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Russia asks US to return its citizens from seized tanker

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China slams US 'bullying' over Venezuela sovereignty

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Modi's three-day Guj visit from Jan 10, to host German Chancellor

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Tracking India's GDP growth over 14 years

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US ambassador-designate Sergio Gor set to arrive in next few days

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B'desh to resume direct flights with Pak from Jan 29

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B'desh to resume direct flights with Pak from Jan 29

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Mob tries to attack AIMIM ex-MP in Maha's Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar

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TDB ex-president Padmakumar's bail plea rejected in Sabarimala gold theft case

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US forces board Venezuela-linked oil tanker

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Encounter breaks out between security forces, terrorists in J-K's Kathua

IPL 2025 Updates: RR crush Punjab by 50 runs

Sat, 05 April 2025

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RR halt Punjab's winning streak

PBKS 155-9 (20 ovs) vs RR 205-4 | Scorecard

Sandeep Sharma with the penultimate over. Two singles off the first two balls.

A brace to backward square leg.

Shashank Singh swings and misses. No run.

Another slower ball and Shashank picks a single through deep square leg.

A dot to end the over. Just five off it. Sandeep finishes his quota with brilliant figures of 2-21.

Archer to bowl the final over. Shashank on strike. Starts with three dot balls.

A single to deep square leg.

Out! Another one bites the dust. Arshdeep Singh is out! Hasaranga takes a simple catch at deep cover.

Lockie Ferguson to face the final ball. He hits a boundary through deep backward point.

RR win by 50 runs and end Punjab's winning streak.

Punjab stare at big defeat

PBKS 145-8 (18 ovs) vs RR 205-4 | Scorecard

Theekshana with his final over. Starts with a dot and two wides.

A single to deep extra cover.

Out! Jansen is out, caught by Hetmyer at deep mid-wicket. He made just 3 off 6 balls.

Arshdeep Singh walks in. Big appeal for LBW but the umpire give not out. RR review. And it's missing the wicket.

A dot to end the over. 3 runs and a wicket off it.

Punjab need 64 off 18

PBKS 142-7 (17 ovs) vs RR 205-4 | Scorecard

Sandeep Sharma is back and he strikes straightway.

Shedge is out, caught by Hetmyer. A slower-ball well outside off and Shedge reaches out to it but ends up slashing it to sweeper cover.

He goes after making 2 off 4 balls. Punjab in deep trouble.

Marco Jansen is the new man in.

A single and a wide.

A single to mid-on and another to long-on.

One more single, to deep square leg.

Excellent over by Sandeep so far.

Ends the over well, conceding a single to deep mid-wicket. Just six off it.

Maxwell, Wadhera depart after good knocks

PBKS 136-6 (16 ovs) vs RR 205-4 | Scorecard

Shashank Singh comes to the crease.

Hasaranga continues. Wadhera on strike.

And he's out. Punjab are six down. A full delivery outside off and Wadhera attempts to slog sweep it and Jurel rushes down deep mid-wicket to take a fine catch.

Wadhera returns after a well-made 62 off 41 balls.

Suryansh Shedge walks in and gets off the mark with a single to deep square leg.

Another single through deep mid-wicket.

1 leg bye. RR take the review for lbw but it's umpire's call.

Two singles to end the over. 5 off the over.

Maxwell departs after a cameo

PBKS 131-5 (15 ovs) vs RR 205-4 | Scorecard

Hasarang back into the attack. Wadhera hits one straight down the ground and picks a brace.

A dot.

Sixer! Wadhera brings up his fifty with a huge hit. Lofts it over the long-on.

Two singles to long-on to end the over. 11 off it.

Punjab need 85 off 36 balls.

Theekshana back into the attack and Wadhera welcomes his with a boundary between mid-wicket and long-on.

Four more! This time through fine leg. Full delivery outside the leg-stump and Wadhera makes room and flicks it confidently.

Two dots.

Wide down the leg and brilliant take by Samson.

A single to long-on.

Out! Maxwell goes! Big blow for Punjab.

In the slot and Maxwell holes it out to Jaiswal at long-off.

Maxwell goes after making 30 off 21 balls.

100 up for Punjab

PBKS 110-4 (13 ovs) vs RR 205-4 | Scorecard

Hasaranga into the attack.

Sixer! Wadhera slogs weeps it over deep mid-wicket for a maximum.

A dot and two singles.

3 runs through mid-wicket. 50 partnership up between Nehal Wadhera and Maxwell.

A single to end the over. 12 off the over.

Yudhvir Singh with his second over. Begins with a dot and a brace.

Four! Maxwell makes room and guides it to deep backward point for a boundary. 100 up for Punjab.

Two wides. Another wide delivery and Maxwell tries to flick it but misses. Samson appeals for caught behind. On-field decision is not out.

RR lose the review. Three wides on the trot.

A single to backward point and another to mid-wicket.

Four! Maxwell finishes the over with a reverse-hit boundary. 15 off the over.

Maxwell, Wadhera steady Punjab

PBKS 83-4 (11 ovs) vs RR 205-4 | Scorecard

Kartikeya back into the attack. Wadhera nudges one to long on and picks a single.

Sixer! Maxwell dances down the track and launches it over long-on.

Four! Maxwell is cutting loose. Short ball and Maxwell rocks back to send to fine leg.

A single to square of the wicket.

Sixer! This time Wadhera. Short of length and Wadhera slog sweeps it over deep mid-wicket.

19 off the over. Punjab are 78-4 at the half-way mark.

The required run-rate has come down to 12.8.

Theekshana is back. Wadhera punches one to mid-wicket and picks a single.

One run to long-on. Another single to deep mid-wicket.

Maxwell swings and misses. No run.

A single to sweeper cover and another to long-on to end the over. Just five off Theekshana's second over.

Punjab 4 down

PBKS 59-4 (9 ovs) vs RR 205-4 | Scorecard

Archer with his third over. Starts with a dot.

Four! Short of length and Wadhera drags it between mid-wicket and long-on for a boundary.

Three dots and a single. Fifty up for Punjab. Just five off Archer's third over.

Wanindu Hasaranga into the attack. Wadhera on strike. Picks a single through long-on.

