Shubman Gill led Gujarat Titans from the front with 86, well complemented by new-ball spells from Kagiso Rabada and Mohammed Siraj, as the hosts registered a commanding five-wicket win over trailing Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in an Indian Premier League (IPL) match on Friday.
This was Gujarat Titans’ third win on the trot in five matches, while KKR’s winless streak extended to five matches. KKR are languishing at the bottom with just a point from six matches. KKR opted to bat first on a flat track and once again conceded the powerplay for the loss of three wickets.
Captain Ajinkya Rahane was the first to fall, whom Siraj left behind for a golden duck in the opener. Rabada then hit the ball and produced a beautiful outswinger that drew youngster Angkrish Raghuvanshi into a tentative poke, only to find an edge to the keeper.
Tim Seifert, who was playing his first match of the season, was caught short as Rabada fooled him with a short delivery which the Kiwi tapped to his compatriot Glenn Phillips on the spot.
Cameron Green is finally coming to the party
Finding it difficult to get going early on, Green weathered the early storm before breaking free in the middle overs, smashing seven fours and four sixes in his 55-ball stay. He shared a 55-run stand with Rovman Powell, followed by a 60-run stand with Anukul Roy.
Green particularly enjoyed taking on Rashid Khan as he dismantled him for five boundaries and four sixes, but the Afghan spinner caught him off guard off the last ball of the innings. He was also lucky.
The Australian all-rounder survived an early LBW appeal, saw the outside edge fly to the boundary and was dropped by Washington Sundar for 62 on the very next ball. But he fought a lone battle as no other KKR batsman could survive for long in the middle.
Adding to KKR’s woes, Green was starved to bat towards the fag end of the innings and watched the wickets pour in at the non-stricter end. In the end, it was Green’s 79 that powered KKR to 180 in 20 overs.
Shubman Gill sets the tone early
In response, Gill was in complete command and set the tone from the start as he hit three boundaries, including an untouched straight drive and a six in the first three overs. He then anchored the innings with poise and honed his stroke to perfection. His innings was littered with eight fours and four sixes.
Two power plays told the story of the match. With KKR limping to 37/3, Gill powered Gujarat Titans to a commanding 71/1, seizing early control of the chase. Even though KKR managed to get a few wickets, they were never able to stem the flow of runs or mount any sustained pressure.
Next, KKR will host Rajasthan Royals at the Eden Gardens on April 19, while Gujarat Titans will play Mumbai Indians on April 20.
