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Chennai vs Bangalore Live Commentary, Match 1, Indian Premier League, 2019, March 23, 2019

RCB 70/10 (17.1)
Chennai Super Kings beat Royal Challengers Bangalore by 7 wickets
CSK 71/3 (17.4)
Match over
0.0 : Welcome to the first game of one of the best T20 leagues in the world. After 11 editions, we return for the 2019 edition of the Indian Twenty20 league. What better than to begin with the mammoth clash between the side of the former Indian skipper and the current Indian skipper. Chennai versus Bangalore in Chennai. Bangalore have not won here since the first edition but Virat will be really hoping they do tonight. If they do so, it will give them the confidence to go a long way in the tournament.
PITCH REPORT - Simon Doull with the pitch report alongside Sunil Gavaskar. They reckon that the pitch might not encourage strokeplay. They feel it is a dry surface and might assist the spinners. That said, the experts believe that the ball should come on to the bat later on. The better idea would be to chase under lights with some amount of dew to come later. Since this is the first game of the season, they are not sure about what exactly to expect but they do inform us that if the dew does not
TOSS - Chennai have won the toss and elected to bowl first.
MS Dhoni, the Chennai skipper mentions that he is not sure about the wicket despite playing a few practice games and would like to allow the opposition to set the target in the first game and then try and chase it later. Informs us that they are playing only 3 foreigners who are Shane Watson, Imran Tahir and Dwayne Bravo.
Virat Kohli, the Bangalore skipper says he's quite okay with batting first as it's the first game of the season. Mentions that last time, runs in excess of 200 were scored at this venue. States that if they bat well first, they should be in a good position. Virat informs he will be opening with Parthiv Patel, and depending on the situation, either Moeen Ali or AB de Villiers will come in at no.3. Ends by saying that the four foreigners to feature in this tournament opener for his team will be AB
STAT ZONE - In H2H between these two sides, Chennai have a lead of 14-7 in the 21 played games so far.
The umpires and the players make their way out to the middle and take their positions. We are all set for the first ball of the 12th edition of the Indian Twenty20 league. Bangalore skipper Virat Kohli walks out along with Parthiv Patel to bat. Deepak Chahar has the brand new white ball. He will bowl to the Indian skipper and has a single slip in place. All set! Let's play says the umpire and here we go...
0.1 : D Chahar to V Kohli, A length ball on the pads to start off with and Kohli nonchalantly flicks it away to fine leg for a single. The first run of the 12th edition on the first ball itself.
0.2 : D Chahar to P Patel, Missed out there! A length ball wide outside off from Chahar, Parthiv spreads his arms wide and cuts it hard. The ball goes straight to the cover fielder though.
0.3 : D Chahar to P Patel, Just inside the line! A length ball wide outside off but seams inward at the last moment to stay inside the tram line. No wide called, to the surprise of PP.
0.4 : D Chahar to P Patel, Another good shot for no run. A length ball just outside off, driven hard on the front foot by Parthiv but finds Kedar Jadhav at extra cover.
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0.5 : D Chahar to P Patel, FOUR! Not good fielding! Free runs for Parthiv and Bangalore. A fuller length ball outside off and Patel leans into the drive. Times it well towards mid off. Shardul Thakur there looks to attack the ball while fielding but allows it to go through. The timing is so good that the ball reaches the rope. First boundary of the tournament.
0.6 : D Chahar to P Patel, Good comeback from Chahar. A length ball outside off, the southpaw times it well towards the off side but fails to find the gap as there is a ring of fielders there.
Spinner introduced early on. Harbhajan Singh to bowl from the other end.
1.1 : H Singh to V Kohli, On the stumps. flicked away for a single to deep mid-wicket.
1.2 : H Singh to P Patel, Another flatter one on the pads of the lefty this time, Parthiv works it away through the leg side for a run.
1.3 : H Singh to V Kohli, Bowled quicker and flatter on the leg stump line by Harbhajan, a single is taken as Kohli pushes this towards deep mid-wicket.
1.4 : H Singh to P Patel, Short and outside off, Parthiv rocks back and cuts this behind point on the off side. Shardul Thakur there dives to his right and looks to stop the ball but misfields. The ball slows down and Thakur himself runs behind the ball keeping the runs down to two.
1.5 : H Singh to P Patel, Harbhajan darts this one in quicker on the pads of the southpaw, Parthiv looks to flick this ball but fails to put bat on ball. It goes off the pads and towards short fine leg for a leg bye.
1.6 : H Singh to V Kohli, Kohli ends the over with a single. A flatter one on middle, pushed away to deep mid-wicket for a run as VK keeps the strike. A tidy first over for Harbhajan.
2.1 : D Chahar to V Kohli, Good length delivery on middle and leg, it's flicked through square leg. The fielder in the deep mops it up and the batsmen take two.
2.2 : D Chahar to V Kohli, Lands it on a length again, outside off, Kohli tries to flay this through the off side but fails to connect.
2.3 : D Chahar to V Kohli, Dangerous taking Jadeja on. Kohli taps this down wide of backward point and takes off for the run. Jadeja, however, is lightning quick to the ball as he moves to his left and fires a throw at the striker's end. He misses, and Virat would have been in anyway as Parthiv sent him back in time.
2.4 : D Chahar to V Kohli, Behind a good length around off, defended off the back foot back down the track.
2.5 : D Chahar to V Kohli, Plays this on the up. Virat Kohli leans ahead and drives it down the ground, but only as far as mid off.
