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Chennai vs Rajasthan Live Commentary, Match 17, Indian Premier League, 2018, April 20, 2018

CSK 204/5 (20)
Chennai Super Kings beat Rajasthan Royals by 64 runs
RR 140/10 (18.3)
Match over
Chennai Super Kings Inning Rajasthan Royals Inning
0.0 : Hello and warm welcome for game 17. It's a new venue for Chennai and they will be hosting the men from the pink city tonight in Pune. These were the two teams who missed the competition for a couple of years. Both these teams suffered a loss in their previous games and would be looking to make amends this time around. They find themselves in the middle of the points table for now and all they would want is to bag a win and step above. The sin of the coin is moments away...
Toss - Ajinkya Rahane calls it right at the toss and he decides to bowl first!
Ajinkya Rahane says it's a very good track and hopes for it to stay the same for the 40 overs. Adds the preparations have been good and everyone is looking forward to the game. Tells us that they have decided to change the combination tonight as Heinrich Klaasen and Stuart Binny come in for D'Arcy Short and Dhawal Kulkarni.
MS Dhoni smiles and says he can't comment anything about his back all he tells us is that, let's wait for the game to complete and then everyone can have a fair idea. Informs they have made a couple of changes as well. Murali Vijay and Harbhajan Singh make way for Suresh Raina and Karn Sharma.
The atmosphere in Pune is electrifying and they are making a lot of buzz to welcome their openers - Shane Watson and Ambati Rayudu. The Rajasthan team is in a huddle near the boundary rope as Rahane is seen exchanging some last moment words. After that, they break the huddle and spread to their respective positions. Stuart Binny, who is playing his first game of the season will be steaming in first up with the ball. A slip in place for him. Here we go!!!
0.1 : S Binny to S Watson, A false start for Binny! Starts off with the front foot no ball, lands it full outside off, Watson pats it away towards cover.
Free Hit coming up...
S Binny to S Watson, FOUR! Make full use of the Free Hit, does Watto! Waits back for the slower delivery and smacks it over the bowler's head for a boundary.
0.2 : S Binny to S Watson, FOUR! Cracked away! That's a freebie again from Binny! Gives a bit of width outside off, Watson says thank you very much as he crunches it on the up. Pierces it through the gap at cover for back-to-back boundaries.
0.3 : S Binny to S Watson, On a back of a length outside off, punched towards the cover fielder off the back foot.
0.4 : S Binny to S Watson, Drops it on a back of a length outside off, Shane Watson punches it towards the cover fielder.
0.5 : S Binny to S Watson, Edged and dropped! Rahul Tripathi drops a regulation catch. That should have been taken. Watson gets an early life. Will he make them pay? On a fuller length and swinging away a shade. Shane leans ahead to drive it through the cover region but gets a thick edge which flies towards first slip where Rahul fluffs it. The ball rolls behind him and they sneak a single too.
0.6 : S Binny to A Rayudu, FOUR! That's rubbing salt on the wound! Fuller ball outside off, Rayudu jumps down the track and smokes it over extra cover for the third boundary of the over. 14 coming off the first over, not an ideal start for the hosts.
Krishnappa Gowtham will bowl from the other end.
1.1 : K Gowtham to S Watson, Starts with a flatter delivery around middle and leg, worked away through mid-wicket for one.
1.2 : K Gowtham to A Rayudu, Goes back and tucks it towards square leg for one more.
1.3 : K Gowtham to S Watson, Tossed up outside off, pushed off the front foot towards cover.
1.4 : K Gowtham to S Watson, Quicker one on the stumps, Watson gets down to play the big slog but drags it off the inner half towards deep mid-wicket where Stokes does well to save two for his side.
1.5 : K Gowtham to S Watson, SIX! Wow! Sees the flight, makes a bit of room and lofts it cleanly over long off to bag the first maximum of the innings.
1.6 : K Gowtham to S Watson, Was that another chance? Oh yes! It was. Rahul Tripathi is the man again. This was though was a bit difficult one. Short and flat outside off, Watson ricks back to cut that away but hits it uppishly towards point. Rahul dives to his right but fails to hold on. They run one. 11 off the second over.
Jaydev Unadkat replaces Binny.
2.1 : J Unadkat to S Watson, On a length and outside off, punched towards cover where Samson makes a good stop.
2.2 : J Unadkat to S Watson, Stays back and looks to steer it towards third man but finds the point fielder.
2.3 : J Unadkat to S Watson, SIX! Shane Watson is going to make them pay for the dropped catches! On a fuller length outside off, Shane Watson stays deep in the crease and goes bang over extra cover for a maximum. Off the meat, that.
2.4 : J Unadkat to S Watson, Short and outside off, Watson looks to cut but it's too close to play that shot. Gets a bottom edge towards first slip.
2.5 : J Unadkat to S Watson, Pushed off the back foot towards the point fielder.
2.6 : J Unadkat to S Watson, SIX! My word, that's blazed over the fence! Touch short and on the stumps, Watson waits back and with a flat-bat he pumps it over the mid-wicket fence to pick another maximum to his name. He's up and running, folks. 12 off Jaydev's first one.
Ben Stokes to have a go now.
3.1 : Ben Stokes to A Rayudu, FOUR! Now Rayudu joins in the fun! Stokes begins with a short one on middle, Ambati swivels a touch and pulls it past the short fine leg fielder. No need to run for those.
3.2 : Ben Stokes to A Rayudu, Rayudu comes down the track but the length is short, he only manages to tap it away towards mid-wicket for a single.
3.3 : Ben Stokes to S Watson, The batsman has flicked the ball off his pads. The batsmen have run through for a single.
3.4 : Ben Stokes to A Rayudu, Back of a length delivery, closer to the off stump line, Ambati looks to run it down but fails to get any wood on it.
3.5 : Ben Stokes to A Rayudu, Short of a length delivery outside off, cut away towards point for a single.
