Here are Batman (Gambhir) and Robin (Uthappa) striding out with purpose. Dhoni has gathered his team around, looks a bit animated, knows it is an important game for him and his boys. The older Morkel has the new ball, he was Dhoni's go-to man with the new nut when in CHN. A slip in place and off we go...
Three times targets have been defended this season and one of them was at this venue. BLR defended 185 against Pune a couple days back. This score is 25 runs less, but the wicket is slightly different. The ball is not coming on and everyone knows Dhoni is a master when the wicket aids his slow bowlers. Can Ashwin and Ashwin spin a web around KOL's batsmen? Or will Gambhir and Uthappa take the game away? Answers coming up in a while...
17 runs from the final over will lift Pune to a healthy total. 160 might look like a par score by T20 standards, but on this pitch, I reckon it is a tricky score and could well be a defendable score as the ball is not coming onto the bat. They lost du Plessis early but then the enterprising Steve Smith joined hands with the pragmatic Rahane to put them back on track. The pair then steadied the ship with a 56-run third wicket stand before Smith hastily ran himself out. Rahane cracked a fine fifty. The ploy to send Perera up the order didn't work. Albie Morkel and MS Dhoni landed hefty blows in the end. For Kolkata, Umesh Yadav, Narine, Shakib and Satish picked up one each. It's certainly going to be an interesting run chase folks, join us back in a very short while...
Sathish: 'I am coming back after two years, pretty happy about it. I didn't expect to bowl 3 overs, I thought 1 or maximum 2, but the wicket was perfect for my style of bowling. I enjoy fielding. The wicket is pretty slow, we need to stick to basics and capitalize on any loose balls.'
19.6 -
M Morkel to Dhoni, 1 run, Pune finish with 160, wonder if MS got it wrong by holding himself back for far too long, another attempted yorker from Morkel, ends up as a low full toss, Dhoni swung acros the line, gets a thick inside edge, behind square on the on-side, just a single
19.5 -
M Morkel to Dhoni, FOUR, can't bowl short to this man, Dhoni swivels across and helps it over short fine for a boundary, turning out to be a big last over
19.4 -
M Morkel to Dhoni, FOUR, this is excellent cricket all around, Morkel almost got his yorker right, might just have been a yard short, Dhoni clears his left leg, jams his bat down and whips it over mid-wicket for a boundary
19.3 -
M Morkel to Dhoni, no run, the slower bouncer from Morkel, Dhoni was way too early on the pull, the ball lobbed off the glove, looped up in the air, hit the toe-end of the bat as Dhoni completed the followthrough, drops besides the batsman. MS decides against a run
19.2 -
M Morkel to Dhoni, SIX, vintage Dhoni! Too short from Morkel, Dhoni was waiting for it, swivels across and pulls it high and behind square on the on-side, went soaring into the stands
19.1 -
M Morkel to Dhoni, 2 runs, the helicopter is on, but this is good bowling from Morkel, got his yorker spot on, MS couldn't get underneath it, gets it wide of long-on for a couple
Morne Morkel [2.0-0-13-0] is back into the attack
18.6 -
U Yadav to Dhoni, 1 run, full and well outside off, drilled down towards long-off for a single
18.5 -
U Yadav to Dhoni, 2 runs, full toss on Dhoni's pads, he was early into the shovel, gets a thick leading edge over mid-wicket. He wanted the second run, Bhatia takes a blow on his back as he comes back for the second
18.4 -
U Yadav to Dhoni, 2 runs, short and on the stumps, Dhoni swivels across and pulls it behind square on the on-side, comes back for the second run
18.3 -
U Yadav to Dhoni, byes, FOUR, Uthappa makes an awful mess of a simple stop, this was the slower short ball outside off, Dhoni was looking to run it towards third man and missed. Uthappa allowed the ball to go through his legs, four bonus runs for Pune
18.2 -
U Yadav to R Bhatia, 1 run, on a good length and angling into Bhatia's pads, tucked away behind square on the on-side for a single
Rajat Bhatia, right handed bat, comes to the crease
18.1 -
U Yadav to A Morkel, out Bowled!! Another cameo from a Pune batsman, but they needed more from Morkel. This was a short of a length delivery on off, Morkel was looking to guide it towards third man, was cramped for room, ends up getting a bottom edge - onto the stumps. The zing bails flashes and Morkel is on his way. A Morkel b U Yadav 16(9) [6s-2]
U Yadav to A Morkel, THAT'S OUT!! Bowled!!
17.6 -
Narine to A Morkel, 1 run, slower and spinning away from outside off, dabbed square on the off-side for a single
17.5 -
Narine to A Morkel, SIX, back-to-back sixes from Morkel, much needed for Pune, Suryakumar Yadav almost brought out a stunner, but the ball just evaded him, this was the off-spinner from Narine, Morkel went for the slog sweep, the ball went right off the base of the bat. SK was interested all the while, lunged backwards as he went with both hands, ended up tipping it over the ropes
17.4 -
Narine to A Morkel, SIX, massive, this was tossed up right into Morkel's zone, he gets a big stride forward, gets hold of the slog sweep and sends it high and deep into the stands at widish long-on
17.3 -
Narine to Dhoni, 1 run, flatter and wider outside off, cracked square on the off-side for a single
A slip and a leg gully in place as well. Is it a Test match or the 18th over of a T20 match?
17.2 -
Narine to Dhoni, no run, flighted delivery and on the stumps, Dhoni shuffles across and defends it
Enter MS - to a huge ovation from the Pune crowd. Gambhir has a short silly mid-off in place, he's the man under the helmet
MS Dhoni, right handed bat, comes to the crease
17.1 -
Narine to Rahane, out Caught&Bowled!! That's as easy as it gets! This was tossed up on the stumps, Rahane backed away on the drive, got too close to the pitch of the ball, ends up drilling it back to Narine - stomach high catch and Narine holds on, nonchalantly throws it back at the umpire. Rahane falls after an enterprising knock. Rahane c and b Narine 67(52) [4s-4 6s-3]
Narine to Rahane, THAT'S OUT!! Caught&Bowled!!
