Apower-pack half-century from Hardik Pandya powered Gujarat Titans to a clinical 37-run win over Rajasthan Royals at DY Patil Stadium, Mumbai on Thursday. Titans, who are playing their first season, also pipped Rajasthan to go top of the points table with 8 points in 5 matches. Hardik scored a ferocious 87 runs* to help Gujarat post a formidable 192/4 on the scoreboard after 20 overs. The captain took responsibility on his own shoulders after Gujarat’s top-order returned to the pavilion early with 53 runs on the scoreboard.
Defending the 193-run target, Lockie Ferguson claimed three wickets as Rajasthan were restricted to 155/9 in 20 overs. Jos Buttler started the chase on a strong note with a quickfire fifty but after his departure on 54, the Royals failed to recover and lost wickets at regular intervals. Buttler’s 24-ball stay in the middle was laced with 3 sixes and 8 fours.
They lost opener Devdutt Padikkal on a golden duck, while Pandya ran-out opposition skipper Sanju Samson on 11 to hurt Rajasthan.
