NEW DELHI: Skipper Shubman Gill and B Sai Sudharsan delivered exceptional centuries in a record-equaling opening partnership of over 200 runs, propelling the Gujarat Titans to a comfortable 35-run victory over the Chennai Super Kings in an IPL match on Friday. This win keeps Gujarat's playoff hopes alive.
Sudharsan scored 103 off 51 balls, hitting five fours and seven sixes, while Gill notched the season's first century with a superb 104 off 55 balls, including six sixes.
Together, they helped GT set an imposing total of 231 for 3 after being put into bat.
The duo's partnership of 210 runs for the first wicket matched the record set by Quinton de Kock and KL Rahul in 2022.
In pursuit of the challenging target, CSK had a rocky start, but Daryl Mitchell (63 off 34) and Moeen Ali (56 off 36) shared a 109-run stand for the fourth wicket to keep the team in contention.
However, the target proved too steep, and CSK were ultimately held to 196 for 8 in their 20 overs.
"You love to watch those two (Gill and Sudharsan), really enjoyed the way they played, happy to be on the winning side though. Happy to get a couple of wickets, my body is feeling better. Had a back issue, it's good and it's better now, very soon I will be all fit," Rashid said after the match.
Despite a late surge from Mahendra Singh Dhoni with a quick 26 off 11 balls, it wasn't enough to secure the win for the defending champions.
Dhoni tonked a couple of one-handed maximums to enthrall the Ahmedabad crowd.
Gujarat Titans spinner
Rashid Khan
, who claimed two wickets in his team's win, was in awe of Dhoni and his fan following.
"I have bowled against him (Dhoni), when he comes to play it's a different feeling, it gives us a good energy, happy to play with him," Rashid said.
For Gujarat Titans, Mohit Sharma (3/31) stood out among the bowlers.