to pick up 20 runs without losing a wicket. With 3 overs to go, they will be looking to surpass the 200-run mark, and with plenty of batting to come, if they fail to do so, it would be a disappointing end for them. RCB have an over each left of their three frontline pacers, but will they take a risk and give Suyash Sharma an over here? We shall find out. Let's see which team manages to head into the break with momentum on their side. Josh Hazlewood is back on to finish his spell.

15.6: Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Nicholas Pooran, SIX! Nicholas Pooran rescues the over for LSG! Back of a length slower ball, on middle and leg, Nicholas Pooran swivels and pulls it powerfully over deep mid-wicket for a six. 

15.5: Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Mitchell Marsh, Dropped! Excellent effort, but it will go down as a dropped catch. A full toss, on off, Mitchell Marsh looks to loft it, but the ball hits the upper part of his bat. It carries towards long on. Devdutt Padikkal charges to his left and dives to take the catch, but fails to hold onto it. The batters collect a single.

15.4: Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Nicholas Pooran, Another single. Bhuvneshwar Kumar goes slightly shorter, on off, and slower too. Nicholas Pooran pulls it through mid-wicket for another single.

15.3: Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Mitchell Marsh, Excellent bowling from Bhuvi. A yorker, on middle and leg, Mitchell Marsh knocks it to mid off for a single.

15.2: Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Nicholas Pooran, Another wide yorker, Nicholas Pooran looks to slap it but miscues it to the left of the keeper. They collect a quick single.

15.1: Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Nicholas Pooran, Bhuvneshwar Kumar comes into the attack and bowls a wide yorker, Nicholas Pooran reaches out to it and chops it to the fielder at short third.

Who will bowl from the other end? It will be Bhuvneshwar Kumar (2-0-14-0).

14.6: Rasikh Salam to Nicholas Pooran, No, it doesn't cost much, just a single. Back of a length, on leg, Nicholas Pooran takes a step forward and pulls it through mid-wicket for a single. 

Will the extra delivery cost Rasikh Salam?

14.6: Rasikh Salam to Nicholas Pooran, Wide! Sways it down the leg side, Nicholas Pooran leaves it alone. Wide called.

14.5: Rasikh Salam to Nicholas Pooran, FOUR! Excellent placement from Nicholas Pooran! An attempted yorker but ends up as a low full toss, outside off. Nicholas Pooran opens the face of the bat and guides it through backward point for a boundary. The 150 is up for LSG.

14.4: Rasikh Salam to Mitchell Marsh, Good over so far from Rasikh Salam. Too full, outside off, Mitchell Marsh steers it to backward point for a single.

14.3: Rasikh Salam to Nicholas Pooran, Another single. Hard length, on off, Nicholas Pooran chips it over wide mid on for one more.

14.2: Rasikh Salam to Mitchell Marsh, A yorker, outside off, Mitchell Marsh digs it through covers for another run.

14.1: Rasikh Salam to Nicholas Pooran, Rasikh Salam bowls a slower one, on off, Nicholas Pooran pushes it to cover for a single. 

We are all set for the game to resume. The RCB players are waiting for the umpires to take the field. Here they come. Nicholas Pooran and Mitchell Marsh also make their way out to the centre. Rasikh Salam to start the proceedings with the ball. Pooran is on strike. Let's go...

9.46 pm IST (4.16 pm GMT) - The umpires are heading out for an inspection. No umbrellas in sight, and off come the covers. Let's hope it is for good this time. Play is all set to resume at 10 pm IST (4.30 pm GMT). It will now be a 19-overs-per-side game. 4 bowlers can bowl a maximum of 4 overs, and the Powerplay in the 2nd innings will last 5.4 overs. The target for RCB will be adjusted via the DLS method.

9.30 pm IST (4 pm GMT) - Good news! It has stopped raining, and the covers are coming off. The resumption looks imminent, with the RCB players waiting on the sidelines. Scratch that, as the camera pans towards the floodlights, we can see a bit of mizzle in the air. As a result, the covers are being put back on. The wait continues.

