Miller Powers Gujarat Titans Into IPL 2022 Final
A perfect finish by David Miller powered Gujarat Titans into the IPL 2022 Finals as they defeated Rajasthan Royals by seven wickets in the first Qualifier played at Eden Gardens, Kolkata.
Chasing a tricky total of 189 runs, Gujarat lost Wriddhiman Saha on the second ball of the inning but Shubman Gill and Mathew Wade got the team to a solid start. The duo added 72 runs for the second wicket in 7.2 overs before a horrible mix-up meant the end of Gill after scoring 35 off 21 balls. Two overs later, Mathew Wade too got out after scoring 35 in 30 balls.
With more than 100 runs till needed, Hardik Pandya and David Miller calmly handled the situation and took the game deep while making sure the required run rate doesn't go up at any stage.
Pandya began well while Miller took his time and then the two switched roles. In the last three overs, Miller took on the charge. Obed McCoy's seven run 19th over meant that Gujarat required 16 runs in the last over but Miller smacked three sixes in the first three balls to finish the game and enter the final in style.
Miller remained unbeaten on 68 in just 38 balls with the help of five sixes and three fours while Hardik made 40 not out in 27 balls including five fours.
Earlier, Jos Buttler took Rajasthan Royals to 188/6 in the first inning after being asked to bat first.
The Royals lost Yashasvi Jaiswal early but Sanju Samson smacked 47 off 26 balls coming into bat at number three to give a solid start. RR scored 55 runs inside the powerplay. Samson and Buttler added 68 runs in 47 balls for the second wicket. Samson got out in the 10th over.
Devdutt Padikkal made 28 in 20 balls as he added 37 runs in 26 balls with Buttler for the third wicket. In the first 14 overs, Buttler didn't look anywhere near his best but as soon as Padikkal got out, the opener finally changed his gears.
Buttler added 45 runs in 26 balls with Hetmyer and then took 22 in eight balls with Riyan Parag to get Rajasthan close to the 190-run mark. Buttler made 89 runs in 56 balls with the help of 12 fours and two sixes.
The win means Gujarat Titans qualify for the finals while Rajasthan Royals will play qualifier two against the winner of the Eliminator.
Brief Scorecard:
Also Read: IPL 2022 - Scorecard
Rajasthan Royals - 188/6 (Jos Buttler - 89, Sanju Samson - 47)
Gujarat Titans - 191/3 in 19.3 overs (David Miller - 68, Hardik Pandya - 40)