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Kings XI Punjab vs Delhi Live Commentary, Match 13, Indian Premier League, 2019, April 1, 2019

KXIP 166/9 (20)
Kings XI Punjab beat Delhi Capitals by 14 runs
DC 152/10 (19.2)
Match over
Kings XI Punjab Inning Delhi Capitals Inning
0.0 : Just a week into the Indian T20 League 2019 and it's moved with a fast pace. We have seen almost everything, right from excellent bowling to thrilling batting to Mankading to a no ball costing a team. Now the action moves to Mohali where Punjab get ready to host their neighbours Delhi in an all North Indian clash. The hosts registered a convincing win over Mumbai and will be very confident heading into this tie. The touring team, on the other hand, are coming after a win through Super Over again
PITCH REPORT - Ian Bishop is the pitch expert and he says firstly that there is a good covering of grass which will provide nice pace and bounce here in Mohali. He mentions that the ground is not equal in dimensions on both sides and one side is much bigger than the other. He mentions that the usage of the short ball against Gayle will be important to get him out. States that Kagiso Rabada holds the key and has to make the big Windies opener hit towards the longer part of the boundary, whilst al
TOSS - Shreyas Iyer calls it correctly and DELHI WILL FIELD!
Delhi's skipper, Shreyas Iyer says that he thinks the wicket is a really good one to bat on and hence wants to chase, especially with the firepower in his side. Informs us that there is a single change to his team with Avesh Khan coming into the side in place of Amit Mishra. He reserves special praise for Kagiso Rabada who was the star with the ball in the Super Over last time around. Also states that he is excited about the talent that Sandeep Lamichhane possesses and expects him to continue pe
Punjab's skipper, Ravichandran Ashwin feels that the two games won by them have been complete team efforts and he is pleased with how his boys are playing. He reckons that conceding 40 runs in the last 4 overs is not a lot, also says it is something that he would take every single time and not be too worried about.
BIG NEWS - Chris Gayle is not named in Punjab's Playing XI! Andrew Tye is also sitting out. These are the two changes for the home team. Mujeeb Ur Rahman and Sam Curran are making a comeback.
Time to play the game! KL Rahul and SAM CURRAN are the openers for Punjab. Delhi are beginning with the fiery pace of Kagiso Rabada. All in readiness. Here we go...
0.1 : K Rabada to L Rahul, Starts with an inswinger. Lands it on a good length and outside off. Rahul shoulders arms and Pant collects it on one bounce.
0.2 : K Rabada to L Rahul, Yet again a delivery is in the zone outside off, Rahul watches the line closely and then makes another leave.
0.3 : K Rabada to L Rahul, FOUR! Rahul is away with a fine shot! The line is very straight from Rabada, Rahul just uses the pace and gently directs his flick shot through mid-wicket. Harshal Patel gives the chase but the outfield is very quick and the ball wins the race.
0.4 : K Rabada to L Rahul, Good length ball on off, angling in, Rahul defends it from the back foot to the off side.
0.5 : K Rabada to L Rahul, Sharp delivery, Rahul keeps it out on the off side safely.
0.6 : K Rabada to L Rahul, Nearly a catch to Avesh Khan at deep backward square leg. Rabada sprays a very full delivery down the leg side, KL flicks it in the air and is lucky that it doesn't carry to the fielder in the deep. A single to end the first over.
Who will share the bowling attack from the other end? A spinner or a pacer? It's Chris Morris.
1.1 : C Morris to L Rahul, Starts with a length ball on middle, at 137.4 kph, Rahul defends it off his back foot to mid-wicket.
1.2 : C Morris to L Rahul, FOUR! Great timing from KL! Morris drifts down the leg side, Rahul picks it off his pads and delightfully flicks it in front of square leg. Once again the ball speeds away to the fence in no time.
1.3 : C Morris to L Rahul, Straighter ball, turned off the pads but to mid-wicket.
1.4 : C Morris to L Rahul, SIX! Rahul getting into the act here! Morris digs in a short ball around leg, KL immediately gets back to ride the bounce and pulls it massively over fine leg. Last time it was a quiet beginning from Rahul but this time he has started in a brisk manner.
Rahul has been adjudged LBW! But he has taken the review straightaway. Inside edge? Missing leg? Let's see...
1.5 : C Morris to L Rahul, OUT! It's clipping leg! A very unfortunate dismissal for KL Rahul as it's a 50-50 decision from the umpire. Morris gets a full ball to angle down from the middle stump line. Rahul tries flicking but misses and wears the ball on his pads. They appeal and the finger goes up. Rahul quickly takes the DRS thinking it's missing the stumps but to his dismay, the replays show that the umpire's call will stand. A big breakthrough for Delhi as KL was looking in dangerous mood.
Mayank Agarwal is the number 3 batsman.
1.6 : C Morris to M Agarwal, Lovely timing, not in the gap. Mayank shows that he has been in prime form with that shot. Reaches out for a full ball and strokes it through the line. Finds Colin Ingram at cover-point. Eventful second over, 10 runs and the all-important wicket of KL Rahul from it.
Avesh Khan is into the attack, replacing Kagiso Rabada.
2.1 : A Khan to Sam Curran, Begins with a good length delivery on middle and off, Curran, facing his first delivery after two overs, defends it off the back foot to covers.
2.2 : A Khan to Sam Curran, FOUR! Lovely shot! Avesh feeds some room to Sam and he pounches onto it outside off. Plays a rocketing extra cover drive for a cracking boundary.
2.3 : A Khan to Sam Curran, FOUR! Two in two. This is why Sam Curran is sent up the order. Khan offers width yet again. It's outside off and this time Curran goes aerially over covers for a boundary.
2.4 : A Khan to Sam Curran, Avesh Khan switches to 'round the wicket and bowls a slower length ball around off. Sam plays it down from the crease towards backward point.
Colin Ingram is mic'd up. Says that the plan is not to bowl just one length consistently, probably try mixing the lengths. Adds that Avesh is probably not bowling short because square leg is up. Smiles on being asked about the Super Over the other night and says that he will remember that game for a long time...
2.5 : A Khan to Sam Curran, FOUR! The change in angle won't work if you keep providing width outside off. Curran drives again, nicely through the line and threads the gap between mid off and extra cover. Khan under immense pressure.
2.6 : A Khan to Sam Curran, Probably a slower one, shortish and outside off, Curran dabs it down to backward point. Three boundaries from Avesh's first over.
Sandeep Lamichhane is brought into the attack inside the Powerplay.
3.1 : S Lamichhane to M Agarwal, Tossed up ball on middle to start with, Mayank flicks it off his pads through mid-wicket and takes a run.
3.2 : S Lamichhane to Sam Curran, Flighted ball, around off and skidding away, Curran punches it off his back foot to covers.
3.3 : S Lamichhane to Sam Curran, This time the length is too full, around middle, Sam walks forward and knocks it down to long on for a couple of runs.
