LSG vs GT, IPL 2022: Gujarat Titans beat Lucknow Super Giants, becoming first team to qualify for Playoffs
He should have been kicked out for a golden duck. Instead, Shubman Gill emerged as the savior of the Gujarat Titans in their return to victory in the Indian Premier League.
Rashid Khan, another premium pre-auction signing, then teamed up with debutant R. Sai Kishore as the Titans who take down Super Giant Lucknow and officially become the first of four in the Qualifiers live IPL with a crunch win at Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium on Tuesday.
On the bouncing-supported surface, Gill carried his cane through after being dropped by debutant Karan Sharma during Mohsin Khan’s fiery early game. When Mohammad Shami got KL Rahul’s shirt number for the second time this season and left-hander Yash Dayal scored twice in the game
PowerPlay, spinners took over to place the Super Giants in 14th place with 82, the second-lowest total of the season.
The win also vindicated captain Hardik Pandya’s decision to head as it was the sixth time in a row a team failed to overhaul the goal at this venue.
While the Titans have returned to form after losing their previous two games, the loss halted the Super Giants’ four-game winning streak in the most unexpected way. When Rashid was brought into the attack, Lucknow was at 44th in three of seven passes, chasing 145.
The Afghans overcame all the Super Giants beaters. Krunal Pandya had no clue against his googly, Jason Holder found a quick pair of leggings too good to negotiate, Deepak Hooda – guilty of running away from Marcus Stoinis – tried to wipe out Shami and Avesh Khan – after marking two numbers six to save a hat -trick – inside for Wriddhiman Saha.
In between, Sai Kishore ended his lengthy wait of his IPL debut with a stick in each of his two passes.
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Had it not been for Gill’s splendid performance, the Titans might not have been able to claim an easy victory. Despite re-calling Matthew Wade in an attempt to cement its top spot, the Titans found themselves struggling in 51 for three in the 10th installment. Alongside Wade, whose blunder got him in the way. chasing after Avesh Khan, Wriddhiman Saha and captain Hardik Pandya were also knocked down by a precise speed of the Super Giants.
Fortunately for the Titans, David Miller has continued his great connection. He adapted from being a finisher to recreating a stuttering round with Gill. The pair added 52 of 41 balls to make for a fitting finale for Gill and Rahul Tewatia.
While Tewatia did her bit by hitting Jason Holder three or four times in the last 16 laps, Gill continued to find space at will. Those gaps turned out to be the difference in the night.
