Royal Challengers Bengaluru delivered one of the most dominant performances in the IPL playoff history as they crushed Gujarat Titans by 92 runs in Qualifier 1 at Dharamsala on Tuesday. With the victory, RCB secured their place in a second consecutive IPL final.
Ahead of the big clash, captain Rajat Patidar had spoken about playing aggressive cricket and the team backed those words with a stunning batting display. After being asked to bat first, RCB posted a massive 254/5, the highest total ever recorded in an IPL playoff match. They also became the first team to cross the 250-run mark in the IPL playoffs. In overall T20 cricket, it stands as the fourth highest total in a knockout game.
Rajat Patidar led from the front with a sensational unbeaten 93 off just 33 balls. His innings included nine sixes and five fours, with one over against Kulwant Khejroliya producing 28 runs. Gujarat Titans’ decision to pick Kulwant Khejroliya ahead of Arshad Khan proved costly. Virat Kohli and Krunal Pandya also contributed with 43 runs each, while Jason Holder picked up 2/39 for GT.
Chasing 255, Gujarat Titans struggled from the beginning and lost important wickets inside the powerplay, including Sai Sudharsan, Shubman Gill and Jos Buttler. The batting lineup never recovered and GT were eventually bowled out for 162 in 19.3 overs.
Well played RCB, especially the skipper Rajat Patidar!
