Kolkata: Debutant Gujarat Titans defeated Rajasthan Royals in the first qualifier, with David Miller and Hardik Pandya smashing them into the final despite Jos Buttler’s 56-ball 89 on Tuesday at Eden Gardens, Kolkata.
Miller struck three sixes in the first three balls of the final over to secure a seven-wicket win. He and Pandya put up an unbroken 106 to chase down the Royals’ 188-6.
After skipper Sanju Samson’s 47 off 26 balls and England batsman Buttler’s late push of 50 off his final 18 balls, Rajasthan recorded a competitive total.
In response, the Titans fell to 85-3 when Miller and skipper Pandya (40 not out off 27 balls) came together, and the Rajasthan bowlers and fielders began to suffer.
Miller took advantage of the situation, scoring an undefeated 68 from just 38 balls, including five sixes.
3 BACK TO BACK SIXES BY MILLER 💥
GT, SEE U IN THE FINAL 🔥 #GTvsRR #Miller #IPL2022 #IPL #HardikPandya pic.twitter.com/t5xwQerYX7— Amit! (@RYUXZAKI_) May 24, 2022
Royals are still in the tournament despite their loss, as they will play on Friday against either Lucknow Super Giants or Royal Challengers Bangalore.
BRIEF SCORES:
| Rajasthan Royals 188-6: Buttler 89 (56), Samson 47 (26); Pandya 1-14 |
| Gujarat Titans 191-3: Miller 68* (38), Pandya 40* (27) |
