Gujarat Titans endured a disastrous start in their chase of 255 against Royal Challengers Bengaluru in Qualifier 1 at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium, slipping to 70/6 after 10 overs. The 2022 IPL champions lost five wickets inside the powerplay, leaving their massive chase in tatters early on.
The collapse began with the dismissal of in-form opener Sai Sudharsan, who fell in unusual fashion. Attempting an attacking shot off pacer Jacob Duffy, Sudharsan lost grip of his bat, which crashed into the stumps, resulting in a hit-wicket dismissal. The left-hander managed 14 off just 9 balls after beginning his innings with two boundaries.
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Captain Shubman Gill followed soon after, as veteran seamer Bhuvneshwar Kumar clean bowled him for just 2 runs off 7 deliveries.
Jos Buttler tried to steady the innings with a brisk 29-run knock, counterattacking the RCB bowlers, but Josh Hazlewood ended his stay at the crease before he could build a bigger partnership.
Medium pacer Rasikh Salam then delivered a game-changing spell, beginning with a double-wicket maiden. He first dismissed Nishant Sindhu with a caught-and-bowled effort before removing Jason Holder three balls later.
Duffy added to Gujarat's misery by claiming his second wicket of the innings, dismissing all-rounder Washington Sundar.
Earlier, RCB piled up a mammoth 254/5, powered by captain Rajat Patidar, who smashed an unbeaten 93 off just 33 balls in a breathtaking display of power-hitting.
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