Last Updated: April 17, 2026 11:37 PM
In Match 25 of IPL 2026, the Gujarat Titans put up a magnificent performance to defeat the Kolkata Knight Riders by 5 wickets.
Played at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, this contest saw KKR bat first and post a total of 180 runs; however, GT successfully chased down this target in 19.4 overs.
The match once again highlighted the dominance of the run chase, with GT’s batsmen displaying remarkable confidence.
KKR’s Innings: A Poor Start, Green Saves the Day
Having won the toss and elected to bat first, KKR got off to an extremely poor start. Captain Ajinkya Rahane was dismissed within the very first few deliveries, placing the team under immediate pressure.
Tim Seifert and Angkrish Raghuvanshi also failed to last long at the crease, resulting in KKR losing wickets in quick succession.
In this difficult situation, Cameron Green stepped up to take charge and played a magnificent innings.
He scored 79 runs off 55 balls, an innings studded with 7 fours and 4 sixes. His batting displayed a perfect blend of both composure and aggression.
Rovman Powell played a crucial cameo of 27 runs, while Ramandeep Singh provided a late surge by scoring 17 runs off just 8 balls.
However, batsmen like Rinku Singh and Sunil Narine failed to make a significant impact.
GT’s bowling attack remained well-balanced throughout the innings. Kagiso Rabada dealt a major blow to KKR by claiming 3 wickets, while Mohammed Siraj also chipped in with 2 wickets.
During the middle overs, Ashok Sharma took key wickets to stifle the flow of runs. The entire KKR team was eventually bowled out for 180 runs in their allotted 20 overs.
Gill’s Captain’s Knock: GT Flexes Its Muscles
Setting out to chase a target of 181 runs, the Gujarat Titans got off to a steady start. Sai Sudharsan provided early stability to the team by scoring 22 runs.
Subsequently, Captain Shubman Gill took command of the innings and dominated the match from start to finish.
Gill scored 86 runs off 50 balls, an innings featuring 8 fours and 4 sixes. His batting clearly showcased both class and control. Anchoring the innings, he played big shots at just the right moments.
Jos Buttler also played a brisk cameo of 25 runs, helping to maintain the required run rate.
Although the quick dismissals of Washington Sundar and Glenn Phillips in the middle overs certainly heightened the tension, Gill’s innings ensured the match remained firmly in GT’s favor.
Rahul Tewatia Finishes the Job
The final overs of the match witnessed some drama as wickets fell in quick succession; however, Rahul Tewatia played with a cool head, steering the team closer to victory. Remaining unbeaten on 7 runs, he guided the team across the finish line.
Shahrukh Khan also provided him support at the end, contributing 3 runs. GT successfully chased down the target, scoring 181 runs in 19.4 overs to win the match by 5 wickets.
In the KKR bowling attack, Varun Chakaravarthy claimed 2 wickets, while Sunil Narine and Vaibhav Arora took one wicket each. However, the team ultimately failed to successfully defend their total.
With this victory, the Gujarat Titans have further solidified their strong position in IPL 2026, while the Kolkata Knight Riders have highlighted the need to rework their bowling unit and top order.
