Mumbai Knock Out Gujarat to Enter IPL Qualifier-2

Mumbai Indians cruised into Qualifier-2 of IPL 2025 with a commanding 20-run win over Gujarat Titans in the Eliminator match held at Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium, Mullanpur, on May 30. With this defeat, Gujarat Titans bowed out of the tournament, while Mumbai set up a clash against Punjab Kings in the next round.

Opting to bat first after winning the toss, Mumbai Indians posted a daunting total of 228 for 5 in their 20 overs. Their aggressive start and consistent scoring throughout the innings set a tough target for Gujarat.

In response, Gujarat Titans stumbled early as captain Shubman Gill was dismissed for just 1 run by Trent Boult in the opening over. However, Sai Sudharsan and Kusal Mendis stitched a 64-run stand to stabilize the innings. Mendis looked dangerous during his brief cameo of 20 runs from 10 balls, including a four and two sixes, but he was out hit-wicket to Mitchell Santner.

The middle-order resistance came from Sai Sudharsan and Washington Sundar, who added 84 runs for the third wicket, reviving Gujarat’s hopes. Sundar smashed 48 off just 24 balls with 5 fours and 3 sixes before Jasprit Bumrah bowled him. Sudharsan continued to fight, scoring a well-crafted 80 off 49 balls with 10 boundaries and a six before being bowled by Richard Gleeson.

Despite solid efforts from Sherfane Rutherford (24 off 15), *Rahul Tewatia (16 off 11)**, and Shahrukh Khan (13 off 7), Gujarat couldn’t keep up with the required rate. They ended their innings at 208 for 6, falling short by 20 runs. Ashwini Kumar bowled the final over brilliantly, conceding just 3 runs and taking Shahrukh’s wicket, sealing the win for Mumbai.

In Mumbai’s bowling attack, Trent Boult claimed two key wickets, while Bumrah, Santner, Gleeson, and Ashwini Kumar picked up one each. Bumrah’s tight spell—giving away only 27 runs in four overs—proved crucial.

Mumbai Indians will now face Punjab Kings in Qualifier-2 on June 1 in Ahmedabad, with the winner moving on to the final against Royal Challengers Bangalore on June 3.

Team Maverick.