Game stopped due to : Rain Stoppage

9.24 pm IST (3.54 pm GMT) - The rain has gotten heavier, and the ground staff come on with the covers. The square has been covered, and we will have another interruption in play. The stoppages usually do not help the batting side, but Mitchell Marsh has remained undeterred tonight. We had already lost 47 minutes, and with this latest delay, it now looks highly likely that we will lose overs. Stay tuned for more news.

Game stopped due to : Wet Ground Condition

Game stopped due to : Rain Stoppage

Game stopped due to : Wet Ground Condition

13.6: Romario Shepherd to Mitchell Marsh, SIX! What a shot! Full and wide outside off, Mitchell Marsh takes a step forward, turns it into a half volley, and slams it over extra covers for a biggie. 20 runs off the over.

The rain is back. It is not heavy enough just yet for the players to come off.

13.5: Romario Shepherd to Mitchell Marsh, Just inside the tramline. Hard length, outside off, and it shapes in a tad. Mitchell Marsh leaves it alone.

13.4: Romario Shepherd to Mitchell Marsh, FOUR! HUNDRED UP FOR MARSH IN JUST 49 BALLS! An attempted yorker, but it ends up as a low full toss, outside off, Mitchell Marsh picks it well and smacks it through point for a boundary. This has been a scintillating knock from Mitchell Marsh and his teammates are all smiles in the dugout.

13.3: Romario Shepherd to Mitchell Marsh, FOUR! Straight down the ground! Mitchell Marsh moves to 97 now. Nice and full, on middle and leg, Mitchell Marsh gets his left leg away and drills it back over the bowler's head for a boundary.

13.2: Romario Shepherd to Mitchell Marsh, Hard length, on off, Mitchell Marsh knocks it to the right of long on for a brace. Good running between the wickets.

13.1: Romario Shepherd to Mitchell Marsh, FOUR LEG BYES! A poor start from Romario Shepherd! Sprays it down leg, Mitchell Marsh tries to help it fine but the ball brushes his pads and races away to the fence at fine leg.

Romario Shepherd has been called into the attack. RCB's 6th bowling option of the night.

12.6: Krunal Pandya to Mitchell Marsh, Good comeback from Krunal Pandya after the six off the first ball. A bumper, on middle, Mitchell Marsh tugs it to mid-wicket for a single.

12.5: Krunal Pandya to Mitchell Marsh, A tad fuller, outside off, Mitchell Marsh taps it to the cover fielder.

12.4: Krunal Pandya to Mitchell Marsh, Quicker, outside off, just inside the tramline. Mitchell Marsh leaves it alone, thinking it will be a wide. Nothing from the umpire.

12.4: Krunal Pandya to Mitchell Marsh, Wide! Krunal Pandya bowls it way outside off, Mitchell Marsh leaves it alone. Wide called.

12.3: Krunal Pandya to Mitchell Marsh, There comes the short ball. Bangs it short, outside off, Mitchell Marsh leaves it alone.

12.2: Krunal Pandya to Mitchell Marsh, Fires it outside off, Mitchell Marsh throws his bat at it and slashes it through backward point for a brace.

12.1: Krunal Pandya to Mitchell Marsh, SIX! All the way and into the stands! Krunal Pandya starts with a fuller one, on middle, Mitchell Marsh takes a step forward and tonks it down the ground as the ball sails into the stands beyond long on.

A change of ends for Krunal Pandya (3-0-21-1). 

11.6: Josh Hazlewood to Mitchell Marsh, Six singles in the over, top stuff from 'The Hoff.' He nails the yorker at the toes and all Marsh can do is dig it out through mid on for a run.

11.5: Josh Hazlewood to Nicholas Pooran, Full and angled in towards middle and leg, clipped away through mid on for a run. Excellent over thus far from Hazlewood.

11.4: Josh Hazlewood to Mitchell Marsh, Goes full and wide this time, delivered from wide on the crease as well. Marsh reaches out and squeezes it past point for a fourth straight single in the over.

11.3: Josh Hazlewood to Nicholas Pooran, Josh comes around the wicket to Pooran now and goes for another yorker at the stumps, gets it spot-on too. Pooran eases it down to long on for one more.

