KKR vs RCB, Indian Premier League, 2023 : Kolkata Knight Riders vs Royal Challengers Bangalore Live Cricket Score, Full Scorecard and Match Updates

nd Innings Royal Challengers Bangalore

123/10 (17.4 OV) RR 6.96

BATTING

Virat Kohli b Sunil Narine

Faf du Plessis b Varun Chakaravarthy

Michael Bracewell c Nitish Rana b Shardul Thakur

Glenn Maxwell b Varun Chakaravarthy

Harshal Patel b Varun Chakaravarthy

Shahbaz Ahmed c Shardul Thakur b Sunil Narine

Dinesh Karthik c Varun Chakaravarthy b Suyash Sharma

Anuj Rawat c Sunil Narine b Suyash Sharma

David Willey not out

Karn Sharma c Nitish Rana b Suyash Sharma

Akash Deep c & b Varun Chakaravarthy

Mohammed Siraj

Total 123/10 (17.4 OV) RR 6.96

Fall of Wickets

1-44 (Virat Kohli, 4.5 ov), 2-46 (Faf du Plessis, 5.2 ov), 3-54 (Glenn Maxwell, 7.2 ov), 4-54 (Harshal Patel, 7.4 ov), 5-61 (Shahbaz Ahmed, 8.5 ov), 6-83 (Michael Bracewell, 11.3 ov), 7-84 (Anuj Rawat, 12.2 ov), 8-86 (Dinesh Karthik, 12.5 ov), 9-96 (Karn Sharma, 14.3 ov), 10-123 (Akash Deep, 17.4 ov)

BOWLING

Umesh Yadav

Tim Southee

Sunil Narine

Varun Chakaravarthy

3.4

Suyash Sharma

Shardul Thakur

st Innings Kolkata Knight Riders

204/7 (20.0 OV) RR 10.2

BATTING

Rahmanullah Gurbaz c Akash Deep b Karn Sharma

Venkatesh Iyer b David Willey

Mandeep Singh b David Willey

Nitish Rana c Dinesh Karthik b Michael Bracewell

Rinku Singh c Dinesh Karthik b Harshal Patel

Andre Russell c Virat Kohli b Karn Sharma

Shardul Thakur c Glenn Maxwell b Mohammed Siraj

Sunil Narine not out

Umesh Yadav not out

Tim Southee

Varun Chakaravarthy

Suyash Sharma

Total 204/7 (20.0 OV) RR 10.2

Fall of Wickets

1-26 (Venkatesh Iyer, 3.2 ov), 2-26 (Mandeep Singh, 3.3 ov), 3-47 (Nitish Rana, 6.1 ov), 4-89 (Rahmanullah Gurbaz, 11.2 ov), 5-89 (Andre Russell, 11.3 ov), 6-192 (Rinku Singh, 19 ov), 7-198 (Shardul Thakur, 19.4 ov)

BOWLING

Mohammed Siraj

David Willey

Akash Deep

Michael Bracewell

Shahbaz Ahmed

Karn Sharma

Harshal Patel

nd Innings Royal Challengers Bangalore

Right then, that is all we have from this game. On Friday, the 7th of April, we have Lucknow taking on Hyderabad. That game will start at 7.30 pm IST (2 pm GMT). Do join us in advance for the build-up of that game. Cheers!

Shardul Thakur is the Player of the Match! He jokingly says that even he doesn't know from where this knock came. Mentions that he only tried to think from a bowler's perspective and it worked out well for him. Shares that he has worked hard in the nets, and tries to work on his shots. Adds a period comes in the training when the coaches let us have a go. States that they spoke about getting depth across all departments. Credits Suyash Sharma for his impressive debut, and says that Varun Chakaravarthy and Sunil Narine are great spinners, it just looks like they take wickets for fun.

Nitish Rana, the skipper of Kolkata says that there were a lot of positives in the last game and adds that the same happened today with Gurbaz batting well at the top. Mentions that Shardul Thakur’s knock was unbelievable and he does not have words for it. Credits Rinku Singh for the way he held one end up and that was the plan that Thakur would go from one end and Rinku Singh would bat normally from the other end. States that the way Umesh Yadav bowled at the start was important and then spinners did their job and with Suyash Sharma bowling so well, in the end, was just what he wanted. Shares that Suyash Sharma is a funny lad and backs himself a lot and says that they had the plan to use him as the third spinner whenever the conditions allow.

Stay tuned for the Presentation...

Chandrakant Pandit, the head coach of Kolkata says that it is a good win and says that the boys showed a lot of character after losing early wickets. Tells that they expected the pitch to help the spinners but they needed the runs on the board and he credits Shardul Thakur and Rinku Singh for their batting and then adds that the spinners bowled brilliantly. Mentions that Suyash Sharma came in their trials and it is tough not to pick him with the ability to turn both ways. Feels that his fighting spirit is what he has observed.

Faf du Plessis, the skipper of Bangalore starts by saying that the way they leaked runs in the death cost them the game. Praises Shardul Thakur for his knock and says that he was hitting from both ends which made it difficult for the bowlers. Informs that they themselves were a bit average with the blade. Credit the opposition spinners for the way they squeezed things. States that death bowling is never an easy job to do but they will surely work on it and hopes to come back stronger.

Time for some interviews...

Bangalore, on the other hand, were pretty poor in their death bowling and that put a lot of pressure on their batters as they needed to chase down over 200 here. Willey and Karn Sharma had done some good work at the start but they messed it up after that just like their batting group messed it up after they got off to a brisk start with Kohli and Faf du Plessis batting well at the start. None of the batters could show application against some quality spin bowling and they ended up falling well short here.

Kolkata though were in a spot of bother at the start of this game with 89-5 in the 12th over. Gurbaz was the only one who looked settled in the middle till then but then came a fantastic partnership of 103 runs between Shardul Thakur and Rinku Singh. Thakur just changed the momentum of the game with a sensational knock and with over 200 on the board, Kolkata had the momentum on their side. Their pacers went for plenty in the first four overs but the introduction of spin changed things around dramatically again. From 44-0, Bangalore crumbled to 61-5 and just could not get back from there. Narine and Varun Chakaravarthy displayed their mystery first up and then young Suyash Sharma decided to show his magic as the three spinners picked 9 wickets between themselves with Varun Chakaravarthy picking four wickets. Rana was brilliant with his captaincy as well and overall a great effort from the home team.

Kolkata have made a rollicking comeback in the Indian T20 League 2023 and this would give them a lot of confidence. Bangalore have been absolutely outclassed and this is the beauty of this competition, all teams are equally good and you can never take anything for granted.

17.4

Varun Chakaravarthy to Akash Deep, OUT! CAUGHT AND BOWLED! Varun Chakaravarthy picks up his fourth wicket and seals the victory for Kolkata. It is tossed up, full and on off. Akash Deep tries to heave it across the line but it flies high in the air off the top edge. Varun Chakaravarthy gives it a chase and takes a sharp catch diving forward near mid on. KOLKATA WIN THE MATCH BY 81 RUNS.

17.3

Varun Chakaravarthy to Akash Deep, Full and on off, in line with the stumps. Deep blocks it back to the bowler.