2.6 : D Chahar to V Kohli, NO BALL! And it's going to be a Free Hit. The dew already coming into play it seems. The ball slips out of Chahar's hand and goes above Kohli's head. Let's see what will happen now...
D Chahar to V Kohli, No damage done. Extremely full on off stump, Kohli drills it straight back to the bowler.
3.1 : H Singh to P Patel, Quicker and flatter on off, Patel cuts it to man at cover-point.
3.2 : H Singh to P Patel, Short ball turning away from around off, Parthiv goes on the back foot and slaps it aerially down to long off for a single.
3.3 : H Singh to V Kohli, OUT! That's a massive, massive wicket. Virat Kohli, the Bangalore skipper and one of the best in the business, has been dismissed early in this game. Chennai realize the value of this one. It's short and turning in from around off, Kohli goes back and plays across the line. Heaves it over mid-wicket but straight down the throat of Ravindra Jadeja, who makes no mistake coming in from the deep.
Moeen Ali walks in at no.3.
3.4 : H Singh to M Ali, Looped up on off, turns away, Moeen comes forward to defend but is beaten.
3.5 : H Singh to M Ali, Goes with the spin and dabs it away towards point.
3.6 : H Singh to M Ali, SIX! Fine way to end the over, but Chennai will be more pleased having got skipper Kohli. Harbhajan tosses it up on the stumps, Moeen Ali gets low and brings out the big slog sweep. Makes sweet connection and clears mid-wicket with absolute ease.
4.1 : D Chahar to P Patel, A length ball outside off, Parthiv looks to pull this away but mistimes his shot towards mid-wicket and picks up a single.
0.0 : Bangalore with a bit of a stumbling start. They haven't gotten off to the best starts here and now have lost their skipper as well. Chennai can capitalize on this.
4.2 : D Chahar to M Ali, Another short length ball on middle, Moeen pulls this away with timing but straight to deep square leg for a single.
4.3 : D Chahar to P Patel, A length ball on top of off, PP looks to flick it away airily through mid-wicket but fails to time the ball well. Single taken towards the left of mid on.
4.4 : D Chahar to M Ali, Another pull from Mo and another single to deep mid-wicket results. Four singles off the four balls so far.
4.5 : D Chahar to P Patel, Upper cut! A short length ball outside off, Parthiv looks to hit it over the slips for a boundary but the ball stops a bit in the pitch and arrives to the batsman. The ball runs for a single as third man comes around and stops it easily. The pitch is certainly on the slower side.
4.6 : D Chahar to M Ali, Slower ball on a length outside off, Moeen dabs it down to third man for a run. Six singles off the over.
5.1 : H Singh to M Ali, On the off stump and turning away, Moeen looks to defend the ball as he reads the turn and moves along with it.
5.2 : H Singh to M Ali, OUT! Harbhajan strikes once more! Another one with some loop on the off stump line and spinning away. Moeen goes on the back foot and looks to drive back down the ground. The ball stops in the pitch and Mo is early through the shot. It goes in the air towards the bowler who steps back and takes the easy lobbed ball. The stadium is rocking right now.
AB de Villiers is the new man in.
5.3 : H Singh to de Villiers, Flatter one on middle, pushed away on the front foot in the gap through mid-wicket for a couple of runs.
5.4 : H Singh to de Villiers, Harbhajan is getting good assistance off the pitch here. Flighted top spinner on off, AB looks to defend but gets a thick outside edge which runs down to the third man region. The fielder from short third man runs and gathers it. Two runs taken.
5.5 : H Singh to de Villiers, Shorter on middle, de Villiers guides it towards deep mid-wicket and takes a single.
5.6 : H Singh to P Patel, Excellent ball! Short in length, it comes in to the southpaw. Parthiv gets on his back foot and looks to cut it but is surprised. It takes an inside edge onto his pad. Singh goes up in appeal but the umpire turns it down straight away. Excellent over this from Harbhajan. 5 runs and a wicket.
6.1 : D Chahar to de Villiers, On a length outside off, de Villiers dabs it down to third man for a single and gets to the other end.
6.2 : D Chahar to P Patel, Length ball on the hips of the left-hander, Parthiv swivels and looks to pull it away for a boundary but does not get a fair connection. The ball goes in the air towards Imran Tahir at deep backward square leg who decides to stay back and stop the ball instead of going for the catch. A single is taken.
6.3 : D Chahar to de Villiers, Good ball! On a length and bounces a bit more than normal. AB de Villiers looks to work it away through square leg for a single but the ball cuts him in half and goes to Dhoni. The fielding side makes a stifled appeal but the umpire does not budge.
6.4 : D Chahar to de Villiers, On a length outside off, defended on the front foot by the South African legend.
6.5 : D Chahar to de Villiers, Good shot! No runs though! This must be frustrating for the batsman. A length ball outside off, AB de Villiers dances down the track and hits it hard back down the ground. He finds mid off though. 3 dot ball in a row.
6.6 : D Chahar to de Villiers, On a length outside off, pushed to third man for a single.
7.1 : H Singh to de Villiers, DROPPED! Imran Tahir has dropped his country mate. A flatter ball on middle and leg, de Villiers looks to get inside the line and sweep it over fine leg. The ball though carries to Imran Tahir there but he fumbles and drops the ball. Could be a huge moment in the game. 2 runs are taken off this ball though. How much more damage can AB inflict on Chennai?
