In a thrilling encounter between Gujarat Titans and Punjab Kings, Noor Ahmad made an instant impact with his very first delivery, dismissing Punjab Kings’ Jonny Bairstow, who had already amassed 22 runs from just 12 balls. Bairstow, who had been in fine form, opening the innings alongside captain Shikhar Dhawan, had already found the boundary four times.
However, Noor Ahmad’s entry into the attack during the last over of the batting powerplay changed the game’s dynamics. The Afghan spinner bowled a remarkable delivery that landed perfectly between Bairstow’s bat and pad. Despite attempting to play it with a straight bat, Bairstow misjudged the ball’s turn, leaving a gap between his pad and bat.
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It was enough for Noor Ahmad’s skilful delivery to dismantle the stumps, halting Bairstow’s aggressive innings. Meanwhile, skipper Shubman Gill showcased his leadership skills with an outstanding unbeaten fifty, steering Gujarat Titans to a formidable total of 199/4.
Right Through The Defence \|/ 👌
Noor Ahmad gets Jonny Bairstow
Powerplay done, #PBKS are 54/2
Watch the match LIVE on @StarSportsIndia and @JioCinema 💻📱#TATAIPL | #GTvPBKS | @gujarat_titans pic.twitter.com/v60gkXe7Sh
— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) April 4, 2024
Gill’s sublime knock of 89 runs off 48 balls not only marked the highest individual score of the season but also included six boundaries and four towering sixes. Contributions from B Sai Sudharsan, who scored a quickfire 33 off 19 balls, and Rahul Tewatia, who smashed 23 runs off just 8 deliveries, further bolstered GT’s innings.
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Shubman Gill reached his fifty in style, with a boundary behind deep square leg in the 15th over, displaying his class and composure at the crease. Despite some wayward bowling from Harshal Patel in the second spell, Tewatia capitalized on loose deliveries, notably smashing two boundaries off pacer Arshdeep Singh in the penultimate over. Tewatia’s explosive cameo, coupled with Gill’s masterclass, ensured Gujarat Titans posted a challenging total, setting the stage for an enthralling contest.
