Punjab Kings vs Chennai Super Kings, IPL, 2024 Full score card

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Match 53, Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium, Dharamsala, 05 May, 2024

Chennai Super Kings

CSK

167/9

(20.0) ov

Punjab Kings

PBKS

139/9

(20.0) ov

Chennai Super Kings beat Punjab Kings by 28 runs

Player Of The Match

Ravindra Jadeja,
Chennai Super Kings
Chennai Super Kings
Summary
Scorecard
Commentary
News
Punjab Kings
Chennai Super Kings

Punjab Kings • 139/9 (20.0 overs)

P Singh 30 (23)

S Singh 27 (20)

R Jadeja 3/20 (4)

S Singh 2/16 (3)

Chennai Super Kings • 167/9 (20.0 overs)

R Jadeja 43 (26)

R Gaikwad 32 (21)

R Chahar 3/23 (4)

H Patel 3/24 (4)

Commentary

That's it from the coverage of this game, but the action in the Indian T20 League continues as Lucknow will be taking on Kolkata at 7.30 pm IST. This game is just about to start, so you switch tabs and enjoy the same. Until next time, take care and goodbye.

Ravindra Jadeja wins the Player of the Match award for his outstanding all-round performance. He starts by saying that the wicket was a bit slow as it was a day game, but they expected it due to the heat. States that he focused on building a partnership, but they could not really turn up with the bat in hand. Later, Tushar Deshpande set the tone with the new ball in hand, and it helped them a lot. Felt that they were 10-20 runs short, but is glad he could keep things tight with the ball in hand. States that sometimes they lose early wickets in the Powerplay, but whenever they win the match, they end up playing good cricket throughout the 20 overs.

Ruturaj Gaikwad, the victorious skipper is in for chat. He says that the wicket was slow and had low bounce but after the start they got they were looking at going for 180-200 run mark but with the loss of wickets it got difficult but the way the wicket played in the second innings it surely was a par score. Adds that with the bowling options they had so far, they just couldn't include Simarjeet and they did not opt for the impact batter which could have given them 10-15 runs more but stuck to their team. Mentions that with bowlers getting injured this was a big sigh of relief.

Stay tuned for the post-match presentation...

Tushar Deshpande is down for a quick chat. He says he is very happy and they wanted to win this game more than anyting else. Adds that in the previous game, luck didnt go his way and he was determined to do well at this venue which is high in altitude and there is some purchse for the bowlers. Mentions that the pitch was slow and was stopping a bit and horizontal bat shots were harder to play and they just backed their strengths and looked to bowl top of off line.

Sam Curran, the captain of Punjab says that they bowled really well as a group and the way Rahul bowled in the middle and Harshal finished off was special. Adds that he felt that it was a slow surface and that could be because this was a day game. Mentions that they will next play against Bengaluru after two days and this was not meant to go their way but they will go harder and look to do well.

One would say that Punjab were still in the game at the end of 8 overs when the third-wicket stand was broken, but after that they lost two more wickets in the next two overs and were teetering at 72/5 in 10 overs. After this, it was only Chennai that had all the fun. In the next 5 overs, Chennai went on to give only 19 runs for three wickets, this certainly helped them to put the game to bed. Chennai would've loved to end this early, but Punjab will take some pride in taking the game until the 20th over. Some late cameos from the tail-enders, allowed them to take some pride from this defeat. For Chennai, it was Simarjeet Singh and Ravindra Jadeja who bowled well in the middle overs and kept things tight for the opposition. Jadeja stood out with his three-wicket haul. Simarjeet Singh dominated with the ball and ended up with a brace.

Before coming into the run-chase, Punjab would've been delighted to not let Chennai get near the 180-run mark, they bowled as a unit, but could not replicate anything similar with the bat in hand. It just wasn't meant to be for them. They lost two wickets in the second over itself of the run chase. Courtesy of Tushar Deshpande who made an instant impact after coming into the side after a flu. Then came a healthy partnership between Shashank Singh and Prabhsimran Singh of 53 runs which turns out to be the highest stand of this run chase as well. This is the real cause of their defeat, as no other batter could contribute significantly to get them over the line.

A valuable victory for Chennai away from home. They take two points from this game, but they would've been even more delighted if they were able to finish the game off a little early. Nevertheless, Chennai manage to jump to third in the points table from the fifth position. Punjab won the toss earlier, did well with the ball in hand as well to keep Chennai on an ideal avearge score in the first innings on this venue which is 167, but still they could not turn up with the bat here to do a double-over the Yellow Army.

Runs Scored 7 Runs

Score after 20 overs : 139/9

H Brar17 (13)

K Rabada11 (10)

S Thakur2-0-12-1

19.61

In the air, but falls safe! Shardul Thakur digs this short over middle, Harpreet Brar mistimes his pull in the night sky but lands safely at mid-wicket region. The batters cross for a run and Chennai comfortably seal the victory with 28 runs.

19.51

Looks for the wide yorker and serves a full toss outside off, Kagiso Rabada slaps it over cover for a single.

19.40

Short and outside off, Kagiso Rabada looks to pull but is beaten.

19.34lb

FOUR LEG BYES! Punjab will take every run! Thakur bowls this full and into the pads, Kagiso Rabada looks to flick it away with no foot movement and misses. The ball clips the back pad and races away to the fine leg fence for four runs.

19.20

Pitches this on a fuller length and outside off, Kagiso Rabada looks for the big slog but misses out on making any connection.

19.11

Darts the perfect wide yorker outside off, Harpreet Brar jams it to long off for a single.

Runs Scored 11 Runs

Score after 19 overs : 132/9

K Rabada10 (6)

H Brar15 (11)

R Gleeson4-0-41-0

18.66

SIX! Makes the connection right and gets the distance! A shorter delivery that isn't too short and sits up nicely over middle and off, Kagiso Rabada pulls it neatly over mid-wicket for a biggie.

18.51

Full and into the stumps, Harpreet Brar smashes it to wide of long on for a single.

18.41

Ouch! That could sting! Gleeson bowls this straight and into the stumps, Kagiso Rabada drills it straight back towards the umpire who gets hit on his hand as the ball trickles away towards the long on fielder for a single.

18.31

Attacks the stumps on a fuller length, Harpreet Brar flicks it well to deep mid-wicket for a single.

18.21

Full and on off, Kagiso Rabada drills it to long off for a single.

18.10

A great review! Goes fuller ut well outside the tramline on off. Kagiso Rabada leaves it alone. Chennai send it upstairs for a wide check. The replay shows that the batter has moved across and the guideline also moves. The onfield call is overturned to a fair delivery.

18.11wd

WIDE! Bowls this slower and on a length but wayward on off, Kagiso Rabada leaves it alone for a wide.

Runs Scored 9 Runs

Score after 18 overs : 121/9

K Rabada2 (2)

H Brar13 (9)

S Thakur1-0-9-1

17.61

On a good length and over middle and off, Kagiso Rabada pulls it off the bottom half of the bat to long on for a single to end the over. Punjab need 47 more runs to win off 12 balls and have just one wicket left in the tank.

17.61wd

WIDE! Looks to bowl this wider on off but sprays it wayward over the tramline for a wide.

17.51

A tad shorter in length but still outside off in line, Harpreet Brar reaches for it and slices it to deep point for a single.

17.41

Bowls this full and outside off, Kagiso Rabada leans on it and times his drive well to deep cover for a single.

Kagiso Rabada is the final man in.

17.3W

OUT! TIMBER! It was just a matter of time for Chennai! Rahul Chahar looks to get cheeky but pays the ultimate price. Thakur bowls this full and straight into the stumps, Rahul Chahar gets across the line and looks to scoop it over short fine but makes no connection. The ball skids through to rattle the stumps.

17.21

Takes pace off and bowls this wide on off and on a length, Harpreet Brar gets closer tot he line and punches it to deep point for a single.

17.14

FOUR! Shardul Thakur comes from over the wicket and bowls this wider on off and on a length, Harpreet Brar waits back and slaps it through cover for a boundary.

Commentary

We are back with the chase! The two umpires make their way out to the middle followed by the Chennai team who spread out to take the field. It will be Jonny Bairstow along with the impact substitute, Prabhsimran Singh replacing Arshdeep Singh who will open for Punjab. Simarjeet Singh is the impact substitute replacing Ajinkya Rahane for Chennai. It will be spin to start the proceedings as Mitchell Santner is handed the new ball. Away we go..

... THE RUN CHASE ...

Punjab initiated proceedings on a promising note, courtesy of Arshdeep Singh's early breakthrough. However, a momentary lapse in the bowlers' accuracy resulted in conceding a few too many runs during the powerplay. The pivotal shift occurred with the introduction of spin, as Rahul Chahar cast his spell, scalping three crucial wickets from the heart of Chennai's batting order. The pacers, rallying in the middle overs, displayed impeccable coordination, claiming a couple more pivotal wickets, intensifying the pressure on Chennai. Harshal Patel then rose to the occasion, dismissing two batters in quick succession, further bolstering his side's commanding position in the game as Punjab successfully restricted a strong Chennai batting unit to just 167 runs on the board. With the pitch presenting challenges for the batters, this chase won't be a walk in the park for Punjab, necessitating a strong performance from their top order once again. Who are you fancying to get across the line in this all-important game? We shall soon find out how things pan out as the chase comes to you in a bit.

Harshal Patel is in for a quick chat. He starts by saying that the deck is a bit on the dry side. Adds that he has a lot of respect for Dhoni and hence he did not celebrate. Mentions that once the ball started reversing, the batters found it difficult to read it and hit it. States that he wasn't really confident about the slower one, but he knows when it comes out nicely it is a real opportunity to get great results.

It has been an outstanding bowling effort from Punjab but a powerful finish by Ravindra Jadeja in the closing over has helped Chennai reach a decent total of 167 runs. A tally they'll certainly find satisfaction in considering the challenges they faced throughout their innings. After being put to bat first, Chennai cautiously began their innings, but Ajinkya Rahane's continued run of low scores haunted him as he departed early in the second over. Daryl Mitchell then partnered with skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad, taking a few deliveries to settle before accelerating, adding crucial boundaries to guide Chennai to 60/1 by the end of the Powerplay. Just as momentum seemed to favour Chennai, Ruturaj Gaikwad and Shivam Dube fell in successive deliveries, triggering a collapse. Daryl Mitchell, who had settled in well, also departed, followed by Moeen Ali, leaving Chennai in a desperate search for a partnership. Although the left-handed duo of Ravindra Jadeja and Mitchell Santner sought to stabilize the innings with occasional boundaries, they struggled to forge a substantial stand. Shardul Thakur's elevated position in the batting order injected some counter-attacking flair, briefly steadying nerves. Yet, Chennai's hopes were dashed once more as they lost two wickets in successive deliveries in the penultimate over, including the pivotal dismissal of MS Dhoni, plunging them deeper into trouble. Ravindra Jadeja's crucial knock of 43 runs off 26 balls ultimately propelled Chennai to a respectable total by the innings' conclusion.

Runs Scored 16 Runs

Score after 20 overs : 167/9

R Gleeson2 (2)

T Deshpande0 (1)

A Singh4-0-42-2

19.61lb

LEG BYE! A length ball, around the thigh pads. Richard Gleeson looks to flick it away but misses. It comes off the pads. They cross for a leg bye. Chennai end with 167 runs on the scoreboard, with a wicket in hand.

19.52

Richard Gleeson gets off the mark instantly. Arshdeep Singh fires in a yorker, on off. Richard Gleeson knocks it to mid off. Two runs taken.

Richard Gleeson is the last man to walk out for Chennai.

19.4W

OUT! CAUGHT! Slower ball does the trick for Punjab once again. Arshdeep Singh with a bumper outside off. Ravindra Jadeja swings hard across the line but only to get a thick outside edge. The ball flies towards mid on. Sam Curran rushes in from the deep and takes a sharp catch.

19.36

SIX! BANG! Ravindra Jadeja is not going down without a fight. It is a full ball, on middle and off. Ravindra Jadeja gets under it and smokes it over the wide long on fence for a maximum. 10-15 more runs and Chennai would feel confident.

19.31wd

WIDE! Pressure on the bowler. Arshdeep Singh errs in his line and serves it outside the tramline, wide of off. Wide called.

19.22

Back of a length, wide of off. Jadeja works it straight down the ground and comes back for the second run.

19.14

FOUR! Poor start by Arshdeep Singh. Full toss and he gets punished. Ravindra Jadeja picks it up nicely and helps it on its way to the deep third boundary.

Runs Scored 2 Runs

Score after 19 overs : 151/8

T Deshpande0 (1)

R Jadeja31 (22)

H Patel4-0-24-3

18.60

Very full, on middle and leg. Tushar Deshpande stays inside the crease and bunts it out to mid off.

It will be Arshdeep Singh (3-0-27-1) to bowl the final over.

18.61wd

WIDE! Down the leg side. Wide given.

Tushar Deshpande walks out to bat at number 10 for Chennai.

18.5W

OUT! BOWLED! STUNNED! The crowd cannot believe it. This is not what they are here for, but well this is what cricket is. Can't be fruitful every single time. Harshal Patel though has picked up his third wicket of the day and this is turning out to be a dream end for Punjab, there is still one one remaining though. Harshal Patel serves a slower one, full and on off. MS Dhoni looks to slog it away but misses it completely. The ball sneak through and the off stump has been uprooted here.

The crowd erupts as MS Dhoni makes his way out to bat at number 9 for Chennai.

18.4W

OUT! TIMBER! Harshal Patel with a full one, swinging into the right-hander as well. Shardul Thakur dances down the track, tries to go downtown but ends up heading towards the pavilion as he ends up missing his shot. The ball sneaks under the blade and goes out to disturb the stumps. This is the only wicket for which Punjab have received a lot of cheer. Although, its not because they got rid of Thakur, but more for the man who is going to walk in now.

18.30

A low full toss, slower one, dipping as well. Shardul Thakur looks to slog it away but misses it completely.

18.20

A yorker this time, outside off. Shardul Thakur tries to go after it but gets beaten.

18.11

Fuller one, on the pads. Jadeja clips it to square leg for one.

Harshal Patel (3-0-22-1) comes back to bowl his final over.

Runs Scored 13 Runs

Score after 18 overs : 149/6

S Thakur17 (8)

R Jadeja30 (21)

R Chahar4-0-23-3

17.60

Quicker one this time, full and outside off. It spins away once again. Shardul Thakur tries to have a go at it but fails to connect. There is an appeal made for stumping. The umpire takes it upstairs. It is concluded that Thakur is safe.

17.50

A leg-spinner this time, outside off. Shardul Thakur swings hard at it but misses.

17.51wd

WIDE! It is a quicker one, fired past the tramline outside off. Wide called.

17.41

Short one, on off. Jadeja pulls it to deep mid-wicket for one.

17.36

SIX! Jadeja connects, and he connects well. It is a slower one, full and outside off. Jadeja gets down on one knee and slogs it powerfully over the mid-wicket fence for a biggie.

17.21

On the pads, flicked to square leg for one.

Punjab Kings
Chennai Super Kings
Batter R B 4s 6s SR

c sub S Rizvi b R Jadeja

30 23 2 2 130.43
J Bairstow

b T Deshpande

7 6 1 0 116.66
R Rossouw

b T Deshpande

0 3 0 0 0
S Singh

c S Singh b M Santner

27 20 4 0 135
S Curran

c M Santner b R Jadeja

7 11 0 0 63.63
J Sharma

c Dhoni b S Singh

0 1 0 0 0
A Sharma

c S Singh b R Jadeja

3 10 0 0 30
H Brar

not out

17 13 2 0 130.76
H Patel

c sub S Rizvi b S Singh

12 13 1 1 92.30
R Chahar

b S Thakur

16 10 2 1 160
K Rabada

not out

11 10 0 1 110
Extras

(b 0,lb 5,w 4,nb 0,Penalty 0)

9
Total 20.0 (RR: 6.95)
139/9

Fall of wickets:

(J Bairstow, 1.3 ov) (R Rossouw, 2 ov) (S Singh, 8 ov) (P Singh, 9 ov) (J Sharma, 9.4 ov) (S Curran, 12.1 ov) (A Sharma, 12.3 ov) (H Patel, 14.4 ov) (R Chahar, 17.3 ov)
Bowler O M R W ER
M Santner
3 0 10 1 3.33
T Deshpande
4 0 35 2 8.75
R Gleeson
4 0 41 0 10.25
R Jadeja
4 0 20 3 5.00
3 0 16 2 5.33
S Thakur
2 0 12 1 6.00
Batter R B 4s 6s SR

c K Rabada b A Singh

9 7 1 0 128.57
R Gaikwad

c J Sharma b R Chahar

32 21 4 1 152.38
D Mitchell

lbw b H Patel

30 19 2 1 157.89
S Dube

c J Sharma b R Chahar

0 1 0 0 0
M Ali

c J Bairstow b S Curran

17 20 2 0 85
R Jadeja

c S Curran b A Singh

43 26 3 2 165.38
M Santner

c S Curran b R Chahar

11 11 1 0 100
S Thakur

b H Patel

17 11 2 1 154.54
Dhoni

b H Patel

0 1 0 0 0
T Deshpande

not out

0 1 0 0 0
R Gleeson

not out

2 2 0 0 100
Extras

(b 0,lb 1,w 5,nb 0,Penalty 0)

6
Total 20.0 (RR: 8.35)
167/9

Did not bat:

Fall of wickets:

(A Rahane, 1.5 ov) (R Gaikwad, 7.1 ov) (S Dube, 7.2 ov) (D Mitchell, 8.5 ov) (M Ali, 12.4 ov) (M Santner, 16 ov) (S Thakur, 18.4 ov) (Dhoni, 18.5 ov) (R Jadeja, 19.4 ov)
Bowler O M R W ER
K Rabada
3 0 24 0 8.00
4 0 42 2 10.50
S Curran
4 0 34 1 8.50
H Brar
1 0 19 0 19.00
R Chahar
4 0 23 3 5.75
H Patel
4 0 24 3 6.00
Punjab Kings
Chennai Super Kings

Commentary

That's it from the coverage of this game, but the action in the Indian T20 League continues as Lucknow will be taking on Kolkata at 7.30 pm IST. This game is just about to start, so you switch tabs and enjoy the same. Until next time, take care and goodbye.

Ravindra Jadeja wins the Player of the Match award for his outstanding all-round performance. He starts by saying that the wicket was a bit slow as it was a day game, but they expected it due to the heat. States that he focused on building a partnership, but they could not really turn up with the bat in hand. Later, Tushar Deshpande set the tone with the new ball in hand, and it helped them a lot. Felt that they were 10-20 runs short, but is glad he could keep things tight with the ball in hand. States that sometimes they lose early wickets in the Powerplay, but whenever they win the match, they end up playing good cricket throughout the 20 overs.

Ruturaj Gaikwad, the victorious skipper is in for chat. He says that the wicket was slow and had low bounce but after the start they got they were looking at going for 180-200 run mark but with the loss of wickets it got difficult but the way the wicket played in the second innings it surely was a par score. Adds that with the bowling options they had so far, they just couldn't include Simarjeet and they did not opt for the impact batter which could have given them 10-15 runs more but stuck to their team. Mentions that with bowlers getting injured this was a big sigh of relief.