17.2

Varun Chakaravarthy to David Willey, Darted on the pads, David Willey flicks it into mid-wicket for a single.

17.1

Varun Chakaravarthy to Akash Deep, Flatter, outside off. Deep slaps it hard past the bowler for a single.

over

17 | 12 Runs | HH: 121/9

16.6

Suyash Sharma to David Willey, An incredible spell of 4 overs comes to an end from the debutant. Suyash Sharma serves it full, on middle and leg. Willey tucks it to mid-wicket.

16.5

Suyash Sharma to Akash Deep, Flighted full toss, on off. Deep smacks it down to long off for just a single this time.

16.4

Suyash Sharma to Akash Deep, SIX! BANG! It is full and on off. Deep dances down the track and smokes it over the long on fence for a maximum.

16.3

Suyash Sharma to David Willey, Fuller, on off. Willey gets it to point and crosses.

16.2

Suyash Sharma to David Willey, FOUR! It is pitched up, on off. Willey lofts it down the park for a boundary.

16.1

Suyash Sharma to David Willey, Full, outside off. Willey tries to chase it but misses.

over

16 | 7 Runs | HH: 109/9

15.6

Sunil Narine to Akash Deep, FOUR! This is only thing Bangalore need, that is for these two to bat for as long as they can, so that this defeat does not take a toll on the NRR. It is flatter, outside off. Deep slashes hard. It takes the inside edge and runs down to the fine leg fence.

15.5

Sunil Narine to David Willey, Darted on the pads, tucked to mid-wicket for a single.

15.4

Sunil Narine to David Willey, Floated, wide of off. Willey tries to chase it but misses.

15.3

Sunil Narine to David Willey, Pushed through quicker, coming in with the arm. David Willey wears it on his pads.

15.2

Sunil Narine to David Willey, Flatter, outside off, tapped to point.

15.1

Sunil Narine to David Willey, Fuller, angled into the pads. David Willey tucks it behind square on the leg side for a brace.

over

15 | 7 Runs | HH: 102/9

14.6

Suyash Sharma to Akash Deep, FOUR! Well, not this time. It is tossed up, full and on off. Akash Deep gets down on one knee and slogs it to deep mid-wicket. The ball hangs in the air for a long time, eventually it lands near the ropes and goes over the fence. A great over by Suyash Sharma comes to an end.

14.5

Suyash Sharma to David Willey, Short, wide outside off. David Willey cuts it to sweeper cover for a single. Can Sharma pick a four-wicket haul on his debut?

14.4

Suyash Sharma to Akash Deep, Full and on off. Akash Deep slogs it to deep square leg. It lands safely. One taken.

Akash Deep is the last man in.

14.3

Suyash Sharma to Karn Sharma, OUT! CAUGHT! Suyash Sharma gets his third wicket! Tossed up on off. Karn Sharma tries to sweep it but seems to have missed it as there is a big appeal for an LBW. The umpire though is not interested and Kolkata decide to take the DRS. The replays roll in and the UltraEdge shows that there is a big inside edge onto the pad. However, the catch is also taken by Rana at first slip. So, it means that Karn Sharma has to walk back.

14.2

Suyash Sharma to David Willey, Loopy delivery, on off. Willey drives it wide of long off for a single.

14.1

Suyash Sharma to David Willey, Tossed up and outside off. Willey tries to drive it away but gets an outside edge to short third man.

over

14 | 9 Runs | HH: 95/8

13.6

Shardul Thakur to David Willey, Back of a length, on off. Willey dabs it to covers for a single.

13.5

Shardul Thakur to David Willey, Short and outside off. Willey cuts it to the point fielder.

13.4

Shardul Thakur to David Willey, On the shorter side and around off. Willey punches it towards deep backward point for a couple.

13.3

Shardul Thakur to David Willey, FOUR! Good shot! Short and wide outside off. Willey slams it through covers for a boundary.

13.2

Shardul Thakur to Karn Sharma, Short and wide outside off. Sharma cuts it to deep point for a single.

13.1

Shardul Thakur to David Willey, Back of a length, on middle. Willey works it to deep square leg for a single.

Strategic break! Only a miracle now can get Bangalore over the line. Expect their opening pair, no other batter really could get going here. The Kolkata spinners have done extremely well to pull things back in their favour. All the spinners have played their part. It is all about picking the two remaining wickets as soon as possible.

over

13 | 2 Runs | HH: 86/8

12.6

Suyash Sharma to Karn Sharma, A googly that beats Karn Sharma all ends up! On off and it turns away. Karn Sharma presses forward to defend it but gets beaten on the outside edge.

12.5

Suyash Sharma to Dinesh Karthik, OUT! CAUGHT! Suyash Sharma gets his second wicket and Bangalore look down and out here. Nicely tossed up and outside off. Karthik goes for a big expansive drive but only manages to get a thick outside edge. The ball loops up in the air right of short third man and Varun Chakaravarthy takes an easy catch.

Karn Sharma walks in now.

12.5

Suyash Sharma to Dinesh Karthik, WIDE! Short and way wide outside off. Karthik lets it go.

12.4

Suyash Sharma to David Willey, Touch shorter and on off. Willey works it to deep mid-wicket for a single.

12.3

Suyash Sharma to David Willey, A fullish and quicker delivery, outside off. Willey drives it to covers.

David Willey is the new batter in.

12.2

Suyash Sharma to Anuj Rawat, OUT! CAUGHT! Another one bites the dust! The Kolkata Impact Player takes the wicket of the Bangalore Impact Player. Bowls a lovely googly again. Tossed up and outside off, a googly. Rawat goes for a slog-sweep but gets a top edge that goes straight into the hands of Narine at short third man. Kolkata all over Bangalore now.

12.1

Suyash Sharma to Anuj Rawat, A fullish delivery and outside off. A googly this and Rawat lets it go.

over

12 | 6 Runs | HH: 84/6

11.6

Shardul Thakur to Anuj Rawat, On a length and around off. Rawat guides it to third man for a single.

11.5

Shardul Thakur to Anuj Rawat, Short and angling across the left-hander. Rawat sways away from the line of the ball.

11.4

Shardul Thakur to Anuj Rawat, Back of a length, on middle. Rawat fends it back to the bowler.

Anuj Rawat is the new batter at he crease. He is the IMPACT PLAYER for Bangalore. He comes in for Mohammed Siraj.

11.3

Shardul Thakur to Michael Bracewell, OUT! CAUGHT! Oh, you just can't keep Lord Thakur out of the game! He strikes in his first over and the dangerous Michael Bracewell is gone! Short and at 131 clicks this, on leg. Bracewell tries to pull it but gets a top edge. The ball loops up in the air in front of short fine leg and Nitish Rana takes a good low catch diving forward.

11.2

Shardul Thakur to Dinesh Karthik, Bowls it full and on middle. Karthik flicks it to deep backward square leg for a single.

11.1

Shardul Thakur to Dinesh Karthik, FOUR! Karthik welcomes Thakur with a boundary! Short and on off. Karthik pulls it to the square leg fence for a boundary.

over

11 | 9 Runs | HH: 78/5

10.6

Suyash Sharma to Michael Bracewell, Shortish and around off. Bracewell punches it to covers. 127 needed now from 54 balls!

