Mumbai Indians (MI) proved their championship pedigree by defeating Gujarat Titans (GT) in a thrilling TATA IPL 2025 Eliminator.
With a mammoth 228/5 posted in their innings, courtesy of Rohit Sharma’s 81 off 50 balls and Jonny Bairstow’s explosive 47 off 22, MI defended their total successfully, securing a 20-run victory and a place in Qualifier 2.
MI’s Power-Packed Batting Display
Mumbai Indians opted to bat first after winning the toss, with openers Bairstow and Rohit Sharma leading the charge. Bairstow set the tone with a blistering 47 off just 22 deliveries, smashing three sixes and two fours in a single over from Purple Cap contender Prasidh Krishna. Rohit capitalised on two dropped catches and accelerated further, reaching a 28-ball fifty before crafting a well-controlled 81 off 50 balls.
While MI lost Bairstow in the 8th over, Suryakumar Yadav (33 off 20) and Tilak Varma (25 off 11) contributed crucial cameos to propel MI past the 200-mark. Skipper Hardik Pandya’s 22 off 9 balls*, including three sixes in the final over, ensured MI closed at 228/5.
Gujarat Titans’ Spirited Chase Falls Short
With 229 runs to chase, GT’s top-order faced an early setback when Trent Boult dismissed Shubman Gill (1) in the opening over. However, Sai Sudharsan (80 off 49) and Washington Sundar (48 off 24) stitched a crucial 106-run partnership, keeping GT’s hopes alive.
GT required 36 off 12 balls when MI’s bowling unit delivered under pressure. Jasprit Bumrah’s yorker to dismiss Sundar, followed by Richard Gleeson removing Sudharsan, turned the tide. Sherfane Rutherford and Rahul Tewatia fought hard, but MI held on, securing a 20-run victory.
What’s Next?
Mumbai Indians will now face Punjab Kings (PBKS) in Qualifier 2, battling for a place in the IPL 2025 final against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB).