A single to short mid-wicket.

Four! Tossed up on leg stump and Wadhera reverse sweeps to pick a boundary through deep backward point.

Three singles to end the over. Nine off Hasaranga's first over.

The required rate is hovering around 13.

Impact Sub Kartikeya gets rid of Prabhsimran

PBKS 45-4 (7 ovs) vs RR 205-4 | Scorecard

Impact Sub Kumar Kartikeya into the attack and starts with a dot ball.

Out! Prabhsimran is deceived by a wrong 'un. Hasaranga takes a simple catch at deep mid-wicket. Tossed up full outside off, Prabhsimran shuffles across and sweeps, but the ball takes an edge and goes straight to the fielder at deep mid-wicket.

He returns after making 17 off 16.

Glenn Maxwell out in the middle.

Two dots and two singles. Excellent over by the Impact Sub. Just two runs off it.

Punjab three down

PBKS 43-3 (6 ovs) vs RR 205-4 | Scorecard

Maheesh Theekshana into the attack. Wadhera punches one to long on and picks a single.

A wide and a single to deep mid-wicket.

A brace through backward square leg.

Dropped! Jurel drops Wadhera at long-on. 1 run.

Two singles, one to long-on and the other to mid-wicket.

8 off Theekshana's first over.

Sandeep Sharma with his second over. Starts with four singles.

Two dot balls. Just four runs off Sandeep's second over.

Required run-rate goes past 11.5.

Punjab lose three quick wickets

PBKS 31-3 (4 ovs) vs RR 205-4 | Scorecard

Sandeep Sharma into the attack. Prabhsimran knocks one down to cover and picks a single.

A dot.

Out! Three down. Good length and Stoinis pokes at it and ends up offering an easy return catch to Sandeep.

Stoinis returns after making 1 off 7 balls.

Nehal Wadhera is the new man in. Opens his account with a single towards backward square leg.

A dot ball. Sandeep is bowling a tight length.

Four! Prabhsimran sweeps one to fine leg. 6 and a wicket off Sandeep's over.

Priyansh, Shreyas fall cheaply

PBKS 25-2 (3 ovs) vs RR 205-4 | Scorecard

Marcus Stoinis is the new man in.

Yudhvir Singh from the other end. Prabhsimran is on strike.

Four! Well-timed shot through deep extra cover.

A dot and a single to mid-wicket.

Three more dots. Good comeback by Yudhvir after being hit for a boundary. 5 off Yudhvir's first over.

Archer is back with his second over. Right on the money and Prabhsimran knocks it to short mid-wicket for a single.

On the pads. No run.

Four byes! Archer bangs in a bouncer and it sails over Samson's head.

A single to short fine leg.

A brace to long-off. A bye to end the over. 9 off Archer's second over.

Archer picks two in his first over

PBKS 11-2 (1 ovs) vs RR 205-4 | Scorecard

The chase is on. Impact Sub Priyansh Arya and keeper-batter Prabhsimran Singh to open for PBKS.

Jofra Archer with the ball for RR. Priyansh on strike.

Clean bowled. Priyansh goes for a golden duck. What a start for RR. Good length moving delivery and Priyansh tries to defend it but the ball moves away and knocks down his off stump.

Skipper Shreyas Iyer walks in. Boundary! Right into the middle and he lofts it down deep extra cover. He definitely is in good nick!

Yet again. Back-to-back boundaries. Over-pitched and Shreyas sends it over in-field to deep extra cover.

Wide down the leg side.

Two runs to deep backward point.

Out! Archer cleans up Shreyas Iyer.

He goes after making 10 off 5 balls. 11 runs and two wickets off Archer's first over.

Jaiswal, Parag guide RR to big total

RR 205-4 (20 ovs) vs PBKS | Scorecard

Stoinis to bowl the final over. A single to down to deep mid-wicket.

Sixer! Humongous hit! Slower ball, angled in, Parag picks it and sends it over the ropes.

A single down to long-off.

Sixer! This time Jurel. A nice full toss and Jurel does not misses it. He sends over deep mid-wicket.

200 up for RR. First 200-plus score at this venue.

Four! Through short third man.

And a single to end the innings. 19 come off the final over.

RR have finished well.

Hetmyer goes after a cameo

RR 186-4 (19 ovs) vs PBKS | Scorecard

Arshdeep with the penultimate over. Short ball and Hetmyer drags it down

Two singles. RR's current run-rate is 9.78.

Four. Short ball dug into the sufrace and Hetmyer waited for it and pulled it to deep mid-wicket.

Out! Hetmyer departs, caught by Maxwell. Low full toss and Hetmyer looked to slog it but failed to clear the ropes.

He made 20 off 12 balls.

Dhruv Jurel is the new man in.

Hetmyer, Parag on song

RR 177-3 (18 ovs) vs PBKS | Scorecard

Ferguson with his final over. Hetmyer on strike. Starts with a dot.

Parag survives a runout chance. He wanted a second but Hetmyer is not interested.

Two dots and two wides.

Sixer! Short ball and Hetmyer sends it over fine leg where Chahal misses a tough chance.

A single to end the over. 10 run off it. Ferguson finishes his quota with figures of 2-37.

Jansen with his final over. On the pads and Hetmyer tries to tuck but the ball goes off his pads to the point region for a legbye.

Sixer! Slower delivery outside off and Parag slams it over long-on.

Another sixer! Fuller length delivery on the pads and Parag whips it over fine leg for a maximum.

Dropped! Parag gets under a fuller delivery but slices it. The ball goes up in the air and Jansen comes underneath it but misses the chance. The batters pick a brace.

Two singles to end the over. 17 come off it. Jansen finishes with 1-45.

Nitish Rana departs

RR 150-3 (16 ovs) vs PBKS | Scorecard

Jansen with his third over. Rana pulls one to fine leg and picks a single.

A length delivery and Parag pokes it to point for a single.

Wide down the leg side.

A short ball and no run.

Out! Rana goes, caught by Maxwell. A wider delivery and Rana reaches out it but gets the toe end of the bat. The ball goes high up in the air and Maxwell takes a clean catch at deep cover. He made only 12 off 7 balls.

