GT vs CSK, IPL 2023 Qualifier 1: Chennai Enter Final With 15-Run Victory
IPL 2023 Qualifier 1 GT vs CSK Live Score Updates: MS Dhoni's Chennai Super Kings qualified for their 10th IPL final
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Chennai Super Kings defeated Gujarat Titans by 15 runs in Qualifier 1 of IPL 2023.
Chasing 173 runs, Gujarat were all out for 157.
Four of Chennai's five bowlers picked two wickets apiece.
After being put to bat first, MS Dhoni's team scored 172/7.
Ruturaj Gaikwad scored his fourth half-century of the season.
Mohammed Shami and Mohit Sharma were Gujarat's most influential bowlers, picking up two wickets apiece.
IPL 2023: Chennai Super Kings have qualified for their tenth IPL final.
(Photo: BCCI)
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GT vs CSK Live: Old Elites To Be Up Against Royalties of the New World
With 70 compelling games completed, the focus in IPL 2023 has now shifted to a stage where the stakes are at their highest – the playoffs. Gujarat Titans, Chennai Super Kings, Lucknow Super Giants and Mumbai Indians are the four teams who have made it to the playoffs, with two of them being in action today.
Hardik Pandya's team finished first in the league stages, having won ten of their fourteen matches, and accumulating 20 points in the process.
Chennai Super Kings, on the contrary, might not have been as consistent, but have certainly been unstoppable on their days – which have not been few and far between, this season.
Mahendra Singh Dhoni's team won eight matches, and with 17 points, finished second, edging past Lucknow Super Giants by virtue of their better net run rate.
GT vs CSK Live: Head to Head Records Favour GT
In terms of head-to-head records between these two teams, Gujarat Titans hold the edge.
Gujarat and Chennai have met thrice previously, with Pandya's team emerging victorious in each of those occasions. Check out the prior results:
CSK – 178/7, GT – 182/5 in 19.2 overs (31 March, 2023)
CSK – 133/5, GT – 137/3 in 19.1 overs (15 May, 2022)
CSK – 169/5, GT – 170/7 in 19.5 overs (17 April, 2022)
GT vs CSK Live: Will the ‘Fortress Factor’ Work in CSK’s Favour?
If past results are anything to go by, Gujarat's advantage will be undeniable. Albeit, the venue must also be taken into consideration, for the match will be held in Chennai's 'fortress' – MA Chidambaram Stadium.
The four-time champions have an impeccable record in Chepauk, with the visitors often finding the 'sea of yellow' too daunting. Out of the 61 IPL matches Chennai have played here, they've ended up on the losing side on only 18 occasions, whilst winning 43 times.
GT vs CSK Live: Players To Watch Out for – Gujarat Titans
Whilst Gujarat are known to have a different match-winner for each game, with the likes of Vijay Shankar, Mohit Sharma and Sai Sudharsan often emerging as unlikely saviours, there have been a new consistent players from the team.
As for their batting department, Shubman Gill has been the foundation, the pillar, the ceiling, and everything in between. The opener has scored 680 runs, and will be coming into this match on the back of two consecutive centuries, both resulting in victories for his team.
IPL 2023: Shubman Gill has scored two centuries and four half-centuries.
(Photo: BCCI)
Barring a firing batting order, Gujarat also boast of an in-form bowling unit, led by the vastly experienced Mohammed Shami, and among T20 cricket's most sought-after players, Rashid Khan.
Between them, the pair has picked up 48 wickets, whilst conceding only 862 runs in 111 overs, at an economy rate of 7.76 runs per over.
Mohammed Shami and Rashid Khan have picked up 24 wickets apiece.
(Photo: BCCI)
GT vs CSK Live: Players To Watch Out for – Chennai Super Kings
Much of Chennai Super Kings' success will hinge on their opening stand, with Ruturaj Gaikwad and Devon Conway in sublime form. The pair has scored 1089 runs so far.
IPL 2023: Chennai Super Kings' opening pair has scored 1089 runs.
(Photo: BCCI)
As for their bowling department, the Super Kings have found a new trump card in Matheesha Pathirana. The Sri Lankan youngster, regarded as 'Baby Malinga' by many, has picked up 15 wickets so far.
IPL 2023: Matheesha Pathirana has picked up 15 wickets.
(Photo: BCCI)
GT vs CSK Live: Gujarat Win Toss, to Bowl First
News from the centre – Gujarat Titans have won the toss and will be bowling first.
Notably, four of the seven league-stage matches this season at the MA Chidambaram Stadium have been won by teams bowling first. Chennai, however, have beaten three teams whilst batting first.
"We heard that dew will come, so we want to know what exactly to chase down," Pandya said, explaining the reason behind his decision.
"There was a lot of dew in the last game, but with breeze around, we can't say about it tonight. It does look dry," said Dhoni.
