DHARAMSALA : Royal Challengers Bengaluru booked their place in the Indian Premier League final with a dominant 92-run victory over Gujarat Titans in qualifier one on Monday, powered by captain Rajat Patidar’s explosive unbeaten 93.
Defending champions Bengaluru posted a formidable 254 before bowling Gujarat out for 162 in 19.3 overs, successfully defending the highest target in IPL playoff history.
After being asked to bat, Bengaluru raced to 76-1 in the powerplay at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium. Patidar and Krunal Pandya then took control with aggressive strokeplay as Gujarat struggled in the field.
Gujarat captain Shubman Gill admitted poor fielding hurt his side.
“I don’t think our fielding was at par,” Gill said after the match.
Pacer Jason Holder briefly slowed Bengaluru by dismissing Virat Kohli and Devdutt Padikkal in the same over, but Patidar counterattacked to devastating effect.
Dropped on 20, Patidar smashed five fours and nine sixes in his 33-ball innings.
Gujarat’s chase never recovered after collapsing to 51-5 inside the powerplay. Rahul Tewatia top-scored with 68, while Jacob Duffy claimed 3-39.
Bengaluru will play Sunday’s final in Ahmedabad, while Gujarat get another chance in Friday’s second qualifier in Chandigarh.
