IPL 2023: RR VS GT, Last Match Scorecard: Highlights and Results

On Friday, in Jaipur, Gujarat Titans (GT) beat Rajasthan Royals (RR), the previous season’s runners-up, by nine wickets in Match 48 of IPL 2023. With 14 points from 10 games, GT continued to strengthen their position at the top of the table, while RR, despite their defeat by the holders on Friday, stayed fourth with 10 points from as many games. 

The Royals chose to bat first after winning the toss, but the decision backfired when the Gujarat bowlers dominated and dismantled their batting order. In just the second over, Jos Buttler was dismissed by Hardik Pandya, giving the Royals an early setback. Sanju Samson was determined from the start and tried to build a solid partnership with Yashasvi Jaiswal, and for four overs, they held their own. Samson hit a couple of boundaries while Jaiswal added a maximum to their score. However, Mohit Sharma got rid of Jaiswal, running him out, and Joshua Little took the crucial wicket of Samson for 30 runs. Rajasthan lost their top three batsmen with only 60 runs on the scoreboard.

Rashid Khan proved to be a thorn in the side of the opposition as he dismissed both Ashwin and Riyan Parag in quick succession. The Gujarat Titans’ bowling attack was too strong for the Rajasthan Royals as they struggled to score runs. Even Padikkal, Jurel, and Hetmyer couldn’t make a significant contribution. Trent Boult tried to make some quick runs towards the end, but was dismissed after scoring just 15 runs. Eventually, Rajasthan only managed to post a meager total of 118 runs on the board before losing all their wickets.

IPL 2023, RR VS GT: Captain Pandya Steers GT to a Win

In the beginning, Gujarat’s opening pair, Wriddhiman Saha and Shubman Gill, had a phenomenal start to their chase. Saha, who had been struggling to find his form, finally found his rhythm and combined with Gill to control the chase right from the start. The pair started slowly but steadily, building a solid foundation that allowed them to open up later in the innings. Gill began with a couple of well-placed boundaries while Saha showcased some classic cricketing shots to lead the charge. Gujarat’s opening duo went on to score an impressive 61 runs without losing a wicket in the first 8 overs, setting a strong foundation for the rest of the chase. Yuzvendra Chahal managed to claim the opening and closing wicket, dismissing Shubman Gill and leaving Gujarat Titans with only one wicket loss.

Batting at number 3, Hardik Pandya then took charge of the chase and worked to complete the target quickly. In the process, he hit a six in Adam Zampa’s over before following up with a four to deep extra cover and another six over the bowler’s head. Pandya continued his onslaught, striking a length delivery back down the pitch for yet another six. With skipper Pandya’s excellent batting, Gujarat Titans completed the chase comfortably in the 14th over, winning the match by 9 wickets. This victory secured their place at the top of the table with 14 points.