10.5

Suyash Sharma to Dinesh Karthik, A quicker one on middle. Karthik works it to mid-wicket for a single.

10.4

Suyash Sharma to Michael Bracewell, A fuller delivery on leg. Bracwell sweeps it to deep backward square leg for a single.

10.3

Suyash Sharma to Michael Bracewell, SIX! A much-needed maximum for Bangalore! A half-tracker on middle. Michael Bracewell pulls it all the way over deep mid-wicket for a maximum.

10.2

Suyash Sharma to Michael Bracewell, Bracewell skips down the track and Sharma pulls his length back, quicker too. Bracewell plays it back to the bowler.

10.1

Suyash Sharma to Dinesh Karthik, Shortish and outside off. Karthik cuts it wide of long off for a single.

Here comes the Impact Player, Suyash Sharma is into the attack.

over

10 | 8 Runs | HH: 69/5

9.6

Varun Chakaravarthy to Dinesh Karthik, Another single to end the over! It is floated and full. Dinesh Karthik gets low and sweeps it to deep square leg from outside off. Bangalore need 130 runs to win from 60 balls.

9.5

Varun Chakaravarthy to Michael Bracewell, Back of a length, outside off. Michael Bracewell pushes it to covers for a single.

9.4

Varun Chakaravarthy to Michael Bracewell, On off, blocked out solidly.

9.3

Varun Chakaravarthy to Michael Bracewell, FOUR! Much-needed boundary. Flatter, outside off. Michael Bracewell stands tall and punches it down to third man off his back foot.

9.2

Varun Chakaravarthy to Dinesh Karthik, It is a bit short, outside off. Dinesh Karthik cuts it to deep point for a single.

9.1

Varun Chakaravarthy to Michael Bracewell, LEG BYE! Varun Chakaravarthy serves it full, sliding down leg. Michael Bracewell couldn't tickle it fine. The ball rolls out to the leg side off the pads. They cross for a leg bye.

over

9 | 7 Runs | HH: 61/5

8.6

Sunil Narine to Dinesh Karthik, A successful over from Narine comes to an end. It is full, angled into the pads. Dinesh Karthik clips it towards mid on. He has his task cut out here.

Strategic break! What a roller-coaster of a ride these 53 balls have been so far! Bangalore started off brightly against seamers with Kohli and Faf du Plessis smashing it all around the park. However, the introduction of spin-twins, Narine and Varun Chakaravarthy has brought about a dramatic collapse. Bangalore have lost five now and need a special effort to get over the line from here. Dinesh Karthik walks out to the middle now and let's see how things pan out.

8.5

Sunil Narine to Shahbaz Ahmed, OUT! CAUGHT! Sunil Narine now picks up his second wicket. Shahbaz Ahmed goes back cheaply. It is full and on off. Shahbaz Ahmed reverse-hits it to deep point. It comes off the middle as well. Although, it is hit straight down the throat of Shardul Thakur in the deep, who makes no mistake. Bangalore are in a spot of bother.

8.4

Sunil Narine to Michael Bracewell, Darted on the pads. Michael Bracewell now tucks it to deep square leg and rotates the strike.

8.3

Sunil Narine to Shahbaz Ahmed, Flatter, on leg. Ahmed clips it to mid-wicket for one.

8.2

Sunil Narine to Shahbaz Ahmed, FOUR BYES! It does not matter how the runs come for Bangalore. It is quicker and full, outside off, turns further away. Shahbaz Ahmed tries to sweep it away but misses. It beats the keeper as well and meets the third man fence.

8.1

Sunil Narine to Michael Bracewell, Full and on off. Michael Bracewell shuffles and clips it through mid-wicket for a single.

over

8 | 1 Runs | HH: 54/4

7.6

Varun Chakaravarthy to Shahbaz Ahmed, Incredible over from Varun Chakaravarthy comes to an end. One run and two wickets off it. Full and on off. Ahmed defends it back to the bowler.

7.5

Varun Chakaravarthy to Shahbaz Ahmed, Varun Chakaravarthy floats it up, full and on off. Shahbaz Ahmed presses forward and defends it to point.

Shahbaz Ahmed is the next batter in.

7.4

Varun Chakaravarthy to Harshal Patel, OUT! CHOPPED ON! Varun Chakaravarthy can do nothing wrong here. He gets another wicket. Harshal Patel trudges back on a 2-ball duck. The gamble to push Patel up the order has well and truly backfired. It is a googly, that lands outside off and turns in. Harshal Patel tries to drive it through the line but it catches the inside edge, and the rest is history.

7.3

Varun Chakaravarthy to Harshal Patel, Full, outside off. Patel leans in and drives it into covers.

Harshal Patel walks out at number 5!

7.2

Varun Chakaravarthy to Glenn Maxwell, OUT! TIMBER! Varun Chakaravarthy gets his second wicket. The off stump goes for a ride this time. Glenn Maxwell tries to break his shackles but could not get anywhere near the ball. Once again the googly does the trick for Varun Chakaravarthy. It is a wrong 'un, outside off. Glenn Maxwell throws the kitchen sink at it but misses. The ball goes through to damage the sticks.

7.1

Varun Chakaravarthy to Michael Bracewell, It is full, going down leg. Michael Bracewell gets low and sweeps it to deep square leg. They take a single.

over

7 | 3 Runs | HH: 53/2

6.6

Sunil Narine to Glenn Maxwell, Full and on off. Maxwell drives it to covers, could not sneak it through the gap though. Only three runs off the over. The spinners have done well to put a lid over the run rate here.

6.5

Sunil Narine to Michael Bracewell, Flatter and on leg. Michael Bracewell flicks it towards mid on. They take one.

6.4

Sunil Narine to Michael Bracewell, Michael Bracewell charges down the wicket. He misses the ball and takes a blow on his pads. A stifled appeal but Nitish Rana does not take it upstairs.

6.3

Sunil Narine to Michael Bracewell, Floated and full, on off. Michael Bracewell presses forward and blocks it out to safety.

6.2

Sunil Narine to Glenn Maxwell, Another single now, as Maxwell flicks this full ball into mid-wicket.

6.1

Sunil Narine to Michael Bracewell, Quicker and full, on off. Michael Bracewell uses his feet and knocks it down the park for a single.

over

6 | 5 Runs | HH: 50/2

5.6

Varun Chakaravarthy to Glenn Maxwell, Another googly, Maxwell does not ready it early and ends up getting an inside edge on his pads.

5.5

Varun Chakaravarthy to Glenn Maxwell, FOUR! Nicely played. It is tossed up, full and on off. Maxwell creams it through covers for a cracking boundary.

5.4

Varun Chakaravarthy to Glenn Maxwell, On the pads, tucked to the leg side.

5.3

Varun Chakaravarthy to Glenn Maxwell, Pushed through quicker, on off. Maxwell taps it out to point.

Glenn Maxwell walks out to the middle now.

5.2

Varun Chakaravarthy to Faf du Plessis, OUT! CHOPPED ON! The spinners are turning the game on its head here. Both the set batters out in a jiffy. It is a googly, which lands wide outside off and turns back in a long way. Faf du Plessis tries to go for an expansive drive but gets an inside edge. The ball goes through to rattle the stumps. Kolkata making early inroads, just what they were looking for.