GT vs CSK Live: Team News
Gujarat Titans have made one change to the team that defeated Royal Challengers Bangalore in the last league-stage match. Yash Dayal, who hasn't had the best of seasons, has been replaced by Darshan Nalkande. On the contrary, Chennai Super Kings are fielding an unchanged XI.
Gujarat Titans Playing XI: Shubman Gill, Wriddhiman Saha(w), Hardik Pandya(c), Dasun Shanaka, David Miller, Rahul Tewatia, Rashid Khan, Darshan Nalkande, Mohit Sharma, Noor Ahmad, Mohammed Shami.
Chennai Super Kings Playing XI: Ruturaj Gaikwad, Devon Conway, Ajinkya Rahane, Ambati Rayudu, Shivam Dube, Moeen Ali, Ravindra Jadeja, MS Dhoni(w/c), Deepak Chahar, Tushar Deshpande, Maheesh Theekshana.
IPL 2023: Darshan Nalkande has replaced Yash Dayal.
(Photo: BCCI)
GT vs CSK Live: Shami to Start Proceedings
Lights, camera, action!
Mohammed Shami with the new ball. Ruturaj Gaikwad on strike. Devon Conway at the non-striker's end. Let's play!
GT vs CSK Live: 4 Runs From Over 1
Encouraging sign for the bowlers! Mohammed Shami generated a significant amount of swing, with both Gaikwad and Conway struggling to tackle it. Only four runs from the first over.
GT vs CSK Live: Fortune Favours Gaikwad
Drama in the second over!
Darshan Nalkande dismissed Ruturaj Gaikwad in only the third delivery he bowled, but as it turned out, he over-stepped an inch too many. The next three deliveries produced 12 runs.
Momentum with CSK now.
GT vs CSK Live: Shami Keeps it Tight
Mohammed Shami started his second over from where he left at the end of the first over, with his seam movement still proving to be difficult to tackle. Only five runs from the over.
CSK 23/0.
GT vs CSK Live: 7 Runs From Nalkande's Second Over
Decent comeback from Darshan Nalkande, after he had conceded 14 runs in the first over. Only seven runs came from it. CSK are now 31/0.
GT vs CSK Live: Underwhelming Start For Rashid
Rashid Khan is into the attack for the fifth over, perhaps to capitalise on Ruturaj Gaikwad's struggle against wrist spin. The result, however, is not on expected lines, as the Afghan spinner conceded 9 runs in his first over.
CSK are 40/0.
GT vs CSK Live: Noor Gets the Rashid Treatment
While the match has only started, there might be a few nerves in the Gujarat Titans camp, with both Gaikwad and Conway now perfectly settled. Noor Ahmad conceded 9 runs in his first over.
CSK are 49/0.
GT vs CSK Live: No Change in Momentum
Now then, what happened to the match-ups?
The trump card called Rashid Khan is not really paying dividends here, with the batters having no issues whatsoever in dealing with spin. Like his first over, Rashid Khan concedes 9 runs in his second.
GT vs CSK Live: Better Second Over From Noor
Better second over from Noor Ahmad, but more than restricting the flow of runs, Gujarat need wickets. Ruturaj Gaikwad is inching closer to a half-century, with Conway batting on 16.
CSK are 64/0.
GT vs CSK Live: Half-Century For Gaikwad
Ruturaj Gaikwad might have had the fortune to get a second chance, but has he not utilised it to the fullest? The opening batter brings up his fourth half-century of the season, as Mohit Sharma concedes 12 runs in his first over.
CSK are 76/0 after 9 overs.
GT vs CSK Live: No Change in Fortunes for Noor
Spin has certainly not worked on this particular Chepauk strip, as Noor Ahmad conceded 9 runs in his third over. Midway through the innings, Chennai's score reads 85/0.
GT vs CSK Live: Gaikwad Departs, Mohit Strikes Gold
GONE! Ruturaj Gaikwad departs, and this time, it is not a no ball.
It was taken Gujarat Titans much longer than they would have expected to, but they finally have got the first breakthrough, courtesy a former CSK player in Mohit Sharma. Ruturaj Gaikwad departs after scoring 60 runs in 44 deliveries.
GT vs CSK Live: One Wicket Brings Another
ANOTHER WICKET!
Shivam Dube went for the theatrics in only the third delivery he faced, but ended up having his stumps dislodged by Noor Ahmad. Gujarat are crawling their way back into the game.
CSK are 94/2 after 12 overs.
GT vs CSK Live: Good Captaincy From Hardik
Impressive bit of captaincy from Hardik Pandya. With a new batter in, the GT skipper brought Darshan Nalkande into the attack. Proving to be expensive earlier, the speedster conceded just 5 runs in his three overs.
CSK are 99/2.
