Tata IPL 2024 Match 12, SRH Vs GT – Match Report

April 1, 2024

Gujarat Titans (GT) secured another win at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, defeating Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) by seven wickets in Match 12 of the TATA Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024. Strong performances by the bowlers, supported by a collaborative effort from the batting lineup, led to GT’s second victory of the season.

During a sunny afternoon in Ahmedabad, SRH captain Pat Cummins won the toss and opted to bat first. Coming off their recent outstanding performances, which led to the highest team score in Tata IPL history, SRH entered the match with confidence against the GT bowling attack.

Unlike the game in Hyderabad, SRH had a more composed beginning and didn’t rush through the powerplay. Although Travis Head maintained his aggressive approach, Mayank Agarwal adopted a cautious stance. However, Agarwal’s innings came to an end in the fifth over as he attempted to flick Azmatullah Omarzai towards backward square-leg.

Abhishek Sharma also displayed aggression by hitting two sixes off Rashid Khan in the final over of the powerplay. However, after the powerplay, Travis Head was dismissed for 19 runs as Noor Ahmad bowled him while he attempted a slog.

A notable aspect of the SRH innings was GT’s consistent breakthroughs despite the batters making decent starts and displaying moments of aggression. The most substantial partnership of the innings was 45 runs for the sixth wicket, forged by Abdul Samad and Shahbaz Ahmed, which added momentum towards the conclusion. However, none of the SRH batsmen reached the 30-run mark, with Abhishek Sharma and Abdul Samad being the top scorers with 29 runs each. Four batters managed to score in the twenties.

Mohit Sharma stood out as the best bowler for GT, claiming three wickets for 25 runs in his four overs, including two consecutive dismissals in the final over. His performance significantly contributed to restricting SRH to a total of 162 runs.

GT faced a target of 163 runs and got off to a strong start thanks to Wriddhiman Saha. The wicketkeeper-batsman showcased his typical range of shots during the powerplay, carefully selecting his strokes and finding gaps in the field. A notable moment was when he hit a six over mid-wicket off Jaydev Unadkat.

Shahbaz, the left-arm spinner, entered the attack during the powerplay and provided SRH with their initial breakthrough in his second over. Wriddhiman Saha attempted to clear mid-on but ended up hitting straight to the fielder. Sai Sudharsan came in at No. 3 as an Impact Player, substituting for Mohit. GT progressed steadily towards the target with Sudharsan and Shubman Gill at the crease.

After Wriddhiman Saha got out, Shubman Gill accelerated his scoring rate and executed some aggressive strokes. He effortlessly lofted Shahbaz over wide long-off for his first six. Sai Sudharsan began his innings confidently, timing a flick through mid-wicket off Bhuvneshwar Kumar. Together, they added 38 runs before the first time out. However, shortly after the break, Gill was dismissed while attempting to clear long-on off Mayank Markande’s bowling.

GT elevated David Miller to the No. 4 position to guide the chase with his expertise and form a partnership with the talented Sudharsan. Initially, they focused on rotating the strike and avoided unnecessary risks. As they entered the last five overs, GT required 49 runs. SRH might have harbored hope, considering their recent experience of defending a similar target against MI at the same venue.

The optimism of SRH was shattered when Miller and Sudharsan launched an assault on Markande in the 16th over, scoring 24 runs. Miller showcased his trademark style by hitting two sixes, while Sudharsan cleared the long-on boundary and sent one into the stands. This aggressive batting phase coincided with Miller appearing to struggle with an injury, prompting the GT physiotherapist to attend to him.

Shortly after, Sudharsan was dismissed for 45 runs when he hit Cummins straight to mid-wicket. However, by that time, the required run rate had reduced to a run-a-ball.

Vijay Shankar and Miller completed the task with five deliveries remaining, progressing towards the target calmly. Miller secured the victory with a six over long-off, ending the match undefeated on 44 runs.

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