Daijiworld Media Network - Ahmedabad

Ahmedabad, Apr 18: Shubman Gill’s elegant 86 guided Gujarat Titans to a comfortable five-wicket victory over Kolkata Knight Riders in IPL 2026 on Friday, after a fiery new-ball spell from Kagiso Rabada and Mohammed Siraj set up the win.

Rabada (3/29) and Siraj (2/23) dismantled the KKR top order with disciplined pace and movement, reducing them to 37 for 3 inside the powerplay. The early collapse left KKR struggling to recover throughout the innings.

Despite the damage, Cameron Green fought a lone battle with a determined 79 off 55 balls, his most impactful knock of the season. He shared useful partnerships with Rovman Powell and Anukul Roy, but regular wickets at the other end halted any sustained recovery. Green, who was dropped on 62, eventually fell in the final over to Rashid Khan.

Chasing the target, Gujarat Titans took early control with Gill leading from the front. He struck three boundaries and a six in the first three overs, setting the tone with fluent strokeplay and crisp timing.

Gill paced his innings brilliantly, finishing with 86 runs that included eight fours and four sixes, keeping GT ahead despite occasional setbacks.

Sai Sudharsan provided steady support, while Jos Buttler added quick runs with an aggressive cameo featuring a boundary and a six soon after arriving at the crease.

Although KKR managed to pick up wickets in the middle overs, they failed to build pressure as GT’s batting depth ensured a smooth chase.

Earlier, KKR’s innings got off to a disastrous start with Ajinkya Rahane dismissed for a golden duck by Siraj. Rabada further dented the innings with key strikes, including the dismissals of Angkrish Raghuvanshi and Tim Seifert, as KKR slumped early and never recovered.

With the win, Gujarat Titans moved up to fourth place in the points table, while Kolkata Knight Riders remain bottom after another defeat.