Kolkata Knight Riders Ball by Ball Commentery

• • KKR got off to a flier with Gambhir and Uthappa striking the ball well in the Powerplay. Then came the spinners who put slight breaks on the scoring with Pawan Negi getting the first breakthrough. KKR were still scoring at a decent rate with Gambhir playing a brilliant innings of 80 runs in 52 balls. Nehra took the beating towards the end but Negi pulled back things for CSK by taking three wickets in the penultimate over and finishing with 5 wickets for 22 runs in his quota of 4 overs. KKR have posted a good total of 180 runs. Can CSK chase this down to win the cup? Join us in a few minutes to find out.
  • 19.6

    A Nehra to A Russell

    2

    Another low full toss around the pads, played to deep mid-wicket for a couple. KKR finish at 180 for 6 after 20 overs.

    1
  • 19.5

    A Nehra to Y Pathan

    1

    Pathan shuffles across and slogs it to deep mid-wicket for a single.
    
  • 19.4

    A Nehra to Y Pathan

    2

    Fullish around middle, played through mid-wicket for a couple.
  • 19.3

    A Nehra to Y Pathan

    6

    SIX! Pathan ending it in style! Full around the pads, Pathan clears the front leg and launches this over mid-wicket for a biggie.

    2
  • 19.2

    A Nehra to Y Pathan

    4

    FOUR! Two in a row! Length on the pads, flicked wide of fine leg for a boundary.
  • 19.1

    A Nehra to Y Pathan

    (127 KMPH)

    4

    FOUR! Good shot! Almost a yorker on middle and leg, Pathan stays deep and tucks it beautifully through mid-wicket for a boundary.
• • End of over 19
    KOL 161/6
    A Russell* 0(1)  Y Pathan 3(4)
  • 18.6

    P Negi to A Russell

    0

    Andre has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery.
    
  • Andre Russell comes to bat!
  • 18.5

    P Negi to S Yadav

    (91 KMPH)

    W

    OUT c Ashish Nehra b Pawan Negi. Kolkata have lost their sixth wicket.
    

    
    

    S Yadav
    

    0 (2)

    c Ashish Nehra b Pawan Negi
    

    FoW 6-161
  • 18.4

    P Negi to S Yadav

    0

    Yadav has been hit on the pads as he tried to sweep that one.
    
  • Suryakumar Yadav comes to bat.
  • 18.4

    P Negi to ten Doeschate

    W 1

    OUT! Negi strikes again! Fuller wide outside off, RTD comes down to have a go but misses it. Dhoni does the rest and takes the bails off in a flash. There is no doubt and the gamble from Dhoni to bowl Negi is paying off.
    

    
    

    R ten Doeschate
    

    0 (1)

    st MS Dhoni b Pawan Negi
    

    FoW 5-161
  • 18.3

    P Negi to ten Doeschate

    0

    The batsman tried to sweep that one but missed it and was hit on the pads.
    

    1
  • 18.2

    P Negi to Y Pathan

    1

    Punched through cover for a single.
    
  • Ryan ten Doeschate comes to bat!
  • 18.1

    P Negi to M Pandey

    W

    OUT! The gamble works! Negi has had a terrific outing! Bowls it slow outside off, spins away, Pandey tries to play it over long on but does not get the timing right and plays it to McCullum at long who takes a sitter by his standards.
    

    
    

    M Pandey
    

    32 (19)

    c Brendon McCullum b Pawan Negi
    

    FoW 4-159
• • End of over 18
    KOL 159/3
    M Pandey* 32(18)  Y Pathan 2(3)
  • Pawan Negi to bowl the penultimate over.
  • 17.6

    A Nehra to M Pandey

    (127 KMPH)

    1

    Good delivery to finish! Low full toss around middle, Pandey goes to play across the line but gets an inside edge on the on side for a single.
    
  • 17.5

    A Nehra to Y Pathan

    (123 KMPH)

    1

    Once again a full toss on off, punched to cover for a single. One more full toss over the hip height and he will be off the attack.
    
