The Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur witnessed an epic clash yesterday (10th April) as the Gujarat Titans snatched victory from the jaws of defeat in the final ball of the match against the Rajasthan Royals. This win not only ended Rajasthan’s unbeaten run in the IPL 2024 but also went down as one of the most dramatic finishes in recent memory.
Royals Set a Challenging Total
Rajasthan Royals, electing to bat first, got off to a flying start. Sanju Samson and Riyan Parag put on a batting masterclass, stitching together a magnificent 130-run partnership. Samson remained unbeaten on a brilliant 68 off just 38 balls, while Parag smashed a blistering 76 off 48 deliveries. Rashid Khan, the Afghanistan leg-spinner, was the only bowler to find some success for Gujarat, taking one wicket for 18 runs in his four overs.
Gujarat Titans Wobble Early
Chasing a stiff target of 197, the Gujarat Titans innings started on a shaky note. They lost wickets at regular intervals, and at one stage, they were staring down the barrel of defeat at 157 for 6 in the 18th over. Openers Shubman Gill, who played a valiant knock of 72 off 44 balls, and David Miller (34) were the only batsmen to show some resistance early on.
Tewatia and Rashid Khan Produce a Magical Partnership
Just when all hope seemed lost for Gujarat, the experienced duo of Rahul Tewatia and Rashid Khan stepped up to the challenge. Tewatia, known for his big-hitting abilities, played a crucial cameo of 22 runs off just 11 balls, keeping his team in the hunt.
A Last-Over Thriller
With 19 runs needed off the final over, bowled by Avesh Khan, the tension was thick in the air. Tewatia smashed a four off the first ball, but he was dismissed the very next delivery. Rashid Khan, the world’s best leg-spinner, took strike with 15 runs required. He kept his cool, taking a single and a two off the next two balls. With three runs needed off three balls, Khan managed to steal a single, bringing the equation down to two runs off the final delivery.
Khan Seals the Win in Dramatic Fashion
Needing two to win, all eyes were on Rashid Khan. Avesh Khan bowled a full toss, and Khan, with nerves of steel, smashed the ball over the point fielder for a boundary, sending the Gujarat Titans dugout into a frenzy. The Royals were left heartbroken, having fought valiantly throughout the match.
Match Highlights:
- Rajasthan Royals: 196/3 (20 overs) – Riyan Parag (76), Sanju Samson (68*)
- Gujarat Titans: 197/7 (20 overs) – Rashid Khan (24*), Shubman Gill (72), Rahul Tewatia (22)
- Man of the Match: Rashid Khan (Gujarat Titans)
This match was a true advertisement for the power of T20 cricket. It had everything – big hitting, skillful bowling, and a nail-biting finish that will be remembered for a long time. The Gujarat Titans will take a lot of confidence from this victory, while the Rajasthan Royals will be looking to bounce back in their next match.