IPL 2023: CSK qualifies for finals for record 10th time; Dhoni's bowling unit delivers

Chennai Super Kings becomes the first team in the Indian Premier League games to qualify for the finals for the record 10th time.

Chennai:Chennai Super Kings became the first team to qualify for the Indian Premier League 2023 finals and also the first team to qualify for finals for the record 10th time of IPL. Thala Dhoni led Chennai beat Gujarat Titans by 15 runs in the Qualifier 1 despite scoring under 180 runs in the short format game, on Tuesday night.

The defending run of the Titans will continue in this season as they will still be able to qualify for the finals. The defeat has pit the defending champions to play the winner from the Eliminator in the second qualifier. Gujarat would have to face either Mumbai Indians or Lucknow Super Giants, who are playing later in the evening at MA Chidambaram stadium in Chennai.

On Tuesday, the Super Kings were asked to bat first posted 172 for seven with little of boundaries and sixes. Opener Ruturaj Gaikwad mopped up 60 runs off 44-balls while his partner Devon Conway who could not find his rhythm managed to score 40 off 34 deliveries, while sharing 87 runs between them on a slow track.

As the track slowed down further, the Titans batting unit was tested by Chennai bowlers. Shubman Gill seemed like he found his rhythm as scored 42 runs while his partners from the other end kept walking away in regular intervals. A late attempt by Rashid Khan who scored 30 did not carry the team through.

Ravindra Jadeja bagged two wickets for 18 runs at an amazing economy rate below 5 runs per over. The brilliance in fielding and bowling helped Chennai to restrict the Titans to 157. Thus, the four time champions Chennai entered the finals which is scheduled to be played in Narendra Modi stadium in Ahmedabad on Sunday.

Brief Scores:
Chennai Super Kings: 172 for 7 in 20 overs (Ruturaj Gaikwad 60; Mohammed Shami 2/28).
Gujarat Titans: 157 all out in 20 overs (Shubman Gill 42; Ravindra Jadeja 2/18, Deepak Chahar 2/29).