Rajasthan locked horns with Dinesh Karthik-led side yesterday at Eden Gardens and lost by six wickets to be placed at number four in the IPL league table.

Upset with the loss, skipper Ajinkya Rahane slammed the batting line-up and said they failed to make it because of their batting.

"We lost because of our batting, even in the tournament we did not bat that well. Except Jos Buttler... his consistency was good to see. So many things the boys can learn from him. We thought 175-180 was a par score on this wicket," Rahane said.

Openers Rahul Tripathi and Jos Buttler gave Rajasthan a magnificent start but the downline failed to capitalise the start and succumbed to Kolkata's bowling attack.

"The thing is, start which we got with Rahul Tripathi and Jos Buttler that was magnificient... but I feel after that we did not get any partnership. It's not about any individual," Rahane said.&nbsp;

"We lost because we did not apply ourselves in the middle and we needed to get a partnership going, especially when you get a start like that you have to back yourself. (You need) to apply your mind even in T20 cricket," he added.

However, Rahane still believes his team can make it to the play-offs.

"We have to believe in ourselves. It's not about hoping but believing in your ability. Anything can happen in cricket, we all know that. It's a funny game. We have to learn from our mistake, we have just one league game left, if we can learn from this game and stay positive... we were too positive with our batting tonight but that's the way it goes."

Rahane was sent back to the pavilion after being clean-bowled by Kuldeep Yadav for just 11 runs.

Yadav bowled a fantastic spell and took four wickets to end Rajasthan's inning for mere 142 runs. 
&nbsp;

Upset with the loss, skipper Ajinkya Rahane slammed the batting line-up

Rajasthan locked horns with Dinesh Karthik-led side yesterday at Eden Gardens and lost by six wickets to be placed at number four in the IPL league table. Upset with the loss, skipper Ajinkya Rahane slammed the batting line-up and said they failed to make it because of their batting. "We lost because of our batting, even in the tournament we did not bat that well. Except Jos Buttler... his consistency was good to see. So many things the boys can learn from him. We thought 175-180 was a par score on this wicket," Rahane said. Openers Rahul Tripathi and Jos Buttler gave Rajasthan a magnificent start but the downline failed to capitalise the start and succumbed to Kolkata's bowling attack. "The thing is, start which we got with Rahul Tripathi and Jos Buttler that was magnificient... but I feel after that we did not get any partnership. It's not about any individual," Rahane said. "We lost because we did not apply ourselves in the middle and we needed to get a partnership going, especially when you get a start like that you have to back yourself. (You need) to apply your mind even in T20 cricket," he added. However, Rahane still believes his team can make it to the play-offs. "We have to believe in ourselves. It's not about hoping but believing in your ability. Anything can happen in cricket, we all know that. It's a funny game. We have to learn from our mistake, we have just one league game left, if we can learn from this game and stay positive... we were too positive with our batting tonight but that's the way it goes." Rahane was sent back to the pavilion after being clean-bowled by Kuldeep Yadav for just 11 runs. Yadav bowled a fantastic spell and took four wickets to end Rajasthan's inning for mere 142 runs.

IPL 2018: 'We lost because of our batting,' says Rajasthan skipper Rahane

With eight wins and four defeats, the two-time champions Chennai are second on the points tally and also became the second team to qualify for the play-offs.

Ahead of their clash against Delhi, skipper MS Dhoni along with other teammates celebrated Suresh Raina daughter Gracia's birthday, who turned two on Wednesday.&nbsp;

Dhoni, along with all-rounder Dwayne Bravo turned up to wish Raina's daughter.

The franchise also uploaded a video on their Twitter handle where Dhoni and Bravo were seen singing Happy Birthday for the little girl.&nbsp;

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Here is your midnight dose of cuteness to begin a super happy Wednesday! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WhistlePodu?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WhistlePodu</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GraciaTurns2?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GraciaTurns2</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/ImRaina?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ImRaina</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/_PriyankaCRaina?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@_PriyankaCRaina</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/msdhoni?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@msdhoni</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/DJBravo47?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DJBravo47</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/Geeta_Basra?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Geeta_Basra</a> ?? <a href="https://t.co/UbIRi7m0F6">pic.twitter.com/UbIRi7m0F6</a>
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Off-Spinner Harbhajan Singh and his wife were also in attendance.

Dhoni led the yellow brigade to two title wins - 2010 and 2012.&nbsp;

Dhoni is in tremendous form in the ongoing tournament.He has played 12 matches in the tournament so far and scored 413 runs at an average of 103.25. He has three half-centuries to his name.

On the other hand, Raina has scored 315 runs in 11 matches at an average of 35.00.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Dhoni, along with all-rounder Dwayne Bravo turned up to wish Raina's daughter.

With eight wins and four defeats, the two-time champions Chennai are second on the points tally and also became the second team to qualify for the play-offs. Ahead of their clash against Delhi, skipper MS Dhoni along with other teammates celebrated Suresh Raina daughter Gracia's birthday, who turned two on Wednesday. Dhoni, along with all-rounder Dwayne Bravo turned up to wish Raina's daughter. The franchise also uploaded a video on their Twitter handle where Dhoni and Bravo were seen singing Happy Birthday for the little girl. Here is your midnight dose of cuteness to begin a super happy Wednesday! #WhistlePodu #GraciaTurns2 @ImRaina @_PriyankaCRaina @msdhoni @DJBravo47 @Geeta_Basra ?? pic.twitter.com/UbIRi7m0F6 — Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) May 15, 2018 × Off-Spinner Harbhajan Singh and his wife were also in attendance. Dhoni led the yellow brigade to two title wins - 2010 and 2012. Dhoni is in tremendous form in the ongoing tournament.He has played 12 matches in the tournament so far and scored 413 runs at an average of 103.25. He has three half-centuries to his name. On the other hand, Raina has scored 315 runs in 11 matches at an average of 35.00.

Watch: Dhoni, Bravo celebrate Suresh Raina daughter's birthday

Kolkata defeated Rajasthan by six wickets to save their chances of making it to the play-offs in the ongoing Indian premier league (IPL).

Skipper Dinesh Karthik remained unbeaten on 41 as Kolkata moved to third place with 14 points in their kitty.

Chris Lynn and Sunil Narine opened for the franchise and gave them the required start.

Narine smashed 21 runs in just 7 balls which included two boundaries and two sixes.&nbsp

However, it is Ben Stokes who had put a full stop to his inning today.

Chris Lynn continued the attack and made 45 runs before being dismissed by Stokes.

It was then that Karthik played a skipper's knock and took his team to victory side. &nbsp

Earlier, Kuldeep Yadav bowled a fantastic spell and took four wickets to end Rajasthan's inning for mere 142 runs at Eden Gardens, Kolkata.

Put into bat, Rajasthan got a great start as openers Jos Buttler and Rahul Tripathi began attacking the Kolkata bowlers from the first ball.&nbsp

They together established a partnership of 63 runs before Rahul Tripathi lost his wicket to Russell after making 27 runs.&nbsp

In-form Buttler continued his attack but also lost his wicket soon to &nbspKuldeep Yadav after contributing 39 runs in just 22 balls.

His inning included five boundaries and two huge sixes.

However, it was the downline which failed to capitalise the start as skipper Ajinklya Rahane was clean bowled by Yadav on 11 runs.

Yadav struck again and dismissed Ben Stokes and Stuart Binny for 11 and 1 respectively.

Apart from Yadav, Andre Russell and Prasidh Krishna took two wickets each.&nbsp

Shivam Mavi and Sunil Narine managed to take one wicket apiece.

Kolkata skipper Dinesh Karthik won the toss and opted to field against Ajinkya Rahane-led side.&nbsp

Karthik believed that his team has performed well while chasing the targets in previous clashes, so taking advantage of the toss would benefit the Knights.

On the other hand, Anjinkya Rahane said that he is happy to bat first in the do-or-die match.

For Rajasthan, Ish Sodhi, Anureet Singh and Rahul Tripathi have included in the squad.

For Kolkata, Shuvam Mavi is fit and healthy but Piyush Chawla is out over some health issues. 
&nbsp

Skipper Dinesh Karthik remained unbeaten on 41 as Kolkata moved to third place with 14 points in their kitty

Kolkata defeated Rajasthan by six wickets to save their chances of making it to the play-offs in the ongoing Indian premier league (IPL). Skipper Dinesh Karthik remained unbeaten on 41 as Kolkata moved to third place with 14 points in their kitty. Chris Lynn and Sunil Narine opened for the franchise and gave them the required start. Narine smashed 21 runs in just 7 balls which included two boundaries and two sixes. However, it is Ben Stokes who had put a full stop to his inning today. Chris Lynn continued the attack and made 45 runs before being dismissed by Stokes. It was then that Karthik played a skipper's knock and took his team to victory side. Earlier, Kuldeep Yadav bowled a fantastic spell and took four wickets to end Rajasthan's inning for mere 142 runs at Eden Gardens, Kolkata. Put into bat, Rajasthan got a great start as openers Jos Buttler and Rahul Tripathi began attacking the Kolkata bowlers from the first ball. They together established a partnership of 63 runs before Rahul Tripathi lost his wicket to Russell after making 27 runs. In-form Buttler continued his attack but also lost his wicket soon to &nbspKuldeep Yadav after contributing 39 runs in just 22 balls. His inning included five boundaries and two huge sixes. However, it was the downline which failed to capitalise the start as skipper Ajinklya Rahane was clean bowled by Yadav on 11 runs. Yadav struck again and dismissed Ben Stokes and Stuart Binny for 11 and 1 respectively. Apart from Yadav, Andre Russell and Prasidh Krishna took two wickets each. Shivam Mavi and Sunil Narine managed to take one wicket apiece. Kolkata skipper Dinesh Karthik won the toss and opted to field against Ajinkya Rahane-led side. Karthik believed that his team has performed well while chasing the targets in previous clashes, so taking advantage of the toss would benefit the Knights. On the other hand, Anjinkya Rahane said that he is happy to bat first in the do-or-die match. For Rajasthan, Ish Sodhi, Anureet Singh and Rahul Tripathi have included in the squad. For Kolkata, Shuvam Mavi is fit and healthy but Piyush Chawla is out over some health issues.

IPL 2018: Kolkata cruise to six-wicket win against Rajasthan

Kuldeep Yadav bowled a fantastic spell and took four wickets to end Rajasthan's inning for mere 142 runs at Eden Gardens, Kolkata.

Put into bat, Rajasthan got a great start as openers Jos Buttler and Rahul Tripathi began attacking the Kolkata bowlers from the first ball.&nbsp;

They together established a partnership of 63 runs before Rahul Tripathi lost his wicket to Russell after making 27 runs.&nbsp;

In-form Buttler continued his attack but also lost his wicket soon to &nbsp;Kuldeep Yadav after contributing 39 runs in just 22 balls.

His inning included five boundaries and two huge sixes.

However, it was the downline which failed to capitalise the start as skipper Ajinklya Rahane was clean bowled by Yadav on 11 runs.

Yadav struck again and dismissed Ben Stokes and Stuart Binny for 11 and 1 respectively.

Apart from Yadav, Andre Russell and Prasidh Krishna took two wickets each.&nbsp;

Shivam Mavi and Sunil Narine managed to take one wicket apiece.

Kolkata skipper Dinesh Karthik won the toss and opted to field against Ajinkya Rahane-led side.&nbsp;

Karthik believed that his team has performed well while chasing the targets in previous clashes, so taking advantage of the toss would benefit the Knights.

On the other hand, Anjinkya Rahane said that he is happy to bat first in the do-or-die match.

For Rajasthan, Ish Sodhi, Anureet Singh and Rahul Tripathi have included in the squad.

For Kolkata, Shuvam Mavi is fit and healthy but Piyush Chawla is out over some health issues. 
&nbsp;

Rajasthan got a great start as openers Jos Buttler and Rahul Tripathi began attacking the Kolkata bowlers from the first ball.

