Gill’s 86 powers Gujarat past Kolkata in thriller, KKR’s misery deepens

Indian Premier League 2026 delivered another dramatic night as Gujarat Titans edged past Kolkata Knight Riders by five wickets in a tense final-over chase at Narendra Modi Stadium.

Chasing 181, Gujarat reached 181/5 in 19.4 overs, thanks largely to a superb 86 from skipper Shubman Gill, whose composed innings laid the foundation for a nervy but crucial win. The result marked Gujarat’s third consecutive victory after a shaky start to the season, while Kolkata’s struggles deepened as they remained without a single win after six matches.

Brief scores

Gujarat Titans 181/5 (19.4 overs) beat Kolkata Knight Riders 180 all out (20 overs) by five wickets.

Kolkata left wondering what could have been

Having won the toss, Kolkata once again failed to convert an opportunity into points. They had moments of control, phases of promise, and one outstanding innings from Cameron Green, but when it mattered most, they fell short.

Green’s measured 79 held the innings together after early setbacks, but too few batters stayed with him long enough to build a commanding total. Regular wickets broke momentum, and despite late resistance, Kolkata’s 180 felt competitive rather than imposing.

Their bowlers responded bravely, tightening the middle overs and dragging the contest deep into the chase. For stretches, Gujarat looked uncomfortable. But Gill’s early brilliance had already created enough breathing room.

Gill leads with authority

Needing 181, Gujarat began with confidence and purpose. Gill and Sai Sudharsan attacked from the outset, exploiting the easier batting conditions under lights.

Gill was elegant and decisive, piercing gaps through the off side before lofting cleanly over cover. He raced to 22 from just nine balls, blending timing with control.

Sudharsan matched the aggression, especially against Anukul Roy, striking boundaries that pushed Gujarat to 40 without loss in three overs.

Kolkata found a breakthrough through Sunil Narine, who outfoxed Sudharsan with extra bounce and pace. But even at 57/1 in 5.1 overs, Gujarat remained firmly ahead.

Buttler chips in, Gill stays in command

Jos Buttler ensured the pressure never eased, stepping out to Narine and striking boundaries with authority. Gujarat ended the powerplay at 71/1, firmly in charge.

Kolkata clawed back briefly when Varun Chakravarthy removed Buttler for a brisk cameo. Yet Gill never allowed panic to creep in.

After his explosive start, the Gujarat captain shifted smoothly into control mode, rotating strike, punishing errors, and keeping the asking rate in check. His half-century came off just 27 balls and kept his side comfortably ahead.

Chakravarthy struck again when Washington Sundar fell for 13, but Gujarat still looked in command.

Nervy finish, calm ending

Gill appeared destined for a century before falling for 86, caught brilliantly by Green at deep third after a sharp forward dive.

His dismissal briefly reopened the contest. Kolkata sensed an opening and chipped away with wickets, turning a comfortable chase into a tense finish.

But Rahul Tewatia and Shahrukh Khan kept their nerve in the final over, guiding Gujarat home and sealing another valuable win.

Green fights lone battle for Kolkata

Earlier, Kolkata’s innings was rescued by Green after a disastrous start.

Mohammed Siraj dismissed Ajinkya Rahane for a golden duck, while Kagiso Rabada removed Angkrish Raghuvanshi with a fine outswinger.

Tim Seifert briefly counterattacked before Rabada’s short ball ended his stay, leaving Kolkata in early trouble.

Green then steadied the innings with maturity. He rebuilt carefully before accelerating through partnerships with Rovman Powell and Roy, striking boundaries regularly and managing Gujarat’s spin threat well.

He also survived moments of fortune — an lbw scare, an edged boundary, and a dropped catch on 62.

Collapse costs Kolkata again

Just when a late surge seemed possible, Kolkata lost control spectacularly. Five wickets fell in 22 balls as Gujarat’s bowlers squeezed hard at the death.

Prasidh Krishna bowled with discipline, while Rashid Khan returned strongly in the final over.

Green, stranded for strike and searching for boundaries, eventually edged behind off the last ball as Kolkata were bowled out for 180.

His 79 from 55 balls deserved more support. Instead, Kolkata were left with another painful defeat — close enough to compete, but still too far from victory.