7.2 : H Singh to de Villiers, OUT! Doesn't survive this time! Imran Tahir will be relieved more than anyone. This is a terrific catch from Ravindra Jadeja. Short ball spinning in on the stumps, de Villiers rocks on the back foot and pulls it. Doesn't get the desired elevation on it and the ball is travelling towards deep mid-wicket. Jadeja runs in to his right and takes an excellent diving catch. Fantastic captaincy from MS Dhoni to continue with Harbhajan.
Shimron Hetmyer will bat next.
7.3 : H Singh to P Patel, Pushed to the cover region by the batsman.
7.4 : H Singh to P Patel, Could have been a run out! Sharp work from MS Dhoni. Patel works it square on the leg side off his pads and takes off. Hetmyer is charging to the striker's end and Dhoni is running to the ball. He collects, turns and fires it at his end, but just misses.
7.5 : H Singh to S Hetmyer, Worked away on the leg side for no run.
7.6 : H Singh to S Hetmyer, OUT! A nightmare debut for Shimron Hetmyer in the Indian T20 League. Worst possible way for him to get out. He just taps this down in front of covers and sets off, when there is no run to be had. His partner Parthiv adds to the problem as he sends Hetmyer back after he's taken a few steps forward and that becomes his undoing. Raina gets to the ball in a jiffy and just throws it to Dhoni, who has all the time in the world to take the bails off. The man from the Caribbea
Shivam Dube will walk in to bat next. Meanwhile, Suresh Raina is on to bowl.
8.1 : S Raina to P Patel, Flatter one on middle, pulled away by Parthiv for a single to deep mid-wicket.
8.2 : S Raina to S Dubey, Almost another one down! A slower one outside off and some turn on it. Shivam looks to cut but fails to put bat on ball. It was so close to being an edge.
8.3 : S Raina to S Dubey, Flatter one on middle, it is punched off the back foot by the batsman. The batsmen have run through for a single.
8.4 : S Raina to P Patel, Full toss on middle, Parthiv works it away through the vacant mid-wicket region for a couple of runs.
8.5 : S Raina to P Patel, Flatter one outside off, pushed away to deep cover for a single by PP.
8.6 : S Raina to S Dubey, Slower through the air and on middle, Dubey watchfully plays it well through mid-wicket for a single. Bangalore are 45 at the end of the ninth over. It is time for the first strategic break of the innings.
Strategic break. The hosts well and truly on top. They've dismissed two of Bangalore's best batsmen, in Kohli and de Villiers, and have four wickets in total, out of which Harbhajan has three. A big job lies ahead of the Bangalore middle order. They bought players in this auction to shore up that area, time for them to show what they can do. Imran Tahir to bowl after the break.
9.1 : I Tahir to S Dubey, Starts with a straighter one on off, Dubey pushes it to the fielder at cover.
9.2 : I Tahir to S Dubey, OUT! It just takes Imran Tahir two balls to get his man. Shorter leg spinner from Tahir. It spins away slightly after pitching. Dubey looks to cut it but gets a thick outside edge. It goes to Shane Watson at first slip who takes a regulation catch. The crisis deepens for Bangalore.
Colin de Grandhomme walks in at number 7.
9.3 : I Tahir to de Grandhomme, On middle and leg, de Grandhomme flicks it to the fielder at mid-wicket.
9.4 : I Tahir to de Grandhomme, Flighted on off, CdG pushes it to the fielder at cover.
9.5 : I Tahir to de Grandhomme, FOUR! De Grandhomme won't wait for long especially if it is in his zone. It is on his pads and Colin effortlessly flicks it over mid-wicket for a boundary.
9.6 : I Tahir to de Grandhomme, Quicker leg spinner pitching on middle and leg, CdG looks to defend but it gets an inside edge of his bat and onto his pad. 4 runs and a wicket off Tahir's first.
Ravindra Jadeja is into the attack.
10.1 : R Jadeja to P Patel, Slower one outside off to start off, Parthiv comes inside the line and works it away for a run to deep square leg.
10.2 : R Jadeja to de Grandhomme, Sharp turn! Flatter one on the off stump line, Colin looks to defend standing in the crease but the ball spins a lot and beats him on the outside. He looks flummoxed.
10.3 : R Jadeja to de Grandhomme, OUT! The edge is found this time! Number 6 down with just 50 on the board. A flighted ball outside off and Colin de Grandhomme comes ahead to defend. The ball turns away and just takes a faint edge. Dhoni is not going to drop those. Bangalore crumbling hard and fast here. Looks like it might be difficult for them to get to three figures.
Navdeep Saini walks in next.
10.4 : R Jadeja to N Saini, Flatter one outside off, pushed down the ground to long off for a single by Saini.
10.5 : R Jadeja to P Patel, Flatter and quicker on middle, flicked away to deep mid-wicket by Parthiv for a single. He is trying his best, this guy.
10.6 : R Jadeja to N Saini, Pushed away off the back foot for a single by Navdeep. He will keep strike for the next over.
Review time... A review for LBW against Saini. A googly from Tahir catches Navdeep on the pads. There is an appeal for LBW but the umpire turns it down. Watson at slip has also caught the ball and is asking for the catch as well. Let's see what the replays have to say.
11.1 : I Tahir to N Saini, OUT! It is caught and not LBW! There was an inside edge suggests the Snickometer. Saini has to go. 7 down, 52 on the board! A googly landing outside off and turning inward. Saini comes ahead to defend but the ball spins too much and beats him as he looks to defend. Raps him on the pads and an appeal for LBW goes upstairs at the very last moment. Lo and behold, there is an inside edge on it. Hence, it is a catch that has been taken by Watson at slip. Chennai won't mind a
0.0 : Yuzvendra Chahal walks out to bat now.