3.4 : S Lamichhane to Sam Curran, SIX! High and handsome! Sam Curran is doing his job efficiently. This time he runs down the track to a googly and hammers it over the bowler's head for a maximum.
3.5 : S Lamichhane to Sam Curran, OUT! Plumb in front! Lamichhane roars back to dismiss Curran. He delivers a leg spinner in the flatter trajectory and lands it around middle and leg. Sam should have been forward to this but decides to play it across the line from the back foot. But the ball spins back in slightly to catch him on the pads. They appeal and the umpire has no hesitation in raising his finger. Only landing of the ball would have been an issue but the replays showed that it's fine. Cu
Sarfaraz Khan walks in at number 4, replacing Curran.
3.6 : S Lamichhane to S Khan, Full and flighted on middle, Sarfaraz flicks it through mid-wicket for a run. 10 runs again from the over but once more it has a wicket in it.
Kagiso Rabada switches ends.
4.1 : K Rabada to S Khan, FOUR! Rabada returns and is welcomed with a boundary. Wrong line from the South African speedster. He is on the pads and Khan flicks it behind square leg for a boundary.
4.2 : K Rabada to S Khan, Good length ball on middle and off, Khan defends it off his back foot.
4.3 : K Rabada to S Khan, Shows the full face of the bat and defends the ball off the back foot.
4.4 : K Rabada to S Khan, Back of a length ball on off at 144.5 kph, Khan gently runs it down to third man and rotates the strike.
4.5 : K Rabada to M Agarwal, Mishit! Shortish and on off, Mayank gives himself room with the intention to go over covers but ends up dragging it off the inside edge to mid on.
4.6 : K Rabada to M Agarwal, Direct hit but Mayank Agarwal is declared safe by the square leg umpire! Back of a length ball on middle, Agarwal glances it off his hips in front of square leg and scampers back for the second run. A direct hit from the deep fielder but Mayank is in. He though seems to have hurt his hamstring while stretching for the run.
Physio is out! Hopefully, nothing is serious with Mayank Agarwal. He has been in amazing form of late and his presence is vital for the hosts. Seems fit to continue now. Meanwhile, Chris Morris is back on.
5.1 : C Morris to S Khan, Full and outside off, Sarfaraz pushes it out to the off side but finds the cover fielder.
5.2 : C Morris to S Khan, FOUR! This time Sarfaraz threads the gap on the off side. He reaches out for a length delivery outside off and crunches it past the left side of the cover fielder. No stopping this one.
5.3 : C Morris to S Khan, FOUR! 50 up for Punjab! Morris over-corrects his line and ends up bowling it too straight at 142.4 kph. Sarfaraz leans forward and across before flicking it through mid-wicket for a boundary.
5.4 : C Morris to S Khan, That would have hurt but Sarfaraz is not showing it. Back of a length ball in line of the stumps, Khan leans back and tries to evade but takes a blow near his chest area. He loves playing those late ramp shots and maybe was trying to execute it.
5.5 : C Morris to S Khan, It's been driven superbly through the covers. They pick up a single.
5.6 : C Morris to M Agarwal, Good length delivery on middle, Mayank helps it in front of square leg and takes a run. 10 coming from the over, fourth time so far 10-plus runs have come in an over. Powerplay is done also, Punjab are 54/2, their best score this season in first 6 overs!
Sandeep Lamichhane is back on.
6.1 : S Lamichhane to M Agarwal, A flatter leg spinner on off, a bit on the shorter side, Agarwal cuts but finds the point fielder.
6.2 : S Lamichhane to M Agarwal, Once again there is width on offer outside off, perfect for square cut but Mayank bottom edges it. Pant collects the ball on one bounce.
6.3 : S Lamichhane to M Agarwal, Finally connects with his square cut and finds the gap too. A single down to sweeper cover.
6.4 : S Lamichhane to S Khan, Fires a fuller one on the pads at 93.3 kph, Sarfaraz knocks it down to long on for one.
6.5 : S Lamichhane to M Agarwal, Flatter and quicker on middle, Mayank nudges it towards mid-wicket and calls for two. The bowler immediately runs after the ball and the batsmen will have to satisfy with just a run.
6.6 : S Lamichhane to S Khan, Fullish and on off, driven down to long off for a run. Excellent over from the Nepal spinner, just 4 runs from it.
Harshal Patel is introduced into the attack.
7.1 : H Patel to S Khan, OUT! A run out at the non-striker's end, no a Punjab batsman has not been Mankaded, it's courtesy a direct hit from Shikhar 'Gabbar' Dhawan at the bowler's end in a flash. Harshal starts his spell with a slower length ball outside off, Sarfaraz forces it off his back foot to covers where Dhawan collects the ball and immediately has a shy at the non-striker's end. He hits the bull's eye and Mayank is outside the crease. This is a big setback for Punjab as the in-form batsm
0.0 : David Miller is the new batsman.
7.2 : H Patel to S Khan, A yorker on middle, Sarfaraz digs it out to mid-wicket and crosses.
7.3 : H Patel to D Miller, Pushed to the cover region by the batsman. No run.
7.4 : H Patel to D Miller, Five wides! Patel comes from 'round the wicket for the southpaw and sprays his delivery way down the leg side. Miller fails to get any bat behind it and the keeper also fails to get around it. Bonus runs for Punjab!
H Patel to D Miller, Pushed to the cover region by the batsman, not in the gap.
7.5 : H Patel to D Miller, Back of a length ball on off, punched off the back foot to covers.
7.6 : H Patel to D Miller, Slower one, in the line of the stumps, Miller hits it off the bottom edge towards mid on for a run.
Avesh Khan returns.
8.1 : A Khan to D Miller, Play and a miss! Khan angles across a length delivery outside off, Miller pushes inside the line and misses.
8.2 : A Khan to D Miller, Good length delivery on middle at 143.9 kph, Miller puts bat on ball and flicks it to deep mid-wicket for a single.
8.3 : A Khan to S Khan, Pulls down his pace a bit and bowls a shortish ball on off at 135.5 kph. Sarfaraz picks it late and then defends it from the back foot.
8.4 : A Khan to S Khan, FOUR! That's a lovely shot! Avesh delivers it wide outside off, on a shortish length, Sarfaraz camps back and steers it through backward point for a boundary.
8.5 : A Khan to S Khan, FOUR! Not quite where he intended. A delivery in the line of the stumps, Sarfaraz tries playing the paddle scoop over the keeper but it takes the outer half of his blade and flies down to third man for a boundary.
8.6 : A Khan to S Khan, Tickles it off his pads through square leg and keeps strike. Another 10-run over in this innings.
Strategic break. In spite of losing wickets, Punjab are going at a decent rate. They though cannot afford to lose any more wickets and the current pair will have to bat out maximum overs, if they want to reach anywhere close to 175. Delhi will want to keep chipping away at the wickets and also bowl some quiet overs to build pressure. The all-important middle phase is about to start...