11.2: Josh Hazlewood to Mitchell Marsh, Well bowled! A straight yorker from Hazlewood, right on the money. Mitchell Marsh jams it out to the right of extra cover, where Rajat Patidar dives and deflects it down to long off for a single.

11.1: Josh Hazlewood to Nicholas Pooran, Hard length, darting it across from leg to middle. Pooran tucks it down through mid-wicket and turns the strike over.

Running repairs with the bat for Mitchell Marsh. Josh Hazlewood is back for his 3rd over. 2-0-25-0 so far for Hazlewood.

10.6: Rasikh Salam to Mitchell Marsh, A dot to end, but 11 runs come off the over. Rasikh jams in a yorker, just outside off, Marsh goes deep in the crease and digs it into the turf, and back to the bowler.

10.5: Rasikh Salam to Nicholas Pooran, Back of a length, angled into the batter, Pooran pulls it down to deep backward square leg for a run.

10.4: Rasikh Salam to Nicholas Pooran, FOUR! And again. Similar line and length from the previous ball, drilled to the left of Romario Shepherd at deep point this time for another boundary.

10.3: Rasikh Salam to Nicholas Pooran, FOUR! Wow, what timing! Full and wide outside off, Nicholas Pooran plays a lovely square drive and the ball beats the chasing deep point fielder to his right.

10.2: Rasikh Salam to Mitchell Marsh, Over the wicket now to the right-hander, pace off again, pushing it wide outside off. Marsh slaps it towards deep point and picks up another single. 100 UP FOR LSG!

10.1: Rasikh Salam to Nicholas Pooran, Slower one from around the wicket, on a good length, and nudged down to short third for a single.

It will be pace from the other end in the form of Rasikh Salam. He went for 16 runs in his only over so far.

9.6: Krunal Pandya to Mitchell Marsh, A bit fuller and around off, punched away towards cover. Just 3 runs and a wicket off the over, LSG are 98/1 after 10 overs.

9.5: Krunal Pandya to Mitchell Marsh, Flatter one on the pads, neatly tucked away into the vacant space at square leg and the batters pick up a couple of runs.

9.4: Krunal Pandya to Nicholas Pooran, Another one. KP brings out the bumper again, and this time Nicky P swats it down to long on for a single.

9.3: Krunal Pandya to Nicholas Pooran, A bouncer to greet the new batter. Krunal gets lower in his trajectory and brings out the bumper, bowling it just outside off. Nicholas Pooran leaves it alone.

In walks Nicholas Pooran at number 3.

9.2: Krunal Pandya to Arshin Kulkarni, OUT! CAUGHT! A short return to the crease for Arshin Kulkarni and RCB get their first wicket. Held back a bit by Krunal Pandya, bowled on a good length and at the stumps. Kulkarni steps out and makes a bit of room, trying to go over covers. He gets the connection but not the elevation and Rajat Patidar at short extra cover takes a smart catch. The end of a 95-run opening stand for LSG.

9.1: Krunal Pandya to Arshin Kulkarni, Length ball on off, Arshin Kulkarni backs away and wallops the ball but straight to the short extra cover fielder.

We are all set for the action to resume. Alan Wilkins informs that we have lost 47 minutes so far out of the buffer time of 60 minutes, before overs start getting reduced. Let's hope we have seen the last of the rain, and there are no further interruptions. Mitchell Marsh and Arshin Kulkarni are all set to resume their innings. Not easy with the break in play, but LSG will want Arshin to get a move on. Krunal Pandya to bowl. Arshin to face the first ball after the rain delay. Here we go...

8.45 pm IST (3.15 pm GMT) - An inspection is currently underway. Only the square was covered, and the uncovered areas of the outfield will be the main focus for the umpires and ground staff. Right, we have the official word. The match will resume from 9 pm IST (3.30 pm GMT), and importantly, there is no reduction in overs.

8.37 pm IST (3.07 pm GMT) - The rain has eased, but the fourth umpire is still holding his umbrella up. The members of the ground staff are on standby on the edge of the covers, waiting for a green signal. And there comes the signal, as the ground staff begin peeling the covers off. The Super Sopper is buzzing across the outfield. The RCB players have begun to gather around the dugout. and we should have a resumption soon.

