Gujarat Titans Triumph Over Hyderabad by 7 Wickets in Dominant IPL Win
Gujarat Titans maintained their strong run in the 2025 Indian Premier League with a confident seven-wicket win over Sunrisers Hyderabad on Sunday, courtesy of a judiciously-paced undefeated half-century from captain Shubman Gill and a fireworks-filled cameo by Sherfane Rutherford.
Pursuing a modest target of 153, Gujarat reached 153-3 with 20 balls remaining. Gill, yet to score a fifty this season, got into form at the appropriate time, scoring a clinical 61 not out off 43 balls, studded with nine classy boundaries. His partnership with spin all-rounder Washington Sundar was vital as the pair combined to add 90 runs for the third wicket to steer the match towards their side.
Earlier, Sunrisers Hyderabad were disappointed once again by their patchy batting. Losing the toss and being asked to bat, they could score just 152-8 in their 20 overs. Mohammed Siraj was Gujarat's star bowler with an excellent spell of 4-17. Hyderabad's top order failed against the new ball, with Travis Head getting out for 8 and Abhishek Sharma scoring only 18.
Although there was a short respite through a 50-run fourth-wicket partnership by Nitish Reddy (31 from 34) and Heinrich Klaasen (27), the innings never took off. The season's most expensive overseas buy Klaasen, once again, failed to capitalise on his start and is still awaiting a half-century in five games. Sai Kishore bowled economically, taking 2-24 and accumulating pressure during the middle overs, and Rashid Khan remained wicketless.
Skipper Pat Cummins chipped in with a six-ball 22 not out off nine balls towards the end, scoring three boundaries and a six, which enabled Hyderabad to reach the 150-run mark. Nevertheless, it was apparent that they were at least 20 runs short on a batting pitch.
Gujarat responded with a shaky beginning. Mohammed Shami sent Sai Sudharsan back early for just five, and Pat Cummins dealt a big blow by sending the big-hitting Jos Buttler back for a duck. But the initial pressure was soaked beautifully by Gill and Sundar.
At No. 4, Sundar played the attacking role, striking 49 off 29 balls with five fours and two sixes. He was poised for a half-century before being dismissed by Shami in the 14th over. His fall, though, saw Sherfane Rutherford join him, and he ensured that there were no late jitters.
The West Indies all-rounder struck a blistering 35 not out off 16 balls, hitting six boundaries and a six to lead Gujarat home with ease. Gill completed his fifty in 36 balls and took his team to the end.
With this third successive victory, Gujarat Titans ascended to second position in the table, but Sunrisers Hyderabad were still struggling and reduced to bottom position after their fourth consecutive defeat.
In the meantime, Sunday's doubleheader schedule was changed following a police request on account of religious celebrations in Kolkata. The match of Kolkata Knight Riders vs Lucknow SuperGiants has been rescheduled for Tuesday, which will become a doubleheader, with Punjab Kings playing Chennai Super Kings in the evening.