9.1 : H Patel to S Khan, Deceives the batsman with a slower one! Full and outside off, Khan tries to loft it over covers but ends up slicing it over point for a single.
9.2 : H Patel to D Miller, Play and a miss! Shortish and outside off, from 'round the wicket, Miller flashes and misses.
9.3 : H Patel to D Miller, Back of a length ball on off, angling in, Miller goes back and punches it to covers for a run.
9.4 : H Patel to S Khan, A slower short ball outside off, Sarfaraz guides it down to third man and picks up a single.
9.5 : H Patel to D Miller, SIX! This one has disappeared! Harshal pushes his luck a little too much by bowling a slower full ball wide outside off. Miller picks it very early and launches it over covers for a biggie.
9.6 : H Patel to D Miller, Wide! Returns to over the wicket for the left-hander now but slips a full ball down the leg side. David tries flicking but misses. How many the extra ball will fetch?
H Patel to D Miller, Just a single. Shortish ball on middle, slower in pace, Miller under edges his pull down to short fine leg.
Change in bowling. It's time for some part-time off spin from Hanuma Vihari.
10.1 : H Vihari to D Miller, Flatter and full outside off, driven through covers for a single.
10.2 : H Vihari to S Khan, Pushed to the cover region by the batsman. One run added to the total.
10.3 : H Vihari to D Miller, Senses the charge from the batsman and lets out a flatter full ball wide outside off. Miller does well to get some bat on ball as he forces it down to long off from the bottom half of his blade. They pick up a single.
10.4 : H Vihari to S Khan, Stays back footed and punches it down to long off for a run.
10.5 : H Vihari to D Miller, Goes back and turns it through mid-wicket for a run.
10.6 : H Vihari to S Khan, FOUR! Brilliantly played by Khan. Too full in length outside off, Sarfraz brings down an angled bat and squeezes it out through point for a glorious boundary. Spoils a fine over from Hanuma.
Sandeep Lamichhane is back on.
11.1 : S Lamichhane to D Miller, Skidding away from the batsman from outside off, Miller fails to put bat on ball and Pant also fails to collect it. They cross for a bye.
11.2 : S Lamichhane to S Khan, Hurries down the track but it turns out to be a wrong 'un. Khan pads it away eventually.
11.3 : S Lamichhane to S Khan, The batsman flicks it away with a wristy shot. One run added to the total.
11.4 : S Lamichhane to D Miller, Driven through mid off by the batsman. They pick up a single.
11.5 : S Lamichhane to S Khan, Tries to play the pull shot but it's not short enough and he gets an inside edge. The ball goes through his legs to short fine leg for a run.
11.6 : S Lamichhane to D Miller, SIX! 100 comes up for Punjab in 12 overs! Lamichhane goes flat and quick at 90.4 kph, Miller advances down the track and hoists it over wide long on for a maximum. Once again the last ball spoils the entire over for Delhi.
Harshal Patel is back on. 2-0-18-0 so far.
12.1 : H Patel to S Khan, Full and wide outside off, Sarfaraz comes down the track and drives it through the covers for a single.
12.2 : H Patel to D Miller, Full on middle, flicked to deep mid-wicket for a couple. 50-RUN STAND COMES UP, in 33 balls. If these two hang around for another 4-5 overs, that could set the base for 200 quite nicely.
12.3 : H Patel to D Miller, FOUR! Poor line, hardly any pace. Short and on middle, Miller swivels and pulls it past short fine leg for a boundary!
12.4 : H Patel to D Miller, FOUR! Off the outside edge. Consecutive boundaries for Miller. Outside off, David looks to push but the ball skids through, goes away, beats him for pace, yes that is true. A 129.7 kph ball beats Miller for pace and the ball goes off the outside edge to the third man fence.
12.5 : H Patel to D Miller, DROPPED! Difficult, but could have been taken. Should have been taken. You do not give lives to Killer Miller. Full and straight, David drives it straight back but cannot quite keep it down. Harshal is going to his left in his followthrough and has to adjust late as the ball comes to his right. He is not quite able to hang on.
A bit of a delay. Harshal seems to have hurt himself while trying to take that return catch. Out comes the physio.
12.6 : H Patel to D Miller, Outside off, driven through the covers for a single. 12 from the over, 22 from the last 2.
13.1 : S Lamichhane to D Miller, Flighted and full on middle, a googly, Miller gets forward and pushes it towards extra cover.
13.2 : S Lamichhane to D Miller, Tossed up ball on middle again, this time Miller flicks it with the spin to deep mid-wicket for a run.
13.3 : S Lamichhane to S Khan, Well played! A leg spinner on the shorter side outside off, Sarfaraz delays his shot and plays a delicate late cut towards short third man for one. Would have loved a boundary from that shot, Khan.
13.4 : S Lamichhane to D Miller, Fullish and on middle, pushed down to long on for a run.
13.5 : S Lamichhane to S Khan, OUT! The 62-run partnership has been broken and Lamichhane has struck gold in his final over. The spinner from Nepal generously tosses up his delivery in the air and lands it slightly short outside off. It lands, grips and turns away after hitting the deck. Sarfaraz stays rooted to the crease as he probably tries to play a lofted shot over covers. But the away spin means that a thick outside edge is generated and Pant does just enough to hang on to the catch. To los
Mandeep Singh is the new man in.
13.6 : S Lamichhane to M Singh, Pushed to the cover region by the batsman. They pick up a single. Just 4 from the over along with the prized scalp of Sarfaraz. Sandeep Lamichhane has bowled out also, 4-0-27-2!
Strategic break. Six overs left in this innings and the onus is now on David Miller to do the bulk of scoring. Delhi will be delighted to see Sarfaraz' back but still they need to keep the same intensity going in the field. They have already given one life to Miller and will be hoping that it doesn't come back to haunt them. Avesh Khan to bowl after the mini-break.
14.1 : A Khan to M Singh, Good length ball on off, played from the crease to point.
14.2 : A Khan to M Singh, Slightly short and on off, it's been pulled all along the ground through mid-wicket for a single.
14.3 : A Khan to D Miller, That's a very rash shot attempted by Miller. Avesh bowls a slower short ball on off, angling away, Miller speeds down the track and swings his bat blindly at it. Fails to make any contact.
14.4 : A Khan to D Miller, Too full and on middle, plenty on pace on this one, Miller forces it out down to long on for one.
14.5 : A Khan to M Singh, This time it's a slower one on off, full in length, Mandeep quietly places his flick shot in front of square leg and runs the first run hard. He's looking for the second run also but it's not on.
14.6 : A Khan to D Miller, Sliding down the leg side, Miller tries to flick it over square leg but fails to make any connection. Wide called!
A Khan to D Miller, FOUR! Yet another boundary on the last ball of an over, this has happened for the third time in the last five overs. A low full toss on off at 139 kph, Miller needs no second invitation there as he lifts it over extra cover and easily finds the fence.
