IPL 2024 Match 18, SRH VS CSK: Live Ball by Ball Commentary

We are back! The Hyderabad batters walk out to chase down 166. Travis Head is the Impact Player in place of T Natarajan for Hyderabad and with him is Abhishek Sharma to open the batting for Hyderabad. Mukesh Choudhary is the Impact Player for Chennai in place of Shivam Dube. It is Deepak Chahar to start the attack for Chennai. Let's Play!

… THE RUN CHASE …

The Hyderabad bowlers executed their plans meticulously, particularly shining in the final 5 overs of the innings, where they tightened the screws on the Chennai batters. With a target of 166 runs to chase in their quota of 20 overs, Hyderabad faces a challenging yet enticing task at hand, needing to maintain a run rate of 8.25 runs per over. As the stage is set for the run-chase, anticipation mounts, promising an enthralling battle between bat and ball. Stay tuned as the action unfolds in what promises to be an exhilarating pursuit of victory.

Jaydev Unadkat is down for a chat. He says that, to be honest, there isn't much of a difference from the one they played last time but they kept hitting the lengths and varying their pace. Adds that their strength has been using the pacers well and probably having a fast bowler as a captain helps that. Reckons that it is about getting the Powerplay right and if they get early momentum, they should be able to chase it down.

After being asked to bat first at the toss, Chennai encountered an early setback as the in-form batter Rachin Ravindra departed cheaply for just 12 runs in the fourth over of the innings. It was then Ajinkya Rahane and Ruturaj Gaikwad at the crease, aiming to stabilize the innings. However, their partnership was short-lived, as Shahbaz Ahmed struck to dismiss the Chennai skipper for 26 runs, breaking the burgeoning alliance. Undeterred by the setback, Rahane and Shivam Dube combined forces to rebuild the innings, displaying astute batting skills by rotating the strike and capitalizing on scoring opportunities. The duo stitched together a crucial partnership of 65 runs for the third wicket, setting a solid foundation for the Chennai team. Despite Dube falling agonizingly short of a half-century by just 5 runs, and Rahane departing after a composed knock of 35 runs, their efforts ensured Chennai reached a competitive total of 165 runs.

Hyderabad finished on a high. Chennai might just be a few runs short. A misfield at deep backward square leg allows Jadeja to finish off the innings with a boundary, as Chennai wraps up their batting effort at 165/5 in their allotted 20 overs. Led by the disciplined bowling of the Pat Cummins-led Hyderabad side, Chennai faced a stern challenge, managing to post a respectable total despite the pressure.

T Natarajan to Ravindra Jadeja, FOUR! Oh, dear! A misfield to end the first innings! Full on the pads and angling in, Ravindra Jadeja flicks it away towards fine leg where Jaydev Unadkat slides to his left and overruns the ball, letting it through his hands and for a boundary. Surely, it doesn't come down to these extra runs, does it? Only time will tell. Chennai finish with 165/5 on the board!

T Natarajan to MS Dhoni, banged in short and around off, MS Dhoni gets across and on top of the bounce but mistimes the pull to deep square leg for just a single.

T Natarajan to MS Dhoni, Dot ball! A slower bumper, likely the off-cutter, bowled over off stump and going away from the right-hander. MS Dhoni stays back and has a waft at it but doesn't connect. Just 2 off the over so far.

MS Dhoni walks out to bat for Chennai.

T Natarajan to Daryl Mitchell, OUT! CAUGHT! Straight to the man and even the Chennai supporters are cheering the wicket, we all know why. T Natarajan steams in from over the stumps and bowls it in the blockhole on leg stump. Daryl Mitchell gets cramped for room but takes the front leg out and lofts it down to long on where Abdul Samad takes another easy catch.

T Natarajan to Ravindra Jadeja, Even shorter and over middle, Ravindra Jadeja pulls it off the front foot and firmly towards deep mid-wicket for just another single. No boundaries in the last two overs so far.

T Natarajan to Daryl Mitchell, Starts with a slower one, banged in outside off and Daryl Mitchell has to wait for it before tapping it to deep point for a run.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Daryl Mitchell, Another yorker, nailed right at the stumps, Daryl Mitchell can only jam it down to long on for a single. What a top over from Bhuvneshwar Kumar!

Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Ravindra Jadeja, No timing on that one! Back of a length and angled across off stump, Ravindra Jadeja throws his hands at it and lofts it over the cover region for just a single.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Ravindra Jadeja, Uh, oh! That could have been a close call but Hyderabad have withdrawn the appeal for an obstruction of field. Bhuvneshwar Kumar yet again nails the yorker and Ravindra Jadeja tries to come forward and heave it away but ends up bunting it back to the bowler. Jadeja is well out of his crease and Kumar has a shy at the stumps but Jadeja turns right back and gets a firm blow on the spine. The umpires get together but Buvi turns right back and doesn't appeal.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Daryl Mitchell, Slower one, back of a length and outside off, Daryl Mitchell hangs back and taps it away through the point region for a run.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Daryl Mitchell, Well bowled but well run in the end as well. Bhuvneshwar Kumar brings out the yorker and nails it on the stumps, Daryl Mitchell jams it out through wide mid on and it is well placed. The batters race back for two as the man from long on fires in a throw at the keeper's end and the bails are taken off. The replays show that it was a good hustle from Mitchell.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Ravindra Jadeja, Bowled back of a length and around off stump, Ravindra Jadeja waits for it and just pushes it through covers for a single.

Pat Cummins to Daryl Mitchell, FOUR! Muscled to the fence! Banged in short and around off stump, Daryl Mitchell gets a hold of the pull shot and hits it hard and flat just behind deep square leg for a timely boundary.

Pat Cummins to Ravindra Jadeja, Another slower one bowled wide of the off stump, Jadeja reaches out and slashes it away through backward point for one more.

Pat Cummins to Daryl Mitchell, Full and wide of the off stump, hit away down to long on for a single.

Pat Cummins to Ravindra Jadeja, a full toss now on the pads and angling in, Ravindra Jadeja looks to heave it away leg side but gets it off the inside edge towards fine leg for a single.

Pat Cummins to Ravindra Jadeja, Slower one bowled into the pitch and outside off, Ravindra Jadeja forces it away through cover-point as the fielder in the deep fumbles and allows a second run.

Pat Cummins to Ravindra Jadeja, FOUR! Gets some width on offer and puts it away! Banged in well short and outside off, Ravindra Jadeja reaches out and slaps the ball over backward point and picks up a boundary.

Jaydev Unadkat to Ravindra Jadeja, Ends with another slower bumper, this is bowled over the stumps and Ravindra Jadeja is able to pull it away to deep mid-wicket for a single.

Jaydev Unadkat to Ravindra Jadeja, A bumper now around off, bowled quite slow and Ravindra Jadeja tries to get inside the line and pull it over short fine leg but mistimes the shot. Jadeja looks for one but is quickly sent back and almost ends up being run out as Bhuvneshwar Kumar misses the shy at the batter's end.

Jaydev Unadkat to Daryl Mitchell, That took a long time to reach the batter. Banged in short and wide, Daryl Mitchell waits and waits for the cut and finally is able to play it away to deep point for just a single.

Jaydev Unadkat to Daryl Mitchell, Switches to around the stumps and bowls it on a hard length over off stump, Daryl Mitchell looks to drive on the up but the ball holds into the pitch and comes off the inside edge back to the bowler.

Jaydev Unadkat to Ravindra Jadeja, Slower and on a good length outside off, Ravindra Jadeja moves towards the off side a bit and plays it with an angled bat through backward point for a single.

Jaydev Unadkat to Ravindra Jadeja, FOUR! Easy pickings for Ravindra Jadeja there. Goes for the yorker at the toes but ends up angling in a low full toss on the legs, Jadeja flicks it away wide of short fine leg and picks up a boundary.

T Natarajan to Ravindra Jadeja, Banged in halfway down the track and over off stump, climbing high as well, Ravindra Jadeja does well to ride the bounce and pull it down to deep mid-wicket for a fifth single in a row.

T Natarajan to Daryl Mitchell, Slower delivery, on a hard length on off and angling across, Daryl Mitchell moves across to the off side and works it around the corner for one more.

T Natarajan to Ravindra Jadeja, Gets a big hand on that one! Attempted yorker, turns out to be a low full toss outside off, Ravindra Jadeja crunches the cover drive but Pat Cummins makes a good half stop to keep it down to a single.