Stay tuned for the post-match presentation...

Tushar Deshpande is down for a quick chat. He says he is very happy and they wanted to win this game more than anyting else. Adds that in the previous game, luck didnt go his way and he was determined to do well at this venue which is high in altitude and there is some purchse for the bowlers. Mentions that the pitch was slow and was stopping a bit and horizontal bat shots were harder to play and they just backed their strengths and looked to bowl top of off line.

Sam Curran, the captain of Punjab says that they bowled really well as a group and the way Rahul bowled in the middle and Harshal finished off was special. Adds that he felt that it was a slow surface and that could be because this was a day game. Mentions that they will next play against Bengaluru after two days and this was not meant to go their way but they will go harder and look to do well.

One would say that Punjab were still in the game at the end of 8 overs when the third-wicket stand was broken, but after that they lost two more wickets in the next two overs and were teetering at 72/5 in 10 overs. After this, it was only Chennai that had all the fun. In the next 5 overs, Chennai went on to give only 19 runs for three wickets, this certainly helped them to put the game to bed. Chennai would've loved to end this early, but Punjab will take some pride in taking the game until the 20th over. Some late cameos from the tail-enders, allowed them to take some pride from this defeat. For Chennai, it was Simarjeet Singh and Ravindra Jadeja who bowled well in the middle overs and kept things tight for the opposition. Jadeja stood out with his three-wicket haul. Simarjeet Singh dominated with the ball and ended up with a brace.

Before coming into the run-chase, Punjab would've been delighted to not let Chennai get near the 180-run mark, they bowled as a unit, but could not replicate anything similar with the bat in hand. It just wasn't meant to be for them. They lost two wickets in the second over itself of the run chase. Courtesy of Tushar Deshpande who made an instant impact after coming into the side after a flu. Then came a healthy partnership between Shashank Singh and Prabhsimran Singh of 53 runs which turns out to be the highest stand of this run chase as well. This is the real cause of their defeat, as no other batter could contribute significantly to get them over the line.

A valuable victory for Chennai away from home. They take two points from this game, but they would've been even more delighted if they were able to finish the game off a little early. Nevertheless, Chennai manage to jump to third in the points table from the fifth position. Punjab won the toss earlier, did well with the ball in hand as well to keep Chennai on an ideal avearge score in the first innings on this venue which is 167, but still they could not turn up with the bat here to do a double-over the Yellow Army.

Runs Scored 7 Runs

Score after 20 overs : 139/9

H Brar17 (13)

K Rabada11 (10)

S Thakur2-0-12-1

19.61

In the air, but falls safe! Shardul Thakur digs this short over middle, Harpreet Brar mistimes his pull in the night sky but lands safely at mid-wicket region. The batters cross for a run and Chennai comfortably seal the victory with 28 runs.

19.51

Looks for the wide yorker and serves a full toss outside off, Kagiso Rabada slaps it over cover for a single.

19.40

Short and outside off, Kagiso Rabada looks to pull but is beaten.

19.34lb

FOUR LEG BYES! Punjab will take every run! Thakur bowls this full and into the pads, Kagiso Rabada looks to flick it away with no foot movement and misses. The ball clips the back pad and races away to the fine leg fence for four runs.

19.20

Pitches this on a fuller length and outside off, Kagiso Rabada looks for the big slog but misses out on making any connection.

19.11

Darts the perfect wide yorker outside off, Harpreet Brar jams it to long off for a single.

Runs Scored 11 Runs

Score after 19 overs : 132/9

K Rabada10 (6)

H Brar15 (11)

R Gleeson4-0-41-0

18.66

SIX! Makes the connection right and gets the distance! A shorter delivery that isn't too short and sits up nicely over middle and off, Kagiso Rabada pulls it neatly over mid-wicket for a biggie.

18.51

Full and into the stumps, Harpreet Brar smashes it to wide of long on for a single.

18.41

Ouch! That could sting! Gleeson bowls this straight and into the stumps, Kagiso Rabada drills it straight back towards the umpire who gets hit on his hand as the ball trickles away towards the long on fielder for a single.

18.31

Attacks the stumps on a fuller length, Harpreet Brar flicks it well to deep mid-wicket for a single.

18.21

Full and on off, Kagiso Rabada drills it to long off for a single.

18.10

A great review! Goes fuller ut well outside the tramline on off. Kagiso Rabada leaves it alone. Chennai send it upstairs for a wide check. The replay shows that the batter has moved across and the guideline also moves. The onfield call is overturned to a fair delivery.

18.11wd

WIDE! Bowls this slower and on a length but wayward on off, Kagiso Rabada leaves it alone for a wide.

Runs Scored 9 Runs

Score after 18 overs : 121/9

K Rabada2 (2)

H Brar13 (9)

S Thakur1-0-9-1

17.61

On a good length and over middle and off, Kagiso Rabada pulls it off the bottom half of the bat to long on for a single to end the over. Punjab need 47 more runs to win off 12 balls and have just one wicket left in the tank.

17.61wd

WIDE! Looks to bowl this wider on off but sprays it wayward over the tramline for a wide.

17.51

A tad shorter in length but still outside off in line, Harpreet Brar reaches for it and slices it to deep point for a single.

17.41

Bowls this full and outside off, Kagiso Rabada leans on it and times his drive well to deep cover for a single.

Kagiso Rabada is the final man in.

17.3W

OUT! TIMBER! It was just a matter of time for Chennai! Rahul Chahar looks to get cheeky but pays the ultimate price. Thakur bowls this full and straight into the stumps, Rahul Chahar gets across the line and looks to scoop it over short fine but makes no connection. The ball skids through to rattle the stumps.

17.21

Takes pace off and bowls this wide on off and on a length, Harpreet Brar gets closer tot he line and punches it to deep point for a single.

17.14

FOUR! Shardul Thakur comes from over the wicket and bowls this wider on off and on a length, Harpreet Brar waits back and slaps it through cover for a boundary.

Runs Scored 7 Runs

Score after 17 overs : 112/8

R Chahar16 (9)

H Brar7 (6)

T Deshpande4-0-35-2

16.60

Lucky to get an edge on that one! Deshpande bowls this with the angle on a hard length and into the stumps, Rahul Chahar looks to play across the line and gets an inside edge onto his pads.

16.51

Goes wider on off and on a good length, Harpreet Brar pushes it to long off for a single.

16.40

Drops the length shorter and hits the deck hard over middle, Harpreet Brar looks for the pull but makes no connection.

16.34

FOUR! Nice shot using the pace! Deshpande hits the length short and outside off, Harpreet Brar stands put and opens the bat face enough to steer the ball wide of that third man fielder for a boundary.

16.21

Takes pace off and bowls this on a fuller length and into the stumps, Rahul Chahar nudges it in front of backward point and steals a quick single.

16.11

Lands this short and outside off, Harpreet Brar manages to cut it to mid off and squeeze in a run.

Strategic break! 14 runs come in the last over for Punjab, there is still a long way to go for them if they wish to get over the line with just 2 wickets in hands, but the more overs they face, the more impact it will have on the NRR of Chennai, who are eyeing to end the game as soon as possible and sneak into that top 4 with a healthy NRR at this point. All Punjab need to focus on now, is to drag this game as long as possible, and spoil this victory for their opposition in some manner.

Runs Scored 14 Runs

Score after 16 overs : 105/8

R Chahar15 (7)

H Brar1 (2)

R Gleeson3-0-30-0

15.66

SIX! 14 runs come off it and Rahul Chahar is doing his part for Punjab. Gleeson bowls this short and angles it into the bodyline, Rahul Chahar swivels across and pulls it off the inner half of the bat but gets enough to help this over fine leg fence for a maximum.

15.50

A well-directed bouncer outside off, Rahul Chahar looks to reach out but gets beaten.

15.44

FOUR! This one is right off the meat of the bat! Gleeson bowls this straight and into the stumps, Rahul Chahar opens up his stance and clears his front leg before slapping it over mid off for another boundary.

15.34

FOUR! Not where he intended to hit it but they do count! Gleeson bangs this short over off, Rahul Chahar looks for the pull but gets a leading edge over the keeper for four runs.

15.20

Bowls this wider on off and on a good length, Rahul Chahar throws everything at it but makes no connection.

15.10

Hits the deck hard over off, Rahul Chahar gets on top of his toes and cuts it straight to point.

Runs Scored 11 Runs

Score after 15 overs : 91/8

H Brar1 (2)

R Chahar1 (1)

S Singh3-0-16-2

14.60

A sharp bumper, on top of off. Harpreet Brar fails to connect this time. Another successful over from Simarjeet Singh comes to an end.

14.51

Bowls a full toss into the stumps, Rahul Chahar gets across the line and whips it to deep square leg for a single to get off the mark.

Rahul Chahar walks out to bat at number 10 for Punjab.

14.4W

OUT! CAUGHT! Simarjeet Singh picks up his second wicket. It is a short ball, on top of middle and off. Harshal Patel stays back and looks to pull it away. The ball catches the outside edge and goes high in the air towards square leg. Sameer Rizvi, the substitue fielder calls for it from mid-wicket, rushes to his right and takes a sharp catch.

14.34

FOUR! Outside edge and another boundary. Back of a length, outside off. Patel rocks back and slices it over short third. One bounce and into the ropes it goes.

14.26

SIX! Innovative shot and it pays off. A length delivery, outside off. Patel shuffles across, gets inside the line and scoops it over the keeper's head and it goes all the way.