15.1 : H Patel to M Singh, A lovely yorker, Mandeep digs it out carefully.
15.2 : H Patel to M Singh, Slower one, full in length, it's pushed back to the bowler.
15.3 : H Patel to M Singh, Edgy! Patel angles in a length ball on middle, Mandeep tries to flick it on the leg side but it takes the leading edge and runs down to third man for one.
15.4 : H Patel to D Miller, FOUR! Feeding full tosses to David Miller is never a good idea. This is the second time in a row the South African has received such ball and he shows no qualms in sending it to the wide long off fence.
15.5 : H Patel to D Miller, Very full in length on off, it's driven through covers for one.
15.6 : H Patel to M Singh, Lands it on a length around off, Mandeep pushes it to the extra cover fielder standing on the edge of the ring. An easy run to complete a 7-run over. 19 runs in the last three overs.
Chris Morris is back on to bowl at the death. Kagiso Rabada has also two left. David Miller is also there with the bat. It's turning out to be an all South African affair in the Indian T20 League.
16.1 : C Morris to M Singh, Fullish and outside off, driven square of the wicket on the off side for a run.
16.2 : C Morris to D Miller, OUT! Now, this is a body blow to Punjab considering the timing of this wicket. Morris has removed his countryman with a well-disguised off cutter. He bowls it wide outside off and Miller tries to slog it across the line without accounting for the chance in pace. He ends up top edging it behind to the keeper and Rishabh Pant takes the skier safely. A good knock from David but his team needed his killer batting to kill the death overs.
Hardus Viljoen is the new batsman.
16.3 : C Morris to M Singh, Wide! Slips one down the leg side, Mandeep tries to flick but misses.
C Morris to M Singh, Fractionally short and outside off, Singh forces it off his back foot to sweeper cover for a run.
16.4 : C Morris to H Viljoen, A wide yorker outside off, Viljoen squeezes it out to point for one.
16.5 : C Morris to M Singh, Spears in a full ball on middle at 144 clicks, Mandeep falls across a bit in his stance as he flicks it through mid-wicket for one.
16.6 : C Morris to H Viljoen, Keeps a full ball out and ends the over, only 5 from it along with Miller's wicket.
Kagiso Rabada to bowl from the other end.
17.1 : K Rabada to M Singh, FOUR! Misfield in the deep from Bandaru Ayyappa (sub)! Shortish delivery has been pulled powerfully over mid-wicket. It lands just inside the bounce and the substitute fielder fails to deal with the bounce. Goes through his hands and touches the rope.
17.2 : K Rabada to M Singh, Mandeep gets an inside edge and the ball hits him on the pads. The batsmen have run through for a single.
17.3 : K Rabada to H Viljoen, OUT! One more returns to the pavilion. A back of a length ball on off, Viljoen stays back to play a lofted shot but mistimes it towards extra cover. Morris moves across to his right and grabs the catch with ease. Yet another South African batsman is hunted down by a South African bowler and guess what, the catches it also a South African. Overdose of Africans.
Skipper Ravichandran Ashwin walks in next.
17.4 : K Rabada to M Singh, A sharp bouncer, Mandeep tries to hook but misses.
17.5 : K Rabada to M Singh, Connects with his pull shot this time and sends it to deep square leg for a run.
17.6 : K Rabada to R Ashwin, Pushes it out to covers and takes a run.
18.1 : C Morris to R Ashwin, Well bowled. A low full toss on leg, Ashwin backs away and drives it through covers for a single.
18.2 : C Morris to M Singh, Full and on middle, Mandeep powers it down to long on for a run.
18.3 : C Morris to R Ashwin, The batsman has played the paddle sweep. One run added to the total.
18.4 : C Morris to M Singh, Tries to heave but gets an inside edge onto the pads. It deflects to short third man and they cross.
18.5 : C Morris to R Ashwin, OUT! Timber! A 141.4 kph low full toss on off, Ashwin clears his front leg to hit it through the line but fails to make any connection. The off stump is tickled. There is an argument over here that whether there was some bat or not. We have not seen the replays but that doesn't matter much. Ashwin will have to depart.
One Ashwin goes, another comes. Murugan Ashwin at the crease.
18.6 : C Morris to M Ashwin, Ashwin has played it to the point region. One run added to the total.
19.1 : K Rabada to M Ashwin, OUT! A collision but a gentle one only, no one is hurt. Rabada flashes a smile. Back of a length ball on middle and leg, at 140.3 kph, Murugan top edges his attempted pull shot towards short third man. Pant moves swiftly to his right from his position, Avesh Khan runs forward from backward point, no calling whatsoever and they both go for the catch. It pops out once from Avesh's hands but then he recovers to catch it back. Ideally the keeper should always call for it
Shami is in.
19.2 : K Rabada to M Singh, A slower ball bouncer, around off, pulled to deep mid-wicket for a couple.
19.3 : K Rabada to M Singh, Pushes this towards long on for a run.
19.4 : K Rabada to M Shami, OUT! A fiery bouncer and Shami is gone. A short ball, outside off, Shami looks to pull but misses and is hit on the body. He can barely recover from the blow but Mandeep is already at the other end. Shami does not even bother to run. Rabada quickly goes to his right and then jogs across to the other end. Removes a bail, then keeps it back and then eventually dislodges the stumps with the ball.
Mujeeb is the last man in. Can they at least bat out their 20 overs?
19.5 : K Rabada to M Singh, FOUR! Full and outside off, Mandeep lofts it over mid off and gets a boundary!
19.6 : K Rabada to M Singh, SIX! 10 from the final 2 balls! Mandeep ensures Punjab finish on a high. A length ball, outside off, Singh charges down slightly and lofts it over long off! PUNJAB FINISH ON 166/9!
That is a shame for Punjab. 117/3 in 13 overs. Just 49 in the last 7. That is what wickets can do. They looked to be on course for a 180-plus total, perhaps even 200 but Sarfaraz' wicket derailed their innings.
On a sluggish pitch, Punjab's new openers could not quite get going, with Sam Curran promoted. At 58/3 in the 8th over, things were beginning to look pear-shaped but a timely 62-run stand between Sarfaraz and Miller rescued them. The run-rate started to climb and it was at this stage that perhaps Delhi felt the game slipping away. But Morris and Rabada came back superbly for their side. The duo combined well in the last 4 overs to produce figures of 4-0-30-4 and also affected a superb run out. A
A decent bowling performance by Delhi with only Avesh Khan and Harshal Patel being taken to the cleaners. Morris and Rabada strut their stuff but how good was Sandeep Lamichhane? The Nepalese was really instrumental in keeping Punjab tied down.
Killer Miller is looking in a dejected mode as he gives an interview to Ian Bishop. Says that he is not too sure about the score but feels the final over was a decent one for them, reckoning those runs could be vital ones. Mentions that they were initially looking for 180-plus but now will strive to defend this score. Hopes that they can use the extra bounce on the surface to get the early wickets that they need, also informing us that the surface is slightly slow and sticky in nature as well. O
167 to win then. If dew sets in, then this is game over for Punjab. Else, on a sluggish deck, this could be a competitive total. Stay tuned...