T Natarajan to Daryl Mitchell, Back of a length, angling across the right-hander, Daryl Mitchell stands tall and gently pushed it away through covers for a run.

T Natarajan to Ravindra Jadeja, Banged in slower and well into the deck around off, Ravindra Jadeja comes forward and has to really climb on top of the bounce before pulling it down through mid-wicket for a single.

T Natarajan to Ravindra Jadeja, Bowled a bit fuller and from over the wicket on the fifth stump line, Ravindra Jadeja looks to wait back and angle it away but misses.

Daryl Mitchell is the new man in.

Jaydev Unadkat to Ajinkya Rahane, OUT! CAUGHT! Hyderabad pull things back in the end with another wicket of Ajinkya Rahane this time! Jaydev Unadkat pitches a slower ball up outside the off stump line, asking the batter to go for a big shot. Ajinkya Rahane looks to go over the top of covers but gets a healthy outside edge flying straight to Mayank Markande standing at point who takes a good catch to send back the well-set Ajinkya Rahane.

Jaydev Unadkat to Ravindra Jadeja, Short ball at the batter and Ravindra Jadeja pulls it away with comfort to deep mid-wicket for a single.

Jaydev Unadkat to Ravindra Jadeja, Fuller on the line of the stumps. Ravindra Jadeja flicks the ball straight to mid-wicket and denies the single.

Jaydev Unadkat to Ravindra Jadeja, FOUR! Ravindra Jadeja gets his first of the innings! Jaydev Unadkat holds the length back outside the line of the off stumpo and Ravindra Jadeja dances down the track to loft it over mid off to find a boundary.

Jaydev Unadkat to Ajinkya Rahane, Holds the length back at the batter. Ajinkya Rahane flicks the ball to deep square leg for a single.

Jaydev Unadkat to Ravindra Jadeja, Pitches the ball up on the off stump line and Ravindra Jadeja drives the ball to sweeper covers for a single.

Pat Cummins to Ravindra Jadeja, Short ball outside the off stump line and Ravindra Jadeja pulls it away to deep mid-wicket for a single.

Pat Cummins to Ravindra Jadeja, Pitches the ball outside the off stump line and Ravindra Jadeja drives it straight to covers off the front foot.

Ravindra Jadeja walks out to bat now.

Pat Cummins to Shivam Dube, OUT! CAUGHT! There is the wicket Hyderabad was looking for and it's their skipper Pat Cummins who sends back the dangerous Shivam Dube. Pat Cummins bangs in a slower bouncer outside the line of the off stump and Shivam Dube cuts the ball in the air, straight to Bhuvneshwar Kumar standing at backward point. Big wicket for Hyderabad.

Pat Cummins to Ajinkya Rahane, Another good length ball at the stumps. Ajinkya Rahane slogs it away to deep mid-wicket for a single.

Pat Cummins to Ajinkya Rahane, Hits the length hard on top of the stumps. Ajinkya Rahane flicks the ball to the right of deep square leg for another couple of runs.

Pat Cummins to Shivam Dube, Nails the yorker on the middle stump line and Shivam Dube taps the ball to long on for a single.

Strategic Break! Chennai have put themselves in a good position with this partnership and with plenty of batting to come, both Ajinkya Rahane and Shivam Dube will look to up the ante. Hyderabad need wickets and need them in a heap as Dube has turned the innings on its head. Lets find out which side finishes the first half of the game strongly.

Jaydev Unadkat to Ajinkya Rahane, Pitches the ball up outside the line of the off stump. Ajinkya Rahane drives the ball to the right of sweeper covers for a couple to end the over.

Jaydev Unadkat to Shivam Dube, Bowls another slower ball, short outside the off stump line. Shivam Dube slaps it to long off for a single.

Jaydev Unadkat to Ajinkya Rahane, Holds the length back on top of the stumps. Ajinkya Rahane flicks the ball to long on for a single.

Jaydev Unadkat to Ajinkya Rahane, FOUR! Just over the man at mid off and finds a boundary this time, Ajinkya Rahane! Jaydev Unadkat bowls a slower ball on the line of the stumps and Ajinkya Rahane moves away and launches the ball over the head of Pat Cummins at mid off to get a boundary.

