In the 37th match of IPL 2024 at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur, Chandigarh, Punjab Kings clashed with Gujarat Titans. Opting to bat first after winning the toss, Punjab Kings started steadily but faced difficulties against Gujarat's disciplined bowling attack.
Despite Prabhsimran and Harpreet Brar making significant contributions, Punjab Kings could only score 142 runs in 20 overs, with Prabhsimran scoring 35 and Harpreet 29. Sai Kishore starred for Gujarat, claiming four crucial wickets.
In pursuit of 143 runs, Gujarat Titans faced early setbacks but resilient batting from Shubman Gill, Sai Kishore, and and Rahul Tewatia kept them in contention. With the match hanging in balance, Gujarat Titans displayed remarkable composure to chase down the target with five balls to spare, securing a thrilling three-wicket victory. Gill and Sai Sudharsan contributed with 35 and 31 runs respectively, while Rahul Tewatia's unbeaten 36 ensured Gujarat's triumph.
Talking Points
1. Sai Kishore's quality bowling crashed PBKS's innings
Ravi Sai Kishore emerged as the standout bowler of the match, demonstrating his excellence with a remarkable four-wicket haul. Despite Punjab's promising beginning to their innings, it was Sai Kishore's superb display during the middle overs that disrupted their rhythm, halting their progress and preventing them from posting a commanding total. His accuracy and expertise played a pivotal role in limiting Punjab to a modest score, ultimately resulting in their dismissal for a below-par total.
2. Tewaita finished off things in style
Rahul Tewatia emerged as the standout batter in this gripping low-scoring encounter. When he took to the crease, the match hung in the balance, yet it was his calm composure and a fusion of grace and strength in his innings of 36 runs off just 18 deliveries that decisively swung the momentum in favour of Gujarat. His exceptional batting ensured that Gujarat could clinch the victory with considerable ease, putting an end to their streak of losses.
Who Said What?
Losing skipper Sam Curran:
"I think so (we were 10-15 short). The effort with the ball was incredible, the commitment and fight was amazing, but it was not enough. The Afghanistan spinners are world class bowlers and Sai Kishore bowled really well, credit to them. That is the third time we have used that pitch, anything above 160 would have been a par total but we still fought well. Prabhsimran played really well in the powerplay but unfortunately we lost a cluster of wickets after that. Now we know what to do, we have to win every game."
Winning skipper Shubman Gill:
"Would have liked to finish it a bit early, but good to get those two points. (Captaincy) It's been very exciting for me to be able to take up this role. Except for the over-rate, everything has been good. When I am out there batting, I just want to play as a batter, I don't want to think too much about the captaincy. He (Livingstone) was trying to rush me there but the ball that I got out, I would have made that decision even if I was batting as a batsman or even without that little bit that we had (small altercation)."
Player of the Match R Sai Kishore:
"Just trying to give my 120% for the team, playing after 20-25 days, so just wanted to go there, enjoy myself and give my everything. Ashish Nehra has created a beautiful environment where we can be fearless and play for the team no matter what the result is. He told me to enjoy myself and gave me a lot of freedom to express myself. Instinctively I felt into the wicket and just change of pace was the way to go here, it worked out beautifully. Credit to everyone who showed up today. Rahul played an amazing knock once again. Rashid and Noor bowled beautifully, overall complete team effort."
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