0.0 : The players are back out in the middle. It will be spin to start off proceedings. Prithvi Shaw and Shikhar Dhawan are the openers for Delhi. Prithvi to face. Here we go...
0.1 : R Ashwin to P Shaw, OUT! Gone first ball! Ashwin has removed last match's hero for a zero here! After a lot of confusion though! A flatter arm ball outside off, actually more like a seam up delivery going straight on after landing outside off. Shaw pushes at it lazily and gets a very thin nick on it. Rahul behind the wickets takes the catch, whips the bails off as well and appeals to both umpires. Ashwin is already celebrating as he knew that was a catch! The umpire is waiting and so is the
Shreyas Iyer walks in at number 3.
0.2 : R Ashwin to S Iyer, Flatter one on middle, Shreyas and Delhi are off the mark with a single to long on.
0.3 : R Ashwin to S Dhawan, Flatter one on middle, pushed towards cover on the front foot.
0.4 : R Ashwin to S Dhawan, Wide! Ashwin sprays this ball down the leg side. It is wided by the umpire.
R Ashwin to S Dhawan, FOUR! On a shorter length this time outside off, Dhawan dabs it fine. He beats the short third man fielder and that means the ball will race to the fence.
0.5 : R Ashwin to S Dhawan, Worked away off the back foot to deep mid-wicket by Dhawan for a run.
0.6 : R Ashwin to S Iyer, Fuller and quicker on middle, Iyer pushes it back down the ground.
Sam Curran to bowl from the other end.
1.1 : Sam Curran to S Dhawan, Curran starts with a fuller length delivery on middle and off, Dhawan pushes it to mid on
1.2 : Sam Curran to S Dhawan, A length delivery on off, Dhawan drives it to mid off, Ashwin at mid off slides to stop the ball but due to dew misfields it, two runs added.
1.3 : Sam Curran to S Dhawan, Fuller on leg, Dhawan looks for a flick but fails to connect and the ball hits him on his pads. The ball nearly rolled on to the stumps.
1.4 : Sam Curran to S Iyer, FOUR! Bowls this on a slower pace outside off, Iyer opens the face of the bat and finds the gap between short third man and point. The ball races off the turf and runs to the fence. A leg bye is stolen.
1.5 : Sam Curran to S Iyer, On a shorter length this time, Shreyas smartly taps it to the off side and sets off for a quick single.
1.6 : Sam Curran to S Dhawan, On the pads, Dhawan misses his flick and gets rapped on the pads. A leg bye is taken as the ball rolls towards the leg side.
2.1 : R Ashwin to S Dhawan, A flatter delivery on off, Dhawan waits for it and defends it.
2.2 : R Ashwin to S Dhawan, WIDE! Ashwin drifts down the leg side.
R Ashwin to S Dhawan, A back of a length delivery on off, Shikhar punches it to covers.
2.3 : R Ashwin to S Dhawan, A floated delivery, Dhawan pushes it to covers for a single.
2.4 : R Ashwin to S Iyer, Wide! Ashwin losing his radar here. Bowls this way down leg side and concedes an extra.
R Ashwin to S Iyer, That was tight! Iyer flicks the ball off his pads and sets off for a quick single. The fielder at square leg picks up the ball and has a shy at the keeper's end. He misses by a whisker. That could have been close had the ball hit the stumps.
2.5 : R Ashwin to S Dhawan, FOUR! That is a top-class drive! Really full outside off, Dhawan just has to find the gap there and he does so easily. The rest is taken care of by the timing and the outfield.
2.6 : R Ashwin to S Dhawan, Flicked towards the leg side by Shikhar and a single is taken by the batsmen. Good over for Delhi, 9 off it in the end.
Mohammed Shami to bowl now.
3.1 : M Shami to S Dhawan, Shami starts with a short of a good length delivery. Dhawan punches it from his back foot to covers and runs for a single.
3.2 : M Shami to S Iyer, Shami angles this one in. Shreyas tries to guide it to third man but gets an inside edge onto the ground.
3.3 : M Shami to S Iyer, Short length ball on off, patted towards the off side by Shreyas and a quick single is taken by the batsmen.
3.4 : M Shami to S Dhawan, Fuller length ball on the middle and leg stump line from around the wicket, it is flicked away by Dhawan for an easy couple.
3.5 : M Shami to S Dhawan, Another quick single! This is good rotation of the strike. A short length ball, it is punched off the back foot towards mid on and the batsmen exchange strike.
3.6 : M Shami to S Iyer, Dabbed down to third man for a run and the Delhi skipper retains strike for the next over.
Hardus Viljoen is into the attack.
4.1 : H Viljoen to S Iyer, FOUR! This guy is talented or what! A length ball outside off, maybe a tad short. Shreyas just pushes it off the back foot and finds the gap behind point. The outfield does the rest. That is just class batting.
4.2 : H Viljoen to S Iyer, FOUR! Two in a row! A short length ball on middle, Iyer swivels and pulls it away fine on the leg side. The ball goes to the fence on a couple of bounces. Delhi going well after the early setback.
4.3 : H Viljoen to S Iyer, Shorter length once more, this time on top of middle. Defended off the back foot by Shreyas.
4.4 : H Viljoen to S Iyer, A good length delivery on off, Iyer defends it back to the bowler.
4.5 : H Viljoen to S Iyer, A back of a length on leg, Shreyas keeps it away.
4.6 : H Viljoen to S Iyer, A back of a length on off, Delhi skipper plays it straight to point. 4 dot balls in this over.
5.1 : M Shami to S Dhawan, A short of a good length delivery on off, Dhawan cuts it to covers.
5.2 : M Shami to S Dhawan, FOUR! Dhawan looks in the zone here tonight. A fuller length ball outside off, Shikhar is off the blocks and runs down the track before lifting the ball over mid off's head. The ball goes to the fence on a couple of bounces.
5.3 : M Shami to S Dhawan, On a length and off stump line, pushed back to mid off for a single by Dhawan as he brings his captain back on strike.
5.4 : M Shami to S Iyer, FOUR! Crunched away over point! A short length ball on middle, Shreyas is too talented to be troubled by that ball. He backs away and rocks his cut over the head of point. The second boundary of the over!
5.5 : M Shami to S Iyer, Shami makes a good comeback. Length delivery on off, Iyer defends it.
5.6 : M Shami to S Iyer, Dabbed down towards the third man region for a single by Iyer. He will keep strike for the next over. Delhi are 49/1 at the end of the Powerplay. Punjab were 54/2 at the end of their 6.
Mujeeb Ur Rahman to bowl after the Powerplay.
6.1 : Ur Rahman to S Iyer, Mujeeb starts with a length delivery on off, Shreyas drives it to covers.
