Gujarat Titans (GT) speedster Kagiso Rabada delivered a match-winning bowling performance as his side thrashed Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) by 82 runs in their IPL clash on May 13 in Ahmedabad.
Defending a tricky target of 169 runs, Rabada led the bowling attack brilliantly. He first struck in the second over of the innings by dismissing in-form opener Abhishek Sharma (6). He then removed wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan (11) before sending back Ravichandran Smaran (9), helping GT bowl out SRH for just 86 runs within 15 overs. Rabadaconceded 28 runs from his four overs at an economy rate of 7.
During the post-match presentation, where he was named the Player of the Match, Rabada spoke about the dropped catch of Ishan and how GT recovered quickly from the mistake. “Did not react fast enough and did not judge,” Rabada said. “Luckily, we got the wicket. Season in, season out, all you try to do is do the best you can. I have been backed and it has been clear what my role has been: leave everything out for the team. Rhythm is everything. It is about bowling as much as I can, but also preserving myself to be match-ready. Need to find a way to somehow click.”
The 30-year-old has now joined Royal Challengers Bengalurupace ace Bhuvneshwar Kumar at the top of the Purple Cap leaderboard with 21 wickets from 12 matches at an economy rate of 9.15.
He also spoke about how GT have adapted according to the condition of the pitch. “Just about finding out the kind of pitch we are playing on and bowling accordingly,” said Rabada. “We each have our own natural attributes, and it is about seeing how much you can extract without looking too far ahead. If your strength is not working out, then you can look at something else. One hundred per cent. They showed how to bowl on it and we tried to follow suit. The wicket got a little stickier, and patience and simplicity worked.”
With this win, Gujarat moved to the top of the points table with eight wins from 12 matches. They will next face Kolkata Knight Riders at Eden Gardens on May 16.
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