IPL 2024 – (Match 12) – Gujarat Titans vs Sunrisers Hyderabad
In a riveting IPL 2024 match in Ahmedabad, Gujarat Titans emerged victorious over Sunrisers Hyderabad, marking a significant win that continued the trend of home teams dominating this season, with 11 out of 12 matches won by the home side.
Despite Pat Cummins winning the toss and opting for Sunrisers Hyderabad to bat first, hoping to leverage the dry, spinner-friendly conditions of the afternoon, the decision didn’t pan out as planned. The Titans, making a strategic move, brought in left-arm wrist-spinner Noor Ahmad for his season debut, alongside the efforts of Mohit Sharma and the former Sunrisers spinner Rashid Khan, to restrict the Sunrisers to a modest total of 162 for 8.
Noor Ahmad made an immediate impact, his googlies proving particularly troublesome for the Sunrisers’ batsmen, leading to Travis Head’s dismissal right after the powerplay. Despite Noor’s economical spell being slightly marred by late hits, his performance alongside Rashid Khan, who bounced back from a costly previous outing, and Mohit Sharma, who excelled with his cutters in the death overs, effectively stifled the Sunrisers’ batting momentum.
On the chase, Gujarat Titans’ top order, particularly Shubman Gill, Sai Sudharsan, and David Miller, capitalized on the improving conditions of the pitch as the day turned to evening. Gill and Sudharsan built the innings with a blend of cautious play and strategic aggression, setting the stage for a memorable finish.
Despite a slow start, David Miller’s explosive batting in the latter part of the innings, especially after receiving treatment for a niggle, saw him unleash on the Sunrisers’ bowlers, leading the Titans to a comfortable chase and securing the win.
This match was a testament to the dynamic and unpredictable nature of T20 cricket, where strategic decisions, team composition, and individual performances can significantly influence the outcome.
The Titans’ ability to adapt to the conditions and execute their plans effectively, especially in the bowling department, coupled with timely batting performances, underscored their dominance in the tournament and the importance of home advantage in the IPL.
Chief Scores:
Sunrisers Hyderabad 162 for 8 in 20 overs (Abishek Sharma 29, Abdul Samad 29, Mohit Sharma 3 for 25)
Gujarat Titans 168 for 3 (Sai Sudharshan 45, David Miller 44 not out, Shubnam Gill 36, Shabaz Ahmed 1 for 20)
Player of the Match – Mohit Sharma
