Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Punjab Kings 6th T20 Match – Result, Scorecard

We are back for the chase! The two umpires walk out to the middle followed by the Punjab fielders who are taking the field. The Chinnaswamy Stadium erupts as Virat Kohli walks out alongside Faf du Plessis to open for Bengaluru. Arshdeep Singh comes in as an impact substitute for Prabhsimran Singh. Sam Curran is handed the new ball and will start the proceedings for Punjab. Here we go..

… THE RUN CHASE …

On the flip side, Punjab commenced their innings with caution, gradually building momentum before Jonny Bairstow's early departure halted their progress. Shikhar Dhawan, adopting a circumspect approach, found a capable partner in the aggressive Prabhsimran Singh. Together, they orchestrated a steady 55-run partnership before Singh's dismissal altered the course of play. Despite a promising start, both Liam Livingstone and well-set Shikhar Dhawan succumbed to consecutive deliveries, temporarily putting Punjab on the back foot. However, Sam Curran continued his stellar form from the previous game, finding support in the resilient Jitesh Sharma, as they weathered the storm to construct a sturdy partnership of 52 runs before their dismissals. In the dying embers of the innings, a blistering cameo from Shashank Singh, scoring 21 runs off just 8 deliveries, injected crucial impetus, propelling Punjab's total to 176 runs. While deemed competitive for this ground, defending against Bengaluru's formidable batting lineup will necessitate exceptional bowling prowess from Punjab. Can they successfully defend this one? Or will Bengaluru batters gun it down to get their first win of this season? We shall soon find out as the chase comes to you in a bit.

Sam Curran the orange cap holder is down for a quick chat. He says that 176 is probably slightly under par. Adds that the wicket is not that easy as there is something for the bowlers too. Tells that they will need to stick to their plans. Mentions that Bengaluru bowled well with the new ball and the first six overs in this chase will be key. Ends by saying that he has his fingers crossed and hopes that they will defend this one.

After winning the toss and opting to bowl first, Bengaluru set the stage ablaze with an impressive start. Spearheaded by the disciplined bowling of Mohammed Siraj and Yash Dayal, they applied pressure right from the onset, resulting in the pivotal dismissal of Jonny Bairstow by Siraj in just the third over. Despite maintaining their lines and lengths admirably, Bengaluru's bowlers found themselves momentarily stunned by a resilient second-wicket partnership that began to flourish for Punjab. However, the masterstroke of bringing in Glenn Maxwell proved decisive, as he swiftly dismantled the burgeoning partnership by claiming the wicket of Prabhsimran Singh. Alzarri Joseph then joined the fray, swiftly removing the dangerous Liam Livingstone, before Maxwell struck again, dismissing the well-set batter Shikhar Dhawan on the very next delivery. Just when Bengaluru seemed to be tightening their grip on the game, a spirited new partnership emerged for Punjab, frustrating the bowlers and adding a significant 52 runs to their total. However, Yash Dayal's precision finally broke the partnership, culminating in his impressive figures of 1 for 23 in his spell of 4 overs. With additional contributions from the bowlers apart from that last over which went for 20 runs, Bengaluru curtailed Punjab's innings, restricting them to a modest total of 176 runs.

Wow, Shashank Singh's late cameo has provided Punjab with a much-needed boost, propelling them to a respectable total of 176 runs. While it may fall slightly short of their desired target, the valuable runs added by Singh in the closing stages of the innings has injected a sense of optimism into Punjab's camp.

Alzarri Joseph to Shashank Singh, Only a single to end the innings then! Alzarri Joseph bowls this on a good length and on off, Shashank Singh miscues his heave off the toe-end of the bat towards long on for just one more. 20 runs off the last over and Punjab finishes on 176/6!

Alzarri Joseph to Harpreet Brar, Alzarri Joseph loses his line again and serves this full but down the leg side, Harpreet Brar steps across and misses his flick. It is called a wide again and Bengaluru takes the review. However, this time the third umpire gives it as a wide. Also, the batters stole a bye in between all of these.

Alzarri Joseph to Shashank Singh, Goes fuller and around off, Shashank Singh lofts it over extra covers for one.

Alzarri Joseph to Shashank Singh, FOUR MORE! 16 runs already from the over! Alzarri Joseph lands this short of a length and outside off, Shashank Singh slashes hard at it and gets an outside edge over short third man for a boundary now.

Alzarri Joseph to Shashank Singh, SIX! Wow..what a shot! Alzarri Joseph bangs this one short and on middle, slower too, Shashank Singh waits for it this time, and whacks it over the deep mid-wicket fence for another maximum.