Jaydev Unadkat to Ajinkya Rahane, Bowls on a good length from around the wicket angle. Ajinkya Rahane drives the ball straight to mod off from the crease.

Jaydev Unadkat to Ajinkya Rahane, Hits the length hard on top of the off stump line. Ajinkya Rahane launches it to the right of Aiden Markram at long on for a couple of runs.

T Natarajan to Shivam Dube, Nails the yorker this time on the off stump line and Shivam Dube blocks it off well to end the over.

T Natarajan to Shivam Dube, Pitches the ball up on the off stump line. Shivam Dube drives the ball to the left of sweeper covers and runs a couple to bring up the FIFTY partnership in no time.

T Natarajan to Shivam Dube, Slower bouncer outside the line of the off stump line. Shivam Dube taps it straight to point from the crease.

T Natarajan to Shivam Dube, SIX! Two in two for Shivam Dube! T Natarajan pitches the ball up on the stumps with pace and misses the yorker but some length. Shivam Dube takes the front foot away from the line of the ball and swings the bat through the line of the ball, timing it amazingly over long on for another mammoth six.

T Natarajan to Shivam Dube, SIX! BANG! T Natarajan misses the length and bowls a short ball in the arc of Shivam Dube and he stands tall and slogs the ball away over the deep square leg fielder for a flat SIX!

T Natarajan to Ajinkya Rahane, Bowls a brilliant slower bouncer at the batter from around the wicket angle. Ajinkya Rahane looks to pull it but gets a top edge falling short of fine leg and runs a single.

Jaydev Unadkat to Ajinkya Rahane, The slower bouncer at the body of the batter again this time. Ajinkya Rahane pulls it away to deep mid-wicket for a single to end the over.

Jaydev Unadkat to Shivam Dube, Hits the length hard outside the off stump line and Shivam Dube slams it straight to long off for a single.

Jaydev Unadkat to Ajinkya Rahane, Bowls another ball from the length on top of the off stump line. Ajinkya Rahane looks for a slog it again but gets an inside edge onto the pads for a single.

Jaydev Unadkat to Ajinkya Rahane, Holds the length back again and the ball does not bounce much. Ajinkya Rahane looks to pull it again but misses the ball and gets a hit on the thigh pads.

Jaydev Unadkat to Ajinkya Rahane, WIDE! Too short this time at the batter. Goes over the head of Ajinkya Rahane. The umpire signals WIDE.

Jaydev Unadkat to Ajinkya Rahane, Good use of the slower ball, pitched up on the off stump line. Ajinkya Rahane looks to go over the top of covers but gets an outside edge flying over point for a couple of runs.

Jaydev Unadkat to Ajinkya Rahane, Starts off short at the body of the batter. Ajinkya Rahane pulls it away towards mid-wicket and denies the single.

Pat Cummins to Shivam Dube, Brilliant from Nitish Kumar Reddy and he saves a certain boundary there! Hard length outside off, Shivam Dube stands upright and powers it to the left of extra cover where Nitish dives in and makes a sharply stop.

Pat Cummins to Ajinkya Rahane, Back to over the wicket for the right-hander and bowled quickly on a shorter length outside off, Ajinkya Rahane plays it on the up and off the outer half of the bat. The ball flies to the right of third man where Jaydev Unadkat makes a diving stop and keeps it down to one.

Pat Cummins to Shivam Dube, A slower bumper, bowled into the deck and around off, Shivam Dube hops am bit manages to dab it down towards cover for a single.

Pat Cummins to Shivam Dube, Slashed away! Banged in a bit and over off stump, after a couple of dots, Shivam Dube makes a bit of room and just throws his hands at it and gets it over backward point for a couple of runs.

Pat Cummins to Shivam Dube, Slightly back of a length and angled in from middle, Shivam Dube looks for the heave across the line but miscues it badly to short mid-wicket.

Pat Cummins to Shivam Dube, Smartly bowled! comes from around the wicket and hurls it in at the stumps on a length but the pace is taken off, Shivam Dube just bunts it back to the bowler.

