Yesterday Match Results: RCB, GT dominate Sunday showdowns as IPL heats up

NEW DELHI: It was a Sunday of commanding performances in the Indian Premier League as Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Gujarat Titans registered emphatic wins in their respective clashes, delivering a double-header packed with runs, records and momentum shifts.

At the Wankhede Stadium, Phil Salt and Virat Kohli laid the perfect platform for Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s 18-run victory over Mumbai Indians.

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Salt smashed a blistering 78 off 36 balls, peppering the boundary with six fours and six sixes, while Kohli anchored the innings with a composed 50. The duo stitched together a 120-run opening stand that set the tone for RCB’s imposing total of 240/4.

Skipper Rajat Patidar then took the attack to another level, hammering 53 off just 20 balls, including a 17-ball fifty. Tim David added late fireworks with an unbeaten 34.

MI’s chase never quite found sustained momentum. Ryan Rickelton’s 37 provided an early spark, but the innings suffered a blow when Rohit Sharma retired hurt with a hamstring issue.

RCB tightened their grip through Suyash Sharma, who removed Rickelton and Tilak Varma in a crucial over. A brief fightback from Suryakumar Yadav (33) and Hardik Pandya (40) wasn’t enough as Mumbai fell to 222/5, despite a late unbeaten 71 from Sherfane Rutherford.

Buttler, Gill lead Gujarat Titans charge

In the day game, Jos Buttler continued his return to form, guiding Gujarat Titans to a comfortable seven-wicket win over Lucknow Super Giants at the Ekana Cricket Stadium.

Buttler struck 60 off 37 balls, laced with 11 boundaries, and shared an 84-run partnership with skipper Shubman Gill, who made 56. The duo ensured Gujarat chased down 165 with ease, finishing the job in 18.4 overs.

Reflecting on his form, Buttler admitted, “Been through a lean patch last couple of months but nice to get some good games… I’ve played for 15 years and I know what to do when I get in.”

Earlier, pace spearhead Prasidh Krishna starred with career-best T20 figures of 4/28 to restrict Lucknow to 164/8, with Aiden Markram top-scoring with 30.

After two back-to-back double headers over the weekend, the action now shifts to Hyderabad, where Sunrisers Hyderabad host table-toppers Rajasthan Royals at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium on Monday.