3.6 : Ben Stokes to S Watson, FOUR! Spoils the over with a boundary! Stokes sprays it on the pads, too easy for Watto as he moves inside the line and helps it on its way down to the fine leg fence. 48 comes up for the hosts in just 24 balls, that's some start.
Another change from Rahane. He brings Ben Laughlin into the attack now. This shows he is desperately in need for a breakthrough.
4.1 : Ben Laughlin to A Rayudu, Fuller delivery on middle, wristed towards the right of the mid on fielder for a single.
4.2 : Ben Laughlin to S Watson, 50 comes up for Chennai! Short of a length delivery, angling in, tucked towards short mid-wicket fielder for a single.
4.3 : Ben Laughlin to A Rayudu, OUT! Edged and Rayudu departs! Ben Laughlin provides the breakthrough as he draws first blood. Ben hurls it on a length around off, too close to the body but Rayudu still attempts to play the cut shot. Gets an edge and Buttler behind the stumps doesn't drop these. Some relief for the visitors. Can they pick up one more to nullify the Powerplay?
Suresh Raina is the next man in. He is coming after an injury so it would be interesting to see how he goes about his business tonight.
4.4 : Ben Laughlin to S Raina, Raina is off the mark with a clip towards mid-wicket.
4.5 : Ben Laughlin to S Watson, Good length delivery, angling in, worked behind square on the leg side for a single.
4.6 : Ben Laughlin to S Raina, In the air... lands safe! Banged in short on middle, angling away and it rises off the deck as well. Raina looks to pull but is in no position to play. Gets it off the high portion of the bat and much to his delight, the ball falls down safely in the mid-wicket region. The man from mid on mops it up as the batsmen take a single. A successful over comes to an end.
5.1 : Ben Stokes to S Raina, On a length, it's bowled with the cross seam, Suresh Raina looks to dab it away but gets a thick inside edge on the pads.
5.2 : Ben Stokes to S Raina, Very full and curling back in, Raina bunts it back to Stokes.
5.3 : Ben Stokes to S Raina, FOUR! Superbly done! Good length delivery, slanting across the southpaw, Raina makes room, gets down on one knee and lifts it inside out over extra cover for a boundary.
5.4 : Ben Stokes to S Raina, FOUR! Too easy! That was a poor delivery! Length delivery on leg, Raina works it off his thigh pad down to the fine leg fence.
5.5 : Ben Stokes to S Raina, FOUR! That's even poor from Stokes! Full toss on the pads, all Raina had to do was to get some bat on it. He walks across and deflects it down to fine leg fence again. Three in a row for Raina.
5.6 : Ben Stokes to S Raina, FOUR! Make that four in a row! Stokes drags his length back and angles it away on a shorter length outside off. Raina waits for it and since there is no slip in the place, he just opens the face of the bat. Still gets it off the outer half of the bat through the vacant slip cordon for a boundary. 16 coming off the over and Chennai end the Powerplay on a high, 69/1 reads their score.
Strategic break taken.
Krishnappa Gowtham is called back to roll his arm over.
6.1 : K Gowtham to S Watson, Flat and quick on middle, Watson scoops it over fine leg and picks up two.
6.2 : K Gowtham to S Watson, Quicker one and skidding off the deck, Watson misses his tuck and wears it on the pads.
6.3 : K Gowtham to S Watson, Dropped short on the stumps, pulled behind square on the leg side for one.
6.4 : K Gowtham to S Raina, Raina tries clipping it away but fails to do so and gets hit on the pads.
6.5 : K Gowtham to S Raina, Played to mid-wicket region by the batsman. They pick up a single.
6.6 : K Gowtham to S Watson, Tossed up outside off, Watson chips it down to long off. It bounces before the fielder and a single is taken.
Now Shreyas Gopal is brought on to bowl.
7.1 : S Gopal to S Watson, Flighted delivery on middle, drilled down to long on for a single.
7.2 : S Gopal to S Raina, Flat and quicker around middle and off, pushed back to the bowler.
7.3 : S Gopal to S Raina, Googly around middle and leg, worked away through square leg for a single.
7.4 : S Gopal to S Watson, Watson hangs deep in the crease and punches it with strong bottom hand down to long on, a single taken.
7.5 : S Gopal to S Raina, Fired full around leg, Raina gets down to play the slog sweep but misses and gets hit on the pads. A stifled appeal from the bowler but it was pitching outside leg.
7.6 : S Gopal to S Raina, Around middle and leg, swept through backward square leg to retain strike.
8.1 : K Gowtham to S Raina, Chance of a run out! Raina clips it towards the left of the bowler and sets off. Gowtham charges towards the ball, picks it up and tries to score a direct hit at the bowler's end but is way off target. Rahane was up to the stumps and had he thrown it to his skipper, would have been sensible as Raina was not even in the frame. Risky single!
8.2 : K Gowtham to S Watson, SIX! Whatttt power! Gowtham does the crime of dropping it short, Shane camps back and flat-bats it over Stokes at long on who had no chance. Fifty for Shane and it's his 15 of the tournament.
8.3 : K Gowtham to S Watson, FOUR! More runs! Another one on the shorter side, flatter through the air, Watson slams it off the back foot, past the diving cover fielder for a boundary.
8.4 : K Gowtham to S Watson, SIX! Boom! Now he tosses it up around off, Watson sits down on one knee and dispatches it over deep mid-wicket for a biggie.
8.5 : K Gowtham to S Watson, Punches this short ball towards sweeper cover and takes one.
8.6 : K Gowtham to S Raina, The batsman works it down the leg side. They pick up a single. 19 off the over, hugeeee one.
Jaydev Unadkat is back on.
9.1 : J Unadkat to S Raina, On a length and around middle and off, Raina pushes it back to the bowler.
9.2 : J Unadkat to S Raina, Leading edgeeeee... This one seemed to have stopped a bit on the surface, Raina looks to work it away off the pads but gets a leading edge which nearly pops back to the bowler. Unadkat looks to dive forward and take it but the ball falls short.