GT vs CSK Live: Rashid Still Not Having an Influence
Rashid Khan has not been at his best today, certainly! He is brought back into the attack to bowl the 14th over, but concedes 8 runs. Chennai are now 107/3 after 14 overs.
GT vs CSK Live: Nalkande Finally Gets a Wicket
After a lot of huffing and puffing, Darshan Nalkande finally has a wicket to his name! Though he conceded 18 runs in his last over, the pacer got the better of Ajinkya Rahane, who was looking in ominous touch.
GT vs CSK Live: Conway Departs
FOURTH WICKET FALLS!
Mohammed Shami is back into the attack, and wasted no time in adding a wicket to his tally, as Devon Conway departs after scoring 40 runs in 34 deliveries.
GT vs CSK Live: Shift in Momentum
It once seemed that Chennai will be eyeing the 200-run mark, but Gujarat Titans' bowlers deserve credit for the comeback they have made in that game. It all started when Mohit Sharma dismissed Gaikwad, and now, the veteran has conceded just 6 runs in his third over.
CSK are 137/4 after 17 overs.
GT vs CSK Live: Rayudu Departs, Here Comes Dhoni
Huge roar and blinding flashlights. One wouldn't say that Chennai have just lose Ambati Rayudu, who was looking in good touch, to a Rashid Khan delivery. The reason? MS Dhoni has arrived in the middle.
CSK are 148/5 with 2 overs to spare.
GT vs CSK Live: Dhoni Arrives, Dhoni Departs, With 1 Run in Between
What an anti-climax!
Dhoni's stay has barely lasted a few minutes, as the CSK captain departs after scoring just the one run. One of his former trusted soldiers, Mohit Sharma gets the wicket. CSK are now 157/6 with one over to spare.
GT vs CSK Live: Strong Finish From CSK, But Momentum With GT
Mohammed Shami was not as economical in the last over as he would have wanted to, conceding 15 runs, but he did manage to dismiss Ravindra Jadeja in the last delivery.
Gujarat will certainly be happy with the score, having conceded only 87 runs in the last 10 overs, whilst also picking up 7 wickets.
Chennai Super Kings post 172/7. Gujarat Titans will need to score 173 runs.
Second innings to start soon!
GT vs CSK Live: Good Start From Deepak Chahar
Good start from Chennai Super Kings, as Deepak Chahar concedes three runs in his first over. Wriddhiman Saha and Shubman Gill would want to get a move on without wasting too many deliveries.
GT vs CSK Live: Gujarat Living on the Edge
Living dangerously, are the two Gujarat openers. A miscued shot from Wriddhiman Saha lands between two fielders, while Shubman Gill's shot almost ended up in Deepak Chahar's palms.
Tushar Deshpande concedes six runs in his first over.
GT vs CSK Live: Saha Departs
First wicket for CSK!
Deepak Chahar has done the trick for MS Dhoni's team, as Wriddhiman Saha is on his way back to the pavilion. Going for the pull shot, the wicketkeeper-batter finds an alert Matheesha Pathirana at deep backward point.
GT vs CSK Live: 10 Runs From Deshpande's Second
Chennai's leading wicket-taker of this season, Tushar Deshpande has been expensive so far in this match. The pacer conceded 10 runs in his second over, with both Shubman Gill and Hardik Pandya striking a boundary each.
GT are 32/1.
GT vs CSK Live: Gill Keeps Scoreboard Ticking
Deepak Chahar has been impressive with the new ball, but Shubman Gill is keeping the scoreboard ticking for the Titans. 7 runs come from Chahar's fourth over, taking Gujarat's total to 39/1.
GT vs CSK Live: Theekshana Catches the Big Fish
One captain befools another!
Hardik Pandya departs to a Maheesh Theekshana delivery, but MS Dhoni should be credited for field placement. Ravindra Jadeja is deployed at backward point just before the dismissal, and Pandya's shot lands safely in the all-rounder's palms.
GT vs CSK Live: Jadeja Spins Webs
Now then, this might be a more difficult challenge for Gujarat than what it initially seemed, as Ravindra Jadeja has generated magnificent turn in his first over. Only five runs from his first over, as Gujarat are now 46/2 after 7 overs.
GT vs CSK Live: Gujarat Tiptoeing, Not Gung-Hoing
Gujarat's scoring rate has dipped, but with Hardik Pandya and Wriddhiman Saha back in the pavilion, it perhaps is the correct approach from Gill and Dasun Shanaka. Maheesh Theekshana concedes six runs in his second over.
GT vs CSK Live: Required Run Rate Now Over 10
Shubman Gill struck a boundary in the last ball of the ninth over, but that does not stop the required run rate to go north of 10 runs per over. The Titans are 59/2 after nine overs.
GT vs CSK Live: Shanaka Switches Gears
It is Sri Lanka vs Sri Lanka in Chepauk!
