PBKS vs CSK, Indian Premier League, 2021: Punjab Kings vs Chennai Super Kings, Match 8 Squad Updates and Match Summary

nd Innings Chennai Super Kings

That is it from this game! Chennai are back and have steamrolled through Punjab to get their first win of the season. Punjab have been handed a thumping loss here and will look to come back stronger from this game. The action in the league continues on Saturday, 17th April. As defending champions, Mumbai takes on 2016 champions and the side yet to win this season, Hyderabad. That game will begin at 1930 local (1400 GMT). That promises to be a cracking game. Make sure to join us for that one. Till then, goodbye and take care!

For his brilliant bowling display, Deepak Chahar is named the Player of the Match. Chahar says that the first wicket pleased him the most as it is a dream ball for every fast bowler as it hit the top of off after pitching on middle. Chahar says that he dreams of that ball. Chahar says he wanted to give fewer runs in the first over. Tells Jadeja is one of the best fielders and only he could have taken Gayle's catch. Chahar says he has the responsibility to bowl the first over and tells he sets the momentum for the game. Tells that Dhoni has shown faith in him. Chahar says as a bowler his plan is to always bowl dot balls and build pressure.

Chennai skipper, MS Dhoni jokes that he is feeling old. Dhoni tells that it has been a long journey and they have played everywhere and adds it has been an interesting journey. Dhoni says that the last time they were happy with Chennai wicket was in 2011. Tells that the ball there does not come on nicely and tells it is difficult to play the big shot. Dhoni says that the wicket in Mumbai is very good but it depends on the conditions as well. Tells there was no dew tonight and the ball moved a lot. Dhoni says that when he is looking to attack he looks to bowl Chahar straightaway as he gets more purchase than anyone else. Tells they have more resources in the side. Dhoni says that they felt that if Moeen plays up in the order it sees them use their resources well. Dhoni says people will talk about who needs to bat where but they need to utilize their resources. Dhoni tells he thought it was high and says that the bowler's input is important to know the impact. Dhoni says that DRS is something to take away howlers from the game.

Stay tuned for the presentation as we hear from Chennai skipper, MS Dhoni and Deepak Chahar who without any surprise will be the Player of the Match.

Earlier in the evening, Deepak Chahar set the tone and laid the foundation for a win as he rattled through Punjab's batting. His 4/13 was just too much for Punjab to comeback from. It looked like Punjab would struggle to get to 75 when they were 26/5. Shahrukh Khan's 47 though gave the total some respectability but in the end, it was just not enough.

Chennai's star batter from the evening, Moeen Ali is caught for a chat. Moeen says that getting the win was the most important thing. Moeen says that his role is to enjoy himself and go out there and time it. Moeen tells he is enjoying the atmosphere and environment. Moeen says he enjoys batting in top 3. Adds batting at 7 is tough but he is happy to do what the team wants. Moeen says he is just practicing to play in good shape and he just looks to time it. Moeen says that it was a great time to bowl and he enjoyed it and he is happy to have got a wicket as well.

Punjab skipper, KL Rahul admits they started off poorly and it was always going to be hard to catch up after losing 5 wickets. Rahul says that the wicket was a lot more sticky and tacky than what it looked like. Credits the Chennai bowlers for bowling the right channel. Tells getting himself run out as a leader was not ideal. Adds the pitch was good enough for 150-160. Rahul says that they have pace in their attack and they want to use that. Tells Meredith and Jhye's performance were positives from this game. Tells they did not have a good first game as they probably were nervous but they executed well and kept the belief. Rahul says they would like to review themselves on the points they talk about. Tells if they have a situation like this then they would look to see how they can improve and learn from their mistakes. Adds it is T20 and there will be big runs barring a few games.

Hardly anything to say about Punjab's bowling. They hardly had anything to bowl and defending 106 in Mumbai was never going to be very realistic. Richardson and Meredith impressed. Shami was the pick of the lot finishing with 2/21 in his 4. Murugan Ashwin and Arshdeep got one each but there just wasn't enough runs to play with.

Chasing a low total of 107, Gaikwad and Faf struggled initially but managed to put on 24 for the opening stand which was good enough for this chase. Gaikwad departed but Moeen looked in great touch since he walked in. His 46 from 31 balls put the game beyond any doubt. He departed with the finish on sight. Raina and Rayudu fell quickly too but it was not early enough to make the Chennai dugout panic as Faf was still out in the middle and managed to see the game off with Sam Curran.

A very comfortable chase for Chennai! They have managed to get their first win of the season and this performance has put out a statement for the rest of the league as well. They have managed to chase this just over 15 overs and that will see their net run rate shoot up nicely. A painful loss for Punjab. They have been outplayed, outclassed and outmuscled in all facets of the game.

15.4

over

15.4 | 5 Runs | HH: 107/4

15.4

Riley Meredith to Sam Curran, FOUR! Sam Curran finishes it in style! Short delivery on middle, Curran pulls it through square leg for a boundary. CHENNAI WIN BY 6 WICKETS!

15.3

Riley Meredith to Sam Curran, Back of a length on off, Curran taps it to point.

15.2

Riley Meredith to Sam Curran, Good length ball on off, Curran keeps it out.

15.1

Riley Meredith to Faf du Plessis, Length delivery on middle, du Plessis flicks it through mid-wicket for a run.

over

15 | 5 Runs | HH: 102/4

14.6

Mohammed Shami to Faf du Plessis, Full on middle, du Plessis pushes it through mid on for a single.

14.5

Mohammed Shami to Sam Curran, Back of a length on off, Curran punches it through point for a single.

14.4

Mohammed Shami to Faf du Plessis, Shami does not get the hat-trick. Full on middle, du Plessis drives it through mid on for a single.

Shami on a hat-trick. Who will walk out to bat now? It will be Sam Curran but he will be at the non striker's end.

14.3

Mohammed Shami to Ambati Rayudu, OUT! CAUGHT! Shami gets his second wicket! Short delivery outside off, Rayudu comes down the track and looks to go over covers but gets a top edge. It goes towards the fielder where Nicholas Pooran takes a comfortable catch.

Ambati Rayudu is the new man in.

14.2

Mohammed Shami to Suresh Raina, OUT! CAUGHT! Raina departs to the short ball. This will not affect the outcome of the game but might see Raina being peppered with a lot of short stuff. It is close to the body. Raina looks to pull but gloves it to KL Rahul. He takes a simple catch.

14.1

Mohammed Shami to Suresh Raina, Length delivery on middle, Raina looks to pull but gets a top edge. It lands safely towards mid-wicket. Two runs taken.

over

14 | 2 Runs | HH: 97/2

13.6

Riley Meredith to Faf du Plessis, Short of a length on middle, du Plessis pulls it to mid-wicket.

The umpires have taken it upstairs to check if it is the second bouncer of the over. It is a fair delivery and Punjab have reviewed it.

13.5

Riley Meredith to Faf du Plessis, NOT OUT! There is no glove on it and the ball is not short enough for it to be a No Ball! Meredith bangs it short around the body on the leg side. Du Plessis looks to pull but there is some sound as it goes to the keeper. The umpires get together to check if it is the second bouncer of the over. Replay rolls and the T.V. umpire finds the ball not to be too short. Punjab then review for the catch. It shows that there is no involvement of bat or glove.

