Buttler, Siraj Power Gujarat Titans to Eight-Wicket Victory Over RCB
Bengaluru, April 3: Jos Buttler’s explosive unbeaten half-century and Mohammed Siraj’s clinical bowling spell powered Gujarat Titans to a commanding eight-wicket win over Royal Challengers Bengaluru in their IPL clash on Wednesday.
Buttler (73* off 39 balls, 5 fours, 6 sixes) and B Sai Sudharsan (49 off 36) anchored Gujarat’s chase of RCB’s 169/8, reaching the target in just 17.5 overs.
Despite losing skipper Shubman Gill early for 14, Gujarat Titans found stability through a 75-run partnership between Buttler and Sudharsan. While Sudharsan played with finesse, showcasing elegant strokeplay, Buttler unleashed his signature power-hitting, reaching his fifty in 31 balls. He finished the match in style with three sixes off Josh Hazlewood. Sherfane Rutherford (30* off 18) provided solid support as GT sealed the victory comfortably.
Earlier, Gujarat’s bowlers, led by Mohammed Siraj (3/19), restricted RCB to 169/8. Siraj’s fiery spell dismantled RCB’s top order, dismissing Phil Salt, Rajat Patidar, and Devdutt Padikkal, reducing them to 42/4 within 6.2 overs.
Liam Livingstone (54 off 40, 1 four, 5 sixes) staged a fightback, adding crucial partnerships with Jitesh Sharma (33 off 21) and Tim David. However, disciplined bowling from R Sai Kishore (2/22) and Rashid Khan ensured RCB never gained full momentum.
With this win, Gujarat Titans strengthened their position in the points table, while RCB continues to struggle for consistency.
Brief Scores:
RCB: 169/8 in 20 overs (Liam Livingstone 54, Jitesh Sharma 33; Mohammed Siraj 3/19)
GT: 170/2 in 17.5 overs (Jos Buttler 73*, Sai Sudharsan 49)
