'It was a bit of revenge': Match-winner Shimron Hetmyer revels after ending Rajasthan Royals' jinx against Gujarat Titans

Rajasthan Royals (RR) registered a convincing three-wicket win over the defending champions Gujarat Titans at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on April 17 (Sunday).

SportsTak

• Mon • 17 Apr 2023

Rajasthan Royals (RR) registered a convincing three-wicket win over the defending champions Gujarat Titans at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on April 17 (Sunday). Chasing a target of 178 runs, RR rode on captain Sanju Samson's flawless knock of 60 runs off 32 balls and Shimron Hetmyer's 56 not out off 26 balls as the franchise finally ended their jinx against the defending champions. Samson's team had lost all three matches against Hardik Panyda's men last season, including the final. After the game, RR's match winner Hetmyer didn't mince his words and said it was a revenge game for the inaugural champions.

"I just really wanted to win against these guys because they beat us three times last year, so it was a bit of revenge really. I just practice it really. It helps to practice with that mindset that you're a couple of wickets down and you need 100 runs with eight overs left. You just try to program your mind that way and so far it's working," Hetmyer said after the match.

The left-handed batter played a spectacular innings and took his team to the promised land. During his thunderous knock, Hetmyer struck two fours and five sixes. He was awarded the Man of the Match award for forking out a game-defining performance with the bat.

Rajasthan needed seven runs off the last over and Hardik Pandya turned to his overseas spinner Noor Ahmad. Hetmyer displayed great composure and executed his game plan perfectly. The explosive batter took a double on the first delivery of the over and then finished the job with a six on the next ball.

"I was pretty happy to be honest, to be facing (spinner in last over). I was just focused on getting a double off the first ball and then see what happens after that," he added.

With four wins in five matches, RR solidified their position at the top of the table after the win while GT are third in the standings with three wins in five matches.