The Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) beat Gujarat Titans (GT) by chasing down a formidable target of 201 runs in a thrilling IPL match held at Narendra Modi Stadium here on Sunday.
The clash witnessed a scintillating display of cricketing prowess as RCBs Will Jacks and Virat Kohli stole the show with their remarkable performances.
The match kicked off with RCBs Faf du Plessis providing a blazing start, hammering three sixes before he departed for a promising 24 runs. Following du Plessis dismissal, Jacks joined forces with Kohli, forming a potent partnership of 166 runs off 74 balls for the second wicket that turned the tide in RCBs favor.
Initially, it was Kohli who spearheaded the run chase, showcasing his trademark elegance and precision to notch up an unbeaten 70 off 44 balls. Jacks struggled to find his rhythm against the spinners from GT.
However, the momentum shifted dramatically as Jacks unleashed a breathtaking onslaught on the GT bowlers during the latter stages of the innings. With a flurry of boundaries and towering sixes, Jacks raced to a scintillating century off a mere 41 balls, leaving the opposition reeling.
In a thrilling climax, with RCB needing just one run to seal the victory, Jacks fittingly struck a massive six over mid-wicket to secure the win with four overs to spare, much to the delight of RCB fans.
Earlier, GT showcased their batting prowess, posting a formidable total of 200/3 after RCB skipper Faf du Plessis won the toss and put them in to bat.
GT faced an early setback with opener Wriddhiman Saha departing for just 5 runs in the very first over. Captain Shubman Gills dismissal for 16 further tested the GTs resolve. However, it was the dynamic partnership between Sai Sudarshan and Shahrukh Khan that turned the tide in favor of the Titans.
The duo stitched together an impressive 86-run stand for the third wicket, resurrecting the innings and laying a solid foundation. Shahrukhs explosive knock of 58 runs off 30 deliveries, adorned with three boundaries and five maximums, injected momentum into GTs innings.
Meanwhile, Sudarshan played a pivotal role, anchoring the innings with a composed unbeaten knock of 84 runs from 49 balls. His innings included eight boundaries and four sixes, guiding GT to a commanding total. David Miller provided late fireworks, remaining not out on 26 runs from 19 deliveries.
Despite some resistance from the RCB bowlers, including Swapnil Singh, Mohammed Siraj, and Glenn Maxwell, who claimed one wicket each, the GT managed to post a challenging target of 201 runs for the opposition.