Shimron Hetmyer is the new man in. A dot and a boundary!

Short ball outside off and Hetmyer pulls it wide of mid-wicket for a four.

7 off Jansen's third over.

Arshdeep Singh is back into the attack. Sends down four slower deliveries and Parag fails to connect. Four dot balls.

Parag under pressure. And he responds with a boundary. Wide outside off and he reaches out to smash it through short third man.

Another four straight down the ground. 8 off Arshadeep's over.

Ferguson sends back Jaiswal

RR 135-2 (14 ovs) vs PBKS | Scorecard

Ferguson back into the attack. Parag takes a single.

Out! Jaiswal goes!

Ferguson to Jaiswal, clean bowled! A tad slower and Jaiswal goes for a heave but misses the line.

He departs after making 67 off 45 balls.

Nitish Rana is the new man in.

A wide and two back-to-back fours. Rana is in good nick. First one through deeper cover and the next one deep third man.

A brace and a single to end the eventful over. 13 runs and a wicket come off it.

Fifty for Jaiswal

RR 122-1 (13 ovs) vs PBKS | Scorecard

Chahal with his third over. Parag on strike and he pushes the fuller delivery down to long-off for a single.

Jaiswal picks a single off the length ball.

A dot and boundary! Jaiswal picks the length ball and send it to long-off.

Sixer! Flighted delivery and Jaiswal smokes it over midwicket. 13 off Chahal's third over. A huge six!

Stoinis with his third over. Parag picks a single and hands the strike to Jaiswal.

Another single to long-off.

Four! Parag's first boundary. A slower bouncer and Parag top edges it over short fine for a boundary.

A single.

Sixer! Jaiswal fires one between mid-wicket and long-on. 17 off Stoinis over.

Four! Jaiswal throws his bat at and the ball flies to sweeper cover for a boundary. 17 runs off the over.

Samson departs

RR 92-1 (11 ovs) vs PBKS | Scorecard

Stoinis is back into the attack. Jaiswal on strike and two runs through sweeper cover. Followed by a single through deep mid-wicket.

Samson back on strike and he picks a single through short fine leg.

A dot ball and a single to short third man.

Another single to end the over. Just six off the 10th over.

RR are 85-0 at the half-way mark.

Lockie Ferguson returns with his second over. Half-volley back of the hand and Samson picks it and send it between extra cover and long-off for a boundary.

And he is gone! Samson is out, caught by Shreyas Iyer.

A quicker delivery and Samson ties to chip to over in-field but mistimes it. Shreyas Iyer takes an easy catch at mid-off.

He goes after making 38 off 26.

Riyan Parag is the new man in and he picks a single off the first ball he faced.

A dot and two singles to end the over. Seven runs a wicket off it.

Punjab desperate for breakthrough

RR 79-0 (9 ovs) vs PBKS | Scorecard

Chahal back into the attack and he starts with a wide down the leg side. It beats the keeper and races away to the boundary. 5 runs.

Chahal makes up for the error with five singles and a dot. 10 come off it.

Timeout called.

RR's first wicket-less PP this season

RR 69-0 (8 ovs) vs PBKS | Scorecard

Yuzvendra Chahal into the attack. Samson pushes one to long-on for a single.

Four! Excellent timing and placement. Slower delivery and Samson goes on his backfoot and pulls it away between deep mid-wicket and long-on.

Four singles on the trot. 9 runs off Chahal's first over.

RR are maintaining a decent run-rate of 8.86. Their first Powerplay in IPL 2025 without losing a wicket.

Marcus Stoinis into the attack. He starts with a single and two dots.

Boundary! Gorgeous shot! Overpitched and Samson drives it straight down the ground.

Two singles to end the over. 7 off it.

Samson, Jaiswal put on 50-run partnership

RR 53-0 (6 ovs) vs PBKS | Scorecard

Lockie Ferguson into the attack. He starts well with a single and two dots.

Sixer! A quicker length delivery and Jaiswal smashes it into the stands.

Two dots to end the over. 7 come off it.

Glenn Maxwell into the attack.

A single followed by a boundary! Short and wide and Samson sits back and cut it away between point and covers.

Two singles and two dots to end the over. 6 off Maxwell's first over.

RR off to a brisk start

RR 40 (4 ovs) vs PBKS | Scorecard

Arshdeep Singh with his second over. Jaiswal picks to by pulls it towards sweeper cover.

A dot followed by a brace.

Four! Jaiswal clears his front leg and hits it over the mid-on fielder for a boundary.

Two dots. 8 come off Arshdeep's second over.

Jansen with his second over. Samson on strike.

Fuller and drifts onto the pads, and Samson steers it towards mid-on. Excellent timing!

A single through gully.

Sixer! Jaiswal with the first maximum of the match! A short delivery and Jaiswal glides it over third man for a maximum.

Another six! This time over deep square.

Two singles to end the over. 19 runs come off it.

RR off to a cautious start

RR 13-0 (2 ovs) vs PBKS | Scorecard

Yashasvi Jaiswal and Sanju Samson to open for RR. Jaiswal on strike.

Arshdeep Singh with the ball for Punjab. He starts with a wide.

Jaiswal is off the mark with a nudge to backward square leg.

Right on the money and Samson defends it well.

First boundary of the match! Samson whips the length ball to the right of deep backward square leg.

Good effort by Maxwell to cut off the boundary. Samson tucks one into a gap to the right of mid-on and picks three runs.

A dot and a single to end the over. 10 off the first over.

Marco Jansen from the other end. Jaiswal runs one down to deep backward point and picks a single.

Samson on strike and he clips a fuller delivery to the right of mid-wicket and takes a single.

Three dots as Jansen keeps it tight giving no room to Jaiswal to free his hands.

A single to end the over. Just three off Jansen's first over.

Sanju Samson back as RR skipper

Punjab Kings have won the toss and have opted to field first against Rajasthan Royals.

RR make one change, Yudhvir comes in for the injured Tushar Despande.

Paying XIs:

Punjab Kings: Prabhsimran Singh, Shreyas Iyer (Captain), Marcus Stoinis, Nehal Wadhera, Glenn Maxwell, Shashank Singh, Suryansh Shedge, Marco Jansen, Arshdeep Singh, Lockie Ferguson, Yuzvendra Chahal.

