Jos Buttler struck a masterclass 73-run knock to power Gujarat Titans to an eight-wicket win over Royal Challengers Bengaluru at M.Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru on Wednesday. GT’s blistering performance also snapped RCB’s two-match win streak as they chased down the target of 170 with significant ease.
Sent in to bat, RCB faced an uphill battle as their top order faltered early. Wickets fell quickly, putting the team in huge trouble. Their start-studded batting lineup struggled against some tight bowling, losing wickets in quick succession. The ever-reliable Virat Kohli (7) went early, and the middle order couldn't find a way to build momentum. GT’s strangling bowling attack led by Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna and Sai Kishore kept RCB batters quiet.
However, Liam Livingstone broke the shackles, providing some much-needed resistance to stabilise the innings with a crucial innings of 54. Livingstone was well supported by Jitesh Sharma, who played an aggressive cameo, striking a 21-ball 33. The pair put together a partnership that propelled RCB to a more competitive total of 169/8 in 20 overs.
Meanwhile, GT’s chase got off to a solid start, thanks to their opener, Sai Sudharsan, who continued his fine form. Sai played a sparkling knock of 49, putting GT in a strong position before he was dismissed by Josh Hazlewood. Despite the early loss of Sudharsan, GT maintained control of the chase throughout, largely due to a determined innings from wicketkeeper-batter Jos Buttler. Down the order, Buttler was helped by Sherfane Rutherford, who cracked 30 runs as GT went over the line in 17.5 overs.