MI vs GT: Mumbai Indians (MI) are back in business! The five-time IPL title winners gave a dominating performance on Thursday evening to beat defending champions Gujarat Titans (GT) by 20 runs in an absorbing IPL 2025 Eliminator at New Chandigarh. MI will now clash against Punjab Kings (PBKS) in Qualifier 2 for a berth in the grand finale against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB).
Rohit Sharma’s Masterclass Leads the Charge
MI, who had won the toss, came out guns blazing. Captain Rohit Sharma played a fabulous knock of 81 from 50 balls, holding the innings together with elegance, timing, and aggression. The innings was not without fortune, being dropped twice early in the innings, but Rohit made GT pay heavily. In doing so, he became the second player to reach 7000 IPL runs and the first Indian to hit 300 sixes in IPL history.
Bairstow’s Brutality & Finishing Fireworks
Opening with Rohit, Jonny Bairstow lit up the powerplay with a rapid 47 off 22 balls, smashing 26 runs off a single over from Purple Cap contender Prasidh Krishna. After his dismissal, Surya Kumar Yadav chipped in with 33(20), while Tilak Varma (25 off 11) and Hardik Pandya (22* off 9) provided a strong finish, helping MI post a mammoth 228/5.
Score Summary – MI Innings:
- Rohit Sharma – 81 (50)
- Jonny Bairstow – 47 (22)
- Surya Kumar Yadav – 33 (20)
- MI Total: 228/5 in 20 overs
GT’s Chase Led by Sudharsan’s Grit
Chasing 229 was never going to be easy, particularly without Jos Buttler. GT lost Shubman Gill (1) early to Trent Boult, but Sai Sudharsan and Washington Sundar put together a fighting partnership.
Sudharsan carried on his dream season, making 80 off 49 balls, his seventh 50+ score in IPL 2025. Sundar helped him well with a fiery 48 off 24, but Jasprit Bumrah’s yorkers and timely wickets kept MI in the race.
Turning Point: Gleeson’s Decisive Over
With GT needing 68 off 30 balls, Richard Gleeson delivered a game-changing over. After conceding back-to-back boundaries, he knocked over Sudharsan with a deadly yorker, swinging the game back in MI’s favor.
Even though Rahul Tewatia and Sherfane Rutherford fought hard, the target proved too steep. GT managed 208/7, falling short by 20 runs.
Bumrah, Boult, and Gleeson Seal It
Jasprit Bumrah was once again ice cool in pressure situations, taking 1/27 off 4 overs with a vital wicket of Washington Sundar. Boult and Gleeson worked well too, with Gleeson snagging a wicket too despite pulling up towards the middle of the over after a hamstring strain.
Score Summary – GT Innings:
- Sai Sudharsan – 80 (49)
- Washington Sundar – 48 (24)
- GT Total: 208/7 in 20 overs
- MI won by 20 runs
Player of the Match: Rohit Sharma
“After those early drops, I knew I had to capitalize. I’m happy I could do that and get the team into a strong position.” – Rohit Sharma
📅 What’s Next for Mumbai Indians?
With this win, MI advance to Qualifier 2, where they will face Punjab Kings (PBKS). The winner of that clash will meet RCB in the IPL 2025 Final on Tuesday.
📌 Key Stats from the Match:
- Rohit Sharma becomes first Indian with 300 IPL sixes
- MI posted their highest playoff score: 228/5
- Sai Sudharsan: Most 50+ scores this season (7)
- Bumrah: Economy of 6.75 in a high-scoring game
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