Punjab Kings scored 142 in 20 overs, where as Gujarat Titans scored 146/7 in 19.1 overs.
So, finally Gujarat Titans beat Punjab Kings by 3 wickets.
R. Sai Kishore exhibited exceptional spin bowling skills on the conducive Mullanpur track, securing a four-wicket haul that limited Punjab Kings to a mere 142 runs.
Rahul Tewatia then applied the finishing touches to a potentially challenging chase, salvaging it after a flurry of wickets post-Power Play.
This victory marks the Titans’ fourth of the season, keeping them in close contention for playoff berths.
Conversely, the Kings have now lost four out of five home games.
What set the teams apart?
The notable disparity in spin bowling depth emerged as a decisive factor.
Gujarat Titans boasted a formidable trio in Rashid Khan, Noor Ahmed, and R. Sai Kishore, who collectively claimed seven wickets.
While Punjab Kings’ spinners, notably Liam Livingstone, made an impact with a couple of dismissals, they couldn’t replicate the middle-over breakthroughs achieved by GT.
This discrepancy ultimately tilted the scales in favor of Gujarat Titans, as evident from the outcome.
The Middle-Overs [7-15] difference
| PBKS | GT | |
|---|---|---|
| Score | 41/5 | 57/3 |
| Run-Rate | 4.55 | 6.33 |
| 4s/6s | 2 and 1 | 4 and 1 |
How did the game unfold?
PowerPlay: Prabhsimran sets the pace
Phase Score: PBKS 56/1 [RR: 9.33, 4s/6s: 6/3]
Prabhsimran Singh dictated terms early for the hosts after Sam Curran chose to bat on the worn pitch.
The standout moment came in a fiery takedown of Sandeep Warrier in the second over, with Prabhsimran smashing three boundaries and a six.
Three overs in, Sam Curran had faced just four deliveries for his six runs, overshadowed by his partner’s aggression.
PBKS’ strong start prompted Shubman Gill to introduce Mohit Sharma into the attack during the Power Play, a rare move for the GT bowler.
Mohit’s impact was immediate, dismissing Prabhsimran caught behind after a brisk 21-ball 35.
Nonetheless, PBKS’ second consecutive 50+ opening stand set them at a solid 56/1 after 6 overs.
Middle Overs [7-15]: Sai Kishore, Noor, and Rashid dominate
Phase Score: PBKS 41/5 [RR: 4.55, 4s/6s: 2/1]
Gill’s strategic denial of pace troubled PBKS’ batsmen, vindicating his decision to field three frontline spinners.
The GT skipper’s astute use of DRS resulted in key dismissals of Rilee Rossouw and Sam Curran.
Noor Ahmad and Rashid Khan capitalized on PBKS’ batting vulnerabilities, with the Afghan duo exploiting the middle overs effectively.
Sai Kishore then took center stage, bamboozling PBKS’ batsmen with his variations.
Jitesh Sharma was clean bowled attempting a charge, Ashutosh Sharma, inexperienced against spin in this IPL, mistimed a shot, and Shashank Singh fell victim to a simple return catch.
From a promising 52/0 start, PBKS stumbled to a feeble 99/7.
Death Overs [16-20]: Brar resists but PBKS fall short
Phase Score: PBKS 45/4 [RR: 9.00, 4s/6s: 4/1]
PBKS erred in assuming they had navigated past the phase where spin posed a threat.
Gill introduced an over of Shahrukh Khan in the 16th, conceding just seven runs.
Harpreet Brar finally broke free in the 18th, striking two boundaries off Mohit Sharma.
He was granted a lifeline by David Miller in Sai Kishore’s final over before adding another boundary and a six.
However, his departure in the same over marked Sai Kishore’s fourth wicket.
Mohit’s economical final over limited PBKS to 142 all out off the last delivery.
Gujarat Titans
PowerPlay: Gill steadies the ship
Phase Score: GT 44/1 [RR: 7.33, 4s/6s: 6/0]
Despite being the slowest-scoring team in the Power Play, GT refrained from taking undue risks against their modest target.
Losing Wriddhiman Saha early to Arshdeep Singh was a setback, but Gill’s composed innings, including four boundaries, provided stability.
However, considering PBKS’ collapse in the subsequent overs, there was perhaps room for a more aggressive approach against a predominantly attacking field.
Middle Overs: Livingstone claws PBKS back
Phase Score: GT 57/3 [RR: 6.33, 4s/6s: 4/1]
Similar to the first innings, spin slowed GT’s scoring rate during the middle overs.
Harpreet Brar and Liam Livingstone applied the brakes, conceding just 21 runs and three boundaries in the first three overs.
Livingstone’s adept use of variations troubled GT’s left-handers, accounting for the crucial wickets of Gill and David Miller.
While Livingstone took two wickets, his tight spell created pressure, resulting in Sam Curran dismissing Sai Sudharsan for a patient 31 off 34 balls.
GT required 42 runs off the last five overs.
Death Overs: Tewatia seals the deal
Phase Score: GT 45/3 [RR: 10.8, 4s/6s: 6/1]
The required run rate of 8.4 swiftly escalated to 9.5 as Harshal Patel removed Azmatullah Omarzai in the 15th over.
However, Tewatia, known for his match-winning abilities, stepped up.
He alleviated any tension by dispatching two boundaries off Harpreet Brar in a crucial over.
In the 18th over, he took the attack to Kagiso Rabada, smashing three consecutive fours.
Shahrukh Khan contributed with a six in the 19th over, which yielded 20 runs.
Despite losing a couple of wickets in the penultimate over bowled by Harshal Patel, Tewatia finished the game with a boundary off the first ball of the final over, ending unbeaten on 36 off 18 deliveries.
What lies ahead for the teams?
Having concluded their matches at Mullanpur, PBKS now venture to Kolkata for a clash against the high-flying KKR on April 26.
Meanwhile, Gujarat Titans face a quick turnaround and a brief journey as they prepare to take on the Delhi Capitals at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on April 24.
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