14.10

Simarjeet Singh starts this over with a short ball, wide of off. Harshal Patel looks to cut it through the line but gets beaten.

Runs Scored 1 Runs

Score after 14 overs : 80/7

H Patel2 (9)

H Brar1 (1)

R Gleeson2-0-16-0

13.61

A bit short, outside off. Patel slices it to deep point only for a single.

13.50

On a good length, around off, shaping back in. Patel looks to push it away but gets beaten by the extra bounce.

13.40

Fuller one, angled outside off. Patel knocks it down the park for no run.

13.30

Short ball, outside off. Patel looks to slash it away but misses.

13.20

Back of a length, outside off. Patel knocks it into the off side for none.

13.10

Richard Gleeson starts his second spell with a length ball, nipping into the right-hander. Patel gets pinged on his pads as he fails to deal with it.

Richard Gleeson (1-0-15-0) comes back into the attack.

Runs Scored 2 Runs

Score after 13 overs : 79/7

H Patel1 (3)

H Brar1 (1)

R Jadeja4-0-20-3

12.61

Floated and full, on off. Patel prods and drives it down to long off for one.

12.50

On off, played back to the bowler.

12.40

An arm ball, that drifts in outside off. It grips and turns away. Patel looks to defend it out but gets beaten.

Harshal Patel walks out to bat next for Punjab.

12.3W

OUT! CAUGHT! Another one bites the dust. It is quicker and fuller, outside off. Ashutosh Sharma winds up, and throws the kitchen sink at it. The ball catches the outer half and pops up towards short third. Simarjeet Singh there settles under it and takes a sitter. Punjab are digging a hole for themselves here. It looks like they have come out without any planning.

12.21

A single now as Brar pushes this full ball out for a single.

Harpreet Brar walks out to bat at number 8 for Punjab.

12.1W

OUT! CAUGHT! Ravindra Jadeja is doing the magic with the ball in hand. Sam Curran tries to break the shackles but holes out instead. He tries to go inside out, but mistimes his shot to find the fielder in the deep. Mitchell Santner makes no mistake there.

Runs Scored 2 Runs

Score after 12 overs : 77/5

A Sharma3 (9)

S Curran7 (10)

S Singh2-0-5-1

11.60

DROPPED! Moeen Ali the culprit here. We don't often say this, because he is a reliable fielder, but here me makes a meal of a sitter. Ashutosh Sharma gets a lifeline here. Short ball, on middle and leg. Ashutosh Sharma pulls it towards mid-wicket but does not time it at all. Moeen Ali drops a huge catch.

11.51

Short ball, on top of middle. Sam Curran shuffles inside and tucks it to square leg for one.

11.40

Short ball, angled across the left hander. Curran taps it to point but unable to find the gap here.

11.31lb

LEG BYE! Quicker one, on the pads. Ashutosh Sharma tries to go for the pick up shot but fails to connect here. They cross for a leg bye.

11.20

Peach of a delivery! Simarjeet Singh serves a length ball, in the channel. This one skids through as well. Ashutosh Sharma stays back and tries to push it away but misses.

11.10

Good-length delivery, angled into the batter, quicker as well. Ashutosh Sharma looks to pull it away but the ball sneaks under the bat and pings him on his guts.

Runs Scored 3 Runs

Score after 11 overs : 75/5

A Sharma3 (5)

S Curran6 (8)

R Jadeja3-0-18-1

10.61

A single to end a tight over from Jadeja. It is tossed up, full and on off. Sharma pushes this into covers and crosses for one. He will retain the strike now, but can he bring the momentum back to his side?

10.51

A single now as Curran cuts this length ball to covers.

10.40

Flighted delivery, around leg stump. Curran is caught inside the crease. He tries to flick it away but misses. He gets pinged on his pads. Ravindra Jadeja puts in a loud appeal but the umpire shows no interest. They do not go for the review as well.

10.31

A bit straighter and full, on off. Sharma pushes it down the park for one.

10.20

Quicker and fuller, on fourth stump. Sharma knocks it into covers.

10.10

Fuller, outside off, pushed back to the bowler.

Runs Scored 4 Runs

Score after 10 overs : 72/5

S Curran5 (6)

A Sharma1 (1)

S Singh1-0-4-1

9.62

Digs another short one outside off, Sam Curran mistimes his pull again to cow corner for a couple of runs.

9.51

Oh wow, that one skids off the deck! Singh angles this into the right-hander and on a nagging length, on leg, the ball skids off the deck and stays low, Ashutosh Sharma does well to get his bat down in time and gets it to the leg side for a single.

Ashutosh Sharma is the new man in.

9.4W

OUT! CAUGHT BEHIND! MS Dhoni completes 150 catches in the Indian T20 League and with that Punjab lose half their side. Simarjeet Singh bowls this short and outside off, Jitesh Sharma looks to flay at it but only gets a thick outside edge to the right of the keeper. MS Dhoni stretches to his right and pounces it with both hands.

9.31

Sam Curran is struggling to find his timing right! Simarjeet Singh digs this short and over middle, Sam Curran mistimes his pull behind square on the leg side for a single.

9.20

Hits the length right and bowls it just outside off, Sam Curran cuts it straight to Ravindra Jadeja at point.

9.10

Starts from over the wicket and hits the deck on a shorter length around middle and off, Sam Curran pulls it straight to the fielder at mid-wicket.

Strategic break. Punjab lose two more wickets in quick succession and all the rebuild job done by Prabhsimran Singh and Shashank Singh goes down in vain here. The skipper of Punjab, needs to do the rebuild job all over again. Chennai have been on the money so far with the ball in hand. It is the spinners who are working their magic in the middle overs here. Will they be able to continue in a similar fashion? If so, then Punjab could certainly be staring down the barrel. It is Jitesh Sharma who comes out to bat at number 6.

Runs Scored 6 Runs

Score after 9 overs : 68/4

P Singh30 (23)

S Curran2 (2)

R Jadeja2-0-15-1

8.6W

OUT! CAUGHT! Ravindra Jadeja gets his first and Punjab are in all sorts off trouble now. Jadeja floats this one up just around off stump line, Prabhsimran Singh makes room and looks to go inside out but gets it off the lower half of the bat straight down the throat of the substitute fielder, Sameer Rizvi at long off,

8.51

Flights this one fuller and outside off, Sam Curran drives it to sweeper cover for a single.

8.41

Full and attacking the stumps, Prabhsimran Singh drives it to long on for a single.

8.32

Darts this one quicker and into the pads, Prabhsimran Singh eases it to deep backward point for a brace.

8.21

Goes fuller and on off, Sam Curran tucks it to mid-wicket for a single.

8.11

Tossed up fuller, on middle, Prabhsimran Singh nudges it to long on for a single.

Sam Curran is in to bat now.

Runs Scored 6 Runs

Score after 8 overs : 62/3

S Singh27 (20)

P Singh26 (19)

M Santner3-0-10-1

7.6W

OUT! CAUGHT! Another one holes out and Punjab now lose 3 wickets. Mitchell Santner bowls this one full and around off, Shashank Singh looks for the the big heave but mistimes it straight to Simarjeet Singh at long on who takes a good catch around his face.

7.54

FOUR! Nicely done!

7.41

Bowls this full and into the body, Prabhsimran Singh tucks it to long on for a single.

7.30

Floats this full and turning in around off, Prabhsimran Singh covers the line and blocks it out.

7.21

Drops this shorter and into the stumps, Shashank Singh tucks it to long on for a single.

7.10

Bowls this full and into the stumps, Shashank Singh punches it to cover.

Runs Scored 9 Runs

Score after 7 overs : 56/2

P Singh25 (17)

S Singh22 (16)

R Jadeja1-0-9-0

6.64

FOUR! Another good over for Punjab! Ravindra Jadeja drags the length short and on leg, Prabhsimran Singh makes room and crunches it through covers for four runs.

6.51

Drops the length a touch outside off, Shashank Singh punches it to cover for a single.

6.40

Tosses this one up and into middle and off, Shashank Singh taps it back to the bowler.

6.31

Goes full and drifts it down leg, Prabhsimran Singh helps it on its way to short fine leg for a single.

6.21

Quicker and fuller into the pads, Shashank Singh tucks it to mid-wicket and gets a single.

6.12

Starts from around the wicket and bowls this full and into the stumps, Shashank Singh plants his front leg out and lofts it aerially over covers for a couple of runs.

Ravindra Jadeja comes into the attack now.

Runs Scored 16 Runs

Score after 6 overs : 47/2

S Singh18 (12)

P Singh20 (15)

T Deshpande3-0-28-2

5.61

Slants this full and into the stumps, Shashank Singh gets ahead and clips it to mid-wicket for a quick single. Punjab close the Powerplay at 47/2.

5.54

FOUR! Up, up and over! Too full by Tushar Deshpande outside off, Shashank Singh lofts this one beautifully over covers for a boundary.

5.41

Pitches this on a length outside off, Prabhsimran Singh prods ahead and drops it in front of point for a single.

5.30

Goes full and into the pads, Prabhsimran Singh flicks it to mid on.

5.24

FOUR! Smartly done! Deshpande sees the batter get down the track and hits the deck short over middle and leg, Prabhsimran Singh gets low and ramps it over short third man for a boundary.

5.16

SIX! Counter-attacking at its best from both these batters! Tushar Deshpande bowls this on a length and on off, Prabhsimran Singh shimmies down the track and clubs it over long on fence for a maximum.

Runs Scored 15 Runs

Score after 5 overs : 31/2

S Singh13 (10)

P Singh9 (11)

R Gleeson1-0-15-0

4.60

A dot ball to end the over but Punjab would feel that the damage is done already in this over. 15 runs coming from it. Full one, outside off. Shashank drives it into covers.

