By Sanju Samson and Riyan Parag’s impressive batting efforts, scoring 68* off 38 and 76 off 48 respectively, were in vain as Rashid Khan’s all-round performance led Gujarat Titans to a three-wicket victory over Rajasthan Royals, ending their unbeaten run in IPL 2024. Rashid sealed the win with a boundary off the last ball to the backward point region at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur.
RR’s openers struggle again
Jos Buttler, coming off a century in the previous match against RCB, failed to provide a good start for RR as both Yashasvi Jaiswal and Buttler were dismissed early. Jaiswal was lucky to survive an early scare when he almost chopped on Umesh Yadav’s delivery in the first over, but he was caught behind in the fifth over. Rashid then had Buttler caught at slips, reducing Royals to 42 for 2.
Parag and Samson’s partnership
Riyan Parag, benefiting from early drops, and Samson steadied the innings with a 130-run partnership in 78 balls. Parag was aggressive after the early luck, hitting boundaries and a six off Noor Ahmad. Samson joined the party later, scoring two boundaries and a six off Spencer Johnson. Samson reached his half-century with a bit of luck, as a fielding error by Rahul Tewatia allowed him to get there.
Rashid Khan and Rahul Tewatia Star Show against Rajasthan
Late onslaught and GT’s reply
Royals powered to 196 for 3 with Shimron Hetmyer’s brute force in the last over against Umesh Yadav. In reply, GT got off to a steady start with Sai Sudharsan and Shubman Gill. However, Kuldeep Sen’s three quick wickets derailed GT’s innings. Despite a strong start, GT needed 85 runs in the last six overs.
A thrilling finish
Gill tried to accelerate but was stumped, and Shahrukh Khan was trapped leg before by Avesh Khan. However, a chaotic last over by Kuldeep swung the momentum back to GT. GT needed 15 runs off the last over, and Rashid’s heroics secured the win with a boundary off the last ball.
Next matches
GT will play Delhi Capitals at home next Wednesday, while RR will face PBKS in Mullanpur on Saturday.
