Picture Credit: BCCI/IPL
David Miller delivered a knock of the ages as he remained unbeaten at 94 to snatch victory from Chennai Super Kings. Gujarat Titans defeated defending champions by three wickets after David Miller and stand-in skipper Rashid Khan surprised the opponents with their blistering knocks to steer the Titans' run chase. With the win, the Titans solidified their position at the top of the table with 10 points.
Earlier, Ruturaj Gaikwad had returned to run-scoring with an excellent 73, while Ambati Rayudu also scored an important 46 as Chennai Super Kings finished at 169/5 in 20 overs at the MCA Stadium in Pune. I
n response, Gujarat had a troublesome start to their innings as opener Shubman Gill, and Vijay Shankar got out on duck. Later, Wriddhiman Saha (11 off 18) and Abhinav Manohar (12 off 12) added a few runs on board for their side but could not rescue the Titans from danger. Titans were once reeling at 48-4 in 7.5 overs. Match finisher Rahul Tewatia also could not impress with his performance as he got out at 6.
But, David Miller and skipper Rashid Khan surprised the opponents as they played some cracking shots all-around to firm Gujarat's position at the top of the table. Together they forged an 80-run partnership for the Titans as they secured an incredible win with a ball to spare.
Let's take a look at some of the highlights of the match.
1. Ruturaj Gaikwad's return
The orange cap holder of the previous season was looking out of form ever since the 2022 edition started. Although he was being positive and management was showing great trust in him, Gaikwad failed to impress with his bat in the first couple of matches. But, the match against Gujarat Titans brought the best out of Gaikwad as he went on to score 73 in just 48 balls and rescued his side from mini-collapse. Gaikwad's inning was studded with five maximums and as many boundaries.
2. David Miller's 94-run knock
The South Africa batter played one of the memorable knocks in the current edition as he played a match-winning knock for his side. Millar came to bat when Titans were tottering at 16-3 in 3.5 overs. While CSK was eyeing their second win in the league, Millar surprised everyone, as he remained unbeaten till the end and ensured victory for his side. He scored 94 runs during the run chase with the help of six maximums and eight boundaries.
3. The match-winning cameo from Rashid Khan
The Afghan spin-wizard has created a reputation for himself as a match-winner but with his spin. However, Khan, who was leading the Titans in the absence of Hardik Pandya, was in no mood to let the match go from his hand as he quickly added 40 runs on board in just 21 balls. He unleashed himself on Chris Jordan in the 18th over of the game as he hit three sixes and one boundary in the over to close the gap, which was mounting at the moment. 6 6 4 6 1 2 was the reading from Jordan's over, courtesy to Rashid Khan.