Impact Subs: Priyansh Arya, Harpreet Brar, Praveen Dubey, Vishnu Vinod Vyshak Vijaykumar.

Rajasthan Royals: Yashasvi Jaiswal, Sanju Samson (Captain), Nitish Rana, Riyan Parag, Dhruv Jurel, Shimron Hetmyer, Wanindu Hasaranga, Jofra Archer, Maheesh Theekshana, Yudhvir Singh Charak, Sandeep Sharma.

Impact Subs: Kunal Singh Rathore, Shubham Dubey, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Kumar Kartikeya Akash Madhwal.

Punjab eye hat-trick of wins

Welcome to the coverage of the Indian Premier League 2025 match No. 18 between Punjab Kings (PBKS) and Rajasthan Royals (RR) at Mullanpur, Chandigarh, on Saturday, April 5 2025.

After winning their first two matches of the new season comfortably, PBKS will be looking to set their home record right, having won just one out of their five home games in the previous season.

Punjab are currently sitting atop the points table with four points whereas RR are positioned ninth, with one win and two losses.

They have played one another 28 times in the IPL, and RR hold an edge over Punjab, having won 16 times.

RR arrive in Mullanpur with confidence, having secured a victory against Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in their last home game.

In a big boost for RR, Sanju Samson will reclaim the captains armband from Riyan Parag after playing as an Impact Sub in their first three matches.

Led by Shreyas Iyer, PBKS started the new season with a bang, edging out Gujarat Titans by 11 runs in a tight finish before crushing Lucknow Super Giants by 8 wickets.

They will be keen to keep their winning streak intact and aim for a hat-trick in front of the home crowd.

On the other hand, RR had a dreadful start, losing their first two matches. However, they staged a strong comeback in their third outing, edging Chennai Super Kings by 6 runs to get off the mark.

RR will be looking to build on that thrilling win and improve their standings on the points table.

On paper, PBKS flaunt a strong, balanced squad, while RR have some obvious chinks in their armour, especially their misfiring middle-order, which PBKS will be looking to exploit.

Wicketkeeper-batsman Prabhsimran Singh, who scored an explosive 69 off 34 balls against LSG, and skipper Shreyas Iyer, who scored two back-to-back fifties, including a fiery 42-ball 97 against Gujarat Titans, are in fine nick at PBKSs top order.

Opener Yashasvi Jaiswal's indifferent form is hurting RR and their top order is overly dependent on Sanju Samson.

However, Nitish Rana returned to his best against CSK, scoring a whirlwind 81 off 36 balls against Chennai, which is a good sign for RR heading into the match.

Another positive sign for RR is pacer Jofra Archers excellent show against CSK. He silenced his critics with a brilliant spell of 1-13 in 3 overs, after having registered the most expensive figures (76-0 in four overs) in IPL history in their season opener against SRH.

While RR lack a true allrounder in their ranks, PBKSs squad is loaded with some of the worlds best T20 all-rounders like Marcus Stoinis, Glenn Maxwell, and Marco Jansen, giving the team management many options to choose from.

With both teams eager to keep their winning momentum, one can expect a thriller in Mullanpur.

DC break Chepauk jinx after 15 years

CSK 158-5 (20 Ovs) vs DC 183-6 | SCORECARD

Mukesh Kumar took the ball for the final over, and Shankar gave CSK a hopeful start-a six straight down the ground, followed by a couple. But Mukesh nailed his yorker next up, restricting Shankar to a single.

With three balls left, Dhoni found the boundary, then mistimed the next for a single. Shankar took one off the last ball, but it was far from enough.15 runs came off the final over, but CSK finish at 158/5 in 20 overs.

DC win by 25 runs- their first victory at Chepauk since 2010!

A clinical bowling performance at the death sealed it after Rahul's commanding 77 earlier. Pathirana's brilliance nearly gave CSK a chance, but the hosts never really got going in the chase.

CSK need 41 from the final over

CSK 143-5 (19 Ovs) vs DC 183-6 | SCORECARD

Starc returned for the 19th and started with drama- five wides! A wayward delivery down leg that beat everyone, including the keeper, sending the crowd into a frenzy and briefly lifting CSK spirits.

Dhoni followed with a drive to long-on for a single, then Shankar thumped a much-needed boundary. A few singles followed as both batters tried to keep the scoreboard ticking, but they couldn't find the big over CSK desperately needed. A dot ball to end summed up the innings-rusty and lacking rhythm.13 runs came off the over, but not in the manner CSK would've wanted.

After 19 overs, they're 143 for 5, and now need 41 from the final over. The target is well out of reach barring something truly extraordinary.

CSK need a miracle

CSK 130-5 (18 Ovs) vs DC 183-6 | SCORECARD

Axar Patel was introduced into the attack for the 17th over, but DC's spin stranglehold continued. Shankar and Dhoni could only manage singles, with no risks taken. Just 5 runs came off it, and with the required rate soaring, it felt like a decisive over in the context of the chase.

After 17, CSK were 117 for 5, needing 67 from 18 balls.

Mukesh Kumar returned for the 18th, and the intent was visible. Shankar got a single to long-on, followed by Dhoni swinging hard-just a single on the bounce. A wide down the leg side helped CSK a bit. Shankar then pushed another to long-on. Then came the moment- Dhoni launched a massive six into the crowd, triggering a huge roar. He followed it up with a couple and a single to end the over. 13 runs came off the 18th, better, but still not enough.

After 18 overs, CSK are 130 for 5, needing 54 from 12 balls-27 an over. A miracle is all they need now.

CSK need a miracle

CSK 112-5 (16 Ovs) vs DC 183-6 | SCORECARD

Mohit Sharma came back on for the 16th, and continued to strangle CSK's chase. Dhoni pulled one to deep midwicket for a single to start, followed by a wide down leg. Shankar nudged one to midwicket for another single. Dhoni then missed a well-directed yorker, and followed it with a cautious leave that was called wide. Two more singles followed to end the over-just 6 runs from it, and no boundaries again.

After 16 overs, CSK are 112 for 5. They now need an improbable 72 runs from 24 balls-that's 18 an over.