11.2 : I Tahir to Y Chahal, Shorter leg spinner outside off, Chahal cuts it to the fielder at point.
11.3 : I Tahir to Y Chahal, Excellent front foot defense from Chahal here! Tossed up on off, Chahal gets on his front foot and blocks it like a proper Test batsman.
11.4 : I Tahir to Y Chahal, Fuller one on middle, swept away for a single on the full to deep square leg.
11.5 : I Tahir to P Patel, Flighted outside off, pushed all along the ground for a single to long off.
11.6 : I Tahir to Y Chahal, A front foot defense to end the over by Chahal. Bangalore need to start deciding how to work on their innings from here.
12.1 : R Jadeja to P Patel, That has turned from Chennai to Bangalore. Short off spinner pitching on off. It goes away on the leg side and flicks Parthiv's thigh on his sway to the keeper.
12.2 : R Jadeja to P Patel, Flighted on middle, Patel gets on his knee and sweeps it away for a single.
12.3 : R Jadeja to Y Chahal, Good, solid defense from Chahal. Tossed up on off, Chahal blocks it off his front foot.
12.4 : R Jadeja to Y Chahal, Tossed up outside off, Chahal looks to sweep it but misses.
12.5 : R Jadeja to Y Chahal, Shorter on the stumps, Chahal shows his back foot defense and defends it.
12.6 : R Jadeja to Y Chahal, Good shot with not a lot of power. Tossed up on off, Chahal gets on his knee and slog sweeps it over mid-wicket. It is not hit with power and does not even reach the fence. The batsmen take three runs as the fielder comes and collects it from long on.
Strategic break. Second of the innings and the situation is more or less the same as it was around the time of the first one. Seems only a matter of time now before Bangalore are bundled up. They need something special from Parthiv Patel. He's their last hope.
13.1 : I Tahir to Y Chahal, Loopy delivery outside off, Chahal drives it straight to cover.
13.2 : I Tahir to Y Chahal, Short this time, Chahal blocks it off his back foot.
13.3 : I Tahir to Y Chahal, In the air...but short. Flights it outside off, Chahal comes down the track and looks to heave it over long off. He gets a thick edge on it but it falls short of the diving cover fielder.
13.4 : I Tahir to Y Chahal, OUT! Caught! Another one bites the dust. And Tahir takes off.... A flighted delivery outside off, Chahal drags it from outside off by playing a sweep. The ball goes flat in the air, and it's an easy catch for Harbhajan Singh standing at deep mid-wicket.
Umesh Yadav is the new man in.
13.5 : I Tahir to U Yadav, Flighted leg spinner around off, Umesh looks to defend it but gets beaten.
13.6 : I Tahir to U Yadav, On the pads this time, Umesh tucks it to the fielder at mid-wicket.
14.1 : R Jadeja to P Patel, FOUR! Much needed boundary this for Bangalore. Shorter off spinner outside off. Parthiv waits for it and guides it fine of third man for a boundary. Parthiv needs to stay longer if Bangalore need to get to a competitive total here.
0.0 : Review time! This one's against Parthiv. Looked pretty adjacent to the naked eye and Dhoni went up almost immediately. Height could be a factor... will it? Let's see what the replays have to say.
14.2 : R Jadeja to P Patel, Safe! Yes height is the issue here. Off spinner pitching on off, Parthiv looks to play it across the line but misses. The ball hits him on his front pad and Jadeja goes up in appeal. Dhoni surprises the umpire and refers it. Replays roll in and show that it was going over the stumps. Chennai lose their review.
14.3 : R Jadeja to P Patel, On middle and leg, Parthiv flicks it wide of mid-wicket and gets a couple.
14.4 : R Jadeja to P Patel, A back of length delievry outside off, PP looking for a late cut fails to connect.
14.5 : R Jadeja to P Patel, Jadeja fires this one on PP's leg stump, Partiv flick it towards mid-wicket region and grabs a single.
14.6 : R Jadeja to U Yadav, A good length delivery outside off, Yadav looking to defend it well but fails to the bat on ball.
15.1 : I Tahir to P Patel, Full on the pads, Parthiv tucks it towards mid-wicket and gets to the other end.
15.2 : I Tahir to U Yadav, Beautiful delivery this. Tossed up on off, the ball spins away after pitching. Umesh looks to defend but misses.
15.3 : I Tahir to U Yadav, Flighted outside off, Umesh looks to go over covers but misses. The ball goes behind to Dhoni, who takes the bails off in flash. Luckily though Umesh had his leg behind the crease.
15.4 : I Tahir to U Yadav, A flighted delivery on off, Umesh plants his front foot on the pitch of the delivery and works it towards his leg side. Single added
15.5 : I Tahir to P Patel, A flighted delivery on leg, Parthiv just puts it away.
15.6 : I Tahir to P Patel, A flatter delivery around leg, Parthiv works it towards the mid-wicket region for a single.
16.1 : R Jadeja to P Patel, Tossed up outside off, Parthiv looks to sweep it but misses. The ball goes to short third man and they steal a leg bye.
16.2 : R Jadeja to U Yadav, Flighted outside off, Yadav looks to defend it but misses.
16.3 : R Jadeja to U Yadav, Flatter outside off, Umesh nudges it to short third man.
16.4 : R Jadeja to U Yadav, A flat delivery on leg, Umesh plays it back to the bowler.
