29 May,2023 01:44 AM IST | Ahmedabad | mid-day online correspondent
Hardik Pandya, MS Dhoni (Pic: @ipl/Twitter)
MS Dhoni won the toss and elected to bowl first against Gujarat Titans, who will look to win their second successive IPL title as they face Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the IPL 2023 Final. The IPL 2023 final was scheduled to take place on Sunday, but failed to get underway at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad due to a massive hail and thunderstorm with rain on Sunday evening.
CSK defeated Hardik Pandya's GT in Qualifier 1 on Wednesday, as the latter are looking to defend their title back-to-back this year. Shubman Gill is in red-hot form this year as he has smashed three hundred in his last three games played for the Gujarat Titans. It will be interesting to see how the young bowling unit of the four-time IPL champions go up against him.
For Chennai, Shivam Dube has set the tone throughout the season but in the previous clash he was trapped by the Gujarat Titans spin bowling at the Chepauk. However, the match will take place this time at the iconic Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.
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Gujarat Titans: Hardik Pandya (c), Shubman Gill, David Miller, Abhinav Manohar, B. Sai Sudharsan, Wriddhiman Saha, Matthew Wade, Rashid Khan, Rahul Tewatia, Vijay Shankar, Mohammed Shami, Alzarri Joseph, Yash Dayal, Pradeep Sangwan, Darshan Nalkande, Jayant Yadav, R. Sai Kishore, Noor Ahmad, Dasun Shanaka, Odean Smith, KS Bharat, Shivam Mavi, Urvil Patel, Joshua Little, Mohit Sharma.
Chennai Super Kings: MS Dhoni (c), Devon Conway, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Ambati Rayudu, Subhranshu Senapati, Moeen Ali, Shivam Dube, Rajvardhan Hangargekar, Dwaine Pretorius, Mitchell Santner, Ravindra Jadeja, Tushar Deshpande, Matheesha Pathirana, Simarjeet Singh, Deepak Chahar, Prashant Solanki, Maheesh Theekshana, Ajinkya Rahane, Ben Stokes, Shaik Rasheed, Nishant Sindhu, Sisanda Magala, Ajay Mandal, Bhagath Varma, Akash Singh.
Wicketkeeper:Devon Conway (vc)
Batters: Shubman Gill (c), Ruturaj Gaikwad, Shivam Dube, B. Sai Sudharsan
All-rounders: Ravindra Jadeja, Hardik Pandya
Bowlers: Mohammad Shami, Rashid Khan, Deepak Chahar, Matheesha Pathirana
Chennai Super Kings: Ruturaj Gaikwad, Devon Conway, Shivam Dube, Ajinkya Rahane, Ambati Rayudu, Moeen Ali, MS Dhoni (c) (wk), Ravindra Jadeja, Tushar Deshpande, Deepak Chahar, Maheesh Theekshana.
Gujarat Titans: Wriddhiman Saha (wk), Shubman Gill, Hardik Pandya (c), David Miller, B. Sai Sudharsan, Vijay Shankar, Rahul Tewatia, Rashid Khan, Mohammad Shami, Noor Ahmad, Mohit Sharma.
MS Dhoni wins toss, opts to field first.
Gujarat Titans: Wriddhiman Saha(w), Shubman Gill, Sai Sudharsan, Hardik Pandya(c), Vijay Shankar, David Miller, Rahul Tewatia, Rashid Khan, Mohit Sharma, Noor Ahmad, Mohammed Shami.
Chennai Super Kings: Ruturaj Gaikwad, Devon Conway, Ajinkya Rahane, Moeen Ali, Ambati Rayudu, Ravindra Jadeja, MS Dhoni(w/c), Deepak Chahar, Matheesha Pathirana, Tushar Deshpande, Maheesh Theekshana
1:50 AM: CSK become champions, beat Gujarat Titans by 5 wickets
With 10 needed off the last two balls, Ravindra Jadeja smashed the ball out of the park to hand CSK their best-ever win in the history of IPL. Chennai Super Kings successfully chase down 171 in a dramatic last-over win for a record-equalling fifth title
1:47 AM: 150/5 (13 overs)
In an unexpected turn of events, Dhoni's innings comes to an end as he is caught by Miller! It's a twist that almost nobody anticipated or desired. Mohit Sharma delivers a full ball outside off, and Dhoni decides to drive it. Unfortunately for him, the shot goes directly into the waiting hands of Miller at extra cover. Although it may not be the classic "finishes off in style" ending, there is still a chance for a happy ending for CSK. Dhoni's dismissal sees him depart without scoring, having faced just one delivery. He is caught by Miller off the bowling of Mohit Sharma.
