Gujarat end Rajasthan’s dream of final, set up final clash with Bengaluru
The Gujarat Titans defeated Rajasthan Royals by 7 wickets in the second qualifier of the IPL, played on Friday night (29) at the New Chandigarh International Stadium. With this victory, Gujarat booked their place in the final, where they will face defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru on Sunday.
As a result, Rajasthan Royals’ dream of reaching the final was shattered, and young talent Vaibhav Suryavanshi’s outstanding performance went in vain.
Chasing a target of 215 runs, Gujarat Titans successfully reached 219 runs for the loss of 3 wickets in 18.4 overs, securing a dominant win.
Captain Shubman Gill’s century and Sai Sudharsan’s half-century laid the foundation for Gujarat’s victory. The duo shared a 167-run partnership off just 77 balls, giving Gujarat a strong start.
Sai Sudharsan was dropped on 14 runs in the third over when Donovan Ferreira missed a difficult catch, which proved to be a turning point in the match.
Sudharsan, who continued his fluent batting, scored 58 runs before getting out hit wicket. Remarkably, he was dismissed in the same manner in two consecutive matches.
Shubman Gill soon reached a century before getting out after scoring 104 runs off 53 balls, including 15 fours and 3 sixes.
With this, Gill became the first player in IPL history to score two centuries in playoff matches. Three years ago, he had scored 129 runs in a qualifier against Mumbai Indians.
Washington Sundar scored 16 runs, while Rahul Tewatia (17*) and Jos Buttler (9*) remained not out.
Earlier, Rajasthan Royals, batting first, scored 214 runs for the loss of 6 wickets in 20 overs.
After losing their first two wickets within two overs, Rajasthan were under early pressure. However, Ravindra Jadeja, promoted up the order, partnered with Vaibhav Suryavanshi to stabilize the innings.
The duo added 73 runs for the third wicket in 37 balls, but Jadeja had to retire hurt due to a hand injury after scoring 34 runs off 19 balls.
Rajasthan then suffered quick blows, losing captain Riyan Parag (11), Dasun Shanaka (3), and Jofra Archer (7).
Later, Jadeja returned to the crease and added another crucial partnership with Suryavanshi. Together, they built multiple 50+ partnerships in the innings.
Suryavanshi scored a brilliant 96 runs off 47 balls, hitting 8 fours and 7 sixes.
Jadeja remained unbeaten on 45, while Donovan Ferreira scored an unbeaten 38. The pair added an unbroken 42-run stand for the 7th wicket.
Jason Holder took 2 wickets for 27 runs, and Kagiso Rabada took 2 wickets for 35 runs.
Player of the Match: Shubman Gill
