Rajasthan Royals were defeated in all three matches against Gujarat Titans in the previous year, including the final. However, they managed to win against their rivals in the first half of the Indian Premier League 2023. In the second match between the two teams this season, which took place on Friday, it was the defending champions who achieved a resounding victory.Gujarat Titans (GT) achieved a convincing victory over Rajasthan Royals (RR) by nine wickets at Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur, thanks to a remarkable bowling display. RR were dismissed for a paltry score of 118 runs in 17.5 overs, while Gujarat achieved the target in 13.5 overs with only one wicket down, finishing with 119/1. The win propelled GT three points ahead of their opponents and secured their position at the top of the league table.After a decent start at 47/1 in five overs, RR found themselves in a promising position. However, things took a turn for the worse as GT managed to take wickets consistently. From 60/2, RR lost six wickets for just 36 runs in the next seven overs, ending up at 96/8.Image source: tbsnews.netThe matchs momentum shifted when Jos Buttler got out early. When Buttler is in form, RR seems to be a completely different team. He was last years tournaments highest run-scorer, way ahead of second-placed KL Rahul, and began this season with three half-centuries in four innings. However, he has only scored 93 runs with two ducks in his six innings since then. On Friday, Buttler hit two consecutive boundaries off Hardik Pandya but was caught at short-third on the next ball.Shortly after, Jaiswal, who was in good form, was run-out due to a misunderstanding with Samson. This was followed by Samsons dismissal, which was typical of his career, where he played some stunning shots before getting out in the simplest way. Only 41 balls into the game, Rajasthan had already lost three of their key players. However, the real highlight of the match, a fantastic spell by the Afghan pair of Rashid Khan and Noor Ahmad, was about to start.R Ashwin was moved up the order to bat at No. 5, but he failed to score any runs as he was deceived twice before getting bowled by a leg-spinner from Rashid Khan. It was a well-planned delivery that resulted in Ashwins dismissal. The following batsman, Riyan Parag, also failed to make an impact as he was trapped in front of the wickets by a delivery that spun in the opposite direction.image source: tse1.mm.bing.netWith half of their team back to the pavilion within the first ten overs, RRs situation looked hopeless. Noor Ahmad then took the opportunity to join Rashid Khan and claimed two important wickets by sending Devdutt Padikkals off-stump flying and trapping Dhruv Jurel in front. Khan ended up dismissing Shimron Hetmyer with a leg-before delivery, ending RRs hopes of recovery.All five wickets claimed by Khan (3/14) and Ahmad (2/25) were due to batters playing defensive strokes and being deceived. The two Afghan spinners put on a memorable display of their craft.As there were no significant issues with the pitch, the only option left for RR was to take wickets. They needed early breakthroughs to stand a chance, but they were unable to do so, much to the disappointment of their home fans.Shubman Gill and Wriddhiman Saha started off strongly by hitting boundaries at regular intervals, building a solid opening partnership of 71 runs. However, in the 10th over, Yuzvendra Chahal was able to stump Gill. Despite the loss, Hardik Pandya was able to hit three sixes and a four off Adam Zampa in the very next over, putting GT on track for an easy win. They ultimately won the game with 37 balls to spare.