  • 17.4

    A Nehra to M Pandey

    1

    Bowls a yorker on middle and leg, Pandey digs it out towards point for a single.
    
  • 17.3

    A Nehra to M Pandey

    (127 KMPH)

    6

    SIX! Make it two in a row! Another full toss around middle and leg, Pandey stands tall and pulls it over mid-wicket for a maximum.
    
  • 17.2

    A Nehra to M Pandey

    6

    SIX! Shot! Bowls it on a length on off, Pandey heaves it over long on for a biggie.
    
  • 17.1

    A Nehra to M Pandey

    0

    Full just outside off, Pandey misses it completely.
    
  • 17.1

    A Nehra to M Pandey

    5 nb

    FOUR! No ball! Goes for a yorker but the ball slips out of his hand resulting in a full toss outside off, Pandey slices it over point for a boundary.
    
• • End of over 17
    KOL 139/3
    M Pandey* 14(12)  Y Pathan 1(2)
  • Ashish Nehra comes to bowl.
  • 16.6

    R Jadeja to M Pandey

    1

    Fires in a yorker on leg, Pandey pushes it to long off for a single.
    
  • 16.5

    R Jadeja to Y Pathan

    1

    Pathan hits this hard down the ground to long on for a single.
    
  • 16.4

    R Jadeja to Y Pathan

    0

    Flighted on off, Pathan comes forward to defend that one.
    
  • 16.3

    R Jadeja to M Pandey

    1

    1 run.
    
  • Yusuf Pathan comes to bat.
  • 16.2

    R Jadeja to G Gambhir

    (89 KMPH)

    W

    OUT! Gambhir departs! Tossed up wide outside off, Gambhir tries to force it on the leg side, does not get to the pitch and mistimes it towards long off. McCullum runs in and dives forward to take a stunning catch.
    

    
    

    G Gambhir
    

    80 (52)

    c Brendon McCullum b Ravindra Jadeja
    

    FoW 3-136

    2
  • 16.1

    R Jadeja to G Gambhir

    0

    The batsman has driven that ball straight back.
    
• • End of over 16
    KOL 136/2
    M Pandey* 12(10)  G Gambhir 80(50)
  • 15.6

    D Bravo to M Pandey

    (111 KMPH)

    4

    FOUR! Smart batting! Slower one on a length outside off, Pandey stays back and guides it wide of the short third man fielder for a boundary.
    
  • 15.5

    D Bravo to G Gambhir

    1

    Guided to third man for a single.
    
  • 15.4

    D Bravo to G Gambhir

    (132 KMPH)

    4

    FOUR! Majestic! Length just outside off, Gambhir waits on the back foot and cuts it efficiently past the point fielder for a boundary.
    
  • 15.3

    D Bravo to M Pandey

    (132 KMPH)

    1

    Short on off, Pandey pulls it through mid-wicket for a single.
    
  • 15.2

    D Bravo to G Gambhir

    (111 KMPH)

    1

    Lofts it over mid-wicket for a single.
    
  • 15.2

    D Bravo to G Gambhir

    (132 KMPH)

    1 wd

    WIDE! Bowls it short and wide outside off. The umpire calls it a wide.
    
  • 15.1

    D Bravo to G Gambhir

    (111 KMPH)

    6

    SIX! That is a biggie! Bowls a slower one on a full length on middle and leg, Gambhir clears his front leg and heaves it over the mid-wicket fence for a maximum.
    

    3
• • End of over 15
    KOL 118/2
    G Gambhir* 68(46)  M Pandey 7(8)
  • 14.6

    R Jadeja to G Gambhir

    1

    Length outside off, cut to point.
    
  • 14.5

    R Jadeja to M Pandey

    1

    Driven through the covers by the batsman. They pick up a single.
    
  • 14.4

    R Jadeja to G Gambhir

    1

    Flighted on the pads, sweeps it uppishly to deep square leg for a single.
    
  • 14.3

    R Jadeja to M Pandey

    1

    Tossed up on off, pushed to cover for a single.
    
