IPL 2022: GT vs PBKS Review – Kagiso Rabada inspires Punjab’s comeback
Punjab Kings brought their 2022 IPL campaign back on track by toppling the table topper Gujarat Titans by eight wickets at the DY Patil Stadium on a night where they ticked most boxes. The bowlers stifled the opposition with disciplined efforts and the batters backed it up with a dominating performance to cap off a clinical chase, with which the Kings jumped to the fifth spot in the tally.
Having been successful in the season while chasing, Gujarat skipper Hardik Pandya opted to test his men by batting first, however, it did not turn his way on the night as they were dented by the regular fall of wickets, with Sai Sudarshan’s 65 off 50 being the only considerable knock. Kagiso Rabada was the wrecker-in-chief with an impressive four-wicket haul, however, credit was also due to the economic bowling of Rishi Dhawan (1/26) and Sandeep Sharma, who was the best bowler economy-wise even as he returned wicketless (0/17).
Chasing a below-par 144, the Kings lost Jonny Bairstow early as Mohammed Shami struck in the third over, however, an 87-run stand between Shikhar Dhawan and Bhanuka Rajapaksa eased them into the chase. The partnership was broken in the 12th over when Lockie Ferguson pinned Rajapaksa lbw for a 28-ball 40, but Liam Livingstone belted three sixes, including a 117-metre hit off Mohammed Shami, and two fours in a berserk unbeaten cameo of 30 off just 10 balls to kill the chase in just 16 overs.
Top performers of the match
Shikhar Dhawan
Dhawan displayed his usual calm approach in the middle to notch up his third half-century in the season. He did not hesitate in taking time after the early loss of Bairstow, as he stitched a crucial partnership with Rajapaksa. However, upon the recovery, he opened the box of his shots, hitting eight fours and a six in his unbeaten 62.
Kagiso Rabada
Rabada was the most impressive bowler on the night, scalping four wickets for 33 in what turned out to be a match-winning spell. He removed Wriddhiman Saha in the powerplay and returned later to dismiss the dangerous Rahul Tewatia and Rashid Khan off consecutive balls. He got his fourth one in the final over of his spell in Lockie Ferguson.
What next for the teams?
Punjab Kings will be up against Rajasthan Royals on May 7 at the Wankhede Stadium in a day game, while Gujarat Titans will face Mumbai Indians at the Brabourne Stadium on the same night.
