PBKS VS RCB T20S

Right then, that is it from this exciting encounter where Bengaluru got their first points on the board while Punjab failed to make it consecutive wins. The action in the Indian T20 League continues as the defending champions Chennai take on last season's finalists Gujarat. That game will be played on 26th March, Tuesday at 7.30 pm IST (2 pm GMT), but as you know, you can always join us early for all the build-up to the match. Until then, cheers and goodbye!

Virat Kohli is the PLAYER OF THE MATCH for his outstanding knock. He starts by acknowledging the loyal Bengaluru fans and says to not get over-excited as it has been only two games. Tells that the way they have supported the team throughout their journey is something he will never forget. Adds that in sport it is not about the stats but the memories which is exactly what Rahul Dravid says in the Indian dressing room. Mentions that here he is opening and trying to give a blazing start to the team but when the wicket falls on the other end, he plays the situation. Further adds that he was disappointed as he could not finish the game. Says that he knows that his name is often used to promote T20 cricket in some parts but he still has it. Talking about the two-month break, he says that it was a surreal experience for his family as they were away from all the noise and led a normal life. He says it was amazing to be another person and he enjoyed the break. Ends by saying that he doesn't play for the Caps anymore and that it is just another opportunity and he can promise that he will keep turning up for this franchise.

Faf du Plessis, the victorious skipper of Bengaluru says he was cool on the outside but not much on the inside but it was great to see the boys show such composure. Adds that he knew that with the impact player, they knew they had Mahipal Lomror who has great power to finish things off and it makes things a bit easier. Appreciates Dinesh Karthik for the way he is playing and the experience he brings in finishing games batting at the back end. Mentions that they tried to find that DNA in the team at the auction to make an impact at this home ground and it's tough for any bowler and it wasn't the regular wicket in this game and credits Virat for the way he batted and how he remains fresh and motivated.

Shikhar Dhawan, the captain of Punjab says that it was a good game and they pulled the game back a bit but were 15 runs short and should have capitalized in the first 6 overs. Adds that the dropped catch of Virat who went on to score 70 odd runs proved crucial. Mentions that the wicket was slightly two-paced and sticky and spinning a bit too. States that he is happy with his performance but could've played faster in the first 6 overs. Concludes that Harpreet Brar is bowling well especially to the left-handers on such small ground, soaking pressure and it is commendable.

Presentation Time...

Dinesh Karthik, the man of the moment is up for a quick chat. He says that he is still not quite completely in control of his batting but is getting there. Adds that Anuj Rawat batted well in the last game but his dismissal put pressure on DK. However, Mahipal Lomror took the pressure off him with his batting and the six of Arshdeep Singh was crucial. Tells that it is difficult to scoop Harshal Patel as he has a dipping slower one that can cause trouble. Says that he just told Lomror to stay calm and not get carried away after hitting a maximum and praises the youngster for his knock.

Earlier in the game, Punjab posted a fighting total on the board with most of their batters getting off to starts but not converting them. Skipper Shikhar Dhawan top-scorer with 45 while Shashank Singh played a quick-fire cameo of 21 off just 8 balls at the death. Mohammed Siraj was excellent for Bengaluru picking up a couple of wickets while Glenn Maxwell also got two. Yash Dayal and Alzarri Joseph chipped in with one each. While chasing it was almost a Virat Kohli masterclass but in the end, they needed some fireworks from Dinesh Karthik and Mahipal Lomror to get their first win of the season.

Punjab, on the other hand, will be disappointed as they had this game in their grasp at one point in time but let it go. They had the golden opportunity to send Virat Kohli for a duck in the first over but Jonny Bairstow spilled that chance and he struck four boundaries in the first over. Kagiso Rabada pulled things back for them by dismissing Faf du Plessis and Cameron Green but they couldn't contain Kohli at the other end. However, Harpreet Brar had other ideas and was absolutely sensational in the middle overs picking up two crucial wickets and giving away just 13 runs to keep his side in the game. They knew that as long as Kohli was out there, the hosts had the advantage but a perfectly set-up plan from Harshal Patel outfoxed him and the momentum shifted once again. Sam Curran also followed it up with the wicket of Anuj Rawat and put even more pressure on the home team. After that, their bowlers lost their lines and gave away a few losses deliveries which ultimately cost them the match.

Bengaluru got off to a flier with Virat Kohli going all guns blazing after he was dropped on not by Jonny Bairstow. Skipper Faf du Plessis couldn't make much impact while Cameron Green too went back for a low score. However, Kohli made sure to utilise the Powerplay and didn't change his attacking approach at all. He found good support from Rajat Patidar as they stitched up a good partnership that provided a solid base for this chase. Just as when they were looking comfortable, Patidar lost his wicket and Glenn Maxwell followed suit putting them slightly on the back foot. Kohli though kept chipping away with the runs and notched up his 51st half-century in the Indian T20 League. It was looking like another Kohli chase masterclass but unfortunately was dismissed for 77 off just 49 balls. They lost Anuj Rawat soon after that and the pressure was back on them. Then came Mahipal Lomror as the Impact Player for them and along with DK played some lusty blows when they needed over 40 runs in the last four overs. Both of them were brilliant and in the end it was Dinesh Karthik who finished things off with four balls to spare.

DK, take a bow! He is the coolest man in the stadium right now as he takes his side over the line. The crowd at the M. Chinnaswamy has gone wild as the home team opens their account for the season. With that, the record of the hosts winning all the matches in this edition remains intact. Punjab did manage to pull things back towards the end, but the Impact Player for Bengaluru, Mahipal Lomror along with Dinesh Karthik made sure that they grabbed all the points here.

FOUR! What a way to finish things off! Bengaluru wins their first game of this season by 4 wickets. The home team continues to dominate in this Indian T20 League! A fuller delivery outside off, Dinesh Karthik plants his front leg ahead and drills it over the bowler's head for a boundary.

WIDE! Oh no, Arshdeep Singh! Attempts for the wide yorker and bowls it fuller and well outside that tramline on off, Dinesh Karthik looks to reach but the ball goes further away for a wide.

SIX! Dinesh Karthik doing justice to his finisher role! Arshdeep Singh drops it a touch short and outside off, Dinesh Karthik gets across the line and scoops it over fine leg for a maximum. Just 4 more needed to win now.

It will be Arshdeep Singh to bowl the last over. Can he defend 9 runs here?

Bowls a low full toss, on off, Dinesh Karthik drills it to long on for one. 13 runs come of that over.

SIX! DK you beauty! Harshal Patel drops the length short, on middle, Dinesh Karthik swivels across and nails the pull over fine leg for a maximum. Bengaluru now just need 11 off 7 balls.

An appeal for LBW, but the umpire stays unmoved. Bowls a low full toss, angling into the right-hander, Dinesh Karthik looks to flick but misses. The ball thuds him on the front pad. Mahipal Lomror sets off for the run but is sent back in time by DK.