Kuldeep Yadav bowled a fantastic spell and took four wickets to end Rajasthan's inning for mere 142 runs at Eden Gardens, Kolkata. Put into bat, Rajasthan got a great start as openers Jos Buttler and Rahul Tripathi began attacking the Kolkata bowlers from the first ball. They together established a partnership of 63 runs before Rahul Tripathi lost his wicket to Russell after making 27 runs. In-form Buttler continued his attack but also lost his wicket soon to Kuldeep Yadav after contributing 39 runs in just 22 balls. His inning included five boundaries and two huge sixes. However, it was the downline which failed to capitalise the start as skipper Ajinklya Rahane was clean bowled by Yadav on 11 runs. Yadav struck again and dismissed Ben Stokes and Stuart Binny for 11 and 1 respectively. Apart from Yadav, Andre Russell and Prasidh Krishna took two wickets each. Shivam Mavi and Sunil Narine managed to take one wicket apiece. Kolkata skipper Dinesh Karthik won the toss and opted to field against Ajinkya Rahane-led side. Karthik believed that his team has performed well while chasing the targets in previous clashes, so taking advantage of the toss would benefit the Knights. On the other hand, Anjinkya Rahane said that he is happy to bat first in the do-or-die match. For Rajasthan, Ish Sodhi, Anureet Singh and Rahul Tripathi have included in the squad. For Kolkata, Shuvam Mavi is fit and healthy but Piyush Chawla is out over some health issues.

IPL 2018: Kuldeep Yadav's four-wicket haul ends Rajasthan's inning for 142

Dinesh Karthik won the toss and opted to field at the Eden Gardens stadium on Tuesday.

Karthik believed that his team has performed well while chasing the targets in previous clashes, so taking advantage of the toss would benefit the Knights.

On the other hand, Anjinkya Rahane said that he is happy to bat first in the do-or-die match.

For Rajasthan, Ish Sodhi, Anureet Singh and Rahul Tripathi have included in the squad.

For Kolkata, Shuvam Mavi is fit and healthy but Piyush Chawla is out over some health issues.

Playing XI:

Rajasthan: Jos Buttler(w), Ajinkya Rahane(c), Sanju Samson, Ben Stokes, Rahul Tripathi, Stuart Binny, Jofra Archer, Krishnappa Gowtham, Jaydev Unadkat, Ish Sodhi, Anureet Singh

Kolkata: Chris Lynn, Sunil Narine, Robin Uthappa, Andre Russell, Dinesh Karthik(w/c), Nitish Rana, Shubman Gill, Javon Searles, Prasidh Krishna, Shivam Mavi, Kuldeep Yadav

For Rajasthan, Ish Sodhi, Anureet Singh and Rahul Tripathi have included in the squad

Dinesh Karthik won the toss and opted to field at the Eden Gardens stadium on Tuesday. Karthik believed that his team has performed well while chasing the targets in previous clashes, so taking advantage of the toss would benefit the Knights. On the other hand, Anjinkya Rahane said that he is happy to bat first in the do-or-die match. For Rajasthan, Ish Sodhi, Anureet Singh and Rahul Tripathi have included in the squad. For Kolkata, Shuvam Mavi is fit and healthy but Piyush Chawla is out over some health issues. Playing XI: Rajasthan: Jos Buttler(w), Ajinkya Rahane(c), Sanju Samson, Ben Stokes, Rahul Tripathi, Stuart Binny, Jofra Archer, Krishnappa Gowtham, Jaydev Unadkat, Ish Sodhi, Anureet Singh Kolkata: Chris Lynn, Sunil Narine, Robin Uthappa, Andre Russell, Dinesh Karthik(w/c), Nitish Rana, Shubman Gill, Javon Searles, Prasidh Krishna, Shivam Mavi, Kuldeep Yadav

IPL 2018: Dinesh Karthik opts to bowl against Rajasthan

Dinesh Karthik-led Kolkata will host Ajinkya Rahane-led Rajasthan at the Eden Gardens stadium on Tuesday.

Hyderabad and Chennai have already qualified for the play-offs and the fight is for the other two empty spots.

No doubt Kolkata won the previous match but the team lacks consistency especially the team's performance in previous few clashes.

The team is hugely dependent on the overseas trio of Sunil Narine, Chris Lynn and Andre Russell. Although, skipper Dinesh Karthik has bailed the team out in most of the crucial situations.

Robin Uthappa has been on and off, also Shubman Gill hasn't played a match-winning inning so far.

Eden Garden stadium is a batsmen paradise, hence, a high scoring match is expected between Kolkata and Rajasthan.

On the other hand, even Rajasthan have faced issues with middle batting order but the team has bounced back in the ongoing tournament and emerging as one of the top contenders to march past into the play-off.

All thanks to the star batsman Jos Buttler, Rajasthan have won the previous three matches and currently riding high on confidence.

The pitch will support the spinners and little bit showers are expected at the Eden Gardens stadium.

Playing XI (TBC):

Kolkata: Sunil Narine, Chris Lynn, Robin Uthappa, Nitish Rana, Dinesh Karthik (c & wk), Andre Russell, Shubman Gill, Tom Curran, Kuldeep Yadav, Shivam Mavi and Piyush Chawla, Prasidh Krishna.

Rajasthan: D'Arcy Short, Jos Buttler (wk), Ajinkya Rahane (c), Sanju Samson, Ben Stokes, Stuart Binny, Jofra Archer, Krishnappa Gowtham, Shreyas Gopal, Jaydev Unadkat, Dhawal Kulkarni.

Dinesh Karthik-led Kolkata will host Ajinkya Rahane-led Rajasthan at the Eden Gardens stadium

Dinesh Karthik-led Kolkata will host Ajinkya Rahane-led Rajasthan at the Eden Gardens stadium on Tuesday. Hyderabad and Chennai have already qualified for the play-offs and the fight is for the other two empty spots. No doubt Kolkata won the previous match but the team lacks consistency especially the team's performance in previous few clashes. The team is hugely dependent on the overseas trio of Sunil Narine, Chris Lynn and Andre Russell. Although, skipper Dinesh Karthik has bailed the team out in most of the crucial situations. Robin Uthappa has been on and off, also Shubman Gill hasn't played a match-winning inning so far. Eden Garden stadium is a batsmen paradise, hence, a high scoring match is expected between Kolkata and Rajasthan. On the other hand, even Rajasthan have faced issues with middle batting order but the team has bounced back in the ongoing tournament and emerging as one of the top contenders to march past into the play-off. All thanks to the star batsman Jos Buttler, Rajasthan have won the previous three matches and currently riding high on confidence. The pitch will support the spinners and little bit showers are expected at the Eden Gardens stadium. Playing XI (TBC): Kolkata: Sunil Narine, Chris Lynn, Robin Uthappa, Nitish Rana, Dinesh Karthik (c & wk), Andre Russell, Shubman Gill, Tom Curran, Kuldeep Yadav, Shivam Mavi and Piyush Chawla, Prasidh Krishna. Rajasthan: D'Arcy Short, Jos Buttler (wk), Ajinkya Rahane (c), Sanju Samson, Ben Stokes, Stuart Binny, Jofra Archer, Krishnappa Gowtham, Shreyas Gopal, Jaydev Unadkat, Dhawal Kulkarni.

IPL 2018: Match preview of Rajasthan and Kolkata

Chris Gayle was promised that he would be retained but that call from Bangalore never came. He waited but there was no communication after that assurance.

He went unsold twice in the January IPL auction, before being purchased by Preity Zinta-owned Punjab.

In the eleventh edition, the 'Universal Boss' blasted two half-centuries and a hundred after being picked him at base price.

However, the West Indian legend has struggled since that week-long break. Gayle would have hoped to make a mark against Bangalore, however, that did not happen when he was dismissed cheaply by Umesh Yadav.

His dismissal triggered a collapse and Punjab succumbed for mere 88, the lowest total in the ongoing IPL.

Bangalore skipper Virat Kohli and Parthiv Patel opened and blazed away to unbeaten 48 and 40 not respectively as Bangalore got home in 8.1 overs.

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As comprehensive a victory as it can get for the <a href="https://twitter.com/RCBTweets?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RCBTweets</a>.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KXIPvRCB?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KXIPvRCB</a> <a href="https://t.co/dyCLvftjlY">pic.twitter.com/dyCLvftjlY</a>
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With Bangalore celebrating their fifth win in this year's edition, there was one smiling face in the Punjab camp - Gayle.

The smile was followed by a scene which won hearts. Gayle and Kohli, old friends and former teammates, got together for their famous celebration and there was a loud roar from the crowd.

It brought back memories of the two partying and celebrating, when in Bangalore.

The two shook hands in their own style and later Gayle congratulated by hugging Kohli.

The gesture showed that Kohli is a friend forever, it also displayed Gayle is a friend for life and the bromance would forever remain intact.

Gayle and Kohli have huge respect for each other. And that was what won hearts at the end of a bitterly disappointing night for King XI Punjab.

&nbsp

Gayle was promised that he would be retained but that call from Bangalore never came

Chris Gayle was promised that he would be retained but that call from Bangalore never came. He waited but there was no communication after that assurance. He went unsold twice in the January IPL auction, before being purchased by Preity Zinta-owned Punjab. In the eleventh edition, the 'Universal Boss' blasted two half-centuries and a hundred after being picked him at base price. However, the West Indian legend has struggled since that week-long break. Gayle would have hoped to make a mark against Bangalore, however, that did not happen when he was dismissed cheaply by Umesh Yadav. His dismissal triggered a collapse and Punjab succumbed for mere 88, the lowest total in the ongoing IPL. Bangalore skipper Virat Kohli and Parthiv Patel opened and blazed away to unbeaten 48 and 40 not respectively as Bangalore got home in 8.1 overs. As comprehensive a victory as it can get for the @RCBTweets.#KXIPvRCB pic.twitter.com/dyCLvftjlY — IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) May 14, 2018 × With Bangalore celebrating their fifth win in this year's edition, there was one smiling face in the Punjab camp - Gayle. The smile was followed by a scene which won hearts. Gayle and Kohli, old friends and former teammates, got together for their famous celebration and there was a loud roar from the crowd. It brought back memories of the two partying and celebrating, when in Bangalore. The two shook hands in their own style and later Gayle congratulated by hugging Kohli. The gesture showed that Kohli is a friend forever, it also displayed Gayle is a friend for life and the bromance would forever remain intact. Gayle and Kohli have huge respect for each other. And that was what won hearts at the end of a bitterly disappointing night for King XI Punjab.

Watch: Chris Gayle-Virat Kohli bromance on ground wins hearts

Virat Kohli opened with wicketkeeper-batsman Parthiv Patel and easily took Bangalore to victory side in just 8.1 overs.

Without giving away any wicket, the two achieved the target of 89 runs, with Kohli making unbeaten 48 runs in 28 balls and Patel contributing 22-ball-40. &nbsp &nbsp

The half-century stand between Parthiv and Kohli came in the fifth over.

Kohli smashed a boundary to register their fifth win in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL).

After failing in batting department, Punjab bowlers were also depleted by Bangalore as they failed to take any wickets. 
&nbsp 
Earlier, Bangalore bowled their best of IPL 2018 today to all-out Punjab for a paltry 88 runs at Holkar Cricket Stadium, Indore.

Umesh Yadav bowled a fantastic spell to dismisses three crucial players of Punjab including both openers Chris Gayle and KL Rahul.

He later dismissed Andrew Tye to take his wicket count to three.

In the fours over bowled, Yadav gave away only 23 runs to put his economy rate at 5.75

Meanwhile, Mohammed Siraj, Yuzvendra Chahal, Colin de Grandhomme and Moeen Ali took one wicket apiece.&nbsp

Skipper Virat Kohli won the toss and opted to bowl against &nbspPunjab, at Holkar Cricket Stadium, Indore, on Monday.&nbsp

Speaking after the toss, Kohli said, "No brainer. We will have a bowl first. It is a very difficult ground to defend here. They are also one mystery bowler short and that gives us an advantage to start off anyway. "

"The wicket is pretty hard and there is a nice grass covering, it will be a very tough ground to defend on. Look in every team it would be very tough for all six batsmen to perform in every game, there would be two or three stand out performances throughout the tournament."

In the last match against Delhi, Kohli and AB de Villiers established a 118-run partnership to help Bangalore register their fourth win in this year's IPL.

"Me and AB have tried to take that responsibility but there have been contributions from others as well. KL and Gayle have played well for them. Those guys also get to face the most number of balls as well, so we have to take that into consideration as well. We are playing with the same team. We are going to go out there play fearless cricket," Kohli said.