Alzarri Joseph to Shashank Singh, Back of a length and outside off, Shashank Singh moves across to cut it away but misses. It is called a wide. Bengaluru reviews the decision and the third umpire deems that the movement of the batter is enough for it to be fair delivery. The on-field is changed.

Alzarri Joseph to Shashank Singh, SIX! Up, up and away! Alzarri Joseph serves this full and on middle, angling in, Shashank Singh easily picks it up, uses the flick of the wrists to deposit it over the deep square leg fence for a biggie. Good start to the over for Punjab!

Mohammed Siraj to Harpreet Brar, A low full toss, outside off, Harpreet Brar backs away and tries to ramp it but misses it completely. Brilliant over from Mohammed Siraj as he picks up a wicket and concedes just four runs in the 19th over.

Mohammed Siraj to Harpreet Brar, Overpithched and on middle, Harpreet Brar nudges it towards deep mid-wicket for a couple of runs.

Harpreet Brar walks out to bat next for Punjab.

Mohammed Siraj to Jitesh Sharma, OUT! TAKEN! Mohammed Siraj strikes again! The two-bouncer rule is coming into play again. Siraj bangs in a quick bouncer now around off, gets some extra bounce again, Jitesh Sharma tries to swat it away but is no position to play that shot. He mistimes it badly as the ball goes high in the air towards the point region, Anuj Rawat calls for it and runs to his right to take another good catch. There is a check to see if the ball hit the wire of the Spider-Cam or not as if this is the case then it will be a dead-ball. However, the replay shows that it hasn't and Jitesh Sharma has to walk back to the hut. Punjab six down now!

Mohammed Siraj to Shashank Singh, Short of a length and on off, Shashank Singh miscues his pull towards long on for a run.

Mohammed Siraj to Jitesh Sharma, A full toss again, on middle, Jitesh Sharma mistimes his slog on the bounce to long on for a single.

Mohammed Siraj to Jitesh Sharma, Mohammed Siraj bowls this full and well outside off, Jitesh Sharma stays in his crease and leaves it thinking it will be wide but the umpire says no. Punjab takes a review but the replay shows that some part of the ball is inside the tramline. A dot!

Yash Dayal to Shashank Singh, Fuller one and on middle, Shashank Singh clips it through mid-wicket and turns around for the second run, the fielder picks up and has a shy at the bowler's end but misses with Jitesh Sharma nowhere near the crease, the ball hits his boots and deflects to the deep but no extra runs.

Shashank Singh walks out to bat next for Punjab.

Yash Dayal to Sam Curran, OUT! CAUGHT BEHIND! A fantastic catch behind the stumps! Yash Dayal bends his back and bangs in a sharp bouncer this time, on middle and leg, Sam Curran tries to hook it but gets hurried by the pace and only manages to glove it behind where Anuj Rawat keeps his eyes on the ball, leaps high and plucks it out of thin air with his outstretched right glove. Splendid effort from the youngster. Punjab lose half their side now!

Yash Dayal to Sam Curran, FOUR! Easy pickings! Yash Dayal once again misses his yorker and bowls a full toss, on leg with no protection in the deep, Sam Curran comfortably swipes it away towards the deep mid-wicket fence for another boundary.

Yash Dayal to Sam Curran, A slower bouncer now, outside off and too high for the batter, Sam Curran decides to let it go to the keeper. It is called a wide.

Yash Dayal to Sam Curran, Good comeback from Yash Dayal! He nails the wide yorker this time, Sam Curran tries to reach for it but fails to dig it out.

Yash Dayal to Sam Curran, FOUR! Poor delivery and rightly punished! Yash Dayal goes for the yorker again but loses his grip and serves a high full toss, on middle, Sam Curran stays in his crease and smashes it over and wide of mid off for a boundary.

Yash Dayal to Sam Curran, Tries the wide yorker but bowls this way outside off, Sam Curran leaves it alone. Wided.

Yash Dayal to Jitesh Sharma, A low full toss and around off, Jitesh Sharma drills it wide of mid off where Glenn Maxwell dives to his left to stop it. They cross. Jitesh Sharma is not happy with himself as this was there to be put away.

Yash Dayal (3-0-10-0) comes back into the attack for his final over.

Alzarri Joseph to Jitesh Sharma, Back of a length and around leg, Jitesh Sharma hooks it towards deep backward square leg for one.

Alzarri Joseph to Sam Curran, On a length and on leg, Sam Curran nudges it through mid-wicket for a run.

Alzarri Joseph to Jitesh Sharma, Pitches it up, on middle, Jitesh Sharma clips it on the bounce to wide long on for a single.

Alzarri Joseph to Jitesh Sharma, Short of a length and outside off, takes off a bit, Jitesh Sharma slashes at it but misses.

