Arshad Khan's 3/22 Leads Gujarat Titans to Four-Wicket Win Over Royal Challengers Bengaluru

Key facts

• Arshad Khan took 3 wickets for 22 runs, the best bowling figures for Gujarat Titans.
• Gujarat Titans won by four wickets, chasing down Royal Challengers Bengaluru's 155 all out.
• Virat Kohli hit five fours in the second over before being dismissed by Kagiso Rabada.
• Devdutt Padikkal top-scored for Bengaluru with 40 runs.
• Jason Holder took three catches and two wickets, named player of the match.
• Shubman Gill scored 43 runs off 27 balls, including three fours and two sixes in one over.
• Jos Buttler hit a hat-trick of sixes in his 39-run knock.
• Bhuvneshwar Kumar took 3 wickets, including Buttler, reaching 17 wickets for the season.

Gujarat Titans Triumph in Ahmedabad

Gujarat Titans secured a four-wicket victory over defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Thursday. Left-arm pacer Arshad Khan was the standout bowler, taking three wickets for 22 runs, while skipper Shubman Gill and Jos Buttler provided crucial cameos with the bat. The win extends Gujarat's strong record in chases, as all seven previous IPL meetings between the sides had been won by the chasing team.

Bengaluru's Innings Collapses After Strong Start

Royal Challengers Bengaluru were put in to bat first by Gill, who had no hesitation given the chasing trend. Virat Kohli smashed Kagiso Rabada for five fours in the second over before falling to the same bowler soon after. Bengaluru slumped from 79 for two to 155 all out, with Devdutt Padikkal top-scoring with a fluent 40. Arshad Khan received excellent support from Afghan spinner Rashid Khan, while Jason Holder took three catches and two wickets, triggering a middle-order collapse that forced Bengaluru to use Venkatesh Iyer as an impact substitute.

Holder's All-Round Performance Earns Player of the Match

Holder's flawless first half included three catches and the wickets of Jitesh Sharma and Romario Shepherd. 'It was one of those nights when the ball kept following me,' Holder said. 'The energy was quite high. I am just happy to hold on to the chances and happy to help the team win.' His efforts were pivotal in restricting Bengaluru to a modest total.

Gill and Buttler Power Chase Despite Middle-Order Wobble

Chasing 156, Gill tore into Josh Hazlewood, hitting three fours and two sixes in the second over to give Gujarat a strong start. Bhuvneshwar Kumar struck back, dismissing Sudharsan and Gill after his sparkling 43. Buttler kept up the momentum with a hat-trick of sixes in his 39-run knock before Bhuvneshwar yorked him for his 17th wicket of the season. With the top three back in the hut, Gujarat made heavy weather of the chase.

Shepherd's Late Strikes Spark Excitement but Fall Short

Romario Shepherd, bowling extended overs due to Bengaluru's lack of a specialist third seamer after using Venkatesh Iyer, dismissed Shahrukh Khan and Washington Sundar in three deliveries. However, the rapid scoring by Gill and Buttler meant Gujarat faced no run-rate pressure, and they eventually crossed the line with four wickets in hand.

Implications for Both Teams

The victory boosts Gujarat Titans' position in the IPL standings, while Royal Challengers Bengaluru will rue their batting collapse and the tactical decision to use an impact substitute that left them a seamer short. Bhuvneshwar Kumar's consistent wicket-taking remains a bright spot for Bengaluru, but the team's reliance on a few bowlers was exposed.

The bottom line

• Arshad Khan's 3/22 was the best bowling performance for Gujarat Titans, earning him recognition as a key player.
• Gujarat Titans have now won all eight IPL matches against Royal Challengers Bengaluru when chasing.
• Virat Kohli's aggressive start ended quickly, contributing to Bengaluru's middle-order collapse.
• Jason Holder's all-round display (three catches, two wickets) was decisive in restricting Bengaluru.
• Bhuvneshwar Kumar took his 17th wicket of the season, but Bengaluru's lack of bowling depth hurt them.
• Gujarat's top order, led by Gill and Buttler, provided a strong foundation despite a late wobble.