16.5 : R Jadeja to U Yadav, OUT! Bowled! The 9th wicket is down and the end looks to be very near for Bangalore. Flatter delivery pitching on middle, it spins away after pitching. Yadav looks to defend but gets beaten and the ball goes on to crash the middle and off stump. Second wicket for Jadeja in this match.
Mohammed Siraj is the last person in to bat.
16.6 : R Jadeja to M Siraj, Full on off, turning away for Siraj who was attempting a defense gets beaten. Dhoni whips the bails in a flash.
Dwayne Bravo is the new bowler into the attack.
17.1 : D Bravo to P Patel, OUT! That's the end of this innings. Bravo bowls a slower delivery which is short in length. Parthiv looks to pull it over square leg but finds Kedar Jadhav at short square leg to perfection. He makes no mistake and takes the catch. Dwayne gets into the wickets column as well.
If there ever was an impact statement made, the defending champions have done that just now. Wrapped up Bangalore for their joint-second lowest total in the Indian T20 League and the lowest against them in this competition. From the beginning itself, Chennai were always on top. Got rid of Virat Kohli early in the Powerplay and there was no looking back for them from that point on. Pathiv Patel top scored with 29, while the rest didn't even get into double figures.
The Chennai spin attack worked its magic on this slow and turning surface. Harbhajan Singh did the early damage as he got Kohli, Moeen Ali and AB de Villiers, eating into the middle order. Imran Tahir and Ravindra Jadeja picked up after him and bundled out the rest. The three spinners shared 8 wickets between them, which is a commendable performance.
This contest is more or less over, unless the Bangalore bowlers can come up with something that's totally out of this world. Would need something herculean, and even that might not be enough, as they only have a mere 70 runs to defend. Let's see how it goes. The second half will begin shortly.
Imran Tahir is caught on the sidelines for a little chat. He says that he is very happy about his performance but feels that Harbhajan and Jadeja set the tone and made it easier for him. He mentions that he did not get too much rest but does not mind because he is playing in one of the best leagues and is happy to play when he is asked. States that it is fun for him to play in front of this crowd and for his team. Signs off by saying that he believes that the batsmen will knock off these runs ea
0.0 : We are back for the chase. Out walk the opening pair of Shane Watson and Ambati Rayudu for Chennai. Yuzvendra Chahal to start the proceedings for Bangalore.
0.1 : Y Chahal to S Watson, Quick and full on off stump, Watson drives it to the man at extra cover.
0.2 : Y Chahal to S Watson, Quicker through the air again, in line of the stumps, Watson stays right behind the line and blocks it out.
0.3 : Y Chahal to S Watson, Some extra bounce on this occasion for Chahal. Lands it on leg, it turns away with some bounce. Goes off the shoulder of Watson's bat and flies past first slip.
0.4 : Y Chahal to S Watson, A little more pace on it, around the off stick, another defensive shot on offer.
0.5 : Y Chahal to S Watson, Ooohh! This is good bowling from Chahal. Tosses it up on leg stump, it spins away, Watson closes the bat face early and it goes off the leading edge square on the off side.
0.6 : Y Chahal to S Watson, Short and wide outside off, cut straight to the point fielder. A maiden over from Yuzvendra Chahal. Terrific start from the leggie.
Navdeep Saini to bowl from the other end.
1.1 : N Saini to A Rayudu, Starts with a pacy delivery. It is bowled at 140 case on a length. Rayudu blocks it towards point.
1.2 : N Saini to A Rayudu, First run of the chase. Good length delivery outside off, Rayudu cuts it to backward point. Siraj collects it by running in from third man. Single taken.
1.3 : N Saini to S Watson, 7th consecutive dot for Watson and this is a painful one. Bouncer from Saini. Watson looks to pull it but misses and the ball hits him on his helmet. The ball lobs back to Saini who catches it and goes up in appeal. Turned down by the umpire.
1.4 : N Saini to S Watson, Length delivery coming in slightly after pitching. Watto looks to defend but gets an inside edge onto his pad.
1.5 : N Saini to S Watson, On the pads this time, Watson looks to flick but misses and it goes to the on side off his thigh pad. Leg bye taken and Watson still not off the mark.
1.6 : N Saini to A Rayudu, SIX! Rayudu is not gonna wait for long. Back of a length delivery, Ambati comes down the track and flat bats over long on for a maximum.
2.1 : Y Chahal to S Watson, OUT! Bowled! Chahal gets the breakthrough. Flighted delivery on middle and off. Watson looks to sweep it but misses and the ball goes onto crash the off stump. Bangalore needed an early wicket and they have got it.
0.0 : Suresh Raina walks in at number 3.
2.2 : Y Chahal to S Raina, Huge appeal from the bowler and keeper but turned down by the umpire. Flighted outside off, Raina looks to defend it but gets hit on the pad. It looked to be stuck outside the line and the replays later confirm that the impact was outside off.
2.3 : Y Chahal to S Raina, On the pads this time, Raina gets off the mark by flicking it towards square leg.
2.4 : Y Chahal to A Rayudu, A loopy delivery on leg, Ambati flicks it to mid-wicket.
2.5 : Y Chahal to A Rayudu, A tossed up delivery around middle, Rayudu leans forward and drives it to the extra cover fielder, misfield by ABD allows a single.
2.6 : Y Chahal to S Raina, Full on leg, Raina keeps it away.
Moeen Ali is into the attack.
3.1 : M Ali to A Rayudu, Starts with a short off spinner around off, Rayudu guides it to short third man. Raina looks for a single but Rayudu sends him back.
3.2 : M Ali to A Rayudu, Flighted on middle, Ambati blocks it off his back foot.
