Royal Challengers Bengaluru stormed into the Indian Premier League final with a commanding 92-run win over Gujarat Titans in qualifier one, powered by captain Rajat Patidar’s unbeaten 93 that moved the defending champions closer to a second successive title.
Chasing 255 – the highest target in IPL playoff history – Gujarat never took off and were bowled out for 162 in 19.3 overs, unable to keep pace against Bengaluru’s clinical bowling.
Put into bat, Bengaluru dominated the powerplay to reach 76-1 before Krunal Pandya and Patidar capitalised on favourable batting conditions at the picturesque Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium.
Gujarat, however, did not help their cause, putting down chances and conceding easy runs through sloppy fielding.
Patidar, who was put down on 20, made the most of the reprieve to finish as Bengaluru’s top scorer with an unbeaten 93 off 33 balls including five fours and nine sixes.
Rahul Tewatia led a late push with 68 off 43 in Gujarat’s chase, but an early collapse to 51-5 in the powerplay proved costly. Rasikh Dar’s double-wicket maiden was a highlight of the first six overs, while Jacob Duffy returned figures of 3-39.
“Super game for us, the way the batters dominated, striking with intent, was good for us,” RCB captain Patidar said.
“It wasn’t a clear plan, but we were ready for it, have to show some body language that we are ready for you, every batter showed it (the attacking mindset).”
Gujarat captain Shubman Gill rued the missed chances.
“Our fielding was not up to the mark, catching and ground fielding. One of those games we want to forget, and start over,” the opening batter said.
Bengaluru will now play the final on Sunday, while Gujarat will have another chance to qualify when they face the winner of the eliminator in the second qualifier on Friday in Chandigarh.
Source: Khaleej Times