Shubman Gill’s impressive performance and the collective efforts of the Gujarat Titans batters overshadowed Ruturaj Gaikwad’s sensational 92(50), leading the Titans to a 5-wicket victory over Chennai Super Kings in the IPL 2023 opener at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Friday.
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From the start, Wriddhiman Saha and Shubman Gill set a brisk pace. Despite Saha losing his wicket at the end of the fourth over, his 25(16) provided a solid foundation for the 179-run chase. Gill mirrored Gaikwad’s approach, maintaining an aggressive stance regardless of the situation at the other end.
Sai Sudarshan made a significant impact when he replaced the injured Kane Williamson in the 13th over. Supporting Gill through half of the second innings, his 22(17) ensured the pressure remained on CSK. After Sudarshan’s dismissal, Gujarat Titans’ captain Hardik Pandya took over, though he eventually succumbed to Ravindra Jadeja.
Vijay Shankar contributed a crucial 27(21) to keep the Titans in contention. Rahul Tewatia had the freedom to play as he saw fit, but CSK’s strategy managed to limit his impact for most of his innings. Rashid Khan’s entrance, however, changed the game’s trajectory, as he hit big on his first two balls.
Needing eight runs in the final over, Tewatia wrapped up the match with a six and a four, securing the Titans’ first victory of IPL 2023 by completing the 179-run chase. In the earlier innings, Gaikwad and Ambati Rayudu’s partnership propelled CSK past the 100-run mark in 11 overs, with a rapid 50-run stand in just 29 balls. Joshua Little eventually broke the partnership, dismissing Rayudu for 12.
Gaikwad, alongside Shivam Dube, pushed CSK beyond 150 before being dismissed for 92 off 50 balls. Alzarri Joseph claimed his wicket and quickly dismissed Jadeja for 1, leaving CSK at 153/6. CSK captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni then entered the fray.
Shami removed Dube in the following over, claiming his second wicket. Dhoni’s powerful six and four took CSK to 178/7 in 20 overs, with him remaining unbeaten on 14 from seven balls. Chennai will look for positives in their next match, as RS Hangargekar showed promise in the bowling department.
GT vs CSK Brief scores
- GT 182/5 in 19.2 overs (Shubman Gill 63(36), Vijay Shankar 27(21)and Hangargekar 3/36)
- CSK 178/7 in 20 overs (Ruturaj Gaikwad 92, Moeen Ali 23; Rashid Khan 2/26).
- IPL Full Scorecard: GT vs CSK Full Match Scorecard Today
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