GT vs RR Highlights, IPL 2022 Qualifier 1: Gujarat Titans beat Rajasthan Royals by 7 wickets to enter final

David Miller hit three effortless sixes which looked like action replays as Gujarat Titans, under their inspirational skipper Hardik Pandya, made a mockery of all the odds to reach the final of IPL-15 with a seven-wicket win over Rajasthan Royals on Tuesday. On a track that was two-paced, Royals rode on Jos Buttler's 56-ball-89 to post 188 for six in 20 overs, which seemed like a winning total considering the pressure of the occasion. But Pandya (40 no off 27 balls) and Miller (68 off 38 balls) added 101 runs in exactly 10 overs to seal the deal with three balls to spare.

Earlier in the game, Rajasthan managed to put a big score courtesy of a fantastic knock by Buttler. The Rajasthan skipper, Samson was the one who provided the momentum and overall, Rajasthan had an upper hand going into the innings break. For Gujarat, apart from Rashid Khan, all the bowlers were expensive but the Rajasthan bowlers too could not keep the scoring rate under check and in the end, Gujarat inched ahead by winning those crucial moments in a tight game.

Gujarat are heading to their capital - AHMEDABAD, for the FINAL OF THE INDIAN T20 LEAGUE, 2022. What a season this has been for them. What a fairytale this has been, not many people gave them the chance at the start of the season but their performance has proved once again that this is a team game and if you click as a unit, it is very hard to stop you. Rajasthan, on the other hand, should keep their heads high. They were in the match right till the end and were probably the more fancied team going into the final over but it was just the 'Killer Miller' magic that took the game away from them. They have yet another chance to bounce back and they have played good cricket so far and would be looking to end on the right side of the result in Qualifier 2.

This was yet another one of those classic Gujarat chases that we have been so used to seeing this season. The target was a big one and the stakes were high but they have nailed some fantastic chases this season and this is another one of those. They lost Saha in the first over but Gill and Wade kept the momentum on their side as they found boundaries at regular intervals in the Powerplay. However, Gill got run out in the 8th over in an unfortunate manner and Wade followed soon. The best thing about this chase was the required rate never got out of the hands as Miller and Pandya planned it superbly. The second-last over though brought the equation to 16 off 6 but Miller, as cool as ever, finished the chase with three towering sixes.

Right then, that is all we have from this cracker of a game. Just the start we needed to the playoff stage and it is time to move ahead for the knockout game now. Yes, Eliminator is coming your way on Wednesday, May 25 from Eden Gardens and the two teams locking horns will be Lucknow and Bangalore. Let’s hope for another thriller and that game will start at 7.30 pm IST ( 2 pm GMT). Our coverage, as you know, will start well in advance. So do join us for the same. Till then, goodbye and cheers!

David Miller is the Player of the Match for his incredible 68* off just 38 balls. Regarding what has changed for him this season, the South African replies that he has got opportunities and a good role in the team, and that's the reason for his success. He is enjoying his role and is understanding his game a little better. Further says that he wants to keep everything closer to his game plan. Tells that he just backed himself and went for the big shots. Adds that he has played for different teams and knew a few players already in Gujarat. Shares that the first win that they had was close, and that brought them together. On his plans for the final over, Miller says that you need to control what you can and cannot think too much ahead. Further says that if it's in your area, you have to capitalize as it's all about taking all your opportunities.

Hardik Pandya, the victorious captain of Gujarat, says that he has started to balance things in his life. Adds that it's been difficult for him to manage his body, the bubble life, and his family has played a big role in making him a better cricketer. Tells that he is trying to be neutral at this moment and is really proud of all the boys. Shares that if you have good people around you, you tend to get good things. Further says that all the boys are backing each other, and that's the reason they have reached this stage. Mentions that it's all about respecting the game, he is proud of Miller and during the chase, they wanted to finish the game and not leave it for the others. Regarding batting at number 4, Hardik replies that it all depends on what his team wants from him. Tells that they appreciate all the knocks, no matter how small or big, and signs off by saying that winning the trophy is a dream.

Time for the Presentation...

Shubman Gill (35 off 21 balls) comes up for a chat. The Gujarat opener says that Kolkata has always been nice to him and fortunately, he has ended on the winning side. Adds that batting at Eden Gardens is an opportunity you look forward to. Tells that they got off to a great start in the Powerplay. Shares that they expected the pitch to be a belter but it surprised them. Informs that the spinners were getting a little bit of grip. Further says that it's exciting, the team is new but the way they have come together is amazing. Regarding any pressure on him after Gujarat picked him in the draft, Gill replies that there wasn't any added pressure on him as they retained him on his past performance.

Sanju Samson, the captain of Rajasthan, says that they felt really good after putting in that kind of a total, as the wicket was sticky. Feels that they batted really well. Adds that it was a bit two-paced and the bounce was also uneven. Calls it a tough wicket to bat on, and feels that it was a great performance from their batters. Mentions that their 5-bowler strategy has worked so far and opines that the wicket got a bit easier in the second innings. Wants his team to come back stronger. Tells that they played well in this match as well but a few overs didn't go their way. Hopes for a good result in the next game.

Time for some interviews!

* Highest targets successfully chased in IPL Play Offs/Knockouts: 200 KKR vs PBKS Bengaluru 2014 | 191 KKR vs CSK Chennai 2012 | 189 GT vs RR Kolkata 2022*

David Miller, you beauty! He has pulled off another heist for Gujarat! Wow! What a finish and what a game to start the playoffs. We have seen some tremendous chases this season and this one is right up there!

It's all over! Gujarat Titans (191/3 in 19.3 overs) beat Rajasthan Royals (188/6) by 7 wickets to enter final

6,6,6 - Wow! What a finish. Needing 16 off 6 balls, David Miller (68* off 38) completed the chase in style, smacking three successive sixes off Prasidh Krishna in the final over. Debutant Gujarat Titans stormed into their maiden IPL final with this comprehensive 7-wicket victory over Rajasthan Royals. The Royals will now play the winners of the Eliminator between Lucknow Super Giants and Royal Challengers Bangalore tomorrow in the Qualifier 2 to book a spot in the summit clash with the Titans.

Prasidh Krishna to David Miller, SIX! David Miller, take a bow! GUJARAT ARE IN THE FINAL! Pandya hugs Miller, the other Gujarat players join them. What a moment! Hardik isn't showing much emotion. Coming to the delivery - Prasidh Krishna changes his angle. He comes from round the wicket, delivers it full and around middle, David Miller swings his big blade and towers it over mid-wicket. Gujarat win by 7 wickets!

Prasidh Krishna to David Miller, SIX! Killer Miller doing it again for Gujarat! Slightly short in length, around middle, David Miller turns inside the crease and spanks it all the way over deep mid-wicket. 4 needed off 4 balls.