IPL 2024 Match 41, SRH VS RCB: Live Ball by Ball Commentary

We are back for Hyderabad's reply! The two Umpires walk out to the middle. Bengaluru players spread out to the field after having a last-minute huddle talk near the ropes. Hyderabad has subbed out T Natarajan and brought in Travis Head who will open the innings with his southpaw partner Abhishek Sharma. Bengaluru, too is starting off with spin as Will Jacks has the new ball. Let's play…

… THE RUN CHASE …

Right then, Bengaluru has posted a total of 206 on the board, and as this track is an absolute belter, Hyderabad, with that extremely explosive batting order will aim to maintain their reputation of starting on aggressively. Bengaluru will try to overcome their bowling woes and target to get quick wickets inside the Powerplay. The run-chase is up next. Stay tuned…

Rajat Patidar says that the wicket is two-paced and the cutters from the pacers were hard to hit. Adds that he was not thinking of his personal milestone but of getting as many runs as possible. Mentions that he started well in that over against Markande and wanted to maximize it. Ends by saying that their bowlers should be mixing up their pace to try and defend this target.

Hyderabad's bowlers found themselves on the back foot right from the start, with the pitch clearly being a paradise for the batters. Trying to counter the onslaught, Hyderabad opted for a spin early on, but the decision backfired as the second over leaked 19 runs. In an attempt to shake up the Bengaluru lineup, Hyderabad rotated through five different bowlers within the Powerplay. Despite the onslaught, T Natarajan managed to provide a much-needed breakthrough, alleviating some pressure. The relief was further compounded when Mayank Markande removed Jacks, adding to Hyderabad's hopes of stemming the flow of runs. Jaydev Unadkat, striding in his 100th Indian T20 game, got the better of two well-set batters and brought Hyderabad right back into the contest. He used his slower cutters to perfection which deceived the batters. The spinners then gripped the ball and put brakes on the scoring rate to an extent. Unadkat eventually got his third wicket and Hyderabad pulled the momentum well towards their side. However, Pat Cummins bowled the penultimate over and conceded 15 runs off but he did strike a wicket of Dinesh Karthik. Hyderabad conceded 64 off the last five overs.

This brings us to the end of an engaging first innings and the 200-mark has been breached yet another time. Hyderabad although would not be too disappointed with themselves as they have managed to keep Bengaluru below 230 on a track that is indeed a safe haven for the batters. Bengaluru made a brave decision to bat first and the decision seemed to pay off immediately as Virat Kohli and Faf du Plessis got off the blocks and set the stage on fire from the very first over. Kohli, displaying his typical aggressive flair, treated fans to some delightful and graceful strokes and drives Although Faf du Plessis departed early while trying to maintain the momentum, Bengaluru still managed to pile on 61 runs within the Powerplay, with just one wicket down. Bengaluru's momentum was broken with the departure of Will Jacks in a quick interval. However, Rajat Patidar didn't let the pressure creep in and counterattacked which allowed Virat Kohli to anchor the innings. Patidar set the field ablaze with a rapid-fire half-century off only 20 balls, smashing five towering sixes before his departure. Meanwhile, Kohli, while reaching his own fifty, encountered a phase where boundaries were hard to come by. They had to rely on singles as the opposition bowlers tightened their grip, making scoring opportunities scarce. Kohli eventually departed as he was itching to get off his shell. Mahipal Lomror threw his wicket away in an attempt to find the fence as well. Cameron Green then struck a few crucial boundaries in the penultimate over and fetched 15 off it. Dinesh Karthik didn't do much damage but it was the impact sub Swapnil Singh who got Bengaluru through 200 with his crucial cameo in the last over.

T Natarajan to Swapnil Singh, OUT! TAKEN! No, he can't! T Natarajan ends with a wicket. He bowls a low full toss, on off, Swapnil Singh tries to go for the big slog but gets it from the toe-end of the bat, the ball flies in the air towards long off where Abhishek Sharma settles under it and takes a good catch. Bengaluru finishes on 206/7!

T Natarajan to Cameron Green, Overpitched and around off, Cameron Green drills it towards long off for one. Can Swapnil Singh finish with a big one here?

T Natarajan to Swapnil Singh, T Natarajan follows the batter well here and serves his full, outside off, Swapnil Singh moves a long way across but mistimes his scoop wide of short fine leg. They cross.

T Natarajan to Swapnil Singh, Good comeback from T Natarajan! He bowls a good slower bouncer, on middle, Swapnil Singh gets deceived by the lack of pace and misses on his pull shot. However, Swapnil Singh has taken a review for a wide call. The replay shows that even though the batter is in the air that is a legal delivery.