13.4

Riley Meredith to Suresh Raina, Length delivery on leg, Raina flicks it through square leg for a single.

13.3

Riley Meredith to Suresh Raina, Short delivery on leg, Raina looks to pull but gets it off the bottom part of the bat. It goes towards the keeper.

13.2

Riley Meredith to Suresh Raina, PLAY AND A MISS! Short delivery outside off, Raina looks to cut but misses it.

13.1

Riley Meredith to Suresh Raina, Bouncer on leg, Raina ducks under it.

13.1

Riley Meredith to Suresh Raina, WIDE! Bouncer on middle, Raina does well to duck under it.

over

13 | 11 Runs | HH: 95/2

12.6

Murugan Ashwin to Suresh Raina, Short outside off, Raina punches it to the off side and keeps the strike. Just 12 needed now.

12.5

Murugan Ashwin to Suresh Raina, FOUR! Raina is off the mark in style! Flighted around off, Raina gets on his front foot and creams it through mid off for a boundary.

12.4

Murugan Ashwin to Suresh Raina, Flat and short wide outside off. Raina looks to get there but misses.

Suresh Raina is the new man in!

12.3

Murugan Ashwin to Moeen Ali, OUT! CAUGHT! Straight to the man at deep mid-wicket. Moeen has done his job here. Floated on middle, it is the wrong 'un again. Moeen once again looks to slog it over on the leg side This time he does not get under it and hits it straight to Shahrukh Khan at deep mid-wicket. He has had a good game and he takes a simple catch. Murugan has something to smile about.

12.2

Murugan Ashwin to Moeen Ali, Darted fuller and wide outside off. Moeen looks to play but misses.

12.1

Murugan Ashwin to Moeen Ali, SIX! BOOM! Moeen is in the zone now. Murugan is guity of bowing in the slot on off. Moeen heaves it against the spin over the cow corner region for a biggie.

Change in bowling. Murugan Ashwin is back on!

over

12 | 10 Runs | HH: 84/1

11.6

Jhye Richardson to Moeen Ali, Back of a length ball on off, Moeen guides it down to third man for a run. Another 10-run over.

11.5

Jhye Richardson to Faf du Plessis, Shortish and on off, stopping a bit onto the batsman, du Plessis plays a mistimed shot in the air but it safely goes to long on for a run.

11.4

Jhye Richardson to Faf du Plessis, FOUR! Slower one, full and around off, du Plessis picks it early and blazes his drive past the diving wide mid off fielder for a boundary.

11.3

Jhye Richardson to Faf du Plessis, FOUR OVERTHROWS! Good length ball around middle and off, du Plessis makes room and drives it to mid off. He comes out of the crease in search of a run but is sent back. The fielder misses his shy at the striker's end. KL Rahul behind the stumps gets wrong-footed and fails to back it up. A boundary results as Shami fails to stop it with his boot in the deep.

11.2

Jhye Richardson to Faf du Plessis, A slower one, on a length and wide outside off, du Plessis throws his bat at it but misses.

11.1

Jhye Richardson to Faf du Plessis, Fullish ball around off, Faf flicks it on the leg side and the big man, CHRIS GAYLE, dives to stop the ball. Jonty Rhodes, the fielding coach, is happy. He wants commitment.

over

11 | 10 Runs | HH: 74/1

10.6

Mohammed Shami to Moeen Ali, FOUR! Gorgeous from Moeen! Ends the over in style. 10 off it and Chennai are probably looking to finish this quickly and shoot up their net run rate. Shami overpitches it on off, Moeen says thank you for the gift and creams it through extra cover for a boundary.

10.5

Mohammed Shami to Moeen Ali, Very well bowled and very well played as well. Yorker on middle, Moeen does well to jam it out.

10.4

Mohammed Shami to Moeen Ali, Good shot! Fullish on middle and leg, Moeen drives it very nicely to the left of long on and gets a brace.

10.3

Mohammed Shami to Moeen Ali, Good length delivery now on top of middle. Moeen keeps it out.

10.2

Mohammed Shami to Moeen Ali, FOUR! Crunched! This time Moeen gets hold of it. Another short one from Shami. Moeen stays deep in his crease and pulls it over mid-wicket for a boundary.

10.1

Mohammed Shami to Moeen Ali, Good ball! Shami hits the deck hard and makes the ball bounce skiddily off the surface. Moeen does well to sway away from it and keeps his bat down.

Change in bowling. Mohammed Shami is back! 2-0-6-0 are his figures so far.

over

10 | 11 Runs | HH: 64/1

9.6

Murugan Ashwin to Moeen Ali, Through the on side this time. Shortish and on off, Moeen goes back and wrists it through mid-wicket for one. 43 needed more at the halfway mark.

9.5

Murugan Ashwin to Moeen Ali, Again a little short and it's around off, Moeen gets back and punches it past the diving cover fielder. They get two more.

9.4

Murugan Ashwin to Moeen Ali, Floated one, full and on middle, Moeen defends it back to the bowler.

9.3

Murugan Ashwin to Moeen Ali, That appears to be a seam up delivery, short and wide outside off at 92.4 kph, Moeen goes on the back foot and forces it to sweeper cover. The calls is for two and they get two.

9.3

Murugan Ashwin to Moeen Ali, Wide! Slips one down the leg side, Moeen tries to sweep but misses. A good take by Rahul.

9.2

Murugan Ashwin to Faf du Plessis, Slower through the air, full and on middle, du Plessis flicks and sends it to deep mid-wicket for a single.

9.1

Murugan Ashwin to Faf du Plessis, FOUR! Poor delivery and punished! Short in length and outside off, spinning away, du Plessis rocks back and whacks it through point for a boundary. Anil Kumble in the dugout is not looking pleased!

Strategic Time-Out! Chennai are steadily going about this chase. They have been patient and calm so far. Moeen and Faf du Plessis have punished the bad balls while respecting the good ones. Just 54 needed in 66 balls now. Punjab should try to make it as daunting as possible.

over

9 | 6 Runs | HH: 53/1

8.6

Riley Meredith to Moeen Ali, Slower one to end the over. Good comeback from Meredith after the first ball. The last ball is a slower one as well. It is on middle, Moeen manages to defend it back.

8.5

Riley Meredith to Faf du Plessis, Good ball! This time bowls the pacy delivery which nips back sharply. Du Plessis looks to defend but is late to play it. He still manages to get a little inside edge to fine leg for one.

8.4

Riley Meredith to Faf du Plessis, Slower one on off. This time it is full. Faf defends it to mid off.

8.3

Riley Meredith to Moeen Ali, Much better from Riley Meredith! Bowls a back of a length delivery around the body. Moeen hops and tucks it to the on side for a single.

8.2

Riley Meredith to Moeen Ali, Slower one now! Good length ball outside off, Moeen is surprised by the change up. He tries to check his drive but misses it.

