Clinical Chennai down Gujarat by 15 runs to enter 10th IPL final

Despatched into bat after dropping the toss, Chennai put up 172/7 on the board as opener Ruturaj Gaikwad top-scored with 60 off 44 balls. Mohammed Shami (2/28) and Mohit Sharma (2/31), nonetheless, ensured GT have been in with an opportunity within the chase. Nevertheless, Deepak Chahar (2/29), Maheesh Theekshana (2/28) and Ravindra Jadeja (2/18) stifled Gujarat because the chasing aspect have been cleaned up for 157.

Gaikwad, who struck seven fours and a six, dominated a gap stand of 87 with Devon Conway (40 off 34), who contributed a subdued 40 off 34. Gaikwad’s high quality knock ended when he top-edged a pull off Mohit. GT then hit again as Noor Ahmad cleaned up Shivam Dube for 1, whereas Ajinkya Rahane (17) fell to Darshan Nalkande.

Conway’s sluggish innings additionally ended when he mistimed Shami to a fielder within the deep. Ambati Rayudu struck 17 off 9, however was dismissed by Rashid Khan, top-edging a slog sweep. There have been no massive hits from MS Dhoni who chipped a catch off Mohit’s bowling, however Jadeja’s 22 off 16 offered the innings some much-needed momentum.

Gujarat struggled in a chase for a change. Wriddhiman Saha (12) mistimed a pull off Chahar, whereas Hardik Pandya (8) was caught off Theekshana’s bowling. Dasun Shanaka (17) mistimed a reverse sweep off Jadeja, who additionally knocked over David Miller (4). GT’s massive hope went when Shubman Gill (42 off 38) pulled Chahar to high quality leg.

Rahul Tewatia (3) and Vijay Shankar (14) have been despatched again by Theekshana and Matheesha Pathirana respectively, leaving GT in all types of strife at 136/7. A powerful cameo from Rashid (30 off 16) noticed Gujarat cross the 150 mark.

Talking after the memorable win, CSK skipper Dhoni stated, “IPL is simply too massive to say it is simply one other last. Was 8 prime groups, now it is 10. I will not say it is simply one other last. It is arduous work of two months. Everyone has contributed. Sure, middle-order has not obtained ample alternative. GT are a unbelievable group they usually’ve chased very effectively, so the thought was to get them in. Nevertheless it was a very good toss to lose.”

Praising Jadeja, Dhoni added, “If Jaddu will get situations that assist him, he is very troublesome to hit. His bowling modified the sport. To not overlook his partnership with Moeen [Ali].”

–By A Cricket Correspondent