IPL 2022, PBKS VS GT: Livingstone’s last over heroics help Punjab crush Gujarat by 8 wickets

Punjab Kings’ Liam Livingstone pulled off a thumping 8-wicket victory as the team crushed IPL table-toppers Gujarat Titans on Tuesday at the DY Patil Stadium in the 2022 season of Indian Premier League.

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Chasing a below-par 144, Punjab decided to send Jonny Bairstow as an opener. However, the decision backfired for the team as he fell to Mohd Shami early. Thereafter, Shikhar Dhawan alongside Rajapaksa took the aggressive course. They together posted an 89-run stand in 59 balls before Rajapaksa lost his wicket to Lockie Ferguson. At the end of his departure, the team needed run-a-ball, but mighty Liam Livingstone smashed a 10-ball 30 alongside Dhawan (62* in 53 balls) as Punjab wrapped up the game with 4 overs remaining. In the last over, Livingstone fired 3 sixes and 2 fours to help Punjab win their 5th match of the season.

Earlier, Kagiso Rabada carved a 4-wicket haul as Punjab Kings restricted Gujarat Titans to 143/8 in 20 overs. A regular fall of wicket hurt the table-toppers severely. Sai Sudharshan batted throughout the innings to help them reach a respectable total, which was still below-par. Sudharshan patiently scored an unbeaten 50 ball 65 while wickets kept falling on the other end. This is Gujarat’s 2nd loss of the season.