Shankar keeping the fight alive

CSK 106-5 (15 Ovs) vs DC 183-6 | SCORECARD

Mohit Sharma returned for the 14th over and continued DC's strategy of mixing it up. Shankar started with a single, and Dhoni followed suit. Then came a twist'-Mohit overstepped, and the no-ball siren went off. On the free hit, Mohit banged in a short one outside off, and Dhoni missed it trying to pull. The next ball was a slower bouncer, and Dhoni waited for it before placing it to deep midwicket for a single.

Then, after 28 deliveries without a boundary, Shankar finally broke the shackles with a much-needed four. He followed it up with a single to end the over.

10 runs came off it, a slight release for CSK, but the asking rate remains steep.

After 14 overs, CSK are 96 for 5, needing 88 from 36 balls at nearly 15 an over.

Kuldeep Yadav continued and kept the pressure on early in the over as Shankar missed the first ball. He managed to collect a couple off the next, and then came a much-needed breakthrough- a boundary to bring up 100 for CSK.

An edge followed, but it didn't carry to the fielder-no run. Two mistimed shots brought more dot balls, but Shankar made up for it with a crucial boundary off the final delivery, finding the gap perfectly.

10 runs came off the over, a decent return for CSK in the context of the chase.

After 15 overs, they are 106 for 5, needing 78 from 30 balls. It's still a steep ask, but Shankar is keeping the fight alive.

CSK need something special from Dhoni

CSK 86-5 (13 Ovs) vs DC 183-6 | SCORECARD

Nigam kept things tight in his over, with Dhoni and Shankar managing just four singles. The pressure continues to build on CSK, who now need 104 off the last 48 balls. The required run rate has shot up to 13 an over, and boundaries are becoming a rare sight.

After 12 overs, CSK are 80 for 5.

Kuldeep returned and started with singles from both Dhoni and Shankar. Dhoni then calmly pushed another one down to long-off. A big chance came on the fourth delivery-Shankar was dropped by Stubbs at long-on! He moved forward and slid in, but the ball popped out of his hands-could be a costly miss.

Two more singles to close out the over, and again, just 6 runs came off it. After 13 overs, CSK are 86 for 5, needing 98 off 42 balls.

The required rate is now nearing 14 an over-CSK need something special.

Kuldeep picks up Jadeja, keeps pressure on

CSK 76-5 (11 Ovs) vs DC 183-6 | SCORECARD

Kuldeep continued and started with a couple of quick singles for Shankar, who looked to keep things moving. He followed it up with another couple- great work in the deep by Starc to cut off what looked like a boundary.

A single to midwicket kept the rotation going, but then came a massive moment. Jadeja looked to flick one from around off but missed completely. The ball spun in sharply, struck him on the pad, and Rahul's appeal was confident-and immediate. Even before he finished, the umpire had raised the finger. Jadeja departs for just 2 off 3 balls.

Dhoni walked in at No. 7 and got off the mark with a single. Shankar ended the over with another single.

A big over for DC-Kuldeep picks up Jadeja and keeps the pressure on.

After 11 overs, CSK are 76 for 5.

Nigam strikes again, Dube gone!

CSK 69-4 (10 Ovs) vs DC 183-6 | SCORECARD

Starc returned for his third over and kept things tight. Dube started cautiously, defending the first few deliveries before finally getting off strike with a single. Shankar followed with one of his own, and another single ended the over. Just 3 runs came off it-another tidy over from Starc.

After 7 overs, CSK were 49 for 3.

Vipraj Nigam continued from the other end. Dube flicked one towards the leg side for no run, then picked up a single to long-on. Shankar, rising with the bounce, managed to force a single as well. Another tight over from DC- just 3 runs off it again. CSK 52 for 3 after 8.

Kuldeep Yadav was introduced and kept the squeeze on. The batters focused on strike rotation, managing only singles throughout. Kuldeep zipped through his over, conceding just 7 runs. After 9 overs, CSK were 59 for 3.

Nigam continued, and Dube tried to break the shackles. He launched the first ball for a towering six over long-on. But then came the breakthrough-six and out-as Dube went for another big one but only managed to find Stubbs at long-on. He departs for 18 off 15 balls, and CSK slip further to 65 for 4.

Jadeja is the new batter and he is off the mark with a single. the batters exchange a few more singles.

Nigam strikes, Conway departs for 13

CSK 46-3 (6 Ovs) vs DC 183-6 | SCORECARD

Nigam was brought into the attack, and Shankar welcomed him with a boundary, easing some pressure. He followed it up with a single to rotate the strike. But then came a big moment-Conway, looking to push the pace, got another leading edge. This time, it went straight to cover where skipper Axar Patel made no mistake with the simple catch.

Conway departs for 13 off 14 balls, and CSK lose their third. Trouble brewing in the chase.

Dube is the impact sub and he is off the mark in style with a boundary. Backs it with a single. Shankar defends the last off the over.

Conway, Shankar rebuild CSK innings

CSK 36-2 (5 Ovs) vs DC 183-6 | SCORECARD

Mukesh Kumar continued from the other end and kept things tight. Conway defended solidly and then tapped one towards point for a single. Shankar and Conway dealt in singles for the rest of the over, keeping the scoreboard ticking without taking risks. Just 5 runs came off it, and after 4 overs, CSK were 25 for 2.

Mohit Sharma was introduced into the attack for the fifth over, and Conway greeted him with a boundary, timing it sweetly. He followed it up with a single, and both batters rotated the strike well throughout the over. A much-needed boost for CSK- 11 runs came from it. After 5 overs, they are 36 for 2, needing 148 from 90 balls.

CSK lose Rachin, Gaikwad early

CSK 20-2 (3 Ovs) vs DC 183-6 | SCORECARD

Starc continued, and Gaikwad greeted him with a crisp boundary to start the over. However, Starc strayed down leg on the next ball, and it was rightly called a wide.

Gaikwad then pushed one towards cover for no run, before falling into the trap set for him. Looking to play the short ball, he pulled it straight to JFM stationed at deep backward square leg, who moved slightly to his right to take a comfortable catch.

Gaikwad departs for 5 off 4 balls, and Starc strikes early-another big blow for CSK!