Sunil Narine [3.0-0-18-0] is back into the attack
16.6 -
U Yadav to Rahane, 1 run, the slower ball from Umesh, shortened his length as well, clipped straight to short fine for a single
16.5 -
U Yadav to Rahane, SIX, that's excellent batting from Rahane, moves across his stumps, Umesh made it easy for room by offering a full toss, he uses the pace on the ball and helps it over the long leg fence for a maximum
16.4 -
U Yadav to A Morkel, leg byes, 1 run, appeal for LBW, but the ball pitched outside leg, Morkel was cramped for room as he went for the pull, sneaks in a leg-bye
16.3 -
U Yadav to Rahane, 1 run, slower short ball from Umesh, Rahane doesn't get hold of the pull, just a single to deep square leg
16.2 -
U Yadav to A Morkel, 1 run, Umesh keeps it full and just outside off, Morkel clears his right leg and drives it towards long-off, just a single
16.1 -
U Yadav to Rahane, 1 run, half-volley on Rahane's pads, clipped straight to short fine for a single
Umesh Yadav, right-arm fast medium, comes into the attack
15.6 -
Chawla to A Morkel, no run, flighted and just outside off, Morkel gets behind the line and defends it
15.5 -
Chawla to Rahane, 1 run, Chawla drops one short and just outside off, Rahane makes room and chops it square on the off-side for a single
15.4 -
Chawla to Rahane, SIX, spoke too soon, this is a classical hit, made room to a well flighted delivery and chips it high and over cover, the timing is sublime and it soars over the long-off fence
15.3 -
Chawla to Rahane, no run, slower and just outside off, Rahane went for the big sweep, gets a toe-end onto his body, not getting a move on here, Rahane. That's been his biggest problem in T20Is
15.2 -
Chawla to Rahane, no run, Chawla drops one short and well outside off, slapped straight to Umesh at cover
15.1 -
Chawla to A Morkel, 1 run, the wrong 'un from Chawla, Morkel was early into the drive, gets a thick edge past cover for a single
Piyush Chawla [2.0-0-18-0] is back into the attack
14.6 -
Sathish to A Morkel, 1 run, on a good length and just outside off, pushed wide of cover-point for a single
Albie Morkel, left handed bat, comes to the crease
14.5 -
Sathish to T Perera, out Bowled!! Perera's cameo is over! This is turning out to be an excellent spell from Sathish, this was the slower off-cutter, pitched around middle and slanted across the left-hander, Perera was way too early on the slog, missed it completely and the off-stump takes a beating. Big wicket for KOL, another couple of overs of Perera could have been massive for Pune. T Perera b Sathish 12(9) [6s-1]
Sathish to T Perera, THAT'S OUT!! Bowled!!
14.4 -
Sathish to Rahane, 1 run, on a good length and on Rahane's pads, lapped towards short fine for a quick single
14.3 -
Sathish to T Perera, 1 run, fuller length delivery and well outside off, drives down towards long-off for a single
14.2 -
Sathish to T Perera, SIX, that's a flat six from Perera, length delivery outside off, it was the slower ball as well, Perera had to reach out for the slog, doesn't get it off the middle, it went flat and just over the leaping deep mid-wicket fielder
14.1 -
Sathish to Rahane, 1 run, on a length and just outside off, eased down towards long-on, raises yet another T20 League fifty for Rahane
13.6 -
Narine to T Perera, 2 runs, turn for Narine, but Perera spotted it early, went right back and clipped it past mid-wicket, there was always a second run there, but Perera is made to rush to his crease by a powerful throw from the fielder in the deep
Appeal for a run-out. Thisara is the man in question.
13.5 -
Narine to Rahane, 1 run, flatter and wider outside off, Rahane backs away and cuts it square on the off-side for a single
13.4 -
Narine to T Perera, leg byes, 1 run, Narine drifts one onto Perera's pads, he was early on the pull and missed, sneaks in a leg-bye as the ball rolls away towards short fine
13.3 -
Narine to T Perera, 2 runs, Narine drops one short and just outside off, pulled away to the left of deep mid-wicket for a couple of runs
13.2 -
Narine to T Perera, no run, slower and just outside off, Perera made room and punches it straight to the fielder at backward point
13.1 -
Narine to Rahane, 1 run, flighted and on Rahane's pads, clipped away behind square on the on-side for a single
Time for the strategic break
12.6 -
Sathish to T Perera, no run, was it a chance? Uthappa didn't collect it cleanly though, the slower off-cutter from Sathish, Perera was looking to mow it over the mid-wicket boundary, he missed and so did the keeper. Don't think there was an edge there, another cheap over from Sathish
12.5 -
Sathish to Rahane, 1 run, tad fuller and on the stumps, whipped away towards long-on for a single
12.4 -
Sathish to T Perera, 1 run, full and well outside off, clubbed towards long-off for a single
12.3 -
Sathish to Rahane, 1 run, flighted delivery and on the stumps, worked away in front of square on the on-side for a single
Thisara Perera, left handed bat, comes to the crease
12.2 -
Sathish to Rahane, out Smith Run Out!! That's silly running from Smith, easy run-out is the end result. This was flatter and on the stumps, Rahane made room and drilled it back towards the bowler, Smith was definitely not watching the action, he was looking to pinch a quick single, all Sathish had to do was to collect the ball, run back at the stumps and remove the zing bails. The partnership has been broken. Smith run out (Sathish) 31(28) [4s-2]
Sathish to Rahane, THAT'S OUT!! Run Out!!
Smith is OUT
12.1 -
Sathish to Smith, 1 run, on a good length and just outside off, dragged towards long-on for a single
Rajagopal Sathish [1.0-0-6-0] is back into the attack
11.6 -
Narine to Smith, 1 run, Narine tosses one outside off, Smith plays with soft hands and drops it in front of point, hares across for a quick single
11.5 -
Narine to Smith, no run, slower and just outside off, pushed off the back foot, but straight to the fielder at point
11.4 -
Narine to Smith, 2 runs, Narine drifts one on Smith's pads, worked away with the angle towards mid-wicket, runs hard and comes back for the second
11.3 -
Narine to Smith, FOUR, Narine drops one too short and just outside off, Smith rocks back and pulls it wide of long-on, beats the two men getting across to a nicely, much needed for Pune
11.2 -
Narine to Smith, no run, slower and just outside off, Smith dropped it in front of point, set-off for a quick single but is asked to go back by Rahane
11.1 -
Narine to Rahane, 1 run, flighted and just outside off, eased down towards long-on for a single
Sunil Narine [1.0-0-4-0] is back into the attack
10.6 -
Chawla to Rahane, 1 run, this one is given more air, worked away towards long-on, Rahane retains the strike with that run
10.5 -
