The second Qualifier match of IPL 2023 is set to take place between the Gujarat Titans (GT) and the Mumbai Indians (MI). The Gujarat Titans finished at the top of the points table this season, while the Mumbai Indians secured the fourth spot. In the fourteen matches played this season, the Gujarat Titans emerged victorious in ten games, whereas the Mumbai Indians won eight matches.
In their previous game against the Chennai Super Kings, the Gujarat Titans suffered a 15-run defeat, with Shubman Gill contributing 42 runs to their total. Conversely, the Mumbai Indians triumphed over the Lucknow Super Giants by a margin of 81 runs. Cameron Green’s impressive knock of 41 runs and Akash Madhwal’s five-wicket haul played a crucial role in the Mumbai Indians’ victory.
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When it comes to head-to-head encounters, the Gujarat Titans and the Mumbai Indians have faced each other three times in the history of the IPL. So far, the Gujarat Titans have won one match, while the Mumbai Indians have emerged victorious on two occasions. In their most recent clash this season, the Mumbai Indians defeated the Gujarat Titans by 27 runs.
The upcoming Qualifier 2 match is poised to deliver thrilling player matchups, reminiscent of their previous encounters.
#1 Rohit Sharma vs Mohammed Shami
The clash between Rohit Sharma, the Mumbai Indians (MI) captain, and pacer Mohammed Shami is eagerly awaited. Shami holds an advantage in their past confrontations, having dismissed Rohit twice in IPL matches. Interestingly, Rohit’s strike rate against Shami in these battles is just 118.51. In the current season, Rohit has managed to score only eight runs off six deliveries against Shami.
#2 Suryakumar Yadav vs Rashid Khan
A major challenge for the Gujarat Titans (GT) will be containing the explosive Suryakumar Yadav. The Mumbai Indians’ batsman has been in exceptional form recently, showcasing his skills with an unbeaten century in the previous game against the Titans. To counter his threat, GT might deploy leg-spinner Rashid Khan. Although Rashid is a proven wicket-taker, he is yet to dismiss Suryakumar Yadav in the IPL, with the latter accumulating 67 runs off 47 balls in their encounters.
#3 Hardik Pandya vs Akash Madhwal
Unlike the previous season, Gujarat Titans’ captain, Hardik Pandya, has been struggling to find his form, with only one double-digit score in his last four innings. It is worth noting that he has been dismissed by pacers on six occasions in IPL 2023. MI’s emerging star, Akash Madhwal, who has been in scintillating form, could target Hardik during the middle overs. Impressively, Madhwal has taken nine wickets in his last two matches, making him a potential threat to Hardik.
