Picture Credit: BCCI/IPL
The Gujarat Titans are on the top of the table as they defeated Rajasthan Royals by 37 runs at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai. The IPL debutants posted a massive score of 192, thanks to dominant performances by Hardik Pandya, Abhinav Manohar and David Miller. Rajasthan bowlers had a bad day at the office as they couldn’t contain the Titans’ lower order.
Yuzvendra Chahal was the best bowler for the Royals as he took one wicket while giving away 32 runs. In the second innings, Rajasthan had a difficult start as they lost Devdutt Padikkal for a golden duck. Jos Butler was the lone warrior for the Royals with a late flurry by Shimron Hetmyer. But the 2008 champions failed to chase down the totals as they were restricted at 155 for nine.
Here are some important highlights from the match:
1. Hardik Pandya’s incredible 87
Hardik Pandya has proven all his doubters wrong as he scored another brilliant half-century for the Gujarat Titans. Pandya came in to bat when the score read 15/2 and care constructed the Titan’s massive first innings score. He scored 87 in 52 balls with eight fours and four sixes as he was batting a strike rate of 167.31.
2. David Miller scores to 21 runs in the 19th over
Before the IPL, a lot of questions were raised about David Miller’s ability as a finisher. But as the IPL has progressed the Protean has returned to his big-hitting self and played some crucial knocks for the Titans. Against Rajasthan, Miller decimated Kuldeep Sen in the 19th over as hit 21 runs with three fours, one six and a double.
3. Jos Butler hits 54 off 22 balls
With a massive total to chase, Jos Butler pulled his boots and started slogging from ball one. The Englishman continued his great form and reclaimed his orange cap as he smashed 54 off 22 balls. In this knock, Butler hit eight fours and three sixes while batting a the strike rate of 225.
4. Lockie Ferguson’s fiery spell of three for 23
As Butler was breathing fire for Rajasthan, it was Lockie Fergusson who retaliated back with an amazing spell where he took three wickets while giving away just 23 runs. The Kiwi pacer dismissed Ravi Ashwin for just three and then took out Butler for 54. Then towards the end, he also dismissed Riyan Parag who was also looking good for Rajasthan.