3.3 : M Ali to A Rayudu, On middle and leg, Rayudu flicks it to the fielder at backward square leg.
3.4 : M Ali to A Rayudu, Flighted on middle, Rayudu punches it to the fielder at mid on.
3.5 : M Ali to A Rayudu, Shorter outside off, Ambati guides it down to short third man. Another dot.
3.6 : M Ali to A Rayudu, In the air...but dropped. Flighted delivery on middle and leg, Rayudu looks to break the shackles and attempts a slog sweep. He gets no timing on it and the ball goes towards backward square leg. Umesh Yadav comes running in from the deep and puts in a dive. He gets both his hand to the ball but it [pops out. A single is taken.
4.1 : Y Chahal to A Rayudu, A flatter one on middle, pushed back to the bowler off the back foot.
4.2 : Y Chahal to A Rayudu, Shorter on the hips, Rayudu misses his flick. The ball goes off the thigh pad towards the leg side. The batsmen look for a single initially but then decide against it in the end.
4.3 : Y Chahal to A Rayudu, Flatter on one middle, worked towards the leg side by Ambati and the batsmen run through for a quick single. The keeper, Parthiv runs to the ball and looks for a direct hit at the bowler's end but misses.
4.4 : Y Chahal to S Raina, From around the wicket, flicked to square leg for a single.
4.5 : Y Chahal to A Rayudu, Flatter one on middle, turned away safely for a single by Rayudu to deep mid-wicket.
4.6 : Y Chahal to S Raina, Shortens the length, outside off. Raina cuts the ball but finds the point fielder.
5.1 : M Ali to A Rayudu, Loopy delivery, it is full and right down the tramline. Rayudu hits it wide of point but Siraj dives and stops the single.
5.2 : M Ali to A Rayudu, Flighted outside off, Rayudu looks to defend but gets beaten. Virat Kohli at first slip was excited but Parthiv does not gather it well and spills it.
5.3 : M Ali to A Rayudu, Outside off, Ambati looks to defend it but once again gets beaten.
5.4 : M Ali to A Rayudu, A back of a length on off, Rayudu just works it to mid-wicket and runs for a single.
5.5 : M Ali to S Raina, A well tossed up delivery on off, Raina just drives it to the long off region for a single.
5.6 : M Ali to A Rayudu, Full on off, Rayudu blocks it with ease. That is the end of the Powerplay. Banglore at this stage were 33/2.
Navdeep Saini is back into the attack.
6.1 : N Saini to S Raina, Good length delivery on middle and leg, Raina flicks it to the fielder at mid-wicket.
6.2 : N Saini to S Raina, Back of a length delivery around off, Raina gets on his heels and blocks it.
6.3 : N Saini to S Raina, No ball! You cannot afford to give any extra runs when you're defending 71 but Saini has overstepped his line there. He bowls this on middle , Raina pulls it to fine leg for a single. Rayudu will get the Free Hit ball. Can he make the most of it?
FREE HIT TIME...
N Saini to A Rayudu, FOUR! Yes he can. Full length delivery on middle, Rayudu gets his front foot out of the line and whacks it over the bowler's head. He does not time it well but it is struck well enough to cross the rope after a couple of bounces.
6.4 : N Saini to A Rayudu, Saini bowls a full toss on off, Rayudu punches it to mid off and grabs a single.
6.5 : N Saini to S Raina, A short pitch delivery on leg, Raina on his back foot places it away to mid-wicket.
6.6 : N Saini to S Raina, Back of a length delivery on off, Raina punches it straight to point.
7.1 : M Ali to A Rayudu, Full outside off, Rayudu nudges it to long off and gets to the other end.
7.2 : M Ali to S Raina, FOUR! Raina takes the charge here. Flighted delivery on middle and off, Raina comes down the track and lofts it over mid on. The ball crosses the rope after a bounce.
7.3 : M Ali to S Raina, FOUR! Two in two. This time Raina stays in his crease. Tossed up on off, Raina gets on one knee and sweeps it between mid-wicket and long on for another boundary.
7.4 : M Ali to S Raina, Full on leg, Raina tries to flick it but misses it.
7.5 : M Ali to S Raina, Fuller delivery on middle, Raina defends it with ease.
7.6 : M Ali to S Raina, A quicker one in the air, Raina taps it to covers and runs for the single.
Umesh Yadav introduced into the attack.
8.1 : U Yadav to S Raina, Starts with a good length delivery on the pads, Raina tucks it to the fielder at mid-wicket.
8.2 : U Yadav to S Raina, Good length delivery outside off, Raina runs it down to third man for a single.
8.3 : U Yadav to A Rayudu, Back of a length delivery on off, Rayudu taps it back to the bowler.
8.4 : U Yadav to A Rayudu, Umesh sprays down the leg side, Rayudu flicks it to fine leg for a single.
8.5 : U Yadav to S Raina, Back of a length delivery, Raina flicks it to fine leg and takes a single. A cheer from the crowd as this single brings 5000 runs in the Indian T20 league for Suresh Raina.
8.6 : U Yadav to A Rayudu, Full on leg, Rayudu keeps it away.
Strategic Break - Chennai cruising along here. The target is a very small one and there is no scoring pressure. They lost Shane Watson early but Ambati Rayudu and Suresh Raina have steadied the ship. Only wickets will do for Bangalore and they need to get them very quickly and in heaps.
9.1 : M Ali to S Raina, FOUR! Beautiful shot! No power just pure timing and placement. Moeen bowls this at 91 case. Raina waits for it and then punches it through covers for a boundary.