Alzarri Joseph to Jitesh Sharma, LUCKY FOUR! Alzarri Joseph serves this full and on middle, angling in, Jitesh Sharma has swing across the line but gets an inside edge just past the stumps and towards the fine leg fence for a boundary.

Alzarri Joseph to Jitesh Sharma, Fuller one and around off, Jitesh Sharma pushes it straight to short covers.

Strategic break! Bengaluru has staged a remarkable comeback by snatching those crucial wickets, but the duo of Sam Curran and Jitesh Sharma has shown resilience amidst the storm. As the match enters its decisive phase with just four overs remaining, all eyes are on these two batters to elevate their game and accelerate the scoring rate. Bengaluru, however, remains resolute in their quest to dismiss them swiftly and maintain their dominance by dismantling the opposition's middle-order. Let's see how the final 4 pans out!

Mohammed Siraj to Sam Curran, Wonderful over from Mohammed Siraj! He goes very full again and on middle, Sam Curran only manages to drill it back to the bowler where Siraj makes a half stop. He exchanges a few words with Curran and things are heating up in Bengaluru.

Mohammed Siraj to Sam Curran, Another slower bouncer from Mohammed Siraj, on middle, Sam Curran goes through his pull shot early and fails to connect.

Mohammed Siraj to Jitesh Sharma, Goes fuller now, on middle, Jitesh Sharma whips it away towards deep mid-wicket for another run.

Mohammed Siraj to Sam Curran, Mohammed Siraj bowls the slower bouncer now, on middle, angling away, Sam Curran lets it go to the keeper where Anuj Rawat fumbles and allows a bye.

Mohammed Siraj to Jitesh Sharma, Mohammed Siraj hits the length hard again, on middle, Jitesh Sharma uses his feet but gets hurried and slices it through cover-point for a run.

Mohammed Siraj to Sam Curran, This is on a hard length and around off, Sam Curran punches it through covers for a single.

Mohammed Siraj (2-0-19-1) is back on.

Mayank Dagar to Jitesh Sharma, Fuller and on middle and off, Jitesh Sharma stays leg side of the ball and drives it to sweeper cover for a couple more. 17 runs come off that over.

Mayank Dagar to Jitesh Sharma, SIX! Make that two in a row!  Jitesh Sharma is turning the heat on now. A tad shorter in length and on middle and leg, Jitesh Sharma rocks back and picks it up beautifully to pull it over square leg fence for another half a dozen.

Mayank Dagar to Jitesh Sharma, SIX! Wow, that's some shot! Floated on a fuller length on middle, Jitesh Sharma takes a step out and with a dead-straight bat smokes it straight over the bowlers head for a biggie!

Mayank Dagar to Jitesh Sharma, Quicker this time on a fuller length, just outside off, Jitesh Sharma mistimes his slash through off to cover.

Mayank Dagar to Sam Curran, Goes wider on off again, on a fuller length, Sam Curran cuts it to deep cover for just a single.

Mayank Dagar to Sam Curran, Bowls this fuller and wider on off, Sam Curran slaps it to Virat Kohli at sweeper cover for a couple of runs.

Cameron Green to Jitesh Sharma, Straighter and fuller, on off, Jitesh Sharma taps it back to Cameron Green.

Cameron Green to Sam Curran, Drops the length short again on middle and leg, Sam Curran tucks it to mid-wicket region for a single.

Cameron Green to Sam Curran, FOUR! Pulled away nicely on the shorter side of the boundary! Green bowls a bouncer on middle, Sam Curran picks the length right and nails the pull square of the wicket on the leg side for four runs. A much needed boundary this for Punjab.

Cameron Green to Sam Curran, Bangs the deck on a length, on middle and leg, Sam Curran tucks it to deep mid-wicket for a couple of runs.

Cameron Green to Jitesh Sharma, Goes fuller and outside off, Jitesh Sharma leans on it and drives it to deep point for a single.

Cameron Green to Sam Curran, Bowls it fuller and into the pads, Sam Curran flicks it straight to deep fine for just a single.

Cameron Green comes back into the attack now. He conceded 10 runs in his first over.

Glenn Maxwell to Sam Curran, A great over this from Glenn Maxwell. 4 runs and a wicket off it. Tosses this up on middle and off, Sam Curran tucks it to deep mid-wicket and gets a single.

Glenn Maxwell to Jitesh Sharma, Lands this fuller and on off, Jitesh Sharma drives it to sweeper cover for a single.

Glenn Maxwell to Jitesh Sharma, Fuller and on middle and leg, Jitesh Sharma tucks it to short mid-wicket.

