Defending champions Gujarat Titans beat Chennai Super Kings by five wickets in Indian Premier League opener

Ahmedabad, Mar 31 (PTI) Gujarat Titans began the defence of their title with a five-wicket win over Chennai Super Kings in the IPL opener here on Friday.

A successful final-over chase at the Narendra Modi Stadium to kick off #TATAIPL 2023 🔥🔥

The @rashidkhan_19–@rahultewatia02 duo at it again as @gujarat_titans secure a win against #CSK💪

Scorecard ▶️ https://t.co/61QLtsnj3J#GTvCSK pic.twitter.com/uKS9xJgIbw

— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) March 31, 2023

Opener Ruturaj Gaikwad cracked a blistering 92 off 50 balls to power Chennai Super Kings to 178/7 after being asked to bat.

In reply, the Titans reached the target in 19.2 overs.

Shubman Gill was the top scorer for the Titans, scoring a 36-ball 63.

Earlier, Gaikwad smashed nine sixes even though wickets fell at regular interval at the other end.

For the Titans, spinner Rashid Khan (2/26) and pacers Mohammed Shami (2/29) and Alzarri Joseph (2/33) picked two wickets each.

Brief Scores: 178 for 7 in 20 overs (Ruturaj Gaikwad 92; Moeen Ali 23; Rashid Khan 2/26, Mohammed Shami 2/29, Alzarri Joseph 2/33)

Gujarat Titans 182 for 5 in 19.2 overs (Shubman Gill 63; Rajvardhan Hangargekar 3/36).