An all-round GT beat RCB by six wickets in the IPL 2022 clash on Saturday to secure the playoffs berth.
David Miller (39 not out) and Rahul Tewatia (43 not out) helped GT chase down the target of 171 runs in 19.3 overs to secure a six wickets victory in the IPL 2022 clash at the Brabourne Stadium, Mumbai on Saturday. The victory helped the Ahmedabad-franchise rise to the top spot with 16 points and become the first team in the ongoing edition of the lucrative tournament to book a spot in the playoffs.
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In the chase, Wriddhiman Saha (29) and Shubman Gill (31), forged a 51-run stand for the opening wicket to lay the foundation for the Gujarat Titans’ chase. B Sai Sudharsan, the incoming batter, later chipped in with 20 runs off 14 deliveries while captain Hardik Pandya (3) failed to make his bat do the talking. However, Miller and Tewatia, played brilliant unbeaten knocks to ensure that their side sailed over the line.
Earlier, Virat Kohli (58) and Rajat Patidar (53) notched up brilliant half-centuries to guide RCB to 170/6. Opting to bat, the poor run of form continued for RCB captain Faf du Plessis (0) as he was sent packing for a four-ball duck but Kohli went about his innings cautiously to score a much-needed half century for himself. He was also complimented by incoming batter Patidar in the middle.
Kohli and Patidar forged a key partnership of 99 runs for the third wicket. The former RCB captain scored at a run a ball rate for his first 30 runs but gradually changed gears as he went ahead in his innings. Patidar was the aggressor between the two as he hit five boundaries and two hits over the fence in his 35-ball knock while Kohli had six fours and one six in his stay of 53 deliveries.
Australia all-rounder Glenn Maxwell (33), then, took the matters in his own hands and played a quick fire cameo. His 18-ball knock was laced with three boundaries and two hits over the fence as he batted at a strike rate of over 183 to add vital runs to the team tally. However, following his dismissal, Dinesh Karthik (2) didn’t look up to the mark while Mahipal Lomror (16) added crucial runs at the death with his eight-ball knock.
Gujarat Titans fast bowler Pradeep Sangwan picked up two wickets for 19 runs his maiden appearance for the new franchise. He was also the most economical bowler for the franchise as he conceded run at 4.80 per over. His fellow fast bowlers Mohammed Shami, Alzarri Joseph and Lockie Ferguson scalped a wicket each while premier spinner Rashid Khan picked up a wicket to help the team’s cause.