‘Salam thok, sar jhuka’- Twitter ecstatic as Rajasthan Royals blow title holders Gujarat Titans away on back of Shimron Hetmyer’s sensational fifty

The 23rd game of IPL 2023 witnessed an enthralling contest between Gujarat Titans and Rajasthan Royals at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad. The Royals won the toss and opted to bowl first, as Trent Boult struck early to dismiss Wriddhiman Saha in the first over. In the fifth over, the Titans suffered another setback as Sai Sudharsan was run out, despite a dropped catch.

However, Shubman Gill and skipper Hardik Pandya steadied the ship, adding 59 runs for the third wicket. But both were unable to convert their starts into big scores. David Miller (46) and Abhinav Manohar (27) made valuable contributions as the Titans posted a respectable total of 177/7.

The Royals’ chase got off to a terrible start, as they lost two quick wickets, including the in-form Jos Buttler. However, skipper Sanju Samson and Devdutt Padikkal formed a steady partnership of 43 runs for the third wicket. But Padikkal’s dismissal to Rashid Khan put the Royals under pressure, with the required run rate creeping up. Riyan Parag’s poor form with the bat continued as he was dismissed cheaply. However, Samson and Shimron Hetmyer came to the fore, putting together a crucial partnership of 59 runs for the fifth wicket.

Hetmyer, who had registered two golden ducks in the previous games, smashed a brilliant 32-ball 60, which included six sixes and three fours, before getting out. Jurel and Ashwin played important cameos, while Hetmyer remained unbeaten on 56, to guide the Royals to their first-ever win against the Titans, completing a remarkable three-wicket win.

The Titans bowlers struggled to contain the Royals’ lower order, as they leaked runs at crucial junctures. Sandeep Sharma was the pick of the bowlers for the Titans, taking two wickets. However, the Titans would rue their missed opportunities, as they let the Royals off the hook, allowing them to chase down the target with ease.

The Royals, on the other hand, would be delighted with their performance, especially Hetmyer and Samson, who played crucial roles in the victory. Overall, it was an entertaining contest that went down to the wire, with the Royals emerging victorious.

Here’s how Twitter reacted to RR’s win against GT: