IPL 2026: Gill, Buttler fifties power GT to 7-wicket win over LSG
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Lucknow: Half-centuries from Shubman Gill and Jos Buttler, along with a standout bowling performance from Prasidh Krishna, powered Gujarat Titans to a comfortable seven-wicket victory over Lucknow Super Giants in their Indian Premier League 2026 clash at the Ekana Stadium on Sunday.
Chasing 165, the Gujarat Titans completed the task with ease, reaching 165/3 in 18.4 overs, built on a dominant second-wicket partnership and a composed finish.
GT made a steady start, with Gill and Sai Sudharsan laying a solid platform. Sudharsan (15) was dismissed early by Digvesh Rathi, but that proved to be the only breakthrough for LSG during the power play, as GT reached 52/1 after six overs.
Gill then took charge of the chase with a fluent knock, combining elegant strokeplay with controlled aggression. He targeted loose deliveries, notably scoring 20 runs off an over from Mohammed Shami to swing momentum in GT’s favour. The skipper brought up his half-century in 34 balls and went on to score 56 off 40 deliveries before being dismissed by Prince Yadav.
At the other end, Buttler accelerated after a cautious start, unleashing a series of boundaries in the middle overs. He was particularly aggressive against Avesh Khan, hitting three consecutive fours in an over. Buttler reached his landmark 100th T20 half-century in 34 balls and finished with a match-defining 60 off 37 balls, including 11 fours.
The pair’s partnership ensured the required rate remained under control, with GT racing to 128/1 by the 14th over, effectively sealing the contest.
Although LSG picked up the wickets of Gill and Buttler in quick succession, the target had already been reduced significantly. Rahul Tewatia (10 not out off 8) and Washington Sundar (21 not out off 13) calmly guided the team home, with Sundar finishing the match in style with a six and boundaries.
Earlier, Gujarat’s bowlers had laid the foundation for victory by restricting Lucknow Super Giants to 164/8.
LSG made a brisk start, reaching 60/2 in the powerplay, with Aiden Markram scoring 30 off 21 balls. However, regular wickets hampered their progress. Nicholas Pooran (19 off 21) and Abdul Samad (18 off 22) struggled to accelerate as GT bowlers maintained pressure.
A late surge from Mukul Choudhary (18), George Linde (16 off 10), and some late hitting from Mohammed Shami pushed LSG past the 160-mark, with 18 runs coming in the final over.
Prasidh Krishna starred with career-best T20 figures of 4/28, claiming key wickets in the middle overs, while Mohammed Siraj and Ashok Sharma also contributed with crucial breakthroughs.
Brief Scores: Lucknow Super Giants 164/8 in 20 overs (Aiden Markram 30, Nicholas Pooran 19; Prasidh Krishna 4/28, Ashok Sharma 2/32) lost to Gujarat Titans 165/3 in 18.4 overs (Jos Buttler 60, Shubman Gill 56; Digvesh Rathi 1/31, Prince Yadav 1/31) by seven wickets.
With IANS inputs