9.3 : J Unadkat to S Raina, Once again is early into the shot is Raina, still manages to work it away past the bowler for a single.
9.4 : J Unadkat to S Watson, Waits for the ball to come and taps it in front of the point fielder for a single. So far so good for Unadkat.
9.5 : J Unadkat to S Raina, FOUR! Not anymore from Jaydev! Short delivery outside off, Raina backs away and flays it over point to bring the up the 50-run stand between him and Watson.
9.6 : J Unadkat to S Raina, FOUR! They keep coming for Chennai! Short delivery, angles in on middle and leg, Raina hops across and pulls it past the short fine leg fielder for back-to-back boundaries.
Ben Laughlin is back on.
10.1 : Ben Laughlin to S Watson, Starts off with a fuller length ball on off, Watson drives it to long off for a run.
10.2 : Ben Laughlin to S Raina, FOUR! Trademark Raina! He makes room and Laughlin feeds him the delivery which he wanted. Outside off and on a length. Raina slaps it through covers and the ball races away.
10.3 : Ben Laughlin to S Raina, WIDE! Raina would feel he missed an opportunity there. Ben bowls a slower one down the leg side. Raina misses the pull and it goes into the hands of the keeper.
Ben Laughlin to S Raina, On the pads again, Raina flicks it fine but fine leg is on the ropes and hence only a single.
10.4 : Ben Laughlin to S Watson, SIX! FLAT! Watson picked the bones out of that one! Short and on middle, it sits up to be hit. Watson rocks back and pulls it hard through square leg and it goes all the way. This is turning out to be another expensive over.
10.5 : Ben Laughlin to S Watson, The batsman rocks onto the back foot and punches the ball. They pick up a single.
10.6 : Ben Laughlin to S Raina, Slower and fuller on off, Raina eases it down to long off for a run. 15 from the over.
Shreyas Gopal is back on.
11.1 : S Gopal to S Raina, FOUR! Boundary off the first ball, pressure on the bowler. It was the quicker one and on the fuller side outside off. Raina slices it over the point fielder and the ball races away.
11.2 : S Gopal to S Raina, The googly on the pads, Raina goes for the sweep but misses.
11.3 : S Gopal to S Raina, FOUR! Up and over! This is bread and butter for Raina. The googly and on off, on the fuller side. Raina goes inside out, a shot which he plays very well. He times it to perfection and it goes over covers for a boundary.
11.4 : S Gopal to S Raina, Fires it outside off, Raina tries to cut but misses. So 4,0,4,0 is how this over reads till now.
11.5 : S Gopal to S Raina, WIDE! Down the leg side and the umpire calls it a wide. Do not know why Raina tried to kick the ball away as the ball hit the keeper's pads and then was going onto the stumps. He wanted to be sure though, just shows how much he values his wicket.
S Gopal to S Raina, OUT! In the air... and that is a stunner by Gowtham! Gopal gets the wicket but a lot of credit has to be given to Krishnappa. Gopal bowls a googly once again on middle, Raina goes for another boundary as he brings out the slog sweep. He hits it flat towards deep mid-wicket where Gowtham runs to his left, dives forward and takes it inches above the ground. A much-needed wicket for Rajasthan. They have broken the 81-run stand. An enterprising innings by Raina comes to an
MS Dhoni walks in next.
11.6 : S Gopal to S Watson, Loopy ball on off, Watson keeps it out. Yes, it was an expensive over but Gopal got the vital breakthrough.
Stuart Binny is back into the attack.
12.1 : S Binny to MS Dhoni, Walks down the track and gets a ball on leg stump. Dhoni flicks it fine towards fine leg for a run.
12.2 : S Binny to S Watson, FOUR! With fine leg up this is a poor, poor delivery. On the pads, Watson flicks it fine and the ball races away towards the fence.
12.3 : S Binny to S Watson, FOUR! Third man and fine leg up, the bowler hardly has any margin for error. This one is on a length and just outside off. Watson is provided the slightest of room and that is enough. He guides it past backward point and the ball races away.
12.4 : S Binny to S Watson, WIDE! Pressure getting to Binny. Down the leg side and the umpire calls it a wide.
S Binny to S Watson, FOUR! 14 from the over so far! Binny is not going to be spared here! A bumper on middle. He should not be bowling that at his pace. Watson rocks back and pulls it through mid-wicket and the ball races away. Third boundary in the over.
12.5 : S Binny to S Watson, Fuller on the pads, flicked through square leg for a run.
12.6 : S Binny to MS Dhoni, FOUR! Finesse! Four boundaries from the over. 150 is up and there are 7 more overs to go. On a length and around off, Dhoni opens the face of the bat and guides it through backward point for a boundary.
Second strategic break signaled!
13.1 : S Gopal to S Watson, Starts off with a half-tracker on middle, Watson pulls it through square leg. The fielder in the deep does well and he keeps it down to one.
13.2 : S Gopal to MS Dhoni, OUT! Gopal strikes AGAIN! Krishnappa Gowtham takes another fabulous catch. The youngster is proving to be a handy fielder for Rajasthan. Dhoni comes down the track, gets to the pitch of the ball but he cannot get underneath it. He smashes it towards Gowtham at long on. The fielder times his jump to perfection but could not hang on to it in the first attempt. He shows great match awareness to react quickly and take it on the second attempt. A big wicket for Rajasthan as
Sam Billings walks out to the middle.
13.3 : S Gopal to Sam Billings, Tosses it up on off, Billings pushes it to covers.
13.4 : S Gopal to Sam Billings, Uses his feet but comes down a little too early. Gopal sees that and bowls the googly. Billings tries to flick but gets hit on the pads.
13.5 : S Gopal to Sam Billings, The batsman has punched the ball off the back foot. One run added to the total.
13.6 : S Gopal to S Watson, Flatter on middle, Watson works it around the corner for a run. Just 3 runs from this over. A good one by Gopal, he is the only bowler who has bowled with sheer control. 3-0-16-2 are his figures!
