Gujarat Titans produced a ruthless performance in Ahmedabad on Tuesday, overpowering Sunrisers Hyderabad by a massive margin to all but lock in their place in the IPL playoffs. Batting first, GT posted 168/5 in 20 overs, anchored by half-centuries from Sai Sudharsan and Washington Sundar. Hyderabad’s chase collapsed completely, with the side bundled out for 86—the lowest total they have ever managed in IPL cricket. Kagiso Rabada and Jason Holder each claimed two wickets, while Mohammed Siraj kept things tight to help seal the rout.
Key takeaways
- Gujarat Titans made 168/5 before bowling out Sunrisers Hyderabad for 86.
- Sunrisers’ 86 is their lowest team total in IPL history.
- Sai Sudharsan and Washington Sundar struck half-centuries in GT’s innings.
- Kagiso Rabada and Jason Holder took two wickets each as GT dominated the chase.
- GT reached 16 points from 12 matches, moving close to a playoffs berth.
- The remaining playoff race is now effectively for three spots among seven teams.
GT’s emphatic statement in Ahmedabad
Setting a challenging target, Gujarat Titans looked in control throughout their innings, finishing on 168/5 in 20 overs. Sudharsan and Sundar provided the backbone for the chase, each reaching a half-century as GT built momentum and avoided any major collapse.
When Sunrisers Hyderabad came out to bat, the contest swung sharply in GT’s favour. Hyderabad were dismissed for just 86, falling far short of the mark and ending with their lowest-ever IPL score. Rabada and Holder were particularly effective with the ball, taking two wickets apiece, while Siraj’s disciplined spell further restricted Hyderabad’s ability to build partnerships and recover.
Playoff picture: 16 points set the usual benchmark
The victory pushed Gujarat Titans to 16 points in 12 matches, leaving them with their playoffs qualification all but assured. With GT sitting two points clear of the nearest rivals, the focus shifts to the remaining places in the top four.
At present, the teams in contention are competing for the last three spots: Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Sunrisers Hyderabad each have 14 points, with Bengaluru holding 14 from 11 matches and Hyderabad 14 from 12. Close behind are Punjab Kings with 13 points from 11 matches, Chennai Super Kings on 12 points from 11 matches, and Rajasthan Royals also on 12 points from 11 matches. Even Kolkata Knight Riders (9 points from 10 matches) and Delhi Capitals (10 points from 12 matches) are still mathematically in the mix.
Since 2022, teams reaching 16 points have typically secured qualification for the playoffs in the fourth position. In 2022 (Royal Challengers Bengaluru), 2023 (Mumbai Indians), and 2025 (Mumbai Indians), the fourth-placed team advanced with 16 points. That has generally become the minimum requirement to progress to the knockout stage.
The only notable exception came in 2024, when four teams finished with 14 points—Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Chennai Super Kings, Delhi Capitals, and Lucknow Super Giants. In that season, Royal Challengers Bengaluru progressed as the fourth-best team because of a superior net run rate.
More updates to follow.
