Chennai Super Kings achieved a resounding victory by 83 runs, thwarting Gujarat Titans’ opportunity to claim a position in the top two, which they could have secured with a win today at the Narendra Modi Stadium. Following a formidable batting display that allowed them to accumulate 230 runs after winning the toss, CSK delivered a precise performance with the ball, concluding their otherwise disappointing season on a high note.
CSK score a monstrous total altogether
Ayush Mhatre contributed to half of CSK’s total during the PowerPlay, yet his innings lasted only 22 balls. He faced 17 deliveries, showcasing an impressive display of boundaries with three fours and three sixes. A significant portion of his runs came in a single over where he attacked Arshad Khan, scoring 28 runs. Mhatre hit a six down the ground, followed by a pulled shot, and when Khan bowled outside off, he elegantly drove the ball for a boundary. This over established the momentum for CSK, compensating for some otherwise quiet moments. Mohammed Siraj managed to keep the batters subdued during his three-over spell at the start, as did Prasidh Krishna, who delivered a 2-run over within the PowerPlay. This over also saw the dismissal of Mhatre, who was caught at mid-off after skying a full delivery.
Following Mhatre’s exit, CSK faced the challenge of maintaining the flow of boundaries. However, a brisk partnership of 63 runs between Devon Conway and Urvil Patel facilitated this goal. They quickly got into their rhythm after the PowerPlay, with Gerald Coetzee conceding thirteen runs, including three boundaries. Patel was dismissed while attempting to hit Sai Kishore for a second consecutive six, but Shivam Dube, who came in at No. 4, continued the momentum with two sixes in an eight-ball innings. Conway also targeted Rashid Khan, reaching his fifty with a six off the spinner. Throughout the middle overs, the collective effort in hitting ensured that CSK remained on track for a substantial finish.
Dewald Brevis took charge during the final overs, scoring 57 runs off 23 balls, which propelled CSK to an impressive total of 230. The right-handed batsman was instrumental in a 74-run partnership with Ravindra Jadeja for the fifth wicket. He reached his fifty with a sequence of 6, 6, 4, followed by a single against Siraj. This rapid 19-ball fifty provided CSK with a significant boost in the closing overs, compensating for Jadeja’s 18-ball contribution of 21 runs. Despite an otherwise costly bowling performance, Prasidh Krishna stood out for the Gujarat Titans, conceding only 22 runs in his four overs. However, even his final over, which cost 9 runs and included the wicket of Brevis, could not stop CSK from achieving a commendable total.
GT's batting order falls as they face defeat
The Gujarat Titans’ primary strength during IPL 2025 – their top order – faltered during the PowerPlay, placing them in a precarious position. CSK had devised effective strategies against them, with Ravindra Jadeja initiating the attack; however, it was Anshul Kamboj who secured the initial breakthrough. With a slip in position and targeting hard lengths, Kamboj managed to induce an edge from Shubman Gill, who was advancing down the pitch. In the subsequent over, Jos Buttler followed suit, slicing a delivery from Khaleel Ahmed to Kamboj stationed at deep point. Just four balls later, Kamboj celebrated again as he restricted Sherfane Rutherford on the pull shot, resulting in a catch. With the score at 30/3, GT’s commencement of a challenging chase was fraught with difficulties.
Sai Sudharsan and Shahrukh Khan formed a partnership of 55 runs for the fourth wicket. The pair accumulated 18 runs off a single over from Shivam Dube, igniting hopes for a revival. However, those aspirations were swiftly extinguished as Ravindra Jadeja returned to claim both wickets in the 11th over. Shahrukh was dismissed after a juggling catch by Pathirana, while Sudharsan sent a straightforward catch to Dube at point. Noor Ahmed and Matheesha Pathirana effectively dismantled the lower order, squashing any remaining hopes for a miraculous turnaround. Nevertheless, Gujarat managed to surpass 122 runs, ensuring that CSK would finish last for the first time in IPL history, despite their overall dominance in this match.
Noor dismissed his compatriot Rashid Khan, who lofted a shot to long on, and then sent Rahul Tewatia back to the pavilion after he chipped a ball to cover, before bowling out Arshad Khan with a googly. Khan had managed to hit a couple of sixes towards the end, but it was ultimately futile. Kamboj fittingly claimed the final wicket as CSK concluded the match in a stylish manner.
SCORECARD: Chennai Super Kings 230/5 in 20 overs (Dewald Brevis 57, Devon Conway 52; Prasidh Krishna 2-22) beat Gujarat Titans 147 all out in 18.3 overs (Sai Sudharsan 41; Anshul Kamboj 3-13, Noor Ahmed 3-21) by 83 runs
