RR VS GT, IPL 2024 Match 24: HIGHLIGHTS

We are back for the second essay. Rajasthan players disperse from the huddle and take their places on the field. Rajasthan bring in the Proteas left-arm spinner, Keshav Maharaj, as the Impact Player, replacing Yashasvi Jaiswal. Gujarat also opt to use their Impact Sub, and it will be Shahrukh Khan who comes in for Mohit Sharma. Shubman Gill and Sai Sudharsan will open the innings for Gujarat. Trent Boult will kickstart proceedings with the new ball for Rajasthan. Here we go…

… THE RUN CHASE …

Right then, Rajasthan will feel that they have their noses in front at the halfway mark. Although they are without the services of Nandre Burger and batting seems to have gotten easier, they will be confident enough to defend the total. As for Gujarat, they have a mountain to climb but a good Powerplay will put them in good stead for the rest of the chase. They have bolstered their batting with the inclusion of Matthew Wade and if he gets going, no total is insurmountable. Join us back in a bit for what should be an interesting chase.

Rashid Khan is in for a chat. He says that he was struggling in the first two games but he hit the right areas in this game. Tells there was no satisfaction despite bowling well in patches in the previous games. Reckons it is a good wicket to bat, tells they have to play positive cricket and admits this kind of score can be chased down on this ground

Gujarat will be disappointed with where they are at the halfway mark, especially considering their promising start. Umesh Yadav helped them draw the first blood before Rashid Khan got into the act in his first over. Despite displaying excellent control, Rashid Khan and his Afghan compatriot, Noor Ahmad, were unable to find much luck. Gujarat's woes were compounded by missed opportunities, particularly Matthew Wade's drops of Riyan Parag, once when he was on 0 and again when he was on 6. These missed chances proved costly for Gujarat as Parag went on to play a significant innings for Rajasthan. It was one of those frustrating nights on the field for Gujarat where luck simply didn't seem to be on their side. Moreover, they could not finish well with the ball, conceding 57 runs off the last four overs. Although Rashid Khan had only one wicket to show for his efforts, he seemed to have found his rhythm, finishing with figures of 1 for 18 from his four overs.

19 runs off the last over and Rajasthan get the finishing kick they were after! They end up with 196 on the board, the highest total at this venue this season so far. After being put into bat, the hosts faced the daunting challenge of negotiating the first six overs, compounded by the moisture from pre-game rain. Yashasvi Jaiswal managed to find the boundary a few times, albeit briefly, before departing. The centurion of the previous match, Jos Buttler, failed to make a significant impact and soon joined his opening partner back in the hut. The middle phase was dominated by the 130-run stand between Riyan Parag and Sanju Samson, who balanced caution with aggression to stabilize the innings. Despite initially struggling against the Afghan spin duo and being dropped twice, Parag eventually seized the initiative to inject momentum into Rajasthan's innings. Parag notched up his third fifty of the season, as did Samson. Parag departed in the penultimate over after which Shimron Hetmyer and Sanju Samson took the mantle of delivering their side a strong finish.

Umesh Yadav to शिमरोन हेटमायर, Well bowled! Just one! Too full and on off, Hetmyer toe ends his drive to covers for a single. Rajasthan finish with 196 on the board.

Umesh Yadav to संजू सैमसन, Short in length and around off. Samson pulls it to deep mid-wicket for a single. One hit away for 200. Can Hetmyer do it?

Umesh Yadav to संजू सैमसन, Wide! That is almost out of the pitch. Well outside off, it is a clear wide.

Umesh Yadav to संजू सैमसन, Wide! Shubman Gill looks under the pump. Takes the review for the wide but it was too short from Yadav and outside off. Sanju on his toes fails to hit it away. Wide stays.

Umesh Yadav to संजू सैमसन, Short of a length and well wide of off. Sanju Samson tries to play the upper-cut but mistimes and it lobs over backward point for a couple of runs.

Umesh Yadav to संजू सैमसन, SIX! THAT IS HUGE! 190 up! Too full and on middle, Sanju Samson hangs on the back foot and smashes it high over long on for a biggie. Skipper giving a grand finish here.

Umesh Yadav to शिमरोन हेटमायर, Short of a length and outside off, on the slower side and Hetmyer hits it through point for a single.

Umesh Yadav to शिमरोन हेटमायर, SIX! How close can Rajasthan get to 200? This is full and angled outside off. Hetmyer gets low and tonks it over extra-cover for a maximum. Not an easy shot but Hetmyer plays it just on his second ball.

Who will bowl the final over? It will be Umesh Yadav. He has gone for 28 runs in his three overs. Can he keep Rajasthan under 190?