"Nobody gave us a chance a week back and after the win in the last game, we have some momentum. We will try and not look too ahead of ourselves," he concluded.

When asked Ashwin about Punjab's strategy today, he said, "Obviously, it is a ground where it is very difficult to defend. So, we would have bowled first. But then we chose to bowl first in the last game and our fate was very different. I mean the T20 format is very unforgiving. Having said that, this ground is very small as well. There are no excuses."

"Hopefully, whatever experience we have garnered from the last three games, we will put into use. Unfortunately, we have lost Mujeeb from the last game, who got injured and Marcus Stoinis comes in," he added.

Teams:

Punjab (Playing XI):&nbspLokesh Rahul(w), Chris Gayle, Mayank Agarwal, Karun Nair, Aaron Finch, Marcus Stoinis, Axar Patel, Ravichandran Ashwin(c), Andrew Tye, Ankit Rajpoot, Mohit Sharma

Bangalore (Playing XI):&nbspParthiv Patel(w), Moeen Ali, Virat Kohli(c), AB de Villiers, Mandeep Singh, Sarfaraz Khan, Colin de Grandhomme, Tim Southee, Umesh Yadav, Mohammed Siraj, Yuzvendra Chahal

This is Bangalore's fifth win in the ongoing IPL.

Virat Kohli opened with wicketkeeper-batsman Parthiv Patel and easily took Bangalore to victory side in just 8.1 overs. Without giving away any wicket, the two achieved the target of 89 runs, with Kohli making unbeaten 48 runs in 28 balls and Patel contributing 22-ball-40. The half-century stand between Parthiv and Kohli came in the fifth over. Kohli smashed a boundary to register their fifth win in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL). After failing in batting department, Punjab bowlers were also depleted by Bangalore as they failed to take any wickets. Earlier, Bangalore bowled their best of IPL 2018 today to all-out Punjab for a paltry 88 runs at Holkar Cricket Stadium, Indore. Umesh Yadav bowled a fantastic spell to dismisses three crucial players of Punjab including both openers Chris Gayle and KL Rahul. He later dismissed Andrew Tye to take his wicket count to three. In the fours over bowled, Yadav gave away only 23 runs to put his economy rate at 5.75 Meanwhile, Mohammed Siraj, Yuzvendra Chahal, Colin de Grandhomme and Moeen Ali took one wicket apiece. Skipper Virat Kohli won the toss and opted to bowl against &nbspPunjab, at Holkar Cricket Stadium, Indore, on Monday. Speaking after the toss, Kohli said, "No brainer. We will have a bowl first. It is a very difficult ground to defend here. They are also one mystery bowler short and that gives us an advantage to start off anyway. " "The wicket is pretty hard and there is a nice grass covering, it will be a very tough ground to defend on. Look in every team it would be very tough for all six batsmen to perform in every game, there would be two or three stand out performances throughout the tournament." In the last match against Delhi, Kohli and AB de Villiers established a 118-run partnership to help Bangalore register their fourth win in this year's IPL. "Me and AB have tried to take that responsibility but there have been contributions from others as well. KL and Gayle have played well for them. Those guys also get to face the most number of balls as well, so we have to take that into consideration as well. We are playing with the same team. We are going to go out there play fearless cricket," Kohli said. "Nobody gave us a chance a week back and after the win in the last game, we have some momentum. We will try and not look too ahead of ourselves," he concluded. When asked Ashwin about Punjab's strategy today, he said, "Obviously, it is a ground where it is very difficult to defend. So, we would have bowled first. But then we chose to bowl first in the last game and our fate was very different. I mean the T20 format is very unforgiving. Having said that, this ground is very small as well. There are no excuses." "Hopefully, whatever experience we have garnered from the last three games, we will put into use. Unfortunately, we have lost Mujeeb from the last game, who got injured and Marcus Stoinis comes in," he added. Teams: Punjab (Playing XI):&nbspLokesh Rahul(w), Chris Gayle, Mayank Agarwal, Karun Nair, Aaron Finch, Marcus Stoinis, Axar Patel, Ravichandran Ashwin(c), Andrew Tye, Ankit Rajpoot, Mohit Sharma Bangalore (Playing XI):&nbspParthiv Patel(w), Moeen Ali, Virat Kohli(c), AB de Villiers, Mandeep Singh, Sarfaraz Khan, Colin de Grandhomme, Tim Southee, Umesh Yadav, Mohammed Siraj, Yuzvendra Chahal

IPL 2018: Virat Kohli-led Bangalore beat Punjab by 10 wickets

Bangalore bowled their best of IPL 2018 today to all-out Punjab for a paltry 88 runs at Holkar Cricket Stadium, Indore.

Umesh Yadav bowled a fantastic spell to dismiss&nbspthree crucial players of Punjab including both openers Chris Gayle and KL Rahul.

He later dismissed Andrew Tye to take his wicket count to three.

In the fours over bowled, Yadav gave away only 23 runs to put his economy rate at 5.75

Meanwhile, Mohammed Siraj, Yuzvendra Chahal, Colin de Grandhomme and Moeen Ali took one wicket apiece.&nbsp

Bangalore skipper Virat Kohli won the toss and opted to bowl against &nbspPunjab, at Holkar Cricket Stadium, Indore, on Monday.&nbsp

Speaking after the toss, Kohli said, "No brainer. We will have a bowl first. It is a very difficult ground to defend here. They are also one mystery bowler short and that gives us an advantage to start off anyway. "

"The wicket is pretty hard and there is a nice grass covering, it will be a very tough ground to defend on. Look in every team it would be very tough for all six batsmen to perform in every game, there would be two or three stand out performances throughout the tournament."

In the last match against Delhi, Kohli and AB de Villiers established a 118-run partnership to help Bangalore register their fourth win in this year's IPL.

"Me and AB have tried to take that responsibility but there have been contributions from others as well. KL and Gayle have played well for them. Those guys also get to face the most number of balls as well, so we have to take that into consideration as well. We are playing with the same team. We are going to go out there play fearless cricket," Kohli said.

"Nobody gave us a chance a week back and after the win in the last game, we have some momentum. We will try and not look too ahead of ourselves," he concluded.

When asked Ashwin about Punjab's strategy today, he said, "Obviously, it is a ground where it is very difficult to defend. So, we would have bowled first. But then we chose to bowl first in the last game and our fate was very different. I mean the T20 format is very unforgiving. Having said that, this ground is very small as well. There are no excuses."

"Hopefully, whatever experience we have garnered from the last three games, we will put into use. Unfortunately, we have lost Mujeeb from the last game, who got injured and Marcus Stoinis comes in," he added.

With high dependency on batting, Ashwin will hope to get his team back on track by defeating Bangalore.

Teams:

Punjab (Playing XI):&nbspLokesh Rahul(w), Chris Gayle, Mayank Agarwal, Karun Nair, Aaron Finch, Marcus Stoinis, Axar Patel, Ravichandran Ashwin(c), Andrew Tye, Ankit Rajpoot, Mohit Sharma

Bangalore (Playing XI):&nbspParthiv Patel(w), Moeen Ali, Virat Kohli(c), AB de Villiers, Mandeep Singh, Sarfaraz Khan, Colin de Grandhomme, Tim Southee, Umesh Yadav, Mohammed Siraj, Yuzvendra Chahal

Umesh Yadav bowled a fantastic spell to dismiss three crucial players of Punjab

Bangalore bowled their best of IPL 2018 today to all-out Punjab for a paltry 88 runs at Holkar Cricket Stadium, Indore. Umesh Yadav bowled a fantastic spell to dismiss&nbspthree crucial players of Punjab including both openers Chris Gayle and KL Rahul. He later dismissed Andrew Tye to take his wicket count to three. In the fours over bowled, Yadav gave away only 23 runs to put his economy rate at 5.75 Meanwhile, Mohammed Siraj, Yuzvendra Chahal, Colin de Grandhomme and Moeen Ali took one wicket apiece. Bangalore skipper Virat Kohli won the toss and opted to bowl against &nbspPunjab, at Holkar Cricket Stadium, Indore, on Monday. Speaking after the toss, Kohli said, "No brainer. We will have a bowl first. It is a very difficult ground to defend here. They are also one mystery bowler short and that gives us an advantage to start off anyway. " "The wicket is pretty hard and there is a nice grass covering, it will be a very tough ground to defend on. Look in every team it would be very tough for all six batsmen to perform in every game, there would be two or three stand out performances throughout the tournament." In the last match against Delhi, Kohli and AB de Villiers established a 118-run partnership to help Bangalore register their fourth win in this year's IPL. "Me and AB have tried to take that responsibility but there have been contributions from others as well. KL and Gayle have played well for them. Those guys also get to face the most number of balls as well, so we have to take that into consideration as well. We are playing with the same team. We are going to go out there play fearless cricket," Kohli said. "Nobody gave us a chance a week back and after the win in the last game, we have some momentum. We will try and not look too ahead of ourselves," he concluded. When asked Ashwin about Punjab's strategy today, he said, "Obviously, it is a ground where it is very difficult to defend. So, we would have bowled first. But then we chose to bowl first in the last game and our fate was very different. I mean the T20 format is very unforgiving. Having said that, this ground is very small as well. There are no excuses." "Hopefully, whatever experience we have garnered from the last three games, we will put into use. Unfortunately, we have lost Mujeeb from the last game, who got injured and Marcus Stoinis comes in," he added. With high dependency on batting, Ashwin will hope to get his team back on track by defeating Bangalore. Teams: Punjab (Playing XI):&nbspLokesh Rahul(w), Chris Gayle, Mayank Agarwal, Karun Nair, Aaron Finch, Marcus Stoinis, Axar Patel, Ravichandran Ashwin(c), Andrew Tye, Ankit Rajpoot, Mohit Sharma Bangalore (Playing XI):&nbspParthiv Patel(w), Moeen Ali, Virat Kohli(c), AB de Villiers, Mandeep Singh, Sarfaraz Khan, Colin de Grandhomme, Tim Southee, Umesh Yadav, Mohammed Siraj, Yuzvendra Chahal

IPL 2018: Bangalore bowl out Punjab for paltry 88

Bangalore skipper Virat Kohli won the toss and opted to bowl against &nbspPunjab, at Holkar Cricket Stadium, Indore, on Monday.&nbsp

Speaking after the toss, Kohli said, "No brainer. We will have a bowl first. It is a very difficult ground to defend here. They are also one mystery bowler short and that gives us an advantage to start off anyway. "

"The wicket is pretty hard and there is a nice grass covering, it will be a very tough ground to defend on. Look in every team it would be very tough for all six batsmen to perform in every game, there would be two or three stand out performances throughout the tournament."

In the last match against Delhi, Kohli and AB de Villiers established a 118-run partnership to help Bangalore register their fourth win in this year's IPL.

"Me and AB have tried to take that responsibility but there have been contributions from others as well. KL and Gayle have played well for them. Those guys also get to face the most number of balls as well, so we have to take that into consideration as well. We are playing with the same team. We are going to go out there play fearless cricket," Kohli said.

"Nobody gave us a chance a week back and after the win in the last game, we have some momentum. We will try and not look too ahead of ourselves," he concluded.

When asked Ashwin about Punjab's strategy today, he said, "Obviously, it is a ground where it is very difficult to defend. So, we would have bowled first. But then we chose to bowl first in the last game and our fate was very different. I mean the T20 format is very unforgiving. Having said that, this ground is very small as well. There are no excuses."

"Hopefully, whatever experience we have garnered from the last three games, we will put into use. Unfortunately, we have lost Mujeeb from the last game, who got injured and Marcus Stoinis comes in," he added.

With high dependency on batting, Ashwin will hope to get his team back on track by defeating Bangalore.

Teams:

Punjab (Playing XI): Lokesh Rahul(w), Chris Gayle, Mayank Agarwal, Karun Nair, Aaron Finch, Marcus Stoinis, Axar Patel, Ravichandran Ashwin(c), Andrew Tye, Ankit Rajpoot, Mohit Sharma

Bangalore (Playing XI): Parthiv Patel(w), Moeen Ali, Virat Kohli(c), AB de Villiers, Mandeep Singh, Sarfaraz Khan, Colin de Grandhomme, Tim Southee, Umesh Yadav, Mohammed Siraj, Yuzvendra Chahal

With high dependency on batting, Ashwin will hope to get his team back on track by defeating Bangalore.