Jaydev Unadkat is back on.
14.1 : J Unadkat to S Watson, FOUR! Streaky but Watson will take it! A short ball on off, this one is too close to cut but Watson goes ahead with the shot. He gets an outside edge which goes past the keeper and into the third man fence.
14.2 : J Unadkat to S Watson, Short again on middle, Watson pulls it towards deep square leg for a run.
14.3 : J Unadkat to Sam Billings, Length ball on off, Billings guides it to point.
14.4 : J Unadkat to Sam Billings, Fuller on off, Billings drives it uppishly but well short of the man at deep cover for a run.
14.5 : J Unadkat to S Watson, Another short ball on middle, Watson pulls it hard towards deep square leg for a run.
14.6 : J Unadkat to Sam Billings, Another slower ball on off, Billings drives it towards long off and will keep strike.
15.1 : S Gopal to Sam Billings, OUT! Another one bites the dust! So a good passage of play here for Rajasthan and once again it is Gopal who strikes. He gets his third. This one is flatter and on the shorter side on middle, Billings rocks back and pulls it hard and flat but straight to Ben Stokes at deep mid-wicket who does not make a mistake.
0.0 : Dwayne Bravo is the next man in.
15.2 : S Gopal to D Bravo, The googly on off, Bravo defends it.
15.3 : S Gopal to D Bravo, On the shorter side, Bravo whips it down to long on for a run.
15.4 : S Gopal to S Watson, Fires it on the stumps, Watson works it through mid-wicket and bags a brace.
15.5 : S Gopal to S Watson, The googly outside off, Watson tries to cut but chops it to point. A dot.
15.6 : S Gopal to S Watson, Pushed to the cover region by the batsman. They pick up a single. End of Gopal's spell. He finishes with figures of 4-0-20-3. Exceptional, especially when the opposition is going at above 10 per over.
Ben Laughlin is back on.
16.1 : Ben Laughlin to S Watson, FOUR! Welcome back, Laughlin. Shorter in length and outside off, Watson cuts it through point and the ball races away.
16.2 : Ben Laughlin to S Watson, On a length around middle, Watson pushes it down to long on for a run. He moves onto 99.
16.3 : Ben Laughlin to D Bravo, FOUR! Very smart by Bravo, excellently played! This one was short and on off, Bravo rocks back and pulls it fine through the leg side for a boundary.
16.4 : Ben Laughlin to D Bravo, Shorter in length on middle, Bravo ducks under it.
16.5 : Ben Laughlin to D Bravo, Dances down the track but Laughlin sees him do that. He bangs it short. Bravo goes for the cut but misses.
16.6 : Ben Laughlin to D Bravo, Slower ball on middle, Bravo flicks it through mid-wicket and takes a run. This means Watson will not be on strike.
Jaydev Unadkat is back on.
17.1 : J Unadkat to D Bravo, On the pads, flicked throughs square leg for a run.
17.2 : J Unadkat to S Watson, There it is. CENTURY FOR SHANE WATSON, take a bow! His third in the Indian T20 League. If it was Gayle yesterday, it's Watson tonight. Making the most of the reprieves. Got a life twice and see what he has done in response - tore the opposition apart! Taps this length ball towards point and gets to the other end. He takes his helmet off and raises his bat towards the crowd. His wife is a happy lady and the entire Pune crowd is on its feet to laud the effort. Well pla
17.3 : J Unadkat to D Bravo, Good slower ball on middle, Bravo swings but is deceived by it. A good over till now, 2 from the first 3 balls.
17.4 : J Unadkat to D Bravo, FOUR! Picked his spot to perfection! Knew point was up in the ring. He made room and gets a short ball on off, a poor length by Unadkat. Dwayne cuts it over point and the ball races away.
17.5 : J Unadkat to D Bravo, DROPPED! Tough chance but this could have been taken! Short and outside off, Bravo goes for the similar shot which he played on the last ball. This time though he did not get any elevation. It goes towards point where Samson leaps and tries to take it but can't hang on. A run taken. This could prove very costly as Bravo is someone who can hit big towards the end.
17.6 : J Unadkat to S Watson, Excellent save by Gopal! Watson slashes at this one and gets an outside edge. It goes flying towards third man where Gopal runs towards the ball and dives ahead. The ball lands just short and Gopal does well to stop it from crossing the rope. A couple taken.
Ben Stokes is back on.
18.1 : Ben Stokes to D Bravo, FOUR! How has that gone to the fence? Bravo was completely deceived there but still got it away for a boundary. A slower one on middle, Bravo swings early but gets it through backward square leg and the ball races away.
18.2 : Ben Stokes to D Bravo, Eases it down to long on for a run.
18.3 : Ben Stokes to S Watson, A good short ball by Ben Stokes. Watson is surprised as he is late onto the pull shot and gets beaten.
18.4 : Ben Stokes to S Watson, Length again on middle, Watson places it in the gap in the mid-wicket region for a couple.
18.5 : Ben Stokes to S Watson, In the air... but does not carry! Watson looks to clear long on but does not time it. It goes on the bounce to Gowtham for just a single.
18.6 : Ben Stokes to D Bravo, FOUR! Just over! Dances down the track and goes inside out. Connects well and the ball flies just over the leaping cover fielder for a boundary.
Ben Laughlin to bowl the last over.
19.1 : Ben Laughlin to S Watson, Slower full toss on the stumps, Watson gets down to play the paddle scoop but gets it off the toe end of the bat towards square leg for one.
19.2 : Ben Laughlin to D Bravo, Edged but short! Full and outside off, Bravo swings hard. The ball takes the edge but goes on the bounce to the keeper.
19.3 : Ben Laughlin to D Bravo, A bumper which goes above the batsman's head and the umpire calls it a wide.
Ben Laughlin to D Bravo, Fuller on middle, Bravo gets it off the inner half through mid-wicket for a brace. No boundaries in the over yet. Turning out to be a good one.
