Gujarat Titans scored 200/3 in 20 overs, where as Royal Challengers Bengaluru scored 206/1 in 16 overs.
So, finally Royal Challengers Bengaluru beat Gujarat Titans by 9 wickets.
Will Jacks put on a six-hitting spectacle in Ahmedabad, propelling Royal Challengers Bengaluru to their third win of IPL 2024.
Chasing 201, RCB stayed in contention in the first half but unleashed their firepower in the latter stages, with Virat Kohli witnessing the show from the best seat in the house.
Jacks, initially struggling at 17 off 17, transformed his innings dramatically, smashing 83 runs off the next 24 balls to achieve an astonishing 41-ball century.
His remarkable performance guided RCB to chase down the target of 201 with four overs to spare.
Where was the game won?
The game turned decisively in the second half of the innings.
Despite Titans’ strong start, going from 82/2 to 200/3 in their last 10 overs, RCB managed to accelerate significantly, piling on 108 runs in just six overs after the halfway mark.
| GT | RCB | |
|---|---|---|
| Score | 118/1 | 108/0 |
| Run-Rate | 11.8 | 18 |
| 4s/6s | 7 and 7 | 6 and 11 |
In a departure from the norm, Gujarat Titans experienced a relatively calm powerplay phase, posting a modest 42/1 on the scoreboard.
The early dismissal of Wriddhiman Saha in the opening over set the tone, while Shubman Gill and Sai Sudharsan found themselves subdued by the disciplined bowling from RCB.
Gill, especially, felt the weight of expectation after a series of underwhelming performances and succumbed shortly after the powerplay concluded.
During the middle overs, Shahrukh Khan capitalized on his rare promotion to the No.4 position.
Making the most of this opportunity, he showcased his prowess by launching a barrage of sixes.
The returning Glenn Maxwell, Karn Sharma, and Cameron Green bore the brunt of Shahrukh’s power-hitting as he dispatched them for towering sixes.
Sai Sudharsan, after a cautious start, joined in the spectacle as the duo from Tamil Nadu entertained the crowd with their aggressive batting display.
Shahrukh reached his maiden IPL fifty off just 23 deliveries, thrilling the audience before an excellent delivery from Siraj ended his impressive innings.
As Shahrukh departed just before the final overs, it was Sai Sudharsan who seized control during the death overs.
After reaching his fifty off 34 balls, the left-hander unleashed a flurry of boundaries, starting with a six off Maxwell’s bowling, followed by a hat-trick of boundaries against Green.
The highlight of this phase was a spectacular lap shot over the keeper’s head for another six.
Just when it seemed Gujarat Titans might fall short of the 200-run mark, David Miller smashed one over the ropes off the final delivery, ensuring they breached the milestone.
Amid the high standards set this season, the 63 runs scored by Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the powerplay may not seem imposing, but it proved adequate for their chase.
RCB’s requirement for a boundary-laden start was fulfilled as both Kohli and Faf du Plessis began with flair.
Du Plessis, in particular, displayed aggression, racing to 23 runs off just 9 deliveries, prompting Gujarat Titans to introduce Sai Kishore into the attack to break the partnership.
However, Kohli, whose proficiency against spin has been scrutinized recently, took charge by initially targeting Rashid Khan and then launching a barrage of boundaries against Sai Kishore, ensuring RCB ended the powerplay on a positive note.
Amidst a barrage of sixes, Royal Challengers Bengaluru amassed a formidable 143/0 during the middle overs, boasting an impressive run rate of 14.3 with a staggering count of 9 fours and 11 sixes.
The narrative took an unexpected turn as Will Jacks, initially struggling, found his rhythm while Kohli kept the chase alive.
Demonstrating no vulnerability against spin, Jacks exhibited impeccable stroke play, consistently targeting Rashid and Noor Ahmed for boundaries.
In a remarkable display of batting prowess, Jacks notched up a blistering fifty off just 32 deliveries, setting the stage for an explosive second half.
However, the spotlight soon shifted to Jacks, who turned the match into a one-man show.
With RCB comfortably positioned, needing 53 runs from 36 balls with nine wickets in hand, Jacks unleashed a relentless assault.
His onslaught commenced with a six and a four off Mohit Sharma’s bowling, setting the tone for his extraordinary performance.
In a breathtaking display of power-hitting, Jacks dispatched three consecutive sixes off Mohit in an over, extracting 29 runs.
Undeterred by the challenge, Jacks continued his onslaught in the following over, defying Rashid’s bowling prowess with a flurry of boundaries – 6, 6, 4, 6 – to race to 94 runs in breathtaking fashion.
With just one run needed to secure victory, Jacks seized the opportunity to not only seal the game but also reach his century in style.
His tenth monumental hit left the home team stunned, sealing a remarkable triumph for Royal Challengers Bengaluru.
Another standout performer of the match was Virat Kohli, who, despite demonstrating his mastery against spin bowling, had to play a supporting role tonight.
Nonetheless, Kohli achieved a significant milestone by becoming the first batsman to surpass 500 runs in this season.
Remarkably, this marks his seventh instance of achieving this feat, equalling the record for the most number of times accomplished in IPL history.
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