Defending champs RCB brought down by Gujarat Titans

Kagiso Rabada is hugged by his Gujarat Titans captain Shubman Gill after he dismissed RCB danger man Virat Kohli

The Gujarat Titans (GT) executed a highly disciplined all-round performance to secure a comprehensive four-wicket victory over the defending champions, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in their IPL match in Ahmadabad on Thursday night.

Playing in front of their home crowd at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, the Titans’ bowling unit relentlessly chipped away at the formidable RCB batting lineup, bowling them out for a sub-par 155. 

In response, a blistering top-order assault laid the foundation for a successful chase, allowing the hosts to comfortably cross the finish line with 25 deliveries to spare and avenge their previous defeat against the Bengaluru franchise.

Gujarat Titans captain Shubman Gill won the toss and astutely elected to field first, a decision that paid rich dividends as the home bowlers expertly exploited the bounce and pace of the Ahmedabad surface. Virat Kohli provided the visitors with an electric start, racing to 28 off just 13 deliveries with an aggressive display that included taking on Kagiso Rabada before the South African speedster delivered the perfect reply to dismiss him.

Scores:

Royal Challengers Bangalore 155 in 19.2 overs (Virat Kohli 28, Devdutt Pakikkal 40, Jason Holder 2 for 29, Arshad Khan 3 for 22, Rashid Khan 2 for 19)

Gujarat Titans 158 for 6 in 15.5 overs (Shubman Gill 43, Jos Buttler 39, Rahul Tewatia 27 not out, B. Kumar 3 for 28, R. Shepherd 2 for 30)