Gujarat Titans pulled off an impossible chase in the final over, leaving Sunrisers Hyderabad stunned at Wankhede
Since its inception in 2008, the IPL has been home to many Christopher Nolan-style thrillers, where each season brings an adrenaline rush unlike any other. As the lights gleamed brightly and the crowd simmered with energy at the Wankhede on April 27, 2022, they were about to witness two titanic teams battling for supremacy.
With 196 runs in sight, the Gujarat Titans found themselves in a precarious situation, requiring a staggering 22 runs from the final over. The pressure was on as Rahul Tewatia and Rashid Khan stood ready at the crease, facing an almost insurmountable challenge against Sunrisers Hyderabad. But in the world of cricket, fate often weaves its own narrative, and this game was poised to deliver an unexpected twist.
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SRH had done the hard work. Abhishek Sharma (65) and Aiden Markram (56) struck fifties. Shashank Singh’s (25) six-ball cameo pushed them to a mammoth 195/6.
Then came the Umran Malik storm. His 5-wicket haul tore through Gujarat’s middle order like a blade through butter. At 140 for 5 after 16 overs, GT looked out of steam.
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And yet, Rahul Tewatia wasn’t ready to give up. He chipped away, played it smart, and dragged the match to the brink — waiting for that final burst.
In a thrilling climax, the final over began with Tewatia smashing the first ball for a stunning six over long-on, igniting hope amidst the roaring crowd. However, the second ball only yielded a single, reigniting tension.
Enter Rashid Khan, typically restrained in his bowling, but he unleashed his power this time. On the third ball, he swung with precision for another six, followed by a missed swing on the fourth.
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With nine runs required from the last two balls, the Titans needed a miracle. The fifth ball saw Rashid anticipate a wide yorker, skilfully manoeuvring under it to send the ball barely over the fielder for yet another six.
As the final ball came, Jansen attempted to catch him off guard with a short ball, but Rashid twisted with finesse, pulling it behind square leg for a spectacular six, sealing an exhilarating victory.
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While Rashid rightly stole the show with 31 off 11, Tewatia’s 40* off 21 was the glue that held the Titans together. Tewatia soaked up the pressure and kept the chase within reach. This wasn’t his first last-over heist of that season, and by the look of it, he’s made a habit of snatching wins from wide-open jaws.
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Marco Jansen, tasked with defending 22, ended up conceding 25. There was nowhere to hide. The last over exploded like a firecracker, and the Sunrisers were left picking up the pieces. Rashid, facing his former team, had turned the knife.
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Yes, Umran Malik took 5 wickets. Yes, SRH posted 195. But the night belonged to two men who wouldn’t back down. The Titans walked away with 2 points and a top-table position. Hyderabad was left wondering what hit them.
Sometimes, it’s not just about cricket. It’s about moments that stop you in your tracks. And this one? This was unforgettable.