8.1

Riley Meredith to Moeen Ali, FOUR! CREAMED! Meredith comes charging in and the ball goes to the fence even faster. Full and wide outside off, Meredith does not learn from his mistake. Moeen stays in his crease and slams it through covers for a boundary.

Change in bowling. Riley Meredith comes from the other end.

over

8 | 10 Runs | HH: 47/1

7.6

Murugan Ashwin to Faf du Plessis, Googly but it's on middle and leg, du Plessis clips it off his pads and it runs wide of short fine leg. Two taken. 10 from the over!

7.5

Murugan Ashwin to Moeen Ali, Floated and it's a full toss around off, Moeen is forward as he drives it to long off for a single.

7.4

Murugan Ashwin to Moeen Ali, Flatter and a bit shorter on off, Moeen goes on the back foot and strokes it in the gap at deep cover. Two taken.

7.3

Murugan Ashwin to Moeen Ali, Strides forward and defends it on the leg side.

7.2

Murugan Ashwin to Moeen Ali, EDGY FOUR! A genuine outside edge but it goes wide of Gayle at slip. Murugan dishes out the wrong 'un and lands it on a fuller length on off, Moeen pushes inside the line, without realizing that it will turn away. The outside edge is generated but it speeds past the left side of Gayle for a boundary at third man.

7.1

Murugan Ashwin to Faf du Plessis, A flatter shorter ball on off, Faf goes back and turns it in front of square leg for a run.

Change in bowling. Spin into the attack for the first time in this innings. Murugan Ashwin is introduced into the attack.

over

7 | 5 Runs | HH: 37/1

6.6

Arshdeep Singh to Moeen Ali, FOUR! Tantalizingly close but away! Short ball around off, Moeen pulls it with power. He gets it just wide of short mid-wicket and to the fence for a boundary. Spoils the over but still a good one. Just 5 off it.

6.5

Arshdeep Singh to Moeen Ali, Slower ball! It is on off, Moeen blocks it.

6.4

Arshdeep Singh to Moeen Ali, Length delivery on middle, Moeen works it down the leg side but finds short fine leg.

6.3

Arshdeep Singh to Faf du Plessis, Slightly slower on a length on off. Faf waits for it and runs it down to the third man region for a single.

6.2

Arshdeep Singh to Faf du Plessis, Length delivery on off, Faf pushes it to cover.

6.1

Arshdeep Singh to Faf du Plessis, A slower bouncer! It is outside off, Faf looks to pull but it gets it off the inner half which sees the ball fall right next to him.

over

6 | 8 Runs | HH: 32/1

5.6

Riley Meredith to Moeen Ali, FOUR! Shot! A lovely way to cap off the Powerplay overs. Meredith takes a length ball away from the left-hander with his angle, Moeen presses forward, opens the face of his bat, doesn't try to hit it hard and just places it sweetly through the gap between point and cover-point. Top class placement. 32/1 in 6 overs, 75 needed more.

5.5

Riley Meredith to Moeen Ali, Excellent effort ball and well left by Moeen. Back of a length around off and whizzing off the surface, Moeen stands back, drops his wrists and allows it through.

5.4

Riley Meredith to Moeen Ali, Play and a miss! Riley offers width outside off and Moeen tries to cash in. Fails to connect though as he is beaten for pace.

5.3

Riley Meredith to Moeen Ali, Beaten! Meredith lands it on a length around off and gets it to shape away, Moeen hangs his bat outside off and is beaten.

5.2

Riley Meredith to Moeen Ali, FOUR! Glorious! Out of the middle of the bat from Moeen Ali. Fuller length ball around off, angling aay, Moeen nicely transfers his weight into the drive and thumps it through covers.

5.1

Riley Meredith to Moeen Ali, Good length delivery on off, Moeen punches it back to the bowler.

Moeen Ali walks out at number 3! Also, Riley Meredith is introduced into the attack.

over

5 | 2 Runs | HH: 24/1

4.6

Arshdeep Singh to Ruturaj Gaikwad, OUT! CAUGHT! Ruturaj Gaikwad's struggle out in the middle comes to an end. He never looked comfortable out in the middle and has to depart. Arshdeep gets the first wicket of the innings. Can Punjab strike a few more quickly and unsettle the Chennai dressing room? Bouncer on middle, Gaikwad looks to pull but mistimes it yet again. This time he finds Deepak Hooda to perfection at deep mid-wicket.

4.5

Arshdeep Singh to Ruturaj Gaikwad, Still can't find the gap! Back of a length ball outside off, Gaikwad tries to guide it past point but finds the fielder. The struggle is real for Ruturaj.

4.4

Arshdeep Singh to Ruturaj Gaikwad, A touch short and close to off, Ruturaj stays back and plays it down to point.

4.3

Arshdeep Singh to Faf du Plessis, Back of a length ball on off, Faf goes on his back foot and strokes it in the gap at cover-point for a single.

4.2

Arshdeep Singh to Ruturaj Gaikwad, Uses the angle of the bowler and pushes it towards covers for a quick run.

4.1

Arshdeep Singh to Ruturaj Gaikwad, Starts with a length ball close to off, Gaikwad plays it close to his body and taps it down near the surface. Looks for a run but Faf declines.

Change in bowling. Arshdeep Singh is introduced into the attack.

over

4 | 14 Runs | HH: 22/0

3.6

Jhye Richardson to Faf du Plessis, SIX! Innovative, tactical and super from du Plessis! Full on off, Faf premeditates it. He knows the man at deep square leg is too wide. He comes inside his stumps and paddles it over the backward square leg fence for a biggie. 14 off the over and if there was any pressure building., that has been released.

3.5

Jhye Richardson to Faf du Plessis, Fullish on off, Faf keeps it out.

3.4

Jhye Richardson to Faf du Plessis, FOUR LEG BYES! Richardson strays down the leg side. Faf looks to flick but the ball misses du Plessis' willow. It kisses his thigh pad and goes fine down the leg side.

3.3

Jhye Richardson to Faf du Plessis, Scrambled seam from Jhye Richardson. Again Faf takes charge as he comes down the track. This time he hits it to mid on off the inner half of his bat.

3.2

Jhye Richardson to Faf du Plessis, FOUR! Du Plessis takes charge and gets the reward! Good length ball around off, Faf comes down the track and slams it away from mid offf. The fielder there is slow to react but had no chance anyway.

3.1

Jhye Richardson to Faf du Plessis, Full and jagging in a bit at pace. A good ploy to attack the stumps from Jhye. Faf defends it.

over

3 | 4 Runs | HH: 8/0

2.6

Mohammed Shami to Faf du Plessis, Fullish on off, du Plessis pushes it to the right of extra cover and keeps the strike. Tidy three overs so far. No wickets but just 8 off them so far.

2.5

Mohammed Shami to Ruturaj Gaikwad, Another lack of timing shot from Ruturaj Gaikwad! Full and swinging in to Gaikwad. He looks to play it towards mid on but it hits the outer half of his bat and goes to the right of short extra cover for one.

2.4

Mohammed Shami to Faf du Plessis, Length ball on middle and off. Faf taps it to the on side and rotates.