Glenn Maxwell to Sam Curran, Brings up the 100 runs for Punjab! Bangs this on a fuller length, on middle, Sam Curran punches it to deep mid-wicket for a single to get off the mark too.

Glenn Maxwell to Jitesh Sharma, Bowls this fuller and on off, Jitesh Sharma eases it to long on and gets a single.

Jitesh Sharma walks out to bat now with Punjab in a spot of bother.

Glenn Maxwell to Shikhar Dhawan, OUT! CAUGHT! Two-in-two for Bengaluru and they have pulled this game back. Glenn Maxwell tosses this one fuller and on off, gets the ball to drift and spin away a bit. Shikhar Dhawan takes a couple of steps out and looks to heave it through covers but gets it off the toe end of the bat straight to Virat Kohli at long off. Punjab lose both set batters in quick succession here.

Sam Curran is the next man in.

Alzarri Joseph to Liam Livingstone, OUT! CAUGHT BEHIND! Alzarri Joseph has produced a big, big wicket for Bengaluru. The dangerous Liam Livingstone has to walk back. Joseph drops the length short and hits the deck hard outside off, Liam Livingstone stays put and extends his arms to slash it over off but only manages to get a thick outside edge straight into the safe custody of Anuj Rawat behind the stumps.

Alzarri Joseph to Shikhar Dhawan, Hurls this on a shorter length and into the bodyline, Shikhar Dhawan mistimes his pull to short fine leg for one.

Alzarri Joseph to Liam Livingstone, Digs it shorter again, on off, Liam Livingstone gets early on the pull but manages to get it to deep square leg for a single.

Alzarri Joseph to Liam Livingstone, WIDE! Bangs the deck hard on a shorter length outside off and well outside that tramline. Liam Livingstone leaves it alone for a wide.

Alzarri Joseph to Liam Livingstone, Missed out on that one did Liam Livingstone! A back-of-a-length delivery on middle, Liam Livingstone looks to pull but misses to make any connection.

Alzarri Joseph to Liam Livingstone, Spears a yorker into the stumps, Liam Livingstone jams it to mid-wicket region and gets a couple of quick runs.

Alzarri Joseph to Shikhar Dhawan, Hurls it on a good length, on middle and off, Shikhar Dhawan tucks it to backward point and squeezes a quick single.

Glenn Maxwell to Liam Livingstone, SIX! Makes it look so easy! Tossed up on middle and off, Liam Livingstone watches the ball and just picks the length to wack it over deep mid-wicket who was well ahead of the ropes for a maximum.

Glenn Maxwell to Liam Livingstone, Quicker and fuller on off, Liam Livingstone rocks back and punches it to cover.

Glenn Maxwell to Liam Livingstone, Fuller delivery on off, Liam Livingstone eases it to deep mid-wicket for a couple of runs.

Glenn Maxwell to Liam Livingstone, FOUR! Top, top shot from Liam Livingstone. Maxwell drops the length a bit over middle and leg, Liam Livingstone quickly gets back and pulls it through mid-wicket for four runs.

Glenn Maxwell to Shikhar Dhawan, Goes fuller and into the pads, Shikhar Dhawan clips it square of the wicket on leg side for a single.

Glenn Maxwell to Liam Livingstone, Fuller and on off, Liam Livingstone tucks it to long on for one.

Mayank Dagar to Shikhar Dhawan, FOUR! Just wide! Mayank Dagar drags his length back now, outside off, Shikhar Dhawan moves back to cut but is not in control of his shot. However, luckily for him, the ball flies wide of the diving Yash Dayal at point and races to the fence for a boundary.

Mayank Dagar to Shikhar Dhawan, Darts in a low full toss, outside off, Shikhar Dhawan jams it out on the bounce to extra covers. No runs.

Mayank Dagar to Liam Livingstone, Short and around off, Liam Livingstone moves back and punches it towards sweeper covers for a run.

Mayank Dagar to Liam Livingstone, RIPPER! Mayank Dagar flights this up, full and on off, grips and turns away sharply, Liam Livingstone strides out to push it away but gets beaten on the outside edge, Anuj Rawat collects and breaks the stumps. The umpire sends it upstairs to check but the replay shows nohting.

Mayank Dagar to Liam Livingstone, Floated, full and around off, Liam Livingstone guides it towards point.

Mayank Dagar to Shikhar Dhawan, Tossed up, full and on off, Shikhar Dhawan clips it through mid-wicket for a single.

Glenn Maxwell to Liam Livingstone, Another quick delivery, short and on off, turns in, Liam Livingstone moves across to work it away but misses to get hit on the pads.

Liam Livingstone walks out to bat at number 4 for Punjab.

