Match Recap: GT’s Batting Oven Roasts DC’s Hopes
Gujarat Titans (GT) pulled off a record-breaking chase of 204 against Delhi Capitals (DC), thanks to Jos Buttler’s sweltering 97* (54 balls) and Sherfane Rutherford’s fiery 43 (34). The win propelled GT to the top of the IPL 2025 table, while DC’s bowlers melted faster than ice cream in the 40°C heat. Final score: GT 204/3 (19.2 overs) def. DC 203/8 (20 overs).
Key Moments: When DC’s “Starc Power” Fizzled
Buttler’s Heatwave Heroics:
Battling cramps after keeping wickets for 20 overs, Buttler smashed 11 fours and 4 sixes. His 20-run assault on Mitchell Starc’s 15th over (including five boundaries) left DC’s $3 million Aussie star questioning his life choices.
Starc’s economy (14.75) was higher than Ahmedabad’s temperature. Who needs dew when you’ve got Buttler sweat?
Tewatia’s Last-Over Heist:
Needing 10 off the final over, Rahul Tewatia (7* off 2) slog-swept Starc for a six and a four, sealing the game with four balls to spare. DC’s “death bowling”? More like death by embarrassment.
DC’s Batting: All Spark, No Fireworks:
DC’s top order (KL Rahul 28 off 14, Karun Nair 31 off 18) started strong but collapsed like a house of cards. Axar Patel (39 off 32) and Ashutosh Sharma (37 off 19) tried salvaging the innings, but Prasidh Krishna’s 4/41 (including two wickets in two balls) turned the tide.
DC’s middle order played like they had a flight to catch—early.
Tactical Breakdown
Pitch Report: A “belter” with an average first-innings score of 219. GT’s Shubman Gill won the toss and chose to bowl, a move that initially backfired as DC raced to 73/2 in the powerplay. But Prasidh Krishna’s yorkers and Rashid Khan’s frugal spin (2/27) restricted DC to a below-par 203.
GT’s Calculated Chaos: Buttler and Rutherford’s 119-run partnership (68 balls) was a masterclass in pacing. They rotated strike like pros and targeted DC’s weaker bowlers—cough Mohit Sharma cough.
DC’s Fielding Fiasco: Dropped catches (including Rashid Khan spilling Axar Patel) and lethargic ground fielding cost DC dearly. Axar later admitted, “We were 10–15 runs short” – a line DC fans have memorized by now.
Player of the Match: Jos “The Heatwave” Buttler
Stats: 97* (54), 11 fours, 4 sixes, 179.62 strike rate.
Spicy Take: Buttler’s innings was so hot, even the Ahmedabad sun took notes. Bonus points for outscoring DC’s entire middle order while cramping.
Impact on Standings
GT: Topped the table with 10 points (5 wins in 7 games). Buttler (315 runs) and Prasidh (14 wickets) now lead the Orange and Purple Cap races.
DC: Slid to second place. Mitchell Starc’s “Super Over hero” tag expired faster than a milk carton in the desert.
Funniest Moments
Ishant Sharma’s Heat Meltdown: The 36-year-old pacer looked like he’d run a marathon between overs. DC’s physio earned his paycheck.
Buttler’s Near-Century: Stranded on 97*, Buttler’s face said, “I’ll take the win… but really?”.
Conclusion: GT’s Recipe for Success – Just Add Buttler
Gujarat Titans proved that chasing 200+ is just another day at the office when you have a world-class opener and DC’s bowling. For Delhi, the loss was a harsh reminder that even $3 million pace attacks can’t buy composure. Next up: DC fans therapy sessions, GT fans title hype.
Final Score:
DC: 203/8 (20 overs) | GT: 204/3 (19.2 overs)
Player of the Match: Jos Buttler (97* off 54) – The only thing hotter than his bat was the weather.