MS Dhoni’s Chennai Super Kings have reached yet another IPL final after defeating Gujarat Titans by 15 runs in the first Qualifier. In the process, Chennai Super Kings have reached their 10th Indian Premier League final.
After winning the toss, Gujarat Titans elected to bowl first. The Hardik Pandya-led side restricted the home team to a below-par score of 172/7 in their quota of 20 overs. Mohit Sharma and Mohammad Shami were the picks for the Ahmedabad-based franchisee as both the quicks picked two wickets apiece.
Gujarat Titans who are unbeatable while chasing had a very poor start. The 2022 IPL champions lost two wickets for just 40 runs within the powerplay. The Gujarat-based franchisee lost wickets at regular intervals as they couldn’t pace their innings. Shubman Gill and Rashid Khan were the only players who scored more than 30 runs.
𝗡𝗲𝘅𝘁 𝗗𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: 𝗙𝗜𝗡𝗔𝗟 ✈️😉
Congratulations 🥳 to 𝗖𝗛𝗘𝗡𝗡𝗔𝗜 𝗦𝗨𝗣𝗘𝗥 𝗞𝗜𝗡𝗚𝗦, the first team to qualify for #TATAIPL 2023 Final 💛#Qualifier1 | #GTvCSK | @ChennaiIPL pic.twitter.com/LgtrhwjBxH
— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) May 23, 2023
This was Gujarat Titans’ only fourth defeat while chasing. The Titans have lost twice against Mumbai Indians, once against Delhi Capitals, and now once against Chennai Super Kings.
With the win, Chennai Super Kings have reached their 10th IPL final. This is the most number of finals played by any IPL team. The second position is occupied by 5-time IPL champ Mumbai Indians.
Gujarat Titans will now be playing Qualifier II at their home ground Ahmedabad. The team will face the winner of the Eliminator between Lucknow Super Giants and Mumbai Indians to be played at the Chepauk today.