T Natarajan to Swapnil Singh, FOUR! A bit streaky but Bengaluru won't mind that! This is full and outside off, Swapnil Singh throws his bat at it and slices it over short third man for a boundary now.

T Natarajan to Swapnil Singh, SIX! Oh..wow! That is some shot from the Impact Player! T Natarajan serves a full toss, on middle, Swapnil Singh stays deep in his crease and whacks it over the deep mid-wicket fence for a biggie. 200 up for Bengaluru now!

It will be T Natarajan (3-0-27-1) to bowl the last over of the first innings.

Pat Cummins to Swapnil Singh, Back of a length and on middle, Swapnil Singh pulls it through square leg for one. 15 runs and the wicket of Dinesh Karthik from that over. Can Bengaluru get to 210 here?

Swapnil Singh, has been brought in as the Impact Sub for Bengaluru in place of Rajat Patidar. Can he strike a few lusty blows out of the park to get Bengaluru above 200? Let's find out…

Pat Cummins to Dinesh Karthik, OUT! TAKEN! Pat Cummins gets a wicket now! He goes hard into the pitch again, on middle, gives no pace on it, Dinesh Karthik tries to pull it away but fails to get any sort of power on that and mistimes it in the air towards deep square leg, Nitish Kumar Reddy picks it up a bit late but runs forward and pouches it safely in the end. DK has to go back now!

Pat Cummins to Dinesh Karthik, A slower bouncer, on middle, but a bit too high, Dinesh Karthik ducks under it. it is called a wide.

Pat Cummins to Dinesh Karthik, FOUR! DK's turn now! This is pitched up again and on off, Dinesh Karthik steps across and muscles it past mid on for four more runs. Cummins went for the double-bluff but that did not work.

Pat Cummins to Cameron Green, Goes fuller and on off, Cameron Green lifts it wide of long off for a single.

Pat Cummins to Cameron Green, FOUR! TWO IN TWO! This one is banged into the pitch, on off, slower as well, Cameron Green makes a bit of room or himself and smashes it over extra covers for another boundary.

Pat Cummins to Cameron Green, FOUR! Cameron Green is winning the battle against his national team skipper here. Pat Cummins just misses the yorker and bowls a low full toss, on middle, Cameron Green backs away and drills it past the bowler for a boundary.

Pat Cummins (3-0-40-0) to bowl the penultimate over.

T Natarajan to Dinesh Karthik, FOUR! Up and over! T Natarajan lands this back of a length and around off, takes pacr off, Dinesh Karthik uses his feet well and slaps it over extra covers for a much-needed boundary.

T Natarajan to Dinesh Karthik, Goes full again, on middle, angling in, Dinesh Karthik flicks it wide of deep square leg for a brace.

T Natarajan to Cameron Green, Pitches it up, on middle, Cameron Green lofts it wide of long on for a run.

T Natarajan to Cameron Green, Goes for the wide yorker but this one is well wide, Cameron Green lets it go. Wided.

T Natarajan to Cameron Green, Short of length and outside off, slower too, Cameron Green slaps it wide of deep point, Nitish Kumar Reddy shows great pace to cover the ground to his right and keeps it down to just two runs.

T Natarajan to Dinesh Karthik, In the blockhole, on leg, Dinesh Karthik looks to whip it away but misses as the ball goes off his pads through backward square leg, A leg bye is taken.

T Natarajan to Cameron Green, A low full toss, on middle, Cameron Green clips it towards deep mid-wicket for a single.

T Natarajan (2-0-16-1) is back into the attack. He replaces Pat Cummins.

Jaydev Unadkat to Cameron Green, Pitched up, on off, Cameron Green drills it towards long off for one.

Jaydev Unadkat to Cameron Green, FOUR! Cameron Green looks in good touch here! Jaydev Unadkat takes pace off and lands this short, on off, Cameron Green uses his height well to get on top of it and pulls it towards the deep square leg fence for a boundary.

Jaydev Unadkat to Dinesh Karthik, Fuller and on off, Dinesh Karthik taps it to the off side for a quick single.

Jaydev Unadkat to Mahipal Lomror, OUT! TAKEN! Jaydev Unadkat has three in his 100th match of this league! He brings out the slower one again, and rolls his fingers on the ball, full and on off, Mahipal Lomror goes down and tries to slog-sweep it but fails to generate the power, and the ball goes miles in the air towards deep mid-wicket, Pat Cummins initially overruns the ball but adjusts brilliantly to reverse cup it over his head tumbling backward. Bengaluru lose half their side now!

