Bengaluru, May 21, 2023 - In a high-stakes clash between Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) and Gujarat Titans (GT), Shubman Gill delivered a breathtaking performance, smashing an unbeaten century to guide GT to a thrilling victory at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium. Gill's sensational knock of 104* (52) overshadowed Virat Kohli's magnificent 101*, resulting in RCB's elimination from the tournament and Mumbai Indians securing a spot in the playoffs.
Opting to chase a target of 192, Gujarat Titans began their innings with a brisk start. However, they lost Wriddhiman Saha in the Powerplay, courtesy of a brilliant one-handed catch by Wayne Parnell at cover-point off Mohammed Siraj's bowling. Vijay Shankar, replacing Yash Dayal, joined Gill at the crease and unleashed a few boundaries to propel GT to 51/1 at the end of the Powerplay.
Gill and Shankar continued to build their partnership, punctuating their innings with occasional boundaries, as GT reached 90/1 at the halfway mark. Gill reached his fifty off just 29 balls and unleashed his attacking prowess by smashing two sixes in an over from Doug Bracewell. However, GT lost Shankar (53 off 35) to a catch by Harshal Patel, followed by Dasun Shanaka's dismissal in quick succession.
With the required run rate mounting, David Miller stepped in and struck a boundary in his very first ball, reducing the equation to 43 runs off 24 balls. Although Vijaykumar Vyshak bowled a tight over, Gill hammered a massive six off Siraj in the next over, keeping GT's hopes alive. However, Siraj dismissed Miller, but Gill responded by hitting another six, bringing the equation down to 19 runs needed off 12 balls.
Gill continued his assault, launching another six off Harshal Patel, accumulating 11 runs in the penultimate over. With 8 runs required off the final over, Wayne Parnell took the ball for RCB. The over got off to a dramatic start with a wide delivery, but Gill successfully reviewed it as a waist-high no ball. Parnell's next delivery was also wide, as RCB unsuccessfully reviewed it. With six runs needed off six balls, Gill sealed the victory in style by smashing a six over long-on, completing his century and clinching the win for GT.
Earlier in the match, GT captain Hardik Pandya won the toss and elected to bowl. RCB's opening pair of Virat Kohli and Faf du Plessis provided a flying start, with du Plessis cracking four boundaries off Shami and Kohli smashing three consecutive fours off Yash Dayal. The duo propelled RCB to an impressive 62/0 at the end of the Powerplay.
Noor Ahmad broke the partnership by dismissing du Plessis (28 off 19), followed by Rashid Khan's dismissal of Glenn Maxwell. Noor Ahmad struck again, claiming the wicket of Mahipal Lomror with a clever stumping. Michael Bracewell injected momentum with three quick fours, and Kohli reached his fifty off 35 balls. However, GT fought back, taking wickets in quick succession, including that of Dinesh Karthik.
Kohli continued his onslaught, hitting boundaries and reaching his second consecutive century with a single in the penultimate over. He remained unbeaten on 101 off 61 balls, while Shivam Rawat provided valuable support with 23* off 15 balls. RCB posted a formidable total of 197/5.
In their pursuit of victory, Gujarat Titans displayed remarkable resilience and exceptional batting prowess, with Shubman Gill leading the charge with his unbeaten century. RCB's journey in the IPL 2023 came to an end, while GT's victory secured a playoff spot for Mumbai Indians. The thrilling encounter at M Chinnaswamy Stadium will be etched in the memories of fans for years to come.