Mohit Sharma to शिमरोन हेटमायर, Hetmyer keeps the strike for the final over. On a length and on off, Hetmyer tucks it to square leg for a single. Mohit Sharma gives away 50 runs in his spell.

Mohit Sharma to शिमरोन हेटमायर, FOUR! Off the mark in style. Excellent shot. A bit too straight from Mohit Sharma, this is on middle. Hetmyer holds his position and thumps it down the ground for a boundary.

Shimron Hetmyer makes his way out to the centre.

Mohit Sharma to Riyan Parag, OUT! Catch taken with a bit of drama! On a length and outside off. Parag hits it hard but flat towards long off. Shankar walks back and takes. His momentum was taking him back so Shankar tosses the ball up, comes back inside the play and takes it. Good presence of mind. A good inning comes to an end though.

Mohit Sharma to Riyan Parag, This is very full and outside off, Riyan Parag crunches it through point for a couple of runs.

Mohit Sharma to Riyan Parag, SIX! Rajasthan need a strong finish! Parag plays it well here. Anticipates a slower one and stands back, this is short and around off. Parag waits and pulls it over mid-wicket for a biggie.

Mohit Sharma to Riyan Parag, Wide! Mohit Sharma bangs it short but on the slower side, it rolls over the tramline for a wide.

Mohit Sharma to संजू सैमसन, A length ball, outside off, Sanju Samson plays it down to long on for a single.

स्पेंसर जॉनसन to Riyan Parag, Spencer Johnson bowls the yorker, outside off. Riyan Parag swings and misses.

स्पेंसर जॉनसन to संजू सैमसन, JUST SHORT! Too full and angled across the right-hander. Sanju Samson tries to paddle it over short third man this time but it was too full. He hits it just over the keeper who runs backward and just in front of short third man who dives forward. Luck is against Gujarat you feel.

स्पेंसर जॉनसन to संजू सैमसन, FOUR! Beautiful! All class from Sanju Samson! Very full and outside off, Sanju Samson anticipates the line and steps across, paddles it over short fine leg for a boundary. Finally he nails this shot.

स्पेंसर जॉनसन to Riyan Parag, Mistimes that one! Short of a length and outside off, Parag pulls it to long on for a single.

स्पेंसर जॉनसन to संजू सैमसन, Very full and well wide of off. Sanju Samson works it on the off side to covers for one.

स्पेंसर जॉनसन to Riyan Parag, This is full and around off. Parag steps across to scoop it but miscues and it rolls to short fine leg for a single.

Mohit Sharma to संजू सैमसन, FOUR! What has happened there? Rahul Tewatia has completely lost the flight of the ball. Four! A full toss on middle and it is lofted down to long on. Anyday that would have been taken but Rahul Tewatia actually tripped there while running to his left. It rolls past him for four and that brings up the fifty for the skipper. Third fifty of the season.

Mohit Sharma to संजू सैमसन, Pace-off this time, Mohit Sharma mixing his pace but this one is well over the tramline. Wided. Shubman Gill takes the review for a wide and gets the decision in his favour as Sanju Samson did shuffled across a bit. Okay, the third umpire again wants to check it, this time he says the on-field decision stays. Shubman Gill is clearly livid as the third umpire changed his mind there. He has a chat with the on-field umpire and is furious with the decision.

Mohit Sharma to संजू सैमसन, Better from Mohit! This one is at 132 clicks, very full and wide of off. Sanju Samson fails to dig it out.

Mohit Sharma to संजू सैमसन, Pace-off from Mohit Sharma, bowls it into the wicket on middle. Sanju Samson mistimes his pull behind square on the leg side. The batters call for two and makes it.

Mohit Sharma to संजू सैमसन, WIDE! A bumper, just outside off. Sanju Samson swings and misses. Sanju Samson walks across and has a chat with Parag and takes it upstairs. Looks like it is well over Samson's head. That is a wide says the third umpire.

Mohit Sharma to Riyan Parag, Sliced and of course no one is catching that one too. Too full and outside off. Riyan Parag swings but slices it up and towards point. Sai Sudharsan runs back and dives but it was just too far away from him. Riyan Parag living a charmed life.

Mohit Sharma to Riyan Parag, FOUR! Poor from Umesh Yadav and Gujarat can't catch a break! This is full and on off. Riyan Parag brings out the helicopter shot, flick of the wrists to deep mid-wicket. Umesh Yadav tries to catch on the bounce but lets it go through his hands. 100-runs stand between these two as well.

Mohit Sharma to Riyan Parag, Short of a length and around off. Parag pulls, it goes more off the top edge but it flies to the left of deep square leg for a couple of runs.

राशिद खान to संजू सैमसन, An appeal but it was just sliding down. This one lands on middle and was the googly. Sanju Samson goes back to flick but misses. Rashid Khan is done with the ball. Would have loved another wicket for his team here.

