TATA IPL 2023,Chennai Super Kings Clinch Fifth IPL Title in Thrilling Final against Gujarat Titans
In a nail-biting finale at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, Ravindra Jadeja delivered a sensational performance to guide Chennai Super Kings (CSK) to their fifth IPL title. With 10 runs required off the last two balls, Jadeja showcased his brilliance by smashing a six and a four, propelling CSK to a remarkable five-wicket victory over defending champions Gujarat Titans, courtesy of the DLS Method.
CSK's chase of 171 runs from 15 overs was initiated with a blazing start from Ruturaj Gaikwad and Devon Conway. Gaikwad wasted no time and displayed his prowess with a delightful square drive for a boundary off Mohammed Shami's third ball. However, rain interrupted play, and the match was subsequently shortened to a 15-over contest, with CSK given the revised target of 171 runs. The altered playing conditions dictated a reduced Powerplay of four overs and a maximum of three overs per bowler.
As the game resumed, Gaikwad continued his impressive form by smashing another four in the unfinished first over, showcasing his skill with a powerful pull shot through backward square leg. Conway, too, joined the party immediately, lofting one over extra cover for a six off Hardik Pandya's bowling in the second over. He followed it up with a well-timed shot to the fine leg boundary, taking the attack to Shami in the subsequent over, accumulating two more fours.
Hardik Pandya introduced Rashid Khan into the attack early on, hoping for a breakthrough. However, the CSK batsmen went after him straight away, hitting a couple of boundaries and a six, propelling CSK to 52/0 at the end of the Powerplay.
Noor Ahmad bowled a tidy first over, conceding just six runs. Nevertheless, the first over from Josh Little proved expensive for Gujarat Titans, as Conway unleashed a powerful pull shot over deep mid-wicket on the final delivery, resulting in a 14-run over.
The impressive Noor Ahmad finally provided the breakthrough that Gujarat Titans desperately needed, dismissing Gaikwad (26 off 16) with a well-disguised wrong'un. This ended the 74-run opening partnership. CSK then introduced Shivam Dube as their Impact Player at No.3, replacing Matheesha Pathirana. Noor struck again on the last ball of the over, dismissing Conway (47 off 25) caught at long off, thereby putting CSK on the backfoot.
Ajinkya Rahane entered the crease and immediately made his presence felt by hammering two exquisite sixes off Josh Little's bowling, accumulating 16 runs in the over. Noor Ahmad, however, managed to bring back the balance with another impressive over, giving away just five runs. He concluded with remarkable figures of 3-0-17-2.
Rahane regained the momentum with two well-placed boundaries off Rashid Khan, reducing the equation to 60 runs required off the final 30 deliveries.
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