Dinesh Karthik walks in at number 7. Will he be able to provide a stronger finish for his team? Let's find out…

Jaydev Unadkat to Mahipal Lomror, Goes fuller but a bit too outside off, Mahipal Lomror leaves it alone. Wided.

Jaydev Unadkat to Cameron Green, Back of a length and on middle, Cameron Green swats it towards long on for a single.

Jaydev Unadkat to Cameron Green, On a length and on middle, slower too, Cameron Green pushes it through covers and comes back for the second run quite comfortably using his long strides.

Pat Cummins to Mahipal Lomror, FOUR! Good over for Bengaluru! Pat Cummins bangs this one short and outside off, slower too, Mahipal Lomror waits for it, hops up, and ramps it over short third man for the third boundary of the over. 15 runs coming off it!

Pat Cummins to Cameron Green, Overpitched and on middle, Cameron Green drills it towards long on for one.

Pat Cummins to Cameron Green, FOUR! Another one! Pat Cummins hits the hard length this time, on middle, Cameron Green picks up the length early and thumps it wide of deep square leg for four more runs.

Pat Cummins to Mahipal Lomror, A low full toss, angling into the batter sharply, Mahipal Lomror only manages to tuck it to mid-wicket for a run.

Pat Cummins to Cameron Green, Goes fuller and on off, Cameron Green drives it towards long off for a single.

Pat Cummins to Cameron Green, FOUR! Gets it through! Pat Cummins lands this back of a length and on middle, Cameron Green stands tall and heaves it away towards the deep mid-wicket fence for a boundary. Finally, a boundary after more than four overs.

Jaydev Unadkat to Mahipal Lomror, Over the wicket, full and outside off, Mahipal Lomror hits it straight down the ground for a brace at long on.

Mahipal Lomror comes out to the middle now.

Jaydev Unadkat to Virat Kohli, OUT! TAKEN! Virat Kohli departs and certainly, the pressure was speaking and he had to get out of his shell. Deceives the right-hander by rolling the fingers on the leather, and lands it around the off-stump line on a hard length, Virat Kohli stays tall, fetches the ball from over his head, and pulls it with no real timing and finds Abdul Samad at deep square leg who takes a comfortable catch. Quite an unconventional inning from Kohli as he was itching to get the pressure off from him.

Jaydev Unadkat to Cameron Green, Slower outside off, on a length, Cameron Green stands on the bounce and pulls it along the carpet for a single at deep mid-wicket.

Jaydev Unadkat to Cameron Green, WIDE! Way down the leg side on a fuller length, Cameron Green doesn't flick it and the Umpire signals for a Wide.

Jaydev Unadkat to Virat Kohli, Angles it on the pads on a fuller length, Virat Kohli misses to flick and the ball rolls to the off side after brushing off his back thigh pad. A leg bye taken.

Jaydev Unadkat to Virat Kohli, Play and a miss! Just in the corridor of the off stump, on a length, Virat Kohli swipes across to pull but misses to connect.

Jaydev Unadkat to Cameron Green, Around the wicket, on the top of off on a length, Cameron Green stands tall and drives it down the ground for a single to the right of mid off.

Strategic-Break! After that huge over from Mayank Markande, Hyderabad have managed to pull things back with three overs without conceding a boundary. Pat Cummins will hope that he and his bowlers can continue this and restrict their opponents under 200. Bengaluru have set Virat Kohli out there but he is struggling to find the boundaries. However, now it is time for him to take few more risks as they have good depth in their batting. An exciting phase of cricket awaits us.

Shahbaz Ahmed to Virat Kohli, Around off, fired in on the off stump at 101 clicks, Virat Kohli looks to cut but inside edges it back to the keeper.

Shahbaz Ahmed to Cameron Green, Length ball, around the middle and leg, Cameron Green forces it to long on for a single.

Shahbaz Ahmed to Virat Kohli, Short, wide of off, Virat Kohli uppishly hits it toward long off for a single.

Shahbaz Ahmed to Virat Kohli, BEATEN! Flighted ball, wide of off, Virat Kohli goes for sweep but misses and Heinrich Klaasen flashes off the bails but Kohli is well inside the crease.

Shahbaz Ahmed to Cameron Green, On a dragged length, around off, Cameron Green pushes it to deep point for one.