Bangalore skipper Virat Kohli won the toss and opted to bowl against &nbspPunjab, at Holkar Cricket Stadium, Indore, on Monday. Speaking after the toss, Kohli said, "No brainer. We will have a bowl first. It is a very difficult ground to defend here. They are also one mystery bowler short and that gives us an advantage to start off anyway. " "The wicket is pretty hard and there is a nice grass covering, it will be a very tough ground to defend on. Look in every team it would be very tough for all six batsmen to perform in every game, there would be two or three stand out performances throughout the tournament." In the last match against Delhi, Kohli and AB de Villiers established a 118-run partnership to help Bangalore register their fourth win in this year's IPL. "Me and AB have tried to take that responsibility but there have been contributions from others as well. KL and Gayle have played well for them. Those guys also get to face the most number of balls as well, so we have to take that into consideration as well. We are playing with the same team. We are going to go out there play fearless cricket," Kohli said. "Nobody gave us a chance a week back and after the win in the last game, we have some momentum. We will try and not look too ahead of ourselves," he concluded. When asked Ashwin about Punjab's strategy today, he said, "Obviously, it is a ground where it is very difficult to defend. So, we would have bowled first. But then we chose to bowl first in the last game and our fate was very different. I mean the T20 format is very unforgiving. Having said that, this ground is very small as well. There are no excuses." "Hopefully, whatever experience we have garnered from the last three games, we will put into use. Unfortunately, we have lost Mujeeb from the last game, who got injured and Marcus Stoinis comes in," he added. With high dependency on batting, Ashwin will hope to get his team back on track by defeating Bangalore. Teams: Punjab (Playing XI): Lokesh Rahul(w), Chris Gayle, Mayank Agarwal, Karun Nair, Aaron Finch, Marcus Stoinis, Axar Patel, Ravichandran Ashwin(c), Andrew Tye, Ankit Rajpoot, Mohit Sharma Bangalore (Playing XI): Parthiv Patel(w), Moeen Ali, Virat Kohli(c), AB de Villiers, Mandeep Singh, Sarfaraz Khan, Colin de Grandhomme, Tim Southee, Umesh Yadav, Mohammed Siraj, Yuzvendra Chahal

IPL 2018: Virat Kohli wins toss, opts to bowl against Punjab

After facing a defeat by Kolkata in their last match, Punjab will host Virat Kohli-led Bangalore at the Holkar Cricket Stadium, Indore on Monday.&nbsp

R Ashwin-led team faced a setback when they fell 31 runs short while chasing a mammoth target of 246 runs set by Kolkata.

Despite losses, the franchise is in the top half of the league with 12 points while Bangalore are still languishing at the second last place in the table.&nbsp

Kohli-led side brought their campaign back on track after they defeated Delhi by five wickets with both AB De Villiers and Virat Kohli smashing a half-century each.

The two established a 118-run partnership to help the team recover from the early loses as both openers fell cheaply.

Both the teams are overly dependent on their batting with Kohli and De Villiers holding the fort for the Bangalore while Punjab outfit looks up to KL Rahul and Chris Gayle for a great score.&nbsp

Despite blowing 'hot and cold' throughout the season, skipper kohli is team's top scorer by a distance with 466 runs from 11 games.

De Villiers has made 358 runs so far and is just 108 runs behind his skipper.

For Punjab, Rahul has been in a different league with five half-centuries and a strike-rate of 162 plus and an average of nearly 60.&nbsp

Rahul will be desperate to get some support from Gayle, who has gone quiet after the initial carnage.&nbsp

However, it is the bowling which has let both the teams down on many occasions.

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For Punjab, the standout bowler has been Andrew Tye with 20 wickets at an economy rate of 8 per over while teenage mystery spinner Mujeeb ur Rahman has been exceptional with 14 wickets at an economy rate of 6.99 per over.

The problem area has been skipper R Ashwin's inability to get breakthroughs with only six scalps from 11 games at 8.13 runs per over.

In case of Bangalore, &nbsponly India internationals Yuzvendra Chahal (10 wickets from 11 games at an economy rate of 7.57) and Umesh Yadav (14 wickets from 11 games at an economy rate of 8.23) have played all the games.

The next specialist bowler who got to play more than five games is Mohammed Siraj (8 wickets from 8 games at an economy rate of 9.13).

With a high dependence on batting, Ashwin will hope to get his team back on track by defeating Bangalore. 
&nbsp

R Ashwin-led team faced a setback when they fell 31 runs short while chasing a mammoth target of 246 runs set by Kolkata.

After facing a defeat by Kolkata in their last match, Punjab will host Virat Kohli-led Bangalore at the Holkar Cricket Stadium, Indore on Monday. R Ashwin-led team faced a setback when they fell 31 runs short while chasing a mammoth target of 246 runs set by Kolkata. Despite losses, the franchise is in the top half of the league with 12 points while Bangalore are still languishing at the second last place in the table. Kohli-led side brought their campaign back on track after they defeated Delhi by five wickets with both AB De Villiers and Virat Kohli smashing a half-century each. The two established a 118-run partnership to help the team recover from the early loses as both openers fell cheaply. Both the teams are overly dependent on their batting with Kohli and De Villiers holding the fort for the Bangalore while Punjab outfit looks up to KL Rahul and Chris Gayle for a great score. Despite blowing 'hot and cold' throughout the season, skipper kohli is team's top scorer by a distance with 466 runs from 11 games. De Villiers has made 358 runs so far and is just 108 runs behind his skipper. For Punjab, Rahul has been in a different league with five half-centuries and a strike-rate of 162 plus and an average of nearly 60. Rahul will be desperate to get some support from Gayle, who has gone quiet after the initial carnage. However, it is the bowling which has let both the teams down on many occasions. × For Punjab, the standout bowler has been Andrew Tye with 20 wickets at an economy rate of 8 per over while teenage mystery spinner Mujeeb ur Rahman has been exceptional with 14 wickets at an economy rate of 6.99 per over. The problem area has been skipper R Ashwin's inability to get breakthroughs with only six scalps from 11 games at 8.13 runs per over. In case of Bangalore, &nbsponly India internationals Yuzvendra Chahal (10 wickets from 11 games at an economy rate of 7.57) and Umesh Yadav (14 wickets from 11 games at an economy rate of 8.23) have played all the games. The next specialist bowler who got to play more than five games is Mohammed Siraj (8 wickets from 8 games at an economy rate of 9.13). With a high dependence on batting, Ashwin will hope to get his team back on track by defeating Bangalore.

IPL 2018: Match preview of Punjab vs Bangalore

Jos Buttler once again stood up for his team, as they faced Mumbai at the Wankhede Stadium on Saturday.

Buttler slammed an unbeaten 94&nbspto help Rajasthan defeat Mumbai by seven wickets.

His inning included nine boundaries and five sixes and came in just 53 balls.&nbsp

Skipper Ajinkya Rahane too contributed 37 runs while chasing a cheap target of 169 runs set by Mumbai.&nbspHe lost his wicket to Hardik Pandya.

Earlier, Evin Lewis smashed a 42-ball 60 before Hardik Pandya produced a quick-fire 36 to steer Mumbai to a fighting 168 for six against Rajasthan at Wankhede Stadium on Sunday.&nbsp

Lewis batted smartly as he opened his arms only after building his innings steadily after being dropped at individual score of five.

Lewis added 87 runs with fellow opener Suryakumar Yadav, who made 38 runs off 31 balls.&nbsp

Yadav was also dropped on nine. Meanwhile, Lewis hit four sixes and as many fours in his innings.

West Indies' paceman Jofra Archer produced an excellent bowling performance to put the hosts under pressure.&nbsp

He conceded only 16 runs from his four overs and dismissed Lewis and Suryakumar and Rohit Sharma for zero in successive balls.

The hosts were struggling badly at one stage, failing to capitalise a good start, but Pandya came up with his blistering knock just in time to propel them.&nbsp

He hit three fours and two sixes in his 21-ball knock.&nbsp

Earlier, Ajinkya Rahane won the toss and opted to bowl against Rohit Sharma-led side at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai, on Sunday.

Both the teams have struggled initially in the tournament but now have stormed back to book a berth in the play-offs.

After winning three straight games, Mumbai is riding high on confidence but even Rajasthan's performance has improved seeing their previous few clashes.

The way Jos Buttler played in the previous match, an unbeaten 95-run knock, helped to team to keep themselves alive in the tournament.&nbsp

Speaking after winning the toss, Ajinkya said, "We'll bowl first. Looks a very good wicket. High scoring ground and dew comes later here. We have to play good cricket for 40 overs."

"First 6 overs will be crucial. We have D'Arcy Short in for Ish Sodhi, who's not well. Shreyas Gopal and Dhawal Kulkarni come in," he&nbsp 
added.

When asked Rohit about his strategy for today, he said, "Rohit: "Not really worried about dew. Last 6 overs, you have to expect some dew but it's our home ground, we have played here. We played a few games here where we have bowled second."

"There's no secret to winning games. We have performed collectively as a unit. Someone has put his hand up and taken up the responsibility. Same team for us," he added.

Teams

Mumbai (Playing XI):&nbspSuryakumar Yadav, Evin Lewis, Rohit Sharma(c), Ishan Kishan(w), Hardik Pandya, Ben Cutting, Krunal&nbspPandya, Jean-Paul Duminy, Mitchell McClenaghan, Mayank Markande, Jasprit Bumrah

Rajasthan (Playing XI): Jos Buttler(w), D Arcy Short, Ajinkya Rahane(c), Sanju Samson, Ben Stokes, Stuart Binny, Jofra Archer, Krishnappa Gowtham, Shreyas Gopal, Jaydev Unadkat, Dhawal Kulkarni

His inning included nine boundaries and five sixes and came in just 53 balls.

Jos Buttler once again stood up for his team, as they faced Mumbai at the Wankhede Stadium on Saturday. Buttler slammed an unbeaten 94&nbspto help Rajasthan defeat Mumbai by seven wickets. His inning included nine boundaries and five sixes and came in just 53 balls. Skipper Ajinkya Rahane too contributed 37 runs while chasing a cheap target of 169 runs set by Mumbai.&nbspHe lost his wicket to Hardik Pandya. Earlier, Evin Lewis smashed a 42-ball 60 before Hardik Pandya produced a quick-fire 36 to steer Mumbai to a fighting 168 for six against Rajasthan at Wankhede Stadium on Sunday. Lewis batted smartly as he opened his arms only after building his innings steadily after being dropped at individual score of five. Lewis added 87 runs with fellow opener Suryakumar Yadav, who made 38 runs off 31 balls. Yadav was also dropped on nine. Meanwhile, Lewis hit four sixes and as many fours in his innings. West Indies' paceman Jofra Archer produced an excellent bowling performance to put the hosts under pressure. He conceded only 16 runs from his four overs and dismissed Lewis and Suryakumar and Rohit Sharma for zero in successive balls. The hosts were struggling badly at one stage, failing to capitalise a good start, but Pandya came up with his blistering knock just in time to propel them. He hit three fours and two sixes in his 21-ball knock. Earlier, Ajinkya Rahane won the toss and opted to bowl against Rohit Sharma-led side at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai, on Sunday. Both the teams have struggled initially in the tournament but now have stormed back to book a berth in the play-offs. After winning three straight games, Mumbai is riding high on confidence but even Rajasthan's performance has improved seeing their previous few clashes. The way Jos Buttler played in the previous match, an unbeaten 95-run knock, helped to team to keep themselves alive in the tournament. Speaking after winning the toss, Ajinkya said, "We'll bowl first. Looks a very good wicket. High scoring ground and dew comes later here. We have to play good cricket for 40 overs." "First 6 overs will be crucial. We have D'Arcy Short in for Ish Sodhi, who's not well. Shreyas Gopal and Dhawal Kulkarni come in," he added. When asked Rohit about his strategy for today, he said, "Rohit: "Not really worried about dew. Last 6 overs, you have to expect some dew but it's our home ground, we have played here. We played a few games here where we have bowled second." "There's no secret to winning games. We have performed collectively as a unit. Someone has put his hand up and taken up the responsibility. Same team for us," he added. Teams Mumbai (Playing XI):&nbspSuryakumar Yadav, Evin Lewis, Rohit Sharma(c), Ishan Kishan(w), Hardik Pandya, Ben Cutting, Krunal&nbspPandya, Jean-Paul Duminy, Mitchell McClenaghan, Mayank Markande, Jasprit Bumrah Rajasthan (Playing XI): Jos Buttler(w), D Arcy Short, Ajinkya Rahane(c), Sanju Samson, Ben Stokes, Stuart Binny, Jofra Archer, Krishnappa Gowtham, Shreyas Gopal, Jaydev Unadkat, Dhawal Kulkarni

IPL 2018: Buttler's 94* fires Rajasthan to crucial win against Mumbai

Ajinkya Rahane won the toss and opted to bowl against Rohit Sharma-led side at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai, on Sunday.

