Gujarat Titans first to reach play off stage

Pune, May 10: Rashid Khan ran through Lucknow Super Giants, helping Gujarat Titans register a 62-run win in an IPL match here at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium on Tuesday. The leg-spinner returned with the figures of 4/24 in 3.5 overs, which bundled out Super Giants for 82 inside 14 overs while chasing the 145-run target. Rashid was ably supported by Sai Kishore (2/7) and Yash Dayal (2/24). Super Giants suffered an early blow, thanks to Dayal who on his return dismissed Quinton de Kock for 11. On a full ball, the South African looked to drive but gave a low catch at cover point. The big moment for Titans came soon as Mohammed Shami’s short ball fetched him the crucial wicket of skipper KL Rahul (8). The experienced fast bowler conceded only five runs and took one wicket in his three overs for the day. Following the dismissal of Rahul, Super Giants collapsed as Rashid and Sai rattled the middle and lower order. Super Giants made the mockery of a moderate-run chase with their suicidal double, which resulted in the departure of Marcus Stoinis (2). The last hope Deepak Hooda, who top-scored with 27, fell to Rashid in the 14th over and the team folded. Earlier, Shubman Gill batted through 20 overs to help Titans reach 144/4 after opting to bat. While Super Giants strangled Titans in the middle overs, Gill single-handedly fought to remain unbeaten on 63 off 49. Mohsin Khan got an early breakthrough for Super Giants as he dismissed Wriddhiman Saha cheaply for five. On a cutter, Saha looked to go leg side but the ball hit the top half of his willow and Avesh Khan, stationed at mid on, ran in to reduce Titans to 8/1. Avesh (2/26) then removed Matthew Wade (10) and Hardik Pandya (11) in quick succession to ensure Titans remain on the backfoot in the middle overs. On a slightly wide outside off, Wade tried to paddle towards fine leg but gave a catch into the hands of the keeper. And Titans skipper Pandya got an edge and keeper once again completed the formalities. After first 10 overs, Titans were able to post only 59/3 on board. David Miller (26) joined Gill in the middle but just when the South African tried to change his gears, Jason Holder dismissed him. On a short and slower ball, Miller slashed straight to deep third man. Super Giants messed up a little towards the end, with Holder (1/41) leaking most of the runs. The incoming Rahul Tewatia (22 not out off 16) smashed Holder for three boundaries in the final over. (UNI)