Gill ton steers Gujarat past Rajasthan into IPL final

NEW CHANDIGARH, May 29 : Shubman Gill struck a sublime century as Gujarat Titans surged into the Indian Premier League final with a seven-wicket win over Rajasthan Royals in the second qualifier on Friday.

Chasing 215, Gujarat made a flying start through Sai Sudharsan and Gill, racing to 69 without loss in the powerplay before accelerating further to seal victory in 18.4 overs at a packed New PCA Stadium.

Rajasthan, who opted to bat, stumbled early after losing two wickets inside the first two overs before teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and Ravindra Jadeja rebuilt the innings to post 214-6.

Rajasthan's bowlers struggled to make early inroads with Gujarat absorbing any pressure with ease as local favourite Gill and Sudharsan put on a decisive 167-run opening partnership, rotating the strike effectively and punishing loose deliveries.

"We complement and understand each other's game very well, and when we are batting out there, our communication is very good," Gill said after being named player of the match.

"We know one of us has to take down one of the bowlers, and I think we are very good at deciding who's going to take down what bowler."

Captain Gill led from the front with 104 off 53 balls, including 15 fours and three sixes, while Sudharsan made 58 off 32 before falling in an unusual fashion.

He was out after his bat slipped onto the wickets - remarkably, the same mode of dismissal that had befallen him in the previous match.

"I don't think anyone has seen that happen in two games. I saw some video on social media about taping his hands, and I think I'll have to do that," Gill chuckled.

Sooryavanshi was once again the standout performer for Rajasthan as he smashed 96 off 47 laced with eight fours and seven sixes that