8.22 pm IST (2.52 pm GMT) - The drizzle has intensified enough for the umpires to call for the covers. The ground staff have been quick to cover the square with a big blue sheet. Unfortunately, it does look like a steady shower, but let's hope it clears up soon. We have a buffer time of 60 minutes before we start losing overs, out of which around 10 minutes have already been used up by the earlier spell of rain. Stick around for further updates.

Game stopped due to : Wet Ground Condition

Game stopped due to : Rain Stoppage

8.6: Suyash Sharma to Arshin Kulkarni, Kulkarni is trying to break free now, but again, the timing just isn't there. Tossed up on a length, Kulkarni dances down the track but gets it high on the bat, hitting it aerially but well short of long off for one more. 9 off the over.

8.5: Suyash Sharma to Mitchell Marsh, Suyash gives it a lot more air, tossing it up full and on off. Marsh strokes it through mid off for a single.

It has started to drizzle again and is getting heavier, but we continue for now. The ground staff are gathering around the covers on the sidelines.

8.4: Suyash Sharma to Mitchell Marsh, FOUR! That's raw power from 'The Bison.' Fractionally short again, over off stump, Marsh rocks onto the backfoot and swings it between long on and deep mid-wicket for a boundary.

8.3: Suyash Sharma to Arshin Kulkarni, Dragged length, outside off, Kulkarni stays put and throws his arms at it, hitting it over the cover region for one more.

8.2: Suyash Sharma to Mitchell Marsh, Oh, Marsh will feel he's missed out here. Quick and short, around off, Mitchell Marsh rocks back and swats it across to deep mid-wicket for just a single.

8.1: Suyash Sharma to Arshin Kulkarni, Tossed up, very full and on middle, heaved away to the left of deep mid-wicket for one.

Suyash Sharma to continue. Rajat Patidar is off the field for the moment.

7.6: Krunal Pandya to Mitchell Marsh, Follows Mitchell Marsh down leg, Marsh tries to flick it, but the ball hits his pads and rolls towards the cover fielder. Dot.

7.5: Krunal Pandya to Mitchell Marsh, FOUR! This is a brilliant display of batting from Mitchell Marsh! Short and wide, Mitchell Marsh throws his hands at it and cuts it over backward point for a boundary.

7.4: Krunal Pandya to Arshin Kulkarni, A low full toss, outside off, Arshin Kulkarni drives it through covers for a single.

7.3: Krunal Pandya to Arshin Kulkarni, Follows the batter down leg again, Arshin Kulkarni shuffles across and pushes it to the left of the bowler. Dot again.

7.2: Krunal Pandya to Arshin Kulkarni, Short again, on leg, Arshin Kulkarni backs away and slaps it, but finds the cover fielder.

7.1: Krunal Pandya to Mitchell Marsh, Flatter, on middle and leg, Mitchell Marsh knocks it wide of mid on for a single.

Krunal Pandya (1-0-12-0) returns to the attack, replacing Josh Hazlewood.

6.6: Suyash Sharma to Arshin Kulkarni, Past the edge! Turn and bounce, just outside off, Arshin Kulkarni presses back and looks to cut it but gets beaten.

6.5: Suyash Sharma to Arshin Kulkarni, Much better from Suyash Sharma. Short, turning in, Arshin Kulkarni taps it to the cover fielder.

6.4: Suyash Sharma to Arshin Kulkarni, FOUR! Arshin Kulkarni joins the party! Much shorter from Suyash Sharma, outside off, Arshin Kulkarni picks it well and cuts it to the left of backward point for a boundary.

6.3: Suyash Sharma to Mitchell Marsh, Slows it up, outside off, Mitchell Marsh eases it to extra cover for a quick single.

6.2: Suyash Sharma to Mitchell Marsh, SIX! There is no stopping Mitchell Marsh tonight! Suyash Sharma goes short, on middle and leg, Mitchell Marsh swivels and pulls it powerfully over deep mid-wicket for a six. 

6.1: Suyash Sharma to Arshin Kulkarni, Suyash Sharma comes into the attack and bowls a fuller one, on off, Arshin Kulkarni taps it to cover for a single.