6.2 : Ur Rahman to S Iyer, A floated delivery on off, Iyer drives it to mid off for a single. That brings 50 partnership between the pair. A nice resurrection after losing wicket the very first ball.
6.3 : Ur Rahman to S Dhawan, Mujeeb bowls this on leg, Dhawan flicks it to square leg for a single.
6.4 : Ur Rahman to S Iyer, Wide! This ball is darted in by Mujeeb but it is well down leg side. He is penalised for the same.
Ur Rahman to S Iyer, Driven down to long off for a single by the Delhi captain.
6.5 : Ur Rahman to S Dhawan, FOUR! That is an excellent shot! Short and wide outside off, Dhawan pounces on the width and cuts it away to find the gap in betwen short third man and point. No chance for either fielder there.
6.6 : Ur Rahman to S Dhawan, Flatter one on top of off stump, punched back by Dhawan.
Hardus Viljoen to bowl now.
7.1 : H Viljoen to S Iyer, FOUR! That is crisp. A juicy half volley on off, Shreyas Iyer just leans forwards and beautifully drives it through the covers region for a boundary.
7.2 : H Viljoen to S Iyer, OUT! Hardus is pumped! What a comeback after being hit for a boundary on the previous ball. A length ball outside off, well wide and Shreyas lazily pushes at it from the crease. He gets an inside edge and the ball knocks his middle and off stump. Viljoen has the last laugh. That does not matter though. What matters is he has got the big wicket and brings the 61-run stand to an end.
Rishabh Pant walks out next.
7.3 : H Viljoen to R Pant, A short of a good length on leg, Pant looks to flick it but fails to connect his bat. The ball hits him on his thigh pads.
7.4 : H Viljoen to R Pant, FOUR leg byes! Hardus strays onto the pads, Pant looks to flick but misses the ball. The ball goes off the pads and runs fine on the leg side for a boundary. It is signalled as leg byes by the umpire.
7.5 : H Viljoen to R Pant, Overthrows! Unnecessary from Punjab. A length ball outside off, Pant looks to cut the ball but gets an inside edge onto the pads. The ball rolls to cover and the batsmen set off for a quick single. The fielder there picks the ball and throws the ball to the keeper's end in an attempt to make a direct hit. He fails and ends up conceding an extra run.
7.6 : H Viljoen to R Pant, Cut away off the back foot towards point. It goes on a bounce and there is no chance of a run being taken.
8.1 : Ur Rahman to S Dhawan, A tossed up delivery on off, Dhawan just pushes it to extra cover, misfield by Ashwin allows a single.
8.2 : Ur Rahman to R Pant, FOUR! Pant announces himself. A flighted delivery and Pant plays a sloggish sweep to square leg and the ball hits the ropes. Rishabh Pant trademark.
8.3 : Ur Rahman to R Pant, Flatter one on the pads, flicked away to mid-wicket by Pant. The ball is in the gap and 2 runs can be taken.
8.4 : Ur Rahman to R Pant, Wide outside off, run down to the right of short third man. A single is taken by the batsmen.
8.5 : Ur Rahman to S Dhawan, Once again outside off, cut away by Dhawan to the left of the point fielder for a single.
8.6 : Ur Rahman to R Pant, A misfield allows the single. Cut by Pant as this ball is wide outside off. The point fielder fails to stop the ball cleanly and a run can be stolen.
Strategic break - Punjab got the early wicket of Shaw but Delhi have rebuilt well through Dhawan and Iyer. The latter was dismissed just a couple of overs back but Pant has walked out to the middle, looking aggressive. Delhi will hope that the two southpaws out in the middle can continue for some time and take them closer to the target. Meanwhile, Punjab would like 1 or 2 quick wickets to really get the away side in a spot of bother.
Run out appeal! Pant took on the fielder for the second run and seems to have made it in. The square leg umpire though wants to be sure and has taken it upstairs.
9.1 : R Ashwin to R Pant, NOT OUT! Pant is well past the crease, almost past the stumps as well. A flatter one on middle, Pant flicks it to deep mid-wicket and runs for a couple. The fielder in the deep throws the ball to the keeper's end and Rahul removes the bails and asks the question. The umpire takes it upstairs and the replays show us Pant is safe.
9.2 : R Ashwin to R Pant, Mujeeb pushes his length further, bowls this one fuller. Pant sweeps it to square leg for a single.
9.3 : R Ashwin to S Dhawan, A flighted delivery on leg, Dhawan dances down the track and drives it to mid on for a single.
9.4 : R Ashwin to R Pant, Shorter length ball, pushed to wide long on and a single is taken.
9.5 : R Ashwin to S Dhawan, OUT! Dhawan is out of here! Ashwin has got the big fish. A flatter one on middle and sliding down with the angle. Shikhar does not get out of the way as he looks to make room and cut. Gets caught as the ball raps his pad. The appeal is made and the umpire's finger goes up almost immediately. Dhawan does consider the review but his partner does not think he should take it and that is a smart decision. The replays later show us that there were three reds on that one.
Colin Ingram walks out next.
9.6 : R Ashwin to C Ingram, Driven through mid on for a single as Ingram gets off the mark straightaway.
10.1 : Ur Rahman to C Ingram, A back of a length on off, Ingram just taps it to covers and takes a quick single.
10.2 : Ur Rahman to R Pant, Fuller length on leg, Pant gets in one knee and goes for a sweep. Gets an inside edge onto his pads and he takes a single.
10.3 : Ur Rahman to C Ingram, Loud appeal but the umpire is unmoved! A quicker one on middle and sliding down with the angle. Ingram misses his flick and gets hit on the front pad first and then on the back pad. There is a huge appeal. The umpire does not budge though as the ball looked like it would have slid down the leg side. Might have been a slight nick there as well.
10.4 : Ur Rahman to C Ingram, FOUR! That is some way to answer the appeal on the previous ball. Wide outside off, cut away through backward point for a boundary by Ingram. That takes off some of the pressure.
10.5 : Ur Rahman to C Ingram, Excellent fielding! An excellent drive from Ingram off the back foot but Mandeep at cover dives full length and prevents any runs from being taken.
10.6 : Ur Rahman to C Ingram, Colin picks a single off the last ball by going onto the back foot and punching it away down the ground.
Ashwin replaces Ashwin, Murugan in place of Ravichandran.
11.1 : M Ashwin to C Ingram, A short delivery by Ashwin, Ingram just guides it to point.
11.2 : M Ashwin to C Ingram, Ashwin bowls this on off, Ingram pushes it to covers, a misfeild by Mandeep allows a single
11.3 : M Ashwin to R Pant, A short of a good length delivery on middle and off, Pant tries a pull from his front foot, but gets an inside age onto his pads.
11.4 : M Ashwin to R Pant, Shorter one outside off, cut away to deep cover for a single by Pant.
11.5 : M Ashwin to C Ingram, FOUR! That is a good smart shot! A flatter one on the pads, Ingram gets on his knees and sweeps it over fine leg for a boundary.
