Gujarat Titans vs Punjab Kings: Tewatia’s marvellous sixes steered GT to victory

In a dramatic match, Gujarat Titans defeat Punjab Kings by six wickets in Match 16 of IPL 2022 at the Brabourne Stadium on April 8, securing their third successive win while they remain the only unbeaten side in the tournament.

Liam Livingstone smashed a quickfire half-century to assist Punjab Kings reach 189 for 9 in their match against Gujarat Titans. Livingstone scored 64 off 27 balls, with seven boundaries and four sixes while Shikhar Dhawan contributed a precious 35. Consequently, Star spinner Rashid Khan (3/22) secured three wickets for the Titans. 

Shubham Gill scored a glorifying 96 to steer the Titan’s run chase, following his dismissal Gujarat was left with 19 off the last over. Odean Smith managed to run out Hardik Pandya in the second ball in his final over. The side required a 13 off 3 at a certain stage. Fortunately for Gujarat, Smith missed a direct hit, bringing Tewatia to strike, who ended the game in two superior sixes, sealing the third victory for his team! Prior to this, while making his debut for the franchise, Sai Sudarsan scored 36 off 30 deliveries. 

There seemed to be an upsetting move for Hardik Pandya by his partner David Miller while the end approached.  With 18 runs needed from 6 balls, Miller encountered a swing and miss- even as the ball was collected by the keeper, GT captain ran across and was effortlessly run out, this lead to Hardik Pandya expressing his disappointment to Miller as he gestured that he should have retained his [position in the striker’s end till the throw had come. Even if he had hit the stumps, a run could have been secured. Much to Pandya’s relief, however, Rahul Tewatia’s two massive sixes to two balls saved the day. With 12 runs left as a requirement Tewatia gloriously took the control in the nick of time.

Needless to say Gujarat Titans have been quite splendid in their matches so far as their first win was against Lucknow Super Giants and kept up with 14-run win against Delhi Capitals. Their bowlers were outright wonderful in the match against Delhi while on the batting front Shubham Gill was at par as he smashed a 46-ball 84.

This season has given us some real heart thumping turn of events, reeking of unpredictability the whole time. The moment one thinks it’s over for the opponent, BAM! The game changes 180 degrees. It is truly exciting to see everyone trying to give their best shots and we definitely hope to see more by Gujarat Titans.