
MI vs GT (Eliminator) – Highlights
A run-heavy showdown unfolded in New Chandigarh, where Mumbai Indians edged past Gujarat Titans by 20 runs to keep their title hopes alive and advance to Qualifier 2. In a match brimming with explosive batting, standout individual brilliance, and a few bizarre dismissals, it was Mumbai who kept their composure under pressure to stay alive in the tournament.
Batting first, Mumbai Indians showcased a power-packed performance with the bat, putting up a mammoth 228 for 5 in their 20 overs. The innings was anchored by the veteran Rohit Sharma, who turned back the clock with a majestic 81 off 50 balls. Rohit was at his elegant best, peppering the off-side and punishing anything short or overpitched, carving nine boundaries and clearing the ropes four times. His knock set the tone for MI’s innings.
With Rohit at his side, Bairstow launched into top gear from ball one, giving the innings a rocket-fueled start.The Englishman blazed his way to 47 off just 22 balls, punishing anything in his arc and striking at an eye-watering rate of over 213. His early assault ensured MI got to 84 inside the first 8 overs. Suryakumar Yadav and Tilak Varma continued the momentum with aggressive cameos, while Captain Hardik Pandya played a blistering unbeaten knock of 22 off 9 balls to give the innings the perfect finish. Despite the high run-rate, GT’s bowlers had little to celebrate. Prasidh Krishna and Sai Kishore picked up two wickets each but leaked runs at alarming rates, while Gerald Coetzee had a forgettable outing, conceding 51 in just 3 overs.
Chasing 229, Gujarat Titans needed a special batting display, and Sai Sudharsan answered the call with a magnificent 80 off 49 balls. He batted with purpose and calm, keeping GT in the hunt with well-timed strokes and consistent strike rotation. However, an early blow in the form of skipper Shubman Gill’s cheap dismissal for 1 disrupted GT’s momentum. Mendis looked dangerous with a rapid 20, but an odd hit-wicket exit halted his charge and further dented GT’s hopes.
With the bat, Washington Sundar played the unexpected hero, blazing his way to 48 from only 24 deliveries. His counterattack in the middle overs gave GT a glimmer of hope, and together with Sudharsan, the duo stitched a crucial 84-run partnership. But when both were dismissed in short order, the momentum vanished and the target loomed large. Trent Boult came back well to pick two vital wickets, including Rutherford, and Jasprit Bumrah once again displayed his value in crunch moments, conceding just 27 in his four overs and removing the dangerous Sundar. Richard Gleeson and debutant Ashwani Kumar picked up a wicket apiece, ensuring GT never quite got ahead of the asking rate.
Mumbai Indians now progress to Qualifier 2 with renewed belief, while Gujarat Titans bow out after a spirited but flawed chase. Rohit Sharma’s leadership and form, along with Mumbai’s batting depth and Bumrah’s brilliance, will be the key talking points heading into the next match.
Mumbai Indians vs Gujarat Titans Scoreboard
Mumbai Indians – 228/5 (20)
Gujarat Titans – 208/6 (20)
Result – MI won by 20 runs
Player of the Match – Rohit Sharma

MI vs GT Playing XIs
Mumbai Indians
Rohit Sharma, Jonny Bairstow (wk), Suryakumar Yadav, Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya (c), Naman Dhir, Mitchell Santner, Raj Bawa, Trent Boult, Jasprit Bumrah, Richard Gleeson
Gujarat Titans
Shubman Gill (c), Sai Sudharsan, Kusal Mendis (wk), Washington Sundar, Sherfane Rutherford, Rahul Tewatia, M Shahrukh Khan, Rashid Khan, Sai Kishore, Gerald Coetzee, Prasidh Krishna
Disclaimer: This match highlight is based on the author’s understanding, analysis, and instinct. As you review this information, consider the points mentioned and form your own conclusions.