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Josh Hazlewood’s costly spell helped Gujarat chase down Bengaluru with ease in Ahmedabad.
Australia fast bowler Josh Hazlewood has endured a sharp reversal of form in the IPL, conceding heavily as Gujarat secured a comfortable win over Royal Challengers Bengaluru in Ahmedabad.
Just days after producing match-winning figures against Delhi, Hazlewood was hit for 56 runs from his four overs as Gujarat chased down a target of 155 with four wickets in hand and 25 balls remaining.
The early damage came from Shubman Gill, who launched a rapid 43 from 18 balls. He took 24 runs from Hazlewood's opening over, equalling the most expensive over of the Australian's IPL career.
Hazlewood, typically one of the competition's more economical bowlers, conceded four sixes and five boundaries across his spell in a wicketless outing.
It marked a stark contrast to his previous appearance, where he claimed 4-12 to help dismantle Delhi for 75 and earn player-of-the-match honours.
Bengaluru's innings never gained sustained momentum after being sent in to bat. Devdutt Padikkal top cscored with 40, but regular wickets prevented the visitors from building a competitive total.
Rashid Khan led Gujarat's attack with 2-19, supported by Arshad Khan and Jason Holder, who also contributed key wickets.
Holder was later named player of the match after adding three catches in the field.
Gujarat's chase was controlled from the outset, with Gill's aggressive start setting the tone. Jos Buttler added a brisk 39, including further boundaries off Hazlewood, while a late unbeaten partnership between Rahul Tewatia and Raahid ensured there were no late complications.
There were brief moments of resistance from Bengaluru, with Bhuvneshwar Kumar taking 3-28 and Romario Shepherd claiming two wickets, but the target proved insufficient.
The result lifts Gujarat to fifth on the table, while Bengaluru remain second despite the loss, as the tournament continues to produce fluctuating fortunes for players and teams alike.