Strategic Break! Chennai started off slow at the start but Shivam Dube has turned things around in the last few overs, taking his team to 80/2 after 9 overs. After the loss of Rachin Ravindra and Ruturaj Gaikwad, it is now the pair of Ajinkya Rahane and Shivam Dube at the crease sailing the ship for Chennai. Pat Cummins and his bowlers are looking for wickets and will be hoping to get a few soon. Let's see what happens after the break. Pat Cummins comes back into the attack after the break.

Mayank Markande to Shivam Dube, Pushed through quicker and a bit shorter outside off, cut away off the back foot and in front of point for a single. 15 off that over.

Mayank Markande to Shivam Dube, SIX! This is why Chennai sent Shivam Dube when the spinners are operating and he is delivering. Poor ball though as this is bowled quite full and on the pads, Dube sits down and slogs it away flat over the man at deep backward square leg for a maximum.

Mayank Markande to Ajinkya Rahane, Slower at just 77 clicks and drifting into the legs, Ajinkya Rahane works it a bit uppishly and through the vacant mid-wicket region for one more.

Mayank Markande to Shivam Dube, On the pads, flicked away through mid-wicket for a single this time.

Mayank Markande to Shivam Dube, On middle and leg and on a dragged length, Shivam Dube just tucks it away in front of square leg and sprints back for the second run with ease.

Mayank Markande to Shivam Dube, FOUR! Shivam Dube loves the spinners and that is a lovely shot as well. On a shorter length and angled across the off stump, Dube stays back and cuts it late and well behind point to find the fence.

Shahbaz Ahmed to Shivam Dube, Drags the length back and bowls it short around off stump, Shivam Dube hangs back and muscles the pull through mid-wicket for a single.

Shahbaz Ahmed to Shivam Dube, FOUR! Powered away! Full and even wider of the off stump, Shivam Dube reaches out and whacks the ball flat through the cover region for a boundary this time.

Shahbaz Ahmed to Shivam Dube, SIX! Just a smidge fuller and within reach and Shivam Dube doesn't let it go to waste. On the fifth stump line, trying to angle it away but Dube sits down, uses those long levers and smashes the ball over wide long on for a biggie.

Shahbaz Ahmed to Shivam Dube, Play and a miss! Bowled flatter and quicker, angling across the off stump, Shivam Dube looks to hang back and ciut but is beaten past the outside edge.

Shahbaz Ahmed to Shivam Dube, On a good length and angled well across the off stump, Shivam Dube reaches out and pushes it towards cover for no run.

Shivam Dube walks out to bat at number 4 for Chennai.

Shahbaz Ahmed to Ruturaj Gaikwad, OUT! CAUGHT! What an introduction to the attack for Shahbaz Ahmed as he sends the Chennai skipper packing. Ahmed comes from around the stumps and drifts the ball in on a length into middle and leg. Ruturaj Gaikwad stays put, tries to clear the front leg and just hit through the line but mistimes it badly. The ball flies down to long on where Abdul Samad doesn't have to move an inch and takes a simple catch. Hyderabad get their second wicket!

Mayank Markande to Ruturaj Gaikwad, A tidy start from Mayank Markande, six singles off the over! Pushed through a bit quicker on the stumps, shorter as well, Ruturaj Gaikwad goes back in the crease and flicks it through mid-wicket for a run.

Mayank Markande to Ajinkya Rahane, Bowled flatter this time and outside off, Ajinkya Rahane opens the bat face and plays it away square through the point region for a single.

Mayank Markande to Ruturaj Gaikwad, Make that four in a row! Shorter and over middle and leg, played off the back foot through wide mid on for one.

Mayank Markande to Ajinkya Rahane, Slows it up at 77.4 clicks and bowls it short on the pads, Ajinkya Rahane tucks it away past square leg to make it three singles in a row.

Mayank Markande to Ruturaj Gaikwad, Bowled full and thrown wide of the off stump, Ruturaj Gaikwad steps down the pitch and drives it away to wide long off for another single.

Mayank Markande to Ajinkya Rahane, Starts with an in-drifted delivery on the pads, Ajinkya Rahane nudges it away towards mid-wicket and picks up a single.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Ruturaj Gaikwad, SIX! Straight as an arrow! Slightly fuller and on the stumps, Ruturaj Gaikwad holds his shape and lofts it nonchalantly with a high elbow right back over the bowler's head for a maximum. 15 runs come off that over and at the end of the Powerplay, Chennai are 48/1!

Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Ruturaj Gaikwad, Back of a length and outside off, tapped away off the back foot to point.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Ruturaj Gaikwad, FOUR! Uppish but in the gap! The knuckle-ball this, bowled wide of the off stump, Ruturaj Gaikwad deliberately opens the face of the bat but doesn't control the dab and it goes uppishly and wide of short third for a boundary.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Ruturaj Gaikwad, Lovely shot for no run! Pitched up around the off stump, Ruturaj Gaikwad prods forward and crunches the cover drive but hits it straight to the fielder.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Ajinkya Rahane, Smart batting, rotating the strike right after the boundary. Good length around off, played late and with soft hands in front of point for one.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Ajinkya Rahane, FOUR! Classy shot from Ajinkya Rahane! On a hard length around the top of off and angling in, nothing wrong with the ball but Rahane just stays put and lofts it sweetly over mid on for a boundary.

Pat Cummins to Ruturaj Gaikwad, Bowls on a good length on top of the off stump line and Ruturaj Gaikwad middles the ball towards covers to end the over.

Pat Cummins to Ajinkya Rahane, Bangs in short at the batter this time and Ajinkya Rahane pulls the ball to deep square leg for a single.

Pat Cummins to Ajinkya Rahane, Bowls on a good length outside the off stump. Ajinkya Rahane plays it towards point from the crease.

Pat Cummins to Ajinkya Rahane, Hits the length hard on top of the off stump. Ajinkya Rahane stays back and taps the ball to point.

Pat Cummins to Ajinkya Rahane, SIX! What a sound off the bat from Ajinkya Rahane to pick up the first maximum of the night! Pat Cummins bangs in short at the batter and Ajinkya Rahane pulls the ball in the air from the middle of the bat and gets it to go way over the deep mid-wicket fence into the crowd.

Pat Cummins to Ajinkya Rahane, Starts off on the good length around off stump. Ajinkya Rahane drives the ball to the left of mid off and is denied the single by his partner.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Ruturaj Gaikwad, Pitches it up on the off stump line with pace. Ruturaj Gaikwad takes out the front foot and drives the ball straight to mid off to end the over.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Ruturaj Gaikwad, Zips one past the outside edge this time. Ruturaj Gaikwad looks to throw his bat at a good length ball outside off and gets beaten.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Ajinkya Rahane, Swings one away from the right-hander from a good length and Ajinkya Rahane taps the ball down to third man for a single to get off the mark.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Ajinkya Rahane, Swings one away from a good length on the off stump. Ajinkya Rahane looks to flick the ball but gets a leading edge falling short of mid off.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Ajinkya Rahane, Hits the length on top of the off stump. Ajinkya Rahane stays on the crease and blocks it off.

Ajinkya Rahane isw the new man in.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Rachin Ravindra, OUT! CAUGHT! Bhuvneshwar Kumar gets the first wicket for Hyderabad and Rachin Ravindra walks back! bangs in short from over the wicket agle and gets the ball to leave the left-hander. Rachin Ravindra looks to pull it hard but gets a top edge straight up in the air. Aiden Markram settles under the ball from mid on and grabs the catch to send back Rachin Ravindra.

T Natarajan to Ruturaj Gaikwad, FOUR! Ruturaj Gaikwad picks up another boundary of the over! T Natarajan bangs on the length outside the off stump line and Ruturaj Gaikwad drives the ball nicely to the right of point and gets the second boundary of the over.

T Natarajan to Rachin Ravindra, CHANCE MISSED! Rachin Ravindra gets a life as Pat Cummins is not able to get a direct hit on the bowler's end. T Natarajan pitches the ball up on the leg stump line and Rachin Ravindra drives it hard and straight to Pat Cummins at mid on and runs a single. Pat Cummins picks it up at once and has a shy at the stumps but misses it with Rachin Ravindra no where in the frame.

T Natarajan to Rachin Ravindra, FOUR! Goes over mid-wicket this time, Rachin Ravindra! T Natarajan pitches it slightly up on the middle stump line and Rachin Ravindra slogs it over the head of mid-wicket and finds his second boundary of the innings.

T Natarajan to Ruturaj Gaikwad, Hits the length hard outside the lien of the off stump. Ruturaj Gaikwad drives the ball to sweeper covers for a single.

T Natarajan to Ruturaj Gaikwad, bangs in short, angling away from the right-hander from over the wicket. Ruturaj Gaikwad drops it down towards point.

T Natarajan to Ruturaj Gaikwad, Swings one into the pads of Ruturaj Gaikwad who flicks the ball to the left of deep square leg and the batters pick up a good couple.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Ruturaj Gaikwad, Holds the length back outside off and Ruturaj Gaikwad walks it and taps the ball to third man for a single.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Ruturaj Gaikwad, Late swing that beats the outside edge of Ruturaj Gaikwad from a good length outside the off stump. Ruturaj Gaikwad looking to offer a defence, gets beaten.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Ruturaj Gaikwad, Swings one into the right-hander on the middle stump line. Ruturaj Gaikwad flicks the ball to mid-wicket off the front foot.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Ruturaj Gaikwad, FOUR! First boundary for the Chennai skipper! Superb timing and placement on this occasion! Bhuvneshwar Kumar hits the length on the off stump line and Ruturaj Gaikwad walks in and opens the face of the bat taking the ball flying to the left of point and the ball runs away to the fence.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Rachin Ravindra, Another delivery from the good length on top of the off stump. Rachin Ravindra thumps it straight, to the left of mid off, and runs a quick single.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Rachin Ravindra, Hits the length hard on top of the leg stump line. Rachin Ravindra stays in the crease and flicks the ball to mid-wicket on the bounce.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar to operate from the other end.

Abhishek Sharma to Ruturaj Gaikwad, Floats one up on the leg stump line and Ruturaj Gaikwad moves away from the stumps and drives the ball back to the bowler to end the first over.

Abhishek Sharma to Rachin Ravindra, Pitches the ball up on the off stump this time. Rachin Ravindra taps it to long on for a single.

Abhishek Sharma to Rachin Ravindra, Holds the length back on the off stump line. Rachin Ravindra gets deep in the crease and cuts the ball straight to covers.

Abhishek Sharma to Rachin Ravindra, FOUR! The first boundary comes up! No one is present behind the square on the leg side boundary and Abhishek Sharma offers a freebie to Rachin Ravindra, fuller on the pads to be swept away along the ground for a boundary.

Abhishek Sharma to Ruturaj Gaikwad, Comes around the wicket for the right-hander and pitches the ball up on the middle stump line. Ruturaj Gaikwad takes out the front foot and flicks the ball to deep mid-wicket for a single to get off the mark.

Abhishek Sharma to Rachin Ravindra, Starts off short on the off stump line from over the wicket and Rachin Ravindra stays back, tucks the ball to deep mid-wicket for a single to open his account. First runs on the board.

All in readiness for the game to begin! The umpires make their way out to the middle followed by the opening pair of Chennai in the form of skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad and Rachin Ravindra. Hyderabad opt to start with some left-arm spin as Abhishek Sharma has been tossed the ball. Let's play…

Ruturaj Gaikwad, the captain of Chennai says that it has been a good start so far as a captain, says that it's nothing new for him to be a captain as far as the format is concerned but obviously is a big challenge to take up. He further says that Mustafizur Rahman and Matheesha Pathirana miss out this game and have 3 changes in the side for the game. He adds that not having these 2 premier fast bowlers is obviously a huge loss but the team management was prepared for this and they have a few youngsters who have been waiting to prove themselves at the bug stage for the past few years and are going to get a chance to do that.

Pat Cummins, the skipper of Hyderabad, says that they will bowl first and adds that it looks like a good wicket. Mentions that it took him a few games to wrap his head around the Impact Player and informs that Mayank Agarwal is out due to a niggle and Nitish Kumar Reddy comes in and also mentions that T Natarajan is back from injury. Ends by saying that more than 500 runs were scored here last time around, so, it should be a good game.

Impact Players for Hyderabad – Umran Malik, Washington Sundar, Travis Head, Glenn Phillips, Rahul Tripathi.

Sunrisers Hyderabad (Playing XI) – Nitish Kumar Reddy, Abhishek Sharma, Aiden Markram, Heinrich Klaasen (WK), Abdul Samad, Shahbaz Ahmed, Pat Cummins (C), Jaydev Unadkat, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Mayank Markande, T Natarajan.

