Gujarat Titans' Top Order Dominance Continues
Gujarat Titans (GT) secured their position near the top of the 2025 Indian Premier League standings with a convincing 38-run victory over Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in Ahmedabad on Friday, May 2nd. Continuing with their successful formula, Gujarat's formidable top-order batsmen laid the foundation for a substantial total, which their bowlers defended effectively, pushing Sunrisers Hyderabad closer to elimination from playoff contention.
Titans built a Strong Total
Despite Sunrisers Hyderabad's bowlers struggling for early control on a black-soil pitch, Gujarat Titans adhered to their measured approach in the initial overs before capitalising significantly. Openers Shubman Gill and B Sai Sudharsan once again provided a superb start, adding 87 runs. Gill went on to score an impressive 76 off 38 balls, while Sudharsan contributed a quick 48 off 23 balls, reclaiming the Orange Cap as the tournament's leading run-scorer (504 runs). Following their dismissals, Jos Buttler anchored the latter stages with a well-compiled 64 off 37 balls. These contributions from the top three, who collectively scored 188 runs, propelled GT to a formidable total of 224 for 6. Jaydev Unadkat was the most successful bowler for SRH, claiming three wickets in the final over.
Hyderabad Chase Led by Abhishek Sharma
Sunrisers Hyderabad's chase of 225 began with intent, particularly from opener Abhishek Sharma. He played a valiant innings, scoring 74 off 41 balls to keep SRH in the contest during the initial and middle phases. However, he lacked substantial support from the other end as wickets fell at regular intervals. Travis Head was dismissed early by Prasidh Krishna after a stunning catch by Rashid Khan.
Disciplined Bowling by GT
Gujarat Titans' bowlers maintained control for large parts of the chase. Prasidh Krishna was particularly outstanding, delivering an economical spell of 2 for 19 in his four overs. His performance, which included the key wickets of Head and Heinrich Klaasen (23), saw him reclaim the Purple Cap as the leading wicket-taker in the tournament with 19 scalps. Mohammed Siraj also contributed with two wickets (2/33). Despite Abhishek Sharma's efforts and some late hitting, SRH were restricted to 186 for 6.
Gujarat Consolidates their Position
This victory lifts Gujarat Titans to second place on the points table, level with leaders Mumbai Indians and third-placed Royal Challengers Bengaluru on 14 points, though GT has played one game fewer than MI. For Sunrisers Hyderabad, this seventh loss in ten matches leaves their playoff qualification hopes hanging by the thinnest of threads, likely requiring victories in all remaining games.