5.1

Varun Chakaravarthy to Michael Bracewell, Full, comes in with the arm, on off. Michael Bracewell does not pick up this delivery. He gets enough bat on it. One taken.

over

5 | 3 Runs | HH: 45/1

4.6

Sunil Narine to Michael Bracewell, Angles it fuller and on the pads. Michael Bracewell tucks it to deep square leg for a single.

Michael Bracewell comes in at number 3.

4.5

Sunil Narine to Virat Kohli, OUT! BOWLED! Oh, a moment of brilliance from Sunil Narine! Gets the big fish, Virat Kohli, and the Kolkata players are pumped up. Pitches it around off and gets it to turn in this time. Kohli tries to flick it but plays all around it as the ball snicks between the bat and pad. It shatters the stumps and this is a big, big wicket.

4.4

Sunil Narine to Virat Kohli, Fires it on the pads. Kohli flicks it straight to the square leg fielder.

4.3

Sunil Narine to Faf du Plessis, Tight line, on middle and fuller. Faf du Plessis nudges it wide of square leg for a single.

4.2

Sunil Narine to Virat Kohli, Angles it on middle and leg. Kohli tucks it to square leg for a single.

4.1

Sunil Narine to Virat Kohli, A flatter and quicker one around off. Kohli works it wide of short third man.

over

4 | 23 Runs | HH: 42/0

3.6

Tim Southee to Faf du Plessis, Dot to end the over but 23 from it! On a length, on off. Faf du Plessis fends it back to the bowler.

3.5

Tim Southee to Faf du Plessis, SIX! What a shot! A slower full delivery on middle. Faf du Plessis picks it and just flicks it all the way over deep mid-wicket for a maximum.

3.4

Tim Southee to Faf du Plessis, FOUR! After bowling such a good first over, Southee is leaking runs here! A fullish delivery again, this time outside off. Faf du Plessis slices it over covers for a boundary.

3.3

Tim Southee to Faf du Plessis, SIX! Faf du Plessis with a powerful shot this time! A fullish delivery on off. In the slot and Faf du Plessis tonks it over long on for a maximum.

3.2

Tim Southee to Virat Kohli, A fullish delivery on middle. Kohli skips down the track and works it through mid-wicket. He takes three this time.

3.1

Tim Southee to Virat Kohli, FOUR! Great use of the feet! Short of good length, on off. Kohli dances down the track and powers it over mid on for a boundary.

over

3 | 7 Runs | HH: 19/0

2.6

Umesh Yadav to Faf du Plessis, Touch shorter and around off. Faf du Plessis punches it towards the cover region.

2.5

Umesh Yadav to Faf du Plessis, FOUR! Faf du Plessis gets one away now! A full delivery and outside off. Faf du Plessis stays deep in his crease and lifts it over the in-field towards the long off fence.

2.4

Umesh Yadav to Virat Kohli, Just a single! A fullish delivery and outside off. Kohli drives it wide of mid off for a single.

2.3

Umesh Yadav to Virat Kohli, Serves it on a length this time and Kohli only manages to defend it towards the point region.

2.2

Umesh Yadav to Virat Kohli, Back of a length and around off. Kohli dabs it to backward point.

2.1

Umesh Yadav to Virat Kohli, In the air...but just over mid on! Short and outside off. Kohli walks down the pitch and tries to slap it. He gets a top edge that falls just behind the mid om fielder and two runs are taken.

over

2 | 2 Runs | HH: 12/0

1.6

Tim Southee to Virat Kohli, On a length, on middle. Kohli works it wide of square leg for a single. Great first over from Southee!

1.5

Tim Southee to Virat Kohli, Kohli skips down the track and Southee cleverly pulls his length back and bowls it outside off. Kohli tries to cut it but misses.

1.4

Tim Southee to Virat Kohli, Goes fuller and on middle. Kohli pushes it to mid on.

1.3

Tim Southee to Virat Kohli, Oh, superb delivery! Beats Kohli all ends up! Serves it on a good length and around off. Kohli gets across and tries to work it towards the leg side. However, the ball swings away and beats him.

1.2

Tim Southee to Faf du Plessis, On a length and outside off. Faf du Plessis pushes it towards point for a single.

1.1

Tim Southee to Faf du Plessis, On a length and outside off. It shapes away a bit and beats Faf du Plessis who tries to punch it away.

Who will share the new ball? It will be Tim Southee.

over

1 | 10 Runs | HH: 10/0

0.6

Umesh Yadav to Virat Kohli, FOUR! Kohli is looking in great touch here! Shortish and outside off. Kohli waits for it and steers it through backward point for a boundary. 10 off the first over!

0.5

Umesh Yadav to Faf du Plessis, On a length, on middle. Faf du Plessis tucks it wide of square leg for a single.

0.4

Umesh Yadav to Faf du Plessis, Serves it on a good length and gets it to nip back in sharply. Faf du Plessis is hurried by this delivery and gets hit high on the pads.

0.3

Umesh Yadav to Virat Kohli, Angles a fullish delivery on middle. Kohli tucks it wide of mid on for a single.

0.2

Umesh Yadav to Virat Kohli, Back of a length and around off. Kohli dabs it to backward point.

0.1

Umesh Yadav to Virat Kohli, FOUR! Virat Kohli and Bangalore are underway in style! The Eden Garden roars! This is full and on leg. Kohli flicks it through the backward square leg region for a boundary.

st Innings Kolkata Knight Riders

We are back for Bangalore's reply. Virat Kohli and Faf du Plessis head out with their swords. Meanwhile, the Kolkata players spread out in the field. It will be Umesh Yadav to start with the new ball. Here we go...Before we get going, the umpire signals for the impact player. Suyash Sharma will be coming into side for Venkatesh Iyer.

... Run Chase ...

Right then, get ready for an enticing chase. Bangalore don't have the momentum on their side, but they will look to get off to a solid start with the bat, just the way they did in the previous match. Kolkata need to pick early wickets here to put the opposition under pressure. Who will come out on top? To find out, do join us for the second essay.

Rinku Singh is in for a quick chat. He says that the partnership was good as they lost a lot of wickets. He mentions that the plan was to take the game deep and he just wanted to bat till the end. Tells that he would continue working hard and try to help his team win. Informs that the pitch is a bit slow and they have got a good score on the board.

Bangalore would be crestfallen! They have Kolkata by the scruff of the neck, but their death bowling is certainly a huge concern for them. They leaked aplenty in the first game against Mumbai, it was nothing different this time around. At the halfway mark, it was looking difficult for Kolkata to get anywhere near 150, but they have gone over 200 here.

What an inning for Kolkata. They have momentum on their side. Rahmanullah Gurbaz kept things under control initially, as he controlled things from his side, but could find little or no support from the other end. Until Rinku Singh came to the crease. They stitched a stand of 42 runs, and just when they were looking good, Gurbaz slipped out. It made things even worse for them, as Andre Russell was sent back on the very next delivery as well. Then came a knock, which no one anticipated at all. Shardul Thakur put his hand up and successfully managed to get his side out of trouble. Thakur and Rinku put their foot on the gas just at the right time. After sending Akash Deep to the cleaners in the 13th over, they never looked back.