Chawla to Smith, 1 run, Chawla drops one short and well outside off, cracked square on the off-side for a single
10.4 -
Chawla to Smith, 2 runs, slower and on off, worked away with the spin, wide of long-on, for a couple of runs
10.3 -
Chawla to Rahane, 3 runs, lovely delivery from Chawla, did Rahane with the flight, Rahane was lunging forward on the drive, doesn't get to the pitch of the ball, the edge is found and it scurries away past the keeper. Gambhir chases, puts in the slide and drags the ball back in, saves a run for his team
10.2 -
Chawla to Smith, 1 run, flighted delivery and just outside off, drilled down towards long-on for a single
10.1 -
Chawla to Smith, 2 runs, slower and wider from Chawla, Smith waits on it and slices it past point, comes back for the second run
9.6 -
Sathish to Rahane, 2 runs, on a good length and just outside off, worked away in front of square on the on-side, Smith pushes for the second run and beats the throw at his end
9.5 -
Sathish to Smith, 1 run, full and on Smith's pads, clipped away behind square on the on-side
9.4 -
Sathish to Smith, no run, short of a good length and well outside off, the slowness of the ball messes up with Smith's timing, he went hard on the cut and gets a bottom edge towards the off-side
9.3 -
Sathish to Rahane, 1 run, Sathish is giving no pace for the batsman, length ball on the stumps, eased down towards long-on for a single
9.2 -
Sathish to Smith, 1 run, the slower cutter from Sathish, ends up drifting onto Smith's pads, tucked away toward short fine
9.1 -
Sathish to Rahane, 1 run, on a length and on the stumps, worked away towards mid-wicket for a single
Rajagopal Sathish, right-arm medium, comes into the attack
Time for the strategic break
8.6 -
Chawla to Rahane, 1 run, fraction too short from Chawla, Rahane goes back and works it towards widish mid-wicket, just a single
8.5 -
Chawla to Smith, 1 run, flighted and just outside off, eased down to9wards long-on for a single
8.4 -
Chawla to Rahane, 1 run, much better from Chawla, the leg-break on off, Rahane dabs it in front of cover-point and calls Smith for a quick single
8.3 -
Chawla to Rahane, FOUR, that breaks the shackles! This was tossed up invitingly by Chawla, Rahane went down on his knees, rolled his wrosts and swept it in front of square on the on-side, rolled awato the fence in a hurry
8.2 -
Chawla to Smith, 1 run, flighted and just outside off, worked away in front of square on the on-side for a single
8.1 -
Chawla to Smith, no run, the leg-break from Chawla, but it's way too short and wide outside off, Smith went hard on the cut and missed
Piyush Chawla, right-arm leg break, comes into the attack
7.6 -
Shakib to Smith, 1 run, Shakib tosses one on middle, Smith uses his bottom hand to good effect as he clips it towards long-on for a single
7.5 -
Shakib to Rahane, 1 run, this one is given more air, driven down towards long-off for a single
7.4 -
Shakib to Smith, 1 run, flighted and on off, worked away in front of square on the on-side for a run
7.3 -
Shakib to Smith, no run, slower and a hint of turn for Shakib, Smith stabs forward and pushes it towards the off-side
7.2 -
Shakib to Rahane, 1 run, Shakib drifts one on off, Rahane was pushing forward and gets an inside edge towards mid-wicket, scampers across for a single
7.1 -
Shakib to Rahane, no run, Shakib drops one short and well outside off, Rahane backs away and cuts it straight to the fielder at cover
6.6 -
A Russell to Smith, FOUR, easy pickings for Smith, Russell went for the yorker, ends up offering a full toss on Smith's pads, whipped away in front of square on the on-side, beats the fielder getting across to his left from deep square leg
6.5 -
A Russell to Rahane, 1 run, back of a length and just outside off, dabbed down towards third man for a single
6.4 -
A Russell to Rahane, no run, on a good length and on Rahane's pads, nudged towards the on-side
6.3 -
A Russell to Rahane, FOUR, lovely shot, fraction short and on the stumps, Rahane swivels across, rolls his wrists and helps it behind square on the on-side, there's no one in the deep and the ball rolls away to the fence
6.2 -
A Russell to Smith, 1 run, length ball on Smith's pads, tucked away past mid-wicket for a run
6.1 -
A Russell to Smith, 2 runs, Smith made this look very easy, full and on the stumps, he shuffled right across and flicked it in front of square on the on-side, comes back for the second run
Andre Russell [1.0-0-4-0] is back into the attack
5.6 -
Shakib to Rahane, no run, slower and on off, Rahane makes room and punches it straight to the left of cover-point. Gambhir puts in the dive and makes the stop
5.5 -
Shakib to Smith, 1 run, Smith would feel he missed out there, this was tossed up well outside leg, Smith went halfway down on the sweep, doesn't get the placement right and hits it straight to Yusuf at backward square leg
5.4 -
Shakib to Smith, no run, slower and on the stumps, Smith goes back and whips it towards mid-wicket
5.3 -
Shakib to Rahane, 1 run, Shakib tosses one on Rahane's pads, worked away in front of square on the on-side for a single
5.2 -
Shakib to Smith, 1 run, tossed up and on Smith's pads, nudged away in front of square on the on-side for a single
5.1 -
Shakib to Smith, no run, flatter and on Smith's pads, tucked straight to the fielder at square leg
4.6 -
Narine to Smith, 1 run, this is good batting from Smith, gets a good stride forward, covers for any probable spin, closes the face of the bat and tucks it in front of short fine, calls for a quick single and gets it with ease
4.5 -
Narine to Rahane, 1 run, pushed through flatter and on off, eased down towards long-on for a run
4.4 -
Narine to Smith, 1 run, this one is given more air, Smith watches it all along and eases it down towards long-on for a single
4.3 -
Narine to Rahane, 1 run, Narine drifts one on off, Rahane goes back and nudges it towards long-on for a single
4.2 -
Narine to Rahane, no run, flatter and quicker from Narine, skids on after pitching, Rahane went back on the cut and missed
4.1 -
Narine to Rahane, no run, big turn for Narine, Rahane was shaping for the cut, gets cramped for room, manages an inside edge onto the pads
Sunil Narine, right-arm off break, comes into the attack
Steven Smith, right handed bat, comes to the crease
3.6 -
Shakib to du Plessis, out Bowled!! That's an absolute beauty, no wonder Shakib is chuffed to bits. This was tossed up slower and on off, drifted into the batsman and then left him a touch, du Plessis was prodding forward on the original line, the ball ripped past the outside edge and clattered into the off-stump. du Plessis looks back in horror, but he has to walk back to the hut. du Plessis b Shakib 4(9)
Shakib to du Plessis, THAT'S OUT!! Bowled!!
