Despite a sluggish start in the first three overs, Gujarat Titans dismantled Royal Challengers Bengaluru with an authoritative eight-wicket triumph at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. Jos Buttler, who had faced scrutiny for his recent form, roared back with an unbeaten 73 off just 39 deliveries, while Mohammed Siraj haunted his former team with a three-wicket haul.
Chasing a modest target of 170, GT made it look effortless. While Bhuvneshwar Kumar dismissed Shubman Gill early for the fourth time in IPL history, Sai Sudharsan and Buttler took charge, striking boundaries at will. Apart from Yash Dayal and Bhuvi, every RCB bowler struggled, leaking runs at over 10 per over.
Buttler, who entered the tournament under immense pressure after a lackluster performance for England, silenced his critics with a strike rate of 187. Sudharsan complemented him brilliantly with a composed 49 off 36 balls before falling to Josh Hazlewood. Sherfane Rutherford sealed the deal with a quickfire 30 off 18, ensuring GT’s dominance.
Earlier, RCB’s batting lineup seemed oblivious to the venue’s reputation as a batting paradise. After winning the toss, Gill opted to bowl, and the decision paid off. The pitch, with its grassy cover, assisted the seamers, reminiscent of last season when pacers claimed nearly 78% of the wickets at the Chinnaswamy.
The game was hyped as Siraj’s return to Bengaluru, and he didn’t disappoint. His duel with Virat Kohli added an extra layer of drama, and while Kohli faltered, Siraj shone. His average at the Chinnaswamy dropped to a remarkable 16.25 runs per wicket, compared to 43.28 at other venues.
GT’s pace attack was relentless, with Arshad Khan also making an impact by dismissing Kohli early. RCB’s top order crumbled to 42-4 within seven overs. Jitesh Sharma and Liam Livingstone provided a brief respite with a 52-run partnership, but RCB’s innings never gained momentum. Livingstone’s 54 off 40 and Tim David’s late blitz of 32 off 18 helped them post 169, a total that proved insufficient against GT’s fiery lineup.
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