Heist against Rajasthan Royals, securing a narrow three-wicket victory in Jaipur. Rashid Khan’s decisive boundary off the final ball of Avesh Khan’s over sealed the last-ball thriller. This win halted the Royals’ four-match winning streak and prevented the Titans from suffering a third consecutive defeat. The fortress of Rajasthan had fallen, as they lost from a seemingly unassailable position. Rashid Khan emerged as the hero, though Rahul Tewatia also made significant contributions. Shubman Gill’s exuberance was evident as he celebrated on the field, the chase of 197 having been led by his sublime form with a rapid 72 off 44 deliveries.
Rashid Khan, Player of the Match, said, Winning the game is more pleasing for me. Happy that I landed the ball where I wanted today and that gave me energy with the bat as well maybe. I haven’t bowled much in the last 3-4 months after the surgery and I just lost a bit of grip on the ball and I had a good session after the last game and it really helped me to get back to my best. I really enjoyed my bowling today. It was just a matter of hitting 3-4 sixes and you need to stay positive.
Shubman Gill, GT skipper, said, We were targetting 45 in 3 overs and it is very much gettable and that was the mindset at that time. Mathematically both batters needed to hit 22 off 9 balls and that’s how the thinking goes and if one batter goes berserk that will do. I would have loved to finish the game, but very happy with Rahul and Rashid bhai for finishing the job for us. Winning the ball off the last ball is always a great feeling. He (Rashid Khan) is someone who you always want in your team, he is such a competitor.
Samson, RR skipper, said, I think the last ball of the game (where was the game lost?). Very hard to speak at the moment. Hardest job in the tournament when a captain loses the game and has to tell where the game was lost. When the emotions come down I’ll be able to tell clearly. Have to give credit to the Gu