STRATEGIC BREAK! What a Powerplay for LSG, no wickets lost and plenty of runs on the board. The Ekana has been a low-scoring venue this season but Rishabh Pant did mention at the toss that this wicket is the best one they have seen here this season and 180-190 is a possibility. It does seem like the ball is coming onto the bat well, but let's see if the middle phase brings a change in the equation, as once the ball gets older, it does get difficult for the new batters to settle in at this venue. With that said, Suyash Sharma comes into the attack now.

5.6: Josh Hazlewood to Mitchell Marsh, FOUR! Was in the air for a while, but in the gap! Good length, outside off, Mitchell Marsh stays back and drives it uppishly to the left of cover for a boundary. He is in some mood. Lucknow Super Giants are cruising at 68 for no loss at the end of Powerplay.

5.5: Josh Hazlewood to Mitchell Marsh, Josh Hazlewood gets away with this. A half volley, outside off, Mitchell Marsh drives it hard but finds the fielder at cover.

5.4: Josh Hazlewood to Mitchell Marsh, Hard length, on middle and leg, Mitchell Marsh looks to flick it but gets it off the inside half of his bat towards the fielder at mid-wicket. Dot.

5.3: Josh Hazlewood to Mitchell Marsh, FOUR MORE! Streaky, but they all count! Much fuller, on middle and leg, Mitchell Marsh tries to flick it but gets a thick inside edge. The ball races through short fine leg for a boundary.

5.2: Josh Hazlewood to Mitchell Marsh, FOUR! FIFTY up for Mitchell Marsh! A 20-ball half-century, the fastest of his IPL career, according to the on-air commentators. Hard length, outside off, Mitchell Marsh stays back and steers it through backward point for a boundary. Marsh will be keen to convert this into a big score.

5.1: Josh Hazlewood to Mitchell Marsh, Josh Hazlewood slows it up, on off, Mitchell Marsh stays back and punches it to the cover fielder.

Josh Hazlewood is back into the attack. He went for 13 runs in his first over.

4.6: Rasikh Salam to Arshin Kulkarni, Good length, on off, Arshin Kulkarni pushes it to the cover fielder.

4.5: Rasikh Salam to Mitchell Marsh, Down the leg side, Mitchell Marsh looks to flick it but the ball hits his pads and drops at his feet. They collect a quick leg bye.

4.4: Rasikh Salam to Mitchell Marsh, FOUR! It is difficult to stop Mitchell Marsh at the moment! Back of a length, outside off, and slower too. Mitchell Marsh stays back and cuts it magnificently through point for a boundary.

4.3: Rasikh Salam to Mitchell Marsh, Well bowled! Back-of-the-hand slower one, on a back of a length. Marsh pokes at it but is outfoxed and is beaten all ends up.

4.2: Rasikh Salam to Mitchell Marsh, SIX! Brilliant effort in the deep. Rasikh Salam goes full, on off, Marsh stays back and launches it down the ground. The sub fielder, Jordan Cox, on the long off fence, takes the catch and flicks the ball in before going over the ropes. The umpire checks, and it shows that his foot was touching the fence when he had the ball in his hand. With this, 50 comes up for LSG.

Has Jordan Cox managed to stop the six? A brilliant effort from the substitute fielder, and the catch was always very improbable, but he did manage to flick the ball back in. However, replays show that Cox did touch the boundary ropes and it will be a six.

4.1: Rasikh Salam to Mitchell Marsh, SIX! The onslaught continues from Mitchell Marsh! Welcome to the attack, Rasikh Salam. He goes short, on middle and leg, Mitchell Marsh stands his ground and muscles it over deep square leg for a biggie. 

Double change? Yes. Rasikh Salam comes into the attack now.

3.6: Krunal Pandya to Arshin Kulkarni, A bit of air given this time, full and on off, Arshin plays a punchy drive to cover.

3.5: Krunal Pandya to Mitchell Marsh, Full and quick, on middle, Marsh pushes it to long off and turns the strike over.

3.4: Krunal Pandya to Mitchell Marsh, SIX! Stand and deliver! Floated up, full and around the off stump. There is a hint of away turn. A step hit by Marsh as he uses his reach to good effect and clobbers it over wide long on for half a dozen.