After two excellent overs, Maheesh Theekshana has been taken for a ride, and that too, by his national team's white-ball skipper, Dasun Shanaka. Gujarat are 72/2 after 10 overs.
GT vs CSK Live: Shanaka Out
Ah, talk about cricket and ephemeriality! Just when he was looking on good nick, Dasun Shanaka went for the theatrical reverse scoop, and ends up finding his Sri Lankan teammate, Theekshana, at short third.
Gujarat are 75/3 after 11 overs.
GT vs CSK Live: Not the Ideal Start for Pathirana
Matheesha Pathirana has not had the best of starts here. Chennai's impact substitute concedes 10 runs in his first over, with four of those coming from wides. Gujarat are 84/3 after 12 overs, and they'll need to get a move on at the earliest.
GT vs CSK Live: Jadeja Gets Into the Act
Is this a wicket, or is this Chennai's ticket to the final, all sealed and secured?
Either way, the repercussions will be enormous, as David Miller departs after scoring just four runs. Jadeja gets his second wicket, and concedes just 4 runs in his last over. GT are 88/4 after 13 overs.
GT vs CSK Live: Gill Gone, CSK There or Thereabout
Chennai Super Kings' fans might have started booking tickets and hotels in Ahmedabad, for they are nearly, nearly in the final, yet again. Gujarat's batting kingpin, Shubman Gill departs after scoring 42 runs.
Once again, Dhoni deserves credit for bringing Deepak Chahar back at the right moment. Gujarat now have Vijay Shankar and Rahul Tewatia at the crease, and whilst both names inspire hope, the odds are stacked against them.
GT are 95/5 after 14 overs.
GT vs CSK Live: Theekshana Ends Spell on a High
For a change, we will not see Rahul Tewatia doing a Rahul Tewatia today, as Maheesh Theekshana has done a Maheesh Theekshana.
Or, in simpler terms, the Sri Lankan spinner breached the defence of Gujarat's all-rounder, to add a second wicket to his tally. Titans now need 71 runs in the last five overs.
GT vs CSK Live: Rashid Keeps GT in Hunt
It is never over until it is over, isn't it? Rashid Khan is leading Gujarat's retaliation bid here, as he smashed a six and a boundary off Matheesha Pathirana's second over. That being said, the odds are still stacked in Chennai's favour.
GT are 115/6 after 16 overs.
GT vs CSK Live: Twist in the Tale/Tail?
Can Gujarat Titans' tail script a twist in the tale?
Rashid Khan certainly is in the mood to do so, as coming back into the attack, Tushar Deshpande has conceded 19 runs in his third over. Gujarat are now 134/6 with three overs to spare.
GT vs CSK Live: Tides Turn Again
BLINDER! Ruturaj Gaikwad has plucked an absolute blinder!
The opening batter takes an exemplary catch, as Vijay Shankar is dismissed by Matheesha Pathirana. It is, however, is not the only instance of extraordinary fielding in this over, as Subhranshu Senapati's impeccable direct hit finds Darshan Nalkande short of his crease.
Advantage, CSK! Game point now.
GT vs CSK Live: Rashid Gone, CSK Almost Through to Final
Tushar Deshpande has seemingly hammered the last nail in Gujarat's coffin, as Rashid Khan's cameo comes to an end. Gujarat now need 27 off the last over.
Surely, Mohammed Shami can't do a Rinku Singh!
GT vs CSK Live: CSK Through to Final
Chennai Super Kings have qualified for their tenth final in the IPL!
IPL 2023: Chennai Super Kings defeated Gujarat Titans by 15 runs.
(Photo: BCCI)
Yes, you read that right. The same team that narrowly escaped the dreaded wooden spoon last time around, have qualified for the final, and that too, by beating the competition's most consistent side, Gujarat Titans.
Matheesha Pathirana dismissed Mohammed Shami in the last over, which also meant that CSK are the first franchise who have managed to pluck all ten of Gujarat's wickets in a game.
History has been scripted in Chepauk. Will it be scripted again in Ahmedabad, come 28 May? We will need to wait, but this then, Chennai's fans can certainly engage in an unceasing party. Gargantuan effort by Dhoni and his boys.
What next for Gujarat Titans?
IPL 2023: Gujarat Titans will now leave for Ahmedabad, where they will compete in Qualifier 2.
(Photo: BCCI)
If you are a Gujarat fan, don't be too dejected. It might have been a disappointing performance from a team that is otherwise nearly flawless, but Hardik Pandya's team will be seen in action again.
They will take on Eliminator's winner in the Qualifier 2, which will be played at their home ground, Ahmedabad's Narendra Modi Stadium, on Friday, 26 May.
Till then, take care! We will be back with Lucknow Super Giants vs Mumbai Indians tomorrow.