IPL 2022: GT vs RR, Qualifier 1 Review – Gujarat march into the final

Gujarat Titans became the first team to enter the finals of the IPL 2022 edition after winning Qualifier 1 against the Rajasthan Royals. Chasing a big score, the Titans were always up with the required run-rate despite losing Wriddhiman Saha early. However, it was the duo of Hardik Pandya (40*) and David Miller (68*) who changed the game in Gujarat’s favour and chased down the total with three balls to spare.

Earlier in the game, Gujarat Titans opted to bowl first after winning the toss and the Royals did not have the best of starts as they lost Yashasvi Jaiswal early. Buttler and Samson (47) stitched an excellent partnership for the second wicket, and once the skipper was dismissed, Buttler took the onus to make a big score. Devdutt Padikkal played a handy knock of 20-ball 28, while the middle-order struggled trying to finish the game on a high to end up with 188 in 20 overs.

Top Performers of the game

Jos Buttler

Jos Buttler was back at his very best in an important encounter and he cashed in after taking his time initially. The English lad finished with a 56-ball 89 that included 12 fours and two sixes and helped his side post a big total. His impressive form continued in the tournament and no wonder he has kept the Orange Cap on his side in this season for a long time now.

David Miller

David Miller, who had struggled for the last few years in IPL, found his mojo back this year and he yet again stepped up for the franchise in a pressure situation. Miller remained unbeaten on 68 off just 38 balls that included five sixes and three fours and finished off the game with three sixes in the last over against Prasidh Krishna.

What next for the two teams

Rajasthan Royals will now play the Qualifier 2 against the winner of the Eliminator at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on May 27 while Gujarat Titans will play the winner of the Qualifier 2 at the same venue on May 29.