Impact players for Chennai – Shardul Thakur, Shaik Rasheed, Mitchell Santner, Sameer Rizvi, Mukesh Choudhary.

Chennai Super Kings (Playing XI) – Ruturaj Gaikwad (C), Rachin Ravindra, Ajinkya Rahane, Moeen Ali, Daryl Mitchell, Shivam Dube, Ravindra Jadeja, MS Dhoni (WK), Deepak Chahar, Tushar Deshpande, Maheesh Theekshana.

TOSS – Pat Cummins, the skipper of Hyderabad wins the coin toss and elects to BOWL first.

In stark contrast, Hyderabad embarked on their campaign with a narrow defeat at the hands of Kolkata in a nail-biting encounter. Despite a valiant effort led by the destructive Heinrich Klaasen, the Orange Army fell agonizingly short by a mere four runs. However, they quickly bounced back with a sensational display of batting prowess in their subsequent match against Mumbai, scripting history by notching up the highest-ever team total in the annals of Indian T20 League history with a formidable 277-3 in their allotted 20 overs. Their resounding victory by 31 runs was a testament to their firepower. Yet, their momentum was halted in their recent clash against Gujarat, where they tasted defeat once again. As Hyderabad takes to the field today, the question looms large: Will they reclaim their winning ways or will Chennai extend their dominance? The stage is set, and anticipation is rife as these two formidable sides lock horns in a battle for supremacy. Stay tuned for the Toss and Team list updates.

The defending champions, Chennai, have been showcasing their championship pedigree with an impressive run of form in the tournament so far. Led by the dynamic Ruturaj Gaikwad, the Chennai outfit has exhibited their prowess by clinching victories in two out of their three matches. However, their recent encounter against Delhi saw them succumb to a 20-run defeat in Visakhapatnam. Despite the loss, the Chennai faithful were treated to a delightful spectacle as the legendary MS Dhoni graced the crease for the first time this season, unleashing his trademark brilliance with an unbeaten 37 off a mere 16 balls.

A very warm welcome to all cricket enthusiasts as we get ready for an electrifying clash between Hyderabad and Chennai at the iconic Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Uppal, Hyderabad. As the Indian T20 League 2024 unfolds its thrilling action, buckle up for a riveting encounter that promises to keep you at the edge of your seats. Ruturaj Gaikwad's Chennai will be hosted by Pat Cummins' Hyderabad.

… MATCH DAY …

Hyderabad are back at home and they will now face a stern test as they take on reigning champions Chennai in Match 18 of the 2024 Indian T20 League at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad. The last time Hyderabad played at home was against Mumbai and in that match, they scored a record-shattering 277 runs in what was one of the greatest batting performances one will ever see but they lost their way in the previous game against Gujarat playing away from home and were only able to put on 162 runs batting first. It was a match where all the top-order and middle-order batters got into double figures and most of them got into the 20s as well but not a single player could kick on which cost them dearly. They have some of the best aggressive batting talent in the competition but the lack of consistency and the ability to play according to a given game will be an issue that needs to be addressed as they did score 220 plus in two of the 3 matches but have only gone on to win one match. The bowling has been hit and miss with Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Pat Cummins being fairly consistent but they need more from their spinners and also need one more consistent domestic pacer. Just like they did with the bat, they have also conceded 200-plus runs in 2 out of the 3 matches and would want to pull things back. Chennai on the other hand suffered their first loss of the season while chasing 200 odd runs and it was the opening pair that faltered. Neither Ruturaj Gaikwad nor Rachin Ravindra looked comfortable against the new ball which was doing a bit and even the middle order didn't quite fire. It was MS Dhoni however who rolled back the years right at the death with a fiery and unbeaten knock of 37 runs from just 16 balls that lifted the crowd and saved Chennai from losing by a way bigger margin. Chennai won't be much bothered by that loss but would want to sharpen up with the new ball as Matheesha Pathirana was the only one who bowled brilliantly in the last game. A few wickets up top and Pathirana can be even more dangerous. Chennai have a fairly settled side and they will look to bounce right back against a team that they do like to beat quite a lot with 14 wins to their name in 19 games. Which side will get back to winning ways? We shall find out.