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The 59th match of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 saw an exciting clash between Gujarat Titans (GT) and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in Ahmedabad. In the match characterized by high scores, Gujarat secured a 35-run victory, dampening CSK’s hopes of solidifying their position in the playoff race.
GT sets the tone with a commanding total
Put in to bat, the hosts went on to post a massive total of 231/3 on the board in their allotted 20 overs. Openers Sai Sudharsan and Shubman Gill completely demolished theꦿ CSK bowling attack, smashing their respective centuries. While Sudharsan scored 103 off 51 balls, captain Gill slammed 104 from 44 deliveries.
CSK’s resilience falls short
In response, the Super Kings did show some fight but were unable to go past the target as they could only manage to reach 196/8 in 20 overs. CSK began their chase on a poor note, losing three wickets for just 10 runs, including of skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad, who was dismissed courtesy of a brilliant catch by Rashid Khan. Though, Daryl Mitchell (63 off 34) and Moeen Ali🅺 (56 off 36) kept the Super Kings in the hunt but follow☂ing their dismissals, it was game over for the 5-time champions.
Rashid Khan’s fielding brilliance ends Ruturaj Gaikwad’s stay
Among the numerous moments that caught the attention of fans, Rashid’s fielding brilliance stood out prominently. The Afghan superstar took an incredible catch that saw the end of Ruturaj. The incident took place on the penultimate delivery of the third over bowled by Umesh Yadav.
As Umesh delivered a short ball, Ruturaj attempted a pull shot towards deep square leg. Demonstrating remarkable composure, Rashid positioned himself and secured the catch just inside the boundary rope. He released the ball while retreating and ensured his right leg didn’t touch the rope during the second attempt.
Here is the video:
ख़ानों में ख़ान, राशिद ख़ान 😎
— JioCinema (@JioCinema)
Also WATCH: IPL 2024 – David Miller hits the bulls-eye to run out Rachin Ravindra | GT vs CSK
Rashid in awe of MS Dhoni
Following the match, Rashid expressed his deep admiration for MS Dhoni and marveled at the veteran wicketkeeper’s immense popularity among fans. Notably, the atmosphere reached fever pitch as Dhoni stepped onto the field to bat in front of a packed Narendra Modi Stadium.
Dhoni’s explosive cameo of 26 runs from 11 balls, comprising three sixes and a boundary, left an indelible mark on the game. Despite being on the receiving end of Dhoni’s onslaught in the final over, Rashid lauded Dhoni’s influence on fans and players alike, describing it as a privilege to share the field with him.
“Once Dhoni comes into the stadium anywhere around the world, it’s a different kind of love. We’re so lucky to be playing with him. We also get everything bit of him in those kinds of moments,” said Rashid after the game.