9.2 : M Ali to S Raina, OUT! Moeen has the last laugh. Tossed up delivery on middle, Raina charges down the track and looks to clear the fielder at long on. He does not time it well enough as he doesn't get the desired elevation and it goes straight to Shivam Dubey positioned there. He takes it just inside the rope.
Kedar Jadhav walks out at number 4.
9.3 : M Ali to K Jadhav, Flatter on leg, Jadhav looks to glance it but gets an inside edge which falls just short of the leg slip fielder.
9.4 : M Ali to K Jadhav, A flat delivery on off, Jadhav wrists it away to the mid-wicket region and adds a double to the score.
9.5 : M Ali to K Jadhav, Full on leg, Jadhav taps it to mid-wicket and jogs for a single without looking at his partner. Rayudu at other end shouts a loud NO and sends Jadhav back.
9.6 : M Ali to K Jadhav, Full on off, defended.
10.1 : U Yadav to A Rayudu, Good length delivery on off, Rayudu taps it to point. No run.
10.2 : U Yadav to A Rayudu, Extra bounce on this one. Back of a length delivery on off, Rayudu looks top block it but it goes off the outer half of the bat towards third man for a single.
10.3 : U Yadav to K Jadhav, On a length this. Jadhav taps it back to the bowler with straight bat.
10.4 : U Yadav to K Jadhav, A back of a length angled in for Jadhav. Kedar was looking for a late cut but fails to put the bat on the ball.
10.5 : U Yadav to K Jadhav, A short pitch delivery on off, Kedar punches it to covers. Dot ball.
10.6 : U Yadav to K Jadhav, FOUR! Crisp! A back of a length delivery on off, Jadhav pulls it upshily and a one bounce four at the vacant mid-wicket region. The bat made a crisp sound on that. Perfect timing by Kedar on this.
Navdeep Saini back on.
11.1 : N Saini to A Rayudu, Good length ball on off, Rayudu blocks it off his back foot.
11.2 : N Saini to A Rayudu, Slightly fuller than the previous one. It is outside off, Rayudu hits it straight to point.
11.3 : N Saini to A Rayudu, Bouncer! Outside off, Ambati sways away from it.
11.4 : N Saini to A Rayudu, Back of a length delivery on middle and leg, Rayudu taps it to mid on. 4th dot ball this.
11.5 : N Saini to A Rayudu, FOUR! Lovely shot that. Short of a good length delivery on off, Rayudu plays a cover drive with precision. It goes through the gap between covers and extra cover. Ambati plays it with great technique, a great foot work and perfect placement.
11.6 : N Saini to A Rayudu, A back of a length delivery on off, Rayudu looks for a pull but gets an inside edge onto the ground.
Yuzvendra Chahal is back for his final over.
12.1 : Y Chahal to K Jadhav, Flighted on off, Jadhav blocks it off his front foot.
12.2 : Y Chahal to K Jadhav, On the pads, Jadhav flicks it wide of mid-wicket and blocks it.
12.3 : Y Chahal to A Rayudu, Wrong 'un this time. Pitched on middle, Rayudu plays it late and blocks it.
12.4 : Y Chahal to A Rayudu, Full on off, Rayudu puts it away.
12.5 : Y Chahal to A Rayudu, A nice air on this one. Full on leg, defended with ease.
12.6 : Y Chahal to A Rayudu, A loopy delivery outside off, Rayudu lets this one go. Chahal ends with the figures 4-1-6-1.
13.1 : N Saini to K Jadhav, Length ball outside off, defended back to the bowler by Rayudu off the back foot.
13.2 : N Saini to K Jadhav, Wide! Sprays this one down the leg side. The umpire spreads his hands wide.
N Saini to K Jadhav, Left alone! In a T20! Such is the state of the game. A length ball outside off, Jadhav leaves in perfect Test match fashion.
13.3 : N Saini to K Jadhav, On the pads, worked away to deep square leg for a single by KJ.
13.4 : N Saini to A Rayudu, Short of a length, Rayudu pulls it away for a couple of runs through mid-wicket.
13.5 : N Saini to A Rayudu, Another pull through the same region. Another couple results.
13.6 : N Saini to A Rayudu, Good sound off the bat but the ball goes straight to the fielder. A short length ball outside off, hit hard by Rayudu coming down the track.
Mohammed Siraj is back on.
14.1 : M Siraj to K Jadhav, Worked away off a length to third man for a single by Jadhav.
14.2 : M Siraj to A Rayudu, OUT! What has happened there? The stumps are in disarray! Rayudu was coming down the track and Siraj spots it early. He bowls it short and aims it at the body of the batsman. Rayudu is cramped for room and looks to pull it away still but the ball goes off the inside edge and onto the stumps. Too late in the game for Bangalore though.
Ravindra Jadeja is the new man in.
14.3 : M Siraj to R Jadeja, Slower ball bouncer outside off, Jadeja looks flummoxed by that as he leaves it alone.
14.4 : M Siraj to R Jadeja, Punched through the cover region by Jadeja for a couple of runs.
14.5 : M Siraj to R Jadeja, Inside edge! But safe. A length ball on top of off stump, Jadeja looks to defend it but gets an inside edge on the ball as it runs fine on the leg side. A run is taken.
14.6 : M Siraj to K Jadhav, Jadhav pushes the length ball on the off stump for a single through the cover region. He keeps strike for the next over.
Umesh Yadav is back on.
15.1 : U Yadav to K Jadhav, On a length and on the pads, flicked away to deep square leg for a single.