11.6 : M Ashwin to C Ingram, Brilliant running! A length ball on middle, pushed through cover for a couple of runs. Pant forces his partner to come for the second run and gets back easily in the end. He is really quick, this young Delhi lad.
Hardus Viljoen is brought back on.
12.1 : H Viljoen to R Pant, A short delivery on middle and off, Pant pulls it to mid-wicket. Single added.
12.2 : H Viljoen to C Ingram, Back of a length on off, Ingram punches it to covers.
12.3 : H Viljoen to C Ingram, Excellent fielding in the deep! A short length ball outside off, cut away hard by Ingram through point. Murugan Ashwin in the deep makes a full length dive and stops the ball well, saving a couple of runs for his team. The 100 comes up for Delhi.
12.4 : H Viljoen to C Ingram, FOUR! No stopping this one! Fuller one outside off, Colin Ingram reaches out and hits this slightly aerially but in the gap. The ball goes for a boundary.
Review time! OUT! LBW!
Was it pitching outside leg? Ingram wants to have a second look...
12.5 : H Viljoen to C Ingram, NOT OUT! Yes indeed! That was landing outside leg and it did look the same to the naked eye. Ingram survives! A length ball outside leg, going straight on, catches Ingram in front of the stumps. Viljoen appeals and the umpire's finger goes up. Ingram reviews straightaway! There is no inside edge on the replays but the ball is seen landing well outside leg. Not out will be the decision as the on-field umpire changes his.
12.6 : H Viljoen to C Ingram, Flicked away wristily for a single to deep mid-wicket.
13.1 : M Ashwin to C Ingram, A short delivery around middle, Ingram punches it from his back foot to covers for a single.
13.2 : M Ashwin to R Pant, FOUR! It goes just over Mandeep at cover. A short one outside off, Pant goes back in the crease and slaps it over cover. Mandeep there dives and tries to reach that but his effort goes in vain. The ball goes to the deep cover boundary.
Mandeep is on the field even though he is seen limping. He had hurt himself in the process of the dive but wants to stay on the field and that speaks a lot about his character.
13.3 : M Ashwin to R Pant, A back of a length delivery by Ashwin, Pant waits for the ball to come to him and flicks it to mid-wicket.
13.4 : M Ashwin to C Ingram, Some confusion but all's well in the end! A push from Ingram to cover-point. Pant wants a single but is sent back by his partner. He reaches back in time with a jumpy dive.
Now, Pant looks in some pain. Seems like he has done something to the fingers on his right hand while diving full length. The physio is out there.
13.5 : M Ashwin to C Ingram, FOUR! That was a scorching drive! A flighted ball outside off, driven by Ingram through the left of cover. There is no stopping that ball. Long off is a mere spectator.
13.6 : M Ashwin to C Ingram, Pulled away for a single to deep mid-wicket. Ingram keeps strike for the next over.
Mujeeb Ur Rahman is brought back on to bowl now.
14.1 : Ur Rahman to C Ingram, Flatter and shorter arm ball on middle, it's punched back to the bowler.
14.2 : Ur Rahman to C Ingram, SIX! High and handsome! Flighted this time, full and on middle, Ingram shimmies down the track and powers it over the bowler's head for a biggie, first of the innings.
14.3 : Ur Rahman to C Ingram, The batsman has pushed it to the cover region. One run added to the total.
14.4 : Ur Rahman to R Pant, Short and wide outside off, Pant misses out and hits it straight to point.
14.5 : Ur Rahman to R Pant, FOUR! A batsman of Pant's class won't miss every time. Mujeeb goes short again outside off, Rishabh camps back and slaps it through the gap at backward point for a cracking boundary.
14.6 : Ur Rahman to R Pant, Nearly drags it on! Flat and short on off, Pant tries to cut but gets a bottom edge behind.
Ravichandran Ashwin is back on.
15.1 : R Ashwin to C Ingram, Skidding back into the batsman from around off, Ingram punches it through mid on for a run.
15.2 : R Ashwin to R Pant, SIX! Pant has sent this one packing into the stands! He skips down the track to a delivery in the line of the stumps and heaves it with immense power over mid-wicket. 50-run stand comes up.
15.3 : R Ashwin to R Pant, Play and a miss! Ashwin serves this one full and wide outside off, Pant makes room to go over covers but misses. Rahul breaks the stumps but nothing doing.
15.4 : R Ashwin to R Pant, Flighted and on middle, swept across the line but Pant found the short fine leg fielder.
15.5 : R Ashwin to R Pant, Knocks a full ball down to long on for a run.
15.6 : R Ashwin to C Ingram, Pushed to the cover region by the batsman. They pick up a single.
Strategic break. 30 needed from 24 balls. Heading into the Delhi-Kolkata match category. Surely not another Super Over? 34 were needed there... Mohammed Shami returns. 2-0-16-0 so far.
16.1 : M Shami to C Ingram, Starts this spell with a short and wide delivery outside off, Colin cuts it off his back foot but finds the point fielder.
16.2 : M Shami to C Ingram, Short ball on middle, pulled across the line through mid-wicket for one.
16.3 : M Shami to R Pant, SIX! Effortless! Shami does the mistake of pitching it up, Pant picks the slower one early and dispatches it over cow corner for a maximum. 23 needed off 21 balls.
16.4 : M Shami to R Pant, OUT! The middle stump goes for a walk! Shami bounces back with a length delivery on middle at 144.4 kph. Pant swings his bat across the line but is beaten for pace here. Is there any more twist in the tale? 23 needed off 20 balls.
Chris Morris is the new batsman, no experimentation with Hanuma Vihari this time around from Delhi.
Direct hit! Is Morris gone for a first-baller? Third umpire in action!
16.5 : M Shami to C Morris, OUT! Morris is run out, not even in the frame! Punjab can still believe. A pitched up ball outside off has been sweetly driven to wide mid off. Morris attempts for a run but before he can reach the other end Ravichandran Ashwin has scored a direct hit at the bowler's end. The umpire takes no chance and goes upstairs. Morris has to go, no other option.
Hanuma Vihari comes in at number 7, but Ingram will be on strike.
16.6 : M Shami to C Ingram, Play and a miss! Angling across the batsman, Colin throws his bat at it and it goes under it to the keeper. Rahul fumbles but no run taken. 7 runs and a couple of wickets in the over, if Punjab win this match, that's a big if still...but if they pull it off, this over will have a great say in that.
Sam Curran is back into the attack.
17.1 : Sam Curran to H Vihari, The batsman works it down the leg side. They pick up a single.
17.2 : Sam Curran to C Ingram, Full and outside off, Ingram drives it through cover-point for a single.
17.3 : Sam Curran to H Vihari, Sensible batting. Hanuma just taps a length ball in the direction of cover-point and hands the strike back to his set partner.
