Gujarat Titans clinch first victory after final ball thriller

Gujarat Titans secured their first points of the 2026 season by defeating Delhi Capitals by a solitary run in a finish that defied belief at the Arun Jaitley Stadium. Chasing a formidable target of 211, Delhi appeared set for victory before a series of late-game errors left them agonisingly short of the finish line.

Shubman Gill made a successful return from injury, leading the Titans with a commanding 70 off 45 deliveries. He found ample support in Jos Buttler, who smashed 52, and Washington Sundar, whose aggressive 55 pushed the visitors to 210/4. This venue, known historically for its low bounce, played surprisingly true, allowing batters from both sides to clear the ropes with ease.

Rashid Khan Turns the Tide

Delhi’s response began with authority as KL Rahul regained his touch, punishing the Gujarat attack for a classy 92. Alongside Pathum Nissanka, the skipper added 76 for the first wicket, putting the Capitals in the driver's seat. However, Rashid Khan changed the complexion of the contest by removing Nitish Rana and Sameer Rizvi in consecutive deliveries. His spell of 3/17 acted as the brakes for a chase that was otherwise spiralling out of control.

Final Ball Agony

David Miller, returning after a finger injury, nearly snatched victory with a flurry of sixes in the penultimate over against Mohammed Siraj. Requiring 13 from the final six balls, Miller launched Prasidh Krishna for a 106-meter maximum to bring the equation down to two runs from two balls. In a moment of high tension, the South African refused a single on the fifth ball, opting to finish the game himself. He failed to connect with the final short delivery, resulting in Kuldeep Yadav being run out while attempting a desperate bye.

With Agency Inputs and Image: ANI