On May 3, 2022, the IPL match between the Gujarat Titans and the Punjab Kings took place at the DY Patil Stadium, where Punjab Kings emerged victorious by 8 wickets.
Batting first, the Gujarat Titans struggled to build momentum and posted a total of 143 runs for the loss of 8 wickets in their allotted 20 overs. Wriddhiman Saha was the standout performer for the Titans, scoring 21 runs off 18 balls with the help of 3 fours and 1 six. However, it was Sai Sudharsan who stole the limelight, crafting a solid innings of 65 runs off 94 balls, anchoring the innings despite losing wickets at the other end. The support from the lower order was minimal, as Hardik Pandya and David Miller managed just 1 and 11 runs respectively, while the other batsmen could only contribute modestly. Kagiso Rabada was the chief destroyer for the Punjab Kings' bowling attack, claiming 4 wickets for 33 runs in his 4 overs, effectively reducing the Titans to a below-par total.
Chasing 144 runs, the Punjab Kings started their innings steadily, focusing on building partnerships. Shikhar Dhawan was the cornerstone of their batting line-up, scoring a commendable 62 runs not out off 88 balls, adorned with 8 fours and 1 six. Bhanuka Rajapaksa provided a solid start as he contributed 40 off 52 balls. Liam Livingstone then added some quick runs to ensure the game finished before the end of the 16th over, scoring 30 runs off only 25 balls, with explosive striking evident in his innings.
Punjab Kings chased down the target in just 16 overs with a final score of 145/2. This impressive performance highlighted their batting depth and showcased their effective bowling strategies led by Rabada. The Gujarat Titans will need to regroup and reassess their tactics as the league progresses, while Punjab Kings will look to build on this momentum in their subsequent matches.