New Delhi: Mumbai Indians once again proved their mettle under pressure, cruising past Gujarat Titans by 20 runs in the Eliminator to secure a spot in the Qualifier 2. With this convincing win MI will now face Punjab Kings in a high-stakes clash on Sunday. While Gujarat showed glimpses of a fightback with the bat but their sloppy fielding efforts earlier in the game cost them dearly, leaving their impactful cameos short of sparking a successful chase.
Mumbai Indians set the tone early in the Eliminator with a commanding batting display, racking up 228/5 in Mullanpur. It was a night where Rohit Sharma’s experience and Jonny Bairstow’s explosive debut combined to devastating effect. Rohit, who survived two early chances, made Gujarat Titans pay dearly for their fielding lapses by anchoring the innings with a classy 81 off 50 balls. Bairstow, who was playing his first match for MI, wasted no time and left a mark, smashing 47 off just 22 deliveries and taking Prasidh Krishna apart for 26 runs in a single over. Their opening stand laid the platform for Mumbai’s highest powerplay score of the season- 79 runs without loss in the first six overs.
The only way to explain this shot? 𝐑𝐎𝐇𝐈𝐓 𝐒𝐇𝐀𝐑𝐌𝐀 🤌#MumbaiIndians #PlayLikeMumbai #TATAIPL #GTvMIpic.twitter.com/LzrO7ivQj4
— Mumbai Indians (@mipaltan) May 30, 2025
As the innings progressed, MI players didn’t let the momentum dip. Suryakumar Yadav kept the scoreboard ticking with a breezy 33 while Tilak Varma, who had a quiet season by his standards, chipped in with a fiery 25 off 11. Hardik Pandya finished the innings with a couple of sixes in the final over. Gujarat Titans were left to rue three costly dropped catches and a lacklustre bowling performance in a high-pressure game. With a massive total on the board and a strong bowling attack at their disposal Mumbai had clearly put one foot ahead in this crucial playoff clash.
Gujarat Titans tried to chase the total and started off pretty well with Sai Sudharsan smashing 80 off just 49 balls and Kusal Mendis striking at a brisk 200 strike rate. However, just when the pair looked set to build a strong platform, Mendis was dismissed hit-wicket, halting the early momentum. Washington Sundar then stepped up with an explosive 48 off just 24 balls, reigniting hopes of a miraculous chase but Jasprit Bumrah brought MI right back into control with a perfect yorker to clean up Sundar.
Two moments of brilliance ⚡️
Were these two the defining moments of the #Eliminator? 🤔
Scorecard ▶ https://t.co/R4RTzjQfph#TATAIPL | #GTvMI | #TheLastMile | @mipaltan pic.twitter.com/7hDL0s5Mye
— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) May 30, 2025
With 36 needed off the final two overs, Rahul Tewatia and Sherfane Rutherford were at the crease, but Gleeson bowled three tight deliveries before leaving the field due to a hamstring issue. Vice-captain Suryakumar Yadav then marshalled the bowling changes handing the ball to Ashwini Kumar who closed out the game comfortably.
Mumbai Indians took away the match as they got hold of the key moments and didn’t let the match slip away from their control in the final overs. Gujarat Titans, who were in great form throughout the season and considered strong finalists, ended at 208/6, falling 20 runs short and crashing out of the tournament despite a spirited batting effort.
Mumbai Indians beat Gujarat Titans by 20 runs in the IPL Eliminator as Rohit and Bairstow shine. MI will now face Punjab Kings next in the playoff clash. Cricket Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
