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In a pulsating Match 52 of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 between Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Gujarat Titans (GT), cricket fans were treated to a spectacle of power-hitting, nerve-wracking twists, and sensational displays of skill. Eventually, RCB emerged victorious as they handed GT defeat by four wickets at M Chinnaswamy Stadium on Saturday (May 4).
Early setbacks for GT: Mohammed Siraj strikes early
Led by Shubman Gill, GT opted to bat first after winning the toss, setting the stage for an intense battle at the crease. GT’s innings began on a shaky note as they lost early wickets to the relentless bowling attack of RCB. Wriddhiman Saha and Gill departed cheaply, courtesy of Mohammed Siraj‘s fiery spell, putting GT on the back foot from the outset.
GT’s fightback: Middle-order resilience and Rahul Tewatia’s brilliance
Despite the initial setbacks, the middle order showed resilience, with Shahrukh Khan and David Miller steadying the ship with composed yet aggressive batting. As the innings progressed, GT found momentum through the explosive batting of Rahul Tewatia (35), whose audacious stroke play propelled the team’s total. However, RCB’s bowlers, led by Siraj and Yash Dayal, struck at crucial junctures to restrict GT to a challenging yet achievable target of 148 runs.
Also WATCH: Virat Kohli’s direct hit to run out Shahrukh Khan leaves Cameron Green awestruck
RCB’s dominant batting display: Virat Kohli and Faf du Plessis shine
In pursuit of the target, RCB’s batting juggernaut came out firing on all cylinders. Virat Kohli set the tone with a sublime knock, displaying his trademark finesse and aggression. However, it was Faf du Plessis who stole the show with a breathtaking innings of 64 runs in just 23 balls, exhibiting a masterclass in power-hitting as he bludgeoned the GT bowlers to all parts of the ground.
Dinesh Karthik’s composed finish seals victory for RCB
Despite losing wickets at regular intervals, RCB maintained the required run rate, courtesy of Du Plessis’ onslaught. As GT’s bowlers tightened the screws in the latter stages of the innings, the match hung in the balance. However, Dinesh Karthik showcased nerves of steel, guiding RCB across the finish line with a composed innings of 21 runs in 12 balls under pressure.
GT’s bowlers, led by Joshua Little and Noor Ahmad, displayed commendable skill and determination in their quest to defend the target. However, RCB’s relentless pursuit of victory proved insurmountable as they clinched a thrilling win with two balls to spare, much to the delight of their fans.
Here’s how Twitter reacted:
Brilliant 50 by Faf du Plessis!! This partnership with Virat is setting the field ablaze!
— Robin Aiyuda Uthappa (@robbieuthappa) May 4, 2024
dk seriously saved us from one of the biggest embarrassment in the history by getting 17 runs in that rashid khan over… Would’ve become an absolute laughing stock if we failed today from that position
— arfan (@Im__Arfan) May 4, 2024
I have nothing but the utmost regard for what @DineshKarthik has done this year. His commitment has been exemplary. We spent a lot of time together and I saw how he had a kit in two different cities, regularly hit the gym, was constantly setting up a ground to hire, organising…
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) May 4, 2024
“Jaha matter bade hote hai waha finisher of finishers Dinesh Karthik khade hote hai” pic.twitter.com/VZWTBOoHNS
— Shubh (@kadaipaneeeer) May 4, 2024
The best finisher Dinesh Karthik saves RCB from their classic bottle job.
Time is still there for selectors to make the right call. pic.twitter.com/jFIw3vPO9d— Abhishek (@vicharabhio) May 4, 2024
From bottom of the table to 7th in the table. One word to describe RCB’s performance today – Played Bold 🔥🔥
— Prasanna (@prasannalara) May 4, 2024
Faf du Plessis batting like he overheard owners having discussion on retention list.
— Silly Point (@FarziCricketer) May 4, 2024
Virat Kohli received the Orange Cap from Dinesh Karthik and later bowed down.
– The environment in RCB is👌❤️ pic.twitter.com/zaegzqzoZi
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) May 4, 2024
Royal Challengers Bengaluru won by 4 wickets: https://t.co/UnKJTTL9ER #cricket #RCBvGT #IPL2024 #T20 #CricketTwitter pic.twitter.com/zbMGCCIYgA
— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) May 4, 2024
An early storm, a few hiccups in the middle, but a solid comeback to conjure a barnstorming finish. 🙌
3 wins on the trot and a leap in the points table to finish the week on a high. 🫶#PlayBold #ನಮ್ಮRCB #IPL2024 #RCBvGT pic.twitter.com/lWfaudtnpo
— Royal Challengers Bengaluru (@RCBTweets) May 4, 2024
𝐈𝐧𝐬𝐩𝐢𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐟𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭, 𝐓𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐬! 👏
We take the positives and move forward 💪#AavaDe | #GTKarshe | #TATAIPL2024 | #RCBvGT pic.twitter.com/qSSVr0ONLR
— Gujarat Titans (@gujarat_titans) May 4, 2024