3.3: Krunal Pandya to Mitchell Marsh, FOUR! Up and over! Pushed through, full and wide on off, Marsh stays leg side and gets low to get under the ball. He lofts it over cover and picks up a boundary.

3.2: Krunal Pandya to Mitchell Marsh, Following the batter with a full ball as he backs away. Marsh swings at it but miscues it off the inner half to square leg.

3.1: Krunal Pandya to Arshin Kulkarni, Edgy! Speared in, full and attacking the front pad. Arshin Kulkarni looks to clip it away on the leg side with a closed bat face. The ball grips and spins away a bit to catch a soft leading edge. It rolls through mid off for one.

Marsh on the charge and LSG are off to a pretty decent start here. Now, Krunal Pandya comes in to replace Josh Hazlewood.

2.6: Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Mitchell Marsh, SIX! My word! That is some strike. Mitchell Marsh is dealing only in sixes. Bhuvi rolls his fingers over the ball and serves it on a length, outside off. Marsh is allowed to free his arms and he takes full toll. He extends his hands before pumping it over cover for his third six.

2.5: Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Arshin Kulkarni, Very full, wide on off, Arshin leans forward and drives it along the carpet to deep point for a run.

2.4: Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Arshin Kulkarni, High full toss but below the waist, on middle and leg. Arshin tucks it to mid-wicket.

2.3: Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Arshin Kulkarni, PUT DOWN! A tough chance goes down. Fractionally short, on off, Arshin Kulkarni stands tall and spanks it back towards the bowler. Bhuvneshwar Kumar gets both hands together to his right as the ball comes to him at thigh height. The ball does not stick in his grasp and drops to the ground.

2.2: Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Arshin Kulkarni, Pace off by Bhuvi, on a length, on off. Kulkarni gets on the front foot, looking to go up and over mid off. He is early into the lofted hit but manages to clear Rajat Patidar at mid off. Patidar turns around and goes after it to haul it in as Arshin collects a couple.

2.1: Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Arshin Kulkarni, Pitched up, on off, Arshin eases it to mid off.

1.6: Josh Hazlewood to Mitchell Marsh, Good stop! Hazlewood serves it on a short of a length, on off, Marsh hangs back and steers it behind point. Krunal Pandya puts in a dive to his left and saves a certain boundary.

1.5: Josh Hazlewood to Mitchell Marsh, SIX! High and long enough! This is on a length, outside off. Marsh presses onto the front foot and swings through the line with no half measures. It comes off the toe end of the blade but enough for Mitchell to pick up a six. Oh, no, the replays show that the ball pinged a cameraman on the side on his forehead, who was stationed beyond the long off fence.

1.4: Josh Hazlewood to Mitchell Marsh, Bashes the hard length, on middle and leg. Marsh walks down the track to work it away on the leg side but the ball stands up a bit on him and catches him near the shoulder of the blade before dropping on the strip.

Welcome back to the action. The umpires and the players are back out in the middle. Josh Hazlewood is all set to resume his over, bowling to Mitchell Marsh, with Arshin Kulkarni at the non-striker's end.

UPDATE - 7.43 pm IST (2.13 pm GMT) - Well then, it seems we will actually have a quick resumption in the play as the umpires are out in the middle and off go the covers. The players are gearing up to go again as well.

There's a light drizzle right now and it is starting to get heavier by the minute. Wow, out of nowhere, the rain descends and on come the covers. There was heavy rain last night in Lucknow, but this looks like a passing shower and there's no forecast of rain tonight in Lucknow. The umpires and the players are hovering around the boundary ropes as well. Let's hope that this is a short pause in play and nothing more. Stay tuned for further updates.

Game stopped due to : Wet Ground Condition

Game stopped due to : Rain Stoppage

1.3: Josh Hazlewood to Mitchell Marsh, Honing in on the off stump, on a back of a length. The ball stays a bit low but Marsh adjusts well to keep it out on the off side.

1.2: Josh Hazlewood to Mitchell Marsh, Good comeback by Hazlewood. Drags the length back and attacks the sticks. Marsh hangs back and nudges it to mid-wicket.