Shahbaz Ahmed to Virat Kohli, Another Fifty for Virat Kohli and his fourth in succession. His 53rd half-century in the Indian T20 League. Good length, around off, Virat Kohli punches it to the long off region for a single.

Jaydev Unadkat to Virat Kohli, Back of a length, angling into the batter on middle, Virat Kohli nudges it with soft hands toward deep mid-wicket for one. He moves onto 49.

Jaydev Unadkat to Cameron Green, Full in length, angling in on middle, Cameron Green drives it to long on for a single.

Cameron Green is the next man in.

Jaydev Unadkat to Rajat Patidar, OUT! TAKEN! A crucial wicket for Hyderabad and it's the dangerous man Rajat Patidar who walks back to the sheds right after notching a blistering half-century. A low full toss on offer, right on the pads, there to be punished. Rajat Patidar doesn't quite get the timing well and picks it up late, off the bottom half of the bat and it turns in his hands as well. He also plays the ball a bit close to the body which takes away the room and the ball sails over the in-field and carries straight into the hands of Abdul Samad stationed at deep mid-wicket.

Jaydev Unadkat to Virat Kohli, Back of a length, slower in pace, angling in on the middle, Virat Kohli steps out and punches it toward long off for a single.

Jaydev Unadkat to Rajat Patidar, On a hard length, around off, Rajat Patidar tucks it off the back foot to the leg side for a single. A sensational Fifty from Rajat Patidar in just 19 deliveries. He has taken off the pressure from Virat Kohli and has accelerated the scoring rate as well. Consecutive half-centuries from Patidar.

Jaydev Unadkat to Virat Kohli, Around the wicket, on off, angling in on a length, Virat Kohli flicks it with soft hands and right on calls for the double as the ball rolls towards deep mid-wicket. He scampers back for the double and reaches well in time.

Jaydev Unadkat replaces Mayank Markande.

Pat Cummins to Virat Kohli, What an excellent over from the skipper Pat Cummins against the pace of play! Slower short-pitched delivery outside off, Virat Kohli uppishly pulls it toward deep square leg for another single. Just six singles from this over.

Pat Cummins to Rajat Patidar, Attacks the off stump, full in length, Rajat Patidar flicks it off the inner half of the blade toward long on for a single.

Pat Cummins to Virat Kohli, Takes the pace off from the ball, lands it short and away from off, Virat Kohli drags the pull shot aerially over mid-wicket. It lands ahead of deep mid-wicket on a single bounce. One taken.

Pat Cummins to Rajat Patidar, A full toss on the middle, Rajat Patidar flicks it along the ground toward long on for a single. Good over so far.

Pat Cummins to Virat Kohli, Hits the deck hard, outside off, Virat Kohli drives it on the up towards long off for a single.

Pat Cummins to Rajat Patidar, Lands it outside off, on a length, Rajat Patidar stands on the bounce and cuts it neatly through covers for a single.

Mayank Markande to Rajat Patidar, On the stumps, on a length, Rajat Patidar works it towards deep mid-wicket for an easy single to end the over. A very, very expensive over from Mayank Markande. 27 runs off it.

Mayank Markande to Rajat Patidar, SIX! Absolutely smacked! Wide of off, full in length, Rajat Patidar reaches and fetches the ball and hoists it over covers for the fourth consecutive maximum. Also, the 50-run partnership comes up in no time between these two and Mayank Markande has been taken to the cleaners.

Mayank Markande to Rajat Patidar, SIX! Make that three in a row! A wrong'un on offer, turning back from the middle, Rajat Patidar reads the ball well and rocks back before pulling it over deep mid-wicket for another biggie. He's on fire.

Mayank Markande to Rajat Patidar, SIX! Sails over again! Tossed up on the stumps, full and on middle, Rajat Patidar spanks the ball straight down the ground for another maximum.

Mayank Markande to Rajat Patidar, SIX! What a superb shot! Right into the slot on off, Rajat Patidar clears his front foot, creates some room and deposits it behind long off for a maximum. 100 up for Bengaluru.

Mayank Markande to Rajat Patidar, WIDE! Way outside off, Rajat Patidar leaves. Wide given.

Mayank Markande to Virat Kohli, Flighted-delivery, on off, and full, Virat Kohli strides ahead and drives it past mid off for a single.

Jaydev Unadkat to Virat Kohli, Touch fuller, on middle, Virat Kohli tucks it through mid-wicket for one.

Jaydev Unadkat to Virat Kohli, Slower once again, back of a length and around off, Virat Kohli punches it nicely wide of long off for a couple of runs.

