On Friday, Gujarat Titans (231/3) triumphed over Chennai Super Kings (196/8) by 35 runs at the packed Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. The match featured sensational centuries from Shubman Gill (104 off 55 balls) and Sai Sudharsan (103 off 51 balls), who forged a remarkable 210-run partnership. This massive opening stand proved insurmountable for Chennai, who had elected to field first.
Chasing a daunting target of 231, Chennai stumbled early, losing three wickets for just 15 runs. Despite a valiant effort by Daryl Mitchell (63 off 34 balls) and Moeen Ali (56 off 36 balls), who steadied the innings, the team ultimately fell short. In the latter stages, contributions from Shivam Dube, Ravindra Jadeja, and MS Dhoni couldn’t bridge the gap, leaving Chennai 35 runs adrift.
This victory for the Titans has significantly impacted the playoff race. While it doesn’t propel Gujarat into the playoffs, it has dented CSK’s chances and opened opportunities for Royal Challengers Bangalore and Delhi Capitals. 
Despite Gujarat’s dominance, the match had several pivotal moments that could have changed the outcome. Here’s a closer look at those key moments:
Gill and Sudharshan’s onslaught against spinners
CSK’s entire planning and bowling lineup revolves around their spinners, and in the absence of their key bowlers, Ravindra Jadeja (0/29) and Mitchell Santner (0/30) were expected to dictate terms in middle overs. Gujarat, however, came up with a demolition plan that dismantled Chennai’s core. Against spinners, they hit the hard way and never let them settle. In the end, spinners bowled only four overs, conceding 60 runs.
Simarjeet Singh’s defining 11th over
Simarjeet Singh’s (0/60) 11th over changed the whole complexion for Gujarat, who were cruising at a 10 run per over rate with a projected total of 200 runs. The Delhi pacer went for 23 runs which took their run-rate to almost 12. Sudharsan was the main factor behind the demolition as he smashed two sixes off the last two balls to take the momentum to a new level. Ultimately, Gujarat changed gears after that over and scored past 230 runs.
Gujarat’s dream start with the ball
When defending a score of more than 230 runs, there is always ample space to breathe. Then, you have an edge by taking three wickets inside 3 overs. Gaikwad and Ajinkya Rahane (1/5) were thrown into panic mode when Umesh Yadav (1/20) and Sandeep Warrier (1/28) started the bowling with disciplined line and lengths. Those three quick wickets ensured that Chennai faltered in the powerplay.
Mohit Sharma’s big breakthrough
Chennai didn’t give up after a disastrous start in the chase as Moeen Ali (56/36) and Daryl Mitchell (63/34) gave Gujarat a strong counterpunch. Keeping a close watch on Gujarat’s spinners and monitoring the run-rate, both didn’t let spinners settle down. Chennai started closing gaps and shifting into sixth gear when Mohit Sharma (3/31) appeared as a big roadblock. With the slower ones, the experienced pacer sent Mithcell to the pavilion in a flash. For Chennai, whose belief in chase was just beginning, his breakthrough ruined everything.
Rashid Khan’s final nail in the coffin
In the last overs of the chase, Chennai lost the plot, thanks to the double attack of Rashid Khan (2/38) and Mohit Sharma. Having removed Moeen Ali and Shivam Dube (21/13), Sharma ended Chennai’s middle-order, but Rashid Khan’s 18th over sealed the deal for them. For CSK to win, 64 runs were needed in the last three overs, a daunting task, but anything was possible with MS Dhon’s (26/11) firepower. Rashid Khan, however, came up with a clutch plan by taking Ravindra Jadeja (18/10) and Mitchell Santner’s (0/2) wickets and conceding just 2 runs to seal the fate for Gujarat.
With six wins and six losses, Chennai Super Kings are in a do-or-die situation as they must win all of their games to qualify for the playoffs. Even though they are still at fourth spot, their net run rate has dropped drastically. On Sunday, Chennai will play Rajasthan Royals in a crunch match. Parimatch odds for Chennai for this game are 1.81x. Gujarat Titans have maintained their hopes after this win and will now host KKR. Parimatch odds for them for this game are at 2.12x.