3.5 -
Shakib to Rahane, 1 run, slower and on the stumps, worked away in front of square on the on-side for a run
3.4 -
Shakib to du Plessis, 1 run, pushed through by Shakib, du Plessis went back and worked it past mid-wicket for a single
3.3 -
Shakib to Rahane, 1 run, flatter and on the stumps, Rahane goes back and whips it towards deep mid-wicket for a single
3.2 -
Shakib to Rahane, FOUR, excellent effort from Sathish, but he can't save the boundary this time. Good use of the crease from Rahane, went deep inside the crease, made the length look short and whipped it in front of square on the on-side. Sathish got across from the deep, put in the dive, got a hand onto it, but can't hold on
3.1 -
Shakib to Rahane, no run, pushed through by Shakib, went through with the arm, Rahane backed away and punched it back at the bowler
Shakib Al Hasan, left-arm orthodox, comes into the attack
2.6 -
M Morkel to du Plessis, no run, that was dangerous from du Plessis, shuffled across his stumps, exposed all the three of them as he looked to lap Morkel past the keeper, misses and is lucky that the ball just brushed past the leg-stump
2.5 -
M Morkel to Rahane, 1 run, too straight from Morkel, ends up drifting onto Rahane's pads, nudged away behind square on the on-side for a run
2.4 -
M Morkel to Rahane, FOUR, cracking shot, Rahane is looking in gorgeous touch, tad too full and on the stumps, Rahane gets forward and shovels it up and over mid-wicket, a couple of bounces and over the ropes
2.3 -
M Morkel to Rahane, no run, Morkel shortens his length on Rahane's thigh pad, Rahane was looking to work it towards the on-side and is hit high on the pads
2.2 -
M Morkel to Rahane, no run, on a good length and just outside off, Rahane gets half-forward and pushes it towards the off-side
2.1 -
M Morkel to Rahane, SIX, lovely shot, it was just a flick of the wrists from Rahane, too straight from Morkel, ends up drifting onto Rahane's pads, he picked up the length and goes up and over backward square leg, went soaring over the ropes for a maximum
1.6 -
A Russell to Rahane, 1 run, on a good length and on Rahane's pads, he was looking to force it away towards the on-side, gets a thick inside edge past mid-wicket, just a single
1.5 -
A Russell to Rahane, no run, splendid stop from Sathish, saved a couple of runs there, back of a length and just outside off, Rahane waited on it, played with an open face and guided it to the left of backward point. Sathish dives across, goes with both hands and brings out an acrobatic stop, gets high fives from the rest of the team mates
1.4 -
A Russell to Rahane, no run, on a good length and just outside off, Rahane prods forward and defends it with soft hands
1.3 -
A Russell to du Plessis, 1 run, short of a length and well outside off, punched off the back foot, to the left of cover-point. Gambhir doesn't stop it cleanly and allows a single
1.2 -
A Russell to Rahane, 1 run, back of a length and just outside off, Rahane drops it in front of wide slip with soft hands, calls for a quick single and gets it with ease
1.1 -
A Russell to du Plessis, 1 run, tad fuller and just outside off, du Plessis pushes it in front of mid-off for a quick single
Andre Russell, right-arm fast, comes into the attack
0.6 -
M Morkel to du Plessis, 1 run, short of a length and on off, du Plessis shuffles across and dabs it to the right of short mid-wicket for a single
0.5 -
M Morkel to du Plessis, no run, this one stayed a tad low, du Plessis was on his crouches as he played and missed. This was bowled with a scrambled seam, du Plessis was looking to cut and the ball sunk underneath his bat
0.4 -
M Morkel to du Plessis, no run, back of a length and just outside off, du Plessis plays with an open face and dabs it towards backward point
0.3 -
M Morkel to du Plessis, no run, short of a good length and on off, du Plessis gets half forward and defends it towards the off-side
0.2 -
M Morkel to Rahane, 1 run, tad fuller and a hint of shape back into Rahane, he was pushing forward and gets an inside edge behind square on the on-side, off the mark with a single
0.1 -
M Morkel to Rahane, no run, short of a length and a hint of angle back into Rahane, he was looking to tuck it towards the on-side, gets hit high on the thigh pad
Rahane and du Plessis are at the crease. Rahane is on strike. M Morkel will open the attack
With two last over finishes in the day, T20 League has finally started to live up to the expectations. Earlier in the day, Virat Kohli's maiden T20 ton went in vain as Raina and Co. got back to winning ways. And now, Kolkata continued their fine run in the tournament and pipped Pune Supergiants in a close finish. That's about it. It's a single header tomorrow with Mumbai travelling to Mohali. Join us back. Till then, take care and Cya!
Suryakumar: "It is just the way I play. I was told to go out there and express myself. Not happy that I didn't finish the game, but happy we won the game. When I went in to bat the ball was coming on and the first few overs were crucial. So, I thought we should score some runs at the beginning to make it easy in the end. We knew if any of the batsmen play till the end, we would finish the game. Winning against this challenging side, on a challenging pitch gives us confidence going to Mumbai."
Suryakumar Yadav is the Man of the Match
Gambhir: "It is a very important win. There was pressure on the middle order and they were tested. Surya batted unbelievably. Manish was a big blow. He was hitting it well and was our consistent No. 3. The way Surya batted, showed his versatility. Can play the new ball as well as finish games off. We could have been more professional with our death bowling, 17 off the last over is too many. This was a wicket where 160 was above par. The guys were professional. Yusuf also had a hit and there were more positives than negatives."
Dhoni: "It was the length (on where they lost the game). I thought it was difficult to hit the spinners as I told them not to pitch it up. But, I think after that there were some 5-6 sixes hit, 30 runs too many. It was a good score and there are no excuses for us. When there is pressure on the individual, they are backing off. It (taking responsibility) is a very strong character to have and not many have that. What really matters is, how you execute the plans on field. If we have to compete in this tournament, our bowling unit has to step up. Murugan Ashwin is new to the arena, but he has to take care of things which are under his control. When you have the bat or ball in your hand, it is up to you, nobody can help you. There are many bowlers who are not part of a settled team, that is something we need to look into. We also should score 10-15 runs more."
I(PL) needed this. Close game, throbbing veins and a pounding heart. To start with, Gambhir and Uthappa failed for once - only 11 runs between them tonight - and it was a test, more than a game, for KOL from then on. They passed, on crutches, thanks to Russell's late-order assault and that desperately big six from Umesh Yadav. On a pitch that could be called Dhoni-loyal - slow, low and aiding turn right away - Suryakumar Yadav sped through the middle overs with his maiden T20 League fifty. Arresting the charge was Bhatia, beating Shakib with (lack of) pace and foxing Yusuf Pathan after his mini-assault off Murugan Ashwin. With 44 off 26 required then, things looked tight but not impossible. Suryakumar then fell to Murugan Ashwin, Russell's Caribbean power took over for a 11-ball 17 and a humdinger beckoned. Sathish and Chawla were at the crease, latter got out with run-a-ball required in the last over and Yadav spoilt all the fun with a maximum..
19.3 -
T Perera to U Yadav, SIX, KOL win by 2 wickets. It is all smiles now in the KOL dugout. Dhoni doesn't look a happy man. Umesh, who didn't do much with the ball today, ends up hitting the winning runs. The players shake hands. Dhoni is walking away. He looks dejected. Perera bowled the back of the hand slower delivery, Umesh was waiting for it, kneeled down and smashed it over the long-on fence for a maximum. Immediately pumped his fists and Perera grimaced watching it sail over
Sunil Narine, left handed bat, comes to the crease
19.2 -
T Perera to Chawla, out Caught by Smith!! That's a top catch under pressure. Smith has made amends. Perera is doing it for Pune. But the question is can he defend 5 more? Full delivery and Chawla went for the glory hit, didn't get it off the meat and skewed it towards long-on, Smith runs forward, dives full length and takes a superb catch. Chawla c Smith b T Perera 8(5) [4s-1]
T Perera to Chawla, THAT'S OUT!! Caught!!