  • 14.2

    R Jadeja to G Gambhir

    1

    Full toss outside off, driven straight to deep cover.
    
  • 14.1

    R Jadeja to M Pandey

    1

    Shortish outside off, pulled to deep mid-wicket for a single.
    
• • End of over 14
    KOL 112/2
    M Pandey* 4(5)  G Gambhir 65(43)
  • Jadeja back on!
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  • 13.6

    D Bravo to M Pandey

    (112 KMPH)

    1

    Manish guides it to third man. One run added to the total.
    
  • 13.5

    D Bravo to G Gambhir

    (114 KMPH)

    1

    Full on the pads, an off cutter, guided to fine leg for a single.
    
  • 13.4

    D Bravo to M Pandey

    (127 KMPH)

    1

    Full on off, smashed to long on for a single.
    
  • 13.3

    D Bravo to G Gambhir

    (109 KMPH)

    1

    Another slower one just outside off, Gambhir runs it down to third man for one.
    
  • 13.2

    D Bravo to M Pandey

    (111 KMPH)

    1

    Short and wide outside off, cut through point for a single.
    
  • 13.1

    D Bravo to G Gambhir

    (130 KMPH)

    1

    Length on off, a slower one, Gambhir runs it down to third man for a single.
    
• • End of over 13
    KOL 106/2
    M Pandey* 1(2)  G Gambhir 62(40)
  • Dwayne Bravo introduced into the attack.
  • 12.6

    P Negi to M Pandey

    0

    Played to the point region by the batsman.
    
  • 12.5

    P Negi to G Gambhir

    1

    Slightly short on off, punched through cover-point for a single.
    
  • 12.4

    P Negi to G Gambhir

    (81 KMPH)

    6

    SIX! Good effort but in vain! Tossed up on middle and off, Gambhir hits it well towards long on where Faf jumps and catches it. As he was landing he steps on the fence. The umpire signals it six.
    
  • 12.3

    P Negi to M Pandey

    (81 KMPH)

    1

    Slow and flighted outside off, Pandey cuts it to point where Bravo gets around and has shy at the striker's end but misses.
    
  • 12.2

    P Negi to G Gambhir

    1

    Full around off, worked away through square leg for a single.
    
  • Manish Pandey comes to the crease.
  • 12.1

    P Negi to J Kallis

    (81 KMPH)

    W

    OUT! Kallis is a goner! Negi flights this one beautifully, drawing Kallis to play the big one. Kallis does so but miscues it over cover where Nehra runs in and takes a simple catch. Poor run continues for the King.
    

    
    

    J Kallis
    

    1 (4)

    c Ashish Nehra b Pawan Negi
    

    FoW 2-97

    2
• • End of over 12
    KOL 97/1
    G Gambhir* 54(37)  J Kallis 1(3)
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  • 11.6

    R Jadeja to G Gambhir

    0

    Flighted just outside off, Gambhir guides it straight to third man.
    
  • 11.5

    R Jadeja to J Kallis

    1

    Slightly on the pads, flicked away for a single.
    
  • 11.4

    R Jadeja to J Kallis

    0

    Full on off, defended back to the bowler.
    
  • 11.3

    R Jadeja to G Gambhir

    (97 KMPH)

    1

    The batsman plays a pull shot to this short delivery. They have run through for a single.
    
  • 11.2

    R Jadeja to G Gambhir

    4

    FOUR! Another misfield! Flighted on off, spins in, Gambhir flicks it to fine leg where Raina anticipates and goes the wrong side to concede a boundary.
    
  • 11.1

    R Jadeja to G Gambhir

    0

    Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat.
    
• • End of over 11
    KOL 91/1
    J Kallis* 0(1)  G Gambhir 49(33)
  • 10.6

    P Negi to J Kallis

    0

    Kallis given a life! Good bit of flight around off, spins away, Kallis goes for the drive but gets an outside edge that goes straight to Raina who makes a mess of it. CSK have been sluggish in the field.
    