19.4 : Ben Laughlin to D Bravo, Wide outside off, Bravo misses the cut and the umpire calls it a wide.
Ben Laughlin to D Bravo, Another yorker outside off, Bravo jams it out towards covers for a run. Just a single.
19.5 : Ben Laughlin to S Watson, OUT! So the good over by Laughlin continues as he gets the wicket of Watson. End of an excellent innings and he walks off to a standing ovation. A full ball outside off, Watson tries to go downtown but gets an outside edge which goes into the mitts of Buttler behind.
Ravindra Jadeja comes out to bat.
19.6 : Ben Laughlin to R Jadeja, A couple to end the over! No boundary in the last over, an excellent one by Ben. A full ball outside off, Jadeja works it off the inner half towards wide long on. The batsmen complete one and they go for the second. The throw comes in towards Ben who fails to collect it and dislodges the bails with his hand. 204 IS WHAT CHENNAI FINISH WITH!
So an outstanding batting performance by Chennai on the back of a Watson ton comes to an end. The were put into bat and they made full use of the conditions. They got off to a flier and ended up with 69 with the loss of one wicket in the Powerplay. Raina and Watson then continued the hitting with both stitching a 81-run stand in 44 balls to set the platform. They looked on course for 220-plus at one stage but a few wickets in the middle overs helped Rajasthan apply the breaks on the scoring. How
Only one bowler in the Rajasthan ranks impressed. Shreyas Gopal, the leggie continued his good form with the ball. When all others were going for runs, he was economical and picked up three wickets. He though lacked support from the rest as they were hit all around the park. They now have a massive task ahead of them. The wicket is a beauty and they do have a powerful batting line-up. We have seen a score over 200 being chased before in this tournament. Can Rajasthan do it? We shall find out soo
0.0 : We are back for the chase! A different opening combination for Rajasthan as Ajinkya Rahane and Heinrich Klaasen will open the innings. Deepak Chahar will open the bowling for Chennai. Here we go...
A false start! He comes running all the way but pulls out as he was about to deliver.
0.1 : D Chahar to A Rahane, WIDE! Rajasthan are underway courtesy an extra. This is short and wide outside off. Rahane goes for the cut but misses.
D Chahar to A Rahane, Rahane is off the mark now! On a length around off, Rahane taps it towards point for a quick run.
0.2 : D Chahar to H Klaasen, DROPPED! Shane Watson returns the favour. Klaasen could have bagged a golden duck in his first Indian T20 League game. A peach of a delivery! Lands it on off and it swings away. Klaasen tries to defend it but the ball takes the outside edge and goes towards Watson at first slip who drops it. Watson, too, was dropped in the first over and he scored a ton. Can Klaasen make them pay in the same manner?
0.3 : D Chahar to H Klaasen, On a length around middle, Klaasen flicks it through mid-wicket for a run.
0.4 : D Chahar to A Rahane, Almost chops it on! This one is on a length around off, Rahane tries to guide it down to third man but gets an inside edge which goes agonizingly past the off stump.
0.5 : D Chahar to A Rahane, WIDE! Down the leg side and the umpire calls it wide.
D Chahar to A Rahane, SIX! TOP SHOT! Right off the middle! On a length on middle, Rahane comes down the track and lofts it over the long on fence for a biggie. First off this innings and it's come from the bat of the skipper.
0.6 : D Chahar to A Rahane, FOUR! Streaky! 14 from it, ideal start for Rajasthan. On a length around off, Rahane tries to guide it down to third man but gets an inside edge through fine leg for a boundary.
Shardul Thakur will bowl from the other end.
1.1 : S Thakur to H Klaasen, FOUR! Welcomes Thakur with a boundary! But this was poor from Karn Sharma. Fuller on middle, Klaasen flicks it towards Karn at mid-wicket. He is late to get down and the ball races through his legs for a boundary. So 14 from the last 3 balls.
1.2 : S Thakur to H Klaasen, Dances down the track and drives it back to the bowler.
1.3 : S Thakur to H Klaasen, On the pads, Klaasen misses out there as he flicks it towards short fine leg.
1.4 : S Thakur to H Klaasen, Makes room as he wants to open up the off side as there are two fielders in the deep on the leg side. Thakur follows him and Klaasen flicks it through mid-wicket for a brace.
1.5 : S Thakur to H Klaasen, OUT! TIMBER! Klaasen does not make much of the chance he got. Thakur draws first blood! This one is bowled on a length around middle. The ball may have stayed a touch low as Klaasen is late in bringing his bat down. He gets beaten and the ball hits the middle of middle pole. So the debutant walks back cheaply and the move to send him at top doesn't work for Rajasthan.
Sanju Samson walks out to the middle.
1.6 : S Thakur to S Samson, A huge shout but missing leg, I feel! This one is full and on middle, it swings back in a touch. Samson goes for the drive but misses. The ball hits him on the pads. The players appeal but the umpire shakes his head. So a good comeback after being hit for a boundary on the first ball. Just 6 and a wicket from it.
2.1 : D Chahar to A Rahane, On a length around off, Rahane pushes it towards mid off.
0.0 : Review time! An LBW decision against Rahane has been taken upstairs. Height can be an issue.
2.2 : D Chahar to A Rahane, NOT OUT! Inside edge! The knuckle ball on middle, Rahane tries to flick it on the leg side but misses to get hit on the pads. The players appeal but the umpire shakes his head. Dhoni goes for the review and replays show there is an inside edge. Chennai lose their sole review.
2.3 : D Chahar to A Rahane, Fuller in length on middle, Rahane works it through mid-wicket and bags a brace.
2.4 : D Chahar to A Rahane, Slower ball again on middle, Rahane flicks it through square leg for a run.
2.5 : D Chahar to S Samson, Short and on middle, Samson pulls it over the square leg fielder for a brace.