Vijay Shankar is the new batter, and he looked uncomfortable right from the start. He tried to drive Starc down the ground but couldn't pierce the field. The next delivery brought drama-an inswinging yorker struck him low on the pad, and there was a brief discussion among the DC players. Porel was convinced there was bat involved. Replays showed the ball hit the boot first, followed by a faint toe edge as Shankar attempted to flick it leg-side. He survived, but couldn't score off the final delivery either. A tight over from Starc-just 5 runs and a wicket from it.

After 3 overs, CSK are 20 for 2.

Mukesh strikes, CSK lose Rachin early

CSK 15-1 (2 Ovs) vs DC 183-6 | SCORECARD

Mukesh came on from the other end and started with a single to Rachin, nudged towards the leg side. Conway found the gap next ball, but Nigam's excellent effort in the deep saved a certain boundary, limiting it to just two. A leg bye followed before Mukesh banged in a short one that Rachin comfortably ducked under.

Then came the breakthrough-Rachin got a leading edge on a mistimed shot, and the ball lobbed gently back to Mukesh, who moved low to his right and took a composed catch. Rachin departed for 3 off 6 balls.

Gaikwad walked in early, with a slip in place, and got off the mark with a single.

A successful over for DC, and after two overs, CSK are 15 for 1.

CSK off to a good start

CSK 10-0 (1 Ovs) vs DC 183-6 | SCORECARD

Rachin Ravindra and Devon Conway opened the innings for CSK, with Mitchell Starc taking the new ball.

Starc beat Rachin with his very first delivery but then overstepped, gifting a no-ball. Conway got the free hit but couldn't capitalize, managing just a single to the leg side. Rachin got off the mark with a single too. Conway added two quick singles before missing the next delivery, which clipped the pads and ran away to the third man boundary.

A bit of luck there for CSK, who collected 10 runs from the first over without losing a wicket. They're 10 for 0 after one.

CSK to chase 183

DC 183-6 (20 Ovs) vs CSK | Scorecard

DC will be disappointed not to reach the 200-mark after setting a solid platform. The pitch slowed down in the latter stages, and CSK's pacers cleverly mixed up their pace to drag things back.

Just 45 runs came in the final five overs, with the key wickets of Rahul, Rizvi, and Ashutosh halting the momentum. Rahul was the standout, anchoring the innings with a fluent 77 off 51, but lacked support from the rest, who couldn't convert starts.

Pathirana was clinical at the death, especially in the 18th and 20th overs- his spell could prove decisive.

CSK to chase 183

DC 183-6 (20 Ovs) vs CSK | Scorecard

Mukesh came on to bowl his final over, and Rahul greeted him with a boundary right away. He then swung and missed the next delivery, before getting a big reprieve- Choudhary dropped a sitter, much to the disbelief of even Dhoni behind the stumps. Stubbs made the most of the moment, launching a massive six and following it up with a boundary. Drama continued as a high catch chance was missed, with the fielder misjudging it while charging in. On the final ball, Stubbs tried to guide it to the keeper, and DC opted for a review hoping for a wide. However, the third umpire ruled it 'well inside the revised wide line,' and DC lost their review.

A big over nonetheless-15 runs came off it, and after 19 overs, DC are 176 for 4.

Pathirana was handed the ball for the final over and began with a wide. Stubbs picked up a single to get things moving. Then came the big moment-Rahul edged one behind and walked off immediately without even glancing back. He departed for a well-made 77 off 51 balls, and Pathirana struck a crucial blow for his side. Ashutosh walked in but lasted just one ball-he set off for a second run, but Jadeja's sharp work in the deep and Dhoni's quick hands behind the stumps resulted in a brilliant run-out. Ashutosh was nowhere in the frame as the bails were whipped off. Nigam was the next to bat-he swung and missed his first delivery but managed to get a single off the next. Stubbs faced the final ball and scrambled two runs to close the innings.

A tight finish by Pathirana, with 7 runs and 2 wickets coming off the final over. DC end their innings at 183 for 6 after 20 overs.

Khaleel strikes, DC 4 down

DC 161-4 (18 Ovs) vs CSK | Scorecard

Khaleel returned to try and halt DC's growing momentum- and struck right away!

Sameer looked to go over the infield but couldn't get the timing right. Jadeja, stationed at deep cover, sprinted forward a few paces and pulled off a stunning low catch right in front of his stomach. A brilliant effort in the field, and a crucial breakthrough for his team.

Sameer walks back after a handy 20 off 15 balls.

In walks Tristan Stubbs at just the right time for DC, ready to carry the charge forward.

Stubbs got off the mark with a couple of runs and followed it up with a powerful boundary to make an immediate impact. The batters then rotated the strike with singles for the rest of the over. A steady nine runs and the crucial wicket of Sameer came from it, as DC moved to 155 for 4 after 17 overs.

Pathirana returned for his third over, and the batters started with a risky single-Stubbs made it home safely, though a direct hit wouldve been very close. Rahul added a single of his own, and the rest of the over saw the duo continue to pick off singles without taking unnecessary risks.

Six singles came from the over, and after 18, DC were 161 for 4.

Rahul, Sameer go on the attack

DC 146-3 (16 Ovs) vs CSK | Scorecard

Noor returned to the attack, but Rahul welcomed him with a boundary straightaway. Both batters then exchanged singles before Rahul struck another four, continuing his aggressive approach. He followed it up with a single, and Sameer finished the over in style with a massive six.

A big over for DC, with 17 runs coming off it, taking the score to 138 for 3 after 15 overs.

Mukesh was brought back into the attack, and Rahul started with a quick couple, followed by a single through covers. Sameer added another single with a drive into the deep. Rahul then pierced the gap beautifully to collect another four. He attempted a big shot next but missed, ending the over with a dot.

Eight runs came off it, and after 16 overs, DC were 146 for 3.

Rahul brings up his fifty

DC 121-3 (14 Ovs) vs CSK | Scorecard

Jadeja replaced Noor in the attack, and Sameer started the over with a flick to deep square leg for a single. Rahul followed it up with a big hit, launching the ball for a six, and then calmly took a single. Sameer was struck on the pads next ball, but it was going down leg and called a wide. He then jabbed the ball to long on for another single. Rahul looked for a quick run but was rightly sent back by Rizvi.