राशिद खान to Riyan Parag, This is full and around off, it is tucked in front of deep mid-wicket for one more.

राशिद खान to संजू सैमसन, Another single! Floated, full and on off, Sanju Samson plays it down to long off for a single.

राशिद खान to Riyan Parag, QUICK SINGLE! Fuller and around off, Parag bunts it to mid-wicket. Rashid Khan runs across to cut it off. One more.

राशिद खान to संजू सैमसन, Bowls it slower, flat and on middle, Sanju Samson works it down to long on for one more.

राशिद खान to Riyan Parag, Tossed up on middle, Parag turns it through mid-wicket for a single.

Strategic Break! Rajasthan are feasting currently. Sanju Samson and Riyan Parag have added 92 runs in 56 balls. The ball is coming nicely onto the bat and these two look in no mood to stop. Gujarat have a lot to think about in this break. Their bowlers are leaking runs. Rashid Khan has just one over left but others have to bowl well in the death phase. 200 looks certain here.

स्पेंसर जॉनसन to संजू सैमसन, SIX! Gets the distance this time does the Rajasthan skipper! Spencer Johnson bends his back and goes into the wicket, it is not short enough to trouble the batter, over middle, Sanju Samson gets on top of the bounce nicely and flat bats it over mid on. Clears the fence with ease and moves to 44 with the maximum. Rajasthan on the charge, 45 runs off the last three overs.

स्पेंसर जॉनसन to संजू सैमसन, FOUR! Classy shot! Johnson lands it on a good length, in the channel on off, Sanju Samson opens up his front hip and creams it to the right of extra cover. He also manages to beat long off to his left for a boundary.

स्पेंसर जॉनसन to संजू सैमसन, Right in the slot from Johnson, on off and middle, Sanju Samson goes deep in the crease and tries to clear mid on. Hits it flat and straight to mid on. The fielder releases the throw quickly and Riyan Parag gets back in the nick of time.

स्पेंसर जॉनसन to संजू सैमसन, EDGED AND FOUR! Short and angling away from the right-hander, outside off, Sanju Samson throws his hands at it and gets an outside edge that races past deep third for a boundary.

स्पेंसर जॉनसन to Riyan Parag, On a length, on middle, Riyan Parag swipes it across the line through mid-wicket for a single.

स्पेंसर जॉनसन to संजू सैमसन, Hurls it on a back of a length, on middle and leg, Sanju Samson works it to deep backward square leg for a single.

Change in bowling. Spencer Johnson is back in action. He has conceded 13 runs so far from his two overs.

Mohit Sharma to Riyan Parag, On a back of a length, on middle, Riyan Parag pulls it in front of square on the leg side and collects a couple of runs. 14 runs off the over, another good one for Rajasthan.

Mohit Sharma to Riyan Parag, SIX! It goes into the stands and Riyan Parag brings up his FIFTY! The purple patch continues for Parag as he gets to his third fifty and he is making Gujarat pay for dropping him twice. Mohit Sharma takes pace off and goes into the deck, over middle, Riyan Parag picks up the change of pace and waits for the ball to arrive. Hammers the pull flat and clears the deep mid-wicket fence for another maximum. The crowd get up on their feet as do the Rajasthan players and support staff in the dugout.

Mohit Sharma to संजू सैमसन, This is on a short of a good length, around off, Sanju Samson makes room for the cut but chops it in front of square on the off side for one.

Mohit Sharma to संजू सैमसन, FOUR! Shot and a half from the Rajasthan skipper! Fuller in length and at pace, on middle, Sanju Samson backs away and drills it inside out as he goes up and over extra cover for a boundary.

Mohit Sharma to संजू सैमसन, Well bowled! Bowls the back-of-the-hand slower delivery, on a good length, outside off, Sanju Samson walks across the stumps to play the scoop. The pace isn't there for Samson to work with and he misses out.

Mohit Sharma to Riyan Parag, Hurls it on a good length, on middle, Riyan Parag whips it from the crease towards deep mid-wicket for a single.

नूर अहमद to संजू सैमसन, Another googly from Noor Ahmad, on a nagging length, on middle, Sanju Samson plays it back to the bowler. A great over for Rajasthan, 15 runs off it.

नूर अहमद to Riyan Parag, At the stumps, short and flat, Riyan Parag punches it to long off and gets to the other end.

नूर अहमद to Riyan Parag, SIX! Picked up beautifully! A bit too straight from Noor Ahmad, full and sliding on the pads, Riyan Parag gets down nice and early and picks up the googly. Slog sweeps it over deep square leg this time for six more runs.

नूर अहमद to संजू सैमसन, Drops it short and it is a bit slower, outside off, Sanju Samson slaps it down to long off for one more run.

