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The opening game of the Indian Premier League season 16 left no stone unturned in entertaining the fans in all aspects as Gujarat Titans got their title defence off to a brilliant start by defeating Chennai Super Kings by five wickets.  Gujarat captain won the toss and invited Chennai to bat first.

CSK couldn’t get off to a good start as Mohammed Shami cleaned up Devon Conway in the third over.

However, Ruturaj Gaikwad stabilised the innings with his sensational knock of 92 off 50 balls and took Chennai to the total of 178/7 in their allotted 20 overs. Mohammed Shami, Rashid Khan and Alzarri Joseph dazzled with the ball for Gujarat as they picked up two wickets each.

In reply, Gujarat off to a good start as Shubman Gill and Wriddhiman Saha came out with an attacking intent. Gill went on to score 63 off 36 balls smashing six fours and three sixes. Contributions came from everyone in Gujarat’s batting order as they chased down the target in 19.2 overs and won the match by five wickets.

Best Batter of the Match

Ruturaj Gaikwad played a sensational knock of 92 off 50 balls clobbering four fours and nine sixes in his innings and kept the CSK innings going. He was involved in a 51-run stand for the third wicket with Ambati Rayudu.

Best Bowler of the Match

The 20-year-old Rajvardhan Hangargekar was the leading wicket-taker in the game on his IPL debut as he scalped three wickets in his four-over spell while giving away 36 runs. He kept his side in the game by picking up wickets at crucial stages of the match.

What’s next for both sides?

After getting their campaign off to a great start Gujarat will next travel to Delhi to play against Delhi Capitals on April 4. On the other hand, Chennai will be up against Lucknow Super Giants in Chennai on April 3.