IPL 2022: Hardik fires Gujarat Titans to emphatic win over Rajasthan Royals

Navi Mumbai: Skipper Hardik Pandya enhanced his reputation as a number four batter with an unbeaten 87 off 52 balls as Gujarat Titans trounced Rajasthan Royals by 37 runs in the Indian Premier League here on Thursday.

Hardik, whose strike rate and approach has been questioned at his new position, played responsibly when it was needed before displaying the power he is known for to lead Titans to 192 for four after being sent into bat.

The in form Jos Buttler (54 off 24) provided another flying start to Royals but the rest of the batting unit did not deliver as the innings ended at 155 for nine in 20 overs. Young left-arm pacer Yash Dayal (3/40) impressed on IPL debut while Lockie Ferguson (3/23)) got the important wicket of Buttler, who was deceived by the New Zealander’s slow yorker after a series of quick deliveries.

Ferguson also



dismissed Ravichandran Ashwin in the same over after the senior India spinner was promoted to bat at number three.

The other notable contribution to Royals’ innings came from Shimron Hetmyer (29 off 17). From 56 for one, Royals slipped to 90 for five and could not recover from there on.

With their fourth win in five games, Titans displaced Royals from the top of the points table. It was Royals’ second loss in five games.

Royals missed the services of lead pacer Trent Boult who was ruled out of the game due to a niggle.

Gujarat Titans: 192 for 4 in 20 overs (Hardik Pandya 87 not out , Abhinav Manohar 43, David Miller 31 not out; Riyan Parag 1/12).

Rajasthan Royals: 155 for 9 in 20 overs (Jos Buttler 54; Lockie Ferguson 3/23, Yash Dayal 3/40).