Glenn Maxwell to Prabhsimran Singh, OUT! IN THE AIR AND GONE! Glenn Maxwell strikes here! A much-needed breakthrough for Bengaluru. This one is bowled quicker and into the pitch, on middle, gets some extra bounce, Prabhsimran Singh moves back to pull it away but gets a top edge due to the extra bounce. The ball goes high in the air, Anuj Rawat moves to his left and pouches it safely into his gloves. Prabhsimran Singh goes after a nice little cameo!

Glenn Maxwell to Prabhsimran Singh, SIX! BOOM! Glenn Maxwell fires this one full and on the pads, Prabhsimran Singh once again picks it up and smacks it over the deep square leg fence for a biggie.

Glenn Maxwell to Prabhsimran Singh, Flatter, full and on middle, angling in, Prabhsimran Singh goes for the sweep but misses and gets hit on the pads. An appeal for LBW, but turned down.

Glenn Maxwell to Shikhar Dhawan, Tossed up, full and on middle, Shikhar Dhawan eases it towards long on for a single.

Glenn Maxwell to Shikhar Dhawan, FOUR! Cut away! Glenn Maxwell starts with a short delivery, outside off, Shikhar Dhawan gets the opportunity to free his arms and crunches it through point for a lovely boundary.

Strategic break! Despite the early setback of losing Jonny Bairstow's wicket, Punjab has shown resilience and strategic acumen by opting for calculated risks, taking on the Bengaluru bowlers aggressively. Both Shikhar Dhawan and Prabhsimran Singh have laid a solid foundation with their promising starts, setting the stage for a potentially explosive partnership. However, for Bengaluru, breaking this formidable alliance is imperative to regain momentum and swing the game back in their favour. A couple of quick wickets could be just what they need to disrupt Punjab's momentum and assert their dominance. With that Glenn Maxwell is introduced into the attack now.

Mayank Dagar to Shikhar Dhawan, Fires this one full and on off again, Shikhar Dhawan drives it through covers for one more.

Mayank Dagar to Shikhar Dhawan, SIX! INTO THE STANDS! Mayank Dagar gives this one some air and on off, Shikhar Dhawan dances down the track, has to fetch it but does that well and smokes it way over the long on fence for a biggie.

Mayank Dagar to Prabhsimran Singh, Flatter, short and around middle, Prabhsimran Singh goes down this time and paddles it towards deep square leg for one.

Mayank Dagar to Shikhar Dhawan, Flighted, full and on off, Shikhar Dhawan goes down to sweep but gets an inside edge towards square leg for another run.

Mayank Dagar to Prabhsimran Singh, Tossed up, full and on middle, Prabhsimran Singh uses his feet and lofts it wide of long on for a run.

Mayank Dagar to Shikhar Dhawan, Mayank Dagar begins with a floated delivery, full and on middle, Shikhar Dhawan tucks it through mid-wicket for a single.

Mayank Dagar comes into the attack now.

Cameron Green to Shikhar Dhawan, Pitched up and on off, Shikhar Dhawan tries to go hard at it but gets an inside edge towards deep mid-wicket for one. 50 up for Punjab!

Cameron Green to Prabhsimran Singh, On a length and on off, Prabhsimran Singh steers it through point for a run.

Cameron Green to Prabhsimran Singh, SIX! BANG! Prabhsimran Singh connects this time alright! Cameron Green bowls a half-volley angling into the pads, Prabhsimran Singh steps across, picks it up from the middle stump and whips it over the deep square leg fence for the first maximum of the match.

Cameron Green to Prabhsimran Singh, Swing and a miss! Cameron Green pulls his length back a bit now, on off, shaping away, Prabhsimran Singh uses his feet and tries to go over mid off but misses it.

Cameron Green to Shikhar Dhawan, Back of a length and outside off,, Shikhar Dhawan throws his hands hard at it and slices it wide of deep point for a brace.

Cameron Green to Shikhar Dhawan, Cameron Green errs in his line this time and serves this full and way outside off, Shikhar Dhawan leaves it alone. Wided.

Cameron Green to Shikhar Dhawan, Cameron Green starts with a good-length delivery, on off, Shikhar Dhawan stabs it down towards short covers.

Cameron Green is introduced into the attack.

Yash Dayal to Shikhar Dhawan, Short of a length and around off, Shikhar Dhawan punches it through cover-point for a run. Another fine over from Yash Dayal. He has conceded just 10 runs in his 3 overs with all of them coming in the Powerplay.

Yash Dayal to Shikhar Dhawan, A slower one now, fullish and angling into leg, Shikhar Dhawan comes forward to flick it but misses and the ball lobs off his pads to the right of the bowler.

