In the 39th match of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) faced defeat against Gujarat Titans (GT) at their home ground in Eden Gardens by 7 wickets.
Asked to bat first, the Knight Riders started well with Narayan Jagadeesan and Rahmanullah Gurbaz putting on a solid opening partnership. Gurbaz continued his fine form with a brilliant knock of 81 off just 39 balls, which included 5 fours and 7 sixes.
Andre Russell also played a crucial role with a quickfire 34 off 19 balls. However, the Titans bowlers, led by Mohammed Shami and Noor Ahmad, picked up wickets at regular intervals to restrict the Knight Riders to a score of 179/7 in their allotted 20 overs.
In response, the Titans got off to a decent start with Wriddhiman Saha and Shubman Gill putting on a partnership of 44 runs. Gill scored 49 off 35 balls, but it was Vijay Shankar‘s blistering knock of 51 off just 24 balls, which included 5 sixes, that turned the game in favor of the Titans. David Miller also played a crucial role with a quickfire 32 off 18 balls. In the end, the Titans reached the target with 13 balls to spare, winning the match by 7 wickets.
For the Knight Riders, Harshit Rana, Russell, and Sunil Narine picked up a wicket each, but they couldn’t stop the Titans from cruising to victory. With this win, the Titans moved to the top spot in the points table.
Here is how Twitter reacted:
All of us right now: #KKRvGT | #AavaDe | #TATAIPL 2023 pic.twitter.com/rgYESRhVbj
— Gujarat Titans (@gujarat_titans) April 29, 2023
The birthday boy gave it his all! 👏#KKRvGT | #AmiKKR | @Russell12A pic.twitter.com/4QJ469VhNl
— KolkataKnightRiders (@KKRiders) April 29, 2023
What a classy knock from @RGurbaz_21 but @gujarat_titans stole the show! Just fabulous batting from @vijayshankar260, @DavidMillerSA12 & @ShubmanGill. Great bowling from @MdShami11. @noor_ahmad_15 & Joshua Little were fantastic too. Well played! 👏🏼
— Robin Aiyuda Uthappa (@robbieuthappa) April 29, 2023
VIJAY SHANKAR, THE HERO OF GUJARAT.
TOP OF THE POINTS TABLE – TAKE A BOW, GT. pic.twitter.com/vFAkXshlq0
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) April 29, 2023
All you need is a management who trusts you, gives you a proper role clarity with ofcourse your own self-belief to taste such success.
Vijay Shankar has rediscovered himself, and so far he's been very good as a finisher for Gujarat Titans. pic.twitter.com/HCrwWvVfAK
— Rahul Sharma (@CricFnatic) April 29, 2023
What a crazy innings by Vijay Shankar!
51 unbeaten in just 24 balls with 2 fours and 5 sixes. A ruthless batting effort by Shankar in the chase, marvelous hitting! Take a bow, Shankar. pic.twitter.com/hzPoGPy0Ex
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) April 29, 2023
Hardik Pandya says that humbleness and facing difficulties with confidence is the key to Gujarat Titans' success this season. Lauds Vijay Shankar for his efforts. Hardik Pandya, the skipper is some other guy. 👏🏻💙🔥 #KKRvsGT #IPL2023 pic.twitter.com/AmV7R40b9G
— Ridhima Pathak (@PathakRidhima) April 29, 2023
Vijay Shankar & World Cup year is a great love story in Indian cricket.
— Bhawana (@bhawnakohli5) April 29, 2023
Vijay Shankar – 51*(24).
David Miller – 32*(18).Gujarat Titans needed 66 runs in last 6 overs. Shankar and Miller chased down in 4.5 overs vs KKR. Incredible finish by Vijay Shankar and David Miller. pic.twitter.com/BopAErzYS3
— CricketMAN2 (@ImTanujSingh) April 29, 2023
Gurbaz innings in today's match 🔥#KKRvGT pic.twitter.com/M2GyefqlxA
— SwatKat💃 (@swatic12) April 29, 2023
Gujarat titans team combination
– No English Players
– No Australian players
– 2 Afganistan players
– 1 Irish Player
– 1 South African PlayerAnd Amazing Indian talents
This team is unstoppable #KKRvsGT #KKRvGT #IPL2023 pic.twitter.com/uExUaHPBdw
— Ash (@Ashsay_) April 29, 2023