A total of 10 runs came off the over, and after 13 overs, DC were 113 for 3.

Pathirana continued from the other end, with Sameer and Rahul picking up singles to start. Rahul then brought up his first fifty of the season in just 33 balls, showcasing excellent form. The two batters rotated the strike well, keeping the scoreboard ticking. Sameer added a boundary with a solid shot to long on, while Dhoni pulled off a good stop to deny Rizvi any runs.

Eight runs came off the over, and at the end of 14, DC were 121 for 3.

100 comes up for DC

DC 103-3 (12 Ovs) vs CSK | Scorecard

Pathirana was brought into the attack and began with a short delivery that struck KL Rahul on the pads, resulting in a leg bye. He followed it up with a wide yorker down the leg side, which Rizvi tried to flick from deep in his crease but missed due to the width. Dhoni fumbled while collecting the ball, allowing the batters to steal a single. Rahul then took another single, keeping the scoreboard ticking. A short ball followed, which Rizvi missed, but he made up for it by running a quick couple on the next delivery. Rahul capped off the over with a beautifully timed boundary, bringing up the 100 for DC.

At the end of 12 overs, DC were 103 for 3.

Noor strikes! Axar cleaned up

DC 92-3 (11 Ovs) vs CSK | Scorecard

Ashwin continues. Rahul lifts it over the bowler's head-just two runs there. Follows it up with a single to long on. Axar sends one straight back to the bowler-no run. He then cuts to deep point for a single. Two more singles round off the over.6 runs from it-after 10 overs, DC are 82 for 2.

Noor Ahmad from over the wicket. Axar taps it to cover for a single. KL Rahul, who's been kept quiet for a while, finally breaks free-launches one into the stands for six! Follows it with a single.

Bowled him! Axar completely misses, and Noor strikes again-doing what he does best for CSK this season: picking up key wickets. Axar goes for 21 off 14. DC lose their third.

Sameer Rizvi, who played for CSK until last season, is the new batter, he is off the mark with a single. Rahul ends the over with a single towards cover.

Ashwin, Noor keep DC in check

DC 76-2 (9 Ovs) vs CSK | Scorecard

Ashwin continues. Rahul starts with a reverse sweep for a single. Axar punches one to cover but finds the fielder-no run. Sends the next one straight back to the bowler. Then finds the gap and takes a quick single. Rahul follows with a sweep to deep mid-wicket for another single. Axar ends the over with a confident boundary through the off side.

7 runs off it-after 8 overs, DC are 67 for 2.

Noor Ahmad comes into the attack now. KL Rahul flicks the first ball to mid-wicket for a single. Axar picks up a quick one too. The batters rotate strike well, adding two more singles. Then Axar smashes another boundary, timing it sweetly.

A dot to end the over.9 runs off it-after 9 overs, DC are 76 for 2.

Jadeja removes Porel, DC 2 down

DC 60-2 (7 Ovs) vs CSK | Scorecard

Ravindra Jadeja joins the attack. KL Rahul and Porel pick up a single each early in the over. Rahul tries to cut but can't beat the fielder- no run. He follows up with a push to long off for another single. Then comes a soft dismissal-Porel tries to guide it past short third but only manages to find the fielder. Pathirana makes no mistake. Porel walks back after a brisk 33 off 20 balls. A timely breakthrough for CSK.

Axar Patel is the new batter and he is off the mark with a six.

50 comes up for DC

DC 51-1 (6 Ovs) vs CSK | Scorecard

Khaleel into his third over. Porel steers one to third man for a single. Khaleel then strays in line, and KL Rahul takes full toll-lofts it for a maximum! Next ball, Rahul looks for another big one, but excellent work from Conway in the deep keeps it to just two. Rahul follows up with a crisp cut for a single, and Porel finishes the over with a quick one. 11 runs off it.

After 5 overs, DC are 43 for 1-momentum building nicely.

Ashwin is brought into the attack now-he hasn't had the best IPL so far, and Porel greets him in style with a boundary first ball. Follows it up with a single. The batters continue to rotate strike smartly. Rahul swings and misses one-no run there. A single to finish the over.

8 runs from it, and at the end of the Powerplay, DC are 51 for 1. A solid recovery after the early wicket.

Rahul, Porel rebuild DC innings

DC 32-1 (4 Ovs) vs CSK | Scorecard

Khaleel Ahmed continues. Porel whips one to square leg for a single. KL Rahul finally gets on strike and gets off the mark with a tidy single as well. The duo keeps the scoreboard ticking with smart rotation-four singles from the over.

After 3 overs, DC are 24 for 1. Steady rebuild underway. Mukesh Choudhary continues. KL Rahul keeps things moving with a quick single- he's tough to tie down. Porel follows suit with one of his own. Then Rahul opens up, steps out, and sends one racing to the boundary. A brilliant yorker to Porel, but he digs it out for a single. Rahul safely blocks the final delivery.

8 runs off the over. After 4 overs, DC are 32 for 1.

Porel in beast mode

DC 20-1 (2 Ovs) vs CSK | Scorecard

Mukesh Choudhary comes on to share the new ball. Porel starts cautiously, pushing one to point. But then, he shifts gears-cracks a boundary, follows it up with a towering six! He's on a rampage now. Back-to-back boundaries follow, and he finishes the over with a single. Jake's early exit hasn't slowed DC down-Porel has been in beast mode.

19 runs from the over, and after 2 overs, DC are 20 for 1.

Dream start for CSK, Jake out for a duck

DC 1-1 (1 Ovs) vs CSK | Scorecard

KL Rahul strides out confidently to open the innings, joined by Jake Fraser-McGurk. Khaleel Ahmed takes the new ball for CSK. One slip in place, and Jake takes strike.

He plays out the first three deliveries with a solid defensive technique. A short ball aimed at the body follows-Jake shuffles across, gets behind the line, and blocks it. Four short balls and one full-that's all it took.

A dream start for CSK. Ashwin makes no mistake in the field, and Jake walks back for a duck. Top-class opening over from Khaleel.

