Kamal Ghorui
NEW DELHI: Gujarat Titans pulled off a tense four-wicket win over Punjab Kings in the IPL on Sunday, thanks to a calm half-century from Sai Sudharsan and a strong bowling performance from Mohammed Siraj, Jason Holder and Kagiso Rabada. Chasing 164 on a slightly difficult pitch, Gujarat crossed the finish line in the final over with help from Washington Sundar, who remained unbeaten on 40.Punjab had earlier struggled badly after being reduced to 47 for five inside nine overs. However, debutant Suryansh Shedge played a fearless knock of 57 from just 29 balls to revive the innings. He stitched together a 79-run partnership with Marcus Stoinis, who contributed 40 runs.After captain Shubman Gill got out early, Sudharsan took charge of the chase with a composed 57 off 41 balls. He also shared a useful partnership with Jos Buttler, who made 25 with a couple of big sixes.Sudharsan reached his third fifty of the season before getting dismissed near the boundary. Gujarat still needed 11 runs in the final over after Rahul Tewatia fell, but Washington Sundar finished the game in style with a scooped six off Stoinis.Gujarat’s bowlers played a huge role in the victory by damaging Punjab’s batting early. Siraj struck twice in the opening over, removing Priyansh Arya and Cooper Connolly. Rabada then dismissed Prabhsimran Singh with a fiery delivery.Holder added to Punjab’s problems by removing Nehal Wadhera and skipper Shreyas Iyer. Though Shedge later counterattacked with several big hits, Punjab could only manage 163 for nine.
