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- Chennai Super Kings, TATA IPL 2023
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Gujarat Titans 135 for 6 (Hardik 66, Saha 47, Krunal 2-16, Stoinis 2-20) beat Lucknow Super Giants 128 for 7 (Rahul 68, Noor 2-18, Mohit 2-17) by seven runs
In a stunning turn of events, Lucknow Super Giants let a seemingly comfortable game slip through their fingers, all credit to the remarkable efforts of Noor Ahmad, Mohit Sharma, and Mohammed Shami from the Gujarat Titans’ camp. The Titans’ bowlers executed a magnificent display of skill and nerve to snatch victory from the hosts, just when they needed 31 runs to win from 36 balls, with nine wickets still intact and a well-set KL Rahul at the crease.
The pivotal moment came when Noor Ahmad struck twice, taking two wickets for just one run in nine balls, adding immense pressure on Super Giants as the equation tightened to 23 runs off 18 balls. Mohit Sharma then showcased his mastery with a series of accurate yorkers and cleverly disguised slower deliveries, conceding just six singles in the 18th over. Mohammed Shami further compounded the pressure with a tight 19th over, yielding only five runs. The Titans were in control when they needed 12 runs off the final over. Mohit’s exceptional skill and composure came to the fore as he claimed the crucial wickets of KL Rahul and Marcus Stoinis on the second and third balls, practically shutting the door on Super Giants’ hopes. The Titans’ fielders completed the job with two run-outs in the last three balls, sealing a remarkable comeback win.
With this victory, Gujarat Titans have secured eight points and stand alongside three other teams at the same points tally on the IPL points table. Moreover, the Titans extended their unbeaten record against Lucknow Super Giants to 3-0.
From the onset, it was evident that the black soil pitch in Lucknow would significantly favor spinners over pace bowlers. The Titans deployed three spinners in the first six overs, and Krunal Pandya tasted success when Shubman Gill’s attacking approach resulted in an easy catch to long-off. Recognizing the need for an experienced player to guide the innings, Hardik Pandya promoted himself to No. 3. Meanwhile, Wriddhiman Saha went all guns blazing, racing to 34 off 24 balls and pushing the total to 40 for 1 in the powerplay, which, surprisingly, remained the Titans’ lowest powerplay score this IPL.
The Titans’ innings needed impetus, and Hardik Pandya provided just that when David Miller joined him at 92 for 4 in the 15th over. Facing tight lines and clever variations from Bishnoi and Avesh Khan, the Titans’ scoring rate slowed down considerably. The unexpected substitution of Mishra, with two overs still in hand, raised eyebrows. However, it was Hardik Pandya who breathed life back into the innings with a sensational 19-run over off Bishnoi, striking three boundaries, including two massive sixes. That over lifted Titans’ spirits, with Hardik also reaching his first fifty of the season, off 44 balls, and almost single-handedly carrying the team towards a competitive total.
Super Giants regained control in the final two overs as Naveen and Stoinis executed a brilliant display of change-ups and slow deliveries. They managed to dismiss Hardik Pandya in the last over, while David Miller struggled to find momentum, contributing just six runs off 12 balls, which ultimately did not prove costly for Super Giants in their thrilling win.
