Gujarat Titans Claim Victory Over Royal Challengers Bengaluru in IPL Showdown

Gujarat Titans Secure First Win Against Bengaluru

On Wednesday, the Gujarat Titans triumphed over the Royal Challengers Bengaluru, marking the latter's first loss of the Indian Premier League season. The Titans achieved an impressive eight-wicket victory, bolstered by Mohammed Siraj's remarkable three-wicket performance and Jos Buttler's stellar half-century.

Chasing a target of 170 runs after Liam Livingstone's resilient 54 for Bengaluru at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium, Gujarat successfully reached their goal with 13 balls remaining. Buttler played a pivotal role, finishing with an unbeaten 73 runs off 39 deliveries, while Sai Sudharsan contributed 49 runs.

Buttler reached his fifty with a six off Livingstone in the 15th over and showcased his flair with some spectacular shots, guiding his team to victory alongside impact player Sherfane Rutherford, who remained not out at 30.

Reflecting on the match, Buttler expressed his enjoyment, praising the bowlers for their efforts. He noted, "If we had fielded a bit better, we would have been chasing fewer runs. It was a clinical win and well deserved. The openers played sensibly to set up the chase, and I aimed to play with freedom and intent. After a few months of challenging cricket, I’m thrilled to be here."

Earlier in the match, Buttler dropped Phil Salt in the opening over, but Gujarat quickly recovered by dismissing Virat Kohli, with Arshad Khan catching him out for just seven runs.

The former champions maintained pressure on Bengaluru as Siraj (3/19) took out Devdutt Padikkal and Salt, while Ishant Sharma trapped skipper Rajat Patidar lbw for 12, leaving Bengaluru struggling at 42/4 in the seventh over.

Livingstone, who was dropped on nine and survived a close lbw appeal, formed a crucial 52-run partnership for the fifth wicket with Jitesh Sharma, who scored a brisk 33 off 21 balls, providing some hope for the home side.

Livingstone reached his half-century with three massive sixes off Rashid Khan in the 18th over before being caught behind off Siraj. Tim David's late surge of 32 runs off 18 balls helped Bengaluru post a competitive total of 169/8.

Siraj, who previously played for Bengaluru for seven years, shared his emotional experience, stating, "There was some nervousness, but once I had the ball, it was full intensity. As a bowler, belief is crucial, and I trust in my ability to perform well, no matter where I play."

Brief scores: Royal Challengers Bengaluru: 169/8 in 20 overs (Livingstone 54, Jitesh 33, David 32; Siraj 3/19, Kishore 2/22); Gujarat Titans: 170/2 in 17.5 overs (Buttler 73*, Sudharsan 49, Rutherford 30*).