Kumar Bahukhandi
Gill and Buttler – Photo: IPL
Jos Buttler and Shubman Gill led Gujarat to victory over Lucknow with magnificent half-century innings. The Gujarat team secured their second win of the season and has climbed to the fifth spot on the points table.
Powered by half-centuries from Shubman Gill and Jos Buttler, Gujarat Titans defeated Lucknow Super Giants by seven wickets. Batting first, Lucknow posted a total of 164 runs for the loss of eight wickets in 20 overs. In reply, Gujarat chased down the target, scoring 165 runs for the loss of three wickets in 18.4 overs to seal the victory. For Gujarat, Buttler scored 60 runs and Gill contributed 56 runs. These two batsmen laid the foundation for the win by adding 84 runs for the second wicket.
Gujarat Climbs to Fifth Place
This marks Gujarat’s second victory in the 2026 IPL season. Lucknow had won their previous two matches but suffered a defeat on their home ground. Following this win, the Gujarat Titans have climbed to the fifth position in the points table, while Lucknow has slipped to sixth place. The Rajasthan Royals currently sit at the top of the points table, having won all four of their opening matches.
A Strong Start for Gujarat
Chasing the target, Gill and Sai Sudharsan provided Gujarat with a solid start. The duo added 45 runs for the first wicket. Digvesh Singh Rathore claimed Sudharsan’s wicket just before the conclusion of the Powerplay, bringing an end to this partnership. Sudharsan was dismissed after scoring 15 runs off 14 balls, aided by three fours. Subsequently, Gill took charge of the innings alongside Buttler. Both batsmen tormented the Lucknow bowlers and steered the team close to victory. Gill completed his half-century in 33 balls, and shortly thereafter, Buttler also succeeded in reaching the fifty-run mark. However, Prince Yadav dealt Gujarat their second blow by dismissing Gill, who returned to the pavilion after scoring 56 runs off 40 balls, featuring six fours and a six. A short while later, Mohammed Shami claimed Buttler’s wicket. Buttler was dismissed after scoring 60 runs off 37 balls, studded with 11 fours. Washington Sundar and Rahul Tewatia then guided Gujarat to victory. Washington remained unbeaten on 21 runs off 13 balls—including two fours and a six—while Rahul Tewatia finished on 10 runs. For Lucknow, Mohammed Shami, Prince Yadav, and Digvesh Rathore each claimed one wicket.
Prasidh Krishna Prevents Lucknow from Posting a Big Total
Earlier, the Gujarat Titans won the toss and elected to bowl first. Lucknow’s batting performance was lackluster, with no batsman managing to play a substantial innings. Led by the brilliant performance of fast bowlers Prasidh Krishna and Mohammed Siraj, the Gujarat Titans successfully restricted Lucknow from posting a high total. For the Lucknow Super Giants, Aiden Markram was the top scorer, contributing 30 runs. Apart from him, no other batsman could even reach the 20-run mark. Captain Rishabh Pant (18), Nicholas Pooran (19), Abdul Samad (18), and Mukul Chaudhary (18) all lost their wickets after spending some time at the crease. Prasidh finished with figures of 4 wickets for 28 runs in his four overs. He received good support from Mohammed Siraj (1 wicket for 19 runs in four overs) and Ashok Sharma (2 wickets for 32 runs in four overs). Kagiso Rabada also claimed a wicket, but he conceded 54 runs in four overs. Rashid Khan gave away 25 runs in four overs.