Jaydev Unadkat to Rajat Patidar, On a length and on off, Rajat Patidar tries to work it away but gets an outside edge on the bounce to short third man. They cross.

Jaydev Unadkat to Rajat Patidar, FOUR! Fine shot! Jaydev Unadkat goes pace off again, short and around off, Rajat Patidar waits for it for this time and swats it away towards the deep mid-wicket fence for a boundary.

Jaydev Unadkat to Virat Kohli, Back of a length and on off, Virat Kohli dabs it to short third man for a run.

Jaydev Unadkat to Rajat Patidar, Jaydev Unadkat begins with a slower delivery, short of a length, on middle, Rajat Patidar pulls it towards deep square leg for a single.

Strategic Break! Time for a quick breather here. Bengaluru, after opting to bat first got off to a blistering start, and much-needed so, considering the favourable conditions for the batters. Virat Kohli treated the crowd with some graceful strokes and he stands unbeaten but Bengaluru did lose a couple of quick wickets as well. Rajat Patidar counterattacked with a couple of sixes to keep the scoring rate above tens. Hyderabad has already used six bowlers before the halfway and would be aiming to get Virat Kohli out as quickly as possible to stem the flow of runs. Let's see how the mid-over phase pans out for both teams. A change in bowling as Jaydev Unadkat comes into the attack.

Mayank Markande to Rajat Patidar, Quicker one, full and on off, turns away a bit, Rajat Patidar gets hurried but manages to knock it past extra covers for one more.

Mayank Markande to Virat Kohli, Flighted, full and on off, Virat Kohli goes down and swipes it towards deep square leg for one.

Mayank Markande to Rajat Patidar, Flatter, full and on leg, Rajat Patidar works it through mid-wicket for another run.

Mayank Markande to Virat Kohli, Floated, full and on middle, Virat Kohli clips it through square leg for a run.

Mayank Markande to Rajat Patidar, Goes short and on off, Rajat Patidar pulls it towards long on for a single.

Mayank Markande to Rajat Patidar, SIX! BOOM! Rajat Patidar is in the mood! Mayank Markande tosses it up, full and on middle, in the slot, Rajat Patidar clears his front leg and smokes it over the long on fence for a biggie.

Shahbaz Ahmed to Virat Kohli, Flighted, full and on middle, angling in, Virat Kohli looks to work it away but misses and gets hit on the pads. A slight appeal for LBW, but turned down!

Shahbaz Ahmed to Rajat Patidar, Pushed through quicker, fullish and on middle, Rajat Patidar swipes it on the bounce to deep mid-wicket for one.

Shahbaz Ahmed to Rajat Patidar, FOUR! Good shot! This is floated, full and on middle, Rajat Patidar stays in his crease firmly and smacks it over the bowler's head for a boundary.

Shahbaz Ahmed to Virat Kohli, Quicker, short and on off, Virat Kohli punches it towards short covers where a fumble allows another run.

Shahbaz Ahmed to Rajat Patidar, Tossed up, full and on middle, Rajat Patidar eases it towards long off for a single and gets off the mark.

Shahbaz Ahmed to Virat Kohli, Flatter, short and on middle, Virat Kohli forces it towards long on for a single.

Rajat Patidar walks in at number 4.

Mayank Markande to Will Jacks, OUT! BOWLED'EM! Mayank Markande strikes now! Great bit of bowling from him and he gets rid of the dangerous Will Jacks. He slows this one down a lot, full and on middle, Will Jacks goes down and tries to slog-sweep but the ball never reaches and he plays it way too early, the ball goes through and rattles the stumps. Jacks goes back without much impact as Bengaluru loses their second wicket now! A brave piece of bowling from Mayank Markande there.

Mayank Markande to Virat Kohli, Another short delivery, on off, Virat Kohli punches it towards long off for one.

Mayank Markande to Will Jacks, Short again, on off, Will Jacks works it through mid-wicket for another run.

Mayank Markande to Virat Kohli, Goes short and on off, Virat Kohli stays back and clips it through square leg for a run.

Mayank Markande to Virat Kohli, Tossed up, full and on off, Virat Kohli knocks it back to the bowler.

Mayank Markande to Will Jacks, Mayank Markande starts with a floated delivery, full and on off, Will Jacks goes for the slog but ends up clubbing it down to long on for a single.

Mayank Markande replaces Shahbaz Ahmed.

