Rajat Patidar struck a breathtaking unbeaten 93 from just 33 balls as defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru powered past Gujarat Titans by 92 runs to reach their second consecutive IPL final. Chasing a big total, Gujarat collapsed early and eventually folded for 162 in 19.3 overs, handing RCB another shot at the title.
Quick facts
- Result: Royal Challengers Bengaluru beat Gujarat Titans by 92 runs
- RCB innings: 254/5 in 20 overs
- Patidar: 93* (33 balls) with nine sixes and five fours
- Key bowlers for RCB: Jason Holder 2/39
- GT chase: 162 all out in 19.3 overs
- Tewatia: 68 (43 balls)
- Key GT innings contributors: Sai Sudharsan, Shubman Gill, Jos Buttler all dismissed within the powerplay
Batting first, RCB took full advantage of what looked like a fragile call in Gujarat’s XI. Bengaluru posted 254 for 5, setting a platform that proved too steep for the Titans from the outset.
Patidar was the centrepiece of the innings, striking nine maximums alongside five fours. His acceleration also came at crucial moments, including a burst of 28 runs from a single over bowled by Kulwant Khejroliya, who was brought in as a replacement for Arshad Khan, who had recently been picked for India A.
While Patidar carried the scoring rate, the middle-order ensured the total stayed on the right side of imposing. Virat Kohli and Krunal Pandya made 43 apiece, adding stability as the innings built toward a commanding finish. Jason Holder then delivered with the ball, taking 2 wickets while conceding 39 runs.
Gujarat’s chase unravels
In response, Gujarat Titans lost momentum almost immediately. They were reduced to half their side within the powerplay, with dismissals including Sai Sudharsan, Shubman Gill, and Jos Buttler before the innings even had time to settle.
From there, the chase kept slipping away. Rahul Tewatia offered the strongest resistance with a brisk 68 off 43 balls, but the rest of the batting couldn’t provide enough support as Gujarat were dismissed for 162 in 19.3 overs.
RCB’s bowlers kept things tight and lethal in the late phases. Jacob Duffy finished with 3/39, Bhuvneshwar Kumar took 2/28, Josh Hazlewood claimed 1/39, and Raskh Salam also chipped in with a wicket as the Titans’ innings came to an end short of the target.
Brief scores: RCB 254/5 in 20 overs (Rajat Patidar 93*; Virat Kohli 43; Krunal Pandya 43; Jason Holder 2/39). GT 162 all out in 19.3 overs (Rahul Tewatia 68; Jacob Duffy 3/39; Bhuvneshwar Kumar 2/28; Josh Hazlewood 1/39; Raskh Salam).