WOW! Who would've thought Kolkata would be heading into the break as the happier side, but boy, they have certainly turned the tables around! Guess what, 'Lord Thakur' is well and truly back!

over

20 | 12 Runs | HH: 204/7

19.6

Mohammed Siraj to Umesh Yadav, A couple to end the innings! Short ball, on off. Yadav goes for the pull shot but gets a top-edge on it. The ball lands safely at mid-wicket. They take two. Kolkata end their innings with 204/7.

19.5

Mohammed Siraj to Umesh Yadav, FOUR! Up and over! Shortish and around off. Umesh Yadav slaps it just over mid off for a boundary.

Umesh Yadav is the new man in.

19.4

Mohammed Siraj to Shardul Thakur, OUT! CAUGHT! The Shardul Thakur show ends! A brilliant knock comes to an end as Shahrukh Khan in the stands applause his efforts. Short and around off. Thakur tries to pull it but gets a top edge and the ball goes straight into the hands of Glenn Maxwell at long on. He takes an easy catch.

19.3

Mohammed Siraj to Sunil Narine, Back of a length, on off. Narine tries to heave it towards the leg side but misses. The ball goes off his pads towards third man. A leg bye is taken.

19.2

Mohammed Siraj to Shardul Thakur, Short and wide outside off. Thakur cuts it to deep backward point for a single.

19.1

Mohammed Siraj to Shardul Thakur, FOUR! Boundary to start the over! A full toss and outside off. Thakur slaps it through the extra cover region for a boundary.

Sunil Narine is the new man in. As history suggests, he himself can send the balls out of the park.

over

19 | 17 Runs | HH: 192/6

18.6

Harshal Patel to Rinku Singh, OUT! CAUGHT BEHIND! Rinku Singh departs but he has done his job here! A slower short delivery on middle. Singh tries to pull it but gets only a glove on it and Dinesh Karthik behind the stumps takes an easy catch. 17 off the over and a wicket.

18.5

Harshal Patel to Rinku Singh, A slower length ball on middle. Singh only manages to push it back to the bowler.

18.4

Harshal Patel to Rinku Singh, SIX! Another one over the fence! This is fantastic stuff! On a length, on off. Singh dances down the track and flat-bats it wide of long on for a maximum.

18.4

Harshal Patel to Rinku Singh, WIDE! A slower widish delivery, outside off. Singh tries to slash it away but misses.

18.3

Harshal Patel to Rinku Singh, SIX! WOW! What a shot! A full toss on middle. Harshal Patel need to get his length right here. Singh pumps it over deep mid-wicket for a biggie.

18.2

Harshal Patel to Rinku Singh, FOUR! Rinku Singh gets into the act now! On a length, on off. Singh dances down the track and hammers it down the ground for a boundary.

18.1

Harshal Patel to Rinku Singh, Dot to start! A full toss on middle and leg. Singh tries to heave it but gets an inside edge that goes back towards the bowler. Thakur looks for a single but there is no run there. He is safe though as Patel misses his shy at the stumps.

over

18 | 15 Runs | HH: 175/5

17.6

Mohammed Siraj to Shardul Thakur, Dot to end the over! A slower length delivery, outside off. Thakur swings wildly but fails to connect. Can Kolkata reach 200?

17.5

Mohammed Siraj to Rinku Singh, On a length, on off. Singh heaves it to deep mid-wicket for a single.

17.5

Mohammed Siraj to Rinku Singh, NO BALL AND SIX! A full toss and over the waist height too. Singh gets across to his left and scoops it over fine leg for a maximum. A Free Hit coming up...

17.4

Mohammed Siraj to Rinku Singh, On a length and outside off. Singh goes for a big hoick across the line but misses.

17.3

Mohammed Siraj to Shardul Thakur, On a length, on off. Thakur heaves it to deep square leg for a single.

17.2

Mohammed Siraj to Shardul Thakur, FOUR! Another boundary, Kolkata is moving towards 200 here! A full delivery and outside off. Thakur hammers it down the ground for a boundary.

17.2

Mohammed Siraj to Shardul Thakur, WIDE! Short and wide outside off. Thakur tries to cut it but misses.

17.1

Mohammed Siraj to Rinku Singh, Back of a length, on middle. Singh tries to clip it but misses. The ball goes off his pads towards the leg side and Singh steals a leg bye.There is an appeal for a run out but the replays show that the batter is well in.

over

17 | 13 Runs | HH: 160/5

16.6

Harshal Patel to Shardul Thakur, A shortish delivery on off. Thakur tries to heave it towards the leg side but mistimes it completely. The ball goes in the air and falls just short of the forward running deep mid-wicket fielder. Thakur runs back for the second run as the throw comes in at the batter's end. The keeper whips the bails off as the replays confirm it.

Is that a run out? The umpire takes it upstairs to confirm. The replays confirm that Shardul Thakur is inside the crease as Dinesh Karthik takes he bails off. The big screen shows NOT OUT and the crowd rejoice.

16.5

Harshal Patel to Shardul Thakur, FOUR! This man is just unstoppable today! A low dipping full toss on middle. Thakur whips it to the square leg fence for a boundary.

16.4

Harshal Patel to Rinku Singh, Bowls it full and outside off. Singh drives it to sweeper cover for a single.

16.3

Harshal Patel to Shardul Thakur, Bowls a bouncer again on middle. Thakur pulls it to deep square leg for just a single this time.

16.2

Harshal Patel to Shardul Thakur, FOUR! Shardul Thakur gets to his maiden Indian T20 League fifty! A game-changing knock this! Short and on off. Thakur pulls it firmly to deep mid-wicket for a boundary. What a knock!

16.1

Harshal Patel to Rinku Singh, On a length and around off. Singh cuts it to short third man for a single.

Strategic break! Okay then, Shardul Thakur has come in and changed the scenario of the game completely with his 47 runs off just 19 balls so far. The momentum is now with the hosts, for the first time in this game. Bangalore certainly aren't able to get things under control, since Singh and Thakur have started to take on their bowlers. A crucial phase of the game coming up. Will Kolkata get near the 200-run mark? We shall find out soon.

over

16 | 7 Runs | HH: 147/5

15.6

David Willey to Rinku Singh, Back of a length, on middle. Singh tries to clip it towards the leg side but gets a leading edge towards the off side. A single is taken.

15.6

David Willey to Rinku Singh, WIDE! Another slower short delivery on middle. It is too high and Singh lets it go.

15.5

David Willey to Rinku Singh, A slower shortish delivery, outside off. Singh is early in his pull shot but misses.

15.4

David Willey to Shardul Thakur, In the air...but safe! A full delivery and outside off. Thakur slices it uppishly but the ball falls short of the deep cover fielder running forward. A single taken.

15.3

David Willey to Shardul Thakur, A slower length delivery, around off. Thakur gets across to his right and tries to scoop it but misses.

15.2

David Willey to Shardul Thakur, FOUR! Shardul Thakur has changed the momentum of this game! Short and wide outside off. Thakur slaps it wide of mid off for a boundary.

15.1

David Willey to Shardul Thakur, Back of a length, around off. Thakur punches it towards covers this time.