T Natarajan to Will Jacks, Risky single! T Natarajan takes pace off again, back of a length and on off, Will Jacks pats it down in front of mid on and sets off for the run, the fielder picks up and has a shy at the bowler's end but misses. it would been really close if that was a direct hit. Bengaluru are 61/1 at the end of the Powerplay!

T Natarajan to Virat Kohli, Pitched up, on middle, Virat Kohli drills it towards long on for one.

T Natarajan to Virat Kohli, Slower one, short of a length and outside off, Virat Kohli stabs it down to short covers.

T Natarajan to Virat Kohli, SIX! STAND AND DELIVER! T Natarajan serves this one full and on middle, in the slot as well, Virat Kohli takes a stride forward, presents the full face of the bat and lofts it stylishly over the long on fence for a biggie.

T Natarajan to Will Jacks, Touch fuller and on off, Will Jacks backs away but mistimes his drive towards mid off for a run.

T Natarajan to Virat Kohli, On a length and around leg, Virat Kohli nudges it towards short fine leg for a quick single.

Shahbaz Ahmed to Will Jacks, Full, on the middle and off channel, Will Jacks gets ahead but stays leg side of the ball and gets down on a knee but inside edges the heave to short fine. Just a couple of runs from this over.

Shahbaz Ahmed to Virat Kohli, On a length, around off, Virat Kohli rocks back and cuts through covers for a single.

Shahbaz Ahmed to Virat Kohli, Bit of turn for Shahbaz as he bowls it into the wicket and attacks the stumps, Virat Kohli plays a defensive push to the bowler.

Shahbaz Ahmed to Virat Kohli, Drags the length, on middle, Virat Kohli rocks back and cuts it straight to point.

Shahbaz Ahmed to Will Jacks, Flighted ball on the middle and leg, fuller in length, Will Jacks swipes it across towards deep mid-wicket for a single.

Shahbaz Ahmed to Will Jacks, Around the wicket, full at the stumps, Virat Kohli gets on the front foot and drives it straight back to the bowler.

T Natarajan to Will Jacks, Aims a yorker on off, at 135 clicks, Will Jacks squeezes it to deep point for a single to end the over. A successful one for the home side.

Will Jacks walks out to bat number 3.

T Natarajan to Faf du Plessis, OUT! TAKEN! The captain falls and Hyderabad players are relieved! Bangs the deck hard at 135 clicks, short and angling across off, Faf du Plessis clears his front leg and tries to throw his hands at it but he plays it too far from the body and loses his shape in the process to get it over the circle. Ends up hitting up in the air from the bottom half of the willow, and hits straight to Aiden Markram stationed at mid off who takes a comfortable catch. Bengaluru lose their first wicket and the man in-form T Natarajan strikes for Hyderabad.

T Natarajan to Faf du Plessis, Slower bumper outside off, Faf du Plessis waits and hits it straight to covers.

T Natarajan to Faf du Plessis, A rare dot delivery! Fuller in length, on the middle, Faf du Plessis clears his front leg and smashes it straight to mid off. THe ball deflects from the bowler's boot before reaching the mid off fielder.

T Natarajan to Virat Kohli, Slows the pace on the middle and leg, on a length, Virat Kohli waits and taps it with soft hands in front of point for a quick single.

T Natarajan to Virat Kohli, FOUR! Eye-pleasing! Angles into the batter from middle, Virat Kohli flicks it to perfection and gets it through widish mid on for a boundary.

Pat Cummins to Faf du Plessis, Back of a length on the batter's body, nipping in with the angle, Faf du Plessis again swivels to pulls along the ground towards deep square leg where T Natarajan again chases the ball sprinting from deep fine and restricts it to a couple of runs only. However, another expensive over as they manage to fetch 19 runs from it.

Pat Cummins to Faf du Plessis, Short, nipping into the batter from off, Faf du Plessis pulls it toward deep square leg for a brace. T Natarajan sprints to his left and cuts the ball with his boot, and it rolls away from him. A good recovery as he saves a couple of runs.

Pat Cummins to Faf du Plessis, SIX! Cheeky and effective as well! Keeps attacking the woods on a fuller length, Faf du Plessis pre-meditates and uses the pace of the ball before scooping it over fine leg for a maximum.

Pat Cummins to Virat Kohli, Attacks the stumps on a fuller length, Virat Kohli flicks it through mid-wicket for a single.

Pat Cummins to Virat Kohli, FOUR! Goodness gracious! On a hard length again, around off, Virat Kohli plays it inside out over the extra cover for a boundary. What a sheer timer of the cricket ball this man is!

