Afghan spin duo of Rashid Khan and Noor Ahmad starred with the ball in Gujarat Titans’ (GT) thumping nine-wicket victory over Rajasthan Royals (RR) at Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur on Friday (May 5).
While Rashid claimed three scalps by conceding in his four overs, Noor returned with a couple of scalps by giving away 25 runs in his three overs as GT bowled out RR for a below-par 118 in 17.5 overs.
In reply, the defending champions chased down the target in just 13.5 overs. They got off to a brilliant start as the duo of Wriddhiman Saha and Shubman Gill added 71 runs for the opening wicket. While Gill got out after making 36, Saha (41*) held the one end firmly and scored the remaining runs alongside skipper Hardik Pandya (39*) to take the Titans over the line.
After the game, Rashid Khan and Noor Ahmad engaged in a hilarious banter. In a video posted on the IPL website, Rashid revealed that Noor calls him Google behind the cameras.
"He calls me Google. Because whatever he asks me, I give him the answers," Rashid said in the video before Noor bursts into laughter.
"He is Google Khan, you will be famous by the name of Google Khan. It is great to be here and I am enjoying here so much," Noor said.
Noor Ahmad has impressed one and all with his exploits in the ongoing IPL season, picking 10 wickets from six matches.
Sharing the experience of playing his maiden IPL season, the 18-year-old said: "I am having so much fun here and I am really grateful to play at a big level. I have Rashid Khan in my side."
Rashid Khan earned the Player-of-the-Match award for his stunning bowling figures. R Ashwin(2), Riyan Parag (4), and Shimron Hetmyer (7) were his victims as he ran through the RR middle-order.
"It was more about bowling in the right areas, in good lengths. In this wicket, if you miss your line and length, it becomes very easy for the batters to hit you for shots. So, I had it in my mind that whatever I bowl, have to be in good areas," Rashid said, before he showered rich praise on Noor Ahmad.
"He is already a very consistent and hardworking guy. He is already someone who works very hard. He was with us last year. It was the first time that I had spent such a long time with him and he put in a lot of hard work. When I was in the gym, he walked in and said let's start bowling here. So we were bowling in the gym as well. He asks me questions everywhere. While, eating, while training, while gym, while travelling," Rashid remarked.