नूर अहमद to Riyan Parag, Pulls his length back and dishes out the googly, on off, Riyan Parag plays it in front of point and takes the single.

नूर अहमद to Riyan Parag, SIX! In the arc and out of the park! Tosses it up does Noor Ahmad and serves it right in the slot, on middle and leg, Riyan Parag clears his front leg and gets down to nail the slog sweep. Deposits it over deep mid-wicket for a biggie. The 400th six of this year's Indian T20 League and the 50-run stand comes up between these two batters.

Mohit Sharma to Riyan Parag, Goes pace off does Mohit Sharma and serves it on a good length, around off, Riyan Parag pats it to the left of extra cover and keeps the strike with a single. 7 runs off Mohit's first over.

Mohit Sharma to संजू सैमसन, Length delivery, honing in at the stumps, Sanju Samson presents the full face of the bat and drives it down to long on for a run.

Mohit Sharma to Riyan Parag, Fuller in length at 131.4 kph, at the stumps, knocked down the ground to long on for a single by Riyan Parag.

Mohit Sharma to संजू सैमसन, At pace, on a good length, outside off, Sanju Samson punches it square to deep point and rotates the strike.

Mohit Sharma to संजू सैमसन, WIDE! Takes pace off and goes into the wicket, slips it beyond the tramline on off. Sanju Samson thinks about having a go but leaves it alone in the end for a wide.

Mohit Sharma to Riyan Parag, Quick single taken! Lands it on a good length again, on off, Riyan Parag plays it with a straight bat in front of mid off and calls Sanju Samson through for a run.

Mohit Sharma to संजू सैमसन, Angling in, on a good length, on middle and leg, Sanju Samson turns this one through mid-wicket and gets to the other end.

Change in bowling. Time for some pace again as Mohit Sharma is into the attack.

नूर अहमद to Riyan Parag, Good running! Turning in, on a nagging length, on middle and leg, Riyan Parag turns this with soft hands and places it in front of deep mid-wicket which allows him to come back for the second run.

नूर अहमद to Riyan Parag, This is short and sliding across, on off, Riyan Parag chops it off the bottom part of the bat back to the bowler.

नूर अहमद to Riyan Parag, FOUR! Not exactly where he intended but Riyan Parag gets the boundary! Gives the ball air nicely and goes full, turning in, on middle, Riyan Parag clears his front leg and hacks it across the line. Gets it to the left of deep square leg for a boundary.

नूर अहमद to संजू सैमसन, Loopy delivery, on a fullish length, on middle, Sanju Samson guides it wide of backward point for a single.

नूर अहमद to Riyan Parag, Drops it short and gets it to turn away a bit, on off, Riyan Parag rocks back and punches it to wide long off for one.

नूर अहमद to संजू सैमसन, Tosses it up, full and around off, Sanju Samson presses forward and pushes it to long off for a single.

राशिद खान to Riyan Parag, A dot to end! 8 runs of this one. 21 of the last two overs. Fuller and around off, this is defended out.

राशिद खान to Riyan Parag, FOUR! Rajasthan have shifted gears now. A bit short from Rashid, around off. Riyan Parag opens the face of the bat and plays it past backward point for a boundary. Rajasthan have no option but to take on Gujarat's prime bowler as well and they are doing it brilliantly.

राशिद खान to संजू सैमसन, A full toss, outside off, dipping late towards the batter. Sanju Samson plays with an angled bat to backward point for a single.

राशिद खान to Riyan Parag, Flatter and outside off, Riyan Parag cuts it hard and to deep point for a single.

राशिद खान to Riyan Parag, Tossed up, full and on middle, Riyan Parag plays a solid defensive shot.

राशिद खान to Riyan Parag, Two runs! Brilliant running. Too full and on middle, Riyan Parag flicks it in the gap through mid-wicket for a brace.

नूर अहमद to Riyan Parag, 13 runs of the over. Better one for Rajasthan! Flighted, full and on off, this is pushed to long off for a single.

नूर अहमद to संजू सैमसन, FIVE RUNS! A gift from Gujarat! Will this break the shackles? Around off. Sanju Samson taps it to backward point for a single. The throw from the fielder is a bit wayward at the bowler's end. Noor Ahmad fails to stop and the back up can't do much either as well. A boundary.

नूर अहमद to संजू सैमसन, This is just brilliant from Ahmad. So accurate right now. Tossed up on off, a googly. Sanju Samson tries to defend it across but misses.

नूर अहमद to Riyan Parag, Fuller and outside off. Riyan Parag crunches it through point for a single.

नूर अहमद to Riyan Parag, SIX! That is one way to reply. Rajasthan needed this one badly. Tossed up on middle, Riyan Parag slog-sweeps it. Umesh Yadav in the deep has a shy, he leaps but it just evades his fingers.

