Defending champions Gujarat Titans will take on four-time champions Chennai Super Kings in Qualifier 1 at the Chepauk on Tuesday, May 23 after finishing in the top two spots in the IPL 2023 Points table. While it is going to be Gujarat's second successive appearance in the knockout stages, Chennai qualified for the playoffs for the 12th time after a comfortable victory against Delhi Capitals.
The 16th edition of the Indian Premier League has been a roller coaster ride for all the teams, except reigning champions Gujarat Titans, who were the first to qualify for the knockout stages. Both Chennai Super Kings and Lucknow Super Giants went into their respective clashes on Saturday, May 20, with their playoff hopes hanging in the balance.
While the Yellow Army sealed their playoff spot with a resounding 77-run victory against a struggling Delhi Capitals, they gave themselves a great chance of finishing in the second spot. Krunal Pandya's Lucknow Super Giants needed to win their match by a big margin to topple CSK in the second spot, but it wasn't to be as they were provided with an almighty scare by KKR's Rinku Singh, managing to get over the line by a solitary run.
Hardik Pandya's side are spotless against Chennai Super Kings
Lucknow's narrow victory not only secured their playoff spot but also confirmed Gujarat Titans' clash against the four-time champions in Qualifier 1. It is worth noting that Hardik Pandya's side have won all three matches against their upcoming opponents so far, but will face a stern test against MS Dhoni's side this time around as they will be backed by a sea of yellow on their home ground in Chepauk.
Meanwhile, Mumbai Indians and Royal Challengers Bangalore will fight for the remaining playoff spot in their respective matches on Sunday, May 21, with last year's losing finalists Rajasthan Royals still with an outside chance to qualify for the knockout stages.
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