2.6 : D Chahar to S Samson, OUT! Chahar strikes! Excellent field placement as there was a fielder there for that shot. A short ball on middle, Samson goes for the pull and he connects well but it does not get the distance as he holes out at deep backward square leg where Karn Sharma who takes it. Two wickets for Chennai and Rajasthan in trouble. They need another 181.
Ben Stokes walks in next.
3.1 : S Thakur to A Rahane, Shorter in length on off, Rahane guides it towards point. He scores a direct hit at the non-striker's end. The ball deflects away from the fielder backing up and they run an overthrow.
3.2 : S Thakur to Ben Stokes, Outside off, left alone.
3.3 : S Thakur to Ben Stokes, Fuller on the pads, Stokes flicks it through mid-wicket and the batsmen run three.
3.4 : S Thakur to A Rahane, A bumper on middle, Rahane pulls it towards deep square leg for a run.
3.5 : S Thakur to Ben Stokes, Stokes comes dancing down the track but misses the flick to get hit on the pads.
3.6 : S Thakur to Ben Stokes, Walks across and Thakur bowls it full outside off, Stokes drives it towards covers for a run.
4.1 : D Chahar to Ben Stokes, On a length and around off, Stokes hits it to point.
4.2 : D Chahar to Ben Stokes, Stokes comes down the track and Chahar bangs it short. Stokes cuts it to the man at point. The fielder there fumbles and concedes one.
4.3 : D Chahar to A Rahane, OUT! BOWLED 'EM! Rahane has been completely deceived there. It is the knuckle ball which does the trick. It is landed on a length around middle and off, Ajinkya advances down the track and swings. He is way too early into the shot as he misses the ball completely. The ball hits the top of middle to give Chahar his second. Rajasthan are now in big, big trouble.
Jos Buttler is the next man in.
4.4 : D Chahar to Jos Buttler, On the pads, worked around the corner for a run.
4.5 : D Chahar to Ben Stokes, A slower bounce on middle, Stokes ducks under it.
4.6 : D Chahar to Ben Stokes, Another slower one on off, Stokes walks across and works it towards mid-wicket for a run.
Shane Watson to bowl the last over of the Powerplay!
5.1 : S Watson to Ben Stokes, On a length around middle, Stokes drives it to the man at mid on.
5.2 : S Watson to Ben Stokes, Fuller in length on middle, Stokes drives it to covers.
5.3 : S Watson to Ben Stokes, Dances down the track and hits it towards covers.
5.4 : S Watson to Jos Buttler, Wide outside off, Buttler slashes at it hard but misses.
5.5 : S Watson to Jos Buttler, Wide outside off, Buttler lets it go. The umpire feels it is inside the tram line and does not signal a wide.
5.6 : S Watson to Jos Buttler, Swings but misses! A slower ball outside off, Buttler swings hard and misses it completely. So just six from the last over off the Powerplay. A brilliant, brilliant one for Chennai. Rajasthan are 35 for 3 after 6. They need another 170 more from 14.
6.1 : D Chahar to Ben Stokes, Deepak Chahar to bowl his fourth on the trot. He comes in from and lands it on a length around middle, knocked down to long on for one.
6.2 : D Chahar to Jos Buttler, Wide! Slower delivery on middle and leg, Buttler walks across to play the paddle but misses it completely.
D Chahar to Jos Buttler, Wide! Bangs in a short one, it kicks off the deck and beats the attempted pull shot of Buttler. Too high and it's rightly called as a wide.
D Chahar to Jos Buttler, Fuller on middle and leg, whipped wide of long on for a couple of runs.
6.3 : D Chahar to Jos Buttler, Buttler shuffles across and clips it through mid-wicket for a single.
6.4 : D Chahar to Ben Stokes, Length delivery, slanting away outside off, Stokes slams it towards sweeper cover for a single.
6.5 : D Chahar to Jos Buttler, Back of the hand delivery, Buttler picks it up as he punches it towards extra cover. Rayudu in the circle tries to stop it but it comes to him quickly and he cops a blow on the right knee. That must have hurt.
6.6 : D Chahar to Ben Stokes, Completely deceived Stokes! Stokes comes down the track but Chahar smartly takes the pace off. Ben gets beaten on the inside as the ball rolls past the off stump. 4-0-30-2 finishes Chahar!
Imran Tahir into the attack.
7.1 : I Tahir to Jos Buttler, Too full in length, drilled back to Tahir who makes a good stop.
7.2 : I Tahir to Jos Buttler, Tossed up on off, swept off the inner half towards deep mid-wicket for a single.
7.3 : I Tahir to Ben Stokes, Quicker leg break on middle and leg, tucked past mid-wicket for one.
7.4 : I Tahir to Jos Buttler, FOUR! Nearly took Stokes along! Fuller and quicker through the air, Jos dances down the track and hammers it past Stokes who takes evasive action. Raced away to the long on fence.
7.5 : I Tahir to Jos Buttler, Once again uses the feet and clips it towards deep mid-wicket. They look for another and Stokes has to put a dive in at the bowler's end to make it in. Direct hit could have made things interesting.
7.6 : I Tahir to Jos Buttler, SIX! That's a massive one! Buttler once again decides to wear his dancing shoes on, it's the googly but that doesn't matter to Jos. He is to the pitch of the ball and belts one straight back down the ground for a biggie. 14 coming from Tahir's first over.
Shane Watson is back.
8.1 : S Watson to Ben Stokes, Fullish on off, drilled down to long off for a single.
8.2 : S Watson to Jos Buttler, Slaps it towards sweeper cover for another single.
8.3 : S Watson to Ben Stokes, FOUR! Not a good delivery but Stokes wouldn't mind it at all. Short delivery, down the leg side with fine leg inside the ring. Stokes goes for the pull but gets it off the gloves, wide of the man at 45 for a boundary, his first one of the game.
8.4 : S Watson to Ben Stokes, Stays back and pulls it towards deep mid-wicket. A run added to the total.