2.3

Mohammed Shami to Ruturaj Gaikwad, Good length delivery on off, Gaikwad runs it down to third man for a single.

2.2

Mohammed Shami to Ruturaj Gaikwad, Inside edge but safe! Gaikwad is struggling here for timing. Fullish outside off, Gaikwad looks to drive but his feet are not moving towards the ball. It takes the inside edge and luckily for him it misses the stumps.

2.1

Mohammed Shami to Ruturaj Gaikwad, Good length delivery on off, Gaikwad keeps it out.

over

2 | 2 Runs | HH: 4/0

1.6

Jhye Richardson to Faf du Plessis, Extra bounce from a length close to off, Faf is taken by surprise and does well to block it by taking his bottom hand off the handle. Another top over!

1.5

Jhye Richardson to Faf du Plessis, Good length ball on off, Faf is on the back foot as he defends it to the off side.

1.4

Jhye Richardson to Ruturaj Gaikwad, IN THE AIR... SAFE! Gaikwad tries to force the issue and nearly loses his wicket. Uses his feet to get down the track and attempts for an aerial shot against a length ball outside off. But it takes the top edge and flies towards extra cover. Falls safely in no man's land. The batsmen cross.

1.3

Jhye Richardson to Ruturaj Gaikwad, Jhye goes fuller this time and lands it close to off, Gaikwad gets half-forward and tries to flick but it takes the upper half of his bat and rolls to mid on.

1.2

Jhye Richardson to Ruturaj Gaikwad, Good length delivery on middle and off. It swings a tad. Gaikwad keeps it out.

1.1

Jhye Richardson to Faf du Plessis, Jhye starts with a length ball on the pads, Faf looks to flick but misses. It hits his thigh pad and goes to the on side. Leg bye taken.

Who will start from the other end? It will be Jhye Richardson!

over

1 | 2 Runs | HH: 2/0

0.6

Mohammed Shami to Ruturaj Gaikwad, Appeal for LBW but turned down. Maybe too high. Rahul is not taking it upstairs either. Good length delivery pitching on off and comes back in. Gaikwad looks to defend but misses and gets hit high on the pad. There is an appeal but the umpire is not keen. Impressive and encouraging start from Shami.

0.5

Mohammed Shami to Ruturaj Gaikwad, Shami hits the deck hard and makes it come back in. Gaikwad taps it to point.

0.4

Mohammed Shami to Ruturaj Gaikwad, Inside edge but safe! Full and wide outside off, Gaikwad looks to drive but with a lack of foot movement. It takes the inside edge and luckily it misses the stumps and goes to Rahul on the bounce.

0.3

Mohammed Shami to Faf du Plessis, Faf is off the mark as well! On the pads, du Plessis tickles it to the leg side and gets a single.

0.2

Mohammed Shami to Faf du Plessis, Oh what a peach! Good length delivery pitching on off and jags back in viciously. Faf looks to defend but misses and gets hit high on the pad. That saved him probably. This should encourage Punjab bowlers.

0.1

Mohammed Shami to Ruturaj Gaikwad, Gaikwad is off the mark straightaway but in a very nervy fashion. Shami starts with a full ball which comes back in a bit. Gaikwad pushes it to the left of mid on off the inner half and takes a quick single.

st Innings Punjab Kings

We are back for the chase! KL Rahul is trying to motivate his guys before they take the field in their attempt to pull off an unthinkable heist and defend the lowest total ever to be defended in this League! Faf du Plessis and Ruturaj Gaikwad stride out to open the innings for Chennai. Watch out for Mohammed Shami, he can also get some seam movement going...

So 107 is what Chennai need to hand their skipper a victory in his 200th game for Chennai. This should be a relatively easy chase. Punjab will have to bowl out of their skin to make this even look competitive. Can Punjab do something astronomical or will it be a walk in the park for Chennai? Join us for the chase to find out.

The star of the evening so far, Deepak Chahar is caught for a chat. Chahar says there was a bit more seam than swing and tells they bowled the right areas. Chahar admits last year was difficult for all of them. Tells last year he was in quarantine for 28 days and came back after just 4 days which was very difficult for him. Tells they got time to prepare and they executed well. Chahar says that chasing 107 should be easy and hopes they can finish well.

A shambolic batting display from Punjab. They will be very thankful that they could buy Shahrukh Khan and Jhye Richardson. As the two were the top two scorers for their side and saved a lot of blushes. Shahrukh Khan in particular was the sole batter who showed some fight. If not for his efforts Punjab would have struggled to get to a three-digit score. Abysmal performance from Punjab to sum it up.

It was the Deepak Chahar show with Jadeja playing the supporting role. Chahar derailed the Punjab innings before it even started going. His 4/14 just murdered Punjab's top order and set the platform for Chennai. Barring Shardul Thakur, every other bowler was on the money. Moeen, Curran, and Bravo were the other two with wickets. Jadeja was economical and a livewire on the field as his brilliant throw got rid of Rahul early on and you can't forget his diving catch to dismiss Gayle.

A total trainwreck of an innings from Punjab. Chennai have bulldozed them with the ball in hand and unless a tragic calamity, they are well on course to get their first win of the season. The lions from Chennai were wounded and they have pounced back with their sharp claws and teeth.

over

20 | 6 Runs | HH: 106/8

19.6

Sam Curran to Mohammed Shami, Fuller length ball outside off, Shami hangs on the back foot and throws the kitchen sink at it. Ends up slicing it behind point and collects a single. Punjab end on 106/8!

19.5

Sam Curran to Mohammed Shami, A length ball around off, angling away, Shami tries his best to connect with his slog across the line but misses.

Run out appeal taken upstairs.

19.4

Sam Curran to Mohammed Shami, NOT OUT! On a length and outside off, leaving the batsman, Shami throws his bat and slices it over point. He wants to steal the second run, the throw comes to Dhoni who collects and throws it onto the stumps. They appeal and it's referred upstairs. The replays find Shami safe.

19.3

Sam Curran to Mohammed Shami, A length ball landig around leg, Shami clears his front leg and heaves it in front of square leg for two.

19.2

Sam Curran to Mohammed Shami, Superb execution of slower ones by Chennai. Sam runs his fingers and delivers a length ball outside off, Shami swings and misses.

19.1

Sam Curran to Shahrukh Khan, OUT! CAUGHT! The sole batter who showed some fight and took Punjab to a respectable total is out of here too. Shahrukh Khan falls short of a well-deserved fifty but he can go back with his head held high. Sam Curran gets his first wicket of the game. He rolls his finger on it and bangs it short. Shahrukh Khan pulls it but with no timing. He finds Jadeja at deep mid-wicket. Worst fielder to pick because he will never drop those. Once again no mistake from Jaddu as he takes a simple catch.

19.1

Sam Curran to Shahrukh Khan, Wide! Curran bowls a slower length ball way wide outside off, Khan throws his bat at it but fails to connect.

Sam Curran to bowl the final over of the innings.

over

19 | 4 Runs | HH: 100/7

18.6

Dwayne Bravo to Mohammed Shami, Slower one again fools the batsman. Following the batsman down the leg side, a low dipping full toss, Shami is early into the shot and is hit on the pads.

