Ahmadabad: In a high-octane clash in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) emerged victorious against Gujarat Titans with a stellar performance, sealing a nine-wicket win with 24 balls to spare. The star of the match was English allrounder Will Jacks, whose explosive batting display, comprising an unbeaten 100 off just 41 balls, guided RCB to a comprehensive victory at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Sunday.
Former India captain Virat Kohli also played a crucial role in the win, smashing 70 runs off 44 balls with aggressive cricketing prowess. Kohli’s innings showcased his determination to silence critics who have questioned his strike rate in recent times.
Reflecting on the match, Kohli emphasized, “It’s just about doing my job…It’s about us as cricketers having some self-respect.”
Jacks and Kohli forged an unbeaten 166-run partnership, dismantling the Titans’ bowling attack and steering RCB closer to the playoffs race.
Kohli’s strategic gameplay, especially against spin bowling, proved vital as he effectively converted singles into twos and capitalized on scoring opportunities. Meanwhile, Jacks showcased his phenomenal batting prowess by targeting the Titans’ bowlers, particularly Mohit Sharma, with relentless aggression, dispatching boundaries and towering sixes with ease.
The Titans’ hopes of containing Jacks were dashed as he continued his onslaught, securing victory for RCB with four overs to spare in the challenging 201-run chase.
Earlier, the Titans posted a formidable total of 200/3 in 20 overs, courtesy of Sai Sudharsan’s unbeaten 84 and M. Shahrukh Khan’s quickfire 58. Despite a slow start, the Titans managed to accelerate the scoring rate, with Shahrukh’s fearless batting and Sudharsan’s calculated strokeplay.
However, RCB’s disciplined bowling and strategic field placements limited the Titans’ progress, ensuring they remained within reach of the target. Notable contributions from Swapnil Singh and comeback man Glenn Maxwell helped RCB maintain pressure on the Titans throughout the innings.
With this emphatic victory, RCB strengthens its position in the IPL standings and reaffirms its determination to secure a spot in the playoffs.