1:41 AM: 149/4 (12.4 overs)
Rayudu's aggressive attempt is thwarted by Mohit Sharma, who takes a brilliant caught and bowled catch! Mohit makes a comeback with this wicket. Delivering a well-pitched ball at a regular pace, he lures Rayudu into attempting a slog. However, Rayudu fails to connect cleanly, resulting in a high shot off the bat that goes straight back to the bowler, offering an easy catch. The crowd erupts with cheers as this dismissal signifies the arrival of MS Dhoni to the crease. Rayudu departs after scoring 19 runs off 8 deliveries, including 1 four and 2 sixes.
1:35 AM: 133/3 (12 overs)
Shivam Dube has finally started connecting as he hit two consecutive sixes vs Rashid Khan.
1:32 AM: 117/3 (10.5 overs)
Rahane falls victim to Mohit Sharma, caught by Shankar! This marks Sharma's 25th wicket of the season, and it is safe to say that a significant portion of his dismissals have come from slower deliveries, just like this one. He cleverly delivers a slower-length ball outside off, and Rahane anticipates it. Despite being prepared for the slower ball, Rahane fails to execute his shot successfully, resulting in a catch by Shankar. Rahane departs after contributing 27 runs off 13 balls, including 2 fours and 2 sixes.
1:26 AM: 112/2 (10 overs)
Rahane finishes Rashid's over with two back-to-back boundaries making it a 13-run over.
1:20 AM: 99/2 (9 overs)
Match winning spell by Noor Ahmad as he takes two big wickets and give just 17 runs in 18 balls.
1:14 AM: 94/2 (8 overs)
Ajinkya Rahane has hit two beautiful sixes against Little just with his timing. 16 runs from the 8th over.
1:00 AM: 78/2 (7 overs)
Conway, looking to capitalize, takes on Noor Ahmad but falls victim to an excellent catch by Mohit Sharma! This moment carries immense significance in the game. Noor delivers a shorter ball with added bounce, and it holds up on the surface. Conway positions himself on the backfoot, intending to powerfully punch it over long-off. However, due to the ball holding up, he fails to connect with enough force.
12:57 AM: 74/1 (6.3 overs)
It's a wicket! The catch was taken by an Afghan, off the bowling of another Afghan. The Gujarat team celebrates. The delivery was a fast and full dart aimed at the off stump. Gaikwad attempted a powerful shot but ended up getting a thick outside edge, sending the ball high up in the air. Rashid Khan, positioned at backward point, settled comfortably under it and made the catch. Gaikwad is dismissed by Noor Ahmad, scoring 26 runs off 16 balls, including 3 fours and 1 six.
12:50 PM: 72/0 (6 overs)
Conway hits a six to make it 14 runs over. No bowler from GT has looked threatening so far. CSK are on top.
12:45 PM: 58/0 (5 overs)
Noor Ahmad bowls a decent over with just 6 runs from it with no boundaries
12:37 PM: 52/0 (4 overs)
Rashid Khan into the attack but he fails to get the breakthrough. Rashid hit for a six and a four by Ruturaj and a boundary by Conway.
12:27 AM: 35/0 (3 overs)
Back-to-back boundaries by Conway against Shami to make it another big over for CSK.
12:15 AM: 24/0 (2 overs)
Conway hit Hardik for a six and a boundary in the over. 14 runs from the over.
12:10 AM: Match begins!
CSK need 171 runs in 15 overs. As the powerplay will be till 4 overs, each bowler can bowl a maximum of 3 overs.
11:20 PM: Match to begin at 12:10 AM
CSK need 170 runs to win 5th title. Hardik Pandya, Ashish Nehra, and Stephen Fleming have just joined the umpires' huddle. I notice that Rod Tucker is holding a piece of paper, possibly containing important information. It seems that the game is set to begin at 12:10 AM, and there are rumors suggesting it will be a 15-over match.
11:05 PM: More inspection soon
The ground staff has performed exceptionally well in addressing the condition of the practice pitch. They skillfully applied a combination of sawdust and green sand, and they are currently diligently rolling it to ensure that the ground is prepared for the game as soon as possible. Javagal Srinath, the match referee, and the umpires are engaged in a conversation with the ground staff.
The next inspection is scheduled for 11:30 PM, allowing a minimum of 45 minutes before potentially losing overs, as reported by the host broadcasters. There have been numerous lively discussions taking place on the field, primarily focused on one of the saturated corner pitches within the square. However, it is evident that the pitch has significantly improved compared to its condition just 20 minutes ago.
10:50 PM: Players spotted warming up!
As the umpires make their way onto the field for inspection, there are noticeable sections of the outfield and practice pitches that remain quite saturated, indicating significant dampness.
10:44 PM: Action to begin soon!
As the umpires make their way onto the field for inspection, there are noticeable sections of the outfield and practice pitches that remain quite saturated, indicating significant dampness.
10:28 PM: Covers off!