19.1 -
T Perera to Chawla, 2 runs, misfield from Smith and the two is taken comfortably. Perera follows Chawla who is backing away, clips it wide of long-on and was always looking for two. A rare fumble from the Aussie skipper allows them to come back for the second
So both matches of Super Sunday will be decided in the last over. Thisara has the responsibility. Chawla on strike. 7 needed 6.. Here we go folks...
18.6 -
A Morkel to Chawla, 1 run, slower delivery on the pads, whipped uppishly to deep mid-wicket. Perera collects it on the bounce and rifles a throw to Dhoni. Chawla is happy with the single as he will keep strike
18.5 -
A Morkel to U Yadav, 1 run, fullish and on off, Umesh drives it back to the bowler, Morkel fumbles and they steal a single
18.5 -
A Morkel to U Yadav, wide, Dhoni grimaces. This is a horror delivery from Morkel. Slips the yorker down leg and Umesh doesn't connect with the glance. Good take from MS behind the sticks
Umesh Yadav, right handed bat, comes to the crease
18.4 -
A Morkel to Sathish, out Bowled!! There comes another twist in the tale. Sathish had hit a six and looked to be the man to do it for KOL. But Albie rattles his stumps. Nothing but a full delivery, you-miss-I-hit kind of stuff from Morkel, Sathish missed with the whip across the line and the ball crashed into middle. This is going down the wire folks. Sathish b A Morkel 10(8) [6s-1]
A Morkel to Sathish, THAT'S OUT!! Bowled!!
18.3 -
A Morkel to Chawla, 1 run, slower delivery on the stumps, Chawla nudges it to the left of the bowler, there is enough time to scamper across for a single
18.2 -
A Morkel to Sathish, 1 run, back of a length around off, dabbed away to short third man
18.1 -
A Morkel to Sathish, SIX, that is a meaty blow. Sathish knew he had connected. Didn't bother to run. Length delivery right in the slot, Sathish smacks it from the middle over long-on. Went flat and back into the crowd
Albie Morkel [2.0-0-25-1] is back into the attack
This game keeps swinging like a pendulum. Whenever a team tries to go ahead, the other pulls it down. The equation now reads 18 off 12... Albie to bowl the penultimate over...
17.6 -
T Perera to Chawla, FOUR, shabby work. Perera is not happy. Tiwary the culprit. What should have been one, ends up being a boundary. Very full and outside off, Chawla sinks low and slices it behind square on the off-side, Tiwary runs across from third man, doesn't bend down completely and allows the ball to escape even after getting a hand
Piyush Chawla, left handed bat, comes to the crease
17.5 -
T Perera to A Russell, out Caught by du Plessis!! Perera you beauty! This is a big, big wicket for Pune. Russell knows what he has done, is livid with himself as he thuds his bat into the ground. The slower delivery from Perera, bowled back of the hand, Russell cleared his front leg and mistimed his heave to long-on. Faf is too good a fielder to drop those. Hangs on calmly. Pune ahead now. A Russell c du Plessis b T Perera 17(11) [6s-2]
T Perera to A Russell, THAT'S OUT!! Caught!!
17.4 -
T Perera to Sathish, 1 run, slower delivery which is very full, Sathish squeezes it out to sweeper cover
17.3 -
T Perera to A Russell, 1 run, full and on the pads, clipped uppishly to deep mid-wicket
17.2 -
T Perera to Sathish, 1 run, poor from Dhoni. He should have stopped that. Had he done so, Sathish would have been on strike. Another slower delivery and Sathish went chasing after it, the outside edge goes on the bounce to Dhoni, who fumbles and lets Russell back on strike
17.1 -
T Perera to Sathish, no run, leg-cutter on a length and Sathish defends it back to the bowler
Thisara Perera [2.0-0-13-0] is back into the attack
So, those two sixes have brought the required run-rate below 10... KOL need 25 from 18 and here is Thisara...
16.6 -
Ankit Sharma to A Russell, no run, flatter and on off, Russell pushes it to the left of the bowler, Ankit does well to keep Russell off strike
Back round the wicket for the last ball...
16.5 -
Ankit Sharma to A Russell, SIX, this over might just turn the match in KOL's favour. Fired in on a fuller length, Russell clobbers it over long-on. Smith was stationed there, but he could only watch the ball sail over him
16.5 -
Ankit Sharma to A Russell, 3 wides, over the wicket comes Ankit.. Sprays it down leg, Russell can't connect with the tickle and Dhoni doesn't glove it either. Three bonus runs for KOL
16.4 -
Ankit Sharma to A Russell, SIX, that's right in Russell's arc. Dhoni immediately walks up to his bowler. Floated up outside off, the length allowed Russell to get under that, after he did, he smashed it over extra cover for a huge six
16.3 -
Ankit Sharma to Sathish, 1 run, quicker and on off, Sathish works it to deep mid-wicket, was looking for the second but is sent back. Had to dive in to beat Smith's direct-hit at the bowler's end
Third umpire pressed into service. Sathish the man in question. Pune are not celebrating. He is in. Not Out!
16.2 -
Ankit Sharma to A Russell, 1 run, bowled with a round-arm, angling in and Russell works it to the vacant mid-wicket region. Ankit tidies up himself
16.1 -
Ankit Sharma to A Russell, no run, flatter and around off, Russell stands tall and punches it to cover
Ankit Sharma [2.0-0-9-0] is back into the attack
So, Bhatia and Ashwin are done for the night. Dhoni has still has two from the senior Ashwin, but for now he will go with Ankit Sharma. The left-arm spinner taking it away from the right-handers..
15.6 -
Murugan Ashwin to Sathish, no run, end of the over. Apart from the boundary, it turned out to be a good over. Only 5 runs and the wicket of SK. This was also the short one outside off, Sathish is beaten for pace on the cut. Ashwin finishes his spell, figures read: 4-0-32-1
Rajagopal Sathish, right handed bat, comes to the crease
Time-out! KOL have just started to lose their way. Lost both their set batsmen in a span of 10 balls. They still have Russell, Sathish and Chawla, but it is tough for the new batsman to get going straightaway. Can Pune apply the choke?
15.5 -
Murugan Ashwin to Suryakumar Yadav, out Lbw!! Huge wicket for Pune. The ploy to continue with Ashwin has worked for Dhoni. He backed the youngster and he delivered. It was the wrong 'un and Suryakumar was all at sea, didn't pick it. Shuffled across to nudge, missed and is rapped right in front of middle. The ball would have gone on to hit leg-stump. End of a fine innings from Suryakumar, but he should have stayed there to finish the game off. Suryakumar Yadav lbw b Murugan Ashwin 60(49) [4s-6 6s-2]
Murugan Ashwin to Suryakumar Yadav, THAT'S OUT!! Lbw!!
