Virat Kohli maintains his batting brilliance in the ongoing #TATAIPL 2024. © iplt20.com
The 45th match of the IPL 2024 season will be etched in memory for a spectacular display of batting prowess by Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB). Chasing a mammoth total of 201 set by Gujarat Titans (GT), RCB chased it down with nine wickets remaining and a staggering four overs to spare. This chase is the highest ever recorded in the history of the IPL, showcasing some incredible power-hitting from the RCB batters.
Gujarat Titans Set a Challenging Target:
The Gujarat Titans’ innings began steadily, with openers Shubman Gill and Sai Sudharsan stitching together a crucial partnership. While Gill fell to a diving catch by Cameron Green off Glenn Maxwell’s bowling, Sudharsan continued to bat solidly. The arrival of Shahrukh Khan at the crease in the fourth over proved to be a masterstroke by GT. Khan, known for his aggressive batting style, attacked the RCB bowlers, particularly leg-spinner Karn Sharma, smashing him for two sixes in quick succession. Khan’s knock of 58 runs off just 30 balls propelled the GT innings forward, allowing Sudharsan to accelerate as well. Sudharsan finished unbeaten on 84 well-made runs, guiding his team to a seemingly competitive total of 200 for 3 wickets.
RCB Batsmen Rewrite the Script:
Royal Challengers Bangalore started their chase with intent. Captain Faf du Plessis targeted the Gujarat Titans’ rookie pacer, Azmatullah Omarzai, taking 16 runs off his third over. However, his dismissal by R Sai Kishore over the following period slightly halted RCB’s momentum. It brought the ever-reliable Virat Kohli to the crease. In sublime touch, Kohli took on the GT spinners, particularly Rashid Khan, known for his deceptive deliveries. Kohli’s knock of 70 runs off just 44 balls, with some exquisite strokeplay against spin, provided the anchor RCB needed.
Will Jacks Take the Chase Home in Style:
While Kohli provided stability, the young Englishman Will Jacks stole the show. Coming into the match with just a handful of games under his belt, Jack displayed nerves of steel. He started cautiously but found his rhythm in the latter half of the innings.
The turning point arrived during Mohit Sharma’s second over, where Jacks launched a brutal assault, smashing three sixes one even off a no-ball – and two fours. This onslaught brought RCB to within touching distance of victory. Jacks continued his rampage in the final over, needing just six runs to complete his century. He finished the match in style, hammering the last ball for a six to reach his maiden IPL century and seal a historic win for RCB.
A Match of Records and Redemption:
This match will be remembered for several reasons. Virat Kohli’s knock against spin bowling was a masterclass in technique and temperament. But the night truly belonged to Will Jacks. His audacious century, the fastest by a foreigner in the Indian Premier League (IPL), announced his arrival on the big stage. For RCB, this win comes as a huge sigh of relief after a string of inconsistent performances. They will be hoping to carry this momentum forward in the remaining matches of the season.
Match Summary
Gujarat Titans 200/3 (20) | |
| Sai Sudharsan 84* (49) | Swapnil Singh |
| Shahrukh Khan 58 (30) | Glenn Maxwell |
| David Miller 26 (19) | Mohammad Siraj |
Royal Challengers Bengaluru 206/1 (16) | |
| Will Jacks 100* (41) | Ravisrinivasan Sai Kishore |
| Virat Kholi 70* (44) | Sandeep Warrier |
| Faf du Plessis 24 (12) | Azmatullah Omarzai |
Toss: RCB won the toss and decided to bowl
Stadium: Narendra Modi Stadium
Result: RCB won by 9 wickets and 4 overs left
Player of the Match: Will Jacks (RCB) – 100* (41)