नूर अहमद to Riyan Parag, Tossed up, full and was the googly, around off. Parag looks to defend but is comprehensively beaten.

राशिद खान to Riyan Parag, A single to end as Riyan Parag plays this full ball to deep mid-wicket. Excellent over yet again from Rashid Khan.

राशिद खान to Riyan Parag, DROPPED! Matthew Wade drops it. Tough one but the keeper needs to take it. Tossed up, around off and spins away. Parag leans to defend but gets a thin edge to the keeper who makes a meal of it. He has dropped the batter who is enjoying life currently. Gujarat will hope this doesn't haunt them much.

राशिद खान to संजू सैमसन, Edged again from Sanju Samson! Tossed up, around off, slower through the air. Sanju Samson looks to defend but edges it to third man for one.

राशिद खान to Riyan Parag, 50 up for Rajasthan! Floated, full and wide of off, Parag eases it to long off for one more.

राशिद खान to Riyan Parag, Again finds the fielder! Flatter delivery, outside off. Parag hits it hard but to the man at cover.

राशिद खान to Riyan Parag, Bowls it quicker, fuller and around off, Parag pushes it but straight to cover.

नूर अहमद to Riyan Parag, A single to end! 6 runs off it. Full and on middle, this is flicked to deep mid-wicket for one more.

नूर अहमद to Riyan Parag, BEATEN! Tossed up, full and around off, Parag prods to defend but this one spins past his blade. Not far away from edging this one. Noor Ahmad is mixing things up here.

नूर अहमद to Riyan Parag, Two runs now. A bit too short and outside off from Ahmad. Parag goes back and plays it through covers for a couple.

नूर अहमद to संजू सैमसन, Another single. On the slower side again, full and on off. Sanju Samson leans and pushes it to long off for a single.

नूर अहमद to Riyan Parag, Fuller delivery on middle, this is tucked to mid-wicket for a single.

नूर अहमद to Riyan Parag, Wide! This is well outside off, fuller and spins more away. Riyan Parag looks to cut but misses.

नूर अहमद to Riyan Parag, Noor Ahmad starts with a slower one, full and outside off, Parag knocks it to cover.

Strategic break! Gujarat have started well with the ball and have been rewarded with the wickets of the two Rajasthan openers. The key for them in this middle phase is to not allow a partnership to build and keep chipping away at the wickets, given that the ball has been staying low for the spinners and it will not be easy to chase on this wicket. As for Rajasthan, they have two of their leading run-getters out in the middle and the onus will be on them to navigate through the middle phase. It will be spin from both ends as Noor Ahmad comes into the attack.

राशिद खान to Riyan Parag, EDGED AGAIN! This is full and around off, it lands and spins away, stays a bit low as well. Riyan Parag tries to drive it away but edges it and Matthew Wade fails to cling on low to his right. Excellent over from Khan. At the end of the Powerplay, Rajasthan are 43 for 2.

राशिद खान to Riyan Parag, Thie one is the googly, full and on off, Parag pushes it to cover.

Riyan Parag is in at number 4.

राशिद खान to जोस बटलर, OUT! EDGED AND GONE! Rashid Khan gets the big fish. The centurion from the previous game goes just for 8 runs. Tosses it up yet again, full and on middle. Lands and spins away. Jos Buttler goes back and tries to punch with hard hands but gets an outside edge and Rahul Tewatia at first slip takes a fine catch.

राशिद खान to जोस बटलर, Tosses it up, full and on middle, Jos Buttler turns it straight to mid-wicket.

राशिद खान to जोस बटलर, This one almost dies off the deck. Flatter, outside off, it lands and just doesn't bounce. Jos Buttler looks to cut but misses it completely.

राशिद खान to संजू सैमसन, Tossed up, full and on middle, Sanju Samson drills it to long on for a single.

First look at spin as Rashid Khan comes into the attack.

Umesh Yadav to संजू सैमसन, Delivers it on a back of a length, around off, Sanju Samson glides it down to deep third and retains the strike with a single. A wicket-taking over from Umesh but still 13 runs came off it.

Umesh Yadav to संजू सैमसन, FOUR! This is even better! Serves it on a hard length, on middle, Sanju Samson hangs back and meets the ball right under his eyes. Tucks it through mid-wicket and picks up another boundary.

Umesh Yadav to संजू सैमसन, FOUR! Sanju Samson is up and running! Not the best of deliveries from Umesh Yadav as this is short and wide on off, there to be hit, Sanju Samson gets on top of the bounce and frees his arms. Cuts it all along the ground and hits it wide of point for a boundary.

