Gujarat Titans Edge out Mumbai Indians in a Last-Ball Thriller
Indian Premier League encounter filled with fluctuating fortunes and rain interruptions, the Gujarat Titans (GT) got a dramatic victory over the Mumbai Indians (MI) by three wickets (DLS method) at the Wankhede Stadium on Tuesday, May 6th. The match, decided on the very last ball of a revised chase, saw Gujarat reclaim the top spot on the points table and bring an end to Mumbai's impressive six-match winning streak.
Mumbai Indians Post Competitive Total
Asked to bat first, Mumbai Indians faced challenging conditions as GT's seamers found appreciable movement. Mohammed Siraj struck early, removing Ryan Rickelton. Despite losing Rohit Sharma for a modest score, Will Jacks (53) and Suryakumar Yadav (35) provided stability and impetus. However, GT's bowlers, particularly R Sai Kishore (2/34) who dismissed Suryakumar and Hardik Pandya, fought back effectively. Rashid Khan also made amends for a previous expensive outing by claiming the wicket of Jacks. Late contributions, including two sixes from Corbin Bosch before he was unfortunately hit on the head, helped MI reach 155 for 8.
Gujarat's Chase and Rutherford's Impact
The new ball also offered assistance to Mumbai's seamers. Trent Boult (2/22) removed B Sai Sudharsan early. Shubman Gill (43 off 46) and Jos Buttler (30) then had to navigate a testing period with high winds and accurate bowling from Boult and Jasprit Bumrah (2/19), leaving GT behind the DLS par score initially. After a rain interruption, Ashwani Kumar, on as a concussion substitute for Bosch, bowled economically and dismissed Buttler. Impact Player Sherfane Rutherford then played a crucial cameo (28 off 15), hitting Will Jacks for significant runs just before another rain break, which put GT ahead on DLS.
Final over Drama Seals Gujarat Victory
Following further rain and a delayed resumption without loss of overs, Bumrah and Boult brought MI roaring back, taking three quick wickets, including Gill and Rutherford, to shift the DLS advantage back to Mumbai. However, excellent work by the groundstaff allowed for a final over, with GT needing 15 runs. Rahul Tewatia struck early boundaries off Deepak Chahar. Despite a wicket and a no-ball, the equation came down to one run needed off the final delivery. A missed direct hit by Hardik Pandya allowed GT to scramble the winning run, sparking jubilant celebrations.
The match was a classic see-saw battle, heavily influenced by conditions with moments of individual brilliance and high drama. Gujarat Titans ultimately held their nerve in the final moments to a vital win, demonstrating their spirit and reclaiming the top position in the IPL standings, while ending Mumbai's winning run.
