The Gujarat Titans (GT) put up an impressive total of 224 for 6 against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), with key contributions from their top order. Shubman Gill, Jos Buttler, and B Sai Sudharsan, occupying prominent positions on the IPL’s run-scoring list, led the charge. Gill’s 76 from 38 deliveries, Sudharsan’s quick-fire 48 off 23, and Buttler’s solid 64 off 37 were pivotal performances.
The SRH bowlers struggled early on, allowing GT to enjoy their most successful powerplay yet, tallying 82 runs without losing a wicket. The SRH attack, led by Mohammed Shami, was wayward, with inconsistencies that provided GT with multiple scoring opportunities. Shami and Pat Cummins, along with Harshal Patel, failed to maintain control, surrendering runs all around the ground without much effort from the batsmen. Only four of the powerplay runs were the result of risky shots.
Gill was given an early chance, capitalising on a loose leg-side delivery from Shami in the opening over. Sai Sudharsan took advantage of Cummins’ missteps, driving home several boundaries. It was not until Zeeshan Ansari’s clever delivery resulted in Sudharsan’s dismissal that the run-scoring was briefly checked.
However, GT quickly rallied again, with Gill and Buttler keeping the scoreboard ticking over despite the loss. An unusual lapse in concentration saw Gill run out courtesy of sharp fielding by Heinrich Klaasen, reminiscent of MS Dhoni at his best.
The pitch conditions did not seem to faze GT, and Buttler, despite the sapping 40-degree heat, managed to find the boundary frequently enough to guide GT beyond the 220-mark. Washington Sundar, on the other hand, struggled to adjust his bowling to the pitch conditions, giving GT an upper hand.
Overall, it was a commanding performance from GT’s batsmen, setting SRH a daunting target to chase.
