IPL 2023: GT vs CSK – Match Review
Defending champions Gujarat Titans commenced their Indian Premier League (IPL) campaign off to a flying start as they beat Chennai Super Kings by five wickets. The two teams squared off at the iconic Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Friday, March 31.
Winning the toss, Gujarat Titans skipper Hardik Pandya decided to field first. The Titans got regular breakthroughs as they kept the rival team on their toes, however, opener Ruturaj Gaikwad took the onus to score big and steer the side to a competitive total. The right-hander got 92 runs which included nine maximums and four boundaries to his name before getting dismissed by Alzarri Joseph.
However, following his dismissal, the rest of the batting unit failed to put up any show as they were restricted to 178 runs in their stipulated 20 overs. Joseph, Rashid Khan, and seasoned pacer Mohammed Shami racked up two wickets whereas Josh Little got one to his name to wrap up the innings.
Gill powers Gujarat’s chase
In response, Gujarat’s openers Wriddhiman Saha and Shubman Gill hit the ground running as they got the boundaries with ease. After Saha’s dismissal for 25 runs, impact player Sai Sudharsan joined the crease along with Gill. The duo added a 53-run partnership and remained at part with the run rate to obtain a potential win. Gill continued to get the boundaries at regular intervals and scored 63 off 36 balls with six boundaries and three maximums to his name.
Soon after, CSK got three wickets in under five overs which saw them momentarily back in the contest. However, Rashid and Rahul Tewatia took the contest to the last over and got them to the finish line thereby winning the contest by five wickets.
Top Performers from the match:
Rashid Khan
The Afghan spin wizard was not only instrumental with the ball but also took the game away from CSK in just three balls with the bat. Rashid got two wickets under his belt and gave away mere 26 runs in his four overs. With the bat, in his very first ball, he slammed a maximum and followed it with a boundary and remained unbeaten in Gujarat’s win.
Ruturaj Gaikwad
After the early blows, CSK required someone to step up and put up a fine performance. Opener Gaikwad did precisely that as he scored the vital runs for his side and just fell shy off his ton in the first game. The batter smashed nine sixes and four boundaries to keep CSK in the game and concluded with a score of 92 runs.
What’s next for both teams?
Chennai Super Kings will look to bounce back from their loss against Lucknow Super Giants on April 3 at home, while the defending champions Gujarat Titans play Delhi Capitals on April 4.
