IPL 2025: Mumbai Indians overpower Gujarat titans and Advance to Qualifier 2

Rohit Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah Star as Mumbai Indians Eliminate Gujarat Titans to Reach Qualifier 2

Mumbai Indians (MI) have advanced to Qualifier 2 of the 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL) after defeating Gujarat Titans (GT) by 20 runs in a high-scoring Eliminator match on Friday, May 30th. Strong batting by Rohit Sharma and debutant Jonny Bairstow, propelled MI to a formidable total, and Jasprit Bumrah playing a crucial role, successfully defended despite a spirited chase from Gujarat.

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Rohit and Bairstow Power Mumbai to Mammoth Score

Opting to bat first on a pitch in Mullanpur that offered even bounce, Mumbai Indians amassed an imposing 228 for 5, the second-highest total in any IPL playoff game. Rohit Sharma anchored the innings with his highest score of the season, a well-compiled 81 off 50 balls, benefiting from two dropped catches early in his knock. Jonny Bairstow, replacing the departed Ryan Rickelton, made an immediate impact on his MI debut with an explosive 47 off 22 balls, including a 26-run over against Prasidh Krishna. Contributions from Suryakumar Yadav (33) and a late flurry from Hardik Pandya, who hit three sixes in the final over, underscored MI's batting depth, with five of their batsmen clearing the boundary at least three times each.

Sudharsan and Sundar Lead Valiant Gujarat Pursuit

Gujarat Titans' chase of 229 began with an early setback as Trent Boult dismissed captain Shubman Gill in the first over. However, Kusal Mendis (20 off 9) provided a quick start before an unfortunate hit-wicket dismissal. B Sai Sudharsan then played a magnificent innings, scoring 80 off 49 balls and surpassing 750 runs for the season. He found an able partner in Washington Sundar, who was promoted up the order and smashed an aggressive 48 off 22 balls. Their 84-run partnership for the fourth wicket kept Gujarat firmly in the hunt.

Bumrah and Company Seal Victory

The crucial turning point came when Jasprit Bumrah was reintroduced into the attack. He broke the threatening partnership by bowling Washington Sundar with a pinpoint yorker. Bumrah's overall spell of 1 for 27 in four overs was pivotal in restricting GT. Despite the presence of dew, MI's bowlers, including Trent Boult and debutant Richard Gleeson, executed their yorkers effectively in the death overs. Although Sai Sudharsan continued to battle, his dismissal in the 16th over further dented GT's hopes. Needing 24 off the final over, Gujarat ultimately finished on 208 for 6. Mumbai Indians delivered a clinical performance in a high-pressure Eliminator, with their experienced players stepping up. Their powerful batting display and Jasprit Bumrah's exceptional bowling, particularly the dismissal of Sundar, proved decisive in halting Gujarat Titans' chase and securing MI's passage to Qualifier 2, where they will face Punjab Kings.