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| Photo: BCCI & IPL |
Match Summary:
Rajasthan Royals Innings: Rajasthan Royals struggled after being put in to bat by Gujarat Titans. They managed only 130 for 9 in their 20 overs. Jos Buttler top-scored with 39, but Hardik Pandya's exceptional bowling spell of 3 for 17, which included crucial wickets of Buttler, Sanju Samson, and Shimron Hetmyer, restricted Royals to a below-par total. Yashasvi Jaiswal and others failed to capitalize on their starts, and the lower-order collapsed against the disciplined bowling of Titans.
Gujarat Titans' Bowling Masterclass: Hardik Pandya was the standout performer with the ball, maintaining tight lines and lengths throughout his spell. His aggressive pace and accurate variations troubled the Royals batsmen, setting the tone for Titans' dominance in the match. R Sai Kishore also played a crucial role, picking up important wickets towards the end of the innings, showcasing his economical bowling skills.
Gujarat Titans' Chase: Chasing 131 for victory, Gujarat Titans faced early setbacks with the quick dismissals of Wriddhiman Saha and Matthew Wade. However, Hardik Pandya, the captain, turned the game around with a composed innings of 34 runs off 30 balls. His partnership with Shubman Gill (45* off 43) stabilized the chase after an initial wobble. Despite Yuzvendra Chahal removing Hardik, David Miller (32* off 16) played a blistering knock to steer Titans home comfortably with 3.4 overs to spare.
Key Performances: Hardik Pandya's all-round performance was the highlight of the match. His captaincy, impactful bowling, and crucial batting contributions earned him the Player of the Match award. Shubman Gill’s anchoring role in the middle overs and David Miller’s explosive cameo ensured Titans sealed their victory in style.
Key Moments:
Hardik Pandya's Bowling Spell: Hardik Pandya’s spell of 3 for 17 dismantled the Royals' batting order early in their innings. His ability to mix up his pace and bowl tight lines disrupted the flow of runs and forced the Royals into making mistakes.
Miller and Gill’s Partnership: Shubman Gill’s resilience and David Miller’s aggressive stroke-play in the latter overs ensured Titans remained ahead in the chase. Their partnership effectively nullified any chances of a Royals comeback.
Royals' Struggles: Rajasthan Royals faced challenges right from the start with their openers struggling to accelerate. The middle-order collapse against Titans' disciplined bowling proved costly, preventing them from setting a competitive target.
Conclusion:
Gujarat Titans’ victory in the IPL 2024 final was a culmination of their strong team effort, led by Hardik Pandya’s inspirational performance. The win marked a successful debut IPL campaign for the franchise, highlighting their capability to perform under pressure in crucial matches. In contrast, Rajasthan Royals' batting frailties and inability to build partnerships cost them dearly in the title clash. Titans’ clinical display with both bat and ball ensured they lifted their maiden IPL trophy in front of an ecstatic home crowd in Ahmedabad, capping off a memorable season for the franchise.
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