Gujarat Titans started their maiden IPL campaign on a winning note by defeating Lucknow Super Giants by five runs.
Hardik Pandya-led Titans won the toss and opted to field first at Mumbai’s batting-friendly Wankhede Stadium. Batting first, the Super Giants posted an insufficient 158 runs in 20 overs. Their famed openers Quinton de Kock and captain KL Rahul were dismissed for seven and zero each, while Evin Lewis scored just 10 runs.
Manish Pandey, who has not been at his best in the last few IPL seasons, continued with his poor form, scoring only six runs. However, the lower middle order comprising Deepak Hooda, Ayush Badoni and Krunal Pandya put up a good fight to take the Super Giants to a respectable total. Hooda and Badoni scored a half century each, while Pandya scored an unbeaten 21 off 13 deliveries.
Mohammad Shami was the best bowler for the Titans. The pacer picked up three wickets for 25 runs in his four overs, which includes the very big wickets of de Kock and Rahul. Varun Aaron picked up two wickets, while Rashid Khan chipped in with one.
A target of 159 was always going to be difficult to defend on the small Wankhede ground, but the Super Giants bowlers did a good job to take the match to the last over. Rahul Tewatia top-scored with an unbeaten 40 off 24 balls, while Matthew Wade, Hardik Pandya and David Miller scored in 30s. The titans chased down the target with two balls remaining.
Dushmantha Chameera picked up two wickets for Lucknow, while Avesh Khan, Krunal Pandya and Deepak Hooda picked one each.
Lucknow’s next assignment is against defending champions Chennai Super Kings on March 31. The Titans will take on the Delhi Capitals on April 2.
Image credit: IPL
