IPL 2023: BCCI to plant 42000 saplings as GT vs CSK Qualifier 1 witnesses 84 dot balls

BCCI planting trees. (Photo Source: Jio Cinema)

As part of a green initiative, the BCCI has pledged to plant 500 saplings per dot ball, during the playoff stage of the Indian Premier League 2023. During Qualifier 1 between Chennai Super Kings and Gujarat Titans, special graphics were visible on the screen, as every dot ball was denoted by a tree symbol.

The very first game of the playoff saw four-time champions Chennai Super Kings defeating defending champions Gujarat Titans by 15 runs to make their way into the finals. The contest saw a total of 84 dot balls being bowled, and as per the initiative, the BCCI will be planting 42000 saplings, and the initiative will go on till the summit clash.

Making the announcement on Twitter, BCCI secretary Jay Shah said:

“We are proud to partner @TataCompanies in planting 500 saplings for each dot ball in the @IPL playoffs. Qualifier 1 #GTvsCSK got 42,000 saplings, thanks to 84 dot balls. Who says T20 is a batter’s game? Bowlers’ it’s all in your hands #TATAIPLGreenDots 🌳 🌳 🌳.”

Chennai make their way into Finals

Speaking of the game, the MS Dhoni-led side emerged victorious, and defeated the Hardik Pandya-led side for the first time, which helped them seal the finals spot. With the win, CSK managed to enter the finals for a record 10th time. Having lost thrice against the defending champions, CSK finally managed to break the curse and bagged a 15-run win.

Batting first, CSK got to a total of 172 runs in their 20-over quota. Ruturaj Gaikwad finished as the top scorer for Chennai, scoring 60 runs off 44 deliveries, followed by Devon Conway who notched up 40 runs off 34 balls. Thanks to the contributions of the middle-order batters Ambati Rayudu, Ravindra Jadeja, and Ajinkya Rahane, CSK reached a defendable total.

The pitch acted differently in the second innings, and CSK bowlers made the most of it. Even after giving away extra runs, every bowler finished with at least one wicket as CSK clinched a victory. Shubman Gill was the top scorer for Gujarat as he scored 42 runs off 38 deliveries. Rashid Khan tried his best towards the end but his time on the field was cut short, which put curtains on GT’s run.