Pat Cummins to Virat Kohli, FOUR! Hat-trick of boundaries for Bengaluru! Just look at those magnificent wrists coming to play! Bangs the deck on the middle and leg stump line, Virat Kohli comes forward and uppishly flicks it over mid-wicket for a boundary.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Faf du Plessis, FOUR! Another one and this is neatly timed! Just a bit of width on off and on a hard length, Faf du Plessis gets a step ahead and punches it cleanly through covers for a boundary. An expensive start for Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Bengaluru are up and running.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Faf du Plessis, FOUR! Keeps it on the off stump line, and on a fuller length, Faf du Plessis picks it up with the wrists and lofts it over mid-wicket for a boundary.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Virat Kohli, On a length, around off, Virat Kohli walks down a couple of steps and drives it on the up through covers for a single.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Virat Kohli, On a nagging length with a bit of a shape on off, Virat Kohli inside edges to the pads and the ball rolls to the left of Bhuvneshwar Kumar.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Faf du Plessis, Back of a length, angling in around off, Faf du Plessis punches it to mid off for a quick single. A shy at the striker's end.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Faf du Plessis, FOUR! Nice shot! Over the wicket at a gentle pace, around off and short in length, Faf du Plessis stands tall and punches it sweetly through covers. Nitish Kumar Reddy chases the ball but it has got enough steam to breach the fence.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar to share the attack.

Abhishek Sharma to Virat Kohli, Excellent running from Virat and Faf! Lands it on the stump line on a fuller length, Virat Kohli works it towards deep mid-wicket with soft hands and scampers back for the double. 10 from the first over.

Abhishek Sharma to Faf du Plessis, On a fuller length, around off, Faf du Plessis drives it straight down the ground for a single. Abhishek Sharma gets his hand to it but fumbles and parries the ball to the deep.

Abhishek Sharma to Virat Kohli, Short in length, at the off stump, Virat Kohli pulls it off the back foot toward deep mid-wicket for a single.

Abhishek Sharma to Faf du Plessis, Full, in front of the stumps, Faf du Plessis leans onto the ball and drives it toward widish long off for a quick double.

Abhishek Sharma to Virat Kohli, Full in length, at the middle stump, Virat Kohli presents the full face of the bat and gracefully drives it with the spin to long on for a single.

Abhishek Sharma to Virat Kohli, FOUR! A pleasing start for Virat Kohli and Bengaluru! Sprays it on the pads on a shade fuller length and it tails it in a bit as well, Virat Kohli quickly rocks back and tucks it through square leg for a boundary.

We are all set to begin! The two umpires walk out to the middle followed by the Hyderabad players who spread out to take their respective field positions. Virat Kohli and Faf du Plessis are the two openers for Bengaluru. We will see some spin straightaway as Abhishek Sharma has the new ball in his hand. Let's play…

Pat Cummins, the captain of Hyderabad says it's been pretty awesome and it's good to see the orange flags at home after a few away games. Says that social media has gone crazy and it feels great. Adds they will go with the same intent and will make required adjustments in the bowling. Informs Jaydev Unadkat comes in for Washington Sundar.

Faf du Plessis, the skipper of Bengaluru says that they will bat first. Adds that they feel the support everywhere they go in the country. Tells that Hyderabad are playing some very good cricket and they will try to put the scoreboard pressure on them by putting up a score. Mentions that it is about enjoying your time out there and executing the plans. Informs they are unchanged.

Impact subs nominated by Hyderabad – Umran Malik, Anmolpreet Singh, Washington Sundar, Glenn Phillips, Travis Head.

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

Impact subs nominated by Bengaluru – Suyash Prabhudessai, Anuj Rawat, Himanshu Sharma, Vijaykumar Vyshak, Swapnil Singh.

Bengaluru (Unchanged Playing XI) – Faf du Plessis (C), Virat Kohli, Will Jacks, Rajat Patidar, Cameron Green, Dinesh Karthik (WK), Mahipal Lomror, Lockie Ferguson, Karn Sharma, Mohammed Siraj, Yash Dayal.

Toss Update – The coin flip lands in favor of Bengaluru and Faf du Plessis elects to BAT first.

PITCH REPORT – Samuel Badree and Simon Katich are at the pitchside. Samuel Badree begins by saying that pitch number 2 is being used for this clash, the same surface that was used against Mumbai where 277 was scored. Also informs about the dimensions saying it's 63 meters and 66 meters on the squares with 76 meters down the ground. Katich joins him and reckons that 300 is quite a possibility as Hyderabad is going all guns blazing. States that the pitch is rock-hard and has a little bit of roughness around it as well and ends up saying the ball will come nicely on the bat.

