By BD Narayankar
Bengaluru, Apr 2 (UNI) A stellar bowling performance from Mohammed Siraj and a match-winning knock by Jos Buttler powered Gujarat Titans (GT) to an emphatic eight-wicket victory over Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the 14th match of IPL 2025 at the Chinnaswamy Stadium on Wednesday.
Siraj was the architect of GT’s success with the ball, dismantling RCB’s top order with a fiery spell of 3/19. His early breakthroughs rattled the hosts, as he dismissed Devdutt Padikkal (4) and Phil Salt (14) before sending back Liam Livingstone (54) in a crucial moment of the game. Ravisrinivasan Sai Kishore provided support in the middle overs, picking up two wickets to restrict RCB to a total of 169.
Chasing 170, GT’s innings was anchored by Buttler, who remained unbeaten on a scintillating 73 off 39 balls. His knock, laced with five fours and six sixes, came at a strike rate of 187.18. He brought up his half-century in style, smashing Livingstone over the ropes in the 15th over.
Sai Sudharsan played a crucial role at the top, scoring a fluent 49 off 36 deliveries, hitting seven fours and a six before falling to Josh Hazlewood. Skipper Shubman Gill, who started aggressively with a six and a four, departed for 14 after being caught by Livingstone off Bhuvneshwar Kumar.
The finishing touch came from Sherfane Rutherford, who hammered 30 off 18 balls. He sealed the win in spectacular fashion, smashing Hazlewood for a massive six, as GT wrapped up the chase in just 17.5 overs.
GT’s dominance was evident throughout the chase, with Buttler playing a commanding role. He took on Rasikh Salam and Krunal Pandya, dispatching them for boundaries at will. His reverse scoop off Hazlewood in the 17th over left the Chinnaswamy spectators in stunned silence.
RCB’s bowlers struggled to find their rhythm, with Hazlewood and Bhuvneshwar being the only wicket-takers. Rasikh Dar Salam, Krunal Pandya, and Yash Dayal were taken to task by GT batsmen, as the visitors comfortably overhauled the target.
With this dominant win, GT continues their impressive run in IPL 2025, while RCB lost their first match as they next meet Mumbai on April 7 in an away game. GT will lock horns with Sunrisers Hyderabad on April 6. UNI BDN SSP