4.52

A length ball, on top of off. Shashank Singh flicks it aerially over mid-wicket. Mitchell Santner hares after it and keeps it in play with a last-minute dive. They take two.

4.41

A length ball, angled into the pads. Prabhsimran Singh tucks it to square leg and crosses.

4.36

SIX! BOOM! Punjab out here trying to capitalize now in the Powerplay. It is a short ball, on the body. Prabhsimran Singh swivels and dispatches it over the fine leg fence for a maximum.

4.21

Shashank rotates the strike this time as he works this length ball in front of mid on off the inner half.

4.14

FOUR! Shashank Singh has decided to attack the new bowler here. Back of a length, wide of off. Shashank Singh picks it up nicely and cuts it over point for a boundary.

4.11wd

WIDE! Richard Gleeson starts with a loose delivery. Short ball, going down leg. Shashank Singh tries to pull it away but misses.

Richard Gleeson comes into the attack replacing Mitchell Santner.

Runs Scored 5 Runs

Score after 4 overs : 16/2

P Singh2 (9)

S Singh6 (6)

T Deshpande2-0-12-2

3.60

Another wonderful over from Tushar Deshpande comes to an end. It is a length ball, outside off. Prabhsimran Singh tries to push it away but misses.

3.51

Shashank Singh finally gets some bat on it. Too straight, on leg. Shashank clips it through square leg for a single.

3.40

Three dots on the trot now. Shaping away once again, on a good length. Enticing the batter to go after it. Shashank Singh takes the bait and gets beaten.

3.30

Good length, outside off, shaping away a bit with some extra bounce. Shashank Singh tries to punch it through the line but gets beaten.

3.20

A length ball, outside off. Shashank Singh gets behind the line and blocks it back to the bowler.

3.14

FOUR! Cracking shot. It is a full one, outside off. Shashank Singh leans into and lofts it over mid off. A couple of bounces and over the ropes.

Runs Scored 2 Runs

Score after 3 overs : 11/2

S Singh1 (1)

P Singh2 (8)

M Santner2-0-4-0

2.61

A bit fuller, outside off. Shashank Singh knocks it down the park and opens his account with a single.

2.51

On the pads, clipped to square leg for one.

2.40

Quicker and flatter, on off. Singh is left with not much room and he blocks it to point.

2.30

Mitchell Santner follows the batter outside leg. Prabhsimran Singh stays leg side of the delivery and taps it into covers.

2.20

Quicker and fuller, on the pads. Prabhsimran Singh defends it out from inside the crease.

2.10

Short one, outside off. Prabhsimran Singh cuts it to point for no run.

The in-form, Shashank Singh walks out to bat at number 4 for Punjab.

Runs Scored 7 Runs

Score after 2 overs : 9/2

R Rossouw0 (3)

P Singh1 (3)

T Deshpande1-0-7-2

1.6W

OUT! CLEANED UP! Tushar Deshpande is turning on the heat with the ball in hand. He gets rid of both the oversea players in a span of 4 deliveries. It is a seam-up delivery, on a length, on off. This one skids through. Rilee Rossouw is caught inside the crease. He tries to defend it out but fails to get the blade down in time and sees his stumps getting destroyed by a peach of a delivery.

1.50

Very full this time, on off, angling across the left-hander. Rilee Rossouw stays back and dabs it out to safety.

1.40

It is a bit fuller, on off. Rilee Rossouw knocks it into covers for none.

Rilee Rossouw walks out to bat at number 3 for Punjab.

1.3W

OUT! TIMBER! Tushar Deshpande has the last laugh here. Cleans him up nicely. It is a length ball, that lands outside off and nips back in sharply. Jonny Bairstow looks to push it away gently but does not time it well. The ball sneaks through and goes on to crash into the stumps. Early success for Chennai, this is what they needed as well.

1.22

Good length, on the pads. Bairstow clips it towards fine leg and collects a brace.

1.14

FOUR! Streaky boundary. Jonny Bairstow gets the first boundary of this run chase. It is a length ball, on off pole. Jonny Bairstow stays back and tries to punch it through the line. The ball catches the outside edge and runs down to deep third for four runs.

1.11wd

WIDE! Tushar Deshpande starts his spell with a loosener, very much unlike the previous over, which was very tight. It is too full, sliding down leg as well. MS Dhoni had to rush to his left to pouch it. Wide called.

It will be Tushar Deshpande to share the new ball from the other end.

Runs Scored 2 Runs

Score after 1 overs : 2/0

P Singh1 (3)

J Bairstow1 (3)

M Santner1-0-2-0

0.60

An arm ball, on the pads. Singh works it towards mid off but straight to the fielder.

0.51

Fuller and on off. Jonny Bairstow taps it to covers and hares across to the other end to open his account.

0.40

Flatter this time, outside off. This one comes off with some extra bounce. Jonny Bairstow looks to chases but thinks otherwise eventually.

0.30

Jonny Bairstow gets greeted with a quicker one, angled into the body. He backs away and bunts it towards backward point.

0.21

Punjab and Prabhsimran Singh are off the mark. It is an arm ball, full and outside off. Singh leans and pushes it towards extra covers for a single.

0.10

An arm ball to start with, quicker and fuller, outside off. Prabhsimran Singh looks to cut it away but gets beaten on the underedge.

Commentary

We are back with the chase! The two umpires make their way out to the middle followed by the Chennai team who spread out to take the field. It will be Jonny Bairstow along with the impact substitute, Prabhsimran Singh replacing Arshdeep Singh who will open for Punjab. Simarjeet Singh is the impact substitute replacing Ajinkya Rahane for Chennai. It will be spin to start the proceedings as Mitchell Santner is handed the new ball. Away we go..

... THE RUN CHASE ...

Punjab initiated proceedings on a promising note, courtesy of Arshdeep Singh's early breakthrough. However, a momentary lapse in the bowlers' accuracy resulted in conceding a few too many runs during the powerplay. The pivotal shift occurred with the introduction of spin, as Rahul Chahar cast his spell, scalping three crucial wickets from the heart of Chennai's batting order. The pacers, rallying in the middle overs, displayed impeccable coordination, claiming a couple more pivotal wickets, intensifying the pressure on Chennai. Harshal Patel then rose to the occasion, dismissing two batters in quick succession, further bolstering his side's commanding position in the game as Punjab successfully restricted a strong Chennai batting unit to just 167 runs on the board. With the pitch presenting challenges for the batters, this chase won't be a walk in the park for Punjab, necessitating a strong performance from their top order once again. Who are you fancying to get across the line in this all-important game? We shall soon find out how things pan out as the chase comes to you in a bit.

Harshal Patel is in for a quick chat. He starts by saying that the deck is a bit on the dry side. Adds that he has a lot of respect for Dhoni and hence he did not celebrate. Mentions that once the ball started reversing, the batters found it difficult to read it and hit it. States that he wasn't really confident about the slower one, but he knows when it comes out nicely it is a real opportunity to get great results.

It has been an outstanding bowling effort from Punjab but a powerful finish by Ravindra Jadeja in the closing over has helped Chennai reach a decent total of 167 runs. A tally they'll certainly find satisfaction in considering the challenges they faced throughout their innings. After being put to bat first, Chennai cautiously began their innings, but Ajinkya Rahane's continued run of low scores haunted him as he departed early in the second over. Daryl Mitchell then partnered with skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad, taking a few deliveries to settle before accelerating, adding crucial boundaries to guide Chennai to 60/1 by the end of the Powerplay. Just as momentum seemed to favour Chennai, Ruturaj Gaikwad and Shivam Dube fell in successive deliveries, triggering a collapse. Daryl Mitchell, who had settled in well, also departed, followed by Moeen Ali, leaving Chennai in a desperate search for a partnership. Although the left-handed duo of Ravindra Jadeja and Mitchell Santner sought to stabilize the innings with occasional boundaries, they struggled to forge a substantial stand. Shardul Thakur's elevated position in the batting order injected some counter-attacking flair, briefly steadying nerves. Yet, Chennai's hopes were dashed once more as they lost two wickets in successive deliveries in the penultimate over, including the pivotal dismissal of MS Dhoni, plunging them deeper into trouble. Ravindra Jadeja's crucial knock of 43 runs off 26 balls ultimately propelled Chennai to a respectable total by the innings' conclusion.

Runs Scored 16 Runs

Score after 20 overs : 167/9

R Gleeson2 (2)

T Deshpande0 (1)

A Singh4-0-42-2

19.61lb

LEG BYE! A length ball, around the thigh pads. Richard Gleeson looks to flick it away but misses. It comes off the pads. They cross for a leg bye. Chennai end with 167 runs on the scoreboard, with a wicket in hand.

19.52

Richard Gleeson gets off the mark instantly. Arshdeep Singh fires in a yorker, on off. Richard Gleeson knocks it to mid off. Two runs taken.

Richard Gleeson is the last man to walk out for Chennai.

19.4W

OUT! CAUGHT! Slower ball does the trick for Punjab once again. Arshdeep Singh with a bumper outside off. Ravindra Jadeja swings hard across the line but only to get a thick outside edge. The ball flies towards mid on. Sam Curran rushes in from the deep and takes a sharp catch.

19.36

SIX! BANG! Ravindra Jadeja is not going down without a fight. It is a full ball, on middle and off. Ravindra Jadeja gets under it and smokes it over the wide long on fence for a maximum. 10-15 more runs and Chennai would feel confident.

19.31wd

WIDE! Pressure on the bowler. Arshdeep Singh errs in his line and serves it outside the tramline, wide of off. Wide called.

