Saha helps Titans tower over CSK
Gujarat Titans made light work of its 134-run chase against Chennai Super Kings at the Wankhede Stadium to reaffirm its IPL 2022 title-winning credentials on Sunday. Titans have also assured themselves of a top-two finish.
Batting first, Chennai Super Kings did not score any boundaries in its first four overs as well as at the death. Wriddhiman Saha (67, 57b, 8x4, 1x6) collected six in the first 18 balls of the chase. He got a reprieve in the third over when Ruturaj Gaikwad dropped a simple catch at backward point. But if Super Kings’ innings lacked momentum, Saha and Shubman Gill ensured Titans’ had it aplenty as they raced to 53 in the PowerPlay.
Matheesha Pathirana (2/24), with his uncanny slinging action, struck with his first ball in the IPL when he trapped Gill in front.
Matthew Wade and Hardik Pandya fell shortly after but Saha, in the company of David Miller, saw Titans home with seven wickets to spare.
Earlier, Mohammed Shami’s (2/19) first two overs had the same artistry as a skilful spell in a Test match.
Only Gaikwad (53, 49b, 4x4, 1x6) and N. Jagadeesan (39, 33b, 3x4, 1x6) made useful contributions as CSK struggled to 133 for five in 20 overs.