8.5 : S Watson to Jos Buttler, Wide! Buttler makes room as he backs away, Watson spots it and delivers a wide yorker. It's well outside the tramline.
S Watson to Jos Buttler, This time Buttler tries to cut but gets an inside edge towards the left of Dhoni and scampers through for one.
8.6 : S Watson to Ben Stokes, Low full toss on off, drilled through extra cover for a single.
Strategic break! Rajasthan haven't started the chase as they would have liked. Lost three wickets inside the Powerplay and it's Chennai who are right on the top here. 138 needed of 66 balls and the two Englishmen Stokes and Buttler are out in the middle. They have started to build a partnership but it's still a long way to go...
9.1 : I Tahir to Ben Stokes, Tossed up around middle and leg, worked away towards deep mid-wicket for a brace.
9.2 : I Tahir to Ben Stokes, FOUR! Smacked along the ground! A bit too full in length from Tahir, Stokes makes room and hits it along the ground through covers for a boundary. Tahir is not finding his rhythm.
9.3 : I Tahir to Ben Stokes, Bowls a googly this time, Stokes leans ahead and tries to go hard at it. Gets an edge behind point and they cross over.
9.4 : I Tahir to Jos Buttler, Sprays it wider outside off, Jos reaches out to that one as he mistimes it down to long off for a single.
9.5 : I Tahir to Ben Stokes, Dropped short and it's quicker through the air, Stokes pulls it down to long on. Another single.
9.6 : I Tahir to Jos Buttler, Tries to play the reverse sweep but it's not off the middle. The ball goes through cover and a single is picked up. 128 needed from 60 balls.
Dwayne Bravo into the attack.
10.1 : D Bravo to Jos Buttler, OUT! Bravo comes and picks up a wicket straightaway! And his celebrations begins! Starts off with a slower delivery, a bit short and served a bit outside off. Buttler decides to take the new bowler out of the ground as he looks to swing across the line. Is undone by the lack of pace on the ball and gets a top edge which squirts up in the air towards short third man. Imran Tahir accepts a dolly.
0.0 : Rahul Tripathi is the new man to the crease.
10.2 : D Bravo to R Tripathi, Back of a length delivery, another slower one, Tripathi leans ahead and steers it through point to get going.
10.3 : D Bravo to Ben Stokes, Fuller on the stumps, worked away towards mid-wicket for a single.
10.4 : D Bravo to R Tripathi, Drives it along the ground through cover for another single.
10.5 : D Bravo to Ben Stokes, Slower delivery on off, patted through cover for one more. This is not going to help Rajasthan.
10.6 : D Bravo to R Tripathi, Wide! Sprays it down leg, this had pace on it, Rahul moves across to clip it away but fails to do so.
D Bravo to R Tripathi, Tripathi works this full delivery wide of long on and gets a double to his name.
11.1 : I Tahir to Ben Stokes, Wide! Googly but it's too wide outside off, Stokes doesn't play at it.
I Tahir to Ben Stokes, Flatter through the air, Ben punches it straight to the cover fielder.
11.2 : I Tahir to Ben Stokes, FOUR! Tossed up around middle and off, Stokes presses forward and with a strong bottom hand he blazes it down the ground. Rayudu from long on comes across to his right, puts in a dive but the ball still wins the race.
11.3 : I Tahir to Ben Stokes, Now works it away wide of long on. Calls for two and gets it comfortably in the end. Good running!
11.4 : I Tahir to Ben Stokes, Pushed quicker through the air on middle and leg, hit in the same region. Wants two again but Rayudu is quick this time to deny them another run.
11.5 : I Tahir to R Tripathi, Too full in length, driven down to long on for a single.
11.6 : I Tahir to Ben Stokes, Rocks back to a flatter delivery and punches it towards extra cover for a single.
12.1 : D Bravo to Ben Stokes, Slower delivery outside off, punched towards cover for a single.
12.2 : D Bravo to R Tripathi, Wide! Back of a length delivery, angling down leg, Rahul looks to pull it away but fails to put any wood on it.
D Bravo to R Tripathi, OUT! Straight up in the air! Fifth wicket down for Rajasthan and it's the slower one from Bravo that does the trick! Rahul Tripathi gets down to play the big slog but gets a big top edge on it. Sam Billings from deep mid-wicket comes a couple of steps ahead and takes it safely in the end. This is turning out to be a lopsided game!
Stuart Binny is the new man in.
12.3 : D Bravo to Ben Stokes, Low full toss outside off, driven through cover for one. Stokes wanted two but is sent back.
12.4 : D Bravo to S Binny, Another loopy full toss, dipping in, Binny clips it behind square on the leg side for a single.
12.5 : D Bravo to Ben Stokes, Works it in front of square leg and is happy to get to the other end, Stokes.
12.6 : D Bravo to S Binny, FOUR! Tickled away! Fuller and drifting down leg, Binny walks across and tickles it fine down the leg side for a boundary to bring up the 100 for his side.
Strategic break!
13.1 : I Tahir to Ben Stokes, Tossed up outside off, pushed down to long off for a single.
13.2 : I Tahir to S Binny, Chips it down the ground towards long off but it goes on the bounce to the fielder there. One run taken.
13.3 : I Tahir to Ben Stokes, Backs away and punches it to the man at cover.
13.4 : I Tahir to Ben Stokes, SIX! All power! Wrong one, served wider outside off, Stokes gets down, reaches out to that one and flat-bats it brutally over long off for a maximum.
13.5 : I Tahir to Ben Stokes, OUT! Stokes departs! He knew straightaway as soon as he hit that. Tossed up this time, it's the leg break from Tahir. Stokes gets down on one knee to slog sweep it but doesn't connect well. Gets a lot of height but not the distance as Sam Billings positions himself underneath it at deep mid-wicket and takes a smart reverse cup catch over his head.
Krishnappa Gowtham is the new man in.
