Both of the Titans’ openers notched centuries.
Gujarat Titans scored 231/3 in 20 overs, where as Chennai Super Kings scored 196/8 in 20 overs.
So, finally Gujarat Titans beat Chennai Super Kings by 35 runs.
Shubman Gill and Sai Sudharsan each smashed centuries, forming the joint-best opening partnership in IPL history (210), crucial in keeping Gujarat Titans just about alive in the IPL 2024.
Their stellar performance propelled GT to 231/3, a total that CSK couldn’t contain, despite a commendable effort in the middle overs from Daryl Mitchell and Moeen Ali.
Although CSK lost, they maintain fourth place, narrowly ahead of fifth-placed DC and sixth-placed LSG based on NRR.
The game was decided in the opening overs.
Gill and Sai Sudharsan set the tone with a fluent start, accumulating 58/0 in 6 overs, GT’s second-best Power Play score this season.
In stark contrast, CSK struggled, reaching only 43/3, their second-worst Power Play performance of the season.
CSK’s dismal start, falling to 10/3 in the initial three overs, ultimately determined the outcome.
The discrepancy in Power Play performance
| Parameters | GT | CSK |
|---|---|---|
| Runs | 58/0 | 43/3 |
| RR | 9.67 | 7.16 |
| 4s/6s | 3 and 4 | 5 and 1 |
Gujarat Titans’ Power Play witnessed a dynamic start with Shubman Gill and Sai Sudharsan at the helm, propelling the team to a phase score of 58/0 with an impressive run rate of 9.67.
Gill initiated the onslaught by striking a four and a six off Mitchell Santner in the opening over, while Sudharsan followed suit by dispatching a six each off Shardul Thakur and Tushar Deshpande.
In a display of synergy, Gill matched Sudharsan’s sixes tally in the final over of the Power Play, smashing one off Simarjeet Singh.
This formidable partnership marked their third 50-plus opening stand of the season, contributing to GT’s second-best Power Play score.
During the middle overs, Gill and Sudharsan continued their onslaught, accelerating GT’s scoring rate to 132/0 with an astonishing run rate of 14.67.
Capitalizing on some lapses in the field, Sudharsan initiated the surge by targeting Jadeja, while both batsmen capitalized on Daryl Mitchell’s deliveries to propel GT past the 100-run mark by the halfway stage.
They further intensified their assault against Simarjeet, plundering three sixes and four in a 23-run over.
Sudharsan’s nimble footwork against the spinners and Mitchell ensured a steady flow of boundaries, with Sudharsan achieving the milestone of becoming the quickest Indian batter to reach 1000 IPL runs.
Gill, undeterred by Mitchell’s variations, showcased his dominance with three sixes in an over.
Throughout this phase, the duo maintained relentless boundary hitting, accumulating 88 runs through fours and sixes.
In the death overs, despite the remarkable achievements of Gill and Sudharsan, GT encountered a stumble, managing a phase score of 41/2.
Gill’s blistering innings culminated in a 50-ball century, marking the IPL’s 100th century, while Sudharsan mirrored his feat with a 50-ball century of his own, his first in the IPL.
However, Sudharsan’s departure, along with Gill’s dismissal in the same over, halted GT’s momentum, resulting in a subdued finish to their innings at 231/3.
Chennai Super Kings commenced their chase with a tumultuous start during the Power Play, stumbling to a phase score of 43/3 with a run rate of 7.16.
David Miller’s direct-hit sent Rachin Ravindra packing in the opening over, followed by Ajinkya Rahane’s dismissal due to a leading edge, expertly caught by Rahul Tewatia.
Ruturaj Gaikwad’s early exit for a duck, courtesy of an outstanding boundary catch by Rashid Khan, compounded CSK’s woes.
During the middle overs, CSK’s Moeen Ali and Daryl Mitchell orchestrated a remarkable turnaround, matching GT’s boundary-hitting prowess, and propelling the phase score to 100/2 with a run rate of 11.11.
Their partnership, characterized by aggressive strokes against GT’s bowlers, revived CSK’s chase, with Mitchell’s explosive innings of 63 off 34 balls providing significant impetus.
In the death overs, despite MS Dhoni’s brief heroics, CSK fell short of the target, managing a phase score of 53/3.
Shivam Dube and Ravindra Jadeja briefly ignited hopes for CSK, but Mohit Sharma’s timely breakthroughs and the mounting required run rate thwarted the defending champions’ aspirations.
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