Gujarat Titans (GT) thrashed Rajasthan Royals (RR) by seven wickets in the final to lift the 2022 edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) title at Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad on Sunday (May 29).
Opting to bat first, RR posted a below-par 130/9 in their 20 overs. The batting line-up crumbled in the big match as no one managed to hit a half-century. Jos Buttler was the top scorer with 35-ball 39.
Skipper Hardik Pandya starred with the ball for GT as he claimed the prized scalps of Buttler, Sanju Samson, Shimron Hetymer and conceded only 17 runs in his four overs. Leg-spinner Rashid Khan also returned with impressive figures of 1 for 18 in his four-over quota.
In reply, the Titans got off to a terrible start, losing Wriddhiman Saha (5) and Matthew Wade (8) cheaply. However, the duo of Shubman Gill and Hardik added 63 runs for the third wicket to put the team in a commanding position.
Yuzvendra Chahal broke the stand by removing the GT captain on 34, which led to David Miller’s arrival in the middle. After taking a bit of time, Miller shifted gears and smashed a few boundaries to bring the required rate less than run-a-ball.
In the end, Gill hit the winning runs, smashing Obed McCoy for a six over deep square leg to seal the deal with 11 deliveries to spare. While the right-handed opener remained unbeaten on 45 off 43 balls, Miller finished with 32 not out off 19 balls.
Cricket fraternity took to Twitter to congratulate the Hardik Pandya-led side on winning the coveted title in their maiden IPL season.
Here are the reactions:
