Bengaluru: In an electrifying TATA Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 encounter, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) emerged victorious against Gujarat Titans (GT) with a thrilling four-wicket win at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium. RCB’s stellar bowling performance restricted GT to 147 runs, laying the foundation for a successful run chase led by a dominant start from their openers.
Opting to bowl first after winning the toss, RCB capitalized on the favorable bowling conditions, striking early blows to leave GT struggling at 23 for three by the end of the powerplay – the lowest score in the first six overs in the TATA IPL 2024. Notably, only two boundaries were scored during this phase, underscoring RCB’s bowling prowess.
Mohd. Siraj emerged as a standout performer for RCB, claiming crucial wickets to dent GT’s top order. A partnership between David Miller and Shahrukh Khan provided GT with a glimmer of hope, but consistent pressure from RCB’s bowlers kept them in check.
Despite valiant efforts from Miller and Shahrukh, RCB’s disciplined bowling restricted GT to a modest total of 147 runs. Rashid Khan and Rahul Tewatia mounted a brief counterattack, but timely breakthroughs by RCB’s bowlers ensured GT were bowled out in the final over.
In response, RCB displayed aggressive intent from the outset, with Faf du Plessis and Virat Kohli leading the charge. Du Plessis’ explosive innings set the tone for RCB’s run chase, as he notched a blistering half-century off just 18 balls. Kohli complemented his captain with a flurry of boundaries, propelling RCB to a commanding position.
However, GT fought back with spirited bowling performances from Noor Ahmad and Joshua Little, claiming crucial wickets to instigate a tense finish. Kohli’s dismissal in the 11th over added further drama to the contest, but Dinesh Karthik and Swapnil Singh steadied RCB’s innings with composed batting, guiding them to victory in the 14th over.