Gujarat Titans, a team playing its first IPL, under a first-time captain, has done remarkably well to make it to the finals. They beat the Rajasthan Royals by seven wickets in the Qualifier 1 at Eden Gardens to make sure that they travel to Ahmedabad, their home ground, for the final.
Batting first, the Royals put up a total of 188 runs in their 20 overs. Jos Buttler returned to form with a 56-ball 89 and was well supported by captain Sanju Samson, who got 47 off 26. Devdutt Padikkal also chipped in with 28 runs.
From among the Gujarat bowlers, Rashid Khan's economy of 3.75 was the most impressive. Yash Dayal, on the other hand, gave away 46 runs in his four overs.
Chasing 189 to win, the Titans were largely helped by David Miller's onslaught. Miller remained unbeaten on 68 off 38 while captain Pandya remained unbeaten on 40 off 27. Earlier, opened Shubman Gill also scored 35 off 21.
Miller was named the Player of the Match for finishing the game for the Titans. "I just told Miller that if you have good people around you, you get good things. For our team, the genuine humans we have has allowed us to do well. Rashid has been fantastic throughout, but I am more proud of David. I told him to let's respect this game,” captain Hardik Pandya told Star Sports after the game.
While Rajasthan lost this game, they can still make it to the final if they win the qualifier 2. The team that wins the eliminator between Lucknow Super Giants and Royal Challengers Bangalore will face Rajasthan Royals in the Qualifier 2 in Ahmedabad.
Image credit: IPL
