"Saha for WTC final" - Twitter erupts as Wriddhiman Saha smashes fastest 50 for GT in IPL history
Gujarat Titans (GT) wicketkeeper-batter Wriddhiman Saha eclipsed Vijay Shankar to smash the fastest fifty for his franchise against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) at the Narendra Modi Stadium on Sunday, May 7. Saha registered a 20-ball half-century, going past Shankar, who achieved the feat in 21 balls.
The right-handed batter smashed 81 off 43 balls, including four sixes and 10 boundaries, at a staggering strike rate of 188.37. The 38-year-old also shared a 142-run partnership with opening partner Shubman Gill to put GT in the driving seat.
Saha was eventually caught by Prerak Mankad at deep square leg off Avesh Khan's bowling in the 12th over.
Fans on social media were delighted to witness Wriddhiman Sahaβs exceptional knock against LSG. Even former India and RCB captain Virat Kohli couldn't stop himself from posting an Instagram story. He captioned:
βWell played @wriddhi.β
Virat Kohli enjoying the batting of Saha. https://t.co/64f0WQLImF
Here are some of the other best Twitter reactions:
Saha for WTC Final π
#GTvLSG | #IPL2023
Please select Wridhiman Saha for WTC final. He is in great form. @Wriddhipops #WTC2023 #GTvsLSG #wriddhimansaha
How about Wriddhiman Saha as KL Rahul's replacement for WTC Finals ? #GTVsLSG #IPL2O23 @vikrantgupta73 @sunandanlele #WTCFinal2023
π»ββ
81 off 43
Well Played
π₯ππ»ββ
what a spectacular innings we've witnessed from that ageless Saha!!!!π
#Wriddhipops
@cric_mawa_twts Saha so underratedπ
ββοΈπ§
@CricCrazyJohns We live in a society whereπββοΈπ§
Rohit sharma wriddhiman saha
Gets 16cr Gets 1.9 cr https://t.co/dDDHX70aFj
Excellent Knock By Saha ππ
I will choose Saha over that mug KS Bharat in wtc final anyday
GT management >>> ICT management
Selfless Saha.. he could have easily got a century..
@CricCrazyJohns This inning of Saha>>Zimbu's entire career π₯
Wriddhiman Saha dismissed for 81 off 43 balls, batted well brutally throughout the ground, made 142 runs as opening partnership with Gill, unexpected one from him, well batted. #IPL2023 #GTvLSG https://t.co/x7h1O3JlDR
Well played, Wriddhiman Saha!
81 in just 43 balls with 10 fours and 4 sixes. He put on a show in Ahmedabad, what a knock by him! https://t.co/k5ubJ8guuv
End of a crazy knock from Saha.
Well played ππ https://t.co/QDkc9u57g8
For the uninitiated, Saha has been in exceptional form with the bat in IPL 2023, scoring 257 runs in 11 games at a strike rate of 137.43.
GT retained the Bengal wicketkeeper for Rs 1.9 crore following his exploits with the bat last year when GT lifted their maiden IPL trophy in their inaugural season in the tournament.
Saha scored 317 runs in 11 games at a strike rate of 122.39, including three half-centuries during the 2022 campaign.
Wriddhiman Saha and Shubman Gill help GT set mammoth 228-run target for LSG
A clinical batting performance from Wriddhiman Saha and Shubman Gill helped the Gujarat Titans post a mammoth 227/2 in their allotted 20 overs after being asked to bat first.
Gill, in particular, scored 94 off 50 balls at a stunning strike rate of 184.31, including seven sixes and two boundaries.
Meanwhile, GT captain Hardik Pandya and David Miller chipped in with 25 (15) and 21* (12), respectively.
For LSG, Avesh Khan and Mohsin took the only two wickets that fell during GT's innings.
Follow GT vs LSG live score updates here.