Rajat Patidar showcased a stellar performance, scoring an unbeaten 93 runs to lead defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru to a resounding 92-run victory over Gujarat Titans, securing their spot in the IPL final. Captain Patidar’s quickfire 33-ball innings propelled Bengaluru to a formidable total of 254-5, and their bowlers dismantled Gujarat, bowling them out for 162 in 19.3 overs in the first qualifier held in Dharamsala.
Despite the defeat, Gujarat will have another opportunity to reach the final as they will compete in the second qualifier in Chandigarh on Friday against the winner of the eliminator match between Sunrisers Hyderabad and Rajasthan Royals. The IPL final is scheduled to take place in Ahmedabad on Sunday.
Virat Kohli played a crucial role in Bengaluru’s commanding total, contributing 43 runs at the start of the innings. Kohli, aiming for his second consecutive IPL title with Bengaluru, laid the foundation alongside Devdutt Padikkal, who scored 30 runs, forming a 72-run partnership for the second wicket. Although Jason Holder dismissed both Kohli and Padikkal in quick succession, Patidar and Krunal Pandya staged a brilliant recovery, adding 95 runs off 47 balls.
Patidar and Pandya unleashed a flurry of boundaries, capitalizing on Gujarat’s fielding errors and dropped catches. Patidar reached his fifty off 21 balls with a six off Kagiso Rabada and continued to accelerate the scoring, finishing with a quickfire innings. Gujarat’s chase never gained momentum as they faltered early on, reduced to 51-5 within six overs.
Despite the early setbacks, Rahul Tewatia’s impressive knock of 68 runs provided some resistance for Gujarat after they found themselves struggling at 88-8. Bengaluru’s dominant performance secured their place in the final, setting the stage for an exciting conclusion to the IPL season.
