That's all we have from this low-scoring thriller. On Thursday, 31st March 2022, Lucknow will be locking horns with Chennai at 7.30 pm IST (2 pm GMT). Do join us in advance for all the action. Cheers!

Wanindu Hasaranga (4-0-20-4) is the Player of the Match! The Sri Lankan says that it was a crucial situation for the team when he came to bat and he tried to do his best. Tells that he is happy with his performance and there was dew too, so he is very happy. Smiles and shares that his favourite football player is Neymar and he tries to copy his celebration. States that he does not take any pressure when he is on the field and tries to back his skills.

Faf du Plessis, the winning captain of Bangalore, says that he is very happy although it was a victory by a close margin. Calls it a good win and praises the two-seamers of Kolkata for bowling well in the Powerplay. Tells that the ball moved a little more and there was bounce as well. Mentions that 2-3 days ago it was a high-scoring game and in this match, it was a low-scoring one which is good to see. Admits that it could have been clinical but then a win is a win. Shares that they always thought that keeping wickets in hand was going to be the key and he terms Dinesh Karthik as ice-cool just like MS Dhoni whose experience is very valuable. Adds that he relies on a lot of people for inputs and tells that there is good communication in the team.

Shahbaz Ahmed (27 off 20 balls) says that the thinking was to bat with positive intent and maintain the flow of runs. Shares that the idea was to take the game deep. Feels that he could have finished the game but he has learnt from this game. Mentions that they wanted to attack Venkatesh Iyer and Andre Russell. Regarding the pitch, he replies that there was more grass than the last game and there was some help for the pacers. Tells that it was tough for the spinners to bowl with all the dew around. Praises the stand of David Willey and Sherfane Rutherford.

Shreyas Iyer, the captain of Kolkata, comes up for a chat. Says that he found this game exciting and adds that he told his team that this game will define their character and attitude on the field, Further says it doesn’t matter whether they win or not but this game will go a long way in defining their character in the season. He tells that the end part was difficult for him as Russell was injured and he decided to back Venkatesh Iyer as he has international experience. Adds that the wicket was dicey at the start and they wanted to get a good start but the execution was not good. Tells that Wanindu Hasaranga bowled very well and shares that they had decided to play him like an off spinner but unfortunately, it didn't work out.

Time for some interviews...

Early in the evening, Kolkata were blown away by some disciplined bowling from Bangalore. There were many reckless shots from the Kolkata batters as well and that's the main area for them to work on in the coming games. Wanindu Hasaranga was the pick of the bowlers with a 4-fer and the other bowlers were equally impressive. 

Kolkata had very little to play with! Still, Shreyas Iyer put on his captaincy hat and made some smart bowling changes. The start from them was perfect, the first three overs brought them three wickets and that handed them the momentum. Umesh Yadav and Tim Southee were brilliant and then Sunil Narine also left his impact. Varun Chakaravarthy could have spent less but was still decent. The move to give the 18th over to Southee made this game very interesting as he picked up two wickets but towards the end, not having enough runs on the board cost them.

Three wickets in the first three overs sent early jitters in the Bangalore camp but Sherfane Rutherford and David Willey read the game situation really well. They absorbed the pressure as that was the need of the hour and put on a 45-run stand. Sherfane Rutherford dropped into the anchor role and allowed Willey and later on, Shahbaz Ahmed to bat around him. The knock of Shahbaz provided Bangalore with a breathing space when the required rate started to get uncomfortable. Towards the end, it got close but Dinesh Karthik and Harshal Patel scored vital runs to take Bangalore over the line.

Well fought, Kolkata! It was never their game after a flop show with the bat but their bowlers stood up and made Bangalore sweat for every run. A defeat here for them but they won't be too disappointed given the fight shown by them in the field.

Who will bowl the last over? It will be Andre Russell. Have to say the batting side is the favourite but can Andre Russell do something special for his team? Let's find out.

Venkatesh Iyer is brought into the attack to bowl the 19th over!

Harshal Patel comes in next.