Gujarat Titans have officially become the first team to qualify for the playoffs after beating fellow newbies Lucknow Super Giants by 62 runs in match 57 of IPL 2022. Batting first, the Hardik Pandya-led side put up a total of 144 runs on the board, which seemed insufficient for a batting line up as long as that of Lucknow’s. Shubman Gill remained unbeaten on 63 but his knock came at a strike rate of just 128.57. Down the order, David Miller and Rahul Tewatia chipped in with a few runs.
Avesh Khan was once again the best bowler for Lucknow. The pacer picked up two wickets for 26 runs in his four overs. But the most economical bowler was Mohsin Khan. He conceded only 18 runs in his four overs while also picking up a wicket.
Chasing 145 to win, the Super Giants put up their worst performance in the tournament yet, getting all out for just 82 runs. Deepak Hooda top scored with a knock of 27 runs while eight other batsmen were dismissed for single digit scores. Rashid Khan was the wrecker-in-chief – the spin sensation picked up four wickets for 24 runs in 3.5 overs. Yash Dayal and Sai Kishore also picked up two wickets each.
"Really proud of the boys. When we started this journey together, we obviously believed in ourselves, but before the 14th game to have qualified, it's a great effort and really proud of us," Gujarat captain Hardik Pandya told Star Sports in the post-match presentation ceremony.
Image credit: IPL