Umesh Yadav to संजू सैमसन, On a good length, at the stumps, Sanju Samson plays it with a straight bat to mid on.

The skipper, Sanju Samson walks out to the middle.

Umesh Yadav to यशस्वी जायसवाल, OUT! TAKEN! Excellent catch by Matthew Wade and Gujarat have the first breakthrough! Umesh Yadav continues to bowl it into the deck, over middle, Yashasvi Jaiswal premeditates and walks across to the off side to use the pace and scoop it over the keeper. The ball gets big on him and it brushes the gloves on its way to the keeper. Matthew Wade reacts quickly and times the jump to perfection. Goes after it with both hands and snaffles it safely.

Umesh Yadav to यशस्वी जायसवाल, FOUR! Up and over! Umesh Yadav bowls it on a back of a length, on middle and leg, Yashasvi Jaiswal clears his front leg and picks up the length early. Lofts it over mid on and it almost went the distance for a maximum.

स्पेंसर जॉनसन to जोस बटलर, Strays on the pads slightly and lands it on a back of a length, Jos Buttler hangs back and nudges it in front of square on the leg side for a couple of runs.

स्पेंसर जॉनसन to यशस्वी जायसवाल, In the channel on off, on a length, Yashasvi Jaiswal knocks it in front of mid off and gets to the other end.

स्पेंसर जॉनसन to जोस बटलर, Angling away from over the wicket, on a good length, on off, Jos Buttler moves to the off side for the scoop but the ball is not full enough. Toe-ends the shot beside the pitch on the leg side. They cross.

स्पेंसर जॉनसन to यशस्वी जायसवाल, Angling in a touch, on the fifth stump line, on a good length, Yashasvi Jaiswal tries to force it through the off side. He does not get the desired width and he chops it wide of point for one.

स्पेंसर जॉनसन to जोस बटलर, Tap and run! On a good length, slanting back into the right-hander, on middle, Jos Buttler pushes it in front of mid off and takes a quick single.

स्पेंसर जॉनसन to जोस बटलर, Pitched up by Spencer Johnson, on off, Jos Buttler stays put and drives it straight to cover.

Umesh Yadav to यशस्वी जायसवाल, FOUR! Two in two for Yashasvi Jaiswal and this should help him feel a lot better. Umesh continues to bowl it into the wicket, around off, Yashasvi Jaiswal gets the width he needs and he does not miss out. Hits it to the left of extra cover this time for four more runs.

Umesh Yadav to यशस्वी जायसवाल, FOUR! Gets it through! This is on a hard length, just outside off, Yashasvi Jaiswal backs away nice and early and frees his arms to slap it between cover and point for a boundary.

Umesh Yadav to यशस्वी जायसवाल, Gets away with it! A bit too straight from Umesh, on a back of a length, at the hips, there to be put away, Yashasvi Jaiswal loses his shape a bit as he looks to pull it away. Gets it off the inner half of the bat and picks out the man at short fine leg. Three dots on the trot.

Umesh Yadav to यशस्वी जायसवाल, Cramps the batter for room again by serving it on a back of a length, on middle and leg, Yashasvi Jaiswal pats it in front of mid on. Mohit Sharma swoops in quickly and prevents the quick single.

Umesh Yadav to यशस्वी जायसवाल, A hint of away shape for Umesh, on a back of a length, on off, Yashasvi Jaiswal gets on his toes and blocks it out with a straight bat back to the bowler.

Umesh Yadav to जोस बटलर, Serves it on a hard length, top of off, Jos Buttler does not move his feet and works it off the inner half of the bat to the right of mid on for a single.

स्पेंसर जॉनसन to यशस्वी जायसवाल, FOUR! Better from Yashasvi Jaiswal and he gets the reward! On a short of a length, around off, Yashasvi Jaiswal waits on it and rides the bounce well. Dabs it to the right of backward point and gets it well wide of deep third for a boundary.

स्पेंसर जॉनसन to यशस्वी जायसवाल, Beaten! At 137.4 kph, back of a length, outside off, Yashasvi Jaiswal goes for the cut but gets beaten on the outside edge.

स्पेंसर जॉनसन to यशस्वी जायसवाल, Much closer to the off-stump line this time from Spencer Johnson, on a hard length, Yashasvi Jaiswal hangs back and punches it on the bounce to cover-point.

स्पेंसर जॉनसन to यशस्वी जायसवाल, Play and a miss! Width on offer on off, short in length, Yashasvi Jaiswal tries to latch onto the width but connects with thin air as the ball goes past the outside edge.

स्पेंसर जॉनसन to जोस बटलर, Delivers it on a length, in the channel on off, Jos Buttler pushes at it and gets an outside edge that rolls down to deep third for a single.