Both the teams have struggled initially in the tournament but now have stormed back to book a berth in the play-offs.

After winning three straight games, Mumbai is riding high on confidence but even Rajasthan's performance has improved seeing their previous few clashes.

The way Jos Buttler played in the previous match, an unbeaten 95-run knock, helped to team to keep themselves alive in the tournament.&nbsp;

Speaking after winning the toss, Ajinkya said, "We'll bowl first. Looks a very good wicket. High scoring ground and dew comes later here. We have to play good cricket for 40 overs."

"First 6 overs will be crucial. We have D'Arcy Short in for Ish Sodhi, who's not well. Shreyas Gopal and Dhawal Kulkarni come in," he&nbsp; 
added.

When asked Rohit about his strategy for today, he said, "Rohit: "Not really worried about dew. Last 6 overs, you have to expect some dew but it's our home ground, we have played here. We played a few games here where we have bowled second."

"There's no secret to winning games. We have performed collectively as a unit. Someone has put his hand up and taken up the responsibility. Same team for us," he added.

Teams

Mumbai (Playing XI): Suryakumar Yadav, Evin Lewis, Rohit Sharma(c), Ishan Kishan(w), Hardik Pandya, Ben Cutting, Krunal&nbsp;Pandya, Jean-Paul Duminy, Mitchell McClenaghan, Mayank Markande, Jasprit Bumrah

Rajasthan (Playing XI): Jos Buttler(w), D Arcy Short, Ajinkya Rahane(c), Sanju Samson, Ben Stokes, Stuart Binny, Jofra Archer, Krishnappa Gowtham, Shreyas Gopal, Jaydev Unadkat, Dhawal Kulkarni

Both the teams struggled initially in the tournament but now have stormed back to book a berth in the play-offs.

Ajinkya Rahane won the toss and opted to bowl against Rohit Sharma-led side at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai, on Sunday. Both the teams have struggled initially in the tournament but now have stormed back to book a berth in the play-offs. After winning three straight games, Mumbai is riding high on confidence but even Rajasthan's performance has improved seeing their previous few clashes. The way Jos Buttler played in the previous match, an unbeaten 95-run knock, helped to team to keep themselves alive in the tournament. Speaking after winning the toss, Ajinkya said, "We'll bowl first. Looks a very good wicket. High scoring ground and dew comes later here. We have to play good cricket for 40 overs." "First 6 overs will be crucial. We have D'Arcy Short in for Ish Sodhi, who's not well. Shreyas Gopal and Dhawal Kulkarni come in," he added. When asked Rohit about his strategy for today, he said, "Rohit: "Not really worried about dew. Last 6 overs, you have to expect some dew but it's our home ground, we have played here. We played a few games here where we have bowled second." "There's no secret to winning games. We have performed collectively as a unit. Someone has put his hand up and taken up the responsibility. Same team for us," he added. Teams Mumbai (Playing XI): Suryakumar Yadav, Evin Lewis, Rohit Sharma(c), Ishan Kishan(w), Hardik Pandya, Ben Cutting, Krunal Pandya, Jean-Paul Duminy, Mitchell McClenaghan, Mayank Markande, Jasprit Bumrah Rajasthan (Playing XI): Jos Buttler(w), D Arcy Short, Ajinkya Rahane(c), Sanju Samson, Ben Stokes, Stuart Binny, Jofra Archer, Krishnappa Gowtham, Shreyas Gopal, Jaydev Unadkat, Dhawal Kulkarni

IPL 2018: Rajasthan opt to bowl against resurgent Mumbai

Evin Lewis smashed a 42-ball 60 before Hardik Pandya produced a quick-fire 36 to steer Mumbai to a fighting 168 for six against Rajasthan at Wankhede Stadium on Sunday.&nbsp

Lewis batted smartly as he opened his arms only after building his innings steadily after being dropped at individual score of five.

Lewis added 87 runs with fellow opener Suryakumar Yadav, who made 38 runs off 31 balls.&nbsp

Yadav was also dropped on nine. Meanwhile, Lewis hit four sixes and as many fours in his innings.

West Indies' paceman Jofra Archer produced an excellent bowling performance to put the hosts under pressure.&nbsp

He conceded only 16 runs from his four overs and dismissed Lewis and Suryakumar and Rohit Sharma for zero in successive balls.

The hosts were struggling badly at one stage, failing to capitalise a good start, but Pandya came up with his blistering knock just in time to propel them.&nbsp

He hit three fours and two sixes in his 21-ball knock.&nbsp

Earlier, Ajinkya Rahane won the toss and opted to bowl against Rohit Sharma-led side at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai, on Sunday.

Both the teams have struggled initially in the tournament but now have stormed back to book a berth in the play-offs.

After winning three straight games, Mumbai is riding high on confidence but even Rajasthan's performance has improved seeing their previous few clashes.

The way Jos Buttler played in the previous match, an unbeaten 95-run knock, helped to team to keep themselves alive in the tournament.&nbsp

Speaking after winning the toss, Ajinkya said, "We'll bowl first. Looks a very good wicket. High scoring ground and dew comes later here. We have to play good cricket for 40 overs."

"First 6 overs will be crucial. We have D'Arcy Short in for Ish Sodhi, who's not well. Shreyas Gopal and Dhawal Kulkarni come in," he&nbsp 
added.

When asked Rohit about his strategy for today, he said, "Rohit: "Not really worried about dew. Last 6 overs, you have to expect some dew but it's our home ground, we have played here. We played a few games here where we have bowled second."

"There's no secret to winning games. We have performed collectively as a unit. Someone has put his hand up and taken up the responsibility. Same team for us," he added.

Teams

Mumbai (Playing XI):&nbspSuryakumar Yadav, Evin Lewis, Rohit Sharma(c), Ishan Kishan(w), Hardik Pandya, Ben Cutting, Krunal&nbspPandya, Jean-Paul Duminy, Mitchell McClenaghan, Mayank Markande, Jasprit Bumrah

Rajasthan (Playing XI): Jos Buttler(w), D Arcy Short, Ajinkya Rahane(c), Sanju Samson, Ben Stokes, Stuart Binny, Jofra Archer, Krishnappa Gowtham, Shreyas Gopal, Jaydev Unadkat, Dhawal Kulkarni

Evin Lewis smashed 60 runs in just 42 balls

Evin Lewis smashed a 42-ball 60 before Hardik Pandya produced a quick-fire 36 to steer Mumbai to a fighting 168 for six against Rajasthan at Wankhede Stadium on Sunday. Lewis batted smartly as he opened his arms only after building his innings steadily after being dropped at individual score of five. Lewis added 87 runs with fellow opener Suryakumar Yadav, who made 38 runs off 31 balls. Yadav was also dropped on nine. Meanwhile, Lewis hit four sixes and as many fours in his innings. West Indies' paceman Jofra Archer produced an excellent bowling performance to put the hosts under pressure. He conceded only 16 runs from his four overs and dismissed Lewis and Suryakumar and Rohit Sharma for zero in successive balls. The hosts were struggling badly at one stage, failing to capitalise a good start, but Pandya came up with his blistering knock just in time to propel them. He hit three fours and two sixes in his 21-ball knock. Earlier, Ajinkya Rahane won the toss and opted to bowl against Rohit Sharma-led side at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai, on Sunday. Both the teams have struggled initially in the tournament but now have stormed back to book a berth in the play-offs. After winning three straight games, Mumbai is riding high on confidence but even Rajasthan's performance has improved seeing their previous few clashes. The way Jos Buttler played in the previous match, an unbeaten 95-run knock, helped to team to keep themselves alive in the tournament. Speaking after winning the toss, Ajinkya said, "We'll bowl first. Looks a very good wicket. High scoring ground and dew comes later here. We have to play good cricket for 40 overs." "First 6 overs will be crucial. We have D'Arcy Short in for Ish Sodhi, who's not well. Shreyas Gopal and Dhawal Kulkarni come in," he added. When asked Rohit about his strategy for today, he said, "Rohit: "Not really worried about dew. Last 6 overs, you have to expect some dew but it's our home ground, we have played here. We played a few games here where we have bowled second." "There's no secret to winning games. We have performed collectively as a unit. Someone has put his hand up and taken up the responsibility. Same team for us," he added. Teams Mumbai (Playing XI):&nbspSuryakumar Yadav, Evin Lewis, Rohit Sharma(c), Ishan Kishan(w), Hardik Pandya, Ben Cutting, Krunal&nbspPandya, Jean-Paul Duminy, Mitchell McClenaghan, Mayank Markande, Jasprit Bumrah Rajasthan (Playing XI): Jos Buttler(w), D Arcy Short, Ajinkya Rahane(c), Sanju Samson, Ben Stokes, Stuart Binny, Jofra Archer, Krishnappa Gowtham, Shreyas Gopal, Jaydev Unadkat, Dhawal Kulkarni

IPL 2018: Lewis, Pandya lift Mumbai to 168 runs against Rajasthan

Ambati Rayudu slammed a ton to help&nbsphis team achieve the 180-run target set by Hyderabad at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium, Pune, on Sunday.

Although, Hyderabad have already qualified for the play-offs in the ongoing edition of Indian Premier League,&nbspteam Chennai are just an inch closer in contention.&nbsp

The clash between the 'best chasers' (Chennai) and 'best defenders' (Hyderabad) gave an essence of the IPL 2018 finale with some bittersweet moments. And one cannot expect a dull moment when MS Dhoni is on the ground.&nbsp

One such&nbsphilarious incident happened in the seventh over of the first innings when Hyderabad&nbspbatsman Shikhar Dhawan played a shot and wicket-keeper MS Dhoni ran after the ball.

He picked up the ball and gestured to throw on the face of Ravindra Jadeja, who was also approaching the ball at the same time. For a while, Jadeja got scared but ended up laughing on the funny act of skipper Dhoni.

Watch the video here:

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Cutest moment ???<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Dhoni?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Dhoni</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Jadeja?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Jadeja</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CSK?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CSK</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CSKvSRH?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CSKvSRH</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SRHvCSK?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SRHvCSK</a> <a href="https://t.co/9sNzH9PNgi">pic.twitter.com/9sNzH9PNgi</a>
— மகிழன் (@omagasiya) <a href="https://twitter.com/omagasiya/status/995658958303039494?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 13, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Dhoni funs Jadeja On Field & Smiled After That. Video Shows Funny Side Of Dhoni.. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CSKvSRH?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CSKvSRH</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IPL2018?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IPL2018</a> <a href="https://t.co/9p5Ti3g7zH">pic.twitter.com/9p5Ti3g7zH</a>
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&nbsp

A hilarious incident happened in the seventh over of the first innings when MS Dhoni gestured to throw on the face of Ravindra Jadeja

Ambati Rayudu slammed a ton to help&nbsphis team achieve the 180-run target set by Hyderabad at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium, Pune, on Sunday. Although, Hyderabad have already qualified for the play-offs in the ongoing edition of Indian Premier League,&nbspteam Chennai are just an inch closer in contention. The clash between the 'best chasers' (Chennai) and 'best defenders' (Hyderabad) gave an essence of the IPL 2018 finale with some bittersweet moments. And one cannot expect a dull moment when MS Dhoni is on the ground. One such&nbsphilarious incident happened in the seventh over of the first innings when Hyderabad&nbspbatsman Shikhar Dhawan played a shot and wicket-keeper MS Dhoni ran after the ball. He picked up the ball and gestured to throw on the face of Ravindra Jadeja, who was also approaching the ball at the same time. For a while, Jadeja got scared but ended up laughing on the funny act of skipper Dhoni. Watch the video here: Cutest moment ???#Dhoni #Jadeja #CSK #CSKvSRH #SRHvCSK pic.twitter.com/9sNzH9PNgi — மகிழன் (@omagasiya) May 13, 2018 × Dhoni funs Jadeja On Field & Smiled After That. Video Shows Funny Side Of Dhoni.. #CSKvSRH #IPL2018 pic.twitter.com/9p5Ti3g7zH — HiFi Talkies ™ (@HiFiTalkies) May 13, 2018 ×

Caught on cam: MS Dhoni threatens Ravindra Jadeja in IPL match against Hyderabad

Ambati Rayudu slammed a century off 62 balls and helped his team in achieving the 180-run target against Hyderabad at Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium, Pune on Sunday.