Yash Dayal to Shikhar Dhawan, JAFFA! Yash Dayal lands this back of a length and on middle, angles in and straightens off the deck with extra bounce, Shikhar Dhawan gets squared up as the ball carries through to the keeper.

Yash Dayal to Prabhsimran Singh, On a length and on middle, Prabhsimran Singh uses his feet and tucks it towards mid-wicket, he sets off for the run as Virat Kohli picks up and hits the stumps at the bowler's end. Singh has made his ground comfortably here.

Yash Dayal to Prabhsimran Singh, FOUR! Good shot! Yash Dayal pitches this up again and outside off, Prabhsimran Singh shuffles across a bit and slices it off the higher part of the bat. The ball has enough power to go over extra covers and roll to the fence for a boundary.

Yash Dayal to Prabhsimran Singh, Swing and a miss! Yash Dayal serves this full and outside off, angling away, Prabhsimran Singh has a wild swing at it but fails to connect.

Alzarri Joseph to Shikhar Dhawan, Great effort in the deep by Yash Dayal! Slightly shorter in length, outside off, Shikhar Dhawan opens the bat face and pushes it past short third. Yash Dayal from deep backward point sprints to the ball and dives to cut the ball and keep it down to just two runs.

Alzarri Joseph to Shikhar Dhawan, FOUR! Precisely timed! Another fuller delivery on off, Shikhar Dhawan just punches it to the left of mid off for four more runs.

Alzarri Joseph to Shikhar Dhawan, Bangs it on a fuller length and on off, Shikhar Dhawan drives it beautifully but straight to the fielder at point.

Alzarri Joseph to Shikhar Dhawan, Better line! Bowls it on a length, on off, Shikhar Dhawan tucks it to short cover.

Alzarri Joseph to Shikhar Dhawan, FOUR! Shikhar Dhawan is very strong on the off side and he proves it time and again. A fuller delivery, on off, Shikhar Dhawan opens the bat face enough to loft it over covers for a boundary.

Alzarri Joseph to Shikhar Dhawan, Starts from around the wicket and bowls this wider on off, on a fuller length, Shikhar Dhawan drives it off the upper half of the bat straight to mid off.

Alzarri Joseph replaces Mohammed Siraj.

Yash Dayal to Prabhsimran Singh, Another top over from Yash Dayal. Bangs this one on a length, outside off, Prabhsimran Singh punches it to the fielder at short cover.

Yash Dayal to Shikhar Dhawan, Bowls this fuller and on off, Shikhar Dhawan pushes it to long off for one.

Yash Dayal to Prabhsimran Singh, Bowls it fuller and outside off, Prabhsimran Singh opens the bat face and steers it wider of deep third man for a single.

Yash Dayal to Prabhsimran Singh, Lands this on a hard length and on middle and leg, angling across the right-hander, Prabhsimran Singh tucks it to the fielder at point.

Yash Dayal to Shikhar Dhawan, On a shorter length, on off, Shikhar Dhawan steps out and dabs it to deep backward point for a single.

Yash Dayal to Shikhar Dhawan, Left alone! A length delivery, shaping away off the deck, outside off, Shikhar Dhawan takes a step out and holds his bat high leaving the ball to go through to the keeper.

Mohammed Siraj to Prabhsimran Singh, Hurls on a shorter length, on off, Prabhsimran Singh blocks it to the left of the bowler.

Mohammed Siraj to Prabhsimran Singh, FOUR! How good was the timing in that one? Fuller delivery on middle and off, Prabhsimran Singh with full face of the bat just taps it past the bowler for four runs to get off the mark.

Mohammed Siraj to Prabhsimran Singh, Bangs this on a shorter length, on off, Prabhsimran Singh with an angled bat punches it to cover.

Prabhsimran Singh walks out to bat at number 3.

Mohammed Siraj to Jonny Bairstow, OUT! CAUGHT! Mohammed Siraj has the last laugh and Jonny Bairstow has to walk back with another low score. Siraj bowls this on a good length and angles it in on middle and off, Jonny Bairstow looks to heave it over mid off but ends up chopping it straight to mid-wicket. Virat Kohli from cover gets in and takes the catch in front of Glenn Maxwell who was stationed at mid off.

Mohammed Siraj to Jonny Bairstow, FOUR! This is crisp! Banged on a fuller length, outside off, Jonny Bairstow slashes it through cover for another boundary.

Mohammed Siraj to Jonny Bairstow, FOUR! Gets off the mark with that boundary! Overpitched in length, on middle and off, Jonny Bairstow takes his front leg out and picks it perfectly over wide mid on for a boundary.

