IPL 2024: Gujarat Titans' 1st Innings Highlights against RCB in Match 45

Gujarat Titans (GT) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) are locking horns in Match 45 of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024. Both the teams have put up underwhelming performances in the tournament so far, but RCB will be more disappointed seeing their position in the points table.

Having won four out of their nine matches, the hosts are currently seventh in the points table. On the other hand, the visitors are at the bottom of the points table with just two wins from nine matches. The only thing to cheer for RCB is that they are coming on the back of a resounding win against the dominant Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH).

Whereas, Titans suffered a narrow four-run loss to Delhi Capitals (DC) in their last match. Notably, RCB brought back all-rounder Glenn Maxwell, who had a poor start to the 2024 season. They removed overseas bowlers from their line-up with Maxi, captain Faf du Plessis, Will Jacks and Cameron Green taking all four slots.

Also Read: Why is Lockie Ferguson not playing IPL 2024 Match 45 between GT and RCB?

Gujarat Titans’ 1st innings highlight against Royal Challengers Bengaluru in Match 45:

1^st Wicket: GT 6-1 in 1 over

RCB started the attack with Swapnil Singh against Wriddhiman Saha. The left-arm spinner conceded a boundary in the second ball but got his man in the last ball of the over. Saha tried to play a tossed-up delivery outside off stump away from his body and failed to connect well, resulting in an easy catch by short third man Karn Sharma.

Powerplay 1: Overs 0.1 to 6.0 (Mandatory – 42 runs, 1 wicket)

Mohammed Siraj bowled a neat second over in which GT captain Shubman Gill survived a run-out chance. Swapnil conceded 11 runs in his second over, including two boundaries, to give GT 24 in 3 overs. At the end of the first powerplay, the Titans were 42 for the loss of one wicket.

Strategic Timeout 1: Gujarat Titans – 72/2 in 9.0 overs (Sai Sudharsan (31* off 21), Shahrukh Khan (15* off 10)

The decision to bring back Glenn Maxwell paid off as the Australian struck in his very first over to dismiss Shubman Gill 16(19) [4s-1]. Faf du Plessis decided to continue the spin attack and introduced Karn Sharma at the other end. After a few dry overs, GT managed to get 12 runs off Karn as Sai Sudharsan hit back-to-back boundaries. Shahrukh Khan also joined in on the fun, smashing Maxwell in his second over for a maximum and a four before going for a strategic break.

Gujarat Titans: 100 runs in 11.3 overs (69 balls)

A solid partnership between the two Tamil Nadu boys kept GT going despite Gill and Saha's failure to contribute much. Shahrukh Khan welcomed Karn Sharma with a six right after the time-out. Sudarshan hit a six off Karn in the first ball of the 12th over to bring up a 27-ball 50 partnership. Two balls later, Shahrukh launched the ball into the stands and breached the 100-run mark for GT.

Half-century: 24-ball fifty for Shahrukh Khan

The decision to promote Shahrukh Khan up the order paid dividends as the big-hitter scored his maiden half-century in the IPL. The right-hander smashed Cameron Green for two fours and a six off the third ball of the 13th over to bring up his fifty in style. The Aussie all-rounder leaked 17 runs.

Strategic Timeout 2: Gujarat Titans- 138/3 in 15 overs Sai Sudharsan (50* off 34), David Miller (2* off 3)

Siraj was brought back into the attack and he struck in the very first ball of the 15^th over, dismissing dangerous Shahrukh Khan 58(30) [4s-3 6s-5]. Meanwhile, Sudharsan slammed his half-century in 34 balls off the fifth ball. After the end of the over, the umpire signalled a second strategic timeout.

Gujarat Titans: 150 runs in 16.1 overs (97 balls)

Maxwell was back for his third over and Sudharsan slogged the former for a six to bring them closer to 150. Yash Dayal bowled a no-ball off the second ball of the 17th over, which gave GT 150 runs on the board.

End of the first innings: Gujarat Titans: 234/5 (20 overs)

Sai Sudharsan scored 84 runs off 49 balls with a complete display of classical shots. 44 runs came off the last three overs, which gave the hosts exactly 200 on the board. ‘Killer Miller’ finished the innings in style with a maximum off Yash Dayal.