Gujarat Titans spinner Rashid Khan took 18 wickets in IPL 2022© BCCI/IPL
Hardik Pandya and his Gujarat Titans team produced a bowling masterclass in the IPL 2022 final to narrow Rajasthan Royals to a below par total of 130/9 at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. Rajasthan Royals captain Sanju Samson decided to bat after winning the toss but the decision didn’t work in their favor as Gujarat, led up front by Hardik’s fine spell of 3/17, tightened the screws on the Royals and never allowed them to get away.
Jos Buttler fought a solitary battle, but once he was sent back by Hardik for 39, there wasn’t much left in the remaining batters of the Royals.
Afghan spin wizard Rashid Khan was once again at his best when he cast a miserly spell of 1/18 in 4 overs to take the all-important wicket from Devdutt Padikkal.
Rashid finished the season with 19 wickets, one less than Mohammed Shami, who took 20 scalps to become Gujarat’s highest wicket taker this season.
During the innings break, Rashid talked about the plan the Titans had.
promoted
“The wicket was pretty good for bowling, we threw the right areas, which was always important. I knew the wicket helped me and just threw the right areas. I don’t have too many plans, just keep it simple for him ( Buttler), if he goes after me, I’m more likely to get his wicket.
“We just wanted to be tight and pressure him (on the game plan). I wanted to reduce my height and I wanted to adjust my height on this wicket. There was enough spin for me, that helped me get wickets and helped the team in the center overs it’s a simple game just focus on your own skills don’t worry about things you can’t control this is my first time playing in front of such a big crowd we didnt want to think it the finale was, just keep it simple (was the mantra),” Rashid said.
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