CSK vs GT, 62nd Match at Mumbai, IPL, May 15 2022 - Match Result

7:30pm End of the first match of the day but don't go anywhere but here to follow what Jos Buttler and co do with the bat at the Braborne Stadium. On behalf of Sidharth and the scorers, I, Sudarshanan, sign off. Take care, aficionados!

Player of the match, Wriddhiman Saha: I have been playing for so long. But this setup takes care of the group. I didn't play the initial games but executed my plans when I got a chance. We were not chasing a big target. So I took my chances in the powerplay and then there was no need to take chances as the required rate was under six. We saw when we were bowling that the odd ball stopped. So I thought of taking my chances initally before taking it easy. My role in the team is to play my natural game in the first six overs. After that, my strengths are to be backed, be it playing the sweep or charging down.

Hardik Pandya, Titans captain: You don't get extra points for finishing early, so it is important to win. (On his captaincy) I did alright because having played in the previous franchise where a lot of responsibility was given to the players. I have enjoyed responsibility and it has helped me. Doing what have done in the past has helped. Ashu pa(Ashish Nehra) and me are very similar in mindsets. We connect without saying much. We'll see if any player requires rest otherwise we need to keep the momentum. The core group needs to be intact. If fast bowlers need rest, we'll rotate otherwise it'll stay the same.

7:15pm As Dhoni said, it was a tad tough to get the fast bowlers away, especially after the ball gets a bit older. CSK never got enough runs on the board and that showed in the ease with which Titans got home. However, the way the bowlers kept Titans in check would have pleased Dhoni and CSK, given they are looking forward to 2023 already.

Titans have to give it to Saha for the chase. Had fortune early on when Gaikwad shelled him. But it was a chanceless knock thereon. Gill hit a few strokes too before being trapped by Pathirana, who looked quite impressive on debut. Saha hit a classy fifty, unbeaten one that, Shami picked up a couple of wickets in the first innings. Who will be the player of the match? Stick by to find out.

Mohammed Shami, Titans bowler: In the afternoon games, it is important to maintain the right lengths. The length balls aren't easy to hit and it is important to maintain that and keep it simple. We have our plans and touchwood it keeps continuing. It is not easy to maintain the bond in a new franchise. But we are enjoying and crossing the line. Thanks to the support staff for making it all easy. When you lose, you do get hurt but you should look to better your form.

MS Dhoni, CSK captain: Batting first wasn't a very good idea. It was tough to hit the faster bowlers in the first half, spinners-wise it was similar. Sai bowled well. We could have pushed Shivam up but would have beaten the purpose of having Jaggi in the side. Had it been earlier in the tournament, it would have been a tactical move to have Shivam in. With Pathirana, the margin of error is slim. He's got a good slower one and it will be tough to hit him if he bowls consistent pace. We will look to give people chances. We are trying to feature a good XI and will look to do that in the coming games also.

7:06pm Smiles in the Titans dugout after yet another convincing win. Handshakes all around. They will be the happy camp and why not. Such a strong performance with the ball to follow it off with a clinical chase. Titans have now confirmed their spot in the top two. If Lucknow Super Giants win their clash against Rajasthan Royals, they will set up the Qualifier 1 against the Titans.

Just one run to win. Pathirana it will be to bowl the last over, Everybody in the Titans dugout is near the rope.

Around the stumps now.

Choudhary for the penultimate. Dhoni has a longish chat.

Ani: "Think csk will rue their last couple of overs. Definitely not the best wicket to bat on but surely 150 was possible?"

Pathirana for his third. Just 13 needed for Titans. Three fielders in the ring on the off side.

Tinura: "Pathirana was mainly used as a death bowler by SL U19 team to maximize his reverse swing. If CSK can grow him in that role, he will be the perfect replacement for Bravo once he retires."

Solanki to bowl out.

Afeef: "Parthiv Patel was Malinga's first wicket off just his second ball" Wow, thanks!

Krishna: "Tho solanki hasn't got a wicket, he's been impressive with his flight variations. CSK grooming spinners like mushrooms."