स्पेंसर जॉनसन to जोस बटलर, Begins from over the wicket and angles it across, on a hard length, on off, Jos Buttler allows the ball to come to him and punches it sweetly through covers. Gets off the mark with a couple of runs.

Who will bowl from the other end? It is Spencer Johnson.

Umesh Yadav to यशस्वी जायसवाल, Almost dragged it on! Slanting across the left-hander, on a good length, outside off, Yashasvi Jaiswal throws his hands at it and gets an inside edge that sneaks past the stumps. It rolls towards the fine leg fence where the keeper, Matthew Wade gives it a chase and cuts it off. Two runs taken.

Umesh Yadav to यशस्वी जायसवाल, FOUR! Yashasvi Jaiswal threads the needle this time and Rajasthan are away! Umesh Yadav pulls his length back and bowls it around off, Yashasvi Jaiswal plays it right under his eyes. Punches it along the ground and gets it through covers for the first boundary.

Umesh Yadav to यशस्वी जायसवाल, Goes full in search of swing and serves it in the channel on off, Yashasvi Jaiswal frees his arms and drives it straight to cover.

Umesh Yadav to यशस्वी जायसवाल, Hits the deck hard again, on a back of a length, on middle, Yashasvi Jaiswal gets on top of the bounce and defends it out with a straight bat.

Umesh Yadav to यशस्वी जायसवाल, Gets a hint of inward movement, on a short of a length, on middle, Yashasvi Jaiswal hops back and rides the bounce to stab it down the deck.

Umesh Yadav to यशस्वी जायसवाल, Starts from over the wicket and serves a bit of a loosener, on a back of a length, near the tramline on off, Yashasvi Jaiswal is happy to let that one go.

We are all set. The players are out in the middle. Yashasvi Jaiswal and Jos Buttler to open for Rajasthan. Jaiswal to face Umesh Yadav up first. Watch out for some swing. A slip in place. Let's go…

Jos Buttler is up for a quick chat. He says the feeling is great in the group. A lot of individuals standing up and a lot of players have been together for many years which helps a lot as well. Tells it is more mentally when you underperform sometimes but he tries to cut the noise out. Shares Ravichandran Ashwin and Yuzvendra Chahal have been brilliant in the middle phase and Trent Boult with the new ball. Reckons he has a good relationship with Samson and says he tries to help out whenever he can.

The skipper of Rajasthan, Sanju Samson says that they would have bowled first as well. On this being his 50th game as a captain in the Indian T20 League, he replies that it has been a special journey and it would not have been possible without the support of the team. States that despite winning all four games, there have been challenges off the field in terms of fitness and form. Mentions that their focus has been on taking care of the process and want to continue doing the same.

The captain of Gujarat, Shubman Gill says they will bowl first as they want to chase with the conditions around. Tells it is not easy to set up the playing XI with a lot of injuries around. Informs about the two changes with Matthew Wade coming in for Kane Williamson and Abhinav Manohar replaces BR Sharath. Reckons they were in a good position in the last two games but it is just about finishing in crunch situations and hopes to do it this time around. Mentions he doesn't think of captaincy much while batting.

Impact players nominated by Gujarat – BR Sharath, Shahrukh Khan, Darshan Nalkande, Sai Kishore and Manav Suthar.

Gujarat (Playing XI) – Sai Sudharsan, Shubman Gill (C), Vijay Shankar, Abhinav Manohar (In for BR Sharath), Matthew Wade (WK) (In for Kane Williamson), Rahul Tewatia, Rashid Khan, Mohit Sharma, Umesh Yadav, Noor Ahmad, Spencer Johnson.

Impact players nominated by Rajasthan – Rovman Powell, Tanush Kotian, Shubham Dubey, Keshav Maharaj and Navdeep Saini.

Rajasthan (Playing XI) – Yashasvi Jaiswal, Jos Buttler, Sanju Samson (C/WK), Riyan Parag, Shimron Hetmyer, Dhruv Jurel, Ravichandran Ashwin, Trent Boult, Avesh Khan, Kuldeep Sen (In for Nandre Burger), Yuzvendra Chahal.

TOSS – The flip of the coin lands in the favour of Gujarat and they have elected to BOWL first.

UPDATE – We have official confirmation. The toss will take place at 7.25 pm IST (1.55 pm GMT), with the first ball set to be bowled at 7.40 pm IST (2.10 pm GMT). Just a small delay before we get going.

UPDATE – 7 pm IST (1.30 pm GMT) – The toss has been officially delayed due to RAIN. The good news is the ground staff have removed one of the covers and even the rain has completely stopped. The players are out to do their drills as well. Let's hope for more good news.

UPDATE – 6.44 pm IST (1.14 pm GMT) – Not what you expect in April but it is raining currently and the covers are put on. It's windy and we expect it to be a passing shower. Let's hope so. Stay tuned for other updates.