David Willey is back for his final over!

over

15 | 16 Runs | HH: 140/5

14.6

Michael Bracewell to Shardul Thakur, Michael Bracewell gives away 16 runs in this over. Well then, 46 runs come off the last three overs in total. Flatter and wide of off. Thakur knocks it down the park for a single.

14.5

Michael Bracewell to Shardul Thakur, SIX! BOOM! Another one. Shardul Thakur is talking with his bat here. It is a short ball, on off. Shardul Thakur dispatches it over the wide long on fence. The momentum is shifting here.

14.4

Michael Bracewell to Shardul Thakur, SIX! Shardul Thakur only means business tonight. What a strike. It is pitched up, outside off, turning in a touch. Shardul Thakur uses his feet and smokes it over the mid-wicket fence.

14.3

Michael Bracewell to Rinku Singh, Another single. Michael Bracewell tosses it up, full and on off. Singh sweeps it to deep mid-wicket.

14.2

Michael Bracewell to Shardul Thakur, Shardul Thakur now rotates the strike, as he clips this full ball towards long on.

14.1

Michael Bracewell to Rinku Singh, Flighted, full toss, on off. Singh reverse hits it to deep point. Only for a single though.

Michael Bracewell is back into the attack. Two overs for 18 runs and a wicket so far.

over

14 | 11 Runs | HH: 124/5

13.6

Karn Sharma to Shardul Thakur, FOUR! Cracking shot! It is full, outside off. Shardul Thakur gets down on one knee and sweeps it through the gap at mid-wicket. Well, he hits it like a bullet and the ball reaches the fence in no time. Another good over for the hosts.

13.5

Karn Sharma to Rinku Singh, Full length, on off. Singh clips it into mid-wicket. One taken.

13.4

Karn Sharma to Shardul Thakur, A single now as Shardul Thakur hits this full ball down to long off.

13.3

Karn Sharma to Shardul Thakur, It is tossed up, full and outside off. Shardul Thakur dances down the track, gets to the pitch of the ball and lofts it to sweeper covers. Virat Kohli comes across in the deep and keeps it down to two runs.

13.2

Karn Sharma to Rinku Singh, Fuller, on off. Singh drives it down to long on and gets to the other end.

13.1

Karn Sharma to Rinku Singh, Floated and full, down leg. Singh flicks it through the gap at mid-wicket for a single.

over

13 | 19 Runs | HH: 113/5

12.6

Akash Deep to Shardul Thakur, SIX! BANG! Just the end Kolkata were after. Here comes the boundary. 19 runs off the over. It is full, around middle and leg, in the blockhole. Shardul Thakur clears his front leg and tonks it over the long on fence.

12.6

Akash Deep to Rinku Singh, NO BALL! Well, still a chance for Singh to make the most of this over. It is a short ball, on off. Singh pulls it to deep mid-wicket for a single. The umpire signals a no ball, as the bowler oversteps.

12.5

Akash Deep to Shardul Thakur, Short ball, outside off. Shardul Thakur cuts it to deep point for a single. 11 runs off the over so far. Can Kolkata finish it with a boundary?

12.4

Akash Deep to Rinku Singh, Back of a length, on the body. Singh pulls it to deep square leg for one run.

12.3

Akash Deep to Shardul Thakur, Length and on off. Shardul Thakur defends it to covers for a single.

12.2

Akash Deep to Shardul Thakur, FOUR! Consecutive boundaries and 100 is up for the hosts. It is a length ball, on off. Shardul Thakur hits it on the up. The ball goes over covers. One bounce and into the ropes.

12.1

Akash Deep to Shardul Thakur, FOUR! Easy pickings! It is a length ball, sliding down the leg side. Shardul Thakur tickles it down to fine leg and gets a boundary.

over

12 | 7 Runs | HH: 94/5

11.6

Karn Sharma to Shardul Thakur, A low full toss, on off. Thakur works it down to long off for a single. An exceptional over from Karn Sharma comes to an end. 2 wickets and 7 runs off it.

11.5

Karn Sharma to Shardul Thakur, A flatter one on off. Thakur blocks it off the front foot.

11.4

Karn Sharma to Shardul Thakur, FOUR! Oh, almost a hat-trick! Tossed up on off. Thakur tries to drive it but gets an inside edge that goes past the stumps to the fine leg fence for a boundary.

Shardul Thakur is the next man in. He will face the hat-trick ball!

11.3

Karn Sharma to Andre Russell, OUT! CAUGHT! Karn Sharma now picks two wickets in two balls, after David Willey. He finds himself on a Hat-Trick now. It is tossed up, full and on off. Andre Russell tries to make his intent clear, as he lofts it down the park. Although, he does not middle it and fails to get the distance he envisioned. Virat Kohli takes a dolly at long off. Bangalore right on top now.

Andre Russell is the next man in.

11.2

Karn Sharma to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, OUT! CAUGHT! Karn Sharma is pumped up as he gets rid of the big fish. Rahmanullah Gurbaz's incredible knock comes to an end. It is looped up, outside off. Rahmanullah Gurbaz goes for the reverse sweep but it catches the outside edge. Akash Deep dives forward at short third man and takes a solid catch.

11.1

Karn Sharma to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Tossed up, full and on off. Rahmanullah Gurbaz dances down the track and smacks it down to long on for a brace.

over

11 | 8 Runs | HH: 87/3

10.6

Harshal Patel to Rinku Singh, FOUR! Rinku Singh now gets into the act. This boundary surely spoils the over for Patel. It is full, going down leg. Rinku Singh gets down on one knee and slogs it down to fine leg for four runs. The stand moves to 40 as well.

10.5

Harshal Patel to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, A low full toss, on the pads. Gurbaz flicks it into mid-wicket and gets to the other end.

10.4

Harshal Patel to Rinku Singh, Very full, on off. Singh drives it to the left of mid off, on his front foot. Mohammed Siraj dives to left and saves a certain boundary. One taken.

10.3

Harshal Patel to Rinku Singh, Length ball, on off. Singh taps it into covers.

10.2

Harshal Patel to Rinku Singh, Full length, on off. Singh tucks it in the vacant region at mid on. The batters run hard and take two runs.

10.1

Harshal Patel to Rinku Singh, Harshal Patel starts with a full delivery, angling across, outside off, at 117 clicks. It skids through. Singh tries to hit it through the line but gets beaten on the outside edge.

over

10 | 8 Runs | HH: 79/3

9.6

Karn Sharma to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Pitches it outside off and gets it to turn away. Gurbaz tries to cut it but misses.

9.5

Karn Sharma to Rinku Singh, On the pads and on the shorter side. Singh tucks it wide of short fine leg for a single.

9.4

Karn Sharma to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Slower through the air and around off. Gurbaz waits for it and guides it to short third man for a single.

9.3

Karn Sharma to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, A flatter one and touch shorter, on off. Gurbaz defend it.

9.2

Karn Sharma to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, SIX! Gurbaz gets to his fifty in style! Fantastic knock and he would be looking to get a big one here. This is full and on off. Gurbaz brings out his sweep shot again and hits it over the square leg fence for a maximum.

9.1

Karn Sharma to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Starts off with a flatter one on off. Gurbaz blocks it towards the off side.