19.22

Back of a length, wide of off. Jadeja works it straight down the ground and comes back for the second run.

19.14

FOUR! Poor start by Arshdeep Singh. Full toss and he gets punished. Ravindra Jadeja picks it up nicely and helps it on its way to the deep third boundary.

Runs Scored 2 Runs

Score after 19 overs : 151/8

T Deshpande0 (1)

R Jadeja31 (22)

H Patel4-0-24-3

18.60

Very full, on middle and leg. Tushar Deshpande stays inside the crease and bunts it out to mid off.

It will be Arshdeep Singh (3-0-27-1) to bowl the final over.

18.61wd

WIDE! Down the leg side. Wide given.

Tushar Deshpande walks out to bat at number 10 for Chennai.

18.5W

OUT! BOWLED! STUNNED! The crowd cannot believe it. This is not what they are here for, but well this is what cricket is. Can't be fruitful every single time. Harshal Patel though has picked up his third wicket of the day and this is turning out to be a dream end for Punjab, there is still one one remaining though. Harshal Patel serves a slower one, full and on off. MS Dhoni looks to slog it away but misses it completely. The ball sneak through and the off stump has been uprooted here.

The crowd erupts as MS Dhoni makes his way out to bat at number 9 for Chennai.

18.4W

OUT! TIMBER! Harshal Patel with a full one, swinging into the right-hander as well. Shardul Thakur dances down the track, tries to go downtown but ends up heading towards the pavilion as he ends up missing his shot. The ball sneaks under the blade and goes out to disturb the stumps. This is the only wicket for which Punjab have received a lot of cheer. Although, its not because they got rid of Thakur, but more for the man who is going to walk in now.

18.30

A low full toss, slower one, dipping as well. Shardul Thakur looks to slog it away but misses it completely.

18.20

A yorker this time, outside off. Shardul Thakur tries to go after it but gets beaten.

18.11

Fuller one, on the pads. Jadeja clips it to square leg for one.

Harshal Patel (3-0-22-1) comes back to bowl his final over.

Runs Scored 13 Runs

Score after 18 overs : 149/6

S Thakur17 (8)

R Jadeja30 (21)

R Chahar4-0-23-3

17.60

Quicker one this time, full and outside off. It spins away once again. Shardul Thakur tries to have a go at it but fails to connect. There is an appeal made for stumping. The umpire takes it upstairs. It is concluded that Thakur is safe.

17.50

A leg-spinner this time, outside off. Shardul Thakur swings hard at it but misses.

17.51wd

WIDE! It is a quicker one, fired past the tramline outside off. Wide called.

17.41

Short one, on off. Jadeja pulls it to deep mid-wicket for one.

17.36

SIX! Jadeja connects, and he connects well. It is a slower one, full and outside off. Jadeja gets down on one knee and slogs it powerfully over the mid-wicket fence for a biggie.

17.21

On the pads, flicked to square leg for one.

17.14

FOUR! Shardul Thakur is trying to make the most of the dropped catch here. Short ball, outside off. Shardul Thakur slaps it to the left of long off and gets a boundary.

Runs Scored 14 Runs

Score after 17 overs : 136/6

S Thakur12 (4)

R Jadeja23 (19)

S Curran4-0-34-1

16.61

It is too full, outside off. Thakur shuffles and smacks it down to long on for a single.

16.51

Back of a length, on the body. Jadeja swivels and pulls it to deep square leg for one.

16.41

Full, on middle. Thakur slogs it towards deep mid-wicket. It lands safely and they take one.

16.36

SIX! OH HELLO! There is a fielder in the deep, in Shashank Singh but he makes a meal of it and only helps it over the boundary. It is a length ball, outside off. Shardul Thakur with a short-arm jab towards deep mid-wicket. Shashank Singh is running backwards towards the ropes, he gets a hand on it but could not get the ball under control.

16.24

FOUR! Shardul Thakur trying to make his intent clear from the get go, although Chennai need more like these. It is too full, on the stumps. Shardul Thakur pushes it back down the park with a straight back and it races away to the boundary.

16.11

Fuller one, angled into the pads. Jadeja tucks it to deep square leg for one.

Shardul Thakur walks out to bat at number 8 for Chennai.

Runs Scored 5 Runs

Score after 16 overs : 122/6

M Santner11 (11)

R Jadeja21 (17)

R Chahar3-0-10-3

15.6W

OUT! CAUGHT IN THE DEEP! It is a googly, full and wide of off. Mitchell Santner has to fetch for it. He tries to go downtown but hits it straight down the throat of Sam Curran near the ropes, who makes no mistake. Rahul Chahar takes his third wicket of the game, and he is single-handedly putting Chennai out of this game here.

15.51

Quicker and on the pads. Jadeja tucks it to square leg for one.

15.41

Full, on off. Mitchell Santner sweeps it to mid-wicket for one.

15.31

Another single now as Jadeja cuts this length ball, to the right of mid off. The fielder does well to stop it diving to his right. One taken.

15.21

Floats it up, full and on off. Santner pushes it to covers for one.

15.11

Back of a length, Ravindra Jadeja stays back and pulls it to deep mid-wicket from outside off for one.

Strategic break! Somewhere near 175-180 should be a good score on this wicket. Chennai though have lost their track since the previous strategic break, when they lost three wickets in a jiffy. The onus now is on Ravindra Jadeja ​​​​and Mitchell Santner to set the tone for the death overs. They have been struggling to score runs freely so far, but they need to a find a way to break their shakcles, against a solid Punjab bowling unit.

Runs Scored 8 Runs

Score after 15 overs : 117/5

R Jadeja18 (14)

M Santner9 (8)

A Singh3-0-27-1

14.61

Drops this one short and over middle at just 113.6kph, Ravindra Jadeja waits an eternity and just dabs it to the leg side for a single to end the over.

14.51

Takes pace off and bowls the cutter outside off and on a length, Mitchell Santner cuts it to deep point for a single.

14.41

Goes full and into the stumps, Ravindra Jadeja flicks it to deep mid-wicket for just a single.

14.31

Drops the length short again and over middle, Mitchell Santner dabs it in front of deep mid-wicket and rotates the strike over.

14.24

FOUR! Much-needed boundary that! Arshdeep Singh drops the length short and hits the deck over middle and leg, Mitchell Santner takes a step across and helps it away towards deep backward square l;eg fence for a boundary.

14.10

Attacks the stumps, on a hard length, Mitchell Santner blocks it back to the bowler.

Runs Scored 6 Runs

Score after 14 overs : 109/5

M Santner3 (4)

R Jadeja16 (12)

H Patel3-0-22-1

13.61

Hurls this one fuller in length and just around off, Mitchell Santner drives it to long off and gets a single.

13.50

Digs the bouncer with no pace over middle and leg, Mitchell Santner ducks and lets this one go through to the keeper.

13.43

Lands this full and on off, Ravindra Jadeja drives it to deep cover region and Arshdeep Singh from deep point sprints to the ball and does well to cut it off saving one run for his side.

13.30

Goes full and on off, Ravindra Jadeja drives it neatly but Harshal Patel on his follow-through does even better to stick out his right hand and pouch this one.

13.21

Angles this across on a length and into the pads, Mitchell Santner tucks it to the right of short fine leg who does well to dive to his right and cut it off for just a single.

13.11

Comes from around the wicket and lands this full and on off, Ravindra Jadeja drives it straight to long off for a single.

Will we see a change from the other end? Yes, we do. Harshal Patel comes back into the attack.

Runs Scored 4 Runs

Score after 13 overs : 103/5

R Jadeja12 (9)

M Santner1 (1)

S Curran3-0-20-1

12.61

Pitches this on a good length and outside off, Ravindra Jadeja cuts it to deep point and gets a single.

12.51

Digs this short again but outside off, Mitchell Santner extends his arm and dabs it to deep point for a single to get off the mark.

It is Mitchell Santner who comes in at number 7.

12.4W

OUT! CAUGHT! Another one bites the dust and Chennai now lose half their side. Sam Curran hits the deck on a shorter length over middle and leg, with no rea pace. Moeen Ali swivels a bit and looks for the pull but mistimes it. The ball balloons behind towards short fine leg and Jonny Bairstow settles under it to take a very simple catch.

12.31

Takes pace off and bowls this on a length just over middle and off, Ravindra Jadeja waits back nd squeezes it to the right of the bowler for a single.

12.21

goes full and attacks the stumps again, Moeen Ali whips it across the line off the toe end of the bat towards long on for a single. Chennai cross the 100 run mark with that run.

12.10

Bowls this one full and attacks the stumps, Moeen Ali punches it to cover.

Runs Scored 9 Runs

Score after 12 overs : 99/4

M Ali16 (17)

R Jadeja10 (7)

K Rabada3-0-24-0

11.61

A tad shorter in length and outside off, Moeen Ali cuts it to deep backward point for a single and will retain the strike.

11.54

FOUR! Good use of the pace behind the ball. Pitched on a length, outside off, Moeen Ali rocks back and cuts it neatly behind square on off for four more runs.

11.40

Takes pace off and digs this a tad shorter outside off, Moeen Ali is deceived by the pace off and gets beaten on the inside edge trying to play it across the line.

11.34

FOUR! That's an absolute gift and Moeen Ali takes it with both hands! Rabada serves a full toss into the pads and Moeen Ali just helps it on its way through mid-wicket for a boundary.

11.20

Drops the length a bit and takes pace off outside off, Moeen Ali looks to cut it away on off but makes no connection.

11.10

Comes from over the wicket and pitches this full and into the pads, Moeen Ali tucks it straight to short mid-wicket.

