We have seen on umpteen occasions that Rashid Khan has changed the course of the match with his wrist bowling in the IPL. Khan’s wrists once again turned the match on its head but this time, he did with the bat in hand. The right-hander from Afghanistan, made great use of his wrists to hit the ball on the leg-side and played a match-turning knock of 40 runs from 21 balls against CSK at the MCA, Pune on Sunday to help GT win by three wickets.
Gujarat Titans had their backs against the wall as they required 48 runs off the last three overs. However, Rashid Khan smashed 23 runs against Chris Jordan in the 18th over, which went for a total of 25 runs.
It was indeed the game-changing moment as 23 runs were then needed off the last two overs. Rashid smashed Jordan for three sixes and a four to turn the match on its head. David Miller, also scored a fine unbeaten knock of 94 runs off 51 balls but he needed Rashid Khan’s support in the end. The left and right-hand batting combination added 70 runs for the sixth wicket alliance.
Miller was awarded the Player of the match for his superb knock after playing at the top of his game in the crunch situation.
The South African said in the post-match presentation, “I have been really working hard on my fitness. It does take me back to memory lane [referring to the innings he played for KXIP], it was sort of playing my game, see the ball hit the ball, with the rate already quite high, I wanted to express myself. It came off tonight and was pretty chuffed with the innings. Getting in with the position at 16/3 gives me an opportunity to shine, doesn’t happen too often but when the ball was new it helps. Releases a lot of pressure, needed someone to help out at the back end. Exceptional over, in my opinion, that over was the game-changer and he struck it beautifully [on Rashid Khan’s batting]. In the first couple of games we got over the line with close wins, we could’ve probably lost 4 out of 6 rather than won 5 of 6. The dice rolled on our side and hopefully, it continues going forward.”
Gujarat Titans have got off to a dream start as they have registered five wins from six games. The Titans would want to continue in a similar fashion in the upcoming matches.
GT will next face Kolkata Knight Riders at the Dr. DY Patil Sports Academy, Mumbai on Saturday.
