IPL 2023: Mohit Sharma, Shubman Gill star as Gujarat Titans survive scare against Punjab Kings

Half-way through the Gujarat Titans’ chase of 154, it looked like we were in for a one-sided game after an eventful week of thrillers and last-over matches. But this is IPL 2023 and it was the ever-entertaining Gujarat Titans, so there had to be a twist in the tale.

It was a game that the GT would have liked to avoid taking so deep as Hardik Pandya said at the end. Shubman Gill anchored the chase with a 49-ball 67 on a pitch that seemed good for batting but both teams struggled overall. Eventually, it was Rahul Tewatia who stole the limelight with a last-over hit to take his team over the line against Punjab Kings (again).

Like Gill said after the match, “Tewatia and Punjab (Kings) is a love story.”

It was yet another successful run-chase for Gujarat Titans, 11th such win in 12 attempts in the IPL.

Opening the innings, Wriddhiman Saha (30 off 19) looked in good touch and ensured GT were off to a great start. Although Kagiso Rabada, who was returning in this game, dismissed him in the fifth over. GT were in a comfortable spot in the powerplay with 56/1.

Even as Gill seemed to be in the zone, Hardik Pandya...

Read more