18.5

Dwayne Bravo to Mohammed Shami, 100 up for Punjab! Bravo angles it into the batsman who connects and sends it racing away to the deep mid-wicket region. Moeen manning that region rushes across to his left, puts in a slide and saves two runs for his team.

18.4

Dwayne Bravo to Mohammed Shami, Another swing and a miss! Bravo takes the pace off this one and delivers it around middle and leg, Shami opens up for a big heave but misses. It goes closely past the leg stump.

18.3

Dwayne Bravo to Mohammed Shami, Back of a length delivery, around off and cutting away, Shami tries to pull but misses.

18.2

Dwayne Bravo to Shahrukh Khan, A low dipping full toss outside off, Shahrukh hammers it past the outstretches left hand of the bowler for a run at long off.

18.1

Dwayne Bravo to Mohammed Shami, Good length ball on middle, Shami rotates his wrists and works it through square leg for one.

over

18 | 9 Runs | HH: 96/7

17.6

Shardul Thakur to Shahrukh Khan, EDGY FOUR! Doesn't matter how they come at this stage. Thakur goes short and delivers it outside off at 129 kph, Shahrukh attempts for the pull shot but it flies off the top edge and goes behind Dhoni for a boundary. Valuable runs. 9 from the over!

17.5

Shardul Thakur to Shahrukh Khan, Too full in length on middle, Khan clips it to deep mid-wicket and scampers back for the second run.

17.4

Shardul Thakur to Shahrukh Khan, Thakur deceives SRK with a slower one this time. Bowls it on a length and outside off, at 116 kph, Khan swishes and misses.

17.3

Shardul Thakur to Shahrukh Khan, Swing and a miss! Fuller in length and outside off at 138 kph, Shahrukh winds up for a big shot down the ground but it skids past the outside edge.

17.2

Shardul Thakur to Mohammed Shami, Width on offer outside off, Shami reaches out for it and flashes his blade through the line. Ends up slicing it behind backward point for one.

17.1

Shardul Thakur to Shahrukh Khan, Fuller in length and outside off, Shahrukh throws his bat at it and rockets it over covers. Finds the deep fielder though and hence only a run.

17.1

Shardul Thakur to Shahrukh Khan, Wide! Good length delivery but too wide outside off, Khan leaves it.

over

17 | 6 Runs | HH: 87/7

16.6

Dwayne Bravo to Mohammed Shami, Length ball on off, Shami taps it to point to see off the over. 6 runs and a wicket off Bravo's first.

Mohammed Shami is the new man in.

16.5

Dwayne Bravo to Murugan Ashwin, OUT! CAUGHT! Murugan Ashwin departs and Bravo too joins the party. Gets his first wicket in his first over. Good length ball on off, Murugan Ashwin looks to hit it on the up but ends up scooping it to mid off. Faf du Plessis keeps his eyes on the ball and takes a simple catch.

16.4

Dwayne Bravo to Shahrukh Khan, Full on the pads, SRK flicks it to the on side for a single.

16.3

Dwayne Bravo to Shahrukh Khan, FOUR! Nice strike and Shahrukh continues to impress. Slower ball on off, it is in the slot though. Shahrukh Khan waits for it and hits it away from long on for a boundary.

16.2

Dwayne Bravo to Shahrukh Khan, Slower ball which is full in length around off. It is on off, Shahrukh Khan pushes it to the left of the bowler.

16.1

Dwayne Bravo to Murugan Ashwin, DJ starts with a length ball on the pads. It is an off-pace delivery. Ashwin clips it behind square leg for one.

Time Out! Chennai continue to be on top here. Punjab though have managed to save some blushes thanks to their new recruit Shahrukh Khan. He has kept them in the game and has played a very good knock here. He though will need to continue and fire in the remaining overs if Punjab are to get to a fighting total. Dwayne Bravo to bowl after the break.

over

16 | 8 Runs | HH: 81/6

15.6

Shardul Thakur to Murugan Ashwin, Back of the hand delivery outside off. Ashwin punches it away from short cover and keeps the strike.

15.5

Shardul Thakur to Murugan Ashwin, Slower ball which is shorter in length. It bounces like a slow tennis ball. Ashwin leaves it alone.

15.4

Shardul Thakur to Murugan Ashwin, Good length ball outside off. Ashwin chops his punch to the right of Moeen at short cover.

15.3

Shardul Thakur to Shahrukh Khan, Full and wide outside off. Shahrukh Khan guides it to third man for a single.

15.2

Shardul Thakur to Shahrukh Khan, FOUR! Good shot! Shahrukh Khan is keeping that glimmer of hope alive. An attempted bouncer but the ball sits up nicely for Shahrukh Khan. He pulls it over mid-wicket for a boundary.

15.1

Shardul Thakur to Shahrukh Khan, Length ball wide outside off. Shahrukh punches it away from sweeper cover for two.

Change in bowling. Shardul Thakur replaces Ravindra Jadeja!

over

15 | 9 Runs | HH: 73/6

14.6

Moeen Ali to Murugan Ashwin, Allows the ball to spin back in and then pushes it towards cover-point. Looks for a run but Khan declines.

14.5

Moeen Ali to Murugan Ashwin, Flighted and outside off, Ashwin forces it across the line but fails to beat the diving mid-wicket fielder.

14.4

Moeen Ali to Shahrukh Khan, Flatter and straighter, worked behind square leg for one.

14.3

Moeen Ali to Murugan Ashwin, Once again a shot is played with the spin. This time by Murugan as he finds the gap at mid-wicket for a run.

14.2

Moeen Ali to Shahrukh Khan, Uses the spin of Moeen and works it in the gap at mid-wicket for a single.

14.1

Moeen Ali to Shahrukh Khan, SIX! Gone the distance! SRK won't go down without a fight at Wankhede! He jumps down the track to a fuller delivery on off and smashes it all the way over mid-wicket for a biggie.

over

14 | 3 Runs | HH: 64/6

13.6

Ravindra Jadeja to Murugan Ashwin, Flatter and on middle and leg, Murugan stays back and defends it out with an angled bat. It goes wide of first slip.

13.5

Ravindra Jadeja to Murugan Ashwin, Top stop, Chahar! Fullish and on middle, Ashwin flicks on the leg side and Chahar dives across to his right at mid-wicket to stop the ball.

13.4

Ravindra Jadeja to Shahrukh Khan, Quicker and on the pads, nudged in the gap at mid-wicket for a run.

13.3

Ravindra Jadeja to Murugan Ashwin, Leans forward to a flighted ball and slices his drive through cover-point for a single.

13.2

Ravindra Jadeja to Murugan Ashwin, Tossed up on middle. Ashwin drives it to the left of Jadeja. He dives and saves runs. He has been fantastic in the field tonight. Saying that is like saying water is wet though. He is always tremendous in the field.

13.1

Ravindra Jadeja to Shahrukh Khan, Flighted on off, SRK taps it to cover and gets to the other end.

over

13 | 4 Runs | HH: 61/6

12.6

Moeen Ali to Shahrukh Khan, Short on middle, SRK pulls it to fine leg on the bounce and keeps the strike.

