11:51 PM IST & Local Time: Abhimanyu Easwaran has taken the opportunity to grab a quick drink, and it almost feels as though he has invited the rain back onto the ground. The on-field umpires are now in discussion with each other. The drizzle has noticeably intensified over the last few minutes and the signal has now been given for the covers to come on. The ground staff are rushing into action as the players begin to make their way off the field.
The minimum requirement to constitute a result in this chase is 5 overs and we are 11 legal balls away from the landmark. More importantly, Malda Smashers need to be 48/1 at the end of 5 overs. For now, though, everyone will be hoping the weather clears and allows this Grand Final to be decided on the field rather than by the rain.
3.1 Rohit Kumar to Abhimanyu Easwaran
0 Over the wicket. Hard length delivery outside off, extra bounce. Easwaran looks to punch it through the off side, gets beaten on the outside edge.
Rohit Kumar will continue.
A light drizzle has returned here at Eden Gardens, but play continues for now. As things stand, Malda Smashers are in a strong position in this run chase. As far as DLS is concerned, Malda Smashers need to be 48/1 at the end of 5 overs. If they lose another wicket, then they need to be 52/2 at the end of 5 overs. At the moment, the Smashers are cruising.
OVER 3
Malda Smashers
42/1
Writam Porel
22(9)
Abhimanyu Easwaran
3(4)
Shahbaz Ahmed
0-16(1.0)
2.6 Shahbaz Ahmed to Abhimanyu Easwaran
1 Full around leg. Easwaran prods forward and drops it with soft hands in front of backward point for a quick single.
2.5 Shahbaz Ahmed to Writam Porel
1 Short ball around off. Porel rocks back and pulls it to the left of deep mid wicket for a single.
It has started drizzling here at the Eden Gardens.
2.4 Shahbaz Ahmed to Writam Porel
4 FOUR RUNS! Porel takes the aerial route yet again. This is clean hitting at it's absolute best. Length ball around fifth stump, angling across the batter. Porel lofts it over the top of extra cover for a boundary.
2.3 Shahbaz Ahmed to Writam Porel
6 SIX RUNS! Pummeled into the stands. Short ball around off. Porel backs away for room and lofts it over the bowler's head for a maximum.
2.2 Shahbaz Ahmed to Writam Porel
0 Short ball around leg. Porel was just a bit early to the pull shot, hits it from the toe end to the bowler.