It was indeed a challenging outing for Gujarat Titans bowlers as they struggled to contain the onslaught from Royal Challengers Bengaluru batters, particularly Virat Kohli and Will Jacks. In pursuit of a formidable total of 200, Kohli and Jacks came together, showcasing their contrasting batting styles to make the chase appear effortless. Their partnership helped in securing a crucial victory for RCB in the 16th over itself, keeping their hopes of qualification alive in the tournament.
Economical start by RCB with the ball
RCB would be delighted with their bowling performance in the opening overs, especially given the trend of high-scoring starts in recent IPL matches. Swapnil Singh struck early by dismissing the struggling Wriddhiman Saha, inducing a leading edge that found its way to Karn Sharma. Shubman Gill, despite looking promising initially, couldn’t capitalise on his start and fell for just 16 runs, courtesy of a brilliant effort by Cameron Green. Glenn Maxwell’s contribution shouldn’t be overlooked either, as he cleverly enticed Gill to go after deliveries outside off, ultimately leading to his dismissal.
Sudharsan and Khan fightback for Titans
After a sluggish start, Titans found themselves in dire need of a rebuilding phase, which was masterfully executed by Sai Sudharsan and Shahrukh Khan. Sudharsan showcased remarkable maturity with the bat, reaffirming his excellent form in this year’s IPL. Despite facing criticism for his initially slow strike-rate against fast bowlers, Sudharsan bided his time and gradually accelerated as the innings progressed, effectively steering his team back into contention. His innings comprised eight boundaries and four sixes, making him the second batsman to surpass 400 runs in the ongoing season. Meanwhile, Khan made a significant contribution to Titans’ total with a brisk 58. Khan, who entered the IPL with lofty expectations, hadn’t quite stolen the limelight until today’s match. However, he showcased his immense value to the team with his aggressive strokeplay, showcasing his class and talent.
Below-par bowling performance by Titans
After a solid batting display, Titans aimed for a strong start with the ball. While Sai Kishore managed to claim an early wicket, the going got tough for them thereafter. None of the other bowlers could make a breakthrough, resulting in a leakage of runs and making the run chase appear relatively straightforward. Particularly concerning was the inability of Titans’ bowlers to disrupt the partnership between Kohli and Jacks. Inconsistencies in line and length further compounded their woes, allowing the RCB batters to capitalise and accelerate. Even their ace bowler, Rashid Khan, struggled, conceding 51 runs off his four overs. Mohit Sharma, who began the season impressively, experienced a downturn in form, conceding 41 runs in just two overs.
Kohli and Jacks steal the show
Despite a challenging season for RCB and their fans, the partnership between Jacks and Kohli brought a moment of celebration. Both players showcased exceptional cricketing skills, making the run chase appear effortless. While Kohli played his usual anchoring role to perfection, Jacks shone bright with his finishing abilities. As the game progressed, Kohli notably improved his strike-rate, silencing his critics. Jacks, initially struggling to find his rhythm, eventually settled into his innings and went on to score a scintillating century, securing a crucial victory for his franchise.
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