  • Jacques Kallis comes to bat!
  • 10.5

    P Negi to R Uthappa

    (84 KMPH)

    W

    OUT! First blood for CSK! Nicely tossed up on middle and off, Robbie dances down the track and goes for the big one but is beaten by spin. Dhoni collects the ball and disturbs the framework and sends Uthappa back.
    

    
    

    R Uthappa
    

    39 (32)

    st MS Dhoni b Pawan Negi
    

    FoW 1-91

    2
  • 10.4

    P Negi to G Gambhir

    1

    Gambhir dances down the track and drives it through cover for a single.
    

    2
  • 10.3

    P Negi to G Gambhir

    0

    Tossed up just outside off, spins in, Gambhir defends it towards mid-wicket.
    
  • 10.2

    P Negi to R Uthappa

    1

    Full delivery, driven to long on for a single.
    
  • 10.1

    P Negi to R Uthappa

    (81 KMPH)

    0

    Tossed up on middle and off, Uthappa goes for the sweep but gets a glove before the ball hits the pads.
    
• • End of over 10
    KOL 89/0
    R Uthappa* 38(29)  G Gambhir 48(31)
  • Negi replaces Ashwin.
  • 9.6

    R Jadeja to R Uthappa

    1

    Flighted on off, pushed to long off for a single.
    
  • 9.5

    R Jadeja to G Gambhir

    1

    Full on middle and leg, tucked through mid-wicket for one.
    
  • 9.4

    R Jadeja to R Uthappa

    1

    Angled in on the pads, worked away for a single.
    
  • 9.3

    R Jadeja to G Gambhir

    1

    Driven to long on for a single.
    
  • 9.2

    R Jadeja to G Gambhir

    6

    SIX! Just about clears it! Flighted on middle and off, Gambhir comes down the track and heaves it towards long on. Bravo makes a valiant effort but in vain as the ball bounces over the ropes.
    
  • 9.1

    R Jadeja to G Gambhir

    0

    Full on off, defended back to the bowler.
    
• • End of over 9
    KOL 79/0
    R Uthappa* 36(27)  G Gambhir 40(27)
  • Ravindra Jadeja comes into the attack.
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  • 8.6

    R Ashwin to R Uthappa

    4

    FOUR! Clever! Short and flat just outside off, Uthappa stays back, opens the face of the bat and plays a deft touch. The ball races to the third man fence.
    
  • 8.5

    R Ashwin to G Gambhir

    1

    Tucked through mid-wicket for a single.
    
  • 8.4

    R Ashwin to R Uthappa

    1 lb

    Leg Bye! Tossed up just outside off, spins in, Uthappa tries to flick but is struck on the thigh guard. They take one.
    
  • 8.3

    R Ashwin to R Uthappa

    2

    Tossed up outside off, Robbie plays the reverse sweep for a couple.
    
  • 8.2

    R Ashwin to G Gambhir

    1

    Straying on the pads, flicked away for a single.
    
  • 8.1

    R Ashwin to G Gambhir

    0

    Gautam has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery.
    
• • End of over 8
    KOL 70/0
    R Uthappa* 30(24)  G Gambhir 38(24)
  • 7.6

    P Negi to R Uthappa

    0

    Negi fires this one in, Gambhir goes to defend it on the on side but is struck on the pads. Huge appeal but turned down.
    

    1
  • 7.5

    P Negi to G Gambhir

    1

    Gambhir plays the Square cut. They pick up a single.
    
  • 7.4

    P Negi to G Gambhir

    (82 KMPH)

    4

    FOUR! Bowls it on middle and off, Gambhir goes for the big one but the ball comes off the inside half of the bat and races through the mid-wicket region for a boundary.
    
  • 7.3

    P Negi to R Uthappa

    1

    Full toss on off, Uthappa mistimes his shot and the ball falls short of the long off fielder. They take one.
    
  • 7.2

    P Negi to R Uthappa

    (83 KMPH)

    2

    Played through mid-wicket by the batsman. The batsmen have picked up a couple of runs.
    