Two slips in place for Porel. He flicks it neatly to deep square leg and picks up a single.

End of the first over- DC off to a cautious start at 1 for 1.

Delhi elect to bat; CSK include Conway

Delhi Capitals are flying high, having won both their matches under new skipper Axar Patel, while CSK have struggled with just one win from three games.

Conway will bolster their top order as Tripathi gets the axe after failing in the first three games.

Faf du Plessis' absence will be a big blow and it remains to be seen if K L Rahul opens the batting for the visitors.

Check out the playing XIs:

Chennai Super Kings: Ruturaj Gaikwad (captain), Rachin Ravindra, Devon Conway, Vijay Shankar, Ravindra Jadeja, Mahendra Singh Dhoni (w/k), Ravichandran Ashwin, Noor Ahmad, Mukesh Choudhary, Khaleel Ahmed, Matheesha Pathirana.

Impact Subs: Shivam Dube, Jamie Overton, Shaik Rasheed, Kamlesh Nagarkoti, Nathan Ellis.

Delhi Capitals: Axar Patel (captain), Jake Fraser-McGurk, K L Rahul (w/k), Abishek Porel, Tristan Stubbs, Sameer Rizvi, Ashutosh Sharma, Vipraj Nigam, Mitchell Starc, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohit Sharma.

Impact Subs: Mukesh Kumar, Karun Nair, Darshan Nalkande, Donovan Ferreira, Tripurana Vijay.

Blow for DC; Faf ruled out with injury

Delhi Capitals captain Axar Patel has won the toss and elected to bat against Chennai Super Kings in Chennai on Saturday.

'It looks like there will be some help for the bowlers, the pitch could get slower as the match goes on,' says Axar at the toss.

Axar confirms that senior pro Faf du Plessis is out of the match because of fitness issues and has been replaced by Sameer Rizvi.

CSK have made two changes as Devon Conway replaces Jamie Overton and Mukesh Choudhary take the place of Rahul Tripathi.

Gaikwad to lead CSK against Delhi

Matthew Hayden and Eoin Morgan

A big relief for CSK as captain Ruturaj Gaikwad is walking out for the toss, having recovered from his injury.

Delhi Capitals will be looking to win their first match in Chennai in 15 years, having last won at this venue in 2010. They are in good form having won their last two games.

Pitch Report:

Eoin Morgan states that 'There is not a lot of grass on the this pitch, it is rolled into the pitch. The surface is two-paced for batters particularly coming in, at the start of their innings.'

'The power for me is the partnerships, that's when you post a big total.'

Will Dhoni captain CSK against DC?

Chennai Super Kings

Chennai Super Kings regular skipper Rituraj Gaikwad, who is nursing an elbow injury, is unlikely to play against Delhi Capitals on Saturday, setting the stage for the legendary Mahendra Singh Dhonis return at the helm of the five-time champions.

CSK batting coach Michael Hussy has hinted that the keeper-batter might take over captaincy if Gaikwad does not recover in time.

Gaikwad suffered the injury on his right forearm after being struck by a ball while batting in the last game against Rajasthan Royals in Guwahati on Sunday. He stepped out to hit Royals pacer Tushar Deshpande but missed the ball, sustaining an injury on his unprotected right elbow.

Ruturaj Gaikwads participation in tomorrows game will depend on how well he recovered. He is still sore and we would take a call as to how he bats in the nets today, Hussey said during the pre-match press conference on Friday.

If he doesnt play, not sure who will lead. But there is a strong chance that a young wicketkeeper might fill in.

His mention of young wicketkeeper has ignited speculation about Dhonis potential return to lead the side against DC in front of the home crowd. The 22-year-old Vansh Bedi is the only other keeper-batter in the side and he is yet to make his IPL debut.

Dhoni has led CSK in 226 matches and guided them to five IPL and two Champions League titles.

The 43-year-old Dhoni last captained CSK on March 21, 2024, when he handed over the captaincy to Gaikwad ahead of the IPL 2024 season.

Can struggling CSK bounce back vs Delhi?

Noor Ahmed's guile will meet its perfect match in Kuldeep Yadav's artistry as two wrist spinners will drive the narrative during under-par Chennai Super Kings' important IPL 2025 match against an impressive Delhi Capitals in Chennai on Saturday.

It will be an afternoon game in sapping Chennai heat and the kind of tracks on offer will certainly make it a 50-50 match. Kuldeep with an economy rate of 5.25 is the best in terms of quality among the four spinners expected to be in action during the game.

Afghanistan spinner Noor has so far got nine wickets at an equally impressive economy rate of 6.83 and he can certainly prove to be a handful during the middle overs with balls expected to grip the surface.

In terms of batting, DC will certainly hold a slight advantage with the middle-order having a bit more firepower this year with presence of Ashutosh Sharma, Vipraj Nigam and the seasoned KL Rahul, who is expected to play with lot more freedom given that there are no captaincy burden on him in his new franchise.

Save Shivam Dube, CSK do not have players who can belt bowlers at a strike-rate between 180 to 200 during the back-10 if they are chasing a score of 180 plus.

Opener Rahul Tripathi, who has been a sought-after utility-man for various teams at the top of the order, hasn't exactly looked comfortable against top quality pace bowling in the matches so far.

Tripathi has failed to justify Dhoni's move to play him as an opener and drop Ruturaj Gaikwad one slot below despite regular skipper's proven record at the start of the innings.

In case of DC, the challenge for its batters while playing at Chepauk will be way more compared to what they faced on good batting tracks at Visakhapatnam. They successfully chased down targets in both games in Vizag.

The presence of Faf du Plessis in the DC ranks can be worth its weight in gold as his experience of playing multiple seasons for CSK and the knowledge of conditions will help youngsters like Jake-Fraser McGurk, Tristan Stubbs and Abhishek Porel, who form the core of the batting line-up.

Fraser-McGurk has issues while tackling spinners and it would be interesting if Ravichandran Ashwin, who hasn't exactly looked in best rhythm (99 runs in 10 overs so far), could test the young Australian during the Powerplay overs.

The head-to-head record between DC and CSK at Chepauk is overwhelmingly in favour of home team that has won seven out of the nine matches.

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