It was a clash between the 'best chasers' (Chennai) and 'best defenders' (Hyderabad) but team Chennai displayed an outstanding performance and chased down the target at home ground.

The openers, Shane Watson and Ambati Rayudu scored 57 and 100 runs respectively to give the necessary start to the team and defeated Hyderabad by eight wickets.

Chennai's batsmen Ambati Rayudu was given Man of the Match award for his magnificent performance.&nbsp;

Apart from the openers, MS Dhoni scored 20 runs to mark the much-needed victory, on the other hand, Suresh Raina lost his wicket after scoring just two runs.

Known for their massive bowling strength, Hyderabad struggled in taking wickets and none of the bowlers performed.

Sandeep Sharma took one wicket of Suresh Raina in his 4-over spell.

Earlier, MS Dhoni had invited the guests to bat first after winning the toss.

Shikhar Dhawan scored 79 runs off 49 balls, his innings included ten 4's and three 6's playing at a strike rate of 161.22.

Another opener Alex Hales did not perform and lost his wicket to Deepak Chahar after scoring just two runs off nine balls.

Skipper Kane Williamson slammed his 10th IPL fifty and found a determined ally in Shikhar Dhawan on the other end to put up a decent target for the opponents.

Deepak Hooda played some beautiful shots in the death overs and scored 21 crucial runs. Manish Pandey and Shakib Al Hasan scored 5 and 8 runs respectively.

In search of wickets, MS Dhoni took help of seven bowlers but apart from Deepak Chahar, none of the bowlers were economical. Chahar took one key wicket of Alex Hales and gave 16 runs in his 4-over spell.

Also, Shardul Thakur took two wickets of Kane Williamson and Manish Pandey.&nbsp;

Ambati Rayudu was given 'Man of the Match' award for his magnificent performance

Ambati Rayudu slammed a century off 62 balls and helped his team in achieving the 180-run target against Hyderabad at Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium, Pune on Sunday. It was a clash between the 'best chasers' (Chennai) and 'best defenders' (Hyderabad) but team Chennai displayed an outstanding performance and chased down the target at home ground. The openers, Shane Watson and Ambati Rayudu scored 57 and 100 runs respectively to give the necessary start to the team and defeated Hyderabad by eight wickets. Chennai's batsmen Ambati Rayudu was given Man of the Match award for his magnificent performance. Apart from the openers, MS Dhoni scored 20 runs to mark the much-needed victory, on the other hand, Suresh Raina lost his wicket after scoring just two runs. Known for their massive bowling strength, Hyderabad struggled in taking wickets and none of the bowlers performed. Sandeep Sharma took one wicket of Suresh Raina in his 4-over spell. Earlier, MS Dhoni had invited the guests to bat first after winning the toss. Shikhar Dhawan scored 79 runs off 49 balls, his innings included ten 4's and three 6's playing at a strike rate of 161.22. Another opener Alex Hales did not perform and lost his wicket to Deepak Chahar after scoring just two runs off nine balls. Skipper Kane Williamson slammed his 10th IPL fifty and found a determined ally in Shikhar Dhawan on the other end to put up a decent target for the opponents. Deepak Hooda played some beautiful shots in the death overs and scored 21 crucial runs. Manish Pandey and Shakib Al Hasan scored 5 and 8 runs respectively. In search of wickets, MS Dhoni took help of seven bowlers but apart from Deepak Chahar, none of the bowlers were economical. Chahar took one key wicket of Alex Hales and gave 16 runs in his 4-over spell. Also, Shardul Thakur took two wickets of Kane Williamson and Manish Pandey.

IPL 2018: Ambati Rayudu's 62-ball century helps Chennai defeat Hyderabad by 8 wickets

Despite getting a superb start by openers KL Rahul and Chris Gayle, Punjab failed to capitalise the start and fell 31 runs short while chasing a mammoth target of 245 runs at the Holkar Cricket Stadium, Indore on Saturday.

KL Rahul rose to the occasion and slammed 66 runs in just 29 balls which included two boundaries and seven sixes. &nbsp;

Run machine Gayle also contributed 21 runs before being dismissed off Russell.

But it was the downline which failed to continue the momentum as Karun Nair and Mayank Aggarwal was dismissed very cheaply.&nbsp;

While Mayank failed open his account, Nair was sent back to the pavilion after making just three runs.&nbsp;

Skipper Ravichandran Ashwin played a perfect cameo to lift Punjab from crises.&nbsp;

He slammed four boundaries and three huge sixes to reach 45 in just 22 balls.&nbsp;

Aaron Finch also made 34 runs but failed to stay on the crease for long.&nbsp;

Put into bat, Kolkata had set mammoth 245 runs on board against Punjab, to save their chances of qualifying for the play-offs in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL).

Sunil Narine and Chris Lynn opened for Kolkata and were in attack position from the very first bowl.

Narine took the wheels in his hand after Lynn departed after contributing just 27 runs.

He played a blistering knock of 75 runs in 36 balls which included nine boundaries and four sixes, before being sent back to the pavilion.

Skipper Dinesh Karthik also slammed a half-century in just 23. His inning included five fours and three sixes.

The downline was in terrific form as every batsman contributed today.

Robin Uthappa and Andre Russell too made 24 and 31 runs respectively, in 17 and 14 balls.

For Punjab, Axar Patel was the most expensive bowler as he gave 52 runs in four overs bowled and did not take any wicket.

Earlier, &nbsp;Punjab skipper Ravichandran Ashwin on Saturday won the toss and opted to field against Kolkata.&nbsp;

Both the sides came off a defeat and seemed desperate to bring their campaign back on winning ways.

Kolkata were hammered by Mumbai in their last encounter as the Rohit Sharma-led side registered a thumping 102-run victory over them.&nbsp;

Punjab too, suffered a narrow 15-run loss to Rajasthan Royals in their last outing.

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Talking about their strategy for today, Ashwin said, "We'll bowl first. It's a small ground and difficult to defend, so we'll try to chase it down. It's a day game and it's dried up a bit. Previous games were sticky but this one is expected to stay the same."

"We are sticking to our old combination. We have brought Agarwal in for Nath, Sran for Tiwary and Finch for Stoinis," he added.

When asked about their strategy, skipper Dinesh Karthik said, "One team has to bat first. We'll try to make the most of the opportunity. Just one change for us, Searles comes in for Curran."

"We are sticking to the same team as I am someone who believes to stick to one team and believe in the boys. So we are sticking to the same XI with just one change."

While Punjab acquires third place with 12 points, Kolkata are placed fifth in the league table with 10 points.

Teams:

Punjab (Playing XI): Chris Gayle, Lokesh Rahul(w), Mayank Agarwal, Aaron Finch, Karun Nair, Axar Patel, Ravichandran Ashwin(c), Andrew Tye, Mohit Sharma, Barinder Sran, Mujeeb Ur Rahman

Kolkata (Playing XI): Chris Lynn, Sunil Narine, Robin Uthappa, Shubman Gill, Nitish Rana, Dinesh Karthik(w/c), Andre Russell, Javon Searles, Piyush Chawla, Prasidh Krishna, Kuldeep Yadav

KL Rahul rose to the occasion and slammed 66 runs in just 29 balls

Despite getting a superb start by openers KL Rahul and Chris Gayle, Punjab failed to capitalise the start and fell 31 runs short while chasing a mammoth target of 245 runs at the Holkar Cricket Stadium, Indore on Saturday. KL Rahul rose to the occasion and slammed 66 runs in just 29 balls which included two boundaries and seven sixes. Run machine Gayle also contributed 21 runs before being dismissed off Russell. But it was the downline which failed to continue the momentum as Karun Nair and Mayank Aggarwal was dismissed very cheaply. While Mayank failed open his account, Nair was sent back to the pavilion after making just three runs. Skipper Ravichandran Ashwin played a perfect cameo to lift Punjab from crises. He slammed four boundaries and three huge sixes to reach 45 in just 22 balls. Aaron Finch also made 34 runs but failed to stay on the crease for long. Put into bat, Kolkata had set mammoth 245 runs on board against Punjab, to save their chances of qualifying for the play-offs in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL). Sunil Narine and Chris Lynn opened for Kolkata and were in attack position from the very first bowl. Narine took the wheels in his hand after Lynn departed after contributing just 27 runs. He played a blistering knock of 75 runs in 36 balls which included nine boundaries and four sixes, before being sent back to the pavilion. Skipper Dinesh Karthik also slammed a half-century in just 23. His inning included five fours and three sixes. The downline was in terrific form as every batsman contributed today. Robin Uthappa and Andre Russell too made 24 and 31 runs respectively, in 17 and 14 balls. For Punjab, Axar Patel was the most expensive bowler as he gave 52 runs in four overs bowled and did not take any wicket. Earlier, Punjab skipper Ravichandran Ashwin on Saturday won the toss and opted to field against Kolkata. Both the sides came off a defeat and seemed desperate to bring their campaign back on winning ways. Kolkata were hammered by Mumbai in their last encounter as the Rohit Sharma-led side registered a thumping 102-run victory over them. Punjab too, suffered a narrow 15-run loss to Rajasthan Royals in their last outing. × Talking about their strategy for today, Ashwin said, "We'll bowl first. It's a small ground and difficult to defend, so we'll try to chase it down. It's a day game and it's dried up a bit. Previous games were sticky but this one is expected to stay the same." "We are sticking to our old combination. We have brought Agarwal in for Nath, Sran for Tiwary and Finch for Stoinis," he added. When asked about their strategy, skipper Dinesh Karthik said, "One team has to bat first. We'll try to make the most of the opportunity. Just one change for us, Searles comes in for Curran." "We are sticking to the same team as I am someone who believes to stick to one team and believe in the boys. So we are sticking to the same XI with just one change." While Punjab acquires third place with 12 points, Kolkata are placed fifth in the league table with 10 points. Teams: Punjab (Playing XI): Chris Gayle, Lokesh Rahul(w), Mayank Agarwal, Aaron Finch, Karun Nair, Axar Patel, Ravichandran Ashwin(c), Andrew Tye, Mohit Sharma, Barinder Sran, Mujeeb Ur Rahman Kolkata (Playing XI): Chris Lynn, Sunil Narine, Robin Uthappa, Shubman Gill, Nitish Rana, Dinesh Karthik(w/c), Andre Russell, Javon Searles, Piyush Chawla, Prasidh Krishna, Kuldeep Yadav

IPL 2018: Punjab lose by 31 runs while chasing Kolkata's 246

Hyderabad set a 180-run target for Chennai at Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium, Pune on Sunday. Earlier, MS Dhoni won the toss and opted to bowl.

Table toppers Hyderabad entered the field with confidence as they have already qualified for the play-off and the conviction was reflected&nbsp;in the performance&nbsp;of Shikhar Dhawan.

Dhawan scored 79 runs off 49 balls, his innings included ten 4's and three 6's playing at a strike rate of 161.22

Another opener Alex Hales did&nbsp;not perform and lost his wicket to Deepak Chahar after scoring just two runs off nine balls.

Skipper Kane Williamson slammed his 10th IPL fifty and found a determined ally in Shikhar Dhawan on the other end to put up a decent target for the opponents.

