IPL 2024: Gujarat Titans Stun Rajasthan Royals in a Thrilling Last-Ball Victory
In a remarkable display of resilience and determination, Gujarat Titans snatched victory from the jaws of defeat against Rajasthan Royals in the 24th match of IPL 2024, played at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur. Despite Rajasthan posting a formidable total of 196 runs, Gujarat’s late-order heroics, led by Rashid Khan, turned the tide in their favor, culminating in a dramatic last-ball win. This match, filled with intense moments and unexpected twists, kept fans on the edge of their seats, ultimately becoming one of the most exciting encounters of the tournament.
Rajasthan’s Strong Start with the Bat
Rajasthan Royals won the toss and opted to bat first, hoping to take advantage of the home conditions. However, their start was less than ideal, as both openers, Yashasvi Jaiswal and Jos Buttler, failed to make substantial contributions. Jaiswal managed a quick 24 before being dismissed, while Buttler struggled to find his rhythm, scoring only 8 runs. With Rajasthan at 42 for 2, the pressure was mounting, but their middle order stepped up at the right time.
The partnership between Ryan Parag and captain Sanju Samson was the turning point for Rajasthan’s innings. The two batters stabilized the innings and then accelerated, adding a vital 130-run stand. Parag was the standout performer, smashing 76 off 48 balls, a knock that included five massive sixes and three boundaries. Samson was equally impressive, contributing 68 runs off 39 balls with his trademark elegance and power.
As Rajasthan approached the final five overs, they were well-placed at 134 for 2. The last five overs saw an explosive finish, with Rajasthan adding 62 runs to their total, thanks to a late cameo from Shimron Hetmyer. Hetmyer, coming in with only 8 balls left in the innings, struck 13 runs off 5 deliveries, helping Rajasthan post a challenging 196 for Gujarat to chase.
Gujarat Titans’ Stuttering Start in the Chase
Gujarat Titans, facing a steep target, began their innings with Sai Sudharsan and Shubman Gill at the crease. The opening pair provided a solid foundation, adding 64 runs for the first wicket. Sudharsan, looking fluent, scored 35 runs before falling to Kuldeep Sen’s sharp bowling. His departure was followed by a series of quick dismissals, putting Gujarat under immense pressure.
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Shubman Gill, however, was determined to anchor the chase. The young opener played with remarkable composure, compiling a sparkling 72 off 44 balls. His innings, laced with well-timed boundaries and a few aggressive strokes, kept Gujarat in the hunt. Unfortunately for Gujarat, Gill was stumped off Yuzvendra Chahal’s bowling while attempting a big shot, leaving Gujarat reeling at a critical juncture.
With the dismissals of Matthew Wade (4) and Abhinav Manohar (1) to the fiery pace of Kuldeep Sen, Gujarat’s middle order crumbled, and the target began to look increasingly out of reach. When Gill departed, many Gujarat fans thought the match was lost, but the game had other plans.
Rashid Khan and Rahul Tewatia’s Late-Order Heroics
The true drama of the match unfolded in the final overs, as Rahul Tewatia and Rashid Khan came together with Gujarat’s hopes hanging by a thread. The duo, known for their calmness under pressure, began to resurrect the chase with some smart cricket and powerful hitting. Tewatia, in particular, played a crucial role, scoring 22 runs off 11 balls. His aggressive approach kept Gujarat in the game, but his run out at a critical moment left Rashid with the heavy burden of steering the team home.
With Gujarat needing 40 runs from the final 15 balls, Rashid Khan stepped up when it mattered most. Known for his bowling prowess, Rashid surprised everyone with his explosive batting. He smashed a crucial six on the last ball of the 19th over, reducing the equation to 15 runs off the final over. The tension in the stadium was palpable as Gujarat’s hopes rested on Rashid’s shoulders.
Rashid continued his onslaught in the last over, holding his nerve in a high-pressure situation. The match came down to the final ball, with Gujarat needing four runs to win. In a moment of pure brilliance, Rashid struck a boundary, securing a stunning victory for Gujarat Titans. His unbeaten 24 off 11 balls was the match-winning knock that sealed one of the most remarkable comebacks in IPL history.
Rajasthan’s Bowling Struggles in the Death Overs
Rajasthan Royals’ bowling attack had done well for the majority of the match, but they faltered in the death overs. Kuldeep Sen was the standout bowler for Rajasthan, taking 3 wickets and keeping the pressure on Gujarat’s batters. His scalps included Sudharsan, Wade, and Manohar, and his pace and precision troubled Gujarat throughout the innings. Yuzvendra Chahal also played a key role, picking up 2 wickets, including the prized wicket of Shubman Gill, but his spell was expensive, conceding 43 runs in four overs.
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Ravichandran Ashwin, although wicketless, bowled economically in his early overs, keeping the scoring rate in check. However, Rajasthan’s decision not to utilize Trent Boult in the death overs proved costly. Boult, one of the most effective bowlers in pressure situations, was not called upon during the crucial final phase of the match. Instead, the responsibility fell on Avesh Khan and Kuldeep, who conceded runs in the last few overs, allowing Gujarat to stage their remarkable comeback.
Keshav Maharaj, brought in as an impact player, bowled a tidy spell, giving away just 16 runs in his two overs, but his limited involvement was not enough to stem Gujarat’s charge. Ultimately, Rajasthan’s inability to close out the match, despite being in a commanding position, led to their first loss of the IPL season.
A Bitter Defeat for Rajasthan, a Heroic Win for Gujarat
For Rajasthan Royals, this defeat will be a tough pill to swallow. Having dominated for most of the game, they found themselves on the losing side due to a combination of missed opportunities and Gujarat’s exceptional lower-order fightback. Sanju Samson, who had led from the front with the bat, will no doubt be reflecting on what could have been their fourth consecutive win in this year’s IPL.
On the other hand, Gujarat Titans will draw immense confidence from this victory. Rashid Khan’s match-winning performance, combined with Shubman Gill’s brilliant knock, showcased the depth and resilience of their squad. Rahul Tewatia’s contribution in keeping the chase alive also deserves recognition, as he played a crucial role in Gujarat’s success.
This match, with its thrilling conclusion, will go down as one of the highlights of IPL 2024. It was a reminder of the unpredictable nature of T20 cricket, where games can be won or lost in the blink of an eye. For Gujarat, this victory cements their position as serious contenders for the title, while Rajasthan will be looking to regroup and bounce back in their next encounter.
In the end, it was Rashid Khan’s calmness under pressure and Gujarat’s collective belief that secured a win for the ages. As the IPL continues to unfold, fans will undoubtedly look back at this match as one of the finest examples of cricketing drama and excitement.