17.4 : Sam Curran to C Ingram, OUT! Colin Ingram holes out! This game has turned on its head! Curran delivers a full ball outside off, Colin tries to power it over long off but ends up skying it high in the air towards wide long off. Karun Nair (sub) moves across to his right, stretches his hands and completes the catch. Curran is pumped up. Punjab are ecstatic. 20 needed off 14 balls with two new batsmen in the middle.
Harshal Patel walks in at number 8, replacing Ingram.
17.5 : Sam Curran to H Patel, On middle and off, Harshal looks to flick but misses.
17.6 : Sam Curran to H Patel, Another dot! Or no - WIDE CALLED! A short ball around middle, Harshal gets across to pull but misses.
Sam Curran to H Patel, OUT! Two wickets in the last over, two wickets in this one and Punjab have made a roaring comeback in this match. Curran, you beauty boy! A back of a length ball on middle and off, Patel winds up for a big shot across the line over the leg side but gets a thick outside edge behind. KL Rahul makes no mistake and Delhi are reeling. What a fall for them! Choked in the last game against Kolkata and escaped through Super Over. Repeat telecast today?
Kagiso Rabada walks in. 2 overs left. 19 needed. Do Delhi still have it in them to scrape through?
18.1 : M Shami to H Vihari, Shortish ball on middle, Vihari backs away a bit and defends it towards the bowler.
18.2 : M Shami to H Vihari, Well bowled! Shami follows the batsman down the leg side with a short delivery. Hanuma tries to pull but gets a bottom edge onto the ground. Shami collects the ball in his followthrough. Two dots.
18.3 : M Shami to H Vihari, OUT! Stumps shattered! You miss buddy and I hit! Shami just keeps it in the line of the stumps at 144.8 kph, Vihari tries to heave it over the leg side but swings his blade early. It goes right through his defense and clatters the stumps. 19 needed off 9 balls.
Avesh Khan walks in. Surely all over now...
18.4 : M Shami to A Khan, Fourth dot in a row! This is top class bowling from India's quality pacer. Keeping his calm and delivering. Bowls it short and on middle, Avesh swings blindly at it and misses.
18.5 : M Shami to A Khan, FOUR! 15 needed off 7 balls. The crowd goes quiet. They are so much involved. Electric atmosphere. Shortish and following the batsman again down the leg side, Avesh hops back and tries to heave it over the leg side but it takes the outer half of his bat and runs to sweeper cover for a boundary.
18.6 : M Shami to A Khan, Play and a miss on the last ball from Avesh. Over to Rabada now. He bowled a terrific Super Over in the last game. Can he do some heroics with the bat?
Last over. 15 needed. Sam Curran to bowl. Rabada to face. Any magic left?
19.1 : Sam Curran to K Rabada, OUT! 6 wickets for just 8 runs in a space of 16 balls - MEGA COLLAPSE! Curran steams in and spears a very full ball on middle and leg at 136.5 kph, Rabada tries to power it on the leg side but it goes under his bat and uproots the leg stump. The English young boy is absolutely delighted.
Sandeep Lamichhane is the last man in...
19.2 : Sam Curran to S Lamichhane, OUT! HAT-TRICK FOR SAM CURRAN! PUNJAB WIN BY 14 RUNS! What a turnaround in this match! Curran is screaming in joy. The Punjab players are running in celebration. Great scenes here in Mohali. Terrific to watch. Sam delivers a perfect delivery. It's very full and around off, Lamichhane tries to make space and drive it through the line but misses and the off stump goes cartwheeling.
Whoosh! What happened there? Am I in a dream? Should I pinch myself? 144/3, needing 24 from 21 balls. End up losing by 14 runs. 7 wickets, 8 runs in 17 balls. The mother of all collapses. Oh Delhi... a heart-pounding effort throughout the game, only to end in a heartbreak.
The crowd in Mohali has gone berserk. No one can believe what was just happened. Don't think even Punjab would have dreamt about this. Pant and Ingram at the crease. Morris, Vihari and Rabada to come - yet the bowling team wins. Some exceptional bowling performance this by the home side, registering its 6th successive home win and Sam Curran strutting his stuff in the death.
There could be two opinions in where the game turned - Pant's dismissal by Shami? A ball before, he tonked one out of the park. The next, the stumps were sent flying. Next ball, Morris was run out for a golden duck. Then Sam Curran struck twice in the space of 3 balls next over and the game was snatched from the jaws of defeat. Curran took a hat-trick as well, picking up 4 wickets in his last 5 balls! Nothing much to write about the other bowlers though Ravichandran Ashwin did take a couple of w
What can we say about Delhi? Restricted Punjab to a below-par total, got dew, took full toll of the same, coasted to what looked like an easy win but then... Again, the blame falls on Pant, like in that game against Kolkata. One individual half century would have done the job. They got 4 scores in the range of 28-39. 6 single-digit scores, 5 OF THEM BEING DUCKS. Please stay tuned for the presentation...
Delhi skipper, Shreyas Iyer, says that they are really disappointed to lose from a great position. Adds that they didn't play smartly and Punjab were very calm and composed. Mentions that it was an important match and can hurt them later on in the tournament. States that the equation was very simple but losing wickets in succession and batsmen not taking initiative to finish the game off cost them, something he thinks they need to work on. On the pitch, Iyer feels that they didn't bowl well but
Ryan Harris is ready for a chat now. Says it was a close game and runs on the board always help. Reckons they were 20-30 runs short but mentions they knew that by taking wickets they could stay in the game. On the plans, Harris responds that they just try to stick to the plans in the meeting but also goes on to say that Sam Curran actually did the opposite of what was planned against Rabada. On the surface, Ryan replies that it's hard to defend and you need big scores for that, with taking pace
Victorious Punjab captain, Ravichandran Ashwin, smiles and says that they got out of jail. Adds that they just hung in there and credits Curran and Shami for bowling brilliantly. Feels they were about 25 short but backed themselves to defend it with their spinners. Mentions that dew also came in and it got easier to bat but he is delighted that they hung in really well. Informs that they would have batted first had they won the toss and given license to Curran to bat up front in the absence of G
SAM CURRAN HAS BEEN NAMED THE MAN OF THE MATCH. Smiles and says that it is a great win for the team and is happy to have contributed. On his batting, Sam says that he has been working on that and wants to improve in all departments. On his opening history, Curran says that he has opened in school cricket but never in international cricket. On his hat-trick, Sam says that he did not know about it at all and came to know only when he was told as there was just too much noise in the stadium. Praise
Hoker Poker! Let us play choker! The game is all about believing that you can win. Punjab have shown that in this game. They have now galloped to second spot in the points table while Delhi are on 5th. Still plenty of time left in the tournament but as Iyer said, games like these could bite you in the backside towards the latter stages of the tournament. Who is next in the caravan? Rajasthan and Bangalore, in Jaipur. Two winless teams. Join us on Tuesday, March 2, 2019 at 8 pm local (1430 GMT).