Gujarat Titans put on a clinical all-round performance to defeat Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) by 39 runs in their Indian Premier League (IPL) encounter, after setting a challenging target of 199 at Eden Gardens.
After winning the toss and opting to field first, KKR struggled to contain Gujarat’s top-order pair as Shubman Gill led from the front with a commanding 90 off 55 balls. He smashed 10 fours and three sixes in a fluent knock, supported well by Sai Sudharsan, who contributed a brisk 52 off 36 deliveries.
Jos Buttler, batting at No. 3, added a late flourish with an unbeaten 41 off 23 balls, helping Gujarat post 198 for 3 in their allotted 20 overs. KKR bowlers found little success, with Russell, Arora, and Rana picking up one wicket each.
In reply, KKR lost early wickets and never quite recovered despite a fighting 50 off 36 balls from skipper Ajinkya Rahane. Sunil Narine and Andre Russell chipped in with 17 and 21 respectively, but regular breakthroughs by Gujarat’s bowlers kept them in control.
Rashid Khan proved instrumental with figures of 2 for 25, dismissing both Narine and Russell. Prasidh Krishna also impressed, removing Moeen Ali and Ramandeep Singh in quick succession. KKR could only manage 159 for 8 in 20 overs, falling well short of the target.
