RR VS GT MATCH 48

Right then, that's all from this game. A resounding victory by Gujarat this evening sees them strengthen their position at the top of the points table. The 2023 Indian T20 League action continues on Saturday, 06th May with a doubleheader. In the first game of the day, we have this season's 2nd El Clasico between Chennai and Mumbai and that will begin at 3.30 pm IST (10.00 am GMT). The second game of the day sees Delhi go up against Bangalore and that game will begin at 7.30 pm IST (2.00 pm GMT). As always, you can join us in advance for the build-up. Until then, take care and goodbye!

Rashid Khan wins the Man of the Match award for his exceptional spell with the ball in hand. He starts by saying that he is just trying his best, adding that he is trying to minimise the difference between leg-spin deliveries and googly. This will make it difficult for the batters to read his bowling. Feels that whenever he losses his line and length, it gets easier for the batters to take him on. States that he tries to keep it simple, go through some of the deliveries with the video analyst and tries to rectify his mistakes soon. Informs that the way Noor Ahmad has been working is the real reason for his success.

Hardik Pandya, the captain of Gujarat starts by saying that he does not need to converse much with the spinners and adds that there is no one better than Rashid Khan to communicate with Noor Ahmad. Shares that he sets a standard field for both spinners and both are confident and clear about what they want to do which is important. Mentions that Saha is one of the best spinners he has played and feels that it is not easy to pick Noor and Rashid with the pace they bowl. Also says that they are relaxed while doing their job and if there is a need he or Ashish Nehra will have to pull up their socks. Ends by saying that he does not shy away from accepting his mistakes and adds that acceptance is the key to success for him.

Time for the presentations...

Wriddhiman Saha is in next for a chat. He starts by saying they are concentrating to continue on the benchmark that they set last year. Tells that every bowler is contributing this season for them, which is why the Purple cap is constantly switching hands. Informs that he tries to follow the ball late while keeping against Rashid Khan and Noor Ahmad. The movement helps to make up even when he fails to read the googly.

Sanju Samson, the skipper of Rajasthan is in for an interview. He starts by saying that they had a tough time today. Adds that they started well with the bat but the Gujarat spinners were incredible. Mentions they were bowling good lines and lengths. Informs they kept taking crucial wickets in the middle overs which cost them the game. States that they believe that they are playing good cricket and he feels that the boys will surely be hungrier for a win in the upcoming matches.

Earlier in the game, after Sanju Samson won the toss and opted to bat first, Rajashthan did lose Jos Buttler early but Yashasvi Jaiswal and Sanju Samson got their side off to a solid start. The duo were going along nicely but a mixup between the two resulted in the run out of Jaiswal. His departure was the turning point in Rajasthan's innings as they could never get going and kept losing wickets at regular intervals. As a result, they were bundled out for 118 without playing the full quota of 20 overs. For Gujarat, Rashid Khan was back at his usual best with figures of 3 for 14 from his four overs. His fellow Afghan teammate Noor Ahmad was among the wickets as well with two wickets to his name.

As the scoreboard suggests, it has been a game to forget for Rajasthan. First with the bat and now with the ball, nothing went their way at their home venue. With not a big total to defend, early wickets were the need of the hour for Rajasthan. Trent Boult and Sandeep Sharma did not succeed in doing so but did manage to keep the Gujarat openers in check. Yuzvendra Chahal was the pick of the bowlers for them on this tough night, accounting for Shubman Gill. At that stage, Rajasthan had a sniff but Hardik Pandya made light work of the chase to crush the hopes of the home side.

Gujarat have absolutely steamrolled their way to victory this evening! In their pursuit of a modest total, Wriddhiman Saha and Shubman Gill were off to a cautious start. The opening pair took their time to adjust to the pace and bounce of the wicket but once set, started finding boundaries and put Gujarat in a strong position. Gill departed after a 71-run opening stand which brought the Gujarat skipper out to the middle. Hardik Pandya came out with a clear game plan and was firing on all cylinders right from the first ball. He was at his destructive best and joined hands with Wriddhiman Saha to ensure there were no more hiccups in the chase.

Saha with the winning run. It is tossed up, full and on off. Saha eases it into the gap past extra cover. The batters cross for one. GUJARAT WIN THE MATCH BY 9 WICKETS.

Another single now as Pandya knocks this full ball towards mid off. SCORES LEVEL.

Saha sweeps this full ball to deep square leg for a single.

Hardik Pandya rotates the strike now. Good length, on off. Pandya punches it past mid off. One more.

Back of a length, on off. Saha pulls it to deep mid-wicket for one.

A bit short, outside off. Saha slaps it to deep point for one.

On the pads, nudged to square leg off the back foot.

Follows the batter and bowls it short at him, Hardik Pandya works it off the back foot to long on for a run.