  • 7.1

    P Negi to G Gambhir

    1

    Tossed up just outside off, Gambhir drives it to cover where the fielder commits a misfield. They take off for a single. Negi gets to the ball and has a shy at the non striker's end but misses. Had he hit, Gambhir would have to walk back.
    
• • End of over 7
    KOL 61/0
    G Gambhir* 32(21)  R Uthappa 27(21)
  • Pawan Negi comes to bowl.
  • 
    
  • 6.6

    R Ashwin to G Gambhir

    1

    Pushed to cover for a single.
    
  • 6.5

    R Ashwin to G Gambhir

    (95 KMPH)

    4

    FOUR! Intelligent shot! Short on off, Gambhir stays back and opens the face of the bat to run the ball down the vacant third man region for a boundary.
    

    2
  • 6.4

    R Ashwin to R Uthappa

    1

    Straying on the pads, flicked through square leg for a single.
    
  • 6.3

    R Ashwin to R Uthappa

    0

    Slightly short on middle and leg, pulled to mid-wicket.
    
  • 6.2

    R Ashwin to R Uthappa

    0

    Loopy outside off, spins in, Uthappa is beaten by flight as he tries to defend it and gets an inside edge to Dhoni on the bounce.
    
  • 6.1

    R Ashwin to G Gambhir

    1

    Around the pads, tucked away for a single.
    
• • End of over 6
    KOL 54/0
    R Uthappa* 26(18)  G Gambhir 26(18)
  • 5.6

    M Sharma to R Uthappa

    (131 KMPH)

    0

    NOT OUT! Length just outside off, Uthappa tries to run it down to third man but misses and Dhoni whips the bails off in a flash. He appeals and the umpire goes upstairs. The replays show that the foot was well inside.
    
  • The umpire goes upstairs for a stumping appeal.
  • 5.5

    M Sharma to R Uthappa

    (133 KMPH)

    4

    FOUR! Lovely shot! Pitched up just outside off, Uthappa gets into position nicely and drives it beautifully through the gap between mid off and cover.
    
  • 5.4

    M Sharma to G Gambhir

    1

    Short outside off, Gambhir cuts it to third man for a single. Fifty up for KKR! Brilliant start for the men in purple.
    
  • 5.3

    M Sharma to R Uthappa

    (105 KMPH)

    1

    Slower one on off, Uthappa defends it on the off side for a single.
    
  • 5.2

    M Sharma to R Uthappa

    (137 KMPH)

    0

    Pitched up outside off, Robin mistimes the drive and the ball goes towards cover.
    
  • 5.1

    M Sharma to G Gambhir

    (138 KMPH)

    1

    Angles it on a length, Gambhir tucks it to mid-wicket for a single.
    
• • End of over 5
    KOL 47/0
    R Uthappa* 21(14)  G Gambhir 24(16)
  • 4.6

    R Ashwin to R Uthappa

    (84 KMPH)

    6

    SIX! First of the match. Tossed up on middle and off, Robbie comes forward and times the lofted shot beautifully. The ball sails over the long on fielder. My colleague Victor was astonished by the timing there. Well yes mate, that was good use of the amazing blade there.
    
  • 4.5

    R Ashwin to G Gambhir

    1

    Flat on middle and off, Gambhir rocks back and defends it on the on side for a run.
    
  • 4.4

    R Ashwin to R Uthappa

    1

    Flighted outside off, flicked through mid-wicket for a single.
    
  • 4.3

    R Ashwin to G Gambhir

    1

    Full on off, driven to cover where the fielder commits an error and gives away a single.
    
  • 4.2

    R Ashwin to G Gambhir

    2

    Good length around off, spins a tad, Gambhir gets an outside edge past the first slip fielder. They take a couple.
    
  • 4.1

    R Ashwin to G Gambhir

    0

    Half-tracker on middle, Gambhir pulls it straight to square leg.
    