12.5

Moeen Ali to Shahrukh Khan, Flatter on off, Shahrukh Khan nudges it to short mid-wicket

12.4

Moeen Ali to Murugan Ashwin, Short on off, Ashwin pulls it to deep mid-wicket for a single.

12.3

Moeen Ali to Shahrukh Khan, Tossed up on off, Shahrukh Khan strokes it to long on for one.

12.2

Moeen Ali to Murugan Ashwin, Floated on off, Ashwin runs it down behind point for one.

Murugan Ashwin is the new man in.

12.1

Moeen Ali to Jhye Richardson, OUT! BOWLED! Jhye Richardson departs as well. Cannot blame him. His job is to do the damage with the ball. Moeen gets his first wicket of the game. Short and turning in from off stump. Jhye Richardson gets on his back foot to whack it over the leg side. He misses as the ball is not as short as he thought. It goes under his bat to disturb the stumps. The 31-run stand has been broken.

over

12 | 5 Runs | HH: 57/5

11.6

Ravindra Jadeja to Jhye Richardson, Eases a fuller length ball down to long on and takes a single.

11.5

Ravindra Jadeja to Jhye Richardson, Jumps down the track to a flighted full ball and helps it to mid-wicket.

11.4

Ravindra Jadeja to Jhye Richardson, FOUR! Finds the gap this time! Flatter and shorter on off, the Aussie is quick to go on the back foot and punches it sweetly through covers. Fetches a boundary.

11.3

Ravindra Jadeja to Jhye Richardson, That is punched off the back foot, but not in the gap.

11.2

Ravindra Jadeja to Jhye Richardson, Flatter arm ball on middle, Jhye pushes it out from the inner half to mid-wicket.

11.1

Ravindra Jadeja to Jhye Richardson, Fuller in length on off, pushed back to the bowler.

over

11 | 4 Runs | HH: 52/5

10.6

Moeen Ali to Jhye Richardson, Floated on middle, Richardson turns it to deep mid-wicket and keeps the strike.

10.5

Moeen Ali to Jhye Richardson, Slightly quick, short and flat. It is on off, Jhye pushes it back to the bowler.

10.4

Moeen Ali to Shahrukh Khan, Flighted on off, Shahrukh Khan milks it to long on and gets a single.

10.3

Moeen Ali to Jhye Richardson, Floated on off, Richardson glances it to mid-wicket and gets to the other end.

10.2

Moeen Ali to Shahrukh Khan, Floated on middle and off, Shahrukh flicks it with the spin to mid-wicket for a run.

10.1

Moeen Ali to Shahrukh Khan, Moeen starts with a flighted ball on off, Shahrukh keeps it out.

Change in bowling. Moeen Ali replaces Shardul Thakur!

over

10 | 3 Runs | HH: 48/5

9.6

Ravindra Jadeja to Jhye Richardson, Tossed up on middle, Richardson pushes it to the man at short mid-wicket.

9.6

Ravindra Jadeja to Jhye Richardson, WIDE! Jaddu misses his line and bowls one down the leg side. Jhye looks to flick but misses.

9.5

Ravindra Jadeja to Shahrukh Khan, Flighted on middle and off, Shahrukh pushes it to the on side for one.

9.4

Ravindra Jadeja to Shahrukh Khan, Floated on off, SRK keeps it out.

9.3

Ravindra Jadeja to Jhye Richardson, On the pads, Richardson turns it behind square leg for a single.

9.2

Ravindra Jadeja to Jhye Richardson, Flighted on off, Jhye pushes it to cover.

9.1

Ravindra Jadeja to Jhye Richardson, Appeal but going down! Floated on the pads, Jhye looks to play but misses to get hit on the pad. There is an appeal but the umpire is not keen.

TIME OUT! What have we witnessed? WOW! If you are rubbing your eyes looking at the scorecard then you are not the only one. Punjab have been shambolic so far to say the least. They might have expected bullets to be fired at them but have taken aback by Deepak Chahar's bazooka. Chennai are steamrolling and it will take a herculean effort from Punjab to save this game. A wounded lion is more dangerous, Punjab have found that the hard way.

over

9 | 11 Runs | HH: 45/5

8.6

Shardul Thakur to Shahrukh Khan, FOUR! Superb shot! Length ball outside off, Shahrukh Khan gets on top of the bounce and creams it away from sweeper cover. Deepak Chahar gives it a chase but he cnnot stop it.

8.5

Shardul Thakur to Shahrukh Khan, Swing and a miss! Bouncer outside off, Shahrukh Khan looks to pull but misses. Lucky not to edge that to the keeper.

8.4

Shardul Thakur to Jhye Richardson, Length delivery on middle, Richardson flicks it to deep mid-wicket and rotates the strike.

8.3

Shardul Thakur to Shahrukh Khan, Fullish on off, Shahrukh Khan strokes it to sweeper cover for a run.

8.2

Shardul Thakur to Jhye Richardson, Follows the boundary with a single via a dab to third man.

8.1

Shardul Thakur to Jhye Richardson, FOUR! Beautiful shot from Richardson! Gets his first boundary in the League! Over pitched on middle and leg, Richardson creams it through the mid-wicket region for a boundary.

Who will replace Deepak Chahar? It will be Shardul Thakur!

over

8 | 8 Runs | HH: 34/5

7.6

Ravindra Jadeja to Shahrukh Khan, SIX! Smoked! A rare short ball on middle, Shahrukh Khan is quick to pounce onto it. He gets on his back foot and heaves it over the cow corner fence for a biggie.

7.5

Ravindra Jadeja to Shahrukh Khan, On the stumps, Shahrukh Khan keeps it out.

7.4

Ravindra Jadeja to Jhye Richardson, On the pads, Richardson turns it to the on side and gets off the mark with one.

7.3

Ravindra Jadeja to Shahrukh Khan, Tossed up on off, Shahrukh Khan pushes it to long off for one.

7.2

Ravindra Jadeja to Shahrukh Khan, Beaten! There is turn as well on this track. Floated on off, Shahrukh Khan looks to defend but the ball turns and bounces past the outside edge and luckily away from the stumps too.

7.1

Ravindra Jadeja to Shahrukh Khan, Jaddu starts with a flatter delivery on middle, Shahrukh Khan blocks it.

over

7 | 0 Runs | HH: 26/5

6.6

Deepak Chahar to Jhye Richardson, Fabulous bowling display from Deepak Chahar. He finishes with a maiden and with an outstanding figure of 4/13 from his 4 overs. Just unbelievable. The last ball is a length ball on off, Jhye pushes it to short cover. Chahar has done his job and probably sealed the Man of the Match award as well.

6.5

Deepak Chahar to Jhye Richardson, Back of a length delivery on off, Jhye hops and blocks it.

6.4

Deepak Chahar to Jhye Richardson, Good length ball on off, the Aussie covers the line and defends it to the off side.

6.3

Deepak Chahar to Jhye Richardson, Fuller in length and outside off, Jhye drives it off his front foot to covers.