Runs Scored 11 Runs

Score after 11 overs : 90/4

R Jadeja10 (7)

M Ali7 (11)

H Patel2-0-16-1

10.64

FOUR! Two-in-two for Ravindra Jadeja and this was just sloppy from the fielder. Harshal Patel bowls this wider on off and on a length, Ravindra Jadeja punches it straight to the fielder at point who gets low but the ball just bounces off the ground over his hands for another boundary.

10.54

FOUR! Gets more than enough this time around! Harshal Patel bowls this one full and just outside off, Ravindra Jadeja leans ahead and lofts it over mid off for a boundary.

10.41

Hits the length just outside off, Moeen Ali cuts it fine towards third man for a single.

10.31

In the air, but just short of Sam Curran! Jadeja shows first signs of attack and mistimes it. Harshal Patel bowls this full and around middle and off, Ravindra Jadeja dances down the track and lofts it off the inner half of the bat towards long off for a single.

10.21

Goes full again just outside off this time around, Moeen Ali digs it behind square on off and gets to the other end.

10.10

Bowls this full and around off, Moeen Ali pushes it to mid off.

Runs Scored 3 Runs

Score after 10 overs : 79/4

R Jadeja1 (4)

M Ali5 (8)

R Chahar2-0-5-2

9.60

Gives it some air this time, but Jadeja remains solid his defense. He might need some more time to get used to the conditions. Although, he must realise Chennai are running out of time and batters as well.

9.50

Quicker and flatter, on off. Jadeja stays back and defends it back to the bowler.

9.41

It is tossed up, full and around leg. Ali gets it to point off the outer half. One taken.

9.31

Floated and full, on middle and leg. Jadeja gets low and sweeps it to deep square leg for one.

9.21

Fuller and on middle. Ali bunts it back to the bowler. Chahar gets a hand on it and it deflects towards mid off for one.

9.10

Punjab continue to apply the pressure. Chahar with a loopy delivery this time, around off. Ali works it back to the bowler off the inner half.

Runs Scored 5 Runs

Score after 9 overs : 76/4

R Jadeja0 (1)

M Ali3 (5)

H Patel1-0-5-1

8.60

A dot ball to end a fantastic over from Harshal Patel. Slower and full, outside off. Jadeja knocks it to mid off for none.

8.61wd

WIDE! Harshal Patel errs in his line this time. It is a good-length ball, going down leg. Ravindra Jadeja tries to pull it away but misses. Wide called.

Ravindra Jadeja walks out to bat at number 6 for Chennai.

8.5W

OUT! LBW! Harshal Patel makes a huge appeal and the finger goes up. Chennai are really struggling here. Daryl Mitchell is a huge wicket at this moment, and he takes the review. Talking about the delivery, it is a length ball, that landed outside off, nips in sharply but it stayed a bit low. Daryl Mitchell fails to clip it away and gets pinged on his pads. The UltraEdge confirms that no bat is involved. The Ball Tracking shows that it is umpire's call on the ball hitting the wickets. Hence the on-field decision stands. Daryl Mitchell cannot believe it, as he trudges back to the pavilion. Chennai haven't score a boundary yet since the strategic break and have lost 3 wickets in no time.

8.41

Pitched up, outside off. Ali leans in and drives it to the right of deep point for one run.

8.31

Harshal Patel serves a length ball, on the fourth stump line. Daryl Mitchell stands tall and punches it down to long off for another one.

8.21

A single now as Ali knocks this length ball towards third man.

8.11

It is a full one, on the pads. Daryl Mitchell tucks it towards square leg for one.

Runs Scored 2 Runs

Score after 8 overs : 71/3

D Mitchell28 (16)

M Ali1 (3)

R Chahar1-0-2-2

7.61

Daryl Mitchell now reverse-hits this full ball towards backward point and takes a single to retain the strike.

7.51

Almost another wicket! It is a googly this time from Chahar, Ali reads it well, but still ends up chipping it to the left of the bowler. Chahar makes a late adjustment to dive to that side but fails to get near the ball. The batters cross for one.

7.40

Floated and full, on middle. Ali prods and blocks it into the deck.

7.30

A bit short, on off. Ali blocks it back to the bowler.

Moeen Ali walks out to bat next and will face the hat-trick ball from Rahul Chahar.

7.2W

OUT! CAUGHT BEHIND! Shivam Dube has to walk back on a golden duck. Rahul Chahar is on a Hat-Trick out of nowhere. Punjab certainly on top at the moment. Two wickets in two deliveries right after the strategic dream. A flighted delivery, full and outside off. This one just flies off the deck. Shivam Dube hangs back and tries to free his arms. All he manages to get is a thin outside edge. Jitesh Sharma is sharp behind the sticks once again. Shivam Dube certainly hates to bat against Punjab, as he ends up recording two golden ducks against Punjab in back-to-back games.

The in-form Shivam Dube walks out to bat at number 4 for Chennai.

7.1W

OUT! CAUGHT BEHIND! Rahul Chahar comes into the attack and makes an instant impact. A huge wicket, as they see the back of the Chennai skipper. Spinners won't enjoy, they said. Rahul Chahar starts with a short one, with plenty of width on offer as well. Ruturaj Gaikwad gets enticed and goes for the wild cut shot. The ball kisses the outside edge and Jitesh Sharma behind the stumps makes no mistake.

Strategic break! Following an initial breakthrough, Ruturaj Gaikwad and Daryl Mitchell have swiftly shifted gears, effortlessly finding boundaries and setting the tone for Chennai. Punjab, having missed the opportunity to capitalize on the early breakthrough, will be ruing their chances of making strong impacts and will now be eager to regain control with spin. With that, Rahul Chahar comes into the attack now.

Runs Scored 9 Runs

Score after 7 overs : 69/1

R Gaikwad32 (20)

D Mitchell27 (15)

S Curran2-0-16-0

6.61

Good length, skids into the right-hander. Ruturaj Gaikwad stays inside the crease and dabs it to point. They cross for one. Sam Curran manages to end the over on a good note, after being taken away for a boundary on the very first delivery. Although, Chennai managed to add 9 runs to their tally.

6.51

Way too full, wide of off. Daryl Mitchell clubs it down the park, but does not middle it. Sam Curran got his fingers on it, should be a bit painful. One taken.

6.41

Sam Curran dishes it full, angled into the pads, with the angle in play. Ruturaj Gaikwad clips it to deep square leg. There is protection in the deep and they only get a single.

6.31

The stand moves to 54 with this single. Fuller one, outside off. Daryl Mitchell leans in and carves it through covers for an easy one.

6.21

A bit fuller on off. Ruturaj Gaikwad pushes it gently towards mid off and crosses.

6.14

FOUR! Ruturaj Gaikwad is not stopping here. He moves to 29 off just 17. It is a short ball, on middle. Ruturaj Gaikwad leans forward and pulls it towards deep mid-wicket. Finds the gap and the boundary as well.

Runs Scored 19 Runs

Score after 6 overs : 60/1

D Mitchell25 (13)

R Gaikwad25 (16)

H Brar1-0-19-0

5.64

FOUR! Daryl Mitchell now joins the party. Harpreet Brar leaks 19 runs in his very first over. It is full, sliding down leg. Daryl Mitchell comes down the track and whips it behind square, it goes through the gap and into the fence.

5.51

A single now as Ruturaj Gaikwad pushes this full ball into the off side.

5.44

FOUR! Another boundary. Harpreet Brar has gone for 14 runs already. This is brutal. Lara did mention earlier that the spinners might find it tough, and we can certainly see that happening. It is full, outside leg. Ruturaj Gaikwad makes room for himself, commits to the lofted cover drive, clears the in-field and finds the boundary.

5.34

FOUR! Crunches it this time. It is short, wide of off. Ruturaj Gaikwad rocks back and cuts it powerfully through backward point for a boundary.

5.26

SIX! Floats it up, around middle. Ruturaj Gaikwad dances down the track, gets to the pitch and smokes it down the park for a maximum.

5.10

An arm ball, following the batter outside leg. Ruturaj Gaikwad backs away and drives it into covers.

Runs Scored 7 Runs

Score after 5 overs : 41/1

D Mitchell21 (12)

R Gaikwad10 (11)

S Curran1-0-7-0

4.60

Just short of the fielder! Curran bowls this on a nagging length and angles it in around middle and leg, Daryl Mitchell makes some room and looks to loft it over mid off but mistimes it just short of the fielder at mid off.

4.52

Angles this one in, on a length and into the pads, Daryl Mitchell tucks it to deep mid-wicket and gets two more runs.

4.41

Bowls this on a good length and just outside off, Ruturaj Gaikwad punches it to point for a single.

4.31

Switches to around the wicket and darts the wide yorker outside off, Daryl Mitchell gets low and jams it to point region for a single.

4.22

Goes a tad fuller this time but still targets the pads, Daryl Mitchell nudges it with soft hands towards deep mid-wicket and gets a couple of runs.

4.11

Starts from over the wicket and lands this on a length and into the pads, Ruturaj Gaikwad tucks it to deep square leg for a single.

Runs Scored 12 Runs

Score after 4 overs : 34/1

R Gaikwad8 (9)

D Mitchell16 (8)

A Singh2-0-19-1

3.61

Hits the length around off, Ruturaj Gaikwad taps it to cover and gets to the other end.

3.51

A nice looking shot but will only fetch him a single! Arshdeep Singh bowls a bouncer over middle and leg, Daryl Mitchell shifts his weight back and pulls it to deep backward square leg where Rilee Rossouw does well to keep it down to just a single.

3.40

Looks for the yorker and bowls a very low full toss on off, Daryl Mitchell drives it to mid off.

