Picture Credit: BCCI/IPL
On an entertaining Saturday doubleheader, IPL fans were treated to an entertaining set of games. In the first game of the day, Gujarat Titans defeated the Kolkata Knight Riders in a thrilling eight run-victory. This win was led by Hardik Pandya who scored a great half-century followed by Rashid Khan’s two-wicket spell.
Whereas in the second match of the day, Sunrisers Hyderabad decimated the Royal Challengers Bangalore by nine wickets. SRH bundled out Bangalore for just 68 and chased the total in nine overs.
Changes in the points table
After the 35th and 36th match of the IPL, the Gujarat Titans consolidate their position at the top of the table with 12 points from seven games. They also have a net run rate of +0.396. Whereas Kolkata Knight Riders are seventh on the table with six points from eight games with a net run rate of +0.080. Similarly, Sunrisers Hyderabad jumped to second place after winning their fifth straight game. They have 10 points from seven games with a net run rate of +0.691. Whereas the Royal Challengers Bangalore is fourth on the table with 10 points and a net run rate of -0.472.
Today’s matchup
On a super Sunday, the five-time IPL champions Mumbai Indians will take on the Lucknow Super Giants in the first reverse fixture of the 2022 season. LSG defeated Mumbai in the previous matchup this season where their captain KL Rahul scored an incredible century. Whereas both teams enter this game after losing their previous fixture. MI lost to Chennai Super Kings whereas Royal Challengers Bangalore beat LSG.
What did the captains say?
Gujarat Titans captain Hardik Pandya was elated with his team’s victory against Kolkata. He said, “By the time we finish this tournament, I might lose all my hair (chuckles). It's always important to close the games which we were very good at and the boys have stepped up and showed their character and backed their skills. We are backing them (opening combination) as a team and I know what kind of players they are and in the middle, we are managing pretty alright and once they start clicking it will be a wonderful treat to watch.”
“Hope everything (injury) is fine with me as well, I have three days before the next game and focus on the things I can control. We were 10-12 short and I think they bowled pretty well as well, but the kind of bowling we have I always backed my bowlers to stop those 12 runs and eventually we have done that. The wicket played pretty similar throughout the game. Having Rashid and Lockie changes a lot of dynamics and it gives you a lot of confidence. This team is about learning from each game”, Pandya added.
Sunrisers Hyderabad captain Kane Williamson congratulated his team after a dominant performance against Bangalore. He said, “The guys bowled beautifully and we caught well. It was an outstanding performance, but for us, it's about looking forward to the next challenge. The ball is swinging a lot more this season, so we have been taking wickets in the powerplay.”
“He (Jansen) is always up for a laugh off the field, but he is very focused. He has got the skills to do that, he is a real treat for us. You want to do as well as you can. There was a bit of chat with him, he (Abhishek) has been timing the ball brilliantly. There are a few challenges coming up ahead, so need to be focused”, Williamson concluded.