13.6 : I Tahir to S Binny, Fires it really full on the stumps, Binny drives it square on the off side. Beats the man at point and they take two. So, Tahir went for 44 in 4 overs but will be relieved to take the wicket of Stokes.
Shane Watson to bowl his third.
14.1 : S Watson to K Gowtham, Good length delivery outside off, steered through backward point for one.
14.2 : S Watson to S Binny, Back of a length outside off, Binny looks to cut but this one bounces a bit and beats the batter.
14.3 : S Watson to S Binny, Angles in a length delivery, heaves away over square leg for a single.
14.4 : S Watson to K Gowtham, OUT! Watson contributing with the ball as well! He digs in a slower bumper outside off, Gowtham tries to fetch it but all he manages his a top edge which lobs behind. Dhoni moves to his left and takes an easy catch. Rajasthan are falling like a pack of cards now.
Shreyas Gopal is the new man in.
14.5 : S Watson to S Gopal, Shortish on off, cut hard but finds the man at backward point.
14.6 : S Watson to S Gopal, Slower one on a back of a length, dabbed towards short third man for nothing. Excellent from Watto, what a night he is having.
Shardul Thakur is back on.
15.1 : S Thakur to S Binny, Full delivery attacking the stumps, driven down to long on for a single.
15.2 : S Thakur to S Gopal, Outside off on a good length, Gopal waits for the ball to come before running it down to third man.
15.3 : S Thakur to S Binny, OUT! Phenomenal stuff from Shardul Thakur. He's pumped with that effort. Why wouldn't he be? Stunning. Short of a good length on middle, Binny gets a top edge on the leg side as he looks to pull. Thakur runs to the ball himself, dives to get his right hand under it and then holds on to it as well. A well-deserved wicket.
Jaydev Unadkat to walk in next.
15.4 : S Thakur to J Unadkat, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat.
15.5 : S Thakur to J Unadkat, In the channel outside off, a play and a miss from the batsman.
15.6 : S Thakur to J Unadkat, FOUR! Nailed it! Short ball, Unadkat camps back and middles the pull through mid-wicket for a boundary.
Karn Sharma is into the attack.
16.1 : K Sharma to S Gopal, Touch short from Karn, Gopal works it through mid-wicket for a single.
16.2 : K Sharma to J Unadkat, Floats it up around off, Jaydev is down to sweep but gets a top edge on the leg side for a single.
16.3 : K Sharma to S Gopal, Makes use of the feet and flicks it through mid-wicket for one.
16.4 : K Sharma to J Unadkat, The batsman works it down the leg side. One run added to the total.
16.5 : K Sharma to S Gopal, Dragged short, on the stumps, Shreyas with a pull through the mid-wicket area for a run.
16.6 : K Sharma to J Unadkat, FOUR! Takes the aerial route and gets the desired result! Tossed up outside off, spinning away, Unadkat kneels down and slaps it over extra cover to send it across the fence.
Ravindra Jadeja into the attack now.
17.1 : R Jadeja to S Gopal, Darts it in on off, driven down to long off for a single.
17.2 : R Jadeja to J Unadkat, Flatter one outside off, the batter looks to cut but gets a bottom edge towards short third man for one.
17.3 : R Jadeja to S Gopal, Quicker and on middle, worked away towards mid-wicket for a single.
17.4 : R Jadeja to J Unadkat, Bowls it with a round-arm action, it comes in with the arm, Unadkat off the back foot punches it through cover for a single.
17.5 : R Jadeja to S Gopal, Comes down the track but Jaddu sends it slower through the air. Gets an inside edge through backward square leg for a brace.
17.6 : R Jadeja to S Gopal, Drops it short and outside off, Gopal cuts it hard but finds the man at backward point.
18.1 : K Sharma to J Unadkat, FOUR! Dropped short on middle, Unadkat gets low and pulls it strongly through mid-wicket for a boundary.
18.2 : K Sharma to J Unadkat, OUT! Bowled 'em! That's wicket number 50 for Karn Sharma in the Indian T20 League. Sends in a googly, it's on the stumps, Unadkat gets down to unleash another slog but that's too good for him. Goes under his bat and rattles the furniture behind.
Ben Laughlin is the last man in.
18.3 : K Sharma to Ben Laughlin, OUT! And Karn Sharma wraps things up! We have lost the count of the bowlers who have picked up two in two this season. A leg break, quicker through the air and turning away from a length just a bit. Laughlin hangs back to push it away but gets a faint edge to Dhoni who takes it really well. CHENNAI BEAT RAJASTHAN BY A HUGE MARGIN OF 64 RUNS!
A thumping win for Chennai tonight! It was Shane Watson's brilliance that set things up for them as the Aussie blazed his way to a ton to pilot his side to 200. When you chase a huge total, the start in the Powerplay is always the key. Rajasthan just couldn't do that, they lost three wickets inside the first six overs that more or less dented the chase. The wickets kept falling at regular intervals as none of the batsmen showed a stomach to fight. Ben Stokes and Jos Buttler did contribute but ne
Dhoni and his men will be really happy tonight. The Chennai bowlers were taken for aplenty in the past few games but tonight, they have come together and delivered in an emphatic manner. Deepak Chahar and Shardul Thakur did the damage at the start while Shane Watson and Dwayne Bravo chipped in latter. Only Imran Tahir was taken to the cleaners but otherwise it was a clinical show from their bowlers. The fact that Ravindra Jadeja and Karn Sharma weren't required much in the chase, should give a h
No surprise, then! Shane Watson has been adjudged the Man of the Match as he scored a rollicking ton and chipped in with a wicket. An all-round show from Watto!
That ends another lopsided game. There is a certain change in the norm now. Initially, it were the teams winning while chasing but from the past week games, they are more comfortable while defending. Tomorrow is the weekend and we have a double-header coming our way. The first game will see Kolkata hosting Punjab and then later in the evening Bangalore will welcome Delhi. The action start at 1600 IST. Do tune in for that. Until then, goodbye and cheers!