Yash Dayal to Jonny Bairstow, LEG BYES! An excellent over this from Yash Dayal. Just two come of it. Bangs this on a nagging length and on middle and leg, Jonny Bairstow takes a step out but gets cramped for room as the ball clips him high on the waist and rolls to the off side. The batters cross.

Yash Dayal to Shikhar Dhawan, Tap and run! Banged in a touch shorter on middle, Shikhar Dhawan stabs it to the off side and steals a single.

Yash Dayal to Shikhar Dhawan, Four dots in a row! Bangs it on a good length and on middle and off, Shikhar Dhawan tucks it to short cover.

Yash Dayal to Shikhar Dhawan, Beats that outside edge! Bangs it on a good length, on that fourth stump line, Shikhar Dhawan flirts with that one as the ball whizzes past the outside edge.

Yash Dayal to Shikhar Dhawan, Swings it away from a fuller length, outside off, Shikhar Dhawan leaves this one too. We don't see a lot of balls being left alone these days, do we?

Yash Dayal to Shikhar Dhawan, Starts from over the wicket and bowls it just outside off, on a length, Shikhar Dhawan holds his bat high and leaves it alone for the keeper to collect.

Yash Dayal to share the attack.

Mohammed Siraj to Jonny Bairstow, Continues that fuller length, on off, Jonny Bairstow taps it to cover. A good start this for Punjab!

Mohammed Siraj to Jonny Bairstow, Some away movement on that one! Pitched on a fuller length, on off, Jonny Bairstow taps it to mid off.

Mohammed Siraj to Shikhar Dhawan, And again! Bowls it into the pads on a fuller length, Shikhar Dhawan clips it square of the wicket on leg side for a single to get to the other end.

Mohammed Siraj to Shikhar Dhawan, Goes fuller and on the pads, Shikhar Dhawan clips it to deep mid-wicket for a couple of runs.

Mohammed Siraj to Shikhar Dhawan, Bowls this straighter on middle and off, Shikhar Dhawan stabs it back onto the deck.

Mohammed Siraj to Shikhar Dhawan, FOUR! Not the ideal start from Bengaluru. Glenn Maxwell makes a mess of this in the field and lets it go through to the fence. Fuller delivery on middle and off, Shikhar Dhawan punches it to the right of Glenn Maxwell at mid off who reaches the ball but is slow in getting down as the ball gets through his hands towards the cover fence for four runs. Shikhar Dhawan and Punjab are up and running straightaway!

We are all set to begin! The crowd is making a huge noise as the home side Bengaluru walks out to the middle and spreads out to take their respective field positions. Jonny Bairstow and Shikhar Dhawan are the two openers for Punjab.  Mohammed Siraj has the new ball in hand and is raring to go. Let's play…

Shikhar Dhawan, the captain of Punjab says they would have bowled first as well but it's fine. Adds that they look forward to bat and it is about playing sensible cricket which they did in the first game. Says that they are looking to improve game by game. Informs they have the same team as well.

Faf du Plessis, the captain of Bengaluru says that it looks like a good wicket and they want to stick to their strength of chasing. Mentions that the boys are excited after the women's team won the trophy and they are looking forward to it. States that they will look to rectify what went wrong in the previous game losing a few wickets quickly and will look to perform better. Concludes that they go with the same team for this game with one or two different options for changes later on.

Impact Players for Punjab – Arshdeep Singh, Rilee Rossouw, Tanay Thyagarajann, Harpreet Singh, Vidwath Kaverappa.

Punjab (Playing XI) – Shikhar Dhawan (C), Jonny Bairstow, Prabhsimran Singh, Sam Curran, Jitesh Sharma (WK), Liam Livingstone, Shashank Singh, Harpreet Brar, Harshal Patel, Kagiso Rabada, Rahul Chahar.

Impact Players for Bengaluru – Suyash Prabhudessai, Mahipal Lomror, Karn Sharma, Vijaykumar Vyshak, Swapnil Singh.

Bengaluru (Playing XI) – Faf du Plessis (C), Virat Kohli, Rajat Patidar, Glenn Maxwell, Cameron Green, Dinesh Karthik, Anuj Rawat (WK), Alzarri Joseph, Mayank Dagar, Mohammed Siraj, Yash Dayal.

TOSS – The coin has landed in favour of Faf du Plessis and Bengaluru have elected to BOWL first.

PITCH REPORT – Deep Dasgupta says that this venue has always been a high-scoring one and the pitch used for this game is the one right in the centre with either side being 60 meters and straight down being 70 meters. Adds that it has a few cracks which are superficial and look patchy and could be two-paced. Simon Katich joins him and says that the deck looks rock hard and has a bit of grass on it. Mentions that the average first-inning score is 196 runs from the previous year. Says that the ball will be flying everywhere and this being King Kohli's backyard, his scores here speak volumes. Concludes that the trend this season so far is that the home team wins games.