As the live broadcast captures the scene, players can be seen examining the playing surface with great attention, while a few take the opportunity to test the condition of the outfield. The camera captures the surface, revealing visible patches forming as Rayudu walks across it, his spikes causing it to break. It appears that the preparations might require more time than initially anticipated, creating a sense that the delay could be extended.
10:07 PM: Still no respite!
The ground staff is facing a challenge in maintaining the covers in place due to strong winds sweeping across the ground. Fortunately, we still have a two-hour window before we start losing overs, as mentioned by the host broadcasters. Judging from the live pictures, it appears that it will take approximately 20-30 minutes to complete the necessary clean-up once the rain subsides.
10:00 PM: Rains plays spoilsport again!
CSK need this score by the end of the 5th over: 43 runs without any wicket, 48 runs with one wicket, 55 runs with two wickets down and 65 runs with three wickets.
9:45 PM: Innings break
Rain threatens to wreak havoc again. As of now, the covers have been brought on due to a light drizzle.
The rain is pouring heavily now. The bails have been dislodged, signalling the suspension of play. The groundstaff quickly rushes onto the field, covering the pitch to protect it. They are now bringing in larger covers to cover the entire playing area, including the square.
9:25 PM: 214/4 (20 overs)
Rashid Khan falls victim to Pathirana's delivery, caught by Gaikwad! Pathirana concludes his spell on a high note, but the GT team has posted a formidable total on the scoreboard. The ball was delivered with a fuller length, and Rashid Khan attempted to hit it down the ground towards long-on. However, his timing was off, and Ruturaj positioned himself to the right to take the catch comfortably.
9:13 PM; 212/3 (19.3 overs)
Pathirana strikes and Sai Sudharsan is dismissed, leg before wicket! What a remarkable innings it has been from Sai Sudharsan! He has truly showcased his skills and versatility tonight. The delivery was a full one, angling in from outside the off stump. Sai Sudharsan attempted to play it across but failed to connect, resulting in the ball hitting his pads. The umpire didn't hesitate to raise his finger. Despite the unsuccessful review, Sai Sudharsan has achieved the highest score by an uncapped player in an IPL final!
9:05 PM: 189/2 (18 Overs)
Sai Sudharsan is the main man for Gujarat Titans tonight, he is batting on 79 off 42 balls with Hardik Pandya 14 (9). GT will eye 210 plus runs on the board for sure from here on.
8:59 PM: 167/2 (17 Overs)
Sai Sudharsan has completed his fifty and is batting on 67 off 37 balls at the moment with five fours and four maximums. Gujarat Titans eyeing a massive total at the Narendra Modi Stadium.
8:50 PM: 131/2 (14 Overs)
Wriddhiman Saha 54 (39) caught by MS Dhoni bowled by Deepak Chahar. Chennai Super Kings finally get the dangerman Saha out after he scored 54 off 39 balls. Deepak makes amends for the dropped catch earlier.
8:43 PM: 124/1 (13 Overs)
There was a slight drizzle after the end of the 12th over but it has finished now. Gujarat Titans have got Wriddhiman Saha and Sai Sudharsan in the middle batting in fine rhythm at the moment. Saha is batting on 53 off 37 balls.
8:30 PM: 101/1 (11 Overs)
Matheesha Pathirana brought into the attack by skipper Dhoni for Chennai. CSK will hope he finds his rhythm soon and wreak havoc on the GT batting lineup.
8:20 PM: 85/1 (10 Overs)
Gujarat Titans need to improve run-rate now with Sai Sudharsan and Wriddhiman Saha in the middle. Maheesh Theeksana and Ravindra Jadeja are into the attack for Chennai.
8:10 PM: 79/1 (9 Overs)
Chennai Super Kings in control of this contest at the moment after Shubman Gill's wicket. Wriddhiman Saha is still looking to attack the bowling with Sai Sudharsan on the other end.
7:55 PM: 68/1 (7 Overs)
Shubman Gill 39 (20) stumped by MS Dhoni bowled by Ravindra Jadeja. What a wicket! Chennai Super Kings bounce back in this contest as the man in form departs.
7:55 PM: 45/0 (5 Overs)
Gujarat Titans look in complete control of this contest as both openers are batting in fine rhythm at the moment. How much will that Shubman Gill's dropped catch cost the Chennai Super Kings in this contest?
7:42 PM: 18/0 (3 Overs)
Shubman Gill has been dropped by Deepak Chahar on 3, a big moment in the final as the man with three centuries in his last three games has been dropped. Gujarat Titans now look to get things going as Saha takes on Chahar in the third over.
7:30 PM: Match begins!
Here we go! Wriddhiman Saha and Shubman Gill open the innings for Gujarat Titans eyeing a fiery start in the powerplay. Chennai Super Kings bring in Deepak Chahar to attack the stumps with the new ball.
