Gujarat Titans pulled themselves from the brink of elimination courtsey record-breaking innings by captain Shubman Gill and Sai Sudharsan in Tata IPL match 59 against Chennai Super Kings on Friday. Winning season’s second toss, CSK skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad opted to bowl first.
The idea was that it would be easier to chase later in the evening. However, the GT batters made a mockery of CSK as they hammered the visitors from the word go. Playing without their main bowlers, CSK tried almost everyone to break this 1st wicket partnership, but the luck eluded them.
While Gill smashed his century in 55 balls, Sudarshan got his maiden IPL century in 51 balls. Together, they slammed 13 sixes and 14 boundaries. By the time Tushar Deshpande got his breakthrough wicket of Sudharsan and Gill in the 18th over, GT had crossed 200-run mark. Some nifty shots by David Miller made the score even more dominating. In the end, GT posted a gigantic total of 231/3 in 20 overs.
In reply, CSK suffered early setbacks as they lost their openers in first two overs. The scorecard read 2/2. Things never really picked up for the defending champions. It was only the fourth wicket partnership between Daryl Mitchell and Moeen Ali that gave some spine to CSK’s chase.
Just when things were looking stable for CSK, Gill brought in Mohit Sharma, who jolted the visitors with his twin strikes. He picked up three wickets on Friday. MS Dhoni did smash three sixes and completed his 250 maximums in the IPL, but it was not enough for CSK to go over the rope. In the end, GT won the match by 35 runs. In theory, they are still alive for the playoff race. But it is CSK that will find it difficult to qualify. Tied at 12 points with LSG and DC, their next two matches will be a must-win for Gaikwad & co.