15.4 -
Murugan Ashwin to Suryakumar Yadav, no run, quicker and rips across the surface, Suryakumar is beaten as he tried the steer to third man
15.3 -
Murugan Ashwin to Suryakumar Yadav, no run, googly which both Suryakumar and Dhoni failed to read. The batsman missed on the dab to third man and Dhoni didn't glove it
15.2 -
Murugan Ashwin to Suryakumar Yadav, FOUR, Steven Smith had no chance. Floated up around off, Suryakumar stays leg-side of the ball and lofts it inside out over extra cover, Smith ran the circumference from long-off, but was well wide of him
15.1 -
Murugan Ashwin to A Russell, 1 run, short and outside off, Russell mistimes the cut to the left of cover
Five overs left and KOL need 47 runs. If these two bat till the end, they should get home. Who will Dhoni turn to now? Still going with the leggie.. Brave from the Pune skipper..
14.6 -
R Bhatia to A Russell, 1 run, leg-cutter nudged away to the right of mid-wicket
14.5 -
R Bhatia to A Russell, no run, attacks the stumps with a quicker delivery, defended with a straight bat to mid-wicket
14.4 -
R Bhatia to Suryakumar Yadav, 1 run, good length ball on off, Suryakumar works it to deep mid-wicket
14.3 -
R Bhatia to A Russell, 1 run, leg-cutter on middle and leg, tucked away to square leg
Andre Russell, right handed bat, comes to the crease
14.2 -
R Bhatia to Y Pathan, out Lbw!! That looked dead. Just when you think one side is taking control, the other comes up with a ploy to spoil it. Pathan was well-set and he plays all around this one. It was nothing but a straight delivery - quicker in fact from Bhatia, Pathan shuffles across to try and nudges it into the on-side, missed and is struck in front of off-stump. No hesitation from the umpire and Pune have a lifeline. Y Pathan lbw b R Bhatia 36(27) [4s-2 6s-2]
R Bhatia to Y Pathan, THAT'S OUT!! Lbw!!
14.1 -
R Bhatia to Suryakumar Yadav, 1 run, leg-cutter on middle and leg, Suryakumar stays leg-side of the ball and lofts it over extra cover, Smith from long-off runs across and keeps it to a single
These two seem to be cruising at the moment. Dhoni has to come up with something to make a match out of this. For now, Bhatia will continue..
13.6 -
Murugan Ashwin to Suryakumar Yadav, 1 run, the fifty run stand comes up. Floated up outside off, Suryakumar eases the drive to sweeper cover
13.5 -
Murugan Ashwin to Y Pathan, 1 run, just a bit of air outside off, Pathan shuffles across and drives it to long-off
13.4 -
Murugan Ashwin to Suryakumar Yadav, 1 run, again, the length remains short and outside off, slapped square of the wicket
13.4 -
Murugan Ashwin to Suryakumar Yadav, wide, pushed through outside off, Suryakumar lets it go and rightly called as a wide
13.3 -
Murugan Ashwin to Y Pathan, 1 run, quicker, shorter and outside off, cut away to deep backward point
13.2 -
Murugan Ashwin to Y Pathan, 2 runs, googly turns back in sharply, Pathan reads it off the surface and nurdles it to long leg, scampers back for the second. Looked to be struggling at one stage, but made it easily in the end
13.1 -
Murugan Ashwin to Y Pathan, SIX, this is the Yusuf Pathan we all know. Anything pitched up and it is murdered down the ground. Once again crouches low to get the elevation, hammers it deep into the long-on crowd
12.6 -
R Bhatia to Y Pathan, 1 run, leg-cutter on the stumps, Pathan plays the nudge with soft hands wide of mid-wicket, retains strike with a quick single
12.5 -
R Bhatia to Suryakumar Yadav, 1 run, short of length on off, whipped away to deep mid-wicket
12.4 -
R Bhatia to Y Pathan, 1 run, drags the length back, punched down the ground to long-off
12.3 -
R Bhatia to Y Pathan, no run, was that a chance? Don't think so as Bhatia and Dhoni weren't interested. Leg-cutter which goes under the attempted hoick from Pathan, Dhoni fails to glove it as well
12.2 -
R Bhatia to Y Pathan, FOUR, poor delivery from Bhatia. Short and down leg, Pathan swivels and helps it behind square with a pull, Murugan Ashwin runs across, dives and flicks it in. But the ball rolls back and the third umpire confirms the same
12.1 -
R Bhatia to Suryakumar Yadav, 1 run, fullish and on off, Suryakumar drills it straight down, long-on tidies up
Rajat Bhatia [2.0-0-7-1] is back into the attack
11.6 -
Murugan Ashwin to Y Pathan, SIX, first time Ashwin has bowled one in Pathan's arc and he disappears. Fullish and on the stumps, Pathan sinks low to get underneath it, tonks it well over long-on for a maximum
11.5 -
Murugan Ashwin to Y Pathan, no run, fired it short and outside off, Pathan flashes a cut and is beaten for pace
11.4 -
Murugan Ashwin to Suryakumar Yadav, 1 run, a day of firsts today. Maiden T20 League fifty for Suryakumar. Has made use of the opportunity. Raises the bat and acknowledges the applause. But there is a job still to do. Pushed through on off, wristed away to long-on
11.3 -
Murugan Ashwin to Suryakumar Yadav, no run, flatter and outside off, punched off the back foot to cover
11.2 -
Murugan Ashwin to Suryakumar Yadav, no run, quicker and outside off, Suryakumar shuffles across and dabs it to short third man
11.1 -
Murugan Ashwin to Y Pathan, 1 run, short and outside off, slapped straight to sweeper cover
10.6 -
Ankit Sharma to Y Pathan, 1 run, drags the length back outside off, Pathan eases it to deep extra cover
10.5 -
Ankit Sharma to Y Pathan, no run, quicker and outside off, Pathan goes hard on the drive, mistimes it completely to the off-side
10.4 -
Ankit Sharma to Suryakumar Yadav, 1 run, floated up outside off, Suryakumar push-drives it to deep extra cover
10.3 -
Ankit Sharma to Suryakumar Yadav, no run, tossed up on off, Suryakumar pushes it tamely back to the bowler
10.2 -
Ankit Sharma to Y Pathan, 1 run, flatter and sliding in, Pathan knocks it through cover, thought about the second as the fielder had to come in from the rope, but decided against it
10.1 -
Ankit Sharma to Y Pathan, no run, trifle short and outside off, dabbed away to backward point
Ankit Sharma [1.0-0-6-0] is back into the attack
At the halfway stage, the game hangs in balance. 83 needed off 60 balls. KOL still favourites, but Dhoni and Pune know a couple of wickets and they are in it...