PITCH REPORT – Mpumelelo Mbangwa is near the deck. He starts by informing that it is a windy evening and that the wind will be a factor that the players will have to take into account. States that 70 metres and 62 metres are the dimensions of the square boundaries, while the straight boundary is 79 metres. Aaron Finch joins him and says that there is a hint of grass, but it looks like a really good wicket. Hopes that the grass will result in more pace as compared to the games played earlier at this venue. Opines that there will be movement with the new ball, and therefore, the opening batters should look to play straight. Expects the pitch to get slower as the game progresses. Feels that there will not be much dew, given the overcast conditions. Mbangwa says that there might be rain later on and reckons that it might influence the decision at the toss. Ends by saying that the team batting first will have to get close to 185 to feel comfortable.

The previous season's runners-up, Gujarat, have blown hot and cold and are striving to get their campaign on track. The Shubman Gill-led unit is coming off a two-game losing streak and will be desperate to return to winning ways. Sai Sudharsan and Shubman Gill have shouldered the scoring responsibilities admirably, but the contributions from Kane Williamson and Vijay Shankar have fallen short of expectations. With the anticipation of David Miller's return after missing a couple of games, Gujarat hopes to bolster their batting prowess. Rashid Khan's impact has been subdued compared to his usual standards, placing added responsibility on the shoulders of Mohit Sharma, Umesh Yadav, and Spencer Johson to rise to the occasion against Rajasthan's formidable batting unit. Will Gujarat halt the juggernaut of high-flying Rajasthan? We shall find out. Toss and team news coming up in a bit.

After 23 games in the 17th edition of the Indian T20 League, Rajasthan stand tall as the sole unbeaten team, displaying flawless performances thus far. Following a playoff miss last year, Sanju Samson and his team seem determined to make amends, embodying a squad with a clear mission. The Sawai Mansingh Stadium has transformed into an impregnable fortress for the men in pink, securing victories in all three matches played here so far. While Yashasvi Jaiswal is yet to find his rhythm, Sanju Samson and Riyan Parag have compensated admirably, with Jos Buttler's stellar century in the last encounter against Bengaluru adding to their firepower. Yuzvendra Chahal has shone brightly in the spin department, while the left-arm seam duo of Trent Boult and Nandre Burger has provided exemplary performances in the pace department.

Hello and a warm welcome, folks, to our coverage of match number 24 of the 2024 Indian T20 League, where Rajasthan take on Gujarat at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur. 'Pink City' is set for a showdown between two teams with divergent forms. If the previous matches at this venue in the season are any indication, brace yourselves for another high-scoring encounter.

… MATCH DAY …

Get ready for an intriguing showdown as the Rajasthan face off against the Gujarat at the iconic Sawai Mansingh Stadium. Rajasthan has been the team to beat, winning all four of their matches this season. Jos Buttler's sensational century in the last game against Bangalore showcased the sheer dominance of the Rajasthan batting lineup. With Sanju Samson's solid contributions and Riyan Parag's explosive form, their batting unit looks formidable and the only thing missing is a Yashasvi Jaiswal playing to his full potentia. Trent Boult and Nandre Burger have been relentless with the new ball, while Avesh Khan has stepped up in the absence of Sandeep Sharma as a decent death bowler. The duo of Ravichandran Ashwin and Yuzvendra Chahal adds depth and potency to their spin department, making Rajasthan a force to be reckoned with. They'll be aiming to maintain their unbeaten streak and continue their march towards the top of the table. Meanwhile, Gujarat finds themselves in a spot of bother after a string of inconsistent performances. Captain Shubman Gill's leadership has been commendable, but he'll need more support from the batting lineup, especially with Wriddhiman Saha nursing an injury. Sai Sudharsan has been a standout performer, but the likes of Vijay Shankar and Rahul Tewatia need to step up to the plate. The absence of David Miller further compounds their woes, putting more pressure on the middle order but the inclusion of Kane Williamson adds more balance. On the bowling front, Umesh Yadav's resurgence and Mohit Sharma's stunning displays have been positives, but they'll need to contain the rampant Rajasthan batters. Rashid Khan and Noor Ahmad provide a formidable spin duo, while the inclusion of Azmatullah Omarzai adds an extra dimension to their pace attack if needed. With both teams boasting a wealth of talent and firepower, expect a high-octane clash filled with twists and turns. Gujarat will be eager to become the first team to halt Rajasthan's winning streak and inject new life into their campaign. On the other hand, Rajasthan will be determined to maintain their unbeaten record and assert their dominance in the tournament. It's a battle of nerves and skill, and only time will tell which team emerges victorious in this epic encounter.