IPL 2023: Shimron Hetmyer's revengeful knock against Titans takes RR top of the table

With help of Shimron Hetmyer's finishing, Rajasthan Royals defeated defending champions Gujarat Titans in a last-over thriller to become table toppers of the IPL 2023.

In a stunning run chase, Rajasthan Royals have defeated defending champions Gujarat Titans. They are now on top of the points table with this thrilling win against the Titans. Chasing 178, Shimron Hetmyer and captain Sanju Samson took the charge and their 59 run partnership for the fifth wicket ensured RR taking two points from the game. Gujarat Titans had the game in their grip when the RR innings began. The Titans' pacers got both RR openers early. Rajasthan were 4 down in 10 overs for 55 runs. With 123 still required in 10 overs, RR Captain Sanju and Shimron Hetmyer took charge of the chase. Sanju played a brilliant knock of 60 runs in 32 balls and smashed 6 sixes in his inning. Hetmyer scored 56 runs in 26 balls smashing 5 sixes against Titans' bowlers.

GT bowlers did start well but in the middle overs, they failed to contain RR batters. Noor Ahmed’s 2 overs changed the entire game in RR's favor. Hetmyer took good advantage of the bowler's lack of experience and Noor Ahmed ended up giving 29 runs in 2.2 overs. He conceded 2 fours and 2 sixes. Captain Hardik Pandya came out defending him as well. Pandya said, “He is someone who is difficult to pick as well, He actually bowled well. I don’t want to be harsh on him. He got the breakthrough we wanted but the others did not execute well”. Rashid Khan and Alzarri Joseph bowled with an economy of 11 runs per over in the game.

Captain Sanju Samson happy with Royals' win

Rajasthan Royals Captain Sanju Samson had a brilliant game with the bat. Sanju’s inning of 60 runs and partnership with Hetmyer gave Royals something to believe in this chase. Sanju was happy with the Royals getting two points against the Titans. He said, “When you play some quality opponents on a quality wicket in a quality stadium like this, you expect a great match. I am very happy to be on the winning side”. Captain Sanju was also pleased with Hetmyer’s magical inning. He said, “I don’t think he(Hetmyer) likes easy situations, We don’t mind putting him in these situations". RR were 4 down in just 55 runs when Shirmron Hetmyer came in.

West Indian Shimron Hetmyer was awarded the Player of the Match for his magnificent knock of 56 runs in 26 balls with 2 fours and 5 sixes. Shimron was happy to defeat Titans as Titans defeated Royals in all three of their previous games in the IPL 2022. He said, “I just really wanted to win against these guys because they beat us three times last year so it was a bit of revenge really”. Hetmyer also said that the mindset is an important factor in such a situation. He said that they just need to program their minds like the things they are looking for.