In the electrifying atmosphere of M Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru, the 52nd match of the season unfolded between Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Gujarat Titans (RCB vs GT).
The clash, which took place on the evening of May 4, 2024, saw RCB emerge victorious by 4 wickets in a gripping encounter.
Let check out RCB vs GT head to head in the IPL.
RCB vs GT: Head-To-Head in IPL
4 matches played between the RCB vs GT. Royal Challengers Bengaluru has won 2 matches while Gujarat Titans has won 2 matches.
Toss Moment
RCB, having won the toss, opted to field first, setting the stage for an intense first innings.
“We’ve opted to chase. Given the pitch conditions, which seem fairly balanced, and the possibility of rain, chasing seems like the better option. The team spirit and conversations have been positive.
Faf du Plessis, RCB Skipper
We’ve been performing well, and the team is motivated. We’ve regained our batting form after initial struggles, and the boys are ready to deliver another good performance today.”
“Our focus is on winning; it’s something we’ve achieved in the past, so it’s not new territory for us.
Shubman Gill, GT Skipper
The key is to perform at our best on the given day. While our bowling and batting have been up to the mark, our fielding has faltered a few times. We’ve addressed this issue, and hopefully, we’ll see improvement today.”
RCB vs GT: First Innings
Gujarat Titans Batting
GT’s innings was a mixed bag of performances. Shahrukh Khan led the charge with a brisk 37 off 24 balls, including five boundaries and a six.
David Miller contributed a quickfire 30 from 20 deliveries, while Rahul Tewatia added a valuable 35 off 21.
However, the rest of the batting lineup couldn’t capitalize on the start, with Rashid Khan (18), Vijay Shankar (10), and others falling short of expectations.
GT’s innings concluded at 147 all out in 19.3 overs.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru Bowling
RCB’s bowlers were on point, with Mohammed Siraj taking 2 wickets for 29 runs and Yash Dayal matching the feat with 2 for 21.
Vyshak Vijaykumar also chipped in with 2 wickets, while Cameron Green and Karn Sharma took one each, restricting GT to a chaseable total.
RCB vs GT: Second Innings
Royal Challengers Bengaluru Batting
In response, RCB’s batting was headlined by Faf Du Plessis’s explosive 64 off 23 balls and Virat Kohli’s solid 42 off 27.
Dinesh Karthik and Swapnil Singh provided the finishing touches, remaining not out on 21 and 15 respectively.
Despite some hiccups, RCB chased down the target with 6 wickets in hand, scoring 152 in just 13.4 overs.
Gujarat Titans Bowling
GT’s bowlers had moments of success, with Josh Little claiming 4 wickets and Noor Ahmad taking 2, but it wasn’t enough to defend their total.
RCB’s win was a result of a well-rounded performance, with both batsmen and bowlers contributing to the victory.
The decision to field first proved to be a masterstroke as it allowed their bowlers to exploit the conditions and set up a winnable chase.
Man of the Match
Mohammed Siraj’s economical spell and crucial early wickets earned him the ‘Man of the Match’ title, as he played a pivotal role in setting up the win for RCB.
“Honestly, I didn’t expect to play today due to feeling unwell, but decided to push through. Bowling with the new ball reminded me of past successes. Manifesting Saha’s wicket and playing a pivotal role despite initial rhythm struggles felt gratifying. Continuous red-ball cricket has honed my skills, emphasizing the importance of precision in T20s.”
Mohammed Siraj, RCB
The match between RCB and GT was a testament to the unpredictable nature of cricket. RCB’s ability to bounce back from a precarious position to clinch the win showcased their resilience and teamwork.
This victory not only gave them crucial points but also a significant boost in their run towards the playoffs.