Strategic break! It is that time of the game when the players get some time to catch their breath and work their plan out for the remaining phase. As things stand, Bangalore have their noses in front here. Kolkata haven't been able to defend their wickets and have lost three wickets within the halfway mark. Rahmanullah Gurbaz is the only set-batter at the crease, and he has hardly got any support from the other end. If Rinku Singh is able to provide the same, then they well could add some impetus to the scoreboard.

over

9 | 14 Runs | HH: 71/3

8.6

Michael Bracewell to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Single to end the over and 14 from it! Tossed up on off. Gurbaz tucks it to deep square leg for a single.

8.5

Michael Bracewell to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, FOUR! This is brilliant batting from the Afghan! Short and on off. Gurbaz goes deep in his crease and pulls it to the mid-wicket fence for a boundary.

8.4

Michael Bracewell to Rinku Singh, Angles it on middle and flatter. Singh works it to deep mid-wicket for a single.

8.3

Michael Bracewell to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Shortish and on off. Gurbaz punches it to long on for a single.

8.2

Michael Bracewell to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, SIX! Wow, this is the talent of the guy! Tossed up and outside off. Gurbaz gets under it and slogs it well over deep mid-wicket for a biggie.

8.1

Michael Bracewell to Rinku Singh, Shortish and outside off. Singh punches it to sweeper cover for a single.

over

8 | 6 Runs | HH: 57/3

7.6

Shahbaz Ahmed to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Slower through the air, on off. Gurbaz blocks it off the front foot.

7.5

Shahbaz Ahmed to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, FOUR! This time Gurbaz connects the sweep! Fuller delivery, around off. Gurbaz gets well across and sweeps it through the square leg region for a boundary.

7.4

Shahbaz Ahmed to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Tossed up, full and on off. Gurbaz prods and blocks it into the deck.

7.3

Shahbaz Ahmed to Rinku Singh, On the pads, Singh flicks it to square leg and takes a single.

7.2

Shahbaz Ahmed to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Full, outside off. Gurbaz pushes it to mid off and crosses.

7.1

Shahbaz Ahmed to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, A fuller delivery angling into middle and leg. Gurbaz tries to sweep it but seems to have missed it. Shahbaz Ahmed goes up in appeal and the umpire raises his finger. Gurbaz though takes the DRS straightaway and the UltraEdge saves him as it shows that the ball has hit his hand. The decision will be overturned.

Change. Shahbaz Ahmed comes into the attack now. So, spin from both ends.

over

7 | 4 Runs | HH: 51/3

6.6

Michael Bracewell to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Shortish and outside off. Gurbaz cuts it through point for a single.

6.5

Michael Bracewell to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Touch short and on the pads. Gurbaz works it to deep square leg for a couple.

6.4

Michael Bracewell to Rinku Singh, Rinku Singh now gets off the mark with a single. Fuller, on off. Singh tucks it to mid on and gets to the other end.

6.3

Michael Bracewell to Rinku Singh, Flatter, just outside off. Singh defends it out solidly.

6.2

Michael Bracewell to Rinku Singh, Shorter, on fourth stump, turning away. Singh defends it back to the bowler.

Rinku Singh comes in at number 5.

6.1

Michael Bracewell to Nitish Rana, OUT! CAUGHT BEHIND! The Kolkata skipper departs and Michael Bracewell strikes in his first delivery! Kolkata in early trouble here. This one is tossed up on off. Rana goes for the reverse-sweep but seems to have missed it. The ball though loops up in the air and Dinesh Karthik takes the catch behind the stumps. Karthik and Michael Bracewell appeal but the umpire is not interested. Faf du Plessis decides to take the DRS after Dinesh Karthik convinces him. The UltraEdge then confirms that Rana has got a glove on it and he walks back disappointed. Big, big wicket this!

over

6 | 6 Runs | HH: 47/2

5.6

David Willey to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Pitches it short of good length, it nips back in off the surface. Gurbaz tries to push it away but gets an inside edge onto his body. At the end of the Powerplay, Kolkata are 47/2!

5.5

David Willey to Nitish Rana, Rana is off the mark finally, times this one nicely. Short and wide outside off. Rana cuts it to deep point for a single.

5.4

David Willey to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Clever batting! Back of a length, on off. Gurbaz dabs it towards the leg side for a quick single.

5.3

David Willey to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, FOUR! This time he gets one away! Willey bowls it short, on off. Gurbaz picks the length quickly and pulls it through the mid-wicket region for a boundary.

5.2

David Willey to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Nice bowling again! Lands it on a length, on off. Gurbaz with a solid block this time. He is itching to get going here!

5.1

David Willey to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Back of a length and around off. Gurbaz carefully lets it go.

over

5 | 15 Runs | HH: 41/2

4.6

Akash Deep to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, It is a full-length ball, on off. Rahmanullah Gurbaz charges down the wicket and gets an inside edge on his pads. The ball deflects towards covers. The batters cross, as Deep makes a stifled appeal. No one really shows interest of taking the review for this one.

4.6

Akash Deep to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, WIDE! A sharp bumper now, on middle. Rahmanullah Gurbaz ducks under it but that does not stop the umpire from giving the wide.

4.5

Akash Deep to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, FOUR LEG BYES! It is a length ball, sliding down the leg side. Rahmanullah Gurbaz tries to tickle it around the corner but misses. The ball brushes the pads and runs down to the fine leg fence.

4.4

Akash Deep to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Swing and a miss! Good-length ball, outside off. Rahmanullah Gurbaz throws the kitchen sink at it, but does not get any bat on ball. If he would've then it was surely heading into the stands.

4.3

Akash Deep to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Fuller this time, on off. Gurbaz steps outside the crease and works it to mid on. He sees that the ball is going to the fielder and denies for the single straightaway.

4.2

Akash Deep to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Akash Deep fires in a yorker, angled into the pads. Rahmanullah Gurbaz wrists it powerfully along the ground to deep mid-wicket. The batters collect two runs. Gurbaz would be gutted to not make the most of the Free Hit.

4.2

Akash Deep to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, NO BALL AND SIX! Just what the doctor ordered for Kolkata. It is a short ball, on top of leg. Gurbaz gets inside the line and smokes it over the fine leg fence. The umpire signals a new ball due to overstepping. Free Hit to follow.

4.1

Akash Deep to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Back of a length, outside off. Gurbaz crunches it to backward point. Virat Kohli there makes a one-handed stop to his right.

over

4 | 0 Runs | HH: 26/2

3.6

David Willey to Nitish Rana, Hits that good length again on off. Rana is well forward to block it. A double-wicket maiden from David Willey! Fantastic stuff from the Englishman.

3.5

David Willey to Nitish Rana, On a length and outside off. It shapes away this time and Rana decides to let it go.

3.4

David Willey to Nitish Rana, No hat-trick! Serves it on a length, on middle shaping in and Rana manages to block it.

The skipper of Kolkata, Nitish Rana walks out to face the hat-trick ball!

3.3

David Willey to Mandeep Singh, OUT! CLEANED UP! David Willey is on fire. He punches his fists in the air. No Reece Topley, no problem, says David Willey. Kolkata are in a spot of bother here. Mandeep Singh trudges back on a golden duck. David Willey hurls a length ball, angled across, around middle and off. It nips away a touch with a wobble seam. Mandeep Singh tries to defend it on his front foot but gets beaten. The ball goes on to hit the off pole. Can David Willey get a hat-trick?

