In the IPL 2023 match held yesterday at Ahmedabad’s Narendra Modi Stadium, Gujarat Titans (GT) defeated Chennai Super Kings (CSK) by five wickets.
After losing the toss, CSK was sent to bat and scored 178/7 with Ruturaj Gaikwad’s 92 off 50 being the highest score. In response, GT achieved the target in 19.2 overs with a 26* whirlwind partnership between Rashid Khan (10* off 3) and Rahul Tewatia (15* off 14). Gujarat needed 23 runs with two overs to go, and Rashid’s six and four in the first two deliveries and Tewatia’s six and four in the following over sealed the victory for GT.
The GT started off with a good pace, scoring 65/1 at the end of the powerplay while chasing 179. Deshpande, who replaced Ambati Rayudu as the first Impact Player in IPL, was hit for a six and a four by Wriddhiman Saha. However, Saha perished for 25 off 16, and Shubman Gill (63 off 36) and Sai Sudharsan took the score to 118/2. Gill struck consecutive boundaries in the seventh over to reach his half-century, and Vijay Shankar’s 27 off 21 was also helpful.
Gill’s wicket fell when he toe-ended a pull off Deshpande to deep midwicket. Jadeja got Pandya’s wicket, and Deshpande dismissed Gill. Rashid and Tewatia’s contribution finished off the chase for GT.
CSK opener Gaikwad played a magnificent innings, smashing four fours and nine sixes to score 92 off 50, and helped the team to a competitive total despite losing wickets at regular intervals. After the fall of the first wicket of Devon Conway (1), Gaikwad took charge and hit Josh Little for a six and a four in the fourth over. Moeen Ali scored 23 off 14 and gave Gaikwad support. Gaikwad reached his fifty in just 23 balls, hitting three sixes in an over from Alzarri Joseph.
Ben Stokes (7) was caught off Rashid’s delivery while Gaikwad continued to bat brilliantly. Ambati Rayudu (12) perished with a poor shot, and Gaikwad’s wicket fell when he was caught off a high full toss by Joseph. Shivam Dube managed only 19 off 18, and Dhoni’s cameo helped CSK reach 178/7.
Rashid Khan was the Player of the Match for his all-round performance. Shami and Joseph took two wickets each for GT, while Rashid claimed two wickets and played a vital role in finishing the game. Gill’s half-century laid the foundation for GT’s successful chase. Hangargekar took three wickets and was impressive with the ball for CSK. Although Gaikwad played a brilliant innings, it was not enough for CSK to win.
