Vijay Shankar’s rock solid 51 off just 24 deliveries made things easy for the Gujarat Titans as they beat KKR at Eden Gardens on Saturday by 7 wickets. GT managed to reach the target of 180 runs in 17.5 overs. Earlier, KKR managed a mere 179 for seven in their stipulated 20 overs. At a strike rate of 212.50, Vijay Shankar’s inning was laced with fives sixes and two boundaries. Even as KKR’s spinners kept things in control and managed to curb Gujarat Titans initially, things went for a toss for KKR as David Miller and Shankar joined hands. As the game rolled into the final phase, Miller and Shankar made it a cakewalk for the GT. KKR’s abysmal fielding added to their woes. They also dropped Miller at a crucial juncture
ALL PHOTOS BY ASHIM PAULGujarat Titans batter Shubman Gill and Hardik Pandya cross each other to complete a run during the match between KKR and GT at Eden Gardens in Kolkata on Saturday
Kolkata Knight Riders batsman Rahmanullah Gurbaz celebrates his half century during the IPL 2023 cricket match between Kolkata Knight Riders and Gujarat Titans at Eden Gardens in Kolkata on Saturday. Gurbaz went on to score a terrific 81 off just 39 deliveries. (Right) Andre Russell’s 34 off 19 was much needed as Kolkata slowed down after the loss of Gurbaz’s wicket. He hit a four and a six in the last over before getting out on the final ball. The Knight Riders however could score only 45 runs in the last five overs, which is not ideal at this venue
Gujarat Titans bowler Mohammed Shami celebrates with teammates after the wicket of Kolkata Knight Riders batter Narayan Jagadeesan. Ace speedster Mohd Shami took three wickets in four overs at an economy rate of 8.25