Match 01 GT vs CSK: In their first match of IPL 2023, Gujarat Titans (GT) secured a 5-wicket win over Chennai Super Kings (CSK) with an all-round performance led by Rashid Khan. Chasing a target of 179, Shubman Gill scored a half-century and Rashid’s late fireworks helped GT cross the line. Earlier, CSK put up a competitive total of 178 with Ruturaj Gaikwad scoring a scintillating 92.
Batting first, CSK got off to a flyer with Gaikwad taking on the opposition bowlers. Even though Mohammed Shami dismissed Devon Conway, Gaikwad continued his onslaught, taking the attack to Hardik Pandya and Josh Little. Moeen Ali also played a few attacking strokes as CSK reached their 50 in the final over of the powerplay.
However, Rashid Khan brought GT back into the game by dismissing Ali and Ben Stokes. Gaikwad reached his half-century in just 23 balls and built a partnership with Ambati Rayudu before being dismissed by Alzarri Joseph for 92. CSK lost wickets in quick succession and only managed to reach 178/7.
In response, GT got off to a flying start with Wriddhiman Saha and Shubman Gill scoring aggressively in the powerplay. Tushar Deshpande, the impact player for CSK, struggled in his debut and was replaced by Rajvardhan Hangargekar, who took three wickets for 36 runs.
Gill reached his half-century in just 30 balls but fell soon after for 63. GT kept up the momentum with Sai Sudharsan and Vijay Shankar batting aggressively. With 23 runs needed off the final two overs, Rashid and Rahul Tewatia hit a six and four each to take GT to victory.
Rashid Khan was declared the Man of the Match for his all-round performance, which included two important wickets and a quickfire 10 off 2 balls towards the end of the chase.
In the IPL 2022 finals held on May 29th in Ahmedabad, Gujarat Titans defeated Rajasthan Royals by 7 wickets to win the championship in their debut season, under the leadership of Hardik Pandya. It was a historic achievement for the team.