3.30

Bowls this on a good length and into the body, Daryl Mitchell tucks it to mid-wicket.

3.26

SIX! A shot of Authority! Slightly shorter and outside off again, Daryl Mitchell plants his front leg ahead and slaps it over mid off for a biggie!

3.14

FOUR! Powerful! Arshdeep Singh drops the length short and bowls this outside off, this one sits up perfectly for Daryl Mitchell who pulls it along the ground through mid-wicket for a boundary.

Runs Scored 9 Runs

Score after 3 overs : 22/1

R Gaikwad7 (8)

D Mitchell5 (3)

K Rabada2-0-15-0

2.60

Digs this short and outside off, Ruturaj Gaikwad looks to help it on its wy behind square on off but is beaten by the extra bounce on this one.

2.50

Angles this into the right-hander around middle and leg, Ruturaj Gaikwad premediates and makes room but is cramped a bit and just dabs it to cover.

2.44

FOUR! Nicely done! Rabada overpitches this one into the pads, Ruturaj Gaikwad flicks it beautifully over mid-wicket for four runs.

2.31

Nails the yorker into the stumps, Daryl Mitchell jams it out to deep mid-wicket for a single.

2.21

On a back of a length, around off, Ruturaj Gaikwad tucks it to short third with an angled bat and gets to the other end.

2.13

Comes from over the wicket and bowls this full and around off, Daryl Mitchell slices this one over cover. Sam Curran from cover sprints to the ball and cuts it around the fence as the batters collect three runs off it.

Runs Scored 7 Runs

Score after 2 overs : 13/1

D Mitchell1 (1)

R Gaikwad2 (4)

A Singh1-0-7-1

1.61

Bowls this on a length and into the pads, Daryl Mitchell tucks it to square leg and gets a single.

Who will walk out now?

1.5W

OUT! CAUGHT! Another slim score for Ajinkya Rahane as Chennai lose their first wicket! Arshdeep Singh bowls this one fuller and into the boots of the right-hander, Ajinkya Rahane looks for the flick and falls over the line hitting the ball straight to Kagiso Rabada at short mid-wicket who takes a good low catch in front to see the back of the batter.

1.41

Great running! Singh bowls this one fuller and just outside off, Ruturaj Gaikwad with soft hands just pushes it in front of mid off and sprints to the other end.

1.31

Hits the length around middle and leg, Ajinkya Rahane tucks it to deep backward square leg and gets a single.

1.20

Good delivery that! Angles this across on a nagging length outside off, Ajinkya Rahane looks for they drive through covers but is beaten on the outside edge.

1.14

FOUR! Nice looking shot to bring up the first boundary off the game. Arshdeep Singh steams from over the wicket and bowls this one right in the slot on off and on a fuller length, Ajinkya Rahane shows full face of the bat and drives it straight down the ground for four runs.

Arshdeep Singh to share the new ball.

Runs Scored 6 Runs

Score after 1 overs : 6/0

R Gaikwad1 (3)

A Rahane4 (3)

K Rabada1-0-6-0

0.60

Good ball to end the over. Angles this one into the right-hander around off stump line and on a hard length, Ruturaj Gaikwad looks to block it out but gets an inside edge onto his pads.

0.50

Nicely bowled! Bangs the perfect length, on middle and off, Ruturaj Gaikwad plants his front leg ahead and stabs it back onto the deck.

0.41

Hits the length right and bowls it around off, Ajinkya Rahane gets on top of his toes and opens the bat face to steer this one to third man for a single.

0.32

Goes a tad fuller and into the stumps, Ajinkya Rahane flicks it well through mid-wicket and gets a couple of runs.

0.21

The skipper is off the mark too! Rabada bowls this nice and full into the stumps, Ruturaj Gaikwad just taps it in front of mid on and scampers across for a single.

0.11

First runs off the bat and Ajinkya Rahane is up and running! A fuller length delivery into the pads, Ajinkya Rahane just delicately tucks it behind the square on leg side for a single.

0.11wd

WIDE! Starts with an extra. Comes from over the wicket and slants this one on a good length but going down leg, Ajinkya Rahane leaves this one alone for a wide.

Its go time. Punjab players are making their way out on the field. Followed by the opening pair of Chennai in Ajinkya Rahane and Ruturaj Gaikwad. It is going to be Kagiso Rabada to start with the new ball.

Ruturaj Gaikwad, the captain of Chennai says that they will have to focus on the process and look to do the smaller things right and they don't really focus on the opposition too much. Adds that there have been lots of injuries and forced changes this season but on the flip side after losing the toss 10 times, they have managed to win 5 games which is a positive. Concludes that Mitchell Santner comes in for Mustafizur.

Sam Curran, the captain of Punjab says that they will Bowl first. Adds that it is a day game and hence they fancy themselves chasing on this venue. States that they are sticking to the same side.

Impact substitutes nominated by Chennai - Sameer Rizvi, Simarjeet Singh, Shaik Rasheed, Mukesh Choudhary, Prashant Solanki.

Chennai (Playing XI) - Ruturaj Gaikwad (C), Ajinkya Rahane, Daryl Mitchell, Moeen Ali, Shivam Dube, Ravindra Jadeja, MS Dhoni (WK), Shardul Thakur, Tushar Deshpande (replaces Deepak Chahar), Mitchell Santner (replaces Mustafizur Rehman), Richard Gleeson.

Impact substitutes nominated by Punjab - Prabhsimran Singh, Harpreet Singh, Tanay Thyagarajan, Vidwath Kaverappa, Rishi Dhawan.

Punjab (Playing XI) - Jonny Bairstow, Rilee Rossouw, Shashank Singh, Sam Curran (C), Jitesh Sharma (WK), Ashutosh Sharma, Harpreet Brar, Harshal Patel, Rahul Chahar, Kagiso Rabada, Arshdeep Singh.

TOSS - Sam Curran wins the coin flip and Punjab elect to BOWL first.

PITCH REPORT - Brian Lara is near the deck he starts by indicating that the square boundaries are on the shorter side. Mentions that the deck has a layer of grass and that is good. States that the fast bowlers will get plenty of help on this wicket.

Meanwhile, Chennai find themselves grappling with a recent downturn, having stumbled in three out of their last four outings, adding a layer of complexity to their playoff aspirations amidst the fiercely contested mid-table battleground. The typically reliable top order apart from Ruturaj Gaikwad has faltered, failing to deliver the crucial starts that have historically propelled Chennai to victory. Further exacerbating their challenges, the absence of key bowlers Deepak Chahar and Mustafizur Rahman has left a void in their bowling arsenal, placing added pressure on the Indian duo of Shardul Thakur and Tushar Deshpande to step up and provide much-needed stability. Chennai will be seeking to break free from their losing streak and stage a resurgence on the points table. But will Punjab with momentum right behind them, let the visitors do so? We shall soon find out as the Toss and team updates come to you in a bit.

Punjab find themselves positioned at number 8 on the points table, but their recent resurgence has ignited hope as they clinched victories in their last two encounters. Eager to sustain this winning streak, they will enter the arena with a hunger for a triumphant third consecutive win. Their recent track record against Chennai speaks volumes, having emerged victorious in their last five encounters, instilling confidence as they aim to prolong their dominance. Bolstered by a consistently solid bowling unit and a resurgent top-order batting line-up that has rediscovered its rhythm at a crucial juncture, Punjab enter this game with a blend of momentum and confidence.

Hello and welcome to an electrifying start to this Super Sunday extravaganza, as Punjab locks horns with Chennai at the iconic Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium in Dharamsala. This showdown, designated as Match Number 53 of the season, carries immense significance for both teams, serving as a pivotal moment to breathe life into their playoff aspirations.

... MATCH DAY ...

In the intense race for the Indian T20 League playoffs, two formidable contenders clash. Punjab squares off against Chennai in a pivotal showdown, with both teams needing a victory to bolster their playoff hopes. In the absence of Shikhar Dhawan, Sam Curran has led Punjab admirably, guiding the team through ups and downs. Jonny Bairstow's stellar performance in the record chase against Kolkata injected confidence, while Prabhsimran Singh aims to provide quick starts. However, Curran and Rilee Rossouw in the middle order need to step up, although the Indian duo of Shashank Singh and Ashutosh Sharma has been outstanding, earning crucial points. The bowling unit appears solid, with Arshdeep Singh leading the pace attack and Kagiso Rabada finding his rhythm. Harshal Patel's wicket-taking prowess has been a highlight, supported by the effective spin duo of Harpreet Brar and Rahul Chahar. Punjab boasts a commendable record against Chennai, winning five consecutive matches, and aims to extend that streak. On the flip side, Chennai faces a dip in form, losing three of their last four games. Skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad hopes to reignite their winning momentum at this crucial stage. Gaikwad himself shoulders the responsibility at the top, seeking support from partner Ajinkya Rahane. While Daryl Mitchell's form has been inconsistent, Shivam Dube's middle-order heroics have been exceptional. Ravindra Jadeja's contribution with bat and ball becomes crucial, with MS Dhoni and Sameer Rizvi providing power-hitting prowess down the order. The absence of Mustafizur Rahman due to national duty has impacted Chennai's bowling, but Matheesha Pathirana admirably leads the pace attack. However, with Deepak Chahar sidelined due to injury, Tushar Deshpande and Shardul Thakur must step up. Richard Gleeson's promising debut in the last game adds depth to the bowling unit. Desperate for a win, Chennai aims to close the gap in the playoffs. These two sides met not so long ago when Punjab emerged as comfortable winners and will want to do the double while Chennai will look to avenge their defeat. Let's wait and watch which side emerges victorious in this colossal encounter.