9.6 -
Murugan Ashwin to Suryakumar Yadav, no run, Suryakumar is once again made to adjust because of the turn, pushes it straight to cover. Tidy start from Ashwin, just 6 off the over..
9.5 -
Murugan Ashwin to Suryakumar Yadav, no run, floated up outside off, Suryakumar late cuts it to short third man
9.4 -
Murugan Ashwin to Y Pathan, 1 run, drops it short and outside off, cracked away square of the wicket
9.3 -
Murugan Ashwin to Y Pathan, FOUR, googly on leg-stump, Pathan uses those wrists to whip it behind square on the leg-side, placed it well as the fielder at deep backward square had no chance of cutting that off
9.2 -
Murugan Ashwin to Y Pathan, no run, short and turning away outside off, Pathan flashes and can't reach it. Ashwin might have got away with one there. Was just outside the tramline
9.1 -
Murugan Ashwin to Suryakumar Yadav, 1 run, straightaway turn for Ashwin. It was shorter and that allowed Suryakumar to adjust, bunts it between cover and point for a single
Murugan Ashwin, right-arm leg break, comes into the attack
8.6 -
R Bhatia to Y Pathan, no run, on middle and leg, Pathan bends low and works it to mid-wicket. Can't beat Faf inside the ring
8.5 -
R Bhatia to Suryakumar Yadav, 1 run, good length ball on off, Suryakumar eases it down to long-on and records his highest score in the T20 League
8.4 -
R Bhatia to Y Pathan, 1 run, waits for the slower delivery to arrive, tucks it in front of square on the leg-side
8.3 -
R Bhatia to Y Pathan, no run, fine piece of fielding from Faf. Fuller leg-cutter and Pathan wrists it towards mid-wicket. Faf moves quickly to his left, tumbles to stop the ball and fires a direct hit at the batsman's end. Pathan was home though
8.2 -
R Bhatia to Suryakumar Yadav, 1 run, leg-cutter marathon continues from Bhatia, punched off the back foot to long-on
8.1 -
R Bhatia to Y Pathan, 1 run, leg-cutter around off, Pathan brought his bat down at an angle and squirted it off the inside part of the bat to backward square leg
7.6 -
Ankit Sharma to Y Pathan, 1 run, Dhoni won't be happy with that. Slightly short and just outside off, Pathan chops the cut to backward point, Albie misfields and concedes the run
7.5 -
Ankit Sharma to Suryakumar Yadav, 1 run, shortens the length on off, Suryakumar stands tall and taps it towards point
7.4 -
Ankit Sharma to Y Pathan, 1 run, low full toss, Pathan crouches low and drills it to long-on
7.3 -
Ankit Sharma to Suryakumar Yadav, 1 run, tossed up around off, Suryakumar push-drives it to long-off
7.2 -
Ankit Sharma to Y Pathan, 1 run, direct hit and Pathan would have continued his run back to the pavilion. Slower through the air and Pathan drops it to the on-side. Dhoni runs across, collects, turns and fires at the bowler's end. Missed and Pathan breathes
7.1 -
Ankit Sharma to Suryakumar Yadav, 1 run, flatter and on off, Suryakumar nudges it in front of square on the leg-side
Ankit Sharma, left-arm orthodox, comes into the attack
6.6 -
R Bhatia to Suryakumar Yadav, 1 run, another leg-cutter on off, Suryakumar eases it down to long-on
6.5 -
R Bhatia to Suryakumar Yadav, no run, Dhoni tries to stop the steer by raising his right leg, the ball deflects off his pad to short third man, Suryakumar wanted the run but Pathan wasn't keen
6.4 -
R Bhatia to Y Pathan, 1 run, leg-cutter just outside off, Pathan drives it down to long-off
Yusuf Pathan, right handed bat, comes to the crease
6.3 -
R Bhatia to Shakib, out Bowled!! Cleaned 'im up. The off-cutter does the trick for Bhatia. Pune needed this as the partnership was looking dangerous. It was on a fuller length, Shakib went for the expansive drive, the ball did not rise as much as he expected, gets a thickish inside edge onto the leg-stump. Dhoni is delighted and so too is Bhatia. KOL's dugout looks nervous. Shakib b R Bhatia 3(9)
R Bhatia to Shakib, THAT'S OUT!! Bowled!!
6.2 -
R Bhatia to Shakib, no run, off-cutter just outside off, Shakib punches it towards cover
6.1 -
R Bhatia to Suryakumar Yadav, 1 run, slower delivery around off, punched uppishly down to long-on
Rajat Bhatia, right-arm medium, comes into the attack
Strategic time-out! Both teams have had their moments in the powerplay and it is KOL who sit pretty. After losing Uthappa off the first ball, they have recovered well. Suryakumar has mixed caution with aggression and Shakib has remained calm at the other end. Here's something from out statman, Deepu Narayanan. Wickets lost by KOL in Powerplays in T20 League2016 : First 4 matches: 1 in 24 overs. Today: 2 in 6 overs..
5.6 -
Ashwin to Shakib, no run, darted in at 102kph, Shakib chops it straight to backward point
5.5 -
Ashwin to Suryakumar Yadav, 1 run, pushed through on a fuller length, clipped away to deep mid-wicket
5.4 -
Ashwin to Suryakumar Yadav, no run, quicker and close to off, Suryakumar lunges forward and pushes it back to Ashwin
5.3 -
Ashwin to Shakib, 1 run, drifting onto the pads, tucked away square on the leg-side
5.2 -
Ashwin to Suryakumar Yadav, 1 run, flighted on off, Suryakumar wrists it down to long-on
5.1 -
Ashwin to Suryakumar Yadav, SIX, no turn this time and Suryakumar dispatches it over long-on. Tossed up on off, Suryakumar gets a good stride forward, lofts handsomely over long-on. That is another superb shot from the Mumbai batsman
Ashwin is forced to change his angle, round the wicket now...
5.1 -
Ashwin to Suryakumar Yadav, wide, Ashwin continues to spin it down leg. Plenty of turn and Suryakumar has no chance of laying bat on that. Dhoni takes a stump out, but Suryakumar was inside the crease all the time
4.6 -
T Perera to Suryakumar Yadav, 1 run, angled in around off, Suryakumar stabs it down to third man and retains strike
4.5 -
T Perera to Suryakumar Yadav, FOUR, good length ball on the fourth/fifth stump line, Suryakumar chips it on the up to the right of mid-off, Faf gives chase only to retrieve it from the fence. Yadav is looking good here
4.4 -
T Perera to Suryakumar Yadav, no run, fuller and on off, Suryakumar checks his shot and chips it right at Shakib, who ducks and mid-on tidies up
4.3 -
T Perera to Shakib, 1 run, slanted across the left-hander, Shakib uses the angle and glides it down to third man
4.2 -
T Perera to Shakib, no run, Thisara goes up for an LBW appeal. Looked like there was an inside edge. Shakib is cramped for room with the short of length delivery, jams it onto his pad off the inside edge
Dhoni had a discussion regarding those two wides in Ashwin's over with the umpire. His point was that the ball pitched outside off and the batsman was shuffling. Nice point!