15.2 : U Yadav to R Jadeja, Pushed towards mid-wicket by Jadeja and the batsmen decide very late that they do not want a single. Could have been a run out had they run through. Kohli the fielder was quick to get to the ball.
15.3 : U Yadav to R Jadeja, Jadeja runs down the track and looks to hit it over cover. The ball goes off the outside edge and in the air, but no fielder there means the ball will run safely down to third man. A run is taken.
15.4 : U Yadav to K Jadhav, Dabbed down to third man for a single by KJ.
15.5 : U Yadav to R Jadeja, Wide! Way down the leg side from Umesh Yadav. The umpire has wided this one.
U Yadav to R Jadeja, On a short length and aimed at the head of the batsman, Jadeja fends it off uncomfortably and manages to get the ball to go to third man for a run.
15.6 : U Yadav to K Jadhav, Short of a length outside off, Jadhav mistimes the ball towards point.
Strategic break - The Chennai batsmen are in no hurry and doing this comfortably. Just another 3 runs required for them to get on the points table. Has been a dismal night for Bangalore and continues to be so.
16.1 : M Siraj to R Jadeja, Slower bouncer on middle, Jadeja sways out of the way and lets the ball go.
16.2 : M Siraj to R Jadeja, On a length outside off, Jadeja pushes it to the left of point where Hetmyer makes a diving stop. Good fielding effort despite there being nothing much left in the game.
16.3 : M Siraj to R Jadeja, Pushed towards point by RJ. No run.
16.4 : M Siraj to R Jadeja, Some confusion but all's well in the end. A fuller length ball on the leg stump, pushed back towards the bowler. Siraj fails to stop the ball completely and Jadeja looks for a single but Jadhav was ball watching there. Jaddu runs back in time.
16.5 : M Siraj to R Jadeja, The batsman has pushed it to the cover region.
16.6 : M Siraj to R Jadeja, A maiden! On a length on middle and leg, Jadeja pushes it towards mid-wicket for a dot ball.
Shivam Dubey on to bowl now.
17.1 : S Dubey to K Jadhav, Length ball on off stump, Jadhav moves a step across and turns it square on the leg side for a single.
17.2 : S Dubey to R Jadeja, Wide! The scores are level now. Dubey comes from around the wicket and angles it down the leg side, the umpire raises his arms and signals wide.
S Dubey to R Jadeja, Slower length delivery outside the line of off stump, Jadeja is early into the pull and misses the pull shot altogether.
17.3 : S Dubey to R Jadeja, Just behind a length, angling in from outside off, the left-hander goes for another pull but gets an inside edge onto his body.
17.4 : S Dubey to R Jadeja, And there it is... CHENNAI WIN BY 7 WICKETS! Rather comfortably in the end. Jadeja gets on top of this one and helps it through the vacant square leg area for a single.
The win eventually came for Chennai, even if it took longer than expected. Might not be the best Indian T20 League opener in the competition's history, but the defending champs wouldn't be complaining. They got maximum points and start the new campaign with a victory. They first got the job done with the ball, with the spin trio of Harbhajan, Tahir and Jadeja steamrolling the Bangalore batting line-up, bowling them out for just 70. And then, the hosts cruised along across the finish line without
Just one of the those days for the visiting side. Nothing went its way, not even the coin toss. Bangalore had a scrappy start with the bat, losing wickets early and at regular intervals, with all but Parthiv Patel getting into double figures. When they came out to bowl, they needed a miracle. Yuzvendra Chahal bowled amazingly well, finishing with 1/6 in his 4 overs, but the tourists needed a lot more. They'd like to put this behind them quickly and move on to the next one.
Virat Kohli, the Bangalore skipper, says no one wants to start like this but mentions that he is glad it is out of the way early on in the tournament. Is happy that the side took it till the 18th over in the bowling innings despite the low total and the poor effort by the batsmen. He informs us that no one expected this kind of wicket and they were deceived by the look on the surface. Expected it to be a 140-odd surface. Has some praise for Navdeep Saini who is a promising youngster. Reckons tha
Ambati Rayudu is called for a chat. He says that the wicket was a tough one to bat on but states that it would have been hard had Bangalore added 40-50 runs more. Felt like he was batting on a Day 4 wicket. Mentions that they have to start afresh in the new season and not think about the previous year where they were champions.
MS Dhoni, the winning Chennai skipper, says he was not really sure about the wicket. Informs us that they did play a practice game on the same pitch but there was not so much turn back then. He felt that the wicket was completely different to what anyone would have imagined. He mentions that he would like the wicket to improve and be a little high-scoring. On the spot of Harbhajan Singh, he says that the team members are well-informed prior to the games and that the shuffle of certain spots may
Harbhajan Singh is the Man of the Match. Laughs and says that it was a learning experience to transform from a commentator a few months back to a player come this tournament. He dedicates the award to his family. Mentions that there could not have been a better start to the league and also informs us that the coach told him he would be playing in this game due to the opposition having plenty of left-handers and bowling in the Powerplay. He looks forward to contribute further in the coming matche
So that is it from this game. The opening night in Chennai did not exactly turn out what it was hyped up to be. Chennai strolled to a victory in a very low-scoring game. A strong start for the reigning champions but a sorry one for Bangalore. Virat Kohli and his men will have to go back and come stronger next time. The Indian T20 League will see a double-header on Sunday. The first game will be Kolkata hosting Hyderabad at the Eden Gardens. It will begin at 1600 local (1030 GMT). And the second