Mandeep Singh is the next man in.

3.2

David Willey to Venkatesh Iyer, OUT! Sound of timber! David Willey is elated and rightly so. Well, there is no shortage of Bangalore fans in the crowd as well. The crowd is going berserk. Venkatesh Iyer heads back into the dugout cheaply. It is a length ball, around off, nips in a touch. Venkatesh Iyer is caught inside the crease. He tries to hit it through the line, without moving his feet and pays the price.

3.1

David Willey to Venkatesh Iyer, A length ball, around off. Iyer nudges it towards mid on.

over

3 | 14 Runs | HH: 26/0

2.6

Mohammed Siraj to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Length and on off. Gurbaz takes a step back in his approach and defends it out watchfully.

2.6

Mohammed Siraj to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, WIDE! Mohammed Siraj bends his back hard and serves a bouncer, on middle. This is way over the batter's head, even though Gurbaz ducks under it, the umpire signals a wide.

2.5

Mohammed Siraj to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, FOUR! Top placement. Good-length ball, wide outside off. Rahmanullah Gurbaz gets on top of the bounce and steers it down to third man. It goes through the gap and races away.

2.4

Mohammed Siraj to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, FOUR BYES! The momentum is surely shifting here. Mohammed Siraj bowls a beauty but it beats the keeper. It is a length ball, outside off. It nips in sharply off the deck to cut Gurbaz in half. The ball sneaks past Dinesh Karthik and it goes down to the fine leg fence.

2.3

Mohammed Siraj to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, FOUR! His second boundary of the innings. Comes at the right time as well for Kolkata. Short and wide outside off. Rahmanullah Gurbaz stands tall and cuts it powerfully through the gap at covers. The ball races away to the fence.

2.2

Mohammed Siraj to Venkatesh Iyer, Siraj now attacks the pads with a length ball. Iyer tucks it to mid on and crosses.

2.1

Mohammed Siraj to Venkatesh Iyer, Length ball, angled across, outside off. Venkatesh Iyer defends it out watchfully.

over

2 | 3 Runs | HH: 12/0

1.6

David Willey to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Much fuller, on the pads. Gurbaz gets it to covers off the leading edge. A tidy start with the ball for Willey.

1.5

David Willey to Venkatesh Iyer, A length ball, on off. Iyer pushes it to mid on for one.

1.4

David Willey to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Rahmanullah Gurbaz now rotates the strike. It is a length ball, on the body. Gurbaz whips it to deep square leg. Shahbaz Ahmed does well in the deep to keep it down to one.

1.3

David Willey to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Willey goes full, on middle, it nips into the batter. Gurbaz tucks it to the leg side.

1.2

David Willey to Venkatesh Iyer, Venkatesh Iyer now opens his account. Good length, on top of off. Venkatesh Iyer shuffles and flicks it to mid-wicket for a single.

1.1

David Willey to Venkatesh Iyer, David Willey steams in a serves it full and on off. Iyer nudges it towards mid on.

David Willey to start from the other end.

over

1 | 9 Runs | HH: 9/0

0.6

Mohammed Siraj to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, A length ball that swings away a touch, on top of off. Gurbaz remains solid in his defense.

0.5

Mohammed Siraj to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, FOUR! Well, this is more like Rahmanullah Gurbaz! What a shot, top placement. On a length, wide outside off. Gurbaz plays it late and steers it down to the right of third man. The fielder in the deep runs across, puts in a dive but fumbles to see the ball touch the ropes.

0.4

Mohammed Siraj to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Yet another sighter! Mohammed Siraj dishes a short ball, around off. Rahmanullah Gurbaz gets behind the line and defends it out solidly.

0.3

Mohammed Siraj to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Length ball, wide of off, swinging away. Rahmanullah Gurbaz does not go after it, this is very much unlike him.

0.3

Mohammed Siraj to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, FIVE WIDES! Freebies for Kolkata to start with. Rahmanullah Gurbaz charges down the wicket and Siraj spills it way down the leg side. It swings further away and runs down to the fine leg boundary.

0.2

Mohammed Siraj to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, On a good length, on fourth stump. This one holds in the deck a bit. Rahmanullah Gurbaz leaves it alone for the keeper.

0.1

Mohammed Siraj to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Mohammed Siraj starts with a short ball, outside off. It bounces a bit too much with some movement away. Rahmanullah Gurbaz is happy with a sighter and lets it be.

The traditional Bell rings at Eden Gardens and outwalk the two on-field umpires! The atmosphere is electrifying and Bangalore players now make their way out to the middle. Venkatesh Iyer and Rahmanullah Gurbaz are the openers for Kolkata. Mohammed Siraj has the brand new ball in his hand. Here we go...

Dinesh Karthik, a commentator turned into a game-finisher in the shortest format is in for a flash interview. He says that Bangalore are feeling excited and there is good nervous energy around the group. Adds that they know it is just the start and they know that they need to keep doing their process right. Mentions that in the Indian T20 League, the first month is all about doing the processes right and not getting ahead of ourselves and then taking on from there in the next phase. States that they would have good support at Eden Gardens and they need to assess the conditions quickly and see how the pitch is behaving.

Nitish Rana, the skipper of Kolkata is in for a chat. He starts by saying that even they would've bowled first as well. Mentions, the new rule certainly lives up to its name, as it has a huge impact on the game and it helps the skipper as well to plan accordingly.

Faf du Plessis, the captain of Bangalore says that they will bowl first and says that there was a bit of misunderstanding with the accent. Mentions that there was dew last night and with new rules, he feels that there is an advantage to the team chasing the total. Adds that thinking about winning the championship at the moment is far off and it is a long way to go. Tells that it is a new game and they are motivated to do well. Informs that they have forced change with Topley missing out due to injury and David Willey will replace him.

Impact Players for Kolkata - Suyash Sharma, Vaibhav Arora, Narayan Jagadeesan, Suyash Sharma, David Wiese.

Kolkata (Playing XI) - Mandeep Singh, Rahmanullah Gurbaz (WK), Nitish Rana (C), Rinku Singh, Andre Russell, Shardul Thakur, Venkatesh Iyer (In for Anukul Roy), Sunil Narine, Tim Southee, Umesh Yadav, Varun Chakaravarthy.

Impact Players for Bangalore - Finn Allen, Sonu Yadav, Mahipal Lomror, Suyash Prabhudessai, and Anuj Rawat.

Bangalore (Playing XI) - Virat Kohli, Faf du Plessis (C), Michael Bracewell, Glenn Maxwell, Shahbaz Ahmed, Dinesh Karthik (WK), Harshal Patel, Akash Deep, David Willey (In for Reece Topley), Mohammed Siraj, and Karn Sharma.

TOSS - The coin goes up and lands in favour of Bangalore. They will BOWL first. There was slight confusion as the match referee could not hear the call clearly with the crowd being very loud. Fortunately, Sanjay Manjrekar, present out there, clears out the confusion.

Kolkata Knight Riders vs Royal Challengers Bangalore, Indian Premier League 2023, Match 9 - Full Scorecard