4.1 -
T Perera to Suryakumar Yadav, 1 run, back of a length outside off, Suryakumar dabs it away to third man
Thisara Perera [1.0-0-6-0] is back into the attack
KOL might have lost their openers, but are still going at a healthy run-rate. Suryakumar's promotion in the absence of Manish Pandey has been a good move so far...
3.6 -
Ashwin to Suryakumar Yadav, 1 run, floated up on off, Suryakumar stays low and tucks it behind square on the leg-side
3.6 -
Ashwin to Suryakumar Yadav, wide, repeat of the previous delivery, this time more turn. Started from well outside off and ends up down leg, good take by Dhoni
3.6 -
Ashwin to Suryakumar Yadav, wide, turn for Ashwin, starts from off and ends up down leg, Dhoni takes the bails off, but Suryakumar was going nowhere
3.5 -
Ashwin to Suryakumar Yadav, SIX, fabulous shot! It was the carrom ball and Suryakumar picked it. Read it from the hand, knew mid-on was in the circle and hence took the aerial route, lofted it over the long-on fence for a maximum
3.4 -
Ashwin to Shakib, 1 run, sliding onto the pads, helped on its way to backward square leg
3.3 -
Ashwin to Shakib, no run, flighted on the stumps, driven back to the bowler
Round the wicket with a slip in place..
3.2 -
Ashwin to Suryakumar Yadav, 1 run, goes straight on outside off, Suryakumar opens the bat face and directs it square on the off-side
3.1 -
Ashwin to Suryakumar Yadav, no run, tossed up on off, Suryakumar drives and yells out "NO" as the ball goes quickly to mid-on
Ravichandran Ashwin, right-arm off break, comes into the attack
2.6 -
A Morkel to Shakib, no run, short of length just outside off, Shakib rides the bounce and pats it to point
Shakib Al Hasan, left handed bat, comes to the crease
2.5 -
A Morkel to Gambhir, out Gambhir Run Out!! 1 run completed. Batman and Robin gone. KOL have relied heavily on their opening batsmen and both of them have gone cheaply today. There was never a second. Gambhir tucks the back of a length delivery to the on-side, no one at mid-wicket. Tiwary ran forward from mid-on, collected the ball and fired a well-directed throw to Dhoni, who whipped the bails off. Gambhir dived, but was still short. The square leg umpire didn't even bother to go upstairs. Gambhir run out (S Tiwary/Dhoni) 11(5) [4s-2]
A Morkel to Gambhir, THAT'S OUT!! Run Out!!
2.4 -
A Morkel to Suryakumar Yadav, 1 run, drags the length back, Suryakumar played that almost off Dhoni's gloves, steered down to third man
2.3 -
A Morkel to Suryakumar Yadav, no run, good length ball on off, Suryakumar drives off the inner part of the bat to mid-wicket
Slip has been done away with..
2.2 -
A Morkel to Suryakumar Yadav, FOUR, MS is up to the stumps but that doesn't stop Albie from leaking runs. Another full delivery on the stumps, Suryakumar leans forward and flicks it handsomely, mid-wicket dives but can't stop the ball
2.1 -
A Morkel to Suryakumar Yadav, FOUR, top shot! Held the pose for the cameras as well. Everything right about the shot. Fullish and on off, Suryakumar presents the straight bat and high elbow, on-drives it past mid-on. Timing was also exquisite
1.6 -
T Perera to Suryakumar Yadav, 1 run, sensible batting. Hit the boundary and now dabs the short of length delivery down to third man
1.5 -
T Perera to Suryakumar Yadav, FOUR, delicately done. Suryakumar used the pace of the bowler, the length was also short and it allowed him to get under it, ramped it fine and beat third man in the deep
1.4 -
T Perera to Suryakumar Yadav, no run, this one rears up from nowhere. Back of a length and just outside off, Suryakumar has his feet stuck in the crease, aims a needless poke and is lucky for the second time. Goes at a nice height to MS
1.3 -
T Perera to Suryakumar Yadav, no run, pitched and Suryakumar was sucked into that. But why was he trying to flick it? It was outside off and he looked to fetch it from there. Lucky that it didn't take the outside edge on the way
1.2 -
T Perera to Suryakumar Yadav, no run, good length ball just outside off, gets a bit of extra bounce, Suryakumar allows the ball to hit the splice and drop to the off-side
1.1 -
T Perera to Gambhir, 1 run, fuller and on off, Gambhir crouches low, twirls his wrists and nurdles it to fine leg
Thisara Perera, right-arm medium, comes into the attack
0.6 -
A Morkel to Suryakumar Yadav, FOUR, no stopping this one. He might have taken the wicket off the first ball, but Albie concedes 15 runs after that. Short and wide, Suryakumar rides the bounces and cracks it past a diving cover-point, he is off the mark in style as well
0.5 -
A Morkel to Suryakumar Yadav, no run, fuller and on off, Suryakumar drives it back to the bowler, Albie bends down and stops it in his followthrough. Good stop that as it was struck well
0.4 -
A Morkel to Gambhir, 1 run, shortens the length around off, Gambhir drops it in front of backward point and set off, Suryakumar responded and would have been in trouble had Rahane's underarm throw found its target
0.3 -
A Morkel to Gambhir, FOUR, back to back boundaries for Gambhir. Short and width offered outside off, Gambhir's eyes lit up seeing that, flashed and flashed hard, the thickish outside edge flew over the slip cordon
0.2 -
A Morkel to Gambhir, FOUR, there comes the famous Gambhir steer. On a length and just outside off, Gambhir dabs it wide of the slip fielder, third man was square and the ball raced away to the fence. He is off and running
0.2 -
A Morkel to Suryakumar Yadav, 2 wides, Albie cannot control the swing, splays it down leg and Suryakumar misses the tickle. MS dives to his left and gets a glove, saved a few for the team
Suryakumar Yadav, right handed bat, comes to the crease
0.1 -
A Morkel to Uthappa, out Lbw!! Wow! Was it going down? A brave call from the umpire to give that. Albie generally gets the ball to shape away from the right-hander, but this one hits the seam and darts back in, Uthappa was on the shuffle as he missed the flick. The impact was on leg-stump, might have been just kissing the leg-pole. A 50-50 call and it goes in favour of Pune. Just the start MS would have spoken about in the huddle. First time in this edition a wicket has fallen off the first ball of the innings. Uthappa lbw b A Morkel 0(1)
A Morkel to Uthappa, THAT'S OUT!! Lbw!!
Uthappa and Gambhir are at the crease. Uthappa is on strike. A Morkel will open the attack