Gill, Sudharsan tons power GT to 229/4 vs CSK in must-win game

A century stand between Shubman Gill and Sai Sudharsan, plus a Jos Buttler half-century, powered Gujarat Titans to 229/4. Chennai Super Kings need to chase the massive 230-run target to keep their playoff hopes alive in Ahmedabad.

A century stand between skipper Shubman Gill and Sai Sudharsan and a fine half-century Jos Buttler helped Gujarat Titans (GT) reach a total of 229/4 in 20 overs against Chennai Super Kings (CSK) at Ahmedabad's Narendra Modi Stadium on Thursday. CSK need to chase down 230 runs in order to keep their playoff hopes alive.

Gill-Sudharsan Dominate Early

As GT was put to bat first by CSK, openers Shubman Gill and Sai Sudharsan gave a fine start to their team, looting boundaries against pacers, collecting three fours off Spencer Johnson in the fourth over.

Courtesy of a four straight down the ground by Sudharsan, GT reached the 50-run mark in 5.1 overs.

With a six against Noor Ahmed in the start of the seventh over, Gill completed his 6,000 runs in T20 cricket. The GT skipper ended the over with a six as well, putting up 78 on the board in seven overs.

Gill also reached his half-century in just 23 balls, with five fours and three sixes.

Sudharsan joined the party in the ninth over, pumping Anshul Kamboj for a six over deep square leg and then a four down the third man region.

Courtesy of a four by Sudharsan wide of the sweeper cover, GT crossed the 100-run mark in 9.1 overs and Gill-Sudharsan also completed a century stand for the seventh time.

At the end of 10 overs, GT was 111/0, with Gill (62*) and Sudharsan (43*) unbeaten.

Along with Gill, Sudharsan also reached his half-century, his fifth-successive fifty-plus score of the season in just 35 balls, with five fours and a six.

CSK Fight Back as Buttler Attacks

The partnership of 125 runs was broken by Spencer, who removed Gill for a 37-ball 64, with seven fours and three sixes, courtesy a fine catch from Shivam Dube on a fullish delivery. GT was 125/1 in 12.2 overs.

In the 14th over, Sudharsan started off with a four and Buttler also scored two sixes, bringing up the GT's 150-run mark in 14 overs. At the end of 15 overs, GT was 159/1, with Sudharsan (26*) and Buttler (57*) unbeaten.

Sudharsan and Buttler continued making merry against pacers, collecting fours and sixes against Kamboj, Spencer and Gurjapneet Singh. Sudharsan finished the 18th over with fours and six, helping GT reach the 200-run mark in 18 overs.

The 82-run stand was broken by Kamboj, who removed Sudharsan for a 53-ball 84, with seven fours and four sixes, with a fine catch from Matt Short at long-off. GT was 207/2 in 18.2 overs.

In the same over, Rahul Tewatia was run out for a duck on the next ball.

Smashing Kamboj for a four and six, Buttler also reached his half-century in 23 balls, with four boundaries and four sixes.

Mukesh Choudhary cleaned up Washington Sundar for just seven, caught behind by Urvil Patel.

GT ended their innings at 229/4, with Buttler (57* in 27 balls, with five fours and four sixes). Mukesh (1/36), Spencer (1/47) and Kamboj (1/56) took a wicket each.

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