As it happened | IPL 2019: Chennai beat Rajasthan by 8 runs

Chennai have defeated Rajasthan by eight runs to win their third game in the 12th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL).

Rajasthan, on the other hand, continue with their losing streak. They have to find a way to make a comeback in this season. 

Ben Stokes is on fire for Rajasthan. Boundaries are raining for the side. Stokes has brought Rajasthan back in the game and they might even win.

Imran Tahir took his second wicket when he dismissed Steve Smith. Smith departed after making 28 runs in 30 balls.

With 14 overs bowled, Rajasthan's score stands at 97/5.

Imran Tahir dismissed Tripathi to halt Rajasthan's run-chase. Tahir took the wicket at a very crucial stage when a solid partnership was coming from Steve Smith and Rahul Tripathi.

Rahul departed for 39 in just 24 balls. 

Rajasthan are on the recovery stage as the side have reached 60 for the loss for three wickets after 8 overs. 

Smith and Tripathi are playing a patient inning. The two are keeping the scoreboard ticking, a tactic that will help them build a partnership.  

After rahane, Rajasthan have also lost Sanju Samson and Jos Buttler. Both the players were in good form in their previous games.

Rajasthan's score was 14 when both players lost their wicket.

With Steve Smith and Rahul Tripathi on crease, Rajasthan's score stands at 24/3 after four overs. 

Skipper Ajinkya Rahane lost his wicket in the first over as Rajasthan began their 176-run chase. 

Rahane fell on the second delivery off Deepak Chahar.

Sixes were raining for Chennai as MS Dhoni was on crease and at his best.

The skipper had hit three back to back sixes in Jaydev Unadkat's last over to take Chennai to 175/5 after 20 overs.

Chennai, who were reduced to 88/4 at a point, reached the 175 score thanks to a brilliant innings by Dhoni.

Dhoni remained unbeaten on 75 in just 46 balls which included four boundaries and four sixes. 

Rajasthan now need 176 runs to register their first win in IPL 2019.  

Chennai skipper MS Dhoni slammed a brilliant half century to rebuild Chennai innings. 

15 overs have been bowled and Chennai's score stands at 99 runs for the loss of four wickets. 

Dhoni and Bravo are on crease. One of them will have to hit boundaries if Chennai wants to set a decent total.

Suresh Raina was dismissed by Jaydev Unadkat for 36 as the left-handed batsman along with Dhoni had rebuild Chennai's inning.

Dhoni is still at crease and is going strong.  

Skipper MS dhoni and batsman Suresh raina have well settled themselves at the crease.

Dhoni, who loves to take the game till end, have ordered Raina to start hitting. On the very first ball of the 11th over, Raina slammed a hug six off  Shreyas Gopal.

Seven overs have been bowled and Chennai's score stands at 34 for the loss of three wickets. 

Now, Kedar Jadhav has also been dismissed for the Rajasthan bowlers. Jadhav was playing at 8 runs when he was caught out by the wicketkeeper Jos Buttler off Dhawal Kulkarni.

Chennai openers have fallen early and cheaply. After Ambati Rayadu, opener Shane Watson also departed for 13 runs. 

He was dismissed by Ben Stokes, in his first over. Kedar Jadhav has come out to bat. 

Shane Watson was given out by the umpire but the batsman took a review which came in favour of Chennai. 

The right-handed batsman has hit a boundary in the same over to ease the pressure. 

Ambati Rayadu dismissed by Jofra Archer and his poor form continues. Rayadu was finding it difficult to play the Rajasthan bowlers.

Even Watson is facing some difficulty.

The clash begins !!!

Shane Watson and Ambati Rayadu have opened the innings, Watson is in great form, is seen the last game against Delhi, Rayadu has failed to perform with the bat. 

Teams:

Rajasthan (Playing XI): Ajinkya Rahane(c), Jos Buttler(w), Sanju Samson, Steven Smith, Ben Stokes, Rahul Tripathi, Krishnappa Gowtham, Jofra Archer, Jaydev Unadkat, Shreyas Gopal, Dhawal Kulkarni

Chennai (Playing XI): Shane Watson, Ambati Rayudu, Suresh Raina, Kedar Jadhav, MS Dhoni(w/c), Dwayne Bravo, Ravindra Jadeja, Mitchell Santner, Deepak Chahar, Shardul Thakur, Imran Tahir

In the 12th edition, Chennai first defeated Virat Kohli-led Bangalore and later Delhi. 

Rajasthan have won the toss and have opted to bowl.

Chennai are playing at their home ground and will aim to set a target around 180 for the Ajinkya Rahane-led side.

Watch the preview:

Rajasthan will be looking to turn things in their favour while it won't be a cakewalk as Chennai will have the ground factor.