CHENNAI, India (AP) — Chennai Super Kings powered their way to a record-breaking 10th Indian Premier League final with a 15-run win over defending champion Gujarat Titans in the playoffs on Tuesday.
Gujarat will have another chance to meet Chennai in the final when it takes on the winner of Wednesday’s playoff between Mumbai Indians and Lucknow Super Giants.
Opening batter Ruturaj Gaikwad top-scored in the match with 60 off 44 balls before cameos from the Chennai middle-order batters guided the home team to 172-7.
Chennai didn’t deviate from its perfect bowling script of squeezing the teams through spinners in the middle overs as Gujarat got bowled out for 157 off the final ball.
It was a remarkable turnaround for four-time champion Chennai this season after finishing ninth last year.
“I think IPL is too big to say it is just another final,” Chennai captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni said. “Ten teams makes it all the more tougher. Everyone has contributed. Yes, middle order hasn’t got ample opportunity but they have chipped in.”