At Ahmedabad’s famed Narendra Modi Stadium, the Gujarat Titans (GT) hosted the Delhi Capitals (DC) in the 32nd Indian Premier League (IPL 2024) match.
To maintain their chances of making the playoffs, both teams needed to win this game. Each of the two teams could move up to the top half of the league standings with a victory. They were both in the bottom half.
The bowlers performed a fantastic job throughout the powerplay; thus, the Delhi Capitals won the toss and decided to bowl first. In the second over of the match, veteran Ishant Sharma sent out in-form batsman Shubman Gill. Despite their brief alliance, Wriddhiman Saha and Sai Sudharsan were forced to split ways soon after they lost their wickets at a cheap rate. Re-inserted player David Miller was likewise unable to muster anything as he was out for two runs.
The Gujarat Titans lower order put up some resistance while attempting to establish partnerships and score runs. The Delhi Capitals captain, Rishabh Pant, used some excellent glovework behind the wicket to end the partnership. Giving Tristan Stubbs the ball proved to be a wise move as well, as he claimed two wickets in his opening over. The host team could only generate 89 runs on the board despite Rashid Khan’s vital 31-run cameo.
Also read: IPL 2024: Gujarat Titans 1st innings highlights against DC in Match 32
In an attempt to easily chase down the score, the new-look opening duo of Prithvi Shaw and Jake Fraser McGurk adopted an offensive strategy. In an attempt to move the score closer to the side, both batters lost their wickets. However, the remaining batters ensured that the hosts were out of the game and could not make a comeback. Rishabh Pant dutifully remained at the wicket till the very finish, as his team successfully chased the run target in just nine overs.
Is there any way GT can qualify for the playoffs?
The Gujarat Titans were one of the favorites to win the Indian Premier League trophy going into the competition, but things haven’t gone as planned for the team. The team’s next match is scheduled for Sunday, April 21, against the Punjab Kings. For the Titans to remain in the running for the playoffs, they must win this game.
Following their game in Mullanpur, Chandigarh’s Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium, the Titans head to Delhi for the rematch. In order to maintain their momentum and finish in the top four of this Indian Premier League season, Shubman Gill and his team will need to win both of their next games.
Wins in a few games, though, won’t affect their prospects of making the playoffs. Shubman Gill’s team will need to continue winning in the majority of their remaining games. With seven games left for the two-time finalists, GT needs to win five of them to guarantee a spot in the top four and an opportunity to compete in the tournament’s final round.
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