Dharamshala, 27 May (H.S.): Royal Challengers Bengaluru delivered a dominant performance to secure a place in the Indian Premier League (IPL) final for the second consecutive season. In the Qualifier-1 clash, Bengaluru defeated Gujarat Titans by a massive margin of 92 runs to book their spot in the title clash.

After losing the toss and being asked to bat first, Bengaluru posted a formidable total of 254 for five in their allotted 20 overs. Captain Rajat Patidar led from the front with a blistering unbeaten knock of 93 runs off just 33 balls. His innings included nine sixes and five boundaries. Virat Kohli and Krunal Pandya also made valuable contributions of 43 runs each.

For Gujarat, Kagiso Rabada and Jason Holder claimed two wickets apiece, but failed to prevent Bengaluru from posting a mammoth total.

Chasing the daunting target, Gujarat Titans appeared under pressure from the outset and were bowled out for 162 runs in 19.3 overs. Bengaluru’s bowlers struck at regular intervals, completely dominating the contest and turning it into a one-sided affair.

With this victory, Bengaluru also registered another record in IPL history. The team posted the highest total ever in an IPL playoff or knockout match. The previous record belonged to Gujarat Titans, who had scored 233 runs against Mumbai in Qualifier-2 of the 2023 season.

Gujarat, however, will still have another opportunity to reach the final. The team will face the winner of the Eliminator in Qualifier-2, while the Eliminator match between Sunrisers Hyderabad and Rajasthan Royals is scheduled to be played on Wednesday.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar