IPL-2024Cricket NewsGujarat TitansRoyal Challengers Bengaluru
Jack’s six-hitting spree dismantles Titans | IPL 2024 | RCB vs GT
Will Jacks showcased a remarkable display of six-hitting in Ahmedabad, leading Royal Challengers Bengaluru to their third win of IPL 2024. In pursuit of 201, RCB stayed competitive in the first half before accelerating, with Virat Kohli playing a key role. Initially slow at 17 off 17, Jacks then exploded, scoring 83 off his next 24 balls to achieve a stunning 41-ball century. This outstanding performance enabled RCB to chase down the target with four overs remaining.
Where was the game won?
The game was won in the second half of the innings, particularly during the last 10 overs. Despite a strong start by Titans, reaching 82/2, they accelerated significantly to reach 200/3. However, Royal Challengers Bengaluru turned the tables by piling on 108 runs in just six overs after the halfway mark. This remarkable batting display, led by Will Jacks, proved to be the turning point that secured RCB’s victory.
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Gujarat Titans
Powerplay: A Steady Start
Gujarat Titans (GT) managed 42/1 in the powerplay, a phase typically known for high-scoring in the tournament. Wriddhiman Saha’s early dismissal in the first over slowed down the scoring rate. Despite Shubman Gill and Sai Sudharsan’s presence, the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) bowlers kept them in check. Gill, especially, was under pressure after a series of low scores and was dismissed shortly after the powerplay.
Middle Overs: Shahrukh Khan Shines with Batting Promotion
Gujarat Titans (GT) scored 96/1 in the middle overs, achieving a run rate of 10.66 with 5 fours and 7 sixes. Shahrukh Khan, who rarely gets to bat, was promoted to No. 4 and made the most of this opportunity. He dominated the middle overs, particularly in hitting sixes. He dispatched the returning Glenn Maxwell, Karn Sharma, and Cameron Green for massive sixes. Sudharsan, after a cautious start, joined Shahrukh in entertaining the crowd. Shahrukh reached his maiden IPL fifty in just 23 deliveries before being dismissed by an excellent delivery from Siraj.
Death Overs: Sai Sudharsan Propels Titans Beyond 200
In the death overs, Gujarat Titans (GT) scored 62/0, achieving a remarkable run rate of 12.4 with 5 fours and 3 sixes. After Shahrukh Khan’s dismissal just before the end, Sai Sudharsan took charge. He had already reached his fifty off 34 balls and continued his aggressive approach. Sudharsan started by hitting Glenn Maxwell for a six and then went on to score three consecutive boundaries off Cameron Green. The standout moment was a superb lap shot over the keeper’s head for another six. Despite the Titans appearing likely to fall short of 200, David Miller’s six off the final ball ensured they surpassed this milestone.
Powerplay: Royal Challengers Off to a Strong Start
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) scored 63/1 in the powerplay, achieving a run rate of 10.5 with 4 fours and 5 sixes. While this total might not seem imposing in the context of this year’s standards, it was crucial for their chase. RCB needed a powerplay filled with boundaries, and both Virat Kohli and Faf du Plessis delivered. Du Plessis was particularly aggressive, scoring 23 off just 9 balls. The Titans were forced to bring Sai Kishore into the attack to dismiss the RCB skipper. Kohli, who has faced criticism for his performance against spin, took on Rashid Khan and Sai Kishore, hitting them for back-to-back sixes to end the powerplay on a high note.
Middle Overs: Will Jacks’ Spectacular Turnaround
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) surged to 143/0 in the middle overs, achieving a remarkable run rate of 14.3 with 9 fours and 11 sixes. Will Jacks, who initially struggled, turned the tables with Kohli providing solid support. Despite facing spin, Jacks displayed no hesitancy, efficiently rotating strike and targeting Rashid Khan and Noor Ahmed for boundaries. He quickly reached a 32-ball fifty, setting the stage for a monumental second half. However, the spotlight soon shifted solely to Kohli as he took charge, leaving Jacks as a delighted onlooker.
A six and a four off Mohit Sharma set the tone for Will Jacks’ onslaught. He continued his aggression with sixes off Sai Kishore and Noor Ahmed, setting himself up for a remarkable finish. Despite RCB being the favorites at that point, needing 53 from 36 with nine wickets in hand, the climax took everyone by surprise. In just 12 deliveries, the game was effectively over. Jacks dominated Mohit, hitting three sixes in an over that cost 29 runs. He then unleashed a flurry of boundaries against Rashid Khan, scoring 6, 6, 4, 6 to move to 94 in stunning fashion. With one run needed for victory, Jacks completed his century in style, hitting his 10th six off Rashid, leaving the home team stunned.
The other standout performer of the match was Virat Kohli, who despite demonstrating his ability to hit spin, had to take a backseat. Kohli achieved a significant milestone by becoming the first player to surpass 500 runs in the season. This is his seventh time achieving this feat, equalling the record for the most instances in IPL history.
Brief scores: Gujarat Titans 200/3 in 20 overs (Sai Sudharsan 84*, Shahrukh Khan 58; Swapnil Singh 1/23) lost to Royal Challengers Bengaluru 206/1 in 16 overs (Will Jacks 100*, Virat Kohli 70*) by 9 wickets
What’s next for the teams?
They will face each other again, this time at the Chinnaswamy Stadium. Another high-scoring match can be expected. Both teams have a decent break with a five-day gap between the games. While RCB remains in 10th place and is unlikely to make a late push into the playoffs, Titans desperately need a win to stay in contention.