1.1: Josh Hazlewood to Mitchell Marsh, SIX! There's the first six of the night! Hazlewood pushes the length up, in line with the off stump. Marsh puts his head down and swings through the line with a straight bat. The bat turns slightly in his hand but the connection is decent enough to clear the long off fence.

1.1: Josh Hazlewood to Mitchell Marsh, Wide! Josh Hazlewood hits the back of a length but sprays it beyond the tramline. Mitchell Marsh premeditatively gives the bowler the charge but the ball is out of his reach and he lets it be.

A tidy start for both teams. A bit of movement for Bhuvi but Marsh and Kulkarni manage to see off the first over. It doesn't get much easier though, as Josh Hazlewood is to bowl from the other end.

0.6: Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Arshin Kulkarni, On a good length, but Kumar strays on the pads. Arshin walks inside the line of the ball and flicks it through backward square leg. Romario Shepherd mops it up in the deep once again by getting around from deep fine leg. Another brace for the youngster.

0.5: Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Arshin Kulkarni, A better line this time, in the channel on off, on a short of a length. This is punched on the up to point by Arshin.

0.4: Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Arshin Kulkarni, A little too straight, sliding onto the pads. Kulkarni leans across the line of the ball, brings his wrists into play and clips this length ball behind square leg. Romario Shepherd gets around to his left in the deep and tidies up. Arshin opens his account with a couple of runs.

0.3: Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Arshin Kulkarni, A bit too wide, but it sneaks inside the tramline. Arshin Kulkarni gets closer to the line of the ball but eventually lets it go. The ball does not carry and goes on the bounce to Jitesh Sharma.

0.2: Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Mitchell Marsh, Marsh and LSG are underway. Bhuvneshwar brings it back into the right-hander, and this is fuller in length. Mitchell brings his bat out in front and knocks it to the left of mid on before hurrying to the other end.

0.1: Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Mitchell Marsh, Lovely shape first up for Bhuvi. Moving away in the air, bowled on a good length. Mitchell Marsh watchfully shoulders arms.

All in readiness for the game to begin. The umpires make their way out to the middle and the players of RCB can be seen forming a huddle near the boundary ropes before taking their places on the field. It will be a new opening pair for LSG as Arshin Kulkarni joins Mitchell Marsh at the top of the order. Bhuvneshwar Kumar has the new ball in hand. He becomes the first pacer to play 200 IPL matches and he's raring to go. Let's play...

Impact sub options for RCB - Tim David, Jordan Cox, Mangesh Yadav, Vicky Ostwal and Venkatesh Iyer.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (Playing XI) - Virat Kohli, Jacob Bethell, Devdutt Padikkal, Rajat Patidar (C), Jitesh Sharma (WK), Romario Shepherd, Krunal Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Josh Hazlewood, Suyash Sharma and Rasikh Salam.

Impact sub options for LSG - Mayank Yadav, Mukul Choudhary, Abdul Samad, Manimaran Siddharth and Avesh Khan.

Lucknow Super Giants (Playing XI) - Mitchell Marsh, Arshin Kulkarni (In for Josh Inglis), Nicholas Pooran, Aiden Markram, Rishabh Pant (C/WK), Akshat Raghuwanshi, Himmat Singh, Shahbaz Ahamad (In for Manimaran Siddharth), Digvesh Singh, Mohammad Shami and Prince Yadav.

The captain of the Lucknow Super Giants - Rishabh Pant says that they know they have top players, but they need to get clarity on what to do. Pant informs that Josh Inglis and Mohsin Khan are injured, which has forced them to make a few changes. Rishabh shares that they know they have top players, but they need to get clarity on what to do. He further says that they need to adapt to the conditions and they need to try a few more things. He ends by saying that the wicket looks good, and it looks like a 180-190 wicket.

The skipper of the Royal Challengers Bengaluru - Rajat Patidar gets a rousing response to winning the toss and appreciates RCB getting support everywhere they play. He opts to bowl first and feels that the matches here have been low scoring, and they will look to restrict the opposition to a low score. Patidar mentions that the break was a good one and everyone is looking forward to this match. Ends by saying that they are going with the same team.

Rajat Patidar calls it correctly. Royal Challengers Bengaluru opt to BOWL first.