The Mumbai Indians qualified for the IPL 2025 Qualifier 2 with an impressive win over.
The Gujarat Titans at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in New Chandigarh on Friday, May 30. MI skipper Hardik Pandya won the toss and chose to bat first, and as can be seen, the move paid off on a level deck that aided the batsmen greatly.
MI scored 228 for the loss of five wickets, with the batting order dominating the first innings. In response, GT struggled from the start, losing captain Shubman Gill cheaply. Following that, a few partnerships here and there, as well as B Sai Sudharsan’s lone struggle, proved insufficient, as the Ahmedabad-based franchise was eliminated from the competition after falling 20 runs short.
Talking Points
1. Ravishing Rohit Sharma shatters GT bowlers
Known for his approach filled with intent, Rohit Sharma batted in his merry way and gave a brilliant start to the Mumbai-based franchise. Opening the innings alongside Jonny Bairstow (47 off 22), the 38-year-old attacking batter hit four sixes and nine boundaries as well, thereby compiling 81 off just 50 balls. Apart from him, Tilak Varma (25 off 11), Suryakumar Yadav (33 off 20), and Hardik (22 off 9) also played crucial cameos as well to post a respectable total for the five-time champions in the all-important Playoff fixture.
2. Titans go cruising, but sink,
Despite a shaky start, B Sai Sudharsan (80 off 49) was brilliant in his attacking yet attentive approach. But lack of strong support from the other end made the Tamil Nadu-born the lone batter in GT’s chase. Washington Sundar did try and keep the momentum running, but bowling brilliance from Jasprit Bumrah ended his dangerous looking knock. From there, the game tilted in MI’s favour, and the side eventually moved away with a win to face-off Punjab Kings in the second qualifier match on Sunday, June 1.
3. RCB await their finalists for Motera match-up
Royal Challengers Bengaluru, who have now already qualified for the grand finale at the Narendra Modi Stadium on Tuesday, will be keenly watching the game a couple of nights prior to know their finalists in the ultimate clash at the majestic venue. The winner between MI and PBKS will move on to the next stage, while it will be the end of the story for those who lose. However, the event will come to fruition, only when the Shreyas Iyer‘s men cross swords against Hardik Pandya & Co.
Who Said What?
Hardik Pandya, winning captain, said
At one point of time, the game was even-steven. I thought the wicket got better in the second innings. The way Jonny started, for him to make our debut for us… the way Ro batted. He took his time. When you see important games, all these margins help.
It’s very simple: whenever you feel the game is going far [away], just get him. It’s like Mumbai housing prices – he’s that expensive! I just need to throw the ball. I just thought if we can keep some extra runs at the end. It was important, Jassi comes and bowls that over, and the margin becomes bigger. It’s going to be very important to recover well
Shubman Gill, losing captain, said
Last three or four overs didn’t go our way, but still a very good game of cricket. Not easy when we drop three sitters, especially in the powerplay. Not easy for the bowlers to control. The message was simple: just play the game you want to play. The goal was the same for both [Sai Sudharsan and Washington]… Lot of positives for us. Last two or three games didn’t go our way, but credit to all the players – especially Sai; he was terrific. I think 210 was par on this pitch
Rohit Sharma, Player of the Match, said
I’ve got only four fifties; I think I would have liked to get more. I do understand the importance of playing the Eliminator. Again, a complete team performance. When I play, it’s trying to understand how I can play my best. Today, after having those luck going my way, I knew I had to make the most of it. I’m glad I could do that, and get the team into a good position.
We knew it would be slightly challenging with the dew coming in. I’ve played all those shots in the game before, and unfortunately, I found fielders [today]. I got lucky; those catches got dropped. Even after the drop, you’ve got to play well. It was a good bowling effort as well. I’ve watched Bairstow over the years being on the other side… we know what he can do upfront with the bat. Took his chances, and it came off. We always look for that start.
India
