RCB defeated GT by four wickets [x.com]
Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) secured a dominant four-wicket victory over Gujarat Titans (GT) in Match 52 of IPL 2024 at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium on Saturday.
Gujarat Titans, put into bat first, faced an early blow as their top three batsmen were dismissed quickly.
However, the middle-order trio of Shahrukh Khan, David Miller, and Rahul Tewatia stepped up, contributing useful knocks to help GT reach 147, which was a below par score.
In pursuit of the modest target, RCB's innings ignited with a blistering start from captain Faf du Plessis, who struck a rapid 64 off just 23 balls, and Virat Kohli, who added a solid 42 off 27 balls.
Despite experiencing a middle-order collapse, RCB managed to overhaul the target comfortably, reaching 148 in just 13.4 overs with four wickets in hand.
Here's the timeline of how RCB vs GT panned out in Bengaluru-
Gujarat Titans Top Order Departs Cheaply
In a challenging start to their innings, Gujarat Titans faced significant setbacks, losing both openers early in the game.
Wriddhiman Saha and captain Shubman Gill were dismissed quickly by Mohammed Siraj, putting pressure on the middle order.
B Sai Sudharsan also returned to the pavillion soon after, leaving the team struggling at 23 for 3 after the first powerplay.
Shahrukh, Miller and Tewatia Spearhead Recovery
Despite the initial wobbles, Shahrukh Khan injected some momentum into the innings with a spirited 37 off 24 balls, showcasing great fight against a tight bowling attack.
David Miller supported the middle-order with a quick 30 off 20 balls, adding crucial runs to the team's tally before falling prey to Karn Sharma. Rahul Tewatia also made a valuable contribution with a stylish 35 off 21 balls.
Lower down the order, Rashid Khan and Vijay Shankar made small but speedy contributions of 18 and 10 respectively.
However, their efforts were not enough to steer the team to a competitive total, as Gujarat Titans were all out for 147 in 19.3 overs.
Faf du Plessis and Virat Kohli Ignite RCB's Chase
RCB began their pursuit of 148 with remarkable intensity, thanks to a stunning opening partnership.
Captain Faf du Plessis and Virat Kohli came out all guns blazing, amassing a staggering 92 runs in the powerplay.
Du Plessis, particularly aggressive, blazed his way to 64 off just 23 balls, setting the stage for a potential early finish before being dismissed by Joshua Little.
Middle Order Wobble Puts Victory in Doubt
After the explosive start, RCB witnessed a sudden collapse that saw them stumbling from 92/0 to 117/6.
The middle order, including Will Jacks, Rajat Patidar, Glenn Maxwell, and Cameron Green, failed to capitalize on the foundation laid and departed cheaply.
Joshua Little was the standout bowler for Gujarat Titans, claiming three crucial wickets of the RCB middle-order as he instigated a dramatic shift in the game's momentum.
Dinesh Karthik Steers RCB Home
In a tense finish, veteran Dinesh Karthik demonstrated his cool under pressure by scoring an unbeaten 21 off 12 balls, enroute which he smashed three fours in an over to Rashid Khan.
Alongside him, Swapnil Singh contributed a vital 15* off 9 balls as he finished the game with a six straight down the ground.
Together, the duo guided RCB across the finish line with six wickets down, completing the chase in 13.4 overs.