• • End of over 4
    KOL 36/0
    G Gambhir* 20(12)  R Uthappa 14(12)
  • Ravichandran Ashwin replaces Nehra.
  • 3.6

    M Sharma to G Gambhir

    (111 KMPH)

    1

    Gambhir guides it to third man. One run added to the total.
    
  • 3.5

    M Sharma to R Uthappa

    (138 KMPH)

    1 lb

    Leg Bye! Good length on off, Uthappa looks to play across the line but is struck on the pads. The ball goes towards point as they take one.
    
  • 3.4

    M Sharma to R Uthappa

    (107 KMPH)

    0

    Slower one on off, comes from back of the hand, Uthappa reads it well and pushes it to mid off.
    
  • 3.3

    M Sharma to G Gambhir

    1

    Sliced wide of point for a single.
    
  • 3.2

    M Sharma to G Gambhir

    (136 KMPH)

    4

    FOUR! Good shot! Another short one, this time Gambhir pulls it well through the square leg region for a boundary.
    
  • 3.1

    M Sharma to G Gambhir

    (136 KMPH)

    0

    Short delivery around off, slower in pace, Gaqmbhir goes for the pull but is beaten by lack of pace.
    
• • End of over 3
    KOL 29/0
    R Uthappa* 14(10)  G Gambhir 14(8)
  • 2.6

    A Nehra to R Uthappa

    (135 KMPH)

    4

    FOUR! Shot! Length on middle and off, Uthappa stays put and makes the adjustment quickly to pull it through mid-wicket for a boundary.
    
  • 2.5

    A Nehra to R Uthappa

    (129 KMPH)

    0

    Half-volley on off, Uthappa drives it straight to mid off.
    
  • 2.4

    A Nehra to R Uthappa

    (128 KMPH)

    0

    Bowls it full and outside off, swings away a tad, Uthappa goes for the drive but is beaten by the swing.
    
  • 2.3

    A Nehra to G Gambhir

    1

    Gambhir nudges it to third man for a run.
    
  • 2.2

    A Nehra to G Gambhir

    (133 KMPH)

    4

    FOUR! Gambhir gets away with that! Bowls it full around off, Gambhir goes for the big whack over mid-wicket but gets an inside edge, past the keeper, for a boundary.
    
  • 2.1

    A Nehra to R Uthappa

    (133 KMPH)

    1

    Full and hint of inswing on the pads, Robbie tucks it to deep square leg for one.
    
• • End of over 2
    KOL 19/0
    G Gambhir* 9(6)  R Uthappa 9(6)
  • 1.6

    M Sharma to G Gambhir

    (132 KMPH)

    2

    Good length on off, Gambhir drops it towards point and takes off for a quick single. The fielder comes around quickly and manages a direct hit at the striker's end but Robin was safely in. The ball deflects and allows another single.
    
  • 1.5

    M Sharma to G Gambhir

    (136 KMPH)

    2

    Length around middle and leg, Gambhir tucks it towards square leg for a couple. Good running from the two openers.
    
  • 1.5

    M Sharma to G Gambhir

    (138 KMPH)

    1 wd

    WIDE! Wayward! Bowls it short down the leg side. The umpire stretches his arms to signal wide.
    
  • 1.4

    M Sharma to G Gambhir

    (136 KMPH)

    4

    FOUR! Dismissed! Lands on a full length around off, Gambhir comes slightly forward and whips it through mid-wicket, uppishly, for a boundary.
    
  • 1.3

    M Sharma to G Gambhir

    0

    Bowls it full around middle, Gambhir comes hesitantly forward and defends it uncomfortably.
    
  • 1.2

    M Sharma to R Uthappa

    (139 KMPH)

    1

    Sensible batting! Back of a length outside off, played to third man for a single.
    
  • 1.1

    M Sharma to R Uthappa

    (135 KMPH)

    4

    FOUR! Beautiful! Fullish in length on middle and off, Uthappa takes a half-step forward and punches it down the ground, past the bowler, to find the fence.
• • End of over 1
    KOL 5/0
    R Uthappa* 4(4)  G Gambhir 1(2)
  • Mohit Sharma to start from the other end.
  • 0.6

    A Nehra to R Uthappa

    (132 KMPH)

    1

    Back of a length just outside off, Robin opens the face of the bat and guides it to third man for a single.
    
