Chennai Super Kings couldn’t have found a better occasion than a Qualifier 1 fixture to defeat Gujarat Titans for the first time in the history of the Indian Premier League. In what was their last IPL 2023 match at their home ground, the hosts registered a 15-run victory over the defending champions.
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Chasing a 173-run target, GT were bundled out for 157 in 20 overs. Known for their knack of sealing run-chases irrespective of the opposition, condition or situation, Titans fell into the trap laid by Mahendra Singh Dhoni (1) and his spinners at the MA Chidambaram Stadium. A narrative which often finds visiting teams clueless, it resulted in Gujarat not being able to win their first match at Chepauk.
An innings bereft of a much-needed momentum especially at the start of the innings wasn’t helped by the loss of wickets at regular intervals. In the general run of things, their middle-order batters come to the rescue but it wasn’t to be against a mastermind planning and plotting from behind the stumps.
he’s a 2 month a year cricketer, playing pretty much on one leg and leading a team hardly bursting at the seams with superstars
yet, he takes them into another final… unbelievable#CSKvsGT #IPL2023
— Gaurav Kalra (@gauravkalra75) May 23, 2023
Third-highest scorer in the first innings, former CSK captain Ravindra Jadeja (22 & 2/18) was the pick of their bowlers tonight. Having dismissed key overseas batters namely Dasun Shanaka (17) and David Miller (4) in the middle overs, the southpaw put another match-winning performance this season. Much like Jadeja, the likes of Maheesh Theekshana, Deepak Chahar and Matheesha Pathirana also picked a couple of wickets each.
What Happens If CSK Win Today vs Gujarat Titans at Chepauk?
With Chennai winning an IPL Qualifier, they have powered themselves into the final of the 16th season of the tournament. Set to be their 10th final across 14 seasons, this franchise continues to improve its already unmatched consistency.
GT, on the contrary, will get another shot at qualifying for the final on the back of being the first-ranked team on the points table. Scheduled to face the winner of IPL 2023 Eliminator at their home ground on Friday, they would be trying their best to play a second final in as many years.