As for Bengaluru, mathematically, they've already been counted out of the tournament as they just have a solitary win to their name. At this point, their focus will simply be on winning the remaining games. It's clear that Bengaluru hasn't quite found their rhythm in the competition, and this is evident in their disappointing performances, particularly with the ball. Their bowlers have been on the receiving end of some serious punishment, getting hit all over the park. The team is struggling to find the right combination and hasn't been able to hit their stride. Despite Bengaluru's struggles, Virat Kohli has done the most heavy lifting and tops the run charts in the tournament. Meanwhile, Dinesh Karthik seems to be operating in a league of his own in the middle order compared to his struggling teammates. However, the team's lack of support for these key players has resulted in falling short of targets, compounded by their ongoing bowling woes. Will Bengaluru finally turn things around and secure a win and take a revenge of their previous defeat? Or will Hyderabad continue to plunder their opposition? Stay tuned as the toss and team lineups are up next shortly.

When it comes to Hyderabad, it's like they're the stalwarts of the league. These blokes have already shattered unthinkable records that once seemed unbreakable. As they say, the victor writes the history, the same way they're rewriting history with every match. Travis Head and Abhishek Sharma have been nothing short of merciless against every bowler in the league. Their ability to quickly escalate the scoring rate leaves no room for respite. And it doesn't end there, the likes of Heinrich Klaasen, Aiden Markram, along with Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Shahbaz Ahmed down the order, only add to the onslaught. This team has made a habit of posting scores of 250+ on several occasions, showcasing their formidable batting depth and proving there’s no easy escape for any bowler against them. Although their bowlers need to step up and tighten the screws to stem the flow of runs. Hyderabad will be looking to make significant improvements in its bowling department before the knockout stages kick in.

Hello and a warm welcome to our live coverage of this high-octane clash in the Indian T20 League 2024! Match number 41 will see the reverse fixture between Hyderabad, known for their penchant for pulling off surprises and writing new records with every game, all set to face off against Bengaluru, who are fighting hard to climb out of the bottom of the table with only one win so far.

… MATCH DAY …

We are 40 matches into the 2024 Indian T20 League and 30 more group games remain with 10 teams still vying for those four playoff spots. There are a couple of teams that have pulled ahead and a couple or so are languishing down the table but most of the teams are in that dense mid-table just like Hyderabad who welcome an erratic Bengaluru side to the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad for Match 41 of the competition. Hyderabad have been a class apart for most of the season with the bat and have surpassed the 250-run mark three times already which seems absurd to just even hear about. That opening duo of Travis Head and Abhishek Sharma has been prolific for them and both southpaws have left no bowler get away and that barrage in the first 6 overs is what has set games up for the hosts so far. However, the middle order hasn't been at its best with Aiden Markram struggling a bit and although Heinrich Klaasen has played a couple of rine knocks, he too hasn't looked at his best. The likes of Abdul Samad, Nitish Kumar Reddy and Shahbaz Ahmed have played timely cameos that have helped the team in a big way but they do need to solidify that middle order. The bowling has been here and there and even with them scoring some big scores, they have found it difficult at times to keep the opposition in check. Skipper Pat Cummins and T Natarajan have been their best bowlers with Bhuvneshwar Kumar not quite amongst the wickets and that spin attack remains pretty weak with Washington Sundar not being able to utilize his opportunities. On the other hand, Bengaluru still have just one win all season and they have been on the wrong side of a few very close encounters, the latest one being that one-run defeat against Kolkata at Eden Gardens. Virat Kohli has led the scoring charts throughout the season but his impact hasn't been much and the middle order has been chopped and changed every single game. Dinesh Karthik has played some fiery cameos down the order but they haven't been able to dominate that middle phase. Moving onto their bowling, it has been nothing short of erratic as not a single bowler has been able to find consistency and even the likes of Mohammed Siraj and Lockie Ferguson have been hit away with ease. Yash Dayal has shown some form and Siraj bowled well in the last game but just like their opponents, their spin attack is also very shaky and Karn Sharma has contributed more with the bat in one game than he has with the ball all season. Bengaluru are desperate for a win but they did concede 287 runs against the same opponent last time around and it will be very difficult to go away from home and get this win. Hyderabad would want to find more consistency in their season with another win in order to really challenge for those top four spots. A battle that in all likeliness will be a high-scoring one but who wins? We shall find out.