  • 0.5

    A Nehra to G Gambhir

    1

    Full length on middle and off, Gambhir tries to play across the line, towards mid-wicket, but gets an inside edge onto the pads. The ball rolls towards third man as they take a single.
  • 0.4

    A Nehra to G Gambhir

    (131 KMPH)

    0

    Full around off, Gambhir comes forward, tentatively though, to defend that one. The captain would look to get going and lead from the front.
    
  • 0.3

    A Nehra to R Uthappa

    (132 KMPH)

    1

    Length on off, guided to third man for a single.
    
  • 0.2

    A Nehra to R Uthappa

    2

    KKR are off the mark. Pitched up around off, Uthappa takes a decent stride forward and places it in the gap between cover and extra cover for a couple.
  • 0.1

    A Nehra to R Uthappa

    0

    Starts with a peach! Bowls it on a length around off, nips away a shade to beat the outside edge of Uthappa.
    
  • Here we go! The clash between the two heavy weights. The fans are as usual making deafening noise as the players walk out. The red carpet is laid for the grand reception. Mahendra Singh Dhoni leads his side to the field. Gautam Gambhir and Robin Uthappa are the openers for KKR. Ashish Nehra will start the bowling for CSK.
  • CSK win the toss and elect to field first. KKR have made one change - Pat Cummins comes in place of Sunil Narine. CSK will play with the same side. The pitch looks dry with huge cracks. All in all, a batting paradise.
  • It is time for the big game! The ultimate bout between Kolkata Knight Riders and Chennai Super Kings. KKR will be missing the services of their ace spinner Sunil Narine as he is reported for suspect action. KKR have had an amazing run of late and have been unbeaten since 14 games and in this tournament as well. CSK has been on the winning side once and have tasted the sweet glory. KKR, on the other end, are playing the finals for the first time. There will be unsettled nerves in both the sides but the one who capitalizes on opportunities will have an upper hand in the game.
  • It will be an all-Indian affair, as IPL champions Kolkata Knight Riders take on the mighty Chennai Super Kings in the finals of the Champions League T20 in Bangalore.After playing a couple of games at Bangalore and winning them, Chennai Super Kings will start off as favourites. They won their last game quite comprehensively against the King XI Punjab. Dwayne Bravo played a fighting knock for the Super Kings, who at once were tottering at 41 for 3. Partnering him was Faf du Plessis who anchored the innings very well scoring 46 off just 33 balls. Mahendra Singh Dhoni's stay at the crease was cut short by Parwinder Awana who took a hattrick. All-rounder Ravindra Jadeja has looked more of a batsman than a bowler and again did well to finish the Super Kings Innings on a high. In the bowling department, pacers Ashish Nehra and Mohit Sharma took two wickets each and were very well supported by Pawan Negi and Ravichandran Ashwin. Suresh Raina also chipped in with the ball with figures of 2/10. On the other hand, if gone by stats then Kolkata Knight Riders will be the clear favourites as they enter the finals with a 14-match winning streak. Their only concern would be the absence of Sunil Narine whose action was reported for the second time and has been barred from bowling in the finals. The bowling Line-up will be under huge pressure and it will now be interesting to see that who will bowl in the end overs for the Knight Riders. In the Batting department opener Robin Uthappa and his Karnataka teammate Manish Pandey have batted very well and looked solid. Allrounder Jacques Kallis played an unbeaten knock of 54 off 40 balls and proved that he still has it in him. Yusuf Pathan has opened the bowling for the Knight Riders and has done well picking up wickets in the powerplay. Piyush Chawla and Kuldeep Yadav have also done considerably well in the middle overs, but it will be interesting to see what kind of a role they play in the absence of Sunil Narine. With the excitment level increasing this promises to be a thrilling encounter.