Who will walk out to bat now? It is going to be Jhye Richardson. He was paid a lot to do the job with the ball but he now will have to do something with the bat.

6.2

Deepak Chahar to Deepak Hooda, OUT! CAUGHT! Another one bites the dust and the ploy to bowl out Chahar works wonder for Chennai. What a game he has had! Mind-boggling to say the least. A genuine seam-up delivery on off, Hooda is early into his shot, He ends up chipping it straight to mid off. Faf du Plessis there is never going to drop those. He takes a simple catch and half the side is back in the dugout for Punjab. This is outrageous and abysmal batting from Punjab.

6.1

Deepak Chahar to Deepak Hooda, Good length delivery on off, little movement still for Chahar. Hooda defends it.

over

6 | 7 Runs | HH: 26/4

5.6

Shardul Thakur to Deepak Hooda, Single to end the Powerplay. A fantastic one for Chennai. Length ball around off, Hooda strikes it through point and keeps the strike. End of the Powerplay and Punjab are stuttering at 26/4 at the end of the first phase.

5.5

Shardul Thakur to Deepak Hooda, Cracking shot but a very good save! Slightly fuller outside off, Hooda drives it on the up to the right of short cover. The fielder there dives and saves runs for his side.

5.4

Shardul Thakur to Deepak Hooda, Good length delivery on off, Hooda looks to drive it on the off side but places it back to the bowler off the inner half of his bat.

5.3

Shardul Thakur to Deepak Hooda, Length ball on off, this time Hooda punches it down the ground away from sweeper cover for a brace.

5.2

Shardul Thakur to Deepak Hooda, FOUR! What a shot! Good length ball around off, Hooda gets on his back foor and punches it right out of the screws over cover for a boundary.

5.1

Shardul Thakur to Deepak Hooda, Thakur starts with a good length delivery on off. Hooda defends it to the off side.

over

5 | 1 Runs | HH: 19/4

4.6

Deepak Chahar to Shahrukh Khan, Angling in a length ball on middle, SRK defends it from the crease to the leg side.

4.5

Deepak Chahar to Shahrukh Khan, Appeal for an lbw! A length ball close to off, shaping in and beating Shahrukh's defensive bat. He is pinged on the pads, Chahar appeals but the umpire shakes his head. He tries to convince his skipper but Dhoni also shakes his head. Too high, MS knows.

Shahrukh Khan walks out to bat way too early then he would have hoped for.

4.4

Deepak Chahar to Nicholas Pooran, OUT! CAUGHT! Pooran goes back for yet another duck. That is two-in-two for him. Bouncer from Chahar and that gets the wicket. Whatever this man is touching is turning to gold tonight. When it rains, it pours and for Punjab wickets are pouring here. Bouncer on middle, Pooran pulls it. There is just one man at deep square leg. Pooran picks him to perfection. Thakur does not even have to move as it is straight to him.

4.3

Deepak Chahar to Nicholas Pooran, Back of a length delivery outside off, Pooran lets it be.

Nicholas Pooran walks out to bat when his side are in massive puddle.

4.2

Deepak Chahar to Chris Gayle, OUT! CAUGHT! Jadeja into the act once again. First with a run out and now with a very good flying catch. Gaikwad will be a relieved man. He dropped Gayle on 0 and luckily for him it has cost just 10 runs. Chahar gets his second. He should have had Gayle in his first over but he has him in his third over. Chahar goes full and makes this one move away from Gayle and also it is the knuckle ball so the pace does the Universe Boss too. Gayle looks to play it towards mid on. He closes the face of the bat early thinking it to be a normal pace ball. It takes the outer half of his bat and goes to the right of short cover. Jadeja there dives and takes a stunning catch.

4.1

Deepak Chahar to Deepak Hooda, Good length ball around off, Hooda punches it to the left of mid off and takes a quick but safe single.

over

4 | 1 Runs | HH: 18/2

3.6

Sam Curran to Chris Gayle, A bouncer to Gayle, it's on middle and the big West Indian decides to duck. Fine over by Sam.

3.5

Sam Curran to Deepak Hooda, A one-legged shot! Shortish and on middle, Hooda lifts his front leg and glances it through square leg. A good sliding stop by Chahar and only one run is possible.

3.4

Sam Curran to Deepak Hooda, Angling away from the right-hander, Hooda plays it late and opens the face of his bat. But it has gone straight to the backward point fielder.

3.3

Sam Curran to Deepak Hooda, Back of a length ball on off, Hooda goes on the back foot and uses his height as he defends it down near the surface.

3.2

Sam Curran to Deepak Hooda, Pitches it up and around off, Deepak drives it off his front foot but finds the cover fielder.

3.1

Sam Curran to Deepak Hooda, Angling away from the batsman outside off, on a length, Hooda takes his front foot forward and makes a leave.

over

3 | 10 Runs | HH: 17/2

2.6

Deepak Chahar to Deepak Hooda, Hooda is off the mark and keeps the strike! Good length ball around off, Hooda runs it down to third man and keeps the strike with one.

2.6

Deepak Chahar to Deepak Hooda, WIDE! Chahar misses his line and bowls it down the leg side. Hooda leaves it alone. Wided by the umpire.

Who will walk ut at number 4? It will be the hero from the last game, Deepak Hooda.

2.5

Deepak Chahar to Chris Gayle, OUT! RUN OUT! The dangerous KL Rahul is out of here courtesy of a fabulous piece of fielding from Ravindra Jadeja. He is an exceptional fielder and his exceptional skills have got the better of the Punjab skipper. Fullish ball angling into Gayle around his pad. Gayle looks to flick but misses. The ball hits his pad and there is an appeal from Chennai players. The batters meanwhile try to take a leg bye. The ball rolls towards cover-point. Jadeja is not interested in paying attention to the appeal. He sets his eyes on the ball and charges towards it. Picks it up, and, with a bullet throw scores a direct hit at the keeper's end. Rahul is quick but Jadeja is like a cheetah on the field. Replay rolls in and it shows KL Rahul to be short of his crease. Both openers back in the dugout, this is a fabulous start for Chennai. Punjab are off to a nightmare!

Direct hit from Jadeja and they think they have got Rahul.

2.4

Deepak Chahar to Chris Gayle, Good length ball on off, Gayle keeps it out.

2.3

Deepak Chahar to Chris Gayle, INSIDE EDGE this time! Length ball outside off, Gayle looks to punch it through mid off but gets a thick inside edge. Luckily for him, it misses the stumps. Dhoni does fabulously well to dive to his right and make the stop.

2.2

Deepak Chahar to Chris Gayle, EDGED AND FOUR! Gayle has swung hard at it and has got some luck there. Good length delivery outside off, Gayle looks to punch it straight over the bowler's head but gets a thick outside edge which goes over Raina's head at slip for a boundary.

2.1

Deepak Chahar to Chris Gayle, FOUR! Gayle gets his first boundary! Slightly too full from Chahar. It is on middle, Gayle knows that there is no one at deep mid-wicket so he just clips it over mid-wicket for a boundary.

over

2 | 5 Runs | HH: 7/1

1.6

Sam Curran to KL Rahul, Good length ball on off, angling away, KL goes on the back foot and punches it to mid off.

