Opening the innings, Gaikwad hit 12 fours and added 64 with Abhishek Sharma before stitching a crucial 89-run stand for the third wicket with Tilak Varma, who chipped in with 39 off 58 balls. Abhishek made a quickfire 31 off 25, hitting four fours and a six, but fell to Bjorn Fortuin in the final over of the powerplay. Riyan Parag did not last long at No.3, falling lbw to Tiaan van Vuuren a few overs later and leaving Gaikwad to take charge of the chase again.