In stark contrast, Bengaluru encountered a setback in their opening fixture against the reigning champions, Chennai, succumbing to a defeat. The spotlight will be on their batting lineup, which in the previous game showed promise at the start but faltered midway through the innings. It was the resilient partnership between Anuj Rawat and Dinesh Karthik that salvaged their innings, propelling them to a respectable total. However, the bowling unit couldn't quite defend the target, exposing the challenges faced by the relatively inexperienced setup. As they gear up to face Punjab, the hurdles loom large for Bengaluru's bowlers to deliver match-winning performances. The onus falls heavily on the shoulders of their spearhead, Mohammed Siraj, to lead the charge and stem the flow of runs, a task notorious for its difficulty at the Chinnaswamy Stadium. It will be a test of character and skill for Bengaluru as they seek to bounce back and register a win in their opening home game. Will they be able to outperform the solid Punjab team? We shall soon find out! Stick around for the Toss and team news that comes to you in a bit.

Punjab strides into this pivotal encounter buoyed by a stellar team effort against the formidable Delhi squad, clinching victory by a commanding 4-wicket margin and notching their maiden win of the season. The Punjab bowlers, spearheaded by the dynamic duo of Arshdeep Singh and Harshal Patel, executed their strategies with precision, ably supported by the spin wizard Harpreet Brar. Meanwhile, with the bat, the skipper Shikhar Dhawan led the charge with aplomb, complemented by promising starts from the top order and match-winning innings from Sam Curran alongside Liam Livingstone, who sealed the deal. As the action shifts to the famed batting paradise of Bengaluru, the spotlight turns to the bowlers, with the pitch favouring batters. The seasoned campaigner Harshal Patel could emerge as a pivotal figure, leveraging his expertise to navigate through this challenging wicket and tilt the scales in Punjab's favour.

Hello folks! A warm welcome to the exhilarating clash in match number 6 of this Indian T20 League, from the iconic M.Chinnaswamy Stadium in vibrant Bengaluru! The spirited hosts, Bengaluru, are set to lock horns with the resurgent force of Punjab, igniting the cricketing arena with the promise of an electrifying spectacle.

… MATCH DAY …

As the T20 extravaganza unfolds, anticipation runs high as the star-studded Bengaluru side, perennial contenders for the trophy, seek redemption after a shaky start to the season. Their opening encounter against defending champions Chennai ended in defeat, intensifying the pressure as they gear up to face Punjab at the iconic M. Chinnaswamy Stadium. In the inaugural match, the top order featuring skipper Faf du Plessis, the talismanic Virat Kohli, and marquee acquisition Cameron Green, showed promise but faltered to convert starts into significant scores. Despite the setback, a resilient partnership between the young gun Anuj Rawat and the seasoned campaigner Dinesh Karthik salvaged respectability, setting the stage for a thrilling showdown against Punjab. The onus now rests on their explosive middle order, led by the enigmatic Glenn Maxwell, to unleash their full potential and drive the team towards victory. However, Bengaluru's bowling arsenal, a longstanding concern, continues to face scrutiny. The pace trio comprising Mohammed Siraj, Alzarri Joseph, and Yash Dayal must elevate their performance to complement the spin expertise of Karn Sharma and the utility of Maxwell. With loyal fans rallying behind them, Bengaluru seeks to reignite their campaign with a resounding win on home turf. Meanwhile, Punjab enters the contest riding high on confidence following a stellar opening triumph against Delhi. Spearheaded by the dynamic leadership of Shikhar Dhawan, Punjab's bowlers delivered a masterclass, with Kagiso Rabada, Arshdeep Singh, and Harshal Patel wreaking havoc at crucial junctures. Despite a late onslaught by Abhishek Porel against Patel, the batters made sure it didn't cost them. With Rahul Chahar and Harpreet Brar adding depth to the spin department, and the all-round prowess of Sam Curran and Liam Livingstone who kept their calm and led the run chase in the first match, Punjab boasts a well-rounded lineup capable of unsettling any opposition. In the batting department, Punjab's formidable top order comprising Shikhar Dhawan and the explosive Jonny Bairstow sets the tone, while the middle order bolstered by the English duo promises fireworks. With Jitesh Sharma and Shashank Singh providing more firepower, Punjab's batting juggernaut poses a formidable challenge to the Bengaluru bowlers. As the stage is set for a pulsating encounter, the cricketing world awaits eagerly to witness whether Bengaluru can revive their fortunes or if Punjab will continue their winning streak. The battle lines are drawn, and the stage is set for an exhilarating clash under the floodlights.