1.5

Sam Curran to KL Rahul, FOUR! Easy pickings! Fuller length ball on middle and leg, shaping down, Rahul gets enough bat behind it and sends it running to the fine leg fence.

1.4

Sam Curran to KL Rahul, Good length ball on off, KL is on the back foot as he defends it to the off side.

1.3

Sam Curran to KL Rahul, Fuller in length on middle, shaping in a bit, Rahul defends it with gentle hands to the leg side.

1.2

Sam Curran to KL Rahul, Back of a length ball on off, Rahul punches it off his back foot to cover-point.

1.1

Sam Curran to Chris Gayle, Starts with very full ball on off, Gayle keeps it out towards point and crosses.

Who will bowl from the other end? It is going to be Sam Curran!

over

1 | 2 Runs | HH: 2/1

0.6

Deepak Chahar to Chris Gayle, DROPPED! Gayle has been given an early life by Ruturaj Gaikwad! Chahar should have had two in the over and it was a relatively easy chance for Ruturaj Gaikwad. He surely should have taken this. Full ball outside off, Gayle looks to place it away from backward point. He hits it uppishly to the right of backward point. Gaikwad there is slow to react as the ball comes quickly. It hist his palm and pops out. Gayle takes a single and gets off the mark. How costly is this going to be? Nonetheless brilliant start for DC! Two runs and a wicket as well.

0.5

Deepak Chahar to Chris Gayle, Chahar goes very full first up to Gayle. It's around off and Chris tries to dig it out. Gets an inside edge onto the pads and it deflects to cover-point. .Gayle looks for a run but KL turns down the proposal.

Chris Gayle walks out at number 3!

0.4

Deepak Chahar to Mayank Agarwal, OUT! BOWLED! Peach of a delivery from Deepak Chahar and it is too good for Mayank Agarwal. He is out of here without troubling the scorers. There was going to be an early movement for the seamers and Deepak Chahar has made the most of it. Good length delivery pitching on middle and off. Mayank Agarwal looks to defend it but the ball shapes away late and Mayank is fully committed to the shot. He is completely squared up and the ball hits the top of off. Unplayable delivery from Deepak Chahar. Perfect start for Chennai.

Chahar pulls out! Probably lost his run-up!

0.3

Deepak Chahar to Mayank Agarwal, On a good length and just outside off, Mayank pushes it gently, with an angled bat to point. Straight to the fielder.

0.2

Deepak Chahar to KL Rahul, EDGY! Punjab are underway! Chahar pulls his length back slightly and drops the ball with a lovely seam presentation. Rahul stands back to push it through the line but inside edges it past the stumps towards backward square leg. MS Dhoni runs after it and they cross for a run.

0.1

Deepak Chahar to KL Rahul, A hint of movement to start! Chahar starts with a full length ball around middle and leg, getting it to straighten a bit, Rahul plays it cautiously off his pads to mid-wicket.

We are all set for the action to begin! The two umpires make their way out to the middle. MS Dhoni leads his Chennai troops out for the 200th time. Punjab skipper, KL Rahul walks out with Mayank Agarwal to open the innings for Punjab. Deepak Chahar to start the proceedings with the new ball for Chennai.

Punjab (Playing XI) - KL Rahul(WK/C), Mayank Agarwal, Chris Gayle, Deepak Hooda, Nicholas Pooran, Shahrukh Khan, Jhye Richardson, Murugan Ashwin, Riley Meredith, Mohammed Shami, Arshdeep Singh.

Chennai (Playing XI) - Ruturaj Gaikwad, Faf du Plessis, Suresh Raina, Moeen Ali, Ambati Rayudu, MS Dhoni (WK/C), Ravindra Jadeja, Sam Curran, Dwayne Bravo, Shardul Thakur, Deepak Chahar.

Punjab skipper, KL Rahul says that they did well last game and they are looking to follow the same template. Rahul says that the strip looks the same that is the case in all pitches at Wankhede. Rahul says that he would like to look at how the two Australian bowlers got hit and when a set batter is batting this ground can be cruel on bowlers. Tells he tries to encourage them and back them. Rahul informs they are unchanged as well.

Chennai skipper, MS Dhoni says that the only thing to remember is to bowl good deliveries. Tells a lot of times a few good shot from the batters sees the bowlers deviate from the plan and they need to rectify that. Dhoni says cricket is a mental game and adds adaptability is the key factor. Dhoni says that whoever is mentally stronger comes out as a winner. Dhoni says that the pitch looks a bit tacky and has a bit more grass. Dhoni feels the first 4 overs in the second innings is crucial. Dhonis says it boils down to good cricket. Dhoni informs they are unchanged.

TOSS - We are all in readiness for the spin of coin. Chennai skipper, MS Dhoni, is out in the middle for his 200th game for Chennai. He is joined by Punjab captain, KL Rahul. Rahul has the coin in hand. Dhoni calls correctly and the coin comes down in his favour in his milestone game. CHENNAI OPT TO BOWL!

PITCH REPORT - Ian Bishop is the pitch expert for the evening. Bishop tells it is a fresh pitch. Adds that there is a tinge of grass at one end but as he walks down it has a fresh cut. Bishop feels there might not be too much movement like game no.7. Bishop tells that dew starts to form later in the contest and when that happens yorkers need to come into play. Reminds us Delhi did not do that and paid a heavy price.

Hello and welcome to game number 8 as Punjab takes on Chennai. KL Rahul's side managed to get their campaign off to a nail-biting win and will hope to make it two-in-two and join Bangalore at the top with a 100 percent win record to begin with. Dhoni's Chennai got off to a thumping loss against Delhi at this very venue. Their bowling was well under par on that evening but MS will hope his bowlers can come to the party. The 3-time champions will be desperate not to lose both their opening games. Can Dhoni refind his magical touch or will the lions of Punjab pounce on wounded lions of Chennai? Stay tuned for toss and further updates.

Punjab Kings

KL Rahul

CAP/KEEPER/Bat/Bow

Mayank Agarwal

Bat/Bow

Chris Gayle

Bat/Bow

Deepak Hooda

Bat/Bow

Nicholas Pooran

Bat/Bow

Shahrukh Khan

Bat/Bow

Jhye Richardson

Bat/Bow

Murugan Ashwin

Bat/Bow

Mohammed Shami

Bat/Bow

Riley Meredith

Bat/Bow

Arshdeep Singh

Bat/Bow

Chennai Super Kings

Ruturaj Gaikwad

Bat/Bow

Faf du Plessis

Bat/Bow

Moeen Ali

Bat/Bow

Suresh Raina

Bat/Bow

Ambati Rayudu

Bat/Bow

Ravindra Jadeja

Bat/Bow

MS Dhoni

CAP/KEEPER/Bat/Bow

Sam Curran

Bat/Bow

Dwayne Bravo

Bat/Bow

Shardul Thakur

Bat/Bow

Deepak Chahar

Bat/Bow

Punjab Kings vs Chennai Super Kings, Indian Premier League 2021, Match 8 - Full Squad