At the halfway mark of Gujarat Titans (GT) innings in a run chase of 244 against Punjab Kings (PBKS), the former had nine wickets in hand, and the asking rate had just touched 13. In the day and age of bang & bang T20 cricket, it was not impossible to hunt the target down. However, GT could not close the match, as PBKS bowlers held their nerves and got the team over the line by 11 runs. GT missed the trick in the first 10 overs by not sending Buttler at the top alongside Gill.
In pursuit of 244, GT rather started sedately and were watchful for first two overs. Captain Gill started attacking from the third over and got to a brisk (33) runs before off-spinner Glenn Maxwell struck in the power play. Buttler walked in at three but failed to get going from the ball one itself like he usually does when he opens the innings. In the Buttler-Sudarshan second wicket stand, it was the latter who took the majority of risks.
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The southpaw started taking more risks after the power play and targeted GT spinner Chahal and all-rounder Marcus Stoinis. However, just when the opener was looking good to play a big innings, he was dismissed for (74). Sherfane Rutherford walked in at number three as an impact sub and smashed a few sixes, but he could not get going against Vyshak, who was simply outstanding at the death.
PBKS impact player Vijaykumar Vyashak makes a big 'Impact'
PBKS impact sub-Vyashak proved to be a real game changer for PBKS. The former RCB pacer bowled all the tough overs from 15, and proved difficult to get going. Vyashak continuously kept bowling wide yorkers and did not offer length balls to Rutherford and Buttler. The former in particular struggled against Vyashak.
Also, in the last few overs, Buttler could not get the strike as he would have liked, and that hampered GT's innings. Although the former England captain scored (54) runs he failed to get his the team over the line.
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