Shubman Gill-led Gujarat Titans (GT) breathed a sigh of relief with a thrilling last-ball win over Rajasthan Royals (RR) in the IPL 2024 match on Wednesday, April 10, held in Jaipur. Chasing a challenging target of 197 runs, the Titans displayed remarkable grit to reach 199/7 in their allotted 20 overs as they sealed the match by three wickets. Rashid Khan stole the show for Gujarat, smashing a boundary off the final delivery to secure victory. His unbeaten knock of 24 runs proved to be the match-winner. Captain Shubman Gill also played a crucial knock at the top of the order, scoring a brisk 72 runs off just 44 balls.
RR bowlers put up a good fight. Kuldeep Sen bagged three wickets while Yuzvendra Chahal picked up two. However, their efforts were ultimately in vain as the Gujarat Titans' batting line-up displayed exceptional determination to pull off a dramatic heist.
After the match, skipper Shubman revealed GT's winning strategy.
“We were targeting 45 in 3 overs and it is very much gettable and that was the mindset at that time. Mathematically both batters needed to hit 22 off 9 balls and that’s how the thinking goes and if one batter goes berserk that will do,” Gill said in the post-match presentation.
RR laid a strong foundation for victory with a competitive total of 196 runs on the board. Riyan Parag, in red-hot form this season, took the aggressive route, punishing loose deliveries and amassing a well-made 76 runs before his dismissal by Mohit Sharma. Captain Sanju Samson, on the other hand, played a more calculated innings, contributing a crucial unbeaten 68*. A late flurry from Samson and hard-hitter Shimron Hetmyer pushed the target for Gujarat Titans to a challenging 197 runs. Gujarat's chase was spearheaded by their skipper Shubman Gill. He displayed remarkable composure and power, scoring a brilliant 72 runs off just 44 balls, laying the groundwork for victory. However, the real drama unfolded in the death overs. Enter Rahul Tewatia and Rashid Khan. The two big-hitters took full advantage of some wayward bowling from the Rajasthan Royals, unleashing a flurry of boundaries that left the Royals' bowlers bewildered. This crucial partnership ultimately sealed the deal for the Gujarat Titans, handing the previously undefeated Rajasthan Royals their first loss of the season.
ALSO READ: Former business associates of MS Dhoni arrested for Rs 16 crore fraud; check more details here
“I would have loved to finish the game, but very happy with Rahul and Rashid Bhai for finishing the job for us. Winning the ball off the last ball is always a great feeling. He (Rashid Khan) is someone who you always want on your team, he is such a competitor,” Gill concluded.
GT, in a total of six matches, have so far won three lost as many contests to be placed sixth in the IPL 2024's points table. On the other hand, RR are unaffected on top of the standings with four wins and one defeat in a total of five matches.
GT will next lock horns with Delhi Capitals on Delhi Capitals on April 17 while RR will face Punjab Kings on April 13
MORE ON SPORTS TAK:
Ahead of 2024 T20 World Cup, chief selector Ajit Agarkar makes a resounding statement on Virat Kohli, says 'he has only...'
Amidst IPL 2024, one rising superstar becomes the center of nationwide concern as BCCI faces fresh conundrum