Deepak Hooda played some beautiful shots in the death overs and scored 21 crucial runs. Manish Pandey and Shakib Al Hasan scored 5 and 8 runs respectively.

In search of wickets, MS Dhoni took help of seven bowlers but apart from Deepak Chahar, none of the bowlers were economical. Chahar took one key wicket of Alex Hales and gave 16 runs in his 4-over spell.

Also, Shardul Thakur took two wickets of Kane Williamson and Manish Pandey.&nbsp;

Shikhar Dhawan scored 79 runs off 49 balls, his innings included ten 4's and three 6's playing at a strike rate of 161.22

Hyderabad set a 180-run target for Chennai at Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium, Pune on Sunday. Earlier, MS Dhoni won the toss and opted to bowl. Table toppers Hyderabad entered the field with confidence as they have already qualified for the play-off and the conviction was reflected in the performance of Shikhar Dhawan. Dhawan scored 79 runs off 49 balls, his innings included ten 4's and three 6's playing at a strike rate of 161.22 Another opener Alex Hales did not perform and lost his wicket to Deepak Chahar after scoring just two runs off nine balls. Skipper Kane Williamson slammed his 10th IPL fifty and found a determined ally in Shikhar Dhawan on the other end to put up a decent target for the opponents. Deepak Hooda played some beautiful shots in the death overs and scored 21 crucial runs. Manish Pandey and Shakib Al Hasan scored 5 and 8 runs respectively. In search of wickets, MS Dhoni took help of seven bowlers but apart from Deepak Chahar, none of the bowlers were economical. Chahar took one key wicket of Alex Hales and gave 16 runs in his 4-over spell. Also, Shardul Thakur took two wickets of Kane Williamson and Manish Pandey.

Dhawan, Williamson shine as Hyderabad set 180-run target for Chennai

After MS Dhoni, it was the turn of current India skipper Virat Kohli to get the same sort of reverence from a fan, who breached the security at the Feroz Shah Kotla during the IPL 2018 match between Delhi and Bangalore.&nbsp

Kohli smashed a brilliant 40-ball 70 to defeat Delhi but that didn't deter the Kotla crowd from getting behind their hometown hero.

There was massive support for Kohli, despite him playing for the opposition side.&nbsp

And while Kohli was going great guns, a fan ran on to the field and fell at Kohli's feet before being whisked away by the security.&nbsp

The enthusiastic fan even managed to sneak in a selfie with the Indian batting star.

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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BisFZAvH-OV/" style=" color:#000 font-family:Arial,sans-serif font-size:14px font-style:normal font-weight:normal line-height:17px text-decoration:none word-wrap:break-word" target="_blank">Didn't I tell you? He doesn't has Fans, He has Devotees. ?❤ And also when the security took him away Vee was like Be careful Be careful! How sweet! ❤ And still ppl call him egoistic and Selfish! Those ppl can rather die instead of speaking Shit about such a genuine personality. ?❤ . . . @virat.kohli #vee #virat #kohli #viratkohli #kohlivirat #anushkasharma #anushka #nushkie #couplegoals #cutest #babe #virushka #virushkaforever #virushkalove #virushkawedding #viratians #proudviratian #extremelyvirat #viratians #love #loveu #runmachine #cheeku Video credits:- @sureshraina.addicts</a>

<p style=" color:#c9c8cd font-family:Arial,sans-serif font-size:14px line-height:17px margin-bottom:0 margin-top:8px overflow:hidden padding:8px 0 7px text-align:center text-overflow:ellipsis white-space:nowrap">A post shared by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/extremely._.virat/" style=" color:#c9c8cd font-family:Arial,sans-serif font-size:14px font-style:normal font-weight:normal line-height:17px" target="_blank"> ?Virat Kohli?</a> (@extremely._.virat) on <time datetime="2018-05-12T19:18:51+00:00" style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif font-size:14px line-height:17px">May 12, 2018 at 12:18pm PDT</time>
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Bangalore, needing a win to stay in contention for the playoffs, were given two early jolts in the chase with Moeen Ali (1) and Parthiv Patel (6) falling in the 2nd and 3rd over respectively.

<img alt="Virat fan12_0.jpg" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" height="430" src="http://images.wionews.com/iniline-images/Virat%20fan12_0.jpg" width="770" />

Kohli and AB de Villiers rose to the occasion when their team needed them the most while chasing a target of 182 runs.

The two took matters into their hands and shared a scintillating 118-run stand off just 64 balls to put the team in the driver's seat in the chase.

Bangalore reached the target without much fuss with five wickets in hand and an over to spare.

The much-needed win tonight was Bangalore's fourth in 11 games, keeping them in contention for a playoff spot.&nbsp

The loss for the hosts meant their campaign got worse as they registered their ninth defeat in 12 matches.

The enthusiastic fan even managed to sneak in a selfie with the Indian batting star.

After MS Dhoni, it was the turn of current India skipper Virat Kohli to get the same sort of reverence from a fan, who breached the security at the Feroz Shah Kotla during the IPL 2018 match between Delhi and Bangalore. Kohli smashed a brilliant 40-ball 70 to defeat Delhi but that didn't deter the Kotla crowd from getting behind their hometown hero. There was massive support for Kohli, despite him playing for the opposition side. And while Kohli was going great guns, a fan ran on to the field and fell at Kohli's feet before being whisked away by the security. The enthusiastic fan even managed to sneak in a selfie with the Indian batting star. Didn't I tell you? He doesn't has Fans, He has Devotees. ?❤ And also when the security took him away Vee was like Be careful Be careful! How sweet! ❤ And still ppl call him egoistic and Selfish! Those ppl can rather die instead of speaking Shit about such a genuine personality. ?❤ . . . @virat.kohli #vee #virat #kohli #viratkohli #kohlivirat #anushkasharma #anushka #nushkie #couplegoals #cutest #babe #virushka #virushkaforever #virushkalove #virushkawedding #viratians #proudviratian #extremelyvirat #viratians #love #loveu #runmachine #cheeku Video credits:- @sureshraina.addicts A post shared by ?Virat Kohli? (@extremely._.virat) on May 12, 2018 at 12:18pm PDT × Bangalore, needing a win to stay in contention for the playoffs, were given two early jolts in the chase with Moeen Ali (1) and Parthiv Patel (6) falling in the 2nd and 3rd over respectively. Kohli and AB de Villiers rose to the occasion when their team needed them the most while chasing a target of 182 runs. The two took matters into their hands and shared a scintillating 118-run stand off just 64 balls to put the team in the driver's seat in the chase. Bangalore reached the target without much fuss with five wickets in hand and an over to spare. The much-needed win tonight was Bangalore's fourth in 11 games, keeping them in contention for a playoff spot. The loss for the hosts meant their campaign got worse as they registered their ninth defeat in 12 matches.

Watch: Virat Kohli's fan breaches security to take selfie with him

MS Dhoni won the toss and opted to bowl at Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium, Pune on Sunday.

The two top teams&nbsp;will lock horns as Chennai&nbsp;host Hyderabad and fight to book a berth in the play-offs of IPL 2018.

Although, Hyderabad have already qualified in the play-off but team Chennai is just one win away from solidifying the place in the top four.

For Chennai there is just one change, Deepak Chahar comes in for Karn Sharma.

For Hyderabad, Deepak Hooda has been included in the squad as Yusuf Pathan is facing some health issues.

Playing XI:

Chennai: Shane Watson, Ambati Rayudu, Suresh Raina, Sam Billings, MS Dhoni(w/c), Dwayne Bravo, Ravindra Jadeja, David Willey, Harbhajan Singh, Deepak Chahar, Shardul Thakur

Hyderabad: Alex Hales, Shikhar Dhawan, Kane Williamson(c), Manish Pandey, Shakib Al Hasan, Deepak Hooda, Shreevats Goswami(w), Rashid Khan, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Siddarth Kaul, Sandeep Sharma

The two top teams will lock horns as Chennai host Hyderabad and fight to book a berth in the play-offs of IPL 2018

MS Dhoni won the toss and opted to bowl at Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium, Pune on Sunday. The two top teams will lock horns as Chennai host Hyderabad and fight to book a berth in the play-offs of IPL 2018. Although, Hyderabad have already qualified in the play-off but team Chennai is just one win away from solidifying the place in the top four. For Chennai there is just one change, Deepak Chahar comes in for Karn Sharma. For Hyderabad, Deepak Hooda has been included in the squad as Yusuf Pathan is facing some health issues. Playing XI: Chennai: Shane Watson, Ambati Rayudu, Suresh Raina, Sam Billings, MS Dhoni(w/c), Dwayne Bravo, Ravindra Jadeja, David Willey, Harbhajan Singh, Deepak Chahar, Shardul Thakur Hyderabad: Alex Hales, Shikhar Dhawan, Kane Williamson(c), Manish Pandey, Shakib Al Hasan, Deepak Hooda, Shreevats Goswami(w), Rashid Khan, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Siddarth Kaul, Sandeep Sharma

IPL 2018: MS Dhoni opts to bowl against Hyderabad

Mumbai will host Ajinkya Rahane-led Rajasthan team in an intriguing battle at Wankhede Stadium on Sunday 8:00 PM.

Both the teams have struggled initially but now have stormed back in the tournament to book a berth in the play-offs.

After winning three straight games, Mumbai is riding high on confidence but even Rajasthan's performance has improved in previous few clashes.

The way Jos Buttler played in the previous match, an unbeaten 95-run knock, and helped the team's play-off hopes alive.

For Mumbai, the playing XI has been quite settled as of now and it is expected that the team will enter the fields with the same squad.&nbsp

On the other hand, Rajasthan team has been experimenting with the combination but now the team is a bit sorted now.

As the fight for 3rd and 4th position is very tough now, it will be interesting to see to which team will be successful with their plans and strategies.

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Playing XI (TBC):

Mumbai: Suryakumar Yadav, Evin Lewis, Rohit Sharma (c), Hardik Pandya, Ishan Kishan (wk), JP Duminy, Krunal Pandya, Ben Cutting, Mitchell McClenaghan, Jasprit Bumrah, Mayank Markande

Rajasthan: Ajinkya Rahane (c), Jos Buttler (wk), Sanju Samson, Ben Stokes, Rahul Tripathi, Stuart Binny, Krishnappa Gowtham, Jofra Archer, Ankit Sharma, Jaydev Unadkat, Ish Sodhi

Both the teams have struggled initially but now have stormed back in the tournament to book a berth in the play-offs

Mumbai will host Ajinkya Rahane-led Rajasthan team in an intriguing battle at Wankhede Stadium on Sunday 8:00 PM. Both the teams have struggled initially but now have stormed back in the tournament to book a berth in the play-offs. After winning three straight games, Mumbai is riding high on confidence but even Rajasthan's performance has improved in previous few clashes. The way Jos Buttler played in the previous match, an unbeaten 95-run knock, and helped the team's play-off hopes alive. For Mumbai, the playing XI has been quite settled as of now and it is expected that the team will enter the fields with the same squad. On the other hand, Rajasthan team has been experimenting with the combination but now the team is a bit sorted now. As the fight for 3rd and 4th position is very tough now, it will be interesting to see to which team will be successful with their plans and strategies. × Playing XI (TBC): Mumbai: Suryakumar Yadav, Evin Lewis, Rohit Sharma (c), Hardik Pandya, Ishan Kishan (wk), JP Duminy, Krunal Pandya, Ben Cutting, Mitchell McClenaghan, Jasprit Bumrah, Mayank Markande Rajasthan: Ajinkya Rahane (c), Jos Buttler (wk), Sanju Samson, Ben Stokes, Rahul Tripathi, Stuart Binny, Krishnappa Gowtham, Jofra Archer, Ankit Sharma, Jaydev Unadkat, Ish Sodhi

IPL 2018: Match preview of Mumbai vs Rajasthan

Chennai and Hyderabad are all set to lock horns for the second time in this year's Indian Premier League (IPL).&nbsp;

Hyderabad stand at top of the IPL table with 18 points, while Chennai is placed at the 2nd position with 14 points. &nbsp;

MS Dhoni-led side will face the Kane Williamson and team at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium, Chennai's temporarily home ground.&nbsp;

So, let us take a look at the players expected to perform in today's big clash.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;&nbsp; 
1. Suresh Raina - Though his performance has not been outstanding in the season so far, he certainly did some wonders in the last game when he smashed 52 runs off 35 balls which included six boundaries and one six. Also in his previous game against Hyderabad, he scored an unbeaten 43-ball-54 &nbsp;with five boundaries and two sixes. Definitely, a confident batsman to step out on the field against Hyderabad.&nbsp;

2. Kane Williamson - The backbone of Hyderabad is one of the most successful skippers in the ongoing league so far. With his team being the table-toppers, he definitely fulfilled his duties as a captain. When required he has stood up for his team as a batsman too. In 11 matches he has scored 493 runs which include six half-centuries. Even in his previous game against Delhi, Hyderabad skipper slammed 53-ball-83 and ensured victory for his side.&nbsp;

3. Shikhar Dhawan - Dhawan played an impeccable inning in his previous game as he smashed an unbeaten 92 runs off 50 balls, which included nine boundaries and four sixes. He shed his poor form with an unforgettable inning. He is expected to play an opener's knock to help his side consolidate their position.&nbsp;

4. Ambati Rayudu - An adequate batsman for Chennai knows how to play his innings and help his team set a required target or win the game. Altogether, he scored 435 runs in 11 games so far. His experience and ability to deplete any bowling attack makes him a player to watch out for in today's game.&nbsp;

5. Shakib al Hasan - The Hyderabad all-rounder played a decent inning in his previous games. The only bowler to take two crucial wickets, one of Prithvi Shaw and another of Jason Roy, in their last encounter against Delhi. He is expected to perform the same today when Chennai faces Hyderabad.

Chennai have to get pumped up for tonight as Hyderabad have not seen defeat in last six games played.&nbsp;

Hyderabad stand at top of the IPL table with 18 points

Chennai and Hyderabad are all set to lock horns for the second time in this year's Indian Premier League (IPL). Hyderabad stand at top of the IPL table with 18 points, while Chennai is placed at the 2nd position with 14 points. MS Dhoni-led side will face the Kane Williamson and team at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium, Chennai's temporarily home ground. So, let us take a look at the players expected to perform in today's big clash. 1. Suresh Raina - Though his performance has not been outstanding in the season so far, he certainly did some wonders in the last game when he smashed 52 runs off 35 balls which included six boundaries and one six. Also in his previous game against Hyderabad, he scored an unbeaten 43-ball-54 with five boundaries and two sixes. Definitely, a confident batsman to step out on the field against Hyderabad. 2. Kane Williamson - The backbone of Hyderabad is one of the most successful skippers in the ongoing league so far. With his team being the table-toppers, he definitely fulfilled his duties as a captain. When required he has stood up for his team as a batsman too. In 11 matches he has scored 493 runs which include six half-centuries. Even in his previous game against Delhi, Hyderabad skipper slammed 53-ball-83 and ensured victory for his side. 3. Shikhar Dhawan - Dhawan played an impeccable inning in his previous game as he smashed an unbeaten 92 runs off 50 balls, which included nine boundaries and four sixes. He shed his poor form with an unforgettable inning. He is expected to play an opener's knock to help his side consolidate their position. 4. Ambati Rayudu - An adequate batsman for Chennai knows how to play his innings and help his team set a required target or win the game. Altogether, he scored 435 runs in 11 games so far. His experience and ability to deplete any bowling attack makes him a player to watch out for in today's game. 5. Shakib al Hasan - The Hyderabad all-rounder played a decent inning in his previous games. The only bowler to take two crucial wickets, one of Prithvi Shaw and another of Jason Roy, in their last encounter against Delhi. He is expected to perform the same today when Chennai faces Hyderabad. Chennai have to get pumped up for tonight as Hyderabad have not seen defeat in last six games played.

IPL 2018: Players to watch out for in Chennai vs Hyderabad clash

AB de Villiers and skipper Virat Kohli together helped Bangalore register their fourth victory in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL).

Kohli played a spectacular knock to help the team recover from the early losses.&nbsp

He made 70 runs in just 40 balls which included seven fours and three sixes.

Supported by AB de Villiers at the other end, the two established 100-run partnership.

While Kohli lost his wicket, de Villiers continued his attack and single-handedly took the team to victory side.&nbsp

De Villiers, who remained unbeaten, made 72 runs in just 37 balls. he slammed four boundaries and six huge sixes.&nbsp

Bangalore had a poor start after they lost openers, Parthiv Patel and Moeen Ali, cheaply, while chasing a target of 182 runs set by Delhi on Saturday. &nbsp

For Delhi, Rishabh Pant continued his destructive form with a 34-ball 61 runs.&nbsp

Abhishek Sharma, who hammered an unbeaten 46 off 19 balls, was one of three IPL debutants for Delhi today along-side Nepal leg-spinner Sandeep Lamichhane and South African pacer Junior Dala.

Virat Kohli had won the toss and invited the hosts to bat, playing first, Delhi put up a decent target of 182 runs.

Openers Prithvi Shaw and Jason Roy did not perform and failed to give the necessary start to the team after they lost their wickets to spinner Yuzvendra Chahal after scoring 2 and 12 runs respectively.

Skipper Shreyas Iyer too smashed 32 runs in 35 balls.&nbsp

Pant raced to his fourth fifty of the season off 27 balls and was poised for another big inning.&nbsp

The other set batsman, Iyer, too departed soon after Pant's fall, hurting the innings momentum to leave Delhi at 120 four in 15.1 overs. 
&nbsp

Kohli played a spectacular knock to help the team recover from the early losses.

AB de Villiers and skipper Virat Kohli together helped Bangalore register their fourth victory in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL). Kohli played a spectacular knock to help the team recover from the early losses. He made 70 runs in just 40 balls which included seven fours and three sixes. Supported by AB de Villiers at the other end, the two established 100-run partnership. While Kohli lost his wicket, de Villiers continued his attack and single-handedly took the team to victory side. De Villiers, who remained unbeaten, made 72 runs in just 37 balls. he slammed four boundaries and six huge sixes. Bangalore had a poor start after they lost openers, Parthiv Patel and Moeen Ali, cheaply, while chasing a target of 182 runs set by Delhi on Saturday. For Delhi, Rishabh Pant continued his destructive form with a 34-ball 61 runs. Abhishek Sharma, who hammered an unbeaten 46 off 19 balls, was one of three IPL debutants for Delhi today along-side Nepal leg-spinner Sandeep Lamichhane and South African pacer Junior Dala. Virat Kohli had won the toss and invited the hosts to bat, playing first, Delhi put up a decent target of 182 runs. Openers Prithvi Shaw and Jason Roy did not perform and failed to give the necessary start to the team after they lost their wickets to spinner Yuzvendra Chahal after scoring 2 and 12 runs respectively. Skipper Shreyas Iyer too smashed 32 runs in 35 balls. Pant raced to his fourth fifty of the season off 27 balls and was poised for another big inning. The other set batsman, Iyer, too departed soon after Pant's fall, hurting the innings momentum to leave Delhi at 120 four in 15.1 overs.

IPL 2018: Kohli, de Villiers star in much-needed win for Bangalore

Put into bat, Kolkata had set mammoth 245 runs on board against Punjab, to save their chances of qualifying for the play-offs in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL).

Sunil Narine and Chris Lynn opened for Kolkata and were in attacking position from the very first ball.

Narine took the wheels in his hand after Lynn departed after contributing just 27 runs.

He played a blistering knock of 75 runs in 36 balls which included nine boundaries and four sixes, before being sent back to the pavilion.

Skipper Dinesh Karthik also slammed a half-century in just 23. His inning included five fours and three sixes.

The downline was in terrific form as every batsman contributed today.

Robin Uthappa and Andre Russell too made 24 and 31 runs respectively, in 17 and 14 balls.

For Punjab, Axar Patel was the most expensive bowler as he gave 52 runs in four overs bowled and did not take any wicket.

Earlier, &nbsp;Punjab skipper Ravichandran Ashwin on Saturday won the toss and opted to field against Kolkata at the Holkar Cricket Stadium, Indore on Saturday.

Both the sides are coming off a defeat and will be desperate to bring their campaign back on winning ways.

Kolkata were hammered by Mumbai in their last encounter as the Rohit Sharma-led side registered a thumping 102-run victory over them.&nbsp;

Punjab too, suffered a narrow 15-run loss to Rajasthan Royals in their last outing.

Talking about their strategy for today, Ashwin said, "We'll bowl first. It's a small ground and difficult to defend, so we'll try to chase it down. It's a day game and it's dried up a bit. Previous games were sticky but this one is expected to stay the same."

"We are sticking to our old combination. We have brought Agarwal in for Nath, Sran for Tiwary and Finch for Stoinis," he added.

When asked about their strategy, skipper Dinesh Karthik said, "One team has to bat first. We'll try to make the most of the opportunity. Just one change for us, Searles comes in for Curran."

"We are sticking to the same team as I am someone who believes to stick to one team and believe in the boys. So we are sticking to the same XI with just one change."

While Punjab acquires third place with 12 points, Kolkata are placed fifth in the league table with 10 points.

Teams:

Punjab (Playing XI): Chris Gayle, Lokesh Rahul(w), Mayank Agarwal, Aaron Finch, Karun Nair, Axar Patel, Ravichandran Ashwin(c), Andrew Tye, Mohit Sharma, Barinder Sran, Mujeeb Ur Rahman

Kolkata (Playing XI): Chris Lynn, Sunil Narine, Robin Uthappa, Shubman Gill, Nitish Rana, Dinesh Karthik(w/c), Andre Russell, Javon Searles, Piyush Chawla, Prasidh Krishna, Kuldeep Yadav 
&nbsp;

Sunil Narine and Chris Lynn opened for Kolkata

Put into bat, Kolkata had set mammoth 245 runs on board against Punjab, to save their chances of qualifying for the play-offs in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL). Sunil Narine and Chris Lynn opened for Kolkata and were in attacking position from the very first ball. Narine took the wheels in his hand after Lynn departed after contributing just 27 runs. He played a blistering knock of 75 runs in 36 balls which included nine boundaries and four sixes, before being sent back to the pavilion. Skipper Dinesh Karthik also slammed a half-century in just 23. His inning included five fours and three sixes. The downline was in terrific form as every batsman contributed today. Robin Uthappa and Andre Russell too made 24 and 31 runs respectively, in 17 and 14 balls. For Punjab, Axar Patel was the most expensive bowler as he gave 52 runs in four overs bowled and did not take any wicket. Earlier, Punjab skipper Ravichandran Ashwin on Saturday won the toss and opted to field against Kolkata at the Holkar Cricket Stadium, Indore on Saturday. Both the sides are coming off a defeat and will be desperate to bring their campaign back on winning ways. Kolkata were hammered by Mumbai in their last encounter as the Rohit Sharma-led side registered a thumping 102-run victory over them. Punjab too, suffered a narrow 15-run loss to Rajasthan Royals in their last outing. Talking about their strategy for today, Ashwin said, "We'll bowl first. It's a small ground and difficult to defend, so we'll try to chase it down. It's a day game and it's dried up a bit. Previous games were sticky but this one is expected to stay the same." "We are sticking to our old combination. We have brought Agarwal in for Nath, Sran for Tiwary and Finch for Stoinis," he added. When asked about their strategy, skipper Dinesh Karthik said, "One team has to bat first. We'll try to make the most of the opportunity. Just one change for us, Searles comes in for Curran." "We are sticking to the same team as I am someone who believes to stick to one team and believe in the boys. So we are sticking to the same XI with just one change." While Punjab acquires third place with 12 points, Kolkata are placed fifth in the league table with 10 points. Teams: Punjab (Playing XI): Chris Gayle, Lokesh Rahul(w), Mayank Agarwal, Aaron Finch, Karun Nair, Axar Patel, Ravichandran Ashwin(c), Andrew Tye, Mohit Sharma, Barinder Sran, Mujeeb Ur Rahman Kolkata (Playing XI): Chris Lynn, Sunil Narine, Robin Uthappa, Shubman Gill, Nitish Rana, Dinesh Karthik(w/c), Andre Russell, Javon Searles, Piyush Chawla, Prasidh Krishna